4.5 stars rounded down to 4/5.

well this book certainly put me through it! from the first chapter, it’s a direct punch to the gut and it only slows down to build up some backstory and let you in on the characters’ lives before revving back up into an action packed middle and ending.

family, portrayals of grief and how it can affect everything in your life, siblings who fight like cats and dogs but try to sacrifice themselves when one’s in trouble, mental illness, anxiety, addiction — this book has it all and it does it well. no one in this book is safe and i appreciate that. it even had me tearing up a couple of times when i’m famously emotionally defunct so kudos for that.

my only gripe is that i didn’t particularly care about the monsters’ lore. it felt thrown in there for the sake of explanation. i also think things wrapped up too quickly and too neatly. otherwise, i had a great time with this and finished it in basically one sitting. i highly recommend it to anyone who’s in need of a fun, high-octane thrill ride.

thanks to netgalley and the author for an earc in exchange for an honest review.

This gripping tale is a rollercoaster of intensity that pulls readers into the dark recesses of grief, trauma, and unimaginable horrors. The Keating family, already burdened by their sorrow, ventures back to Block Island Sound, setting the stage for a nightmarish descent into despair, with blood spilled by monstrous creatures from distant lands. This book is a literary feast, exploring themes of grief horror, messy sibling relationships, generational trauma, and poverty, all wrapped in a mysterious creature feature. The pace is relentless, kicking off with a thrilling and deeply creepy narrative flashback. The characters, each grappling with shared and individual tragedies, navigate a multi-POV chase filled with both losses and heart-pounding moments of fight or flight. The prose, consistently beautiful and evocative, delves into complex human dynamics and emotions, unraveling the reasons behind cruelty, love, and the often perplexing choices we make within our closest relationships.

For a horror/thriller novel, I am pleasantly surprised with Greenwood’s ability to really make you care for the plight of the Keating family. I think that sometimes it can be hard to get attached to the main characters in a horror or thriller, you’re more focused on the monster / supernatural aspect and whether or not the characters will make it. I liked how we are introduced to the problem, but the focus on the novel is more the effect of this tragedy on the family and how each members’ trauma is affecting them years later. They are not only still coming to terms with tragedy, but now they are also faced with the problem on Block Island. Their decisions on how to move forward stem from their PTSD.

I also liked how we were able to get a multi POV from each member of the family - I think it really added overall theme of grief and how differently people are affected by the same traumas.

I also wasn’t scared of the monster - it’s hard for me to visualize things in my mind’s eye so I wish there was a sketch of what Greenwood had envisioned. That would have definitely upped the fear factor for me. I also think the “twist” (not sure if it was intended to be a twist or something we should’ve been able to infer) was easy to figure out.

Would I re-read? Probably not
Would I read more from this author? Definitely!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the author, Gage Greenwood, for the e-ARC! I very much enjoyed this read.


** please note that Amazon does not allow for reviews to be posted prior to the publication date, but I will be posting that review on 2/10 once this is officially published

I can't feel anymore because all my feelers were used up by the incessant emotional pummeling I received every time I had the audacity to even think about entertaining the idea of having any kind of hope whatsoever while reading this book.
I may have convinced myself that once I get my hands on a physical copy, it will have all been a cruel, heartless prank by the author. Because it has to be. It just... has.. to. be.
I was overjoyed to get my eyeballs on a digital ARC simply because Gage Greenwood loves his readers and wants us to be happy.
This book is horrifically tragic yet beautifully genuine. My advice is to go in blind and just enjoy the ride on this dark, heart-wrenching, gutting, emotional roller-coaster, built for the sole purpose of reminding us that, for some, life is simply never fair.
We are so heavily immersed in loss, heartache, anguish, loneliness, feelings of worthlessness felt by every individual of this family, that the burden of it almost becomes a character itself.
Some triggers may include substance abuse, the act of making oneself not alive any longer, and body horror, among others.
If there is never a sequel to this story, the part of my mind that is now permanently occupied by it will forever be falling down an empty black hole. So, immediate 5 stars just for that. All the easter eggs were a lot of fun, too.🖤

"On a Clear Day You Can See Block Island" by Gage Greenwood takes readers on a chilling journey through the haunting aftermath of a family's darkest experiences. The Keating siblings, still grappling with the trauma of their past, decide to confront their demons by returning to the island where their lives took a terrifying turn.

Greenwood masterfully weaves a tale of grief, PTSD, and the enduring nature of horror. The prose and characters captivate readers, drawing them into a world filled with fear, suspense, and a touch of folklore. The author's ability to blend detailed and powerful writing with an easily digestible style makes the book a compelling and swift read, keeping readers engaged from the gripping first chapter to the explosive finale.

The atmospheric weight of the story is palpable, with a thick dread that permeates every corner, making it nearly impossible to put the book down. The relationships portrayed among the characters are relatable and authentic, showcasing the harsh realities of how grief can strain and reshape connections.

The novel excels in delivering a multifaceted horror experience. It is exceptionally well-written, with a tightly plotted narrative that seamlessly combines elements of creepiness, scariness, and disturbing imagery. The characters are realistically drawn, making them not only relatable but also human, with flaws and vulnerabilities that add depth to the story.

What sets "On a Clear Day You Can See Block Island" apart is its profound wisdom. The novel delves into major family issues, tackling the complexities of loss, pain, trauma, and regret. The narrative unfolds with a rich folklore background, reminiscent of early Stephen King and the eerie vibes found in Mike Flanagan's "Hill House." The visceral imagery adds a layer of intensity that may not be suitable for the faint of heart.

In conclusion, Gage Greenwood's horror masterpiece stands out as one of the best in the genre. It not only offers a gripping and terrifying experience but also imparts valuable lessons about life, loss, and the pursuit of happy endings. "On a Clear Day You Can See Block Island" is a must-read for horror enthusiasts seeking a thought-provoking and unforgettable journey into the depths of fear and resilience.

This book was such an amazing read! It’s under the horror genre, but I would go so far to say, as it could be considered a thriller as well. It was not scary, but we can be honest and say like if I don’t think something spicy, you might not agree with that. Such a good book that I would highly recommend to all my horror and thriller people, it is also being released February 10, 2024. Highly highly recommend! Hopefully I can figure out how to get a signed copy.

Thank you Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read this masterpiece of a book. I don’t know if this is the authors first book or not but you can bet that I’m going to see if they have any more books available. This was an ARC read, I did not get paid to read this book, and this is my honest review.

Gage Greenwood can do no wrong in my eyes. I loved this book. The first chapter hooked me, and then I read it every single moment I had, I was completely invested in the story.

The story is complex but easy to follow. Although fiction with a supernatural twist, it deals with a lot of real-life things, PTSD, generational trauma, addiction, childhood trauma, fear, love, and friendship. Gage just has a way with words.

Fast-paced, haunting, creepy, emotional, and at times funny. This was one hell of a read.

Thank you to Netgalley & Gage Greenwood for sharing a digital copy to read, as always opinions are my own.

New favorite author right here!

This book snagged me from start. A family rocked by tragedy is barely surviving the ripple effects years later. And the horrors--oh, the jaw dropping horrors--that accompany all this will have you sleeping with the lights on.

Let me start by saying if I were doing a reading vlog viewers would have seem my mouth drop open in disbelief about 40% into this book. This is not something that typically happens to me. I almost feel desensitized to horror at times.

This book was so intense. It is full of heart stopping horror and and grief.

The Keating's are staring life over on Block Island after the death of their wife/mother. Little do they know it is only the beginning of a downward spiral. This introduction was excellent and so creepy. I was sucked in right away.

Flash forward 4 years and things are not going well for any of the family members. Jackson has succumbed to alcoholism to drown his grief and is unable to care for his children. The oldest child, Brian is living on the streets with a drug problem while Charlie, Chrissy, and Angela are living with their Aunt. Each one has their own problems ranging from drugs, loneliness, promiscuity, ect.

While researching the island Angela finds information that takes them back to Block Island. Little do they know the events that will begin to unfold.

This was my first Gage Greenwood book and I enjoyed it so much. It will not be my last.

This story was almost amazing. It started off with a bang and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next. Only next was...not very good. I think my main issue was the characters. They didn't feel true and their conversations were...not great. And there were a lot of conversations. This felt like a first draft that needed to be tightened up.

Now I almost stopped reading because it was just kind of boring, but then we got to the monsters and that was kind of fun. There were some good moments, but things kept getting bogged down with not good dialogue. With better characters, better writing, this could have been amazing. But it was fine once the story really started going.

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, and let me say, boy am I glad I did.

Outside of a short story, this is my first time reading one of Gage Greenwood's books, and On a Clear Day You Can See Block Island punched all my boxes.

This story is a deep dive into grief and PTSD, and how (and how heavily) it affects people differently.

Very early on, our focal characters, the Keating family experience something so traumatic that it changes all of their lives forever. Charlie, Chrissy, Angela, Brian, and their father each succumb to the long term effects of witnessing the horrific event. Charlie is riddled with anxiety and has trouble speaking, Chrissy has blacked out the event, Angela is fueled by a constant fear induced rage, while Brian and their father fall victim to self medicating and substance abuse.

The story that transpires feels driven wholly by this family that feels so real that they could be your neighbors from down the street. I felt invested in their lives and experienced dread right along with them.

The town of Tanner's Switch, where the bulk of the story is set feels alive with more stories to tell, and I can only hope that maybe we'll see some favorite characters appear in future works. Tanner's Switch is so ripe with the unknown that it begs to be explored.

Gage has crafted a coming of age tale as heart wrenching as it is gut wrenching. After reading Block Island, it is an early contender for read of the year, 5/5, no notes.

This one had me from the very beginning. After a gripping first chapter I couldn't put this down until it was all done. It follows a family's struggles after major trauma and it was easy to see a little bit of myself in a few of them. Loved the entire horror filled ride with various nods to some other books and authors!

Whoa. This was a tense and wild ride from start to finish. From the hard-hitting plot, to the broken and trauma-riddled character, to the mythical creatures that will haunt your nightmares, this story is well-written and a perfect addition to the horror genre. I loved how well the author described the fractured relationships between the Keatling siblings and their father, and how the traumatic event on Block Island left a wound that never healed. I also loved how fast the story flew into the terror that came back to haunt them-leaving me on the edge of my seat until the very end. But the author doesn’t just give us the broken parts of his characters; he fleshes out their humanity beautifully-showing everything from glimpses of love to bone-crushing anger, to painful honesty. Everything about them is palpable and realistic.

This is such a great horror novel because it encompasses immense fear, both real and stuff of imagination, and gives the reader a connection to the characters of the story. I would highly recommend this book to any horror fan.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the ARC review in exchange for my honest opinion.

This book follows the Keating family and their journey through grief after suffering a tragic and terrifying loss. Years later the family is fractured and fairly distant from one another, each one dealing with the loss in their own way.

The story kicks off when the siblings decide to confront their past as a means of healing. However, they instead unleash an evil with devastating consequences.

I’ll start off by saying that this story is action packed, fast paced, and gave me Stranger Things vibes. The suspenseful scenes were pretty well done and engaging. I also enjoyed the authors exploration and antecdotes on grief. I found them to be insightful and relatable.

I think what made this a more middle of the road read is the character work. I found the character development to be a bit lacking. I enjoy grief horror and was expecting to connect with at least one of the characters but I didn’t. None of the characters acted their age and they didn’t feel very realistic. There was a lot more telling than showing which left me a bit disconnected in the end. This in turn made it difficult for me to care about the characters and their plight.

Overall I think I am just not the reader for this particular book. I do feel the perfect reader would be those that like their horror on the lighter side or are dipping their toes into the genre.

This novel follows a family that move to Block Island following a tragedy only to be met more tragedy and horror when one of the daughters is eaten by a terrifying monster (really!)

The main story is set 4 years later when we meet up with the family still dealing with the trauma that they have faced, they decided to travel back to block island to work out exactly what happened there and end up facing their literal demons.

Gage Greenwood has a great talent of writing complex characters that you really care about and then putting them in horrific situations!

Another great creature feature that manages to scare you and pull at your heartstrings!

I was shocked that the book started with a horrific death right off the bat but I'm glad it put the reader right in the action straight away. Wreath's death wasn't the focus of the story but the catalyst. While a girl dying to propel a story forward would usually frustrate me, I think it really works here. Greif, after all, is for the living and this story really embodies that sentiment. That said, there were some deaths later in the book that didn’t feel as impactful as I hoped they would.

I liked how the book shows how shared trauma and grief can manifest in different ways. There are times when this felt over-explained, like when Chrissy talks to her boyfriend why she hides herself in horror novels; I think the reader understands her reasoning without this monologue. That said, Chrissy is probably my favourite character, or at least the character I relate to the most. I think that's what I liked about the characters: you can understand why they respond to things the way they do and the dynamics between the siblings felt genuine for each of their personalities and circumstances. For example, Charlie trying to be nice and encourage his father and brother to come around more but not entirely meaning it.

I don't mind switching POVs so this aspect of the narrative didn't bother me and I think the characters, especially in the first half of the books, were different enough that I always knew whose POV I was reading from. I think it was helped by having each POV be in third-person rather than first. Where I did get a bit lost was in the second half of the book, when the action started, because it felt like the narrative switched between too many different characters.

Overall, though, this was an interesting and fast paced read.

Have you heard the one about the family that moved to Tanner's Switch from Block Island after claiming their sibling was eaten by a monster?

I am in love with this book! It is 100% character driven and even the characters that are intentionally horrible people end up tugging on the heart strings. The spooky stuff is top notch and the book is perfectly paced. Absolute 5⭐️ read. Long live Vinx!

I feel like the town of Tanner’s Switch has a lot more stories to tell & I truly hope Gage lets us visit from time to time.

I was finally able to sit down and read last weekend, so I grabbed this from the top of my TBR and went in (mostly) blind. I’ve tried my best to avoid reviews so I wouldn’t see any spoilers or know too much about the book, but I’ve seen “F you, Gage” quite a few times. Who wouldn’t want to know what that’s about, right? Well, let me just tell you, this book is excellent. I’m not going to write a review with details that might spoil something for you, but it is a beautifully written story of grief, loss, family dynamics, and the terrifying unknown. The way Gage put this story together had such an impact on me. I’ve had several losses in my life recently, and this one just ripped my heart out and shredded it (in a good way). It definitely makes you FEEL. An intense sense of dread and fear are woven throughout the story, and there are parts that are truly terrifying. There is a scene (again I won’t give away spoilers here) that actually made me jump. I was reading the event when my phone rang, and I just about jumped out of my chair. I can’t tell you the last time that happened to me. It takes a lot to make me jump. We ARE horror readers after all. But Gage did it. Oh, and like everyone else said… F you, Gage! Seriously though read this book. It’s effing fantastic. Release date 2/10/24. Preorders are available now on Gage’s page (physical book) and the Zon (ebook).

I received an e-reader ARC through Netgalley in exchange for a review.

I loved this book. It is a heavy book, not only are you dealing with a monster like terror but the horrors of grief and loss. This books captures how people deal with grief and loss differently, it can feel isolating, it can cause anger, it can cause growth and change. We are taken on a journey of discovery, searching for answers, and ultimately, realizing that some damage may not be fully repaired.

If I had one complaint, I would say the ending drags on just a bit but it by no means detracts from the story. It is a great monster book, but it is more than just a monster book. The characters grow, the setting comes alive for the reader.

A family of five, father and four children, deal with loss and grief which it seems to me— takes the form of a monster. The monster brings out vices in each family remember like alcoholism, anxiety, anger, promiscuity etc. and we watch each deal with these problems and each other throughout. This read like a Stephen King novel and a Stranger Things season in equal parts. Thrilling and a good way to pass the time.

*It was a pleasure to read the ARC for On a Clear Day, You Can See Block Island, thank you G. Greenwood and Tanner's Switch Publishing.