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The Darkness Series #1
The Darkness Within Ourselves
Running and hiding won't save you because The Darkness lives within ... and it will never stop hunting you.
Amber and her four best friends are about to reach their teenage years when the unthinkable happens; one of her friends, Kieran, is killed in a freak accident.
Twenty years later, Amber no longer speaks to her friends and is still haunted by that day in the form of severe psychological issues, including sleep paralysis, insomnia and hallucinations of a terrifying entity she calls The Creature. But it isn't just in her head; it is real.
Unbeknown to Amber, her former friends have also been suffering from their own psychological nightmares, each trapped and twisted into people they no longer recognise. Then a piece of evidence is found from that day and Amber and her former friends are forced to relive the events leading up to Kieran's death, learning truths along the way that they would rather not know about themselves.
Can they work together to rid themselves of their demons and find out what really happened to Kieran all those years ago?
The Darkness Within Ourselves is the start of " The Darkness Series ", a page-turning psychological thriller series that is guaranteed to keep you awake at night. If you like fast-paced thrillers with dark twists and themes of mental health then you'll love this terrifying story of psychological disorders by author Jessica Huntley.
** Winner of the Editor's Choice Award in the BookShelf Fiction Awards 2023**
Amber and her four best friends are about to reach their teenage years when the unthinkable happens; one of her friends, Kieran, is killed in a freak accident.
Twenty years later, Amber no longer speaks to her friends and is still haunted by that day in the form of severe psychological issues, including sleep paralysis, insomnia and hallucinations of a terrifying entity she calls The Creature. But it isn't just in her head; it is real.
Unbeknown to Amber, her former friends have also been suffering from their own psychological nightmares, each trapped and twisted into people they no longer recognise. Then a piece of evidence is found from that day and Amber and her former friends are forced to relive the events leading up to Kieran's death, learning truths along the way that they would rather not know about themselves.
Can they work together to rid themselves of their demons and find out what really happened to Kieran all those years ago?
The Darkness Within Ourselves is the start of " The Darkness Series ", a page-turning psychological thriller series that is guaranteed to keep you awake at night. If you like fast-paced thrillers with dark twists and themes of mental health then you'll love this terrifying story of psychological disorders by author Jessica Huntley.
** Winner of the Editor's Choice Award in the BookShelf Fiction Awards 2023**
306 pages, Paperback
Published August 31, 2023
404 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Huntley
21 books392 followersJessica Huntley is an award-winning and best-selling psychological thriller author. She's an ex-British soldier and Personal Trainer and has been writing almost non-stop for the past four years.
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
She is now the author of sixteen books, including two trilogies, six standalone thrillers, two anthologies, a co-written horror project and a novella. She is both self-published and traditionally published with Inkubator Books and Joffe Books.
She writes books for thriller readers who like their stories dark and twisty with complex, yet memorable characters, who often suffer from relatable mental health disorders.
When she isn't writing, Jessica is either keeping fit, walking her dog or looking after her young son.
Sign up to her email list to receive news about her upcoming book releases, get a first look at covers and some thriller recommendations. Visit her website where you'll also be able to download a short story called "You Die ... I Die".
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October 8, 2023This will forever be my favourite book of mine because it was my debut novel and writing it in lock down through some hard times. I rediscovered my love of writing and it started me on my path to becoming an author.
I loved writing it and even though I've read it 1500 times I still am shocked that I actually wrote it 🤣🎉 It's dark and disturbing, but mental health is important to talk about, even if it's in fiction.
It was supposed to be a standalone! After I published it, so many readers contacted me and asked for a sequel. So...2 and a half years, the sequel was finally published and it's out now! Called The Darkness That Binds Us...and there's even a third book in the works coming in Feb 2024.
Who knew that my debut novel would get two little siblings 🤣🤣
Yes, there are things I'd change and my writing style back then makes me cringe today because that's how we get better, right? We learn. We grow. We develop.
The Darkness Within Ourselves is a dark book but I hope, once you've finished reading it, that you will come away with a deep connection to the characters. I think there might just be a little bit of each of them in all of us. X
I loved writing it and even though I've read it 1500 times I still am shocked that I actually wrote it 🤣🎉 It's dark and disturbing, but mental health is important to talk about, even if it's in fiction.
It was supposed to be a standalone! After I published it, so many readers contacted me and asked for a sequel. So...2 and a half years, the sequel was finally published and it's out now! Called The Darkness That Binds Us...and there's even a third book in the works coming in Feb 2024.
Who knew that my debut novel would get two little siblings 🤣🤣
Yes, there are things I'd change and my writing style back then makes me cringe today because that's how we get better, right? We learn. We grow. We develop.
The Darkness Within Ourselves is a dark book but I hope, once you've finished reading it, that you will come away with a deep connection to the characters. I think there might just be a little bit of each of them in all of us. X
April 14, 2023
Intense enjoyable thriller
Four young children witness their friend die due to a silly dare game they played. Things got out of hand the boy dies and they decide to hide the body and live with guilt for twenty years, each experiencing some black creature issue as a result of what they did.
Twenty years later they have to meet up...
A brilliant and well written book from start to finish I couldn't put it down.
A real must read
Kerry Kennedy Author
Four young children witness their friend die due to a silly dare game they played. Things got out of hand the boy dies and they decide to hide the body and live with guilt for twenty years, each experiencing some black creature issue as a result of what they did.
Twenty years later they have to meet up...
A brilliant and well written book from start to finish I couldn't put it down.
A real must read
Kerry Kennedy Author
June 19, 2021
I received a gifted advance reader copy of this book to read as part of the book tour hosted by Lovebookstours in exchange for an honest review.
The Darkness Within ourselves is a psychological thriller book about trauma, mental health and guilt.
In this story we meet Amber (the main protagonist) and her childhood best friends Jordan, Brooke, Jason and Kieran. Kieran dies when they are merely 14 years old and his death spins years of lies, guilt, fear, and mental trauma for his remaining friends.
Each of them suffers from different forms of mental health problems after his death - sleep paralysis, depression, insomnia, anger issues, agoraphobia to name a few.
When Kierans watch is found 20 years later, this discovery sets in motion the remaining four friends (now strangers to each other) getting in contact again and reviving the past that haunts them. Will they manage to conquer the darkness that lives inside each of them since this traumatic event occurred!
This book had me gripped and I finished it in 2 sittings. It reminded me so much at times of IT by Stephen King - friends reuniting having not had contact since childhood, facing fears, the creature and the badman.
I feel Jessica Huntley has just scratched the surface of her talents as a writer and cannot wait for her next novel!!
The Darkness Within ourselves is a psychological thriller book about trauma, mental health and guilt.
In this story we meet Amber (the main protagonist) and her childhood best friends Jordan, Brooke, Jason and Kieran. Kieran dies when they are merely 14 years old and his death spins years of lies, guilt, fear, and mental trauma for his remaining friends.
Each of them suffers from different forms of mental health problems after his death - sleep paralysis, depression, insomnia, anger issues, agoraphobia to name a few.
When Kierans watch is found 20 years later, this discovery sets in motion the remaining four friends (now strangers to each other) getting in contact again and reviving the past that haunts them. Will they manage to conquer the darkness that lives inside each of them since this traumatic event occurred!
This book had me gripped and I finished it in 2 sittings. It reminded me so much at times of IT by Stephen King - friends reuniting having not had contact since childhood, facing fears, the creature and the badman.
I feel Jessica Huntley has just scratched the surface of her talents as a writer and cannot wait for her next novel!!
November 16, 2025
This is the 2nd book I've read by Jessica Huntley and it was really good!! It didn't have the same impact on me or the same type of entertainment as her book Room 21 did. But nonetheless it was a five star read for me. The premise intrigued me and the story drew me so much as each part of it played out! The characters are definitely memorable and I enjoyed them very much. They all had so many unfortunate struggles which were all well portrayed. I guess, now that im thinking about all that happened in this story, that it actually WAS quite entertaining and impacting in its own way. Room 21 just has a stronger punch. I definitely recommend this book! The bonds between friends and how quickly life can take a huge turn kept me glued to this book! Definitely a good experience!
June 13, 2021
The Darkness Within Ourselves By Jessica Huntley is my go-to genre. The main protagonist is Amber, who suffers from severe nightmares and sleep paralyzes and finds herself haunted by a terrifying entity she calls "The Creature." This is usually a book I would save to add to my October stack. The chills I felt reading this book were creepy and good. You got The shadow, The creature.The bad man The fear within the characters. The plot was easy to follow. I literally read this one in the night with my book light. I wanted to feel all the chills and creepiness, and it delivered nail-biting good. It also touches on depression, sleep paralysis, agoraphobia, and irrational anger. Having that all ties in within the character to me that's what brought out the creativeness in the book. It was intriguing how Amber and her friend both suffered from their own psychological nightmares learning truths about themselves along the way. Are you prepared to handle your inner demons/ darkness within yourself? I would love to see this book into a movie one day. It would make an excellent movie to watch.
September 18, 2021
The Darkness Within Ourselves is the second book I have read by this author and it is just as exciting as the first one.
The story begins with five children, best friends, who are out for the day during their summer holidays. They are doing the usual childhood things, messing around, laughing and joking, and playing games.
Then a terrible thing happens and one of the children dies. Believing they will go to jail, the remaining four make a promise that they will never tell anyone what happened and they swear on a blood oath to keep the secret forever.
But this destroys their friendship and they go their separate ways.
Twenty years later and we see just how this has affected them. Each one is suffering their own psychological trauma. Not only from the death itself, but the guilt is eating them up and it manifests itself in different, but equally life-altering, ways.
When new evidence comes to light and the twenty-year old case is reopened, the four get together and it is only then that each one realises they have all been suffering. And they come to the conclusion that there is only one thing to do to save themselves and that is to own up to what they have done.
I loved this book. The author has done an amazing job of portraying exactly how the four adults experience the manifestation of their guilt into demons and it becomes a real thing that they cannot escape from. It takes over their lives almost to the point of destroying them. But only they know what is causing it and no amount of counselling can help them because that cannot tell anyone the reason behind it.
Highly recommended.
The story begins with five children, best friends, who are out for the day during their summer holidays. They are doing the usual childhood things, messing around, laughing and joking, and playing games.
Then a terrible thing happens and one of the children dies. Believing they will go to jail, the remaining four make a promise that they will never tell anyone what happened and they swear on a blood oath to keep the secret forever.
But this destroys their friendship and they go their separate ways.
Twenty years later and we see just how this has affected them. Each one is suffering their own psychological trauma. Not only from the death itself, but the guilt is eating them up and it manifests itself in different, but equally life-altering, ways.
When new evidence comes to light and the twenty-year old case is reopened, the four get together and it is only then that each one realises they have all been suffering. And they come to the conclusion that there is only one thing to do to save themselves and that is to own up to what they have done.
I loved this book. The author has done an amazing job of portraying exactly how the four adults experience the manifestation of their guilt into demons and it becomes a real thing that they cannot escape from. It takes over their lives almost to the point of destroying them. But only they know what is causing it and no amount of counselling can help them because that cannot tell anyone the reason behind it.
Highly recommended.
March 8, 2021
What a fantastic book.
Full of emotions. Had me gripped from the start!
I laughed and believe me, I cried.
Can't wait to read more from Jessica!
Full of emotions. Had me gripped from the start!
I laughed and believe me, I cried.
Can't wait to read more from Jessica!
August 28, 2021
What would you do, what would you risk to make the fear stop? What would you do to protect friends who became strangers?
This book hits a lot of dark places but on subjects that effect some of us in one form or another. The author did an amazing job at describing fear it's self in every form possible. The story follows 4 childhood friends who become strangers after a horrible tragedy at only twelve years old. That night they loose a friend to death and each other. Living the next twenty years in isolation and fear. Through out the story you are told a bit about the characters and what really happened that horrible night, as well as events that has happened over the last twenty years. The author did an amazing job at making you hate and then love certain characters in the book, which isn't an easy thing to do by any means. It's hard to think that everyday real people go through the very monstrous things the author brings to life in these pages. If your looking for a story thats a mystery until the last page, one that will make your heartache and give fear a whole new name and face, then this is a book for you. Can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us readers.
This book hits a lot of dark places but on subjects that effect some of us in one form or another. The author did an amazing job at describing fear it's self in every form possible. The story follows 4 childhood friends who become strangers after a horrible tragedy at only twelve years old. That night they loose a friend to death and each other. Living the next twenty years in isolation and fear. Through out the story you are told a bit about the characters and what really happened that horrible night, as well as events that has happened over the last twenty years. The author did an amazing job at making you hate and then love certain characters in the book, which isn't an easy thing to do by any means. It's hard to think that everyday real people go through the very monstrous things the author brings to life in these pages. If your looking for a story thats a mystery until the last page, one that will make your heartache and give fear a whole new name and face, then this is a book for you. Can't wait to see what else this author has in store for us readers.
May 18, 2021
Fantastic suspense thriller with an edge!
I was recommended this book and it did not disappoint; it is multi layered crossing so many genres with chiller aspects, suspense teasers, a feel of childhood summers and a hint of romance. It kept you on your toes and did not disappoint with the developing story and had moments that left you going "oh really..." ( in a good way!) The characters were likeable and had depth and you wanted Thebes for them but there was a sadness that I won't spoil. I liked the reference to mental health it drew on common feelings but didn't judge, or simplify. I really long and hope for a sequel there's still so much to explore
I was recommended this book and it did not disappoint; it is multi layered crossing so many genres with chiller aspects, suspense teasers, a feel of childhood summers and a hint of romance. It kept you on your toes and did not disappoint with the developing story and had moments that left you going "oh really..." ( in a good way!) The characters were likeable and had depth and you wanted Thebes for them but there was a sadness that I won't spoil. I liked the reference to mental health it drew on common feelings but didn't judge, or simplify. I really long and hope for a sequel there's still so much to explore
April 19, 2021
A real page Turner. A simple story that has you intrigued from the get go. Very easy to just read one more chapter. Would definitely recommend
June 16, 2021
Children: Friendships: Secrets: Nightmares: oh I do love a prologue. What an eerie start that gets you thinking. Suddenly thinking should I be starting this before bed.
‘Cherry Hollow was a place that if you left to live elsewhere then you never returned and if an outsider moved here, then they never left’ also note to self never go to cherry hollow in the Lake District.
I love that the author Jessica Huntley is Amber. The introduction to the characters is awesome. I adore that during a read. The chapters are short and the layout on a kindle is fab making it a really easy read.
Your instantly introduced with suspense that builds up your heart rate. All starting with a simple game of I spy with a twist. Then twenty years later you understand the horror that appears, the secrets she keeps from everyone including her husband. Look out for this read it’s likely to give you nightmares if you scare easily.
The chapters aren’t that short but the read is easy to keep up to speed with throughout. I absolutely love how it goes back and forth between the past and the present with each chapter starting from a different characters perspective.
There’s horror, suspense, pain, excitement.. this most definitely needs to be made into a film. I absolutely loved every moment of this book.
‘Cherry Hollow was a place that if you left to live elsewhere then you never returned and if an outsider moved here, then they never left’ also note to self never go to cherry hollow in the Lake District.
I love that the author Jessica Huntley is Amber. The introduction to the characters is awesome. I adore that during a read. The chapters are short and the layout on a kindle is fab making it a really easy read.
Your instantly introduced with suspense that builds up your heart rate. All starting with a simple game of I spy with a twist. Then twenty years later you understand the horror that appears, the secrets she keeps from everyone including her husband. Look out for this read it’s likely to give you nightmares if you scare easily.
The chapters aren’t that short but the read is easy to keep up to speed with throughout. I absolutely love how it goes back and forth between the past and the present with each chapter starting from a different characters perspective.
There’s horror, suspense, pain, excitement.. this most definitely needs to be made into a film. I absolutely loved every moment of this book.
June 16, 2021
A suspenseful and chilling read…!
I really enjoyed this debut from Jessica. An evocative and enthralling thriller, it explores the enormous psychological effects of guilt and how damaging it can be. It is also a story of friendship.
The first part of the book takes us back through each characters’ recollection of the tragedy, and how the guilt of what happened has consumed them. The remainder of the book follows how these characters attempt to put things right and confess this guilt, in order to rid themselves of this emotional burden.
The characters are all likeable, with Tyler and Jordan finding a special place in my heart. The sadness and devastation both have experienced is heartbreaking, and there were definitely parts of this book that had me feeling incredibly moved.
Mental illness can have such devastating effects on people’s lives and Jessica explored this with sensitivity and kindness.
Nicely paced, with plenty of intrigue and chilling suspense, along with “feel good vibes” of the characters’ friendships as children, and the sadness of this innocence lost. The ending wraps things up satisfyingly, with a slight cliffhanger (hopefully nodding towards a sequel…!)
Recommended to all who love a thriller with a sprinkle of Stephen King IT vibes.
Thank you to LoveBooksTours and Jessica for the gifted kindle copy. My review is voluntary and thoughts are all my own.
I really enjoyed this debut from Jessica. An evocative and enthralling thriller, it explores the enormous psychological effects of guilt and how damaging it can be. It is also a story of friendship.
The first part of the book takes us back through each characters’ recollection of the tragedy, and how the guilt of what happened has consumed them. The remainder of the book follows how these characters attempt to put things right and confess this guilt, in order to rid themselves of this emotional burden.
The characters are all likeable, with Tyler and Jordan finding a special place in my heart. The sadness and devastation both have experienced is heartbreaking, and there were definitely parts of this book that had me feeling incredibly moved.
Mental illness can have such devastating effects on people’s lives and Jessica explored this with sensitivity and kindness.
Nicely paced, with plenty of intrigue and chilling suspense, along with “feel good vibes” of the characters’ friendships as children, and the sadness of this innocence lost. The ending wraps things up satisfyingly, with a slight cliffhanger (hopefully nodding towards a sequel…!)
Recommended to all who love a thriller with a sprinkle of Stephen King IT vibes.
Thank you to LoveBooksTours and Jessica for the gifted kindle copy. My review is voluntary and thoughts are all my own.
July 5, 2025
Wow—this one hooked me right from the beginning! I’m not sure “enjoyable” is the right word, but it was definitely compelling. The twists kept things interesting without ever making the storyline hard to follow. This was my first read from this author, and it absolutely won’t be my last—I’ll definitely be diving into more of The Darkness Series. That said, please make sure to check the trigger warnings. This book does not shy away from those listed in the description.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2021
Review
Another book that has left me broken. It is completely brilliant and I only hope I can do this book some justice with this review.
Five friends become four when a tragedy strikes in which each of them feel they have played a part. They are left with a guilt that literally consumes them and this is written in the most sensitive and beautiful way.
We read each of the characters versions of events and their backstories. Each of them carry a burden that takes on a different form; The Creature, The Fear, The Bad Man, The Shadow and we get a glimpse into just how much this has an impact in their day to day lives.
I was obsessed with this book from start to finish and I cant wait to read more of Jessica's work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another book that has left me broken. It is completely brilliant and I only hope I can do this book some justice with this review.
Five friends become four when a tragedy strikes in which each of them feel they have played a part. They are left with a guilt that literally consumes them and this is written in the most sensitive and beautiful way.
We read each of the characters versions of events and their backstories. Each of them carry a burden that takes on a different form; The Creature, The Fear, The Bad Man, The Shadow and we get a glimpse into just how much this has an impact in their day to day lives.
I was obsessed with this book from start to finish and I cant wait to read more of Jessica's work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 14, 2021
5 Stars from me! I loved this!!!
What a fantastic debut book from Jessica Huntley, this was such a sad story though and really pulls at your emotions, I love it when a book really draws me in and I found that this one certainly did that!
You really feel for all the characters, I think because of the darkness that they all have in their lives and such sadness too, it made my heart ache for them all!! When a story gets me like this I know it will stay with me for a while!
Well done Jessica, I'm really looking forward to reading more of your books!!
What a fantastic debut book from Jessica Huntley, this was such a sad story though and really pulls at your emotions, I love it when a book really draws me in and I found that this one certainly did that!
You really feel for all the characters, I think because of the darkness that they all have in their lives and such sadness too, it made my heart ache for them all!! When a story gets me like this I know it will stay with me for a while!
Well done Jessica, I'm really looking forward to reading more of your books!!
March 28, 2024
HOLY SHIT
September 1, 2022
This is an extremely easy book to rate -
5 stars
, no doubt about it!
The Darkness Within Ourselves was incredible! I was gripped from the very first page! Even when I had to take breaks from reading (if those breaks weren't necessary, this is a book I could have easily read in one sitting), I found myself thinking about this book and trying to predict what would happen. The story itself was so expertly told. I always appreciate a story that greatly affects my emotions, and this one definitely did. I cried... several times. I just felt so much sympathy for the characters. And that's something else that I love in books, when the characters are thought out so thoroughly that they seem like real people when you read from their pov's. It is clear to me that a lot of thought has gone into not just the plot of the story but the development of the characters too. Each person had distinctive personalities and characteristics. I was really invested in their lives and the outcome of their story.
Something that I didn't expect when I started this story was the creepy side to it. I knew it was a thriller, and it primarily stayed in that genre, but there were some horror elements throughout that were very scary. In my opinion, the way these horror elements were included into the story was very clever. I won't say why I think this to prevent giving any spoilers.
Overall, this was a fantastic debut that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait to read more by Jessica Huntley!
The Darkness Within Ourselves was incredible! I was gripped from the very first page! Even when I had to take breaks from reading (if those breaks weren't necessary, this is a book I could have easily read in one sitting), I found myself thinking about this book and trying to predict what would happen. The story itself was so expertly told. I always appreciate a story that greatly affects my emotions, and this one definitely did. I cried... several times. I just felt so much sympathy for the characters. And that's something else that I love in books, when the characters are thought out so thoroughly that they seem like real people when you read from their pov's. It is clear to me that a lot of thought has gone into not just the plot of the story but the development of the characters too. Each person had distinctive personalities and characteristics. I was really invested in their lives and the outcome of their story.
Something that I didn't expect when I started this story was the creepy side to it. I knew it was a thriller, and it primarily stayed in that genre, but there were some horror elements throughout that were very scary. In my opinion, the way these horror elements were included into the story was very clever. I won't say why I think this to prevent giving any spoilers.
Overall, this was a fantastic debut that kept me hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait to read more by Jessica Huntley!
June 16, 2021
Amber is a carefree teen spending her summer days with her four best friends thinking she has all the time in the world. Suddenly one day the unthinkable happens and one of her friends, Kieran, is killed in a freak accident. 20 years later, she has lost contact with the people who meant the most to her and she is trying to live everyday life whilst hiding from The Creature; a terrifying entity in the form of severe psychological issues, including sleep paralysis, insomnia and hallucinations. When a piece of evidence shows up from that fateful day, can the friends reunite and relive their past to find out what really happened that day?
I really enjoyed this and found that I was so engrossed in the story that I had finished it before I knew it. Some great mystery writing but also Jessica handles writing about grief and depression in very interesting ways with such awareness and decency. I was really impressed with how she handled the guilt and depression that each of the characters dealt with in their own ways and with their own chapters explaining how it feeds off them, I just couldn’t put it down!
With really well written characters and a story that makes you want to find out more, a great mystery with some surprising plot twists, plenty of touching and simultaneously hard moments but also a wonderful story of friendship and what that means in the face of tragedy.
Overall, a great story and one I hope will continue; I feel like there is more to Amber’s story.
TW: suicide, child abuse, death of a child, early labour, death of a baby, adultery, alcoholism, and mental health.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for a chance to read in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this and found that I was so engrossed in the story that I had finished it before I knew it. Some great mystery writing but also Jessica handles writing about grief and depression in very interesting ways with such awareness and decency. I was really impressed with how she handled the guilt and depression that each of the characters dealt with in their own ways and with their own chapters explaining how it feeds off them, I just couldn’t put it down!
With really well written characters and a story that makes you want to find out more, a great mystery with some surprising plot twists, plenty of touching and simultaneously hard moments but also a wonderful story of friendship and what that means in the face of tragedy.
Overall, a great story and one I hope will continue; I feel like there is more to Amber’s story.
TW: suicide, child abuse, death of a child, early labour, death of a baby, adultery, alcoholism, and mental health.
Thank you to Love Books Tours for a chance to read in exchange for an honest review.
June 10, 2021
Amber and her group of friends are hanging out as normal when a game gets out of hand and one of them dies in a tragic accident. They make an oath never to speak of it again but as a consequence they all drift apart….
Fast forward 20 years and Kieran’s watch is found by some local children. Amber, Tyler, Jordan and Brooke have been suffering with the darkness within in them for the past 2 decades and now must face up to it, reunite, learn some truths and try to stop the thing that’s been haunting them all for years. But what will happen when the truth is revealed? (You’ll have to read to find out!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and it really reminded me of a horror/thriller that you would watch as a film. Something happens in the past, friends have to reunite to fight the demons, truth comes out and things happen…..I loved it! The book starts with the incident and introduces us to the characters, and then moves on to the present, where we meet the characters again and how they’ve suffered over the years. As the books goes on we learn more and more secrets, until a big twist is revealed. Even the ending had me slack jawed and wanting more!!
I loved the characters. Despite the things that have happened, and their flaws, there are reasons for why they’re the way they are. I liked each of them in their own way, with each bringing out different emotions in me.
The plot was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the way it unravelled and just wanted more. The writing style was easy and enjoyable to read, and despite there being four main characters, they were easy to keep up with. Some parts of this are proper creepy – I read it a few times before I went to bed and worried I’d have nightmares! But I love horrors and thrillers, and really really enjoyed this.
So if you’re looking for a gripping, dark, horror/crime/thriller that will leave you wanting more, give you creepy moments and provide you with some brilliant twists, then check this out! Highly recommend by me. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
Fast forward 20 years and Kieran’s watch is found by some local children. Amber, Tyler, Jordan and Brooke have been suffering with the darkness within in them for the past 2 decades and now must face up to it, reunite, learn some truths and try to stop the thing that’s been haunting them all for years. But what will happen when the truth is revealed? (You’ll have to read to find out!)
I thoroughly enjoyed this, and it really reminded me of a horror/thriller that you would watch as a film. Something happens in the past, friends have to reunite to fight the demons, truth comes out and things happen…..I loved it! The book starts with the incident and introduces us to the characters, and then moves on to the present, where we meet the characters again and how they’ve suffered over the years. As the books goes on we learn more and more secrets, until a big twist is revealed. Even the ending had me slack jawed and wanting more!!
I loved the characters. Despite the things that have happened, and their flaws, there are reasons for why they’re the way they are. I liked each of them in their own way, with each bringing out different emotions in me.
The plot was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed the way it unravelled and just wanted more. The writing style was easy and enjoyable to read, and despite there being four main characters, they were easy to keep up with. Some parts of this are proper creepy – I read it a few times before I went to bed and worried I’d have nightmares! But I love horrors and thrillers, and really really enjoyed this.
So if you’re looking for a gripping, dark, horror/crime/thriller that will leave you wanting more, give you creepy moments and provide you with some brilliant twists, then check this out! Highly recommend by me. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.
June 20, 2021
What a book!
The cover alone grabbed me, it’s eerie and stunning and just perfect for this story….. a story that is both gripping and sad.
I love all 4 of our main characters, I felt something for each but felt more for Brooke. Although they all have their issues, The Bad Man, The Shadow, The Creature and The Fear, I felt that Brooke’s issue (The Fear) had more of an impact on her life, never leaving the house, never meeting people, never moving forward from THAT day.
The plot is gripping and fast paced, I enjoyed the flash backs, getting a feel for each characters background, what happened to them before, during and after THAT day…. truly amazing.
Hats off to Jessica, an amazing read that I highly recommend!
The cover alone grabbed me, it’s eerie and stunning and just perfect for this story….. a story that is both gripping and sad.
I love all 4 of our main characters, I felt something for each but felt more for Brooke. Although they all have their issues, The Bad Man, The Shadow, The Creature and The Fear, I felt that Brooke’s issue (The Fear) had more of an impact on her life, never leaving the house, never meeting people, never moving forward from THAT day.
The plot is gripping and fast paced, I enjoyed the flash backs, getting a feel for each characters background, what happened to them before, during and after THAT day…. truly amazing.
Hats off to Jessica, an amazing read that I highly recommend!
June 11, 2021
The Darkness Within Ourselves follows a group of young teenagers who are the best of friends and have their whole lives ahead of them. Until one day they are playing a game of dares that goes horribly wrong and one of the boys ends up dead. Terrified of facing up to what has happened the group decides to bury their friend and cover up what really happened. After an investigation that uncovered zero clues the town ends up believing that the boy has run away. But that wasn't the end of it all. The remaining friends all drift apart over the next few years and each one ends up experiencing horrendous psychological problems and have some sort of ominous presence in their lives affecting them. 20 years later then find themselves having to face up to what has happened and the problems they have been having.
I really liked how the book started out 'normal' and quite light hearted until all of a sudden it turned dark and chilly. When the story turned to how each of the group had suffered post-accident I was surprised to find that each person had suffered in a different way. It would have been so easy for the author to write that each person had the same psychological issues but she went out of her way to make each one unique. I loved how that showed that we all react differently to things in life. The book is very much a multi-genre book with plenty of spooky horror type vibes but with a thriller base. The ending tied up most of the story in a neat bow and was satisfyingly done, all except...... what happened to Amber's daughter??????
I really liked how the book started out 'normal' and quite light hearted until all of a sudden it turned dark and chilly. When the story turned to how each of the group had suffered post-accident I was surprised to find that each person had suffered in a different way. It would have been so easy for the author to write that each person had the same psychological issues but she went out of her way to make each one unique. I loved how that showed that we all react differently to things in life. The book is very much a multi-genre book with plenty of spooky horror type vibes but with a thriller base. The ending tied up most of the story in a neat bow and was satisfyingly done, all except...... what happened to Amber's daughter??????
August 1, 2021
Pinky swears, cross-your-hearts, and the almighty blood oaths... these are our ultimate promises as kids. But what happens when you grow up and those oaths follow you into adulthood, manifesting into demons that keep you in the guilt of your past?
The Darkness Within Ourselves explores the idea of what happens when four friends keep a dark secret for so long that their adult lives are routed onto a path they never imagined being on.
Even though this feels like Amber's story, she shares the spotlight with the point of view of her surviving friends... or whatever they might be as adults. Friends isn't quite the word when you allow yourselves to drift apart with the only connection being a disturbing past.
I felt like this was the perfect combination of childhood innocence and delightfully disturbing to create a driving plotline from cover to cover.
The Darkness Within Ourselves explores the idea of what happens when four friends keep a dark secret for so long that their adult lives are routed onto a path they never imagined being on.
Even though this feels like Amber's story, she shares the spotlight with the point of view of her surviving friends... or whatever they might be as adults. Friends isn't quite the word when you allow yourselves to drift apart with the only connection being a disturbing past.
I felt like this was the perfect combination of childhood innocence and delightfully disturbing to create a driving plotline from cover to cover.
June 12, 2021
I absolutely raced through this book at the weekend and could not wait to share my thoughts.
The prologue alone drew me in and was absolutely tantalising. Once I had read that, I could not wait to get started.
This is a horrifying book in so many ways. The story is so well told with such attention to detail, you can’t help but to put yourself in the position of each of the main characters and wonder how you would cope with the life they have lead and the situations they are facing.
It’s impossible to second guess what will happen. As the story unfolds, the reader is pulled deeper and deeper in and some of the scenes will leave you reeling.
If you like thrillers and horror stories, then this is the book for you.
Would make an excellent film. A perfect buddy movie, with a bunch of twists.
Honestly I would urge you to grab this book. Massively recommended. This is my first experience of Jessica Huntley’s work, but she is going straight onto my favourites. I have already pre-ordered her next book and i can't wait for it to be released!
The prologue alone drew me in and was absolutely tantalising. Once I had read that, I could not wait to get started.
This is a horrifying book in so many ways. The story is so well told with such attention to detail, you can’t help but to put yourself in the position of each of the main characters and wonder how you would cope with the life they have lead and the situations they are facing.
It’s impossible to second guess what will happen. As the story unfolds, the reader is pulled deeper and deeper in and some of the scenes will leave you reeling.
If you like thrillers and horror stories, then this is the book for you.
Would make an excellent film. A perfect buddy movie, with a bunch of twists.
Honestly I would urge you to grab this book. Massively recommended. This is my first experience of Jessica Huntley’s work, but she is going straight onto my favourites. I have already pre-ordered her next book and i can't wait for it to be released!
September 7, 2021
Really enjoyed this, a good easy read that keeps you hooked. Looking forward to the next one.
June 1, 2021
This book had me hooked from the prologue and kept me interested from the first chapter and onwards.
I loved the characters and the descriptions of them really painted a vivid picture in my mind.
The excellent use of foreshadowing built the suspense and kept me turning the page.
The third person perspective allows readers to peer into the minds of many characters which really enhances the reading experience.
It’s hard to choose a favourite but I really liked Amber. I was definitely invested in her character, and I really really felt for her with the insomnia and the nightmares. This was so well described.
And then there’s the darkness within the characters....
The shadow
The creature
The bad man
The fear
In all forms it was terrifying and this is a gripping book that’s almost impossible to put down.
The ending came too soon and I want more!
I loved the characters and the descriptions of them really painted a vivid picture in my mind.
The excellent use of foreshadowing built the suspense and kept me turning the page.
The third person perspective allows readers to peer into the minds of many characters which really enhances the reading experience.
It’s hard to choose a favourite but I really liked Amber. I was definitely invested in her character, and I really really felt for her with the insomnia and the nightmares. This was so well described.
And then there’s the darkness within the characters....
The shadow
The creature
The bad man
The fear
In all forms it was terrifying and this is a gripping book that’s almost impossible to put down.
The ending came too soon and I want more!
March 24, 2021
'The Darkness Within Ourselves' is the story of four childhood friends changed forever when one of their friends tragically dies and an exploration of how the guilt and fallout from that incident came to change and, in many cases, destroy their friendships and their lives.
Our main protagonist is Amber, who suffers from severe nightmares and sleep paralyses and finds herself haunted by a terrifying entity she calls “The Creature”. Though her daily life is kept busy and relatively happy thanks to her young daughter, she carries a tremendous amount of guilt and has partially suppressed many of her memories of that fateful day. Her best friend, Brooke, has been effectively house-bound for nearly twenty years and is so crippled by agoraphobia that she can’t even bare to see the outside world, much less venture out into it. Tyler, once the strong, commanding leader type, has descended into a spiral of self-destruction and depression, while Jordan, Amber’s childhood sweetheart, lashes out in bouts of extreme rage and anger. Ever since the death of their friend, each has grown apart and seen their hopes and dreams ruined after vowing to never real the truth about what happened, which has driven a wedge between them and left them traumatised shells of their former selves.
Each is forced to relive the events of that day, and their part in it, in their own way when evidence of their friend’s death is finally unearthed and, by coming together, forced to confront their worst fears that are brought to a very tangible life through the author’s words. The extreme emotions of guilt, fear, depression, and anger are rendered in a near-physical form, causing each to suffer physically and mentally in their own way, and the way the author brings these elements to the forefront with an almost supernatural quality is commendable.
Additionally, much of the book’s emphasis is how people change from naïve and carefree children to more weathered, cynical adults; even when they have things to focus on, such as a child or a job, their lives are tinged by the shadow of not only that day but just the malaise and monotony of adult life. As a kid, you think you’re indestructible, like the world is never going to end, and the idea of being a grown-up is laughable and then, the next thing you know, you’re kind of stuck in a rut or you’re responsible for a child and have boring things to think about like bills and work. Huntley captures a lot of this very well, with a lot of these issues directly juxtaposed to the guilt and trauma each character feels from that day.
To be fair, 'The Darkness Within Ourselves' isn’t really the sort of book I would read but the author’s descriptions of depression, sleep paralysis, agoraphobia, and irrational anger make this an intriguing tale; clearly, this is a story that is very dear to the author’s heart and there are a lot of interesting, distinctive characters at work in the book and some subtle undertones carried through as well (a hint of mystery is prevalent, of course, but there’s also hints towards characters not being truly honest with each other and the true nature of people that is often hidden behind out everyday veil).
It’s not especially long so it’s easy to breeze through on an afternoon but, for such a brisk tale, it never really wastes its time and makes good use of its structure to delve into the present and the past from each character’s perspective. The infusion of almost supernatural and horror elements really helps to make the tale, and the torment of its characters, all the more tangible and ominous and it’s clear (to me, at least) that the author has clearly done her research into these phenomena or even experienced of them herself, at some point, making 'The Darkness Within Ourselves' a cathartic tale of loss and acceptance but also a vivid deconstruction of just how awful such conditions can be.
Our main protagonist is Amber, who suffers from severe nightmares and sleep paralyses and finds herself haunted by a terrifying entity she calls “The Creature”. Though her daily life is kept busy and relatively happy thanks to her young daughter, she carries a tremendous amount of guilt and has partially suppressed many of her memories of that fateful day. Her best friend, Brooke, has been effectively house-bound for nearly twenty years and is so crippled by agoraphobia that she can’t even bare to see the outside world, much less venture out into it. Tyler, once the strong, commanding leader type, has descended into a spiral of self-destruction and depression, while Jordan, Amber’s childhood sweetheart, lashes out in bouts of extreme rage and anger. Ever since the death of their friend, each has grown apart and seen their hopes and dreams ruined after vowing to never real the truth about what happened, which has driven a wedge between them and left them traumatised shells of their former selves.
Each is forced to relive the events of that day, and their part in it, in their own way when evidence of their friend’s death is finally unearthed and, by coming together, forced to confront their worst fears that are brought to a very tangible life through the author’s words. The extreme emotions of guilt, fear, depression, and anger are rendered in a near-physical form, causing each to suffer physically and mentally in their own way, and the way the author brings these elements to the forefront with an almost supernatural quality is commendable.
Additionally, much of the book’s emphasis is how people change from naïve and carefree children to more weathered, cynical adults; even when they have things to focus on, such as a child or a job, their lives are tinged by the shadow of not only that day but just the malaise and monotony of adult life. As a kid, you think you’re indestructible, like the world is never going to end, and the idea of being a grown-up is laughable and then, the next thing you know, you’re kind of stuck in a rut or you’re responsible for a child and have boring things to think about like bills and work. Huntley captures a lot of this very well, with a lot of these issues directly juxtaposed to the guilt and trauma each character feels from that day.
To be fair, 'The Darkness Within Ourselves' isn’t really the sort of book I would read but the author’s descriptions of depression, sleep paralysis, agoraphobia, and irrational anger make this an intriguing tale; clearly, this is a story that is very dear to the author’s heart and there are a lot of interesting, distinctive characters at work in the book and some subtle undertones carried through as well (a hint of mystery is prevalent, of course, but there’s also hints towards characters not being truly honest with each other and the true nature of people that is often hidden behind out everyday veil).
It’s not especially long so it’s easy to breeze through on an afternoon but, for such a brisk tale, it never really wastes its time and makes good use of its structure to delve into the present and the past from each character’s perspective. The infusion of almost supernatural and horror elements really helps to make the tale, and the torment of its characters, all the more tangible and ominous and it’s clear (to me, at least) that the author has clearly done her research into these phenomena or even experienced of them herself, at some point, making 'The Darkness Within Ourselves' a cathartic tale of loss and acceptance but also a vivid deconstruction of just how awful such conditions can be.
December 8, 2023
A gripping psychological thriller that examines the legacy of childhood friendship and the burden of guilt.
For two decades, Amber has been haunted by the Creature in her dreams and waking moments, living in a state of constant anxiety.
When one of her old school friends pays her a visit, Amber realises she is not alone - all her old friends have been suffering since the fateful day their relationship was severed.
They have all been hiding a dark secret, one that has continued to haunt them and is now resurfacing. Perhaps their only chance at peace is for the past to be finally dug up for all to see.
'The Darkness Within Ourselves' is the debut novel by Jessica Huntley and the first in 'The Darkness Trilogy'. Part psychological thriller, part supernatural horror, set in the rural town of Cherry Hollow, the narrative follows four friends between the present day and their memories of a tragedy that happened on the cusp of their teenage years. An intense, emotional and fast-paced thriller, it's both riveting entertainment and a thought-provoking exploration of its core themes of mental health and friendship, packed with creepy moments, suspense, and even a sprinkling of romance.
The Darkness itself may be its own entity, or several entities, portrayed as a personification of the mental health issues suffered by the characters; each of them has their own name for it. Guilt, grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD - all these manifest as a dark and terrifying presence in their lives and we witness how trauma has consumed and imprisoned each of them. Viewed through the lens of supernatural horror, the subject of mental illness is handled with delicacy, this vital theme approached in a way that can be accessible for those who perhaps struggle to understand the experiences or alternatively may be triggered by a more direct, clinical approach.
There are vibes of certain Stephen King stories - such at 'IT' and 'Stand By Me' ('The Body') - brought into a UK setting, centred around the history of the relationship between these four characters, haunted by the circumstances that shattered it. It’s a tale about friendship, evoking a feeling of nostalgia for the simpler time of childhood, which also perfectly juxtaposes with the horror and thriller elements. While it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, the story ends with the suggestion we may have not yet scratched the surface of the mystery surrounding the Darkness, omnipresent in the shadows of the mind.
The story continues in the sequel, 'The Darkness That Binds Us', to be soon followed by the last in the series, 'The Darkness That Came Before'. I'm eagerly anticipating diving into both and making a return to Cherry Hollow.
For two decades, Amber has been haunted by the Creature in her dreams and waking moments, living in a state of constant anxiety.
When one of her old school friends pays her a visit, Amber realises she is not alone - all her old friends have been suffering since the fateful day their relationship was severed.
They have all been hiding a dark secret, one that has continued to haunt them and is now resurfacing. Perhaps their only chance at peace is for the past to be finally dug up for all to see.
'The Darkness Within Ourselves' is the debut novel by Jessica Huntley and the first in 'The Darkness Trilogy'. Part psychological thriller, part supernatural horror, set in the rural town of Cherry Hollow, the narrative follows four friends between the present day and their memories of a tragedy that happened on the cusp of their teenage years. An intense, emotional and fast-paced thriller, it's both riveting entertainment and a thought-provoking exploration of its core themes of mental health and friendship, packed with creepy moments, suspense, and even a sprinkling of romance.
The Darkness itself may be its own entity, or several entities, portrayed as a personification of the mental health issues suffered by the characters; each of them has their own name for it. Guilt, grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD - all these manifest as a dark and terrifying presence in their lives and we witness how trauma has consumed and imprisoned each of them. Viewed through the lens of supernatural horror, the subject of mental illness is handled with delicacy, this vital theme approached in a way that can be accessible for those who perhaps struggle to understand the experiences or alternatively may be triggered by a more direct, clinical approach.
There are vibes of certain Stephen King stories - such at 'IT' and 'Stand By Me' ('The Body') - brought into a UK setting, centred around the history of the relationship between these four characters, haunted by the circumstances that shattered it. It’s a tale about friendship, evoking a feeling of nostalgia for the simpler time of childhood, which also perfectly juxtaposes with the horror and thriller elements. While it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone, the story ends with the suggestion we may have not yet scratched the surface of the mystery surrounding the Darkness, omnipresent in the shadows of the mind.
The story continues in the sequel, 'The Darkness That Binds Us', to be soon followed by the last in the series, 'The Darkness That Came Before'. I'm eagerly anticipating diving into both and making a return to Cherry Hollow.
April 21, 2021
Books about groups of childhood friends who grow apart and then reunite as adults are some of my favorites, and when I read the synopsis for The Darkness Within Ourselves, I knew I needed to give it a read.
The Darkness Within Ourselves is a psychological thriller and a brilliant debut novel from Jessica Huntley. It is the story of a group of childhood friends who are virtually inseparable, until one day a tragedy occurs which tares the group apart. Due to the nature of the events the group grows further apart into adulthood where they become strangers to one another.
The story is told through both present-day events and flashbacks and I thought the flow was brilliant. Flashbacks were included in all the right places to explain certain events which had occurred in each character’s childhood. The book overall had quite ominous tones and there are moments where I felt pure dread, particularly during sections about Amber’s interactions with “The Creature”. I did not feel there was a single character in this book that I was not attached to, the author did an amazing job at making her characters relatable, flawed, humans.
The friendships in this story are beautifully crafted and were a delightful inclusion to an otherwise dark story. The darkness within the characters is personified as an entity which stalks, forces behaviours and even hurts some of the individuals. I loved the inclusion of these supernatural entities which added elements of horror to the book. The way that Jessica Huntley wrote each character’s experience of grief and guilt in a vastly different way was brilliant and highlighted how people deal with these emotions and change because of them.
The prose was descriptive and easy to follow, however I did feel at times that the reader was told and shown how a character felt, for example sometimes the characters are described as responding a certain way to a situation, and then their feelings are included where it was clear from their behaviour what their feelings would be.
This book was a slow burn for me, the pacing did pick up towards the end but it is the kind of book which savours the build-up and I really appreciated this as often thrillers are just fast paced all the way through. I liked being taken along with the characters as they experienced their emotions in adulthood and once again came together to find resolve.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, it was a great psychological thriller with a few drops of horror added in just the right places. I loved the well-developed, relatable characters, their relationships & the brilliant explorations of how childhood trauma, grief and guilt can shape an individual. I am super excited to see what novels Jessica Huntly releases in the future as this was an absolutely stunning debut. I think anyone who is interested in the elements I have mentioned above will love this book.
A huge thank you to the author, Jessica Huntley for sending me an ARC copy of the Darkness Within Ourselves in exchange for an honest review.
The Darkness Within Ourselves is a psychological thriller and a brilliant debut novel from Jessica Huntley. It is the story of a group of childhood friends who are virtually inseparable, until one day a tragedy occurs which tares the group apart. Due to the nature of the events the group grows further apart into adulthood where they become strangers to one another.
The story is told through both present-day events and flashbacks and I thought the flow was brilliant. Flashbacks were included in all the right places to explain certain events which had occurred in each character’s childhood. The book overall had quite ominous tones and there are moments where I felt pure dread, particularly during sections about Amber’s interactions with “The Creature”. I did not feel there was a single character in this book that I was not attached to, the author did an amazing job at making her characters relatable, flawed, humans.
The friendships in this story are beautifully crafted and were a delightful inclusion to an otherwise dark story. The darkness within the characters is personified as an entity which stalks, forces behaviours and even hurts some of the individuals. I loved the inclusion of these supernatural entities which added elements of horror to the book. The way that Jessica Huntley wrote each character’s experience of grief and guilt in a vastly different way was brilliant and highlighted how people deal with these emotions and change because of them.
The prose was descriptive and easy to follow, however I did feel at times that the reader was told and shown how a character felt, for example sometimes the characters are described as responding a certain way to a situation, and then their feelings are included where it was clear from their behaviour what their feelings would be.
This book was a slow burn for me, the pacing did pick up towards the end but it is the kind of book which savours the build-up and I really appreciated this as often thrillers are just fast paced all the way through. I liked being taken along with the characters as they experienced their emotions in adulthood and once again came together to find resolve.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story, it was a great psychological thriller with a few drops of horror added in just the right places. I loved the well-developed, relatable characters, their relationships & the brilliant explorations of how childhood trauma, grief and guilt can shape an individual. I am super excited to see what novels Jessica Huntly releases in the future as this was an absolutely stunning debut. I think anyone who is interested in the elements I have mentioned above will love this book.
A huge thank you to the author, Jessica Huntley for sending me an ARC copy of the Darkness Within Ourselves in exchange for an honest review.
December 5, 2022
Omg! What a fantastic read! So cleverly written. The way each character was portrayed was brilliant and the twist at the end I did not see coming. I was gripped within the first few pages. What a brilliant first book by Jessica Huntley. Can't believe it's taken me so long to get around to reading her book, and I can't wait to read her others.
May 12, 2021
Amber and her best friends are on the brink of becoming teenagers. However after one fateful day one of those friends does not live to see tomorrow. It was an accident but it splinters the group and none talk of it again. Twenty years later and the guilt still looms.
I love the cover of this book as it sets the tone for the content to come. However before I got to the crux of the matter I did have to get through the unnecessary prologue and overly simplistic premise set up in the first few chapters. Because of this I was not sure if I was going to be invested in the story but then the characters were much more intriguing and fleshed out as adults. Brooke and Jordan in particular were fascinating as they were so dramatically different from the children they once were. The way each person's guilt has resulted in terrifying manifestations individual to them is an inspired idea which works well. It also helps to highlight genuine conditions such as sleep paralysis and agrophobia. For a relatively short read it was impressive how much back story and character development the author managed to fit into the story. The ending was satisfyingly paced albeit at times too far fetched for my liking. Jessica Huntley definitely shows potential and I am looking forward to what she comes up with next.
I love the cover of this book as it sets the tone for the content to come. However before I got to the crux of the matter I did have to get through the unnecessary prologue and overly simplistic premise set up in the first few chapters. Because of this I was not sure if I was going to be invested in the story but then the characters were much more intriguing and fleshed out as adults. Brooke and Jordan in particular were fascinating as they were so dramatically different from the children they once were. The way each person's guilt has resulted in terrifying manifestations individual to them is an inspired idea which works well. It also helps to highlight genuine conditions such as sleep paralysis and agrophobia. For a relatively short read it was impressive how much back story and character development the author managed to fit into the story. The ending was satisfyingly paced albeit at times too far fetched for my liking. Jessica Huntley definitely shows potential and I am looking forward to what she comes up with next.
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