A brilliant gothic slow burn of a sequel to The Watchers, I’m still reeling from the ending!

I think this book does what every good sequel should do. We got new characters, fleshed out some character from the first novel more, the world within the book expanded and we got a clearer lore. It even set up the next book really well (there had better be a next book!)

I only give it a 4 instead of a 5 because it really took longer than I felt it needed to, to really get going. I loved setting up the scene and letting us know what Mina is doing to keep her self safe but I could have done with something more there. Just a slight pacing issue, probably a 4.5 rather than a 4 😅

But overall, I loved this and I’m so happy I got to read it already!

Its not often that I enjoy a sequel just as much, if not more, than the original book. This is a stunning follow up to the watchers. This is just my type of psychological horror tale, genuinely creepy and scary without the gore so usually used in books these days. Can hardly wait till the next book.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Just as good as the first and gave a deeper insight into the characters. If you have read the Watchers, definitely give this book a chance as it follows a deeper storyline into what happened after the events of the first book.

The characters are well developed and are just as complex. I was obsessed with the archaeological aspect of the book, with the expedition and dig sites as it gave Alien / Prometheus vibes which is absolutely incredible. I wish the book had focused more on this aspect as I believe it would have made for an even more fantastic read!

This book was scary, thrilling, on the edge of your seat and heart in your mouth kind of stuff. I was shouting at Mina’s sister at one point. I also suspected every single person in the book of not being who they said they were - how Mina didn’t have a breakdown I’ll never know. I really enjoyed it and the ending paves way for a third book perfectly…. What will happen next ? I for one cannot wait to know!!

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

After how much I loved The Watchers I went into Stay in the Light with high hopes and boy did it deliver!

The story picked up right where the first book ended and didnt skip a beat throughout. I love books with different POVs as it can cover more of the story at once and seeing both sides of this one unfold had me on edge waiting for the big bang!
After a rocky start with The Creepers (I feel that was more on me than the book) I am truly in love with A.M Shines writing style and now feel the need to dive head first into folklore research haha

I really hope there will be a third in this series! I need more now, please and thank you!

This second book to the watchers felt just as creepy as the first. It continues on with the story of the characters in the previous book and manages to capture that unsettling feeling of something looming in the near distance. It delves deeper into the lore and surfaces more truths from its origins. Overall a great sequel and will appeal to horror fans and those who havent read the watchers should definitely give it a try before picking this up.

*This review contains no spoilers for this book, but may contain some for the previous book (The Watchers) if you have not read it!*

This is the follow up book to The Watchers, this book follows the next steps of the survivors from the “Coop” after their escape from the deepest woods back to their ‘normal’ lives. Given the fact that they are constantly on edge, traumatised and no one will believe their story, this is far from easy! Mina in particular is very aware that the Watchers are out of the woods, and could be anywhere, and are definitely looking for her. Meanwhile, the son of the man who started all of this, is continuing his father’s legacy… possibly in more ways than he imagines!

Spooky, dark and steeped in Irish Folklore, with a lovely sting in the tail, this book is at least as enjoyable as it’s predecessor, and has definitely left the door open for a third instalment!

This was a fantastic sequel and I loved that we delved deeper into the mythical side of the Watchers. The sense of foreboding was present throughout. I did find myself skimming some of Mina's chapters simply because I found Sean's so fascinating, but overall loved the book.
The ending didn't feel very satisfying but I'm wondering if there's a third instalment to be had?

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Considering this is a sequel to a book that was converted into a Hollywood blockbuster directed by M. Night Shyamalans' daughter and as an Irish person, I had high hopes for this book and in fairness, it only kind of delivered.

The book begins more or less where the previous one closed off, we have Mina on the run after Madeline's warning regarding The Watchers, so she has secluded herself to the west coast of Ireland in an effort to stay away from the creatures, meanwhile Ciara is trying to move on with her life that she lost without John. Madeline naturally, is off doing her own thing that we have next to no clue about!

The story begins with a throwback to David Kilmartin and over the course of the book we are introduced to a few new characters, the main of which is Sean Kilmartin, Davids son, so the Kilmartins are still a major source for the content of the book. The story is split across numerous viewpoints and we are told at the beginning of each chapter whose viewpoint we are seeing it from, which was an intriguing change from the 1st book.

The story is engaging as we go through Minas new life, Seans archeological dig, Ciara's transition without John & Madeline's adaption to life, but were it falls down considerable and my biggest gripe with the book, is when about half way through, you realise it is going to be a trilogy. The issue here being it feels like a setup for a 3rd instalment rather than being its own journey.

Shine is very adapt at writing in a way that is distinctly Irish, we are able to relate to the conversations in such a way that I would have expected to overhear them in a local pub or between friends at any time in my life, so with that I have to give Shine some props. While also being skilled writer at creating worlds that we are able to visualise with ease and immerse ourselves in (I read the book in 2 days), along with engaging dialogue and interesting characters who we develop feelings for during the course of his stories. I look forward to seeing how he ends the trilogy, but I think every reader should go into the book knowing that there is going to be another!

A perfect follow up to the best folk horror tale in years.

"Stay in the Light" opens some months after the events of "The Watchers". Mina has moved to a cottage on the secluded west coast of Ireland, hiding and drinking , while all the time watching for signs of her pursuers. Ciara is living her own life, apparently normally, while Madeleine has yet to reappear. Kilmartin's son, Sean, himself an archaeologist, is following in his father's footsteps, trying hard to prove the existence of the Watchers.

Once again, the author has dived deep into Irish folklore and produced a dark and truly scary tale of monsters and devils. There's little in the way of gore, just more of the unseen terror that made "Watchers" such a gripping tale. How their experiences in the coop have affected the characters, and how they deal with that, are profound, And as it becomes clear that the Watchers aren't done with them, or our world, Mina's attempts to convince people of their existence is filled with frustration and a growing fear for her life.

Fans of the first book will love this sequel - the story arc moves forward at a pace, and as we learn more of Kilmartin and Madeleine's past and how certain events have led us to where we are, a true feeling of horror descents on the reader. Oh, and the end is definitely worth waiting for...

Heartily recommended.

I remember really enjoying the Watchers when it came out, and even though I didn't expect a sequel, I can say it turned out better than I expected.
At moments, I have to admit I struggled to connect the two storylines: Mina trying to recover from her trauma, and the excavations in the Burren (now my next car ride has to be to the Burren, the descriptions were fantastic!), but other than that, it was a very good book, maybe a little bit less claustrophobic than the Watchers, or maybe in a different way...
A very good read overall!

As soon as I saw this on Netgalley, I knew I HAD to request it. The Watchers was one of my favourite reads so far this year and I didn't think a sequel could possibly top it... but here we are. As much as I enjoyed The Watchers, I liked Stay in the Light even more!

It was a little slow in the beginning but that didn't really bother me because I feel like that was on purpose. We were being shown how both Mina and Ciara were dealing with life outside the coop, which was obviously very traumatic for them, so rushing it would have felt disrespectful.

And once the action kicked off, it REALLY kicked off. I don't wanna spoil anything but let's just say a lot of lingering questions that I had after reading The Watchers were answered, Sean Kilmartin is absolutely his father's son, and that twist at the end? I did not see that coming!

The wait for the next book — because there BETTER be another one after that ending — is going to be excruciating!

I didn’t enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the first one, felt like it went very … mythical? At the end ?? Not sure if this is the word I want but …. Yeah….. very dull at times too (mainly the Kilmartin chapters) but was a quick-ish read

An exciting sequel to The Watchers! I was thrilled to read the advanced copy.

The story delivers. It's rich in Irish folklore horror. It's suspenseful, mysterious, dangerous, and enigmatic. We get some pivotal new characters and some alarming twists. We also get thrilling scares and claustrophobic cave exploration. The sense of the unseen and of being hunted drives the horrors forward. And the hint towards a third in the series is exciting!

Highly recommended and I'm definitely keen for The Watchers movie just released!.

'Nothing good ever came from beneath the earth.'

Stay In The Light picks up over a month after the events of The Watchers. Mina has fled to the coast with the golden one to stay hidden from the watchers. She keeps in contact with Ciara & waits on Madeline to get in contact & let her know she's safe. But the events of the coop & the woodland still haunt Mina & she may not be as safe or hidden as she hoped.
We also get the perspective from a new character - Sean Kilmartin. He is following in his fathers footsteps in regards to myths & legends. He has cultivated a team to help investigate into a cavern that may hold the answers to what his father started. But Sean will find out that your should always heed the warnings.

I love that we got more of this world & to see how Mina was dealing with her new reality. Love that she still has the golden one & even though he can't talk back, we still get this great relationship between the two.
A.M. Shine knows how to do tension. Like with The Watchers there were so many moments I was on the edge of my seat of holding my breath with fear for the characters & what was about to happen. Theres more expansion on the mythology & history of the watchers, look forward to where this is going. There were a few moments I found slowed the story down, but I was so engrossed with where this story was heading. It ends in a way to indicate may get a third book & really excited & hope we do. Feels like there is still so much more of the world left to be explored. It is best to have read The Watchers.

"If not being dead was the silver lining, how dark must the clouds have been?'

Thank you to A.M. Shine, Head of Zeus & Netgalley for the opportunity to read & review Stay In The Light.

I read an eARC of this book on NetGalley so thank you to the author and publisher.

This was an excellent sequel to The Watchers which was already a fantastically tense and scary book. We maintain the horrible sense of malicious observation in this book and the feeling of danger never lets up! In this book we learn more of the local folklore and history and also how the watchers came to be as they are. This was absolutely fascinating and I loved this element of this sequel.

We do get some new characters in this book. Some in particular whose actions will lead to devastating consequences. There are themes of hubris, of digging into things that should be left alone.

This book sets up for a third one so well and I can’t wait to see what happens next! It’s going to be completely action packed I imagine! This was a great second book, fast paced with non stop tension!

The watchers was my favourite book from the year 2021 and as soon as i saw there was going to be a sequel i knew it was going to be amazing. Stay In The Light was full of tension, suspense and the right amount of creepiness exactly like it had in the first book.

Following Mina, we see how distrustful she is of everybody around her, her time spent in the forest has haunted her and soon people she encounters start to disappear. Is this caused by the watchers and further along she finds her sanity being questioned. She tries to tell people about the watchers but it falls on deaf ears. Regardless i really enjoyed reading alongside Mina as well as the characters from the previous book and we also get new characters in the sequel who are interesting.

At times i wasn't able to sit still, once i started i was engrossed. Stay in the light is filled will so much gothic creepiness and horror elements. The twists and turns come at you full force. At the ending i was thinking and hoping there will be a third book. I am and still am hooked with this series. Would definitely recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publishers and Head of Zeus for the copy of this arc in exchange of my full honest review.

*Huge thanks to A.M. Shine and Head of Zeus for the digital ARC of this one!*

Three years after Shine’s debut, ‘The Watchers,’ (my review of which you can read HERE) rampaged across an unsuspecting horror world, we get a sequel, ‘Stay in the Light,’ which was both unexpected and wholly expected.

I say unexpected, as Shine had written and released a very bleak and unnerving novel, ‘The Creeper,’ (my review of which you can read HERE) and how things were left in ‘The Watchers’ signaled that it very well could’ve been one and done. BUT. But, with how things were left, there was more to unravel and reveal AND of course, there is the fact that ‘The Watchers’ was made into a movie with the Shyamalan name all over it. So, there was the expectation that more would come and, frankly, I was super excited to see that a sequel was releasing later this year!

Now, if you’ve not read the first one, you’ll want to stay far away from this review as unfortunately, there will be some spoilers. In this rare case, they’re unavoidable, because of the events that take place in book one. If you’ve read book one, this review will be spoiler-free for you!

What I liked: In book one, we ended with Mina having escaped with her parrot from the concrete bunker in the woods and making it back to the city. There, she notices the watchers that are watching her, them with their odd faces mimicking humans and long, lean bodies.

‘Stay in the Light’ picks up not long after those events. Mina has fled to the coast, heeding Madeline’s warnings that she needs to get away, and while there, she’s befriended an older couple, who let her live in their daughter’s place, while she’s away. Mina follows the rules, keeps a vigilant eye out, and calls Ciara frequently.

Shine does a great job of completely adjusting the tone in storytelling here. Whereas ‘The Watchers’ was completely claustrophobic and unnerving, this one spends the first fifty percent focused on whether Mina is in the midst of a complete mental breakdown. Did the events of book one happen? Or was it something Mina made up? Her twin sister would suggest Mina’s gone off the deep end, now an alcoholic who believes monsters exist. But Mina, against all odds, trusts that these things happen, even as she waits for Madeline to find her.

The second storyline that we get is Sean, the son of a key figure from book one, who believes he’s made a wondrous discovery at a well-known historical landmark. He assembles a team who’ll get inside and prove that his father was right. But he doesn’t know what awaits below, and Shine is ready to reveal all.

It’s these archaeological moments where we learn the truth about who the watchers are and what is about to happen, and I have to say, I was so happy that it wasn’t a standard trope, or a well-trodden ‘good versus evil’ battle. This was uniquely based on Ireland and Ireland’s history, and it was such a revelation and refreshing.

The ending was spot on and not only answered some lingering questions from book one but also sets up the potential for a third book. I’d be fine if it ended here, but I’d also be completely on board seeing how all of this wraps up and what Shine has planned.

What I didn’t like: This was a rare case where I wish the book was another hundred pages longer, simply because I wanted more of Sean’s scenes and more revelations as the team went further below ground. Shine has such a way with his prose and the descriptions he gives us are immaculate, which made me want that much more of the subterranean scares.

Additionally, I would’ve loved a quick recap at the start about where things had left off and who was who, as I forgot Ciara completely until her backstory was shared again.

Why you should buy this: If you loved ‘The Watchers’ as much as I did, then you’ll be all over this one. I haven’t managed to watch the movie yet, but I’d also imagine that if you didn’t read book one but watched the movie, then you’ll want to learn more. Shine’s writing is stellar and once again, this world is brought alive through that wonderful writing, and the amazing characters and is highlighted by Mina and Madeline’s odd connection, a connection that should not be, but is, and used perfectly to pull the readers along.

A stellar sequel and one that will make many readers very happy!

Being a big fan of The Watchers this was a sequel we were waiting for. Your never sure how a sequel is going to measure up but I'm glad to say this measured up. This is the kind of sequel a book like The Watchers deserves!

It picks up where The Watchers left off and hits the ground running, with a well written increasing crescendo of tension leading to a climax that left us a little breathless.

The characters are well written and have continued to evolve, including the Golden Conjure!

The only negative thing we have to say regarding this, is how long do we have to wait for another one? Because make no mistake, you will want more!

I received this ARC from Netgalley for a review.

I loved this book. I have made no qualms about the fact that despite only having released three books A M Shine is an automatic buy for me.
This book follows on from the events in The Watchers and I loved every second. The same slow creeping horror that I fell in love with in the first book is present in this one. I loved the exploration of the dark and the horror of something that can mimic a loved one to such an extent that you only getting an inkling that something is wrong with them.
The characters in this book were good but I think I would have liked to have seen more exploration in the troubles that some of the characters had with the present world and some more of the horror of someone that you love being mimicked by the Changlings. All that being said I am still hoping for more from this world and these characters and will still have to study people in my life more closely for the next little while.