First, thanks to #NetGalley and Compass & Fern for the ARC. Briardark was definitely not what I expected, it was a pleasant and intriguing surprise! Impressive debut by S.A. Harian. It was well-written, had great pacing, character development, and a unique plot. A definite page-turner that could be considered sci-fi/fantasy or cosmic horror with a hint of an apocalyptic theme. Once again, I missed that this was book #1 so I was flipping madly to the end only to find out I won’t have answers until 2024! That aside, it was a great read and I’m looking forward to book #2.

Dr. Siena and her research crew are hiking to a glacier for research that will make their entire careers. But when they’re only about 30 miles into their hike, they find the body of a missing hiker and are unable to call out with their satellite phones. But then strange things begin to happen – the body disappears, their maps no longer align with the trails, the glacier is no longer present, and the hikers begin to see sinister things in the shadows. Holden Sharpe works IT for the university that Siena left from, and stumbles across her audio files on an old hard drive. As he begins to listen to the recordings, he finds himself drawn into the fate of the team and convinced that there is more to this story than meets the eye.

This was a fascinating suspenseful mystery with elements of horror that took some unexpected turns. I enjoyed how the author set up the work with alternating timelines – one following Siena and her team, the other following Holden as he begins to uncover information relating to the team. The work ended on a major cliffhanger. I was hoping for some more information relating to the mystery and what was happening in the Briardark, but as this is the first book in a series, I think the author provided enough information to keep things interesting while making a second work necessary. I do feel that with the length that this work was, there should have been a bit more information provided or resolution given, or else it should have been shortened a bit.

The author excelled at creating the atmosphere of the work. I could immediately visualize the setting and it created the perfect backdrop for this suspenseful work. However, I did feel that the characters were lacking some. They never really came alive for me and their POVs felt and sounded so similar that it may have well just been told from a singular POV.

Overall I recommend this mystery for fans of suspense and light science fiction. My thanks to NetGalley and Compass and Fern LLC for allowing me to read this work, which will be published in January 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

So torn on this one.

Four researchers go into the woods to follow in their mentors footsteps, unknowing of the horrors that lie in the woods. This book follows multiple POVs, multiple story lines, and is cosmic horror.

Pros:
I really enjoyed the writing. Harian does a wonderful job describing things and hooking you into the story.
I loved the multiple point of views, the multiple story lines, and the characters (except Holden, sorry). Siena and Cam are fantastic to read about and their friendship is fantastic.
I usually am not a fan of cosmic horror, but this one is well done. I'm normally left with a "what the F did I just read" feeling after cosmic horror and while I have this, it's a good kind of feeling, not bad.
Multiple story lines kept me guessing. What will happen to Cam? Is Avery alive? Does anyone survive this? Why is Holden even here?

Cons:
Cliff. Hanger. Honestly hate them. I don't want to wait until 2024.
Holden is a dud. Hopefully his story pans out to be something more interesting.

Sad the next one isn't out until 2024. It's a long time to wait for all the story lines and plot happening in the first book.

Briardark is the first in series by author, S.A. Harian. It would appeal to fans of atmospheric and location-based horror stories. The plot follows two storylines, one about a team of researchers on an expedition into the Deadswitch Wilderness, and the second follows an IT specialist who discovers an audio file on a laptop belonging to one of the researchers. How these two storylines merge is well done, mysterious and makes you want to know more. I won’t spoil anything, you will just have to read and find out. This book gave me vibes of Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer. I adored the creepy horror elements, the twists and turns and the mysterious and isolating setting the characters find themselves lost in. Be warned this is the first in a series so don’t expect everything to be wrapped up or all the mysteries solved but this just gives us something to look forward to in subsequent books. I can’t wait to read the next installment of this series and once again diving into this world. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

The story is unlike any books I've read recently. Usually I'm not a big fan of horror and/ or suspense but the title and cover spoke to me, which is why I ended up requesting a copy. The prologue was a little confusing, only once I got further into the story was I able to place the events.

There are multiple POV's through which the author is able to develop the world, the characters and the plot. While the book has an open (and confusing) ending, I do feel like the author was able to give the reader hints and clues how the story may or may not develop in the next books. There is a lot left unanswered and I feel as though we'll discover the developments when the characters do.

However, there is once choice I don't vibe with and that is the mention of a Native American legend. Who is not only being mentioned by (forbidden) name, but also misrepresented. The legend is not a subject in the rest of the story, nor will it return as a subject in the later books. I would have personally chosen to remove the name entirely to prevent it causing discomfort to readers and misrepresenting a culture.

I found this book while browsing through here, and the concept stood out to me so I decided to request it. The concept, for the most point, was a strong point of this story but ultimately this book was okay. Okay though doesn't mean it was bad by any means because, in fact, I did enjoy reading this.

Let's get into the details.

 
WRITING:
 
Not many notable things to mention in this section as, for the most part, the writing was fine. The only thing I want to talk about is some additions to the story I found to be unnecessary. For one, there are book excerpts in this that talk about what happened to the people during the last expedition. I didn't think it was the best way to receive that kind of information since there is not much context given about the book itself. Also, the information given was crucial for some backstory and it played a role in some subplots. So maybe unnecessary isn't the right word to use in this case, but I would have liked to get that information a different way.

What I also thought was unnecessary was the multiple perspectives. At the most all this story required was a dual perspective since we would need both Siena and Holden's pov. The additional chapters from Cam, Emmett and Isaac though were not really needed as they didn't add much to the narrative.


 PLOT:

Briardark follows a story told from two main perspectives. The core of it follows a group going on an expedition to Deadswitch park in order to study a glacier, but they discover that things are not quite as they seem or imagined and their trip takes a dark turn. We also follow Holden who receives Siena's distress recordings and vows to figure out what is going on. This story wasn't bad, mainly for me because it leaned more towards a Stranger Things or Dark kind of plot. It was atmospheric and leaned into the darker aspects of the story, but it was not without flaws.

For one, I wish the story progressed a bit slower in the beginning in order to really build up that tension and atmosphere, as well as to further set up the character's original intentions. They head out in order to seemingly study a glacier for climate research, but anomalies started to occur right away and the story quickly moved on from their task. So, I do wish that those anomalies started slowly and were more sporadic instead of right away and all at once. I also say this especially because this is the first book in a series, so the book could have afforded a slower pace.

The second reason I didn't enjoy this as much as I could of would be because of plot directional issues, but they are completely subjective to me. There is a specific plotline that was mentioned a few times that worried me because I generally don't like books that focus on that subject, and I was worried it would lean in that direction. In this book, it didn't so far, but I can't say the same for the rest of the series.


 CHARACTERS:
 
This book is more plot-focused than character-focused, as I got more drawn into the story and atmosphere rather than who was carrying it. I didn't mind the characters per se, but I can't say I cared much about them. That's not to say they were badly written as they did in fact feel like real people, especially Emmett who you spend most of the book wanting to punch in the face. The one character I wasn't sure of was Siena, because she is portrayed unreliably due to delusions, and I am generally not a fan of unreliable characters.

An issue I have with the characters though, and by extension the plot, is that the story focuses too much on doomed past relationships. We have Siena and Emmett, and Holden and Becca, and their pasts cover a good amount of the plot, which ended up watering down the story for me. It was just a huge loss of space to focus on that rather than the main story.


 CONCLUDING THOUGHTS:
 
This isn't a new concept per se, as I have seen elements of this story before in shows like Stranger Things and Dark, and even in the movie Time Trap. Though this doesn't live up anywhere near the former two, this does somewhat stand on its own since it was mildly interesting to read. Perfect for fans of Lost and House of Leaves though is again a bit of a stretch because that is a lot to live up to.

This is the kind of story that you would see featured in video games by Supermassive Games Ltd (The Dark Pictures Anthology and Until Dawn). If you like that area of survival stories then maybe give this book a shot.

This book was really, really good. However, I honestly wish I hadn't requested it because when I did, I had no idea it was a part of a planned series. That's not necessarily a bad thing, and certainly isn't a knock on the writer, but more on myself- I know me, and I don't exactly have the world's best memory. By the time the next book is released in 2023, I'm afraid I'll have forgotten everything in this book.

That being said, this really was an excellent read. The writing is rich and flows easily, and the world building is done in a way that's gradual enough to be believable. I found each of the characters likeable and wanted to learn more about them.

The only negative is that because this is part of a series, barely any questions are answered by the end of the book.

If you're into series, I would definitely recommend this. I may give it another shot myself once all the books are released.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

A page-turning horror! Holden, who works for the Oregon State University, is tasked with going through some old external hard drives. The school needs to be sure nothing important is on these drives before they’re wiped clean. To his surprise, Holden ends up finding documents and audio recording of a six-week expedition into the Deadswitch Wilderness - led by a Dr. Siena Dupont. But it’s something about her voice - Holden knows that voice - he just doesn’t know from where. And what he hears on those audio recordings will send him on the mission of his life to solve this mystery.

Seven years prior to Siena’s recorded expedition a team of five disappeared in the Deadswitch. They were never found. Deadswitch isn’t a regular wilderness, seedlings grow into matured trees in only two days and items seem to disappear there. Some say the land is cursed.

Dark, ominous, and full of suspense this is one book you’re going to want to read. Told through different character perspectives, this is a fun read with chapter excerpts, Reddit chats, Goodreads chats and text messages. These additions add a unique element to the story.

From the perspective of Holden we learn about the tapes and files he’s found and his journey to find the truth. Then we are led into the actual wilderness by Siena, Cameron, Issac, and Emmett and get to experience their six-week expedition firsthand. Being in the Deadswitch feels like an acid trip, or what I imagine an acid trip would be like.

This is the first book in a new series. The creepiness will continue on.

Honestly I didn’t hated this book it was enjoyable and entertaining but for me it was nothing special.
This is marketed as a horror novel but I think this is more like a slow burn mystery with horror elements in it.
I really don’t liked the ending, it just ended without any explanation to the mystery. This is the first book in the “Briardark” series so I assume since this ended on a cliffhanger the next books going to give explanations but I’m not that invested in the story or the characters to want to continue with the series.
I listened the audiobook while I followed through in the ebook as well which was great, I enjoyed the audiobook it definitely helped me to get through the book.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review and opinions.

☠️ Release Date: January 16th 2023 ☠️

Thank you to NetGalley and Compass and Fern for this ARC! This was a very interesting and creepy read. I really enjoyed how audio files and chapters from another book were included. Also the cliffhanger ending was great and I’m ready for more of this story already!

Briardark is probably the strangest and most confusing book I’ve read - and I ate it all up.
This was a very easy and well paced read with the perfect amount of spooky added in. We have multiple points of view, seemingly different timelines (or are they?), and different forms of media to breakup chapters. I really enjoyed that aspect in particular.
The entire time I was reading, I kept thinking, “What is going on here?” Every time I thought I figured something out, the characters discovered something new or experienced something terrifying, sending the story in a new direction.
This is the first book in a series, so there are many unanswered questions which will hopefully by resolved in later books. I also hope we will have stronger character development. Siena (our main character) has the most development, but it still seems rather shallow for the length of the book. That’s really my only complaint!
As someone who studied to be a biologist, loves hiking, and enjoys gaming, I really loved that there is a book out there that brings all of that together. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series to bring it all together even more.

I have had a hard time reading and staying focused in 2022, but I was so absorbed in this story that I finished the book in 24 hours. Though many POVs are utilized in this text, the 3rd person close kept me engaged. This is a real mind-bender that has me hooked and the backstories of the ensemble were well fleshed out while maintaining the utter horror of this narrative. When I got to the last page, I literally screamed, “What?!” and startled my children. Please, please let me bets read book 2, I beg you!

Briardark by S.A. Harian was easily a 5 star read. This sci-fi, horror mystery was really good. I believe this was a debut novel and it checked all the boxes for me. It flowed well for me and had a unique story. I love backpacking so I really enjoyed that part. This was part of a series and man oh man I can’t wait for next one. Interesting characters in an interesting place that had my full attention.
I read some of this but finished by listening to the audiobook. Both were equally good but if you love audiobooks the narrator was excellent.
I hope you pick this book up!
Thanks Compass and Fern via NetGalley.

The back and forth between povs and timelines was a genius move for this story. Two completely different worlds existing at the same time is such a unique concept that is played out beautifully in this story.

5 “What is Happening Here?” Stars!

This all kicks off with a group of young women disappearing in the Deadswitch woods. Typical. Or is it?

Seven years later a group of scientists are on a research expedition in the same area. Things start out fine, until the maps are off, a body shows up and disappears, the glacier melts, and the area itself seems to change sporadically.

Meanwhile, Holden, a University IT worker stumbles across Siena’s recordings from her trip. He decides to investigate it and the prior disappearances but stumbles onto a lot more than he expected.

Seems simple enough. But things take several turns and travel back and forth in time to the point where you are as stressed out as the characters. Who are well developed and have their own unique histories.

The atmosphere of dread and horror were top notch.

Do I know what’s going on? No. Am I bothered by that? No.

There was SO MUCH happening in this story, but the plots twist and weave together seamlessly and it is so intriguing. It isn’t pointless build up either, you know it’s all leading to something big…. Which you will find out in the next book probably.

That’s right! This ends on a major cliff-hanger! Again, am I bothered by it? Absolutely not! Can’t wait to check out the sequel, Waywarden, when it comes out in 2024.

Meanwhile check out Briardark, when it hits shelves, 1/16/23!

A big thanks to the Publisher & NetGalley for gifting me a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Aaaargh damn the cliffhanger!! I need book two ASAP!! I enjoyed this book so much, it was gripping from the start, and I couldn’t put this down.

Briardark tells a story about Dr. Siena Dupont and her team’s expedition to the Alpenglow glacier. Siena, Cameron, Isaac, and Emmett, are constantly met with odd occurrences from the beginning of the journey. At first, they try to shake the odd feelings off as the side effects of their tiredness. However, more and more strange events and even terrible things occurring everyday. Starting from the absence of footprints, changing landscape, a dead body draped over a bough (which later disappeared without a trace), and the mysterious black shadow.

At first, it takes some time for me to understand the story because it’s told from different POV and timelines. As the story goes, I easily engrossed in the story. It was so thrilling, and it kinda pumped my adrenaline, so you could found me wide awake reading this past midnight. Even better, even though this book has many characters, all of them have strong characterizations and each has an important role. I couldn’t say much about the characters because I personally thought many of them seem to have their real identities that are still a mystery. I say again, the cliffhanger is such a torture. Period.

To sum it up, Briardark was an engaging and thrilling read about an expedition that does not go according to plan. Highly recommended for anyone who wants a thrilling-paranormal story about hiking, and also gaming world (briefly mentioned because one of the character is a gamer, and there’s a theory/speculation about that one odd game she plays).

Wow, where to even start with this review. PURE GENIUS. That’s what this story is! Not only do we have creepy remote wilderness, but also something called The Briardark, missing hikers, and lore of a creepy mountain cult dating back to colonial times!! That right there folks is a PERFECT equation for pure survival terror!! Take the best parts of the tv show Lost, the book Dark Matter by Blake Crouch, and some of the author’s own little special pieces and you have an incredibly addictive, scifiesque horror novel. I am absolutely mind blown, at the insanely creepy chain of events and it has me thrown off a cliff free falling until the release of the second book. EVERYONE PLEASE READ THIS AMAZING BOOK!!!

Briardark by S.A Harian
Thank you Compass and Fern LLC and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.
“For anyone who has ever been lost in the woods”
Exciting and original! This story is mind bending and packed with tension. I especially liked the second half!
It does leave you on a cliffhanger, so be on the lookout for a sequel in 2024!
It definitely reminds me of the Netflix show “Dark”. So if you enjoyed that, I highly recommend this!

I left feedback on my goodreads

There are two storylines in Briardark. The first focuses on a research team of 4 doing a scientific study on Deadswitch Wilderness, a name that maybe should have sparked some intuitive action. The second storyline focuses on an IT team trying to understand the confusing messages the research team left behind. Creepy and mysterious realizations play out as the reader learns more about Deadswitch Wilderness.

I liked the language in this book immediately. There were lots of references to video games and modern culture that I appreciated. The language was easy to follow. At first, I was worried that the characters, particularly those on the research expedition, would be very stereotypical, but that wasn’t the case. We soon learn the complexities behind each character. They are all flawed and confused, leading to some excellent character growth and triggering anxiety in the reader.

Harian incorporates a lot of themes that are familiar to a broad audience. Such as mental health, climate change, the struggles of an unappealing job, love and survival. A central theme of not being able to trust your mind is written out very well. I had moments where I was unsure if the characters were imagining things or if it was happening. I liked the inclusion of a female streamer. I have been in the competitive tabletop gaming world, and it can be challenging as a female when the atmosphere is sometimes toxic.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. There were very suspenseful moments, and I felt intrigued throughout the novel. The only downside would be I wanted more answers. A few things were tied together. Overall I feel like I was left in a place where I felt unsatisfied. That being said, I will read the second one because of that. So maybe, mission accomplished?

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Compass and Fern LLC for an e-ARC of Briardark in exchange for an honest review. Look for this title, being published on January 16, 2023!

So long to the reading slump I was in before this book came along. I finished this in a matter of 24 hours and only stopped for sleep and work. The writing wasn’t totally my vibe, but the plot more than made up for it. It gave me that pit in my stomach that so many other horror books fail to provide and I loved every haunting second. If you’re a fan of weird folk horror- pick this one up.