What do you think?
Rate this book
The Boy on the Beach
A desperate woman finds sanctuary on a remote beach... and nothing will ever be the same.
Hoping to escape an abusive marriage, Juliet Carlson looks for solace on the cool sands of an isolated cove. Here she meets a youth named Milo, who persuades her to visit his beachside community.
Milo is several years her junior, but that doesn't diminish their mutual attraction. It has been years since Juliet felt this safe... this happy.
But Milo hides a dark secret.
And his family has secrets, too...
Featuring a genuinely original concept in modern horror, The Boy on the Beach is a seventeen-thousand word novella. It was originally published in Dark Albion: Tales of Fantasy and Horror by David Brian, and is still available as part of that collection.
Hoping to escape an abusive marriage, Juliet Carlson looks for solace on the cool sands of an isolated cove. Here she meets a youth named Milo, who persuades her to visit his beachside community.
Milo is several years her junior, but that doesn't diminish their mutual attraction. It has been years since Juliet felt this safe... this happy.
But Milo hides a dark secret.
And his family has secrets, too...
Featuring a genuinely original concept in modern horror, The Boy on the Beach is a seventeen-thousand word novella. It was originally published in Dark Albion: Tales of Fantasy and Horror by David Brian, and is still available as part of that collection.
- GenresHorror
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2012
29 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
David Brian
19 books382 followersOfficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/David-...
Once More with Feeling
"There are people in the house. They have the children. What should we do?"
Available October 17th, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDMCLZVQ
I was born into a world of horror... Well, not quite, but almost! To be more precise, my 'very sudden' arrival into this world came about via a broken cinema seat. It was a seat into which my heavily pregnant mother found herself wedged. Once it had collapsed beneath her bulk, the resulting chaos of attempting to free her - perhaps not surprisingly - induced a rather rapid labor.
Talk about a grand entrance.
I'm guessing it was something of a talking point among those present, and probably for many years after.
Oh, yeah, and the film that was showing? It was The Phantom Of The Opera!
I have had a fascination with all aspects of the horror genre since my childhood, and it is a major driving force in my desire to write entertaining stories.
Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria is my first novel; It's the story of Laura Bennett, who finds everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger first enters her life...
A novel length re-imagining of J.S. Le Fanu's original novella, Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria draws on much of the original narrative, but also introduces an array of new Characters to bring a whole new level of horror, and tragedy, to the legend of Carmilla.
The novel is co-authored by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and David Brian.
Collections of my short stories can be found in the fantasy books Dark Albion, Kaleen Rae, and The Cthulhu Child.
Once More with Feeling
"There are people in the house. They have the children. What should we do?"
Available October 17th, 2022. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDMCLZVQ
I was born into a world of horror... Well, not quite, but almost! To be more precise, my 'very sudden' arrival into this world came about via a broken cinema seat. It was a seat into which my heavily pregnant mother found herself wedged. Once it had collapsed beneath her bulk, the resulting chaos of attempting to free her - perhaps not surprisingly - induced a rather rapid labor.
Talk about a grand entrance.
I'm guessing it was something of a talking point among those present, and probably for many years after.
Oh, yeah, and the film that was showing? It was The Phantom Of The Opera!
I have had a fascination with all aspects of the horror genre since my childhood, and it is a major driving force in my desire to write entertaining stories.
Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria is my first novel; It's the story of Laura Bennett, who finds everything changes on the day a beautiful and mysterious stranger first enters her life...
A novel length re-imagining of J.S. Le Fanu's original novella, Carmilla: The Wolves of Styria draws on much of the original narrative, but also introduces an array of new Characters to bring a whole new level of horror, and tragedy, to the legend of Carmilla.
The novel is co-authored by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu and David Brian.
Collections of my short stories can be found in the fantasy books Dark Albion, Kaleen Rae, and The Cthulhu Child.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
March 30, 2016
Juliet Carlson is an abused wife trapped in an unstable marriage. One night, she takes advantage of a rare outing of freedom, fleeing from her husband over a cliff to the safety of a majestic beach. Enjoying the tranquility the beach provides, Julie hears the sound of voices over the tide and the wind. Or is it music? Come with Julie as she becomes immersed in an adventure of self-discovery and folklore. It seems there are other ways to exist, after all. How far is Julie willing to go? Come to the ocean for a little while. Perhaps take a swim. Then you can decide where you belong.
I received a free e-copy of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
I received a free e-copy of this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks.
April 1, 2016
After stepping away from her abusive husband Brad, Juliet Carlson finds herself alone on the beach, enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature at the shore. Her solitude is interrupted by the not-too-distant sounds of music and talking. Juliet grows curious and wanders towards what she believes is a group of partying locals. What she finds will forever change her life.
I often find short stories unsatisfying. This one, however, felt as complete and fulfilling as a full-length novel. The characters are well-developed, the story is perfectly paced and the ending left no questions or qualms. The writing and storytelling are brilliant and kept me thoroughly engrossed.
This is the first book I've read by David Brian, but it certainly won't be the last.
I often find short stories unsatisfying. This one, however, felt as complete and fulfilling as a full-length novel. The characters are well-developed, the story is perfectly paced and the ending left no questions or qualms. The writing and storytelling are brilliant and kept me thoroughly engrossed.
This is the first book I've read by David Brian, but it certainly won't be the last.
March 31, 2016
The Boy On The Beach is a novella length horror/suspense story by David Brian. I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. It was a good read.
Juliet is married to Brad, and he is an abusive and violent thug. One night, after perhaps one violent act too many, she runs off into the night and ends up on a beach. There she finds a beautiful but secluded cove. She is enjoying having escaped the clutches of her husband, but soon becomes unnerved when she hears the sound of voices in the darkness.
She soon finds herself in an oddly strange scenario. It is a situation that at times terrifies Juliet, but it also presents her a glimmer of hope for the future. In reality though, she knows that Brad will never allow her to leave him. She is sure he will come looking for her, and when he does violence will follow.
This is a story that starts out showing the pain of one woman's domestic plight, and very quickly presents her with another potentially deadly situation. I loved how the mythos revolves around folklore and legend, and I can honestly say I had no clue as to where this story was taking me. I really liked this novella!
Juliet is married to Brad, and he is an abusive and violent thug. One night, after perhaps one violent act too many, she runs off into the night and ends up on a beach. There she finds a beautiful but secluded cove. She is enjoying having escaped the clutches of her husband, but soon becomes unnerved when she hears the sound of voices in the darkness.
She soon finds herself in an oddly strange scenario. It is a situation that at times terrifies Juliet, but it also presents her a glimmer of hope for the future. In reality though, she knows that Brad will never allow her to leave him. She is sure he will come looking for her, and when he does violence will follow.
This is a story that starts out showing the pain of one woman's domestic plight, and very quickly presents her with another potentially deadly situation. I loved how the mythos revolves around folklore and legend, and I can honestly say I had no clue as to where this story was taking me. I really liked this novella!
July 6, 2018
The Boy on the Beach is a well written short story written by David Brian. This is a well thought through little story with quite an ending. I liked how the victim of the story rises above her situation, even in a way that is probably not very conventional. The author introduces a different type of paranormal "creature" which is always refreshing, than reading about werewolves and vampires all the time. I like originality, let's face it who doesn't, and the author provided just that.
The main character undergoes quite the transformation in this story and goes from a terrified and abused victim to the one who comes out on top. The way this happens is definitely not how I expected which is a huge plus.
This was definitely an enjoyable read which was very well written and is a well developed story with a great pace.
The main character undergoes quite the transformation in this story and goes from a terrified and abused victim to the one who comes out on top. The way this happens is definitely not how I expected which is a huge plus.
This was definitely an enjoyable read which was very well written and is a well developed story with a great pace.
June 21, 2020
I hadn't realised this novella was part of a collection when I bought it, which is a pity since I generally prefer my shorter fiction to be housed within a larger frame. Never mind, I may still get the complete collection.
Firstly and most importantly, it's engaging and well written. Shorter tales need their backgrounds to be painted in big, bold colours if they're to work, and the abusive marriage which forms the foundation of this tale provides exactly that. There's enough detail to make it grittily clear without holding the story back. It also makes our heroine and her actions relatable and believable.
The story introduces a new kind of shapeshifter, and it makes the creature itself, its qualities, and its transformation fascinating and rich.
Overall, it was a good read, plenty there to hold my interest, and I felt satisfied at the end, a feeling that shorter fiction often fails to evoke in me.
Firstly and most importantly, it's engaging and well written. Shorter tales need their backgrounds to be painted in big, bold colours if they're to work, and the abusive marriage which forms the foundation of this tale provides exactly that. There's enough detail to make it grittily clear without holding the story back. It also makes our heroine and her actions relatable and believable.
The story introduces a new kind of shapeshifter, and it makes the creature itself, its qualities, and its transformation fascinating and rich.
Overall, it was a good read, plenty there to hold my interest, and I felt satisfied at the end, a feeling that shorter fiction often fails to evoke in me.
November 1, 2016
The Boy on the Beach, is a story which I wrote way back in the summer of 1997. The premise I originally worked with was to write something which, although very much based within the genre, would contain a theme not often (if ever) found in both traditional and modern horror/fantasy/paranormal romance stories.
I would like to think I succeeded! Of course, I'd probably do better to let the fine people of goodreads decide on that one>
I would like to think I succeeded! Of course, I'd probably do better to let the fine people of goodreads decide on that one>
November 10, 2016
I received a copy of The Boy on the Beach from David Brian, in exchange for my honest review.
Juliet's husband, Brad, beats her on a regular basis. One night, during a holiday in Cornwall, and following a further hiding, Juliet runs away. She finds herself on a dark and secluded beach, and before long she realizes there are others moving about on the darkened sands. Has her attempt to escape Brad placed her in even greater danger? Partly a tale of mystery and folklore, partly a horror story, The Boy on the Beach really delivered on all levels.
Juliet's husband, Brad, beats her on a regular basis. One night, during a holiday in Cornwall, and following a further hiding, Juliet runs away. She finds herself on a dark and secluded beach, and before long she realizes there are others moving about on the darkened sands. Has her attempt to escape Brad placed her in even greater danger? Partly a tale of mystery and folklore, partly a horror story, The Boy on the Beach really delivered on all levels.
June 16, 2019
Loved everything about this quick and interesting story. Now I want to move to Newquay! Really fine story telling from David Brian. This was the 2nd short fiction of his that I’ve read, and I’m looking forward to the longer works that I’ve got in my TBR digital pile. Good job!
March 31, 2023
During the first few pages of this book, there was a bit too much of an info dump as we are given Juliet's backstory. This little niggle aside, I thoroughly enjoyed what was a very different horror novella.
Juliet has a drug-dealing, bully of a husband who treats her like crap. One night, after one beating too many, Juliet escapes into the darkness. She finds herself alone on the beach (I guess the clue was in the title), and from there on this is very unlike any horror story I have read before.
After building up a nicely threatening atmosphere, The Boy On The Beach then settles into a period of almost light-hearted nonchalance, and I honestly wasn't sure where the story was headed. And then, oh boy! I really didn't see that one coming! A great ending!
Juliet has a drug-dealing, bully of a husband who treats her like crap. One night, after one beating too many, Juliet escapes into the darkness. She finds herself alone on the beach (I guess the clue was in the title), and from there on this is very unlike any horror story I have read before.
After building up a nicely threatening atmosphere, The Boy On The Beach then settles into a period of almost light-hearted nonchalance, and I honestly wasn't sure where the story was headed. And then, oh boy! I really didn't see that one coming! A great ending!
April 3, 2016
One night after a violent row with her brute of a husband, Juliet flees to the solitude of a seemingly deserted beach, where she frolics in the shallows. Soon she hears sounds carrying on the wind, and realizing she isn't alone sets off to investigate.
What she finds is destined to change her life forever!
This was a nicely crafted novella type story that alternates between desperation, menace, hope, fear and retribution. I really wanted things to work out for Juliet, and it is unusual to 'care' so much about characters in a shorter story.
What she finds is destined to change her life forever!
This was a nicely crafted novella type story that alternates between desperation, menace, hope, fear and retribution. I really wanted things to work out for Juliet, and it is unusual to 'care' so much about characters in a shorter story.
June 3, 2016
Juliet is trapped in a marriage where Brad, her husband, regularly beats and abuses her. One night, after another violent episode from her spouse, Juliet escapes into the dark. She wanders until she eventually finds herself on a secluded beach. Very quickly she realizes she is not alone, and it is not apparent whether she has discovered a little piece of heaven, or has she wandered into a nightmare worse than she left behind? And, either way, she is certain that she hasn't fled far enough, and that eventually she will again be confronted by her violent spouse.
Four or five pages into this I wasn't sure, it seemed like a somewhat clunky domestic drama; and then Juliet escaped Brad's fists, and things began to get mysterious and weird! This was a really good horror novella with an especially awesome and totally unexpected ending. Recommended!
Four or five pages into this I wasn't sure, it seemed like a somewhat clunky domestic drama; and then Juliet escaped Brad's fists, and things began to get mysterious and weird! This was a really good horror novella with an especially awesome and totally unexpected ending. Recommended!
June 18, 2016
I've read a few things by David Brian and The Boy on the Beach - the expanded 2016 version - may well be my favorite to date.
Juliet is a bullied and abused young woman. Her husband is a professional criminal, and he thinks nothing of giving his woman a slap. One night, she flees from his violence and finds herself in a secluded cove. At first she enjoys the ocean and the solitude, but then she realizes she is not alone on the sands - and then things begin to get weird. Juliet isn't sure whether she has found sanctuary from her husband, or has she placed herself in even greater peril.
This was a really satisfying novella with an ending I just wasn't expecting.
I received a copy of this from David Brian in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, David.
Juliet is a bullied and abused young woman. Her husband is a professional criminal, and he thinks nothing of giving his woman a slap. One night, she flees from his violence and finds herself in a secluded cove. At first she enjoys the ocean and the solitude, but then she realizes she is not alone on the sands - and then things begin to get weird. Juliet isn't sure whether she has found sanctuary from her husband, or has she placed herself in even greater peril.
This was a really satisfying novella with an ending I just wasn't expecting.
I received a copy of this from David Brian in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, David.
March 17, 2014
This is the first book of Davids I've read,although short it was enjoyable.A mixture of romance and horror and a surprising ending.it tells the story of a woman in an abusive relationship who meets a young boy on the beach.I recommend you buy this book to find out more.
I'll certainly read more books by this author.
I'll certainly read more books by this author.
June 18, 2018
Very short (I finished this in 25 minutes) and a little weird but vividly described and well written.
This is a book that grew on me, as when I first finished my thoughts were quite negative but looking back 15 hours later, I find myself feeling a lot more positive about the book and plot. Definitely a thought provoking one.
This is a book that grew on me, as when I first finished my thoughts were quite negative but looking back 15 hours later, I find myself feeling a lot more positive about the book and plot. Definitely a thought provoking one.
February 20, 2023
Interesting novella length story about a woman who, having fled her bullying husband, finds herself alone on a beach with a group of mysterious revelers. Nicely written, and with well developed characters, I particularly enjoyed how this ended.
November 9, 2022
I absolutely loved this story! Largely because it features a shapeshifter that I've never read about before, but also because the protagonist is a woman whose life has put her in a real bad place. Then, one night after she has a row and a fight with her abusive husband, she takes a late night walk on a beach and finds herself in even more danger. Very original!
April 17, 2019
Did not enjoy this novella
February 10, 2023
Very different story. I loved what happened, but it was all too short. I hope David writes a follow up as I feel there is more to tell.
September 11, 2013
'She was alive, and although if anyone were to find out the truth, they would seek to brand her a monster. They would be wrong; she was now so much more than Juliet Carlson.'
My Thoughts
I was given a free copy of this in exchange for a review. I've never really been into short stories, because I love a book that I can really get into and build a connection with the characters.
This short story is made up of seven chapters, including an epilogue and was very enjoyable to read. As this was a fairly long short story, I was able to build a connection with Juliet and the story developed well and was easy to follow. I didn't feel like this one was rushed at all, the pace was quick, but there was still plenty of detail.
My Thoughts
I was given a free copy of this in exchange for a review. I've never really been into short stories, because I love a book that I can really get into and build a connection with the characters.
This short story is made up of seven chapters, including an epilogue and was very enjoyable to read. As this was a fairly long short story, I was able to build a connection with Juliet and the story developed well and was easy to follow. I didn't feel like this one was rushed at all, the pace was quick, but there was still plenty of detail.
July 12, 2016
I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Juliet is trapped in a dreadful marriage. Her husband regularly beats and abuses her. Following a further violent episode Juliet runs off into the night, and eventually winds up on a darkly beautiful beach. What starts out as a moment of respite from her husband's fists soon shifts to another situation, and at first Juliet is undecided whether to embrace or flee from what she finds on that secluded beach.
I thoroughly enjoyed what turned out to be a very original tale that mixed mystery, horror and ancient folklore. I was shocked by how things ended up.
Juliet is trapped in a dreadful marriage. Her husband regularly beats and abuses her. Following a further violent episode Juliet runs off into the night, and eventually winds up on a darkly beautiful beach. What starts out as a moment of respite from her husband's fists soon shifts to another situation, and at first Juliet is undecided whether to embrace or flee from what she finds on that secluded beach.
I thoroughly enjoyed what turned out to be a very original tale that mixed mystery, horror and ancient folklore. I was shocked by how things ended up.
August 3, 2016
What an interesting novella type story. I usually prefer vampire/werewolf type horror (the properly HORRIFIC depictions of such creatures), but The Boy on the Beach by David Brian turned out to be something that appealed greatly.
A young wife finds that her marriage isn't all she hoped it might be. Beatings and abusive behavior have become something of a norm in her life, but after fleeing her husband's violence, she finds herself down on a secluded beach after dark. Everything she thought she knew about the world is going to change. There are no vampires or werewolves to be found here, but this close to the water there exist other dangers. A fascinating story.
A young wife finds that her marriage isn't all she hoped it might be. Beatings and abusive behavior have become something of a norm in her life, but after fleeing her husband's violence, she finds herself down on a secluded beach after dark. Everything she thought she knew about the world is going to change. There are no vampires or werewolves to be found here, but this close to the water there exist other dangers. A fascinating story.
April 12, 2016
Battered and victimized by her husband, Juliet runs off into the night and eventually finds herself on a strange but idyllic beach. Before too long she realizes she is not the only one down on the sands, and a night which started off badly may be about to get worse.
Nicely written, and with an unusual plot, The Boy On The Beach is a novella length story that really delivered.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Nicely written, and with an unusual plot, The Boy On The Beach is a novella length story that really delivered.
I received this copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2016
This one I did not find scary at all. The cover is a bit misleading. I did enjoy reading it though. I especially liked the part where the protagonist is made aware of her new self. I will probably read the other stories too.
May 19, 2016
This was an interesting tale mixing folklore and horror, but best of all I loved how things ended up. I really never expected that ending!
April 13, 2015
I really liked this story. I read it in the Dark Albion collection.
March 14, 2023
LOVE David Brian’s Work!
I came across Brian’s work by accident, randomly purchased a book. I loved it! Found a few more on Amazon and gave him another try and I loved this one too. His work is fantasy/horror and is thrilling. I would recommend this short read and anything else he writes!
I came across Brian’s work by accident, randomly purchased a book. I loved it! Found a few more on Amazon and gave him another try and I loved this one too. His work is fantasy/horror and is thrilling. I would recommend this short read and anything else he writes!
February 6, 2021
Pretty good read! Wish it was longer though.
March 14, 2021
Really bizarre
Read
November 20, 2021Bizarre
Loved the story line. Not what I expected but kept me glued till the very end. Now I want more!
Loved the story line. Not what I expected but kept me glued till the very end. Now I want more!
November 28, 2022
Very original!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews