I can tell this is a well written book. I was intrigued by the setting but ultimately I wasn’t drawn into the story like I hoped. I think this is more of me trying a genre I don’t often read and I just couldn’t bring myself to care about the characters.

DNF @ 60%
It was just too bleak for me. When the writing is described as lyrical, that is usually a no for me. Way too descriptive and I felt the story was moving way too slow. I was not looking forward to picking it up so it was time to cut ties.

This was a beautifully written book. It really pulled at my heartstrings! The setting and characters were so well developed. Each character adding so much to the story. There was a bit of everything in this book- mystery, romance, suspense, and historical fiction. I found the ending surprising! I didn’t see it coming!

I absolutely loved my trip to Tasmania years ago! So anytime I hear anything about it, I get all nostalgic! I loved all of the references to the different animals, especially the wombats! Everything about the different animals mentioned was fascinating.

I really can’t put into words how moving and thought provoking I found this audiobook! Just listen to it! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed! The narration is fantastic and really brings the story to life!

TLDR: 4.5 stars, I am still staring at the wall

Though I've heard of some of McConaghy's previous works (Migrations, Once There Were Wolves), this is my first book of hers that I've read and there is a lot to unpack.

First, although the blurb concretely references the speculative and climate-conscious nature of the work, Wild Dark Shore is not concretely labeled as climate/speculative fiction. This book is many things, and covers many genres- mystery/suspense, literary, family fiction, horror all fit the bill here- however, climate fiction is the overwhelming leader among them. All climate fiction I've read previously (i.e. Adrift, The Light Pirate, Private Rites) is depressing beyond my expectations, and Wild Dark Shore is no exception. This is a dark, tragic, emotional story. Reader beware!

McConaghy opens the story onto a drowning island that is failing all of its inhabitants. The reader is meant to be suspicious of many of the main characters and their tangled connections with each other. For me, that initial suspicion made it hard to trust the characters at all points in the book. McConaghy uses foreshadowing throughout the novel, so most of the plot developments were not walloping surprises to the reader, but this did not lessen the emotional impact for me. Most (75%, give or take) of the story is shrouded in suspense and may feel slow in pace to some readers. The end, as in many suspense novels, is jarringly fast in comparison and I was gripping the edge of my seat listening to it. My coworkers actually checked in on me because I was visibly shaken. if that isn't a ringing endorsement of this book, I don't know what is!

I absolutely recommend this book to readers of any of the genres mentioned above, though I would encourage anyone to check content warnings if needed for this as some of the content is very heavy and dark. Thank you x a million to MacMillan Audio for the ALC of Wild Dark Shore, which is available now.

I’ll start by saying I have mixed feelings about this one. While I admire the beautiful writing, the depth of McConaghy’s characters, and the thought-provoking themes on climate change, something about it felt incomplete—though I can’t quite pinpoint what.

While I was captivated by the novel’s rich atmosphere and McConaghy’s talent for crafting such a vivid, immersive setting, I found myself lacking an emotional connection, leaving me somewhat indifferent in the end.

Many have praised this book for being deeply moving, so I encourage you to check it out—I seem to be in the minority.


3.5 stars rounded to 4 for Goodreads

Thank you for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I wanted to love this, but the audiobook fell a little flat for me, I feel like I would’ve liked this better if I would have read it by ebook.

After loving Once There Were Wolves, I was so excited to receive an ARC of Wild Dark Shore, and it didn’t disappoint. In true Charlotte McConaghy style, the book is deeply character-driven, pulling you into the hearts and minds of its complex, flawed protagonists. I also adored the completely original setting and storyline … it felt like nothing I’ve read before.

On a remote island near Antarctica, Dominic Salt and his three children are the last caretakers of Shearwater, home to the world’s largest seed bank. When a woman named Rowan washes ashore during a violent storm, she seems like a lifeline for the isolated family - but both Rowan and Dominic are hiding dangerous secrets. As the storms intensify and survival becomes uncertain, they must decide whether they can trust each other enough to protect the island’s precious seeds, and build a future from the wreckage of their past.

While I didn’t love the ending (no spoilers, I promise!), the journey was powerful, emotional, and beautifully written. I’m giving this one ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves richly layered characters and haunting, atmospheric fiction.

I listened to this book about a month ago and needed to let it sit for a bit before trying to write a review. First, the narrators were great. I loved them all.

The story was a bit hard to follow if you listen to the audio faster than 1.5. BUT, when you wait a moment and let it all sink in, the story was so good and thought provoking. I would never want to be stuck on an island, let alone with my kids. Love them to pieces, but momma needs her space! The actions of all who are mentioned in the story, really made me sit back and think about what I would have done in that situation. I haven't read a book recently that has made me sit and think so much in a while and I love it! Everyone should read or listen to this book.

Thank you for the copy, this is my honest opinion. Please be aware of any trigger warnings, as your mental health is most important.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

Dominic Salt and his three kids Raff 18, Fin 17 and Orly 9, live on an isolated island near Antarctica. They are the caretakers of the island which has a giant seed vault. Rising sea waters has made the island uninhabitable and is threatening the seed vault. The scientists have all left and they are waiting to be relocated. They find an injured woman, Rowan, on the beach and nurse her back to health.

I loved the kids relationship with each other. The father is still grieving over the death of his wife nine years ago and still talks to her ghost and leaves him to be distant with the kids. I didn't feel the relationship between Dom and Rowan.

I enjoyed the narration by Cooper Mortlock, Katherine Littrell, Saskia Maarleveld and Steve West.

This was another great read from McConaghy. Her books typically have four elements: romance, emotion, an environmental focus, and some sort of mystery. I found myself struggling to hold back tears at several points in this novel. The relationships between the characters were complex and compelling. These characters had so many difficulties, and I was rooting for each of them to succeed.

If you’re looking for an emotional read, this one is amazing - I’d highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing the advanced audiobook copy of Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy. This was my first book by Charlotte, and I’m already eager to dive into her other works. Wild Dark Shore is a beautifully tragic and haunting story that has stayed with me long after finishing it. The island setting is so vividly described that it feels as though you’re right there, wanting to protect both the wildlife and the characters. This is a book that will linger in my thoughts for years to come. The narrators also did a fantastic job with making the story come alive. I’m giving it 4.5 stars!

Special thanks to Netgalley and Flatiron for this eALC!!
Charlottte McConaghy writes the best ecological fiction!! The atmosphere, descriptors, characters - it was all so perfect.
The narrators were so good. I especially loved the different narrators. They did a fantastic job, really emulating each character.
Overall, a 5 star read, that I will read over and over each year.

5+ stars!

All Time Favourite Audiobook list! 🎧 🏆

Atmospheric.
Mysterious.
Haunting.

Domenic Salt and his three children live on Shearwater island. They are caretakers of the lighthouse and scientific research base on the remote island near Antarctica. Surrounded by nothing but seals, penguins and the vast ocean, they know the meaning of extreme isolation — rationing supplies that come by boat every six months. One day a woman’s body washes up on their shore and it changes their lives forever.

The vast isolation of this island setting was like a character in itself. There was a claustrophobic feel to the story that kept its grip tightened on me. The stormy, nature-focused atmosphere was vivid and palpable, making me feel like I was right alongside the characters with the churning of ocean waves wrapped in my every thought. The sea life was a fascinating element that I really enjoyed.

I was thoroughly enthralled from the first to last sentence. The characters were brilliant creations. Each and every character was exquisitely crafted to take a piece of my heart and will undoubtedly stay on my mind for a very long time. I thought the author did an outstanding job exploring the children’s bond with their single father who is still deeply grieving the loss of his wife who he continues to talk to.

I enjoyed the uniqueness of the fatherhood focus. I find I’m usually reading books more strongly focused on motherhood and mother-child relationships, so this was a refreshing perspective and fascinating step outside of that usual family dynamic. The children’s longing for a mother figure and innocence in trying to fill the void was heart wrenching.

This one came with a lot of hype and it delivered even more than I could have hoped. I can’t say there is a lot that happens but it’s the exquisite writing that had me enthralled with the mysterious haunting possibilities of what was to come. It is beautifully written slow burning suspense and mystery, not edge of your seat tension. I usually feel a stronger connection to either the plot/atmosphere OR the characters but this one had me equally mesmerized with each aspect. I could not pick which was done better.

Audio rating: 5+ stars! The cast of narrators was excellent. They brought this story to life in an unforgettable way. Each narrator adding a unique and meaningful layer to the listening experience. I highly recommend the audiobook!

This was a slow burn story that speed up to dizzying speed by the climactic end. I loved it, it had me enthralled the entire time. I listened to the audio version and the narrator was excellent, I just love an Australian accent. This book is full of mystery, family dynamics, climate change, its consequences and so much more. The descriptions of the terrain and local animal inhabitants was was exceptional. Don't let this book pass you by. Highly recommended. 5 stars.
Many thanks to Net Galley and Macmillan Audio for a chance to read/listen to an ARC version of this book. All opinions are my own.

Short synopsis: A woman washes ashore on a remote island called Shearwater. The only inhabitants are the Salt Family, a family of four packing up seeds from a seed bank before moving back to the mainland.

My thoughts: This is a slow burn story with a lot of different genres mixed in with twists expertly interwoven into the story. This would make an incredible Book Club pick, with lots a deeper meaning, discussion of climate change, parenting, and family relationships. I learned so much about Seals, whales, and plants and how many of the choices we make can make a huge impact on nature.

I grew to really love and care about each one of these characters and the glimpse into their backstories. I’m pretty sure the ending just about broke me.

While the audiobook was so well done with multiple narrators, I actually would recommend at least starting reading a physical copy first. I did pick up the audio for a little bit about halfway through, but finished reading it with my eyeballs. I think I appreciated the ending more in that format.

Read if you love:
* Protecting the planet
* Very atmospheric settings
* Multiple pov
* Stories with deeper meanings
* Remote island setting
* Learning about plants and whales

I went into this book blind and didn't realize that it was a mix of mystery and random romance. This blend didn't make sense to me, especially when you learn about the missing husband part. I just don't get it.

A truly amazing book and one that I so enjoyed listening to and reading.

The characters were all so wonderfully written and each and everyone carries sadness and secrets within them. The background of an island the guardian of seed populations, and the family tasked with their removal before the island floods, lends to the moodiness and gloom that seem to fill their lives. Searching to once again become a family, life changes when a stranger washes up ashore. Perhaps she is the one to once again bring them all together.

However, a storm is coming in more ways then one.
A book I will definitely reread in the future.

Charlotte McConaghy does it again!

Wild Dark Shore is a beautifully haunting story that unfolds like a movie—set on a remote island where secrets, family rules, love, and grief collide against the backdrop of climate change.

The audiobook production is top-notch, with a cast who completely pulls you in. Their voices...Cooper Mortlock, Katherine Littrell, Saskia Maarleveld, and Steve West... are immersive, capturing both the tension and tenderness of the story.

As with Migrations, McConaghy’s research and storytelling shine. The world feels real, the emotions hit deep, and the stakes feel urgent.

Big thanks to NetGalley for the advanced listener copy—this one was impossible to pause. If you love atmospheric, thought-provoking stories, add this to your list!

Let me start by saying this is probably my favorite book I’ve read this year, which is saying something because I have truly read some phenomenal books this year.

This book is SO stunningly written, I was blown away in every sense. The story is breathtaking, and heartbreaking but also healing in some wild ways.

Some quotes I just have to share because they actually took my breath away:

“ she isn’t frightened of the dead. It is only the living that have the power to harm.”

“ but here is the nature of life, we must love things with our whole selves knowing that they will die.”

“ It is really fucking sad that it should take loss to know the precise quality of love.”

I felt so many emotions while reading this, everything from hope to pure emotional destruction. The amount of pure raw love in this book is insane. Love between siblings, between parent and child, between two people. The love felt in grief, in life. I mean it is all in this book. All while there is a mystery element taking place, and while I was indeed invested in the mystery plot line, I was even more invested in the people and relationships happening.
The blend of genres happening in this book is brilliant, you have this mystery element, this dystopian almost science fiction element to it, it’s steeped in literary fiction. It all blends together so smoothly.
I listened to the audiobook of this three days ago and I am still in pure awe of this novel and how much it made me feel and how all around stunning it is. Also! The narrators? Brilliant! I always appreciate a book that has multiple points of view having multiple narrators, it makes the experience so immersive, and it makes it really easy to know whose POV it is. The narrator for everyone was so well cast and the voices fit perfectly, especially the narrator for Dominic.

Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and the author for this AudioArc.

Thank you Netgalley for this advanced audio edition of Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.

This is an atmospheric beauty of a suspense novel. It's just brimming with frigid ocean spray and all sorts of tension.

If you find yourself feeling lost every now and again, just keep reading, it will explain itself to you later. This is written so well, with vivid detail and amazing character development. The audio has great, multiple narration, making this all the more worthwhile.