The Watchers is a pulse pounding psychological horror story that I read in two sittings. The story starts from the POV of John and his wife Ciara, who decide to shake up their usual Sunday routine and go off for an adventure in their car. When the car just breaks down very suddenly in the middle of nowhere, the couples' lives are changed forever. The next POV, which is mostly the main one through the story, is of Mina, a struggling artist grieving the loss of her mother. When she's offered money to deliver a parrot to a buyer in the middle of nowhere, she too ends up lost and stranded in the middle of nowhere alone. Mina gets the frught of her life that first night when the sun sets and an unnatural screaming reverberates around her. With only the parrot as company, she sets out the next morning in search of help. But as night approaches again, Mina comes across a concrete bunker in the middle of a forest, being urged to get inside by a stranger. There, she meets Madeline, Danny, and Ciara. All captive during the night as unnatural creatures crawl from the earth to watch them like fish in a fishbowl. As Mina tries to learn more about each person and the 'watchers' outside, it's hard to know who she can trust and if they'll escape alive.
This book gave me chills. Some aspects reminded me a little of bird box with the unknowingness about the creatures until nearer to the end of the book and I didn't expect the direction the book went or that cliffhanger shocker of an ending that had my heart pounding and my breath hitching. I'm now diving into my ARC of book two as I'm desperate to find out what will happen next.

This one has serious creepy vibes with lots (I mean lots!) of questions that all help to “build up the tension. Just who (or what!) are The Watchers”? And why doesn’t anyone know of their story? Why!?!

As you follow Mina after her car breaks down, you’re introduced to the other inhabitants of the strange little house in the middle of the woods. And their unusual circumstances are slowly revealed. Each of the other characters have their own eccentricities, and isms - but I had serious questions about one of them (I want to keep this spoiler free so no more from me on that one!) But this is the beauty of TW - you’re second guessing the characters, your thoughts and the characters again. I also started thinking it was going to take me one direction, but then their journey did not go the way I was expecting. As more and more is revealed, the more the uniqueness of this tale becomes apparent.

Thanks to NetGalley, the team at Head of Zeus, and the author for the opportunity to read this review copy.

I recommend this to any Horror Reader, particularly if you enjoy unsettling atmosphere and Folk Horror that can get under your skin and stay there.

This is one of the most unsettling books I have read in years. Loved the premise and cannot WAIT to see the movie! Highly recommend and have already purchased several physical and digital copies for library collections. Also bought 20 copies for a book club bag!

Claustrophobic and tense - begs the question of who are the apex predators and how vulnerable are we to them - oh, and are they real? Imaginative take on the captured without a clue trope with shadows of "Devil". Creepy

Engaging and immersive. A recommended purchase for collections where horror and thrillers are popular.

I received an ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley and publisher HarperCollins UK Audio in exchange for an honest review.

The best kind of horror is thought-provoking, and The Watchers is definitely that. One day and one wrong turn in a forest later, and Mina finds herself trapped with a few other humans, at the mercy of some mysterious creatures.

This book reminded me strongly of Bird Box, mostly in tone and themes rather than content. As I write this review it has been several months since I read this book and I can still vividly remember the characters and events, something which is quite impressive given the amount of books I read. That this book left such an impression on me is not to be ignored, and I think that it's because of the strong themes and atmospheric writing throughout.

My main criticism of this book is that it's a little long. The plot is interesting and goes places I definitely didn't expect it to, but in-between all that is a little bit too much stuff. It doesn't ruin the book by any means but I think it could have been punchier and the pace might have been stronger for it.

Overall, I definitely recommend checking this book out if you're a fan of horror centred around the human experience and survival situations. This is a book driven by themes and how characters respond to the situation they're in, and for that reason I enjoyed it immensely. The plot goes in a direction I didn't expect and it also has plenty of 'horror' moments to keep readers happy

Overall Rating: 4/5 stars

Dnf 40%

Sounded really intriguing but fell short as it felt too long in areas and easily lost your interest as a reader.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

The Watchers is an engaging and thought-provoking novel that blends elements of science fiction and thriller genres. Overall, I found it to be an enjoyable and entertaining read.

One of the strengths of the novel is its premise, which imagines a world in which a secretive organization known as The Watchers has developed the ability to manipulate reality through advanced technology. The concept is intriguing and well-executed, with plenty of action and suspense to keep readers engaged.

Additionally, Shine's writing is strong, with vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters. The protagonist, Cassie, is a compelling and relatable character who drives the plot forward with her determination and bravery.

I did feel that the pacing can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag on. Additionally, some readers may find the ending to be unsatisfying or overly convoluted.

Overall, The Watchers is a well-written and entertaining novel. It is a strong debut from a promising new author, and one that is sure to appeal to fans of sci-fi and thriller genres.

This needed to be more of a novella. It had some very creepy moments that I definitely enjoyed, but the rest drug for me. I may try more shorter works from this author in the future.

You can't see them. But they can see you.

This forest isn't charted on any map. Every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina's is no different. Left stranded, she is forced into the dark woodland only to find a woman shouting, urging Mina to run to a concrete bunker. As the door slams behind her, the building is besieged by screams.
Mina finds herself in a room with a wall of glass, and an electric light that activates at nightfall, when the Watchers come above ground. These creatures emerge to observe their captive humans and terrible things happen to anyone who doesn't reach the bunker in time.
Afraid and trapped among strangers, Mina is desperate for answers. Who are the Watchers and why are these creatures keeping them imprisoned, keen to watch their every move?

I went into this book honestly not expecting much because I had read ‘The Creeper’ not too long ago and I was sadly disappointed with it. However… ‘The Watchers’ was FANTASTIC… Everything I love in a horror story.

It reminded me of old ghost tales… don’t go into the woods or ‘the watchers’ will get you. Filled with suspense and mystery, I just couldn’t put this book down until I knew what was going on and believe me when I say Shine keeps you waiting!

Shine created terror in the unseen and the unknown and I think that’s why it was so horrifying… I filled the gaps with my worst thoughts and my worst fears. Added to this Shine has a fantastic skill for creating characters, and the dynamics in the group was as intriguing to read as much as figuring out if they were going to make it out of the forest alive.

Not for the faint hearted… and should be read with the lights on 😜

This is a book of thrills and chills, with an emphasis on chills. I got spooked quite a bit by this, to the point where I had to take multiple breaks. But I think that's more because horror isn't a genre I read a whole lot of (I'm a big wuss when it comes to horror). All that said, I enjoyed the experience and I liked the writing.

This is a story about The Watched.

This was my first Irish horror novel, but I plan to immediately find more. This was so frightening! I don’t want to provide any details bc it will ruin the experience- but I’ll be avoiding any dead zones on my gps moving forward.

Thank you so much @netgalley and Aria & Aries for the eArc!

I freaking loved this story. It made my heart race, and my body shiver. Chilling and scary as Mina tries to get away from these creatures. Fantastic debut.

I’ve thought about reviewing this book for awhile…well for over a year.

I really liked parts of this book. The prologue didn’t work for me, it just didn’t fit. Once I got past that and on to Mina’s story I was hooked. The atmosphere was so well written I felt the isolation, I felt the cold, I felt the hopelessness.

We’re supposed to be in here before the light even comes on. That’s the rule. That’s the way it has to be.

The ending is where it fell apart for me. ***spoiler alert*** The story should have ended when they made it on the bus. Mina was gone for months and her apartment is untouched…is rent different in other parts of the world? After 30 days of not paying rent that apartment would have been opened and cleaned out. Same with Ciara’s house, she and her husband were gone for over 6 months. This plot hole ruined the book for me. I had more questions about rent and mortgages then I did about the Watchers!

I struggled to find my stride with this book initially and even though I liked the premise, I didn't think it was pushed to where it could have gone, especially with the horror elements. Sadly, I didn't take to any of the characters either so that impacted the stakes and how much I actually cared about these people's welfare. There was a surprising turn of events two thirds of the way through which flipped the whole thing on its head, and I really liked that part of the book and also an ending that was a little left field, but I think worked well. I would be interested in reading more from this author and as a debut it wasn't a bad effort.

I started this one as a way to keep myself awake whilst dying of a head cold (if you have chronic illnesses you know how hard it is to add another illness on top) and I did not stop reading until I'd finished it. It was so gripping and I really loved the character of Mina. I had guessed a few of the minor plot twists, but the two big ones I could not have foreseen!
A slow burning, psychological, claustrophobic ride that I highly recommend.
Trigger warnings for: Loss of a parent, loss of a spouse, food rationing, starvation, alcohol abuse, and controlling behaviour from a parent.

DNF at 27%. This was supposed to be a creepy horror story. The only creepy thing about it is that how creepily boring it is. The premise was intriguing but I kept zoning out while listening to it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy.

The Watchers by A. M. Shine is a tale of horror and forgotten monsters that when not paid attention to, will rise again.

Summary -

"...A sudden cacophony of shrieks poisoned the air-the same fearful strain from the night before. It was so loud and the voices so many that Mina fell back onto the floor, clutching the bird's cage as though the yellow one could somehow protect her. The screams came from just outside, from the darkness where only moments ago she had run toward the light. She looked to the many locks - some bolted, others mere chains - that stood between them and whatever had overrun the woodland.
'You're lucky to be alive,' the woman said, reaching out her hand. 'Quickly now, come with me. The light is already on..."

The job seemed simple enough. One of those favors you do for a friend only there's a little money involved for your trouble. There's a rare bird collector in Connemara and all Mina had to do was drive the bird on over. A couple hours of her time. Easy money. Just take one of those country roads, they told her and you'll be there in no time.

Only Mina takes the wrong old country road and seen she finds her self engulfed in a dark forest that seems to not have changed since the dawn of time. When her car begins to cough and sputter she curses her luck. Her phone is also useless. She has no other option but to begin to walk until she finds someone and somewhere to make a call. But the night is coming on and in this old forest, the light of day recedes quickly.

"...Above the fireplace, someone had written on the wall. They had used some scorched timber to scratch out their lesson, pared to a needle's point and bathed in hot, hypnotic flame. The letters were sharp and tortured, and reiterated so many times that they scored deep into the plaster. If written words could shout, these were screaming at anyone who would listen.

Stay in the light..."

As she reaches a clearing she sees and old house and a woman beckoning to her. But the woman is doing more than calling Mina. She's screaming for Mina to run, to run fast. Mina isn't sure why but she races to the woman and the house and behind her she feels something coming. Something primeval, something that her mind doesn't know, but her subconscious has never forgotten. And then there is something else screaming, something that doesn't want Mina to make to the house. To make it to the light.

"...Your husband left four days ago,' Madeline said, her tall frame towering over Ciara. 'He did not come back to save you. He couldn't even save himself. They brought him back, and they want us to hear his suffering.'
'But,' Ciara replied, whispering now, 'why would they do that?'
'Because he tried to escape,' she replied. 'I am tired of wasting my breath on you. No one escapes this place. How many times do I have to tell you this? John was dead the moment he walked out that door thinking that they wouldn't find him. They always find you..."

Inside, Mina finds three other people. The older woman Madeline, the younger woman Ciara and a young man named Daniel. The story the three tell Mina is extraordinary. Creatures forgotten by modern man that surface in the night and cannot approach the light. The forest that traps travelers and the punishment for trying to escape. The creatures are the Watchers, but who they are and what they do is lost to forgotten lore. But they're real and now Mina is trapped. Forever.

Review -

I once read someone say that horror, when done badly, becomes comedy. Only in The Watchers, there is no punch line.

The setting of an old forest where cars break down suddenly and there is no phone service has popped up in at least three prior books already. The forest housing creatures; ancient fairies of folklore who are now more like shape shifting aliens (from the movie Aliens) is also done to death. The fairies banished and buried underground but can now surface at night to terrorize any passerby just doesn't hold for very long.

Plus the way the group comes across this information and the eventual means to escape the Watchers is something out of an episode of Lost. Only just not as believable.

Sorry but this one was B movie horror at best. But just not as fun.