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All Things Seen and Unseen
An incisive reflection on identity and wealth, and a refreshing racial queer story of survival
All Things Seen and Unseen follows Alex Nguyen, an isolated, chronically ill university student in her early 20s. After a suicide attempt and subsequent lengthy hospitalization, she finds herself without a job, kicked out of campus housing, unable to afford school, and still struggling in the aftermath of a relationship’s dissolution. Hope comes in the form of a rich high school friend who offers Alex a job housesitting at her family’s empty summer mansion on a gulf island.
Surrounded by dense forest and ocean, in the increasingly oppressive heat of a 2010s summer, Alex must try to survive as an outsider in a remote, insular community; to navigate the awkward, unexpected beginnings of a possible new romance; and to live through the trauma she has repressed to survive, even as the memories — and a series of increasingly unnerving events — threaten to pull her back under the surface.
All Things Seen and Unseen follows Alex Nguyen, an isolated, chronically ill university student in her early 20s. After a suicide attempt and subsequent lengthy hospitalization, she finds herself without a job, kicked out of campus housing, unable to afford school, and still struggling in the aftermath of a relationship’s dissolution. Hope comes in the form of a rich high school friend who offers Alex a job housesitting at her family’s empty summer mansion on a gulf island.
Surrounded by dense forest and ocean, in the increasingly oppressive heat of a 2010s summer, Alex must try to survive as an outsider in a remote, insular community; to navigate the awkward, unexpected beginnings of a possible new romance; and to live through the trauma she has repressed to survive, even as the memories — and a series of increasingly unnerving events — threaten to pull her back under the surface.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2024
13 people are currently reading
4121 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
March 24, 2024
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Genre: Horror + LGBTQ
This is a queer horror story that revolves around a university student in her early twenties called Alex Nguyen. Alex has profound problems that push her to commit suicide. So, after the failed suicide attempt and staying for a long time in the hospital, she needs to stand on her own two feet. But financial struggles, as well as relationship difficulties, make things even more difficult.
The story’s main focus is on the character rather than the plot, so not a lot happens there in terms of events. The primary emphasis is placed on Alex's complicated personality and the challenges she faces.
A book like that is expected to be full of challenging themes, such as trauma, struggle, healing, isolation, and mental health. It has the potential to be an intriguing investigation into the human capacity for resilience and vulnerability. Many readers may be able to identify with the character and the problems she faces as a result.
This is the second queer horror novel I have read within the past week, and I must say that I am not particularly fond of the horror aspect. The story lacked the atmosphere of the horror genre that is supposed to keep you on your toes. I’m not sure that categorizing it as a horror novel is even accurate. As a story with hard-hitting themes, it is a decent one, but still, it is not something that I have not read before. Overall, it was a mixed bag for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
Genre: Horror + LGBTQ
This is a queer horror story that revolves around a university student in her early twenties called Alex Nguyen. Alex has profound problems that push her to commit suicide. So, after the failed suicide attempt and staying for a long time in the hospital, she needs to stand on her own two feet. But financial struggles, as well as relationship difficulties, make things even more difficult.
The story’s main focus is on the character rather than the plot, so not a lot happens there in terms of events. The primary emphasis is placed on Alex's complicated personality and the challenges she faces.
A book like that is expected to be full of challenging themes, such as trauma, struggle, healing, isolation, and mental health. It has the potential to be an intriguing investigation into the human capacity for resilience and vulnerability. Many readers may be able to identify with the character and the problems she faces as a result.
This is the second queer horror novel I have read within the past week, and I must say that I am not particularly fond of the horror aspect. The story lacked the atmosphere of the horror genre that is supposed to keep you on your toes. I’m not sure that categorizing it as a horror novel is even accurate. As a story with hard-hitting themes, it is a decent one, but still, it is not something that I have not read before. Overall, it was a mixed bag for me.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book.
December 5, 2023
I found myself resonating with the main character a lot, mainly with their previous relationship, disassociation, and paranoia. As the reader, the constant confusion about what was happening and real was sometimes over the top and disjointed. I felt by the end I still didn’t understand everything. Some plot points felt too drawn out and unnecessary but I liked the character’s new relationship a lot and the demonstration that there can be hope and light. My ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
May 30, 2024dnf
i really wanted to like this but there is a scene early on, one that acts as the catalyst to the remainder of the story, that feels way too similar to one from Liar, Dreamer, Thief by Maria Dong. the opening of this novel also feels kind of...messy. it's the kind of opening that tries to be gritty and real, but feels sensationalistic and more suited to a piece of media from the late 90s/early 2000s. if this novel is on your radar i recommend you check out reviews from readers who have actually finished this.
i really wanted to like this but there is a scene early on, one that acts as the catalyst to the remainder of the story, that feels way too similar to one from Liar, Dreamer, Thief by Maria Dong. the opening of this novel also feels kind of...messy. it's the kind of opening that tries to be gritty and real, but feels sensationalistic and more suited to a piece of media from the late 90s/early 2000s. if this novel is on your radar i recommend you check out reviews from readers who have actually finished this.
June 2, 2025
Nothing like I thought this would be and with the only horrifying elements coming from the protagonist's own past and mind, but I enjoyed this regardless. Review to follow.
January 23, 2024
WOW, just WOW!
All Things Seen and Unseen follows Alex, an ill student who can't seem to catch a break. They (thankfully) survived a suicide attempt and after trying to figure out some financial situations, get an opportunity to house-sit for a friend's large mansion on an island. While there, things take a strange turn and Aex begins to question their sanity.
This book truly surprised me. It is powerful and unapologetically queer. Readers might not immediately know what is going on when this book starts, but as it progresses and the puzzle pieces start to align, I found myself shocked. No, actually my breath was taken away. This book HURT and it was scary and it made me feel things. But I enjoyed it when I started to figure out what was going on. Everything clicked and it shook me. This book tackles some very hard things (check trigger warnings) that people experience and RJ McDaniel's writing style laid this out in a way that made this very realistic.
The introduction of some of the characters at times, felt weirdly forced and I wasn't sure how they were going to mesh overall with the plot of the novel. However, when the final twists start unfolding, everything makes sense. I could go on for a while about how exceptional this book is, but I think you should just read it for yourself and learn how great this book is.
Check it out! You won't be disappointed.
All Things Seen and Unseen follows Alex, an ill student who can't seem to catch a break. They (thankfully) survived a suicide attempt and after trying to figure out some financial situations, get an opportunity to house-sit for a friend's large mansion on an island. While there, things take a strange turn and Aex begins to question their sanity.
This book truly surprised me. It is powerful and unapologetically queer. Readers might not immediately know what is going on when this book starts, but as it progresses and the puzzle pieces start to align, I found myself shocked. No, actually my breath was taken away. This book HURT and it was scary and it made me feel things. But I enjoyed it when I started to figure out what was going on. Everything clicked and it shook me. This book tackles some very hard things (check trigger warnings) that people experience and RJ McDaniel's writing style laid this out in a way that made this very realistic.
The introduction of some of the characters at times, felt weirdly forced and I wasn't sure how they were going to mesh overall with the plot of the novel. However, when the final twists start unfolding, everything makes sense. I could go on for a while about how exceptional this book is, but I think you should just read it for yourself and learn how great this book is.
Check it out! You won't be disappointed.
March 25, 2024
It’s always tricky to talk about a book that we both liked but also was greatly disappointing.
First of all I would like to point out that I found the writing very pleasant. Even if the narration was confusing due to its main character, I had no difficulty following the main thread of the story.
Then, I found that the construction of the characters was very well done. I perfectly felt each of the emotions that the author wanted to convey and I loved the side characters!
Now what really disappointed me was the fact that this book was sold as a horror when there was absolutely no such element in the story. Certainly the main character is not reliable at all and lives in constant paranoia but that does not justify the term horror. It really bothered me throughout my reading because I was waiting for this big thrill only to end up finding myself in a romance with a hint of "thriller". The story had the potential to offer a horrific ending but unfortunately it didn't take that direction.
I think if the marketing had been done better I would have had less expectations and I would have been able to like more the whole story.
thank you netgalley and ECW press for this arc in exchange of my honest opinion!
First of all I would like to point out that I found the writing very pleasant. Even if the narration was confusing due to its main character, I had no difficulty following the main thread of the story.
Then, I found that the construction of the characters was very well done. I perfectly felt each of the emotions that the author wanted to convey and I loved the side characters!
Now what really disappointed me was the fact that this book was sold as a horror when there was absolutely no such element in the story. Certainly the main character is not reliable at all and lives in constant paranoia but that does not justify the term horror. It really bothered me throughout my reading because I was waiting for this big thrill only to end up finding myself in a romance with a hint of "thriller". The story had the potential to offer a horrific ending but unfortunately it didn't take that direction.
I think if the marketing had been done better I would have had less expectations and I would have been able to like more the whole story.
thank you netgalley and ECW press for this arc in exchange of my honest opinion!
January 23, 2024
This book is about Alex, a college student dealing with some heavy trauma and mental health issues. They are offered the opportunity to housesit on a secluded island accessible only by ferry for the summer.
The story is heavy on the character development but somewhat light on plot. The characters are diverse, queer, sometimes loveable and sometimes not.
If you've struggled with your mental health at some point there is a good chance you will be able to relate to the main character. But definitely check your trigger warnings before jumping in to this book.
Alex is set up as an unreliable narrator early in the story and the author does a great job making the reader feel the same confusion that Alex feels. You are not certain whether what they are reporting is reality or their paranoia or possibly a twisted memory.
There were some plot points that had me expecting that the book would have a mystery or horror element but nothing really came of them and in the end they were kind of just dropped.
Overall you will enjoy this book if you like slower-paced, emotionally charged, dark, and character driven stories.
The story is heavy on the character development but somewhat light on plot. The characters are diverse, queer, sometimes loveable and sometimes not.
If you've struggled with your mental health at some point there is a good chance you will be able to relate to the main character. But definitely check your trigger warnings before jumping in to this book.
Alex is set up as an unreliable narrator early in the story and the author does a great job making the reader feel the same confusion that Alex feels. You are not certain whether what they are reporting is reality or their paranoia or possibly a twisted memory.
There were some plot points that had me expecting that the book would have a mystery or horror element but nothing really came of them and in the end they were kind of just dropped.
Overall you will enjoy this book if you like slower-paced, emotionally charged, dark, and character driven stories.
April 7, 2025
"Alex never fails to be amused by the coded language people use for suicide. As if choosing to die can be regretted the way one regrets having another margarita."
TWs for lengthy discussions and depictions of suicide and suicide attempts, domestic/relationship abuse, mental and physical health stigmas, racism, physical violence, and harassment.
A solid 3.5 rounded down to a 3.
Despite McDaniel being an absolutely incredible writer, I think what really tripped me up with All Things Seen and Unseen is that it's really not a horror book. Maybe that's my fault for assuming it would lean more towards the latter half of literary fiction horror, but I would really just describe this as a dark-tinted lit fic book rather than anything particularly scary - which is unfortunate, because I wholeheartedly believe that McDaniel would be an amazing horror writer.
Some of the scenes in this book were absolutely spine-chilling (I absolutely loved the deer walking into the water and the distorted voice on the phone), but they never went anywhere, and never lasted terribly long. Even the climax of the book, when Alex is at their most undone and unreal, just seemed more psychological and character-driven than scary - so, TL;DR, don't go into All Things Seen and Unseen expecting a horror book, because it's really not. What it is, however, is an incredibly well-written character piece on identity.
I tend to find characters with a lot going on to be a little overwhelming, and in Alex Ngyuen's case, they're dealing with untreated and undiagnosable chronic illness, severe mental health issues, sexuality and body image issues, as well as a past filled with familial and relationship trauma. That's just a lot to shove into one character in a 250 page book, but McDaniel writes Alex so well that it never feels messy or overdone. As someone who has struggled simultaneously with physical health, mental health, and gender identity - particularly in my early 20s, like Alex - I found Alex to be almost painfully relatable, and so much of what they go through in All Things Seen and Unseen is a familiar experience for me. I think that's also, quite honestly, where some of my dislikes with this book came from: it has nothing to do with the book itself, but rather, the personal unpleasant memories it brought up for me on occasion because I saw so much of myself in Alex.
One of my favourite things about All Things Seen and Unseen, and about how McDaniel wrote this book, was that while it's written in third-person, it's very much Alex's story, from Alex's POV - and even in Alex's own POV, their trauma with their identity has forced them to use incorrect pronouns in their own mind, when telling their own story. The way McDaniel switches between 'she' and 'they' for Alex on a page-by-page, moment-by-moment basis was so interesting, and gives you an immediate insight into where Alex is at at any given moment. It's almost like the book is giving a sigh of relief whenever Alex is referred to as 'they,' and whenever it switches back to 'she', you can feel the narrative tensing up. Such an amazing way to demonstrate Alex's internal thought process while still keeping a distant, third-person narrative.
Really, if I had gone into this book knowing it was more of a lit-fic character piece than a queer horror novel, I probably would have had a different reaction to it, and felt a little bit less disappointed. As it stand, All Things Seen and Unseen is a genuinely moving, heartwrenching, hopeful read, but it's definitely geared more towards fiction than a genre work, which just isn't my cup of tea.
TWs for lengthy discussions and depictions of suicide and suicide attempts, domestic/relationship abuse, mental and physical health stigmas, racism, physical violence, and harassment.
A solid 3.5 rounded down to a 3.
Despite McDaniel being an absolutely incredible writer, I think what really tripped me up with All Things Seen and Unseen is that it's really not a horror book. Maybe that's my fault for assuming it would lean more towards the latter half of literary fiction horror, but I would really just describe this as a dark-tinted lit fic book rather than anything particularly scary - which is unfortunate, because I wholeheartedly believe that McDaniel would be an amazing horror writer.
Some of the scenes in this book were absolutely spine-chilling (I absolutely loved the deer walking into the water and the distorted voice on the phone), but they never went anywhere, and never lasted terribly long. Even the climax of the book, when Alex is at their most undone and unreal, just seemed more psychological and character-driven than scary - so, TL;DR, don't go into All Things Seen and Unseen expecting a horror book, because it's really not. What it is, however, is an incredibly well-written character piece on identity.
I tend to find characters with a lot going on to be a little overwhelming, and in Alex Ngyuen's case, they're dealing with untreated and undiagnosable chronic illness, severe mental health issues, sexuality and body image issues, as well as a past filled with familial and relationship trauma. That's just a lot to shove into one character in a 250 page book, but McDaniel writes Alex so well that it never feels messy or overdone. As someone who has struggled simultaneously with physical health, mental health, and gender identity - particularly in my early 20s, like Alex - I found Alex to be almost painfully relatable, and so much of what they go through in All Things Seen and Unseen is a familiar experience for me. I think that's also, quite honestly, where some of my dislikes with this book came from: it has nothing to do with the book itself, but rather, the personal unpleasant memories it brought up for me on occasion because I saw so much of myself in Alex.
One of my favourite things about All Things Seen and Unseen, and about how McDaniel wrote this book, was that while it's written in third-person, it's very much Alex's story, from Alex's POV - and even in Alex's own POV, their trauma with their identity has forced them to use incorrect pronouns in their own mind, when telling their own story. The way McDaniel switches between 'she' and 'they' for Alex on a page-by-page, moment-by-moment basis was so interesting, and gives you an immediate insight into where Alex is at at any given moment. It's almost like the book is giving a sigh of relief whenever Alex is referred to as 'they,' and whenever it switches back to 'she', you can feel the narrative tensing up. Such an amazing way to demonstrate Alex's internal thought process while still keeping a distant, third-person narrative.
Really, if I had gone into this book knowing it was more of a lit-fic character piece than a queer horror novel, I probably would have had a different reaction to it, and felt a little bit less disappointed. As it stand, All Things Seen and Unseen is a genuinely moving, heartwrenching, hopeful read, but it's definitely geared more towards fiction than a genre work, which just isn't my cup of tea.
February 18, 2025
I found this very confusing to listen to as an audiobook with the jumping around in time and multiple switches of pronouns. I enjoyed the storyline for the most part, but only stayed listening because I was curious as to how it ended. Felt like a lot of build up for a mediocre resolution which didn’t even really give the desired answers. It did make me want to go and visit the island however and the descriptions of scenery etc was very detailed and evocative.
August 12, 2024
Very emotional! Full review soon!
Thank you to ECW Press for my gifted review copy!
Thank you to ECW Press for my gifted review copy!
February 1, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley, RJ McDaniel, and ECW Press for this ARC copy in return for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book and in the first half I genuinely did. I enjoyed RJ McDaniel's writing style, I thought they were really good at world building and immersing you in the story. It's definitely a slow build, creating atmosphere, but I prefer books like that over ones that are trying to do to much. The setting on 709 and the small tightly knit community was great, and I definitely found myself becoming nervous alongside Alex and invested in the community/distrust of outsiders.
The reason I gave this book three stars, rather than the five I thought I would have given early on, was because I felt like this book changed pace a little too much and I wasn't sure what it was trying to be? I was so invested in the island, in the house and Alex's unease of everything - I felt like it started to really build suspense. But then when the I felt like that all got lost, the focus felt like it was now on
Don't get me wrong, if the book had just been about I think I would have rated it higher and found it a moving read. But once I got to this point it left me wondering a bit what happened to 709, the suspense around the other people on the island, etc. All the built suspense just fell a little flat for me. I appreciate that this all came back at the end in an attempt to tie it all together, but by this point I think I was lost.
There are some content warnings which others have mentioned. This is definitely something to be aware of before reading, but I think these were well handled and made the book feel very raw and heartbreaking!
In summary, I think RJ McDaniel has a way with words and I thoroughly enjoyed their writing style. The story and plot of this one just wasn't for me in the end, but I am glad that I read it!
I really wanted to love this book and in the first half I genuinely did. I enjoyed RJ McDaniel's writing style, I thought they were really good at world building and immersing you in the story. It's definitely a slow build, creating atmosphere, but I prefer books like that over ones that are trying to do to much. The setting on 709 and the small tightly knit community was great, and I definitely found myself becoming nervous alongside Alex and invested in the community/distrust of outsiders.
The reason I gave this book three stars, rather than the five I thought I would have given early on, was because I felt like this book changed pace a little too much and I wasn't sure what it was trying to be? I was so invested in the island, in the house and Alex's unease of everything - I felt like it started to really build suspense. But then when the I felt like that all got lost, the focus felt like it was now on
Don't get me wrong, if the book had just been about I think I would have rated it higher and found it a moving read. But once I got to this point it left me wondering a bit what happened to 709, the suspense around the other people on the island, etc. All the built suspense just fell a little flat for me. I appreciate that this all came back at the end in an attempt to tie it all together, but by this point I think I was lost.
There are some content warnings which others have mentioned. This is definitely something to be aware of before reading, but I think these were well handled and made the book feel very raw and heartbreaking!
In summary, I think RJ McDaniel has a way with words and I thoroughly enjoyed their writing style. The story and plot of this one just wasn't for me in the end, but I am glad that I read it!
April 9, 2024
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc copy in exchange for an honest review.*
This was a decent book, but I was expecting it do be either more suspenseful or to have more horror vibes. This covers a lot of dark topics and has a lot of representation, but it almost felt like the author wasn't sure where they wanted the story to go.
There was not a lot of plot to this book. It's more of a character-driven story, and if you can't relate to the characters, this may not work well for you. I could luckily relate very well to the main character so I didn't ever want to abandon the story as I wanted to see if they would get a happy ending.
If you are someone who suffers with mental illness, you may want to check the trigger warnings before reading. There are some dark/important topics covered in this book.
⚠ Suicide attempts
⚠ Suicidal thoughts
⚠ Depression
⚠ Chronic Illness
⚠ Paranoia
⚠ Discrimination
⚠ Harassment/Abuse
⚠ Victim blaming
I was hoping by the end of the book some of my questions would be answered, but I just felt like the ending was quickly thrown together and it didn't really help me. The whole story kind of confused me, I was never really sure what was going on.
The author did a great job developing the characters. I really connected with the main character and the love interest. The whole book I was just hoping that there wasn't something weird or creepy going on and the love interest was real and honest. The author even succeeded in having me question the things I was reading.
This is perfect for someone who enjoys darker, character-driven stories with a slower plot line. Or someone who likes stories that cover the harder topics.
This was a decent book, but I was expecting it do be either more suspenseful or to have more horror vibes. This covers a lot of dark topics and has a lot of representation, but it almost felt like the author wasn't sure where they wanted the story to go.
There was not a lot of plot to this book. It's more of a character-driven story, and if you can't relate to the characters, this may not work well for you. I could luckily relate very well to the main character so I didn't ever want to abandon the story as I wanted to see if they would get a happy ending.
If you are someone who suffers with mental illness, you may want to check the trigger warnings before reading. There are some dark/important topics covered in this book.
⚠ Suicide attempts
⚠ Suicidal thoughts
⚠ Depression
⚠ Chronic Illness
⚠ Paranoia
⚠ Discrimination
⚠ Harassment/Abuse
⚠ Victim blaming
I was hoping by the end of the book some of my questions would be answered, but I just felt like the ending was quickly thrown together and it didn't really help me. The whole story kind of confused me, I was never really sure what was going on.
The author did a great job developing the characters. I really connected with the main character and the love interest. The whole book I was just hoping that there wasn't something weird or creepy going on and the love interest was real and honest. The author even succeeded in having me question the things I was reading.
This is perfect for someone who enjoys darker, character-driven stories with a slower plot line. Or someone who likes stories that cover the harder topics.
January 14, 2024
I love a book that makes me feel something. I want a story to be emotional and evocative and leave me feeling raw or elated or sad or frustrated. When I feel, I know a writer has done their job.
All Things Seen and Unseen by RJ McDaniel made me feel. At various points throughout this beautifully written novel, I felt so many conflicting and wonderfully raw emotions. Pain, fury, fear, confusion, sadness. Alex’s journey in this novel is hard to read at times, because they are clearly a victim of abuse, bullying, extreme toxicity, and that has made them question themself and doubt their own experience, doubt their own identity. And therein lies the horror of this novel: the brutality of toxic relationships, the struggle to have an identity and embrace and love yourself when so many deny you that fundamental right.
This isn’t a story that is easy to read. It confronts themes of suicide, mental health, abuse, discrimination, harassment, and hate. But in the end, it is a very honest and affective novel of social horror that builds and holds tension very well. I recommend All Things Seen and Unseen to anyone who loves horror with heart and social horror.
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for a digital ARC! All opinions are my own.
All Things Seen and Unseen by RJ McDaniel made me feel. At various points throughout this beautifully written novel, I felt so many conflicting and wonderfully raw emotions. Pain, fury, fear, confusion, sadness. Alex’s journey in this novel is hard to read at times, because they are clearly a victim of abuse, bullying, extreme toxicity, and that has made them question themself and doubt their own experience, doubt their own identity. And therein lies the horror of this novel: the brutality of toxic relationships, the struggle to have an identity and embrace and love yourself when so many deny you that fundamental right.
This isn’t a story that is easy to read. It confronts themes of suicide, mental health, abuse, discrimination, harassment, and hate. But in the end, it is a very honest and affective novel of social horror that builds and holds tension very well. I recommend All Things Seen and Unseen to anyone who loves horror with heart and social horror.
Thanks to NetGalley and ECW Press for a digital ARC! All opinions are my own.
January 27, 2025
I had to read this fast because it was scary and sad and it put me in a total funk. The author succeeds at creating such turmoil in the protagonist that the reader feels scared and confused and disenfranchised right along with them. For most of the book, I thought we were heading into true horror content, so when we meet Amara and things start to look hopeful for Alex, I loved it. Amara is such a wonderful character. He is warm and inviting and instantly creates a sense of comfort and intimacy. He is kooky and silly and also very smart and sensitive and careful. I love how much he loves birds.
The book turned out not to be horror in the garish fictional form, but more of a realistic horror: so much abuse and gaslighting and micro aggressions and macro aggressions. What I really loved about Alex’s characterization is the chronic illness component. Alex is trying desperately to ignore their own truth, about their gender and about the abusive relationship they are in. The body manifests this in chronic pain. We rage and mourn along with Alex that they can’t run free like they used to. That they are so crippled they can’t even climb a set of stairs. So when we see the glimpses of freedom, on the e-bike and swimming, it feels glorious. The way the author describes swimming in the depths with no glasses, somehow freer without being able to see, feeling at home and safely held by the weight of the water was so calming. Most authors make water scary.
I definitely expected Adam to appear at the house again. I expected more scenes in the camera room. More drama from the overbearing absentee owners. I thought Adam would make an attempt to abduct or kill Alex. I thought he would be revealed as the dog killer. I even thought the mystery meats in the freezer might be victims. But I do appreciate the fear and stress of this story sticking fairly close to realism. If we can forgive the ex boyfriend appearing on the same island and a chance encounter with a dreamboat trans love interest with amazing trans friends who happen to share acquaintances. But aside from those criticisms, I really did like the book and felt the nuances of each character.
The book turned out not to be horror in the garish fictional form, but more of a realistic horror: so much abuse and gaslighting and micro aggressions and macro aggressions. What I really loved about Alex’s characterization is the chronic illness component. Alex is trying desperately to ignore their own truth, about their gender and about the abusive relationship they are in. The body manifests this in chronic pain. We rage and mourn along with Alex that they can’t run free like they used to. That they are so crippled they can’t even climb a set of stairs. So when we see the glimpses of freedom, on the e-bike and swimming, it feels glorious. The way the author describes swimming in the depths with no glasses, somehow freer without being able to see, feeling at home and safely held by the weight of the water was so calming. Most authors make water scary.
I definitely expected Adam to appear at the house again. I expected more scenes in the camera room. More drama from the overbearing absentee owners. I thought Adam would make an attempt to abduct or kill Alex. I thought he would be revealed as the dog killer. I even thought the mystery meats in the freezer might be victims. But I do appreciate the fear and stress of this story sticking fairly close to realism. If we can forgive the ex boyfriend appearing on the same island and a chance encounter with a dreamboat trans love interest with amazing trans friends who happen to share acquaintances. But aside from those criticisms, I really did like the book and felt the nuances of each character.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2024
This book is a fever dream and a half! Alex is a sympathetic character, full of flaws and bad decisions. Though this is definitely a character study with minimal plot, the book has all the charm and tropes of a good literary horror: the eerie, isolated environment and the house that feels like another character. These aspects fell short of my expectations, but I'll admit, I did not expect the ending. (I thought I had it figured out, but alas—maybe this is me mourning the ending I thought I was going to get…)
Alex's gender, sexuality, disability, and race add layers to their character and story and never become the focus or main personality trait. I'm neither trans nor Vietnamese, so I can't speak on whether this is a good representation, but the narrative and characterisation felt authentic and fleshed out.
Some readers may find this slows or drags the pace of the story, but as someone who lives with mental illness, this feels very real and true to form. This is exacerbated by the long chapters. That said, I think this structure works for the book, and there are faster paced scenes scattered throughout, especially when Alex's paranoia ramps up!
McDaniel wonderfully captures the monotony and meandering of living when you didn't think you'd still be alive. “Survival. This is what it is. isn't it, this relentless, airless nothing [...] This is what she'd spent so long avoiding.” Here, Alex drinks vegan protein powders, watches influencer drama videos, tries anything to stay lingering in that liminal space between institutionalisation and going back to her “normal” life. Then comes the complacency that is trying to die, failing, and continuing to live because you've given up.
I was provided an ARC of this book by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Alex's gender, sexuality, disability, and race add layers to their character and story and never become the focus or main personality trait. I'm neither trans nor Vietnamese, so I can't speak on whether this is a good representation, but the narrative and characterisation felt authentic and fleshed out.
Some readers may find this slows or drags the pace of the story, but as someone who lives with mental illness, this feels very real and true to form. This is exacerbated by the long chapters. That said, I think this structure works for the book, and there are faster paced scenes scattered throughout, especially when Alex's paranoia ramps up!
McDaniel wonderfully captures the monotony and meandering of living when you didn't think you'd still be alive. “Survival. This is what it is. isn't it, this relentless, airless nothing [...] This is what she'd spent so long avoiding.” Here, Alex drinks vegan protein powders, watches influencer drama videos, tries anything to stay lingering in that liminal space between institutionalisation and going back to her “normal” life. Then comes the complacency that is trying to die, failing, and continuing to live because you've given up.
I was provided an ARC of this book by Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2024
I couldn't finish this book, I got over halfway through and had to call it.
I thought the depiction of someone struggling with their mental health was really well done, the unsettling and almost claustrophobic reality of not being able to trust what you see and hear, or your own thoughts. I also thought the first half of the book was pretty solid, though the pacing was agonizingly slow at times. There are some genuinely creepy moments that felt like they were leading up to something.
It's the point where the Amara character is introduced that things started to fall apart from me. It felt like a distinct tonal shift from a psychological horror to a queer romance. Even the introduction to Amara and the next few scenes of them together feel like the beginning of a romance novel. I also found the dialogue between Alex and Amara to be really difficult to read, it was awkward and stilted and took me out of the moment.
I get that Alex may be struggling to regain social skills after an extended period of self isolation, but if that's the case they were also remarkably confident and flirtatious at times. Regardless, Amara's dialogue also fell flat. I think the marketing of this as horror likely didn't help the situation as it sets the book up to be a disappointment.
Overall, this felt like two books. Perhaps if read through to the end it manages to pull the conflicting plotlines together into something cohesive, but unfortunately I wasn't compelled enough by either storyline to find out.
I thought the depiction of someone struggling with their mental health was really well done, the unsettling and almost claustrophobic reality of not being able to trust what you see and hear, or your own thoughts. I also thought the first half of the book was pretty solid, though the pacing was agonizingly slow at times. There are some genuinely creepy moments that felt like they were leading up to something.
It's the point where the Amara character is introduced that things started to fall apart from me. It felt like a distinct tonal shift from a psychological horror to a queer romance. Even the introduction to Amara and the next few scenes of them together feel like the beginning of a romance novel. I also found the dialogue between Alex and Amara to be really difficult to read, it was awkward and stilted and took me out of the moment.
I get that Alex may be struggling to regain social skills after an extended period of self isolation, but if that's the case they were also remarkably confident and flirtatious at times. Regardless, Amara's dialogue also fell flat. I think the marketing of this as horror likely didn't help the situation as it sets the book up to be a disappointment.
Overall, this felt like two books. Perhaps if read through to the end it manages to pull the conflicting plotlines together into something cohesive, but unfortunately I wasn't compelled enough by either storyline to find out.
March 12, 2024
💛💛Book Review💛💛
3.5 Stars
All things seen and unseen by #rjmcdanielauthor
This was a @netgalley read! It was not what I expected but unique and kept me questioning. Alex, a troubled human, was just released from a hospital due to psychiatric incidents. Now that Alex is out, they must figure out how to survive day-to-day with no job, no money, and no family to help. Alex bumps into their rich ex-girlfriend who offers Alex a job for the summer to house-sit their hideaway mansion on an island. Alex jumps on this and heads out! However, weird things start being seen and happening. Alex thinks they are crazy but when a new friend is made, Amara, Alex soon find the direction that is best to take. Alex needs to heal. This book is a journey of finding oneself while trying to push through the depression and anxiety that lingers.
#netgalleyreadathon #netgalley #netgalleyreview #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreads #netgalleyarc #ilovebooks #ilovebooks📚 #bookrecsofinstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreader #bookreviewersofinstagram #booknerdigans #booklover #bookloversofinstagram #booklove #bookmama #bookstack #booksta #bookstagrammer #kindleunlimited #kindlegirlie #booksta #selfjourney #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #islandsofadventure #friendsinoddplaces💖💖💖
3.5 Stars
All things seen and unseen by #rjmcdanielauthor
This was a @netgalley read! It was not what I expected but unique and kept me questioning. Alex, a troubled human, was just released from a hospital due to psychiatric incidents. Now that Alex is out, they must figure out how to survive day-to-day with no job, no money, and no family to help. Alex bumps into their rich ex-girlfriend who offers Alex a job for the summer to house-sit their hideaway mansion on an island. Alex jumps on this and heads out! However, weird things start being seen and happening. Alex thinks they are crazy but when a new friend is made, Amara, Alex soon find the direction that is best to take. Alex needs to heal. This book is a journey of finding oneself while trying to push through the depression and anxiety that lingers.
#netgalleyreadathon #netgalley #netgalleyreview #netgalleyreviewer #netgalleyreads #netgalleyarc #ilovebooks #ilovebooks📚 #bookrecsofinstagram #bookrecommendations #bookreader #bookreviewersofinstagram #booknerdigans #booklover #bookloversofinstagram #booklove #bookmama #bookstack #booksta #bookstagrammer #kindleunlimited #kindlegirlie #booksta #selfjourney #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #islandsofadventure #friendsinoddplaces💖💖💖
July 2, 2025
While this story was enjoyable to read, I am also left wholly unsatisfied.
The marketing for this book made it out to be a horror, or at least something more suspenseful than it was. But I found that this story lacked all elements of those claims. The main character does suffer from paranoia, therefore they are afraid throughout the book, but otherwise it was not a thrilling read for the reader. I found myself surprised that the house was not mentioned hardly at all through the book as the house sitting was the premise of the location and at first began to subject a sinister plot, but then that was all hastily dropped. I think the marketing team just needs to rethink what this book is about and how to portray it.
The story itself apart from those issues was good. I enjoyed the romance and that you are constantly wondering if what you’re reading is wholly the truth since the main character is unreliable. I do wish the story delved more deeply into the romantic relationship or the characters experience as outsiders in the village. Since it was a shorter book, I found myself wanting just a bit more out if it’s plot.
Thanks NetGalley and ECW Press for an ARC of this book.
The marketing for this book made it out to be a horror, or at least something more suspenseful than it was. But I found that this story lacked all elements of those claims. The main character does suffer from paranoia, therefore they are afraid throughout the book, but otherwise it was not a thrilling read for the reader. I found myself surprised that the house was not mentioned hardly at all through the book as the house sitting was the premise of the location and at first began to subject a sinister plot, but then that was all hastily dropped. I think the marketing team just needs to rethink what this book is about and how to portray it.
The story itself apart from those issues was good. I enjoyed the romance and that you are constantly wondering if what you’re reading is wholly the truth since the main character is unreliable. I do wish the story delved more deeply into the romantic relationship or the characters experience as outsiders in the village. Since it was a shorter book, I found myself wanting just a bit more out if it’s plot.
Thanks NetGalley and ECW Press for an ARC of this book.
March 17, 2024
3.5
Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for the review copy!
I mostly enjoyed this. I thought it was a fantastic read about being unapologetically queer, finding belonging, mental health issues and toxic relationships. I especially enjoyed the way it was told, it was very disjointed and, as the reader, you felt the way Alex felt which was mostly confused and on edge. Despite the page length, it was quite a slow burn to get to the stage where you felt the pieces interlock together, but it was very satisfying when it did.
My main issue with it, and it’s really a minor one, is that I feel like Alex should have gotten extended mental health treatment within the book. It’s possible that they probably got that treatment when their life continued after the book ended, but we don’t know that for sure. Also, gentrification felt like it was going to be touched upon as a theme, but ended up being something that was vaguely happening in the background.
Overall, I would really recommend this (although check the trigger warnings first).
Thank you to Netgalley and publishers for the review copy!
I mostly enjoyed this. I thought it was a fantastic read about being unapologetically queer, finding belonging, mental health issues and toxic relationships. I especially enjoyed the way it was told, it was very disjointed and, as the reader, you felt the way Alex felt which was mostly confused and on edge. Despite the page length, it was quite a slow burn to get to the stage where you felt the pieces interlock together, but it was very satisfying when it did.
My main issue with it, and it’s really a minor one, is that I feel like Alex should have gotten extended mental health treatment within the book. It’s possible that they probably got that treatment when their life continued after the book ended, but we don’t know that for sure. Also, gentrification felt like it was going to be touched upon as a theme, but ended up being something that was vaguely happening in the background.
Overall, I would really recommend this (although check the trigger warnings first).
April 25, 2024
ARC review
Well this is a fever dream of a book! Alex, for me, was a very relatable character, complete with a life of flaws and awful decisions. The book is very character heavy and lacks plot to be honest but for me the character study was worth a lot. It’s eery, mysterious and has an odd charm with the added bonus of deep character analysis. Alex struggles a lot but this is all portrayed so so well.
Alex's struggles with identity (gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, race) add so much to the story but are cleverly not the main plot points which, as a queer, disabled reader is refreshing. Sure, theres probably better representation out there but this felt very real and fleshed out.
Some will definitely find this to be a slow read, especially with how long the chapters are but this structure works, especially as the books pace changes with Alex’s paranoia
McDaniel captures the monotony of a life like Alex’s so well and I definitely think it’s worth a read.
Thank you to ECW press and Netgalley for the ARC
Well this is a fever dream of a book! Alex, for me, was a very relatable character, complete with a life of flaws and awful decisions. The book is very character heavy and lacks plot to be honest but for me the character study was worth a lot. It’s eery, mysterious and has an odd charm with the added bonus of deep character analysis. Alex struggles a lot but this is all portrayed so so well.
Alex's struggles with identity (gender, sexuality, disability, mental health, race) add so much to the story but are cleverly not the main plot points which, as a queer, disabled reader is refreshing. Sure, theres probably better representation out there but this felt very real and fleshed out.
Some will definitely find this to be a slow read, especially with how long the chapters are but this structure works, especially as the books pace changes with Alex’s paranoia
McDaniel captures the monotony of a life like Alex’s so well and I definitely think it’s worth a read.
Thank you to ECW press and Netgalley for the ARC
April 23, 2024
I received an ARC from NetGalley and ECW Press.
I wouldn't classify this as a horror but more a delve into the phycological mind of a queer adult trying to process trauma and identity. The focus of the book is on the mental stability and turmoil of Alex who is processing their suicide attempt and the dissolution of their relationships.
I thought the voice of Alex was interesting as they depicted their own internal struggles through depression and understanding the impact their actions have on their own psyche. The change in pronouns halfway through was a little jolting comprehension wise but it also paralleled Alex's own identity and how they were not previously fully accepting of themselves since their own traumatic and abusive romantic relationship ended.
There absolutely needs to be trigger warnings with this book. Depression, suicide, and abuse are prominent themes in the book.
I wouldn't classify this as a horror but more a delve into the phycological mind of a queer adult trying to process trauma and identity. The focus of the book is on the mental stability and turmoil of Alex who is processing their suicide attempt and the dissolution of their relationships.
I thought the voice of Alex was interesting as they depicted their own internal struggles through depression and understanding the impact their actions have on their own psyche. The change in pronouns halfway through was a little jolting comprehension wise but it also paralleled Alex's own identity and how they were not previously fully accepting of themselves since their own traumatic and abusive romantic relationship ended.
There absolutely needs to be trigger warnings with this book. Depression, suicide, and abuse are prominent themes in the book.
November 16, 2023
A dark and introspective story on pain, self discovery, and traumatic memories. Please read the trigger warnings before reading this book.
Alex Nguyen, a chronically ill college student, seemingly lost everything after an attempt that left her hospitalized. She is given a second chance when an old friend offers her a job to house sit an empty mansion over the summer on a remote island. Alex must find herself, with the help of the community, before dark events threaten to ruin her second chance at life.
This story paints a beautiful yet haunting picture of life when all hope is lost. It has friendship and love woven between memories of trauma and pain. I caution those who read this, as I found it hard to read at times. The ending is beautiful, as are you and your life. Take care of yourself, dear reader.
Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for this ARC.
Alex Nguyen, a chronically ill college student, seemingly lost everything after an attempt that left her hospitalized. She is given a second chance when an old friend offers her a job to house sit an empty mansion over the summer on a remote island. Alex must find herself, with the help of the community, before dark events threaten to ruin her second chance at life.
This story paints a beautiful yet haunting picture of life when all hope is lost. It has friendship and love woven between memories of trauma and pain. I caution those who read this, as I found it hard to read at times. The ending is beautiful, as are you and your life. Take care of yourself, dear reader.
Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for this ARC.
January 13, 2024
As someone who’s experienced some of the situations in this story, I appreciated the frankness displayed here with regard to mental and physical illness. Alex is a very real protagonist, with all her doubts, fears and secret hopes. She seems buffeted by events at first, but slowly finds her way, and her journey was an interesting one.
The writing is beautiful, even when dealing with difficult situations and perspectives. I did find it hard to read at times, but that was precisely because of how accurate some aspects of the tale were. It’s sensitive, never patronising, and I’m grateful to the author for that honesty. This isn’t my usual sort of read, but I was drawn in, which was the main thing!
I think the only stumbling point for me were the relationships, which seemed a little forced at times. But an engaging book, nonetheless.
The writing is beautiful, even when dealing with difficult situations and perspectives. I did find it hard to read at times, but that was precisely because of how accurate some aspects of the tale were. It’s sensitive, never patronising, and I’m grateful to the author for that honesty. This isn’t my usual sort of read, but I was drawn in, which was the main thing!
I think the only stumbling point for me were the relationships, which seemed a little forced at times. But an engaging book, nonetheless.
February 27, 2024
I'm not sure if I'd classify this as horror, it's definitely disturbing but I found nothing about it to be horror. Alex is a deeply disturbed individual with a history of mental issues, drug and alcohol abuse, and attempted suicides, who goes off all her medications against medical advice after their latest psychological breakdown and hospitalization. Antipsychotic medication is specifically mentioned so Alex is at best an unreliable narrator and at worst deep in a psychotic episode. Alex's constant worry and self doubt are exhausting and Amara is over accommodating and unable to see the very serious mental and emotional stare Alex is in. I'd definitely like to have seen the end of the book resulting in Alex seeking and receiving medical treatment fir her issues as well as her mysterious physical malady.
August 6, 2024
mcdaniels has a knack for writing imagery, and this is a very well-written book. that being said, i kind of hate what it says about queer loneliness and friendship. i found this incredibly unrealistic and unenjoyable because of that — as a chronically ill, traumatized non-binary person i could not have related to alex’s journey less.
alex seems like a genuinely bad friend. perhaps because of their mental illness, but a bad friend nonetheless. even more than that, they continuously seem like somebody that is unpleasant and awkward to be around. all of this would be fine, if it weren’t for the fact that alex seems to attract queer community despite this and without ever trying. at the end of the book, all of the friends alex had ghosted or pushed away immediately and enthusiastically welcome them back into their lives.
had good bits, but would not recommend.
alex seems like a genuinely bad friend. perhaps because of their mental illness, but a bad friend nonetheless. even more than that, they continuously seem like somebody that is unpleasant and awkward to be around. all of this would be fine, if it weren’t for the fact that alex seems to attract queer community despite this and without ever trying. at the end of the book, all of the friends alex had ghosted or pushed away immediately and enthusiastically welcome them back into their lives.
had good bits, but would not recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2023
I want to thank NetGalley and ECW Press for this arc. "All Things Seen and Unseen" is a story about pain, with a touch of horror. I didn't find it particularly scary and I wouldn't classify it as horror, but the author got my attention from the start.
The book tells the story of Alex, a struggling queer person that accepts a job, offered by a friend, to housesitting a mansion in the middle of nowhere. Alone for the first time in a long period, Alex needs to fight against personal demons and past trauma, always questioning their own sanity.
It was a great book, especially since it's the author's first novel, but it could move a little faster. And since this was an arc, there were several typos that I hope get fixed when published.
The book tells the story of Alex, a struggling queer person that accepts a job, offered by a friend, to housesitting a mansion in the middle of nowhere. Alone for the first time in a long period, Alex needs to fight against personal demons and past trauma, always questioning their own sanity.
It was a great book, especially since it's the author's first novel, but it could move a little faster. And since this was an arc, there were several typos that I hope get fixed when published.
March 11, 2024
Thank you to Netgalley and ECW Press for the ARC!
This was an introspective novel told by an unreliable narrator that deals with chronic illness/pain, mental illness and suicide attempts, an abusive relationship, and gender identity. The story eventually takes place on an island where Alex continues to question reality and experience paranoia, but as more of the story unfolds, we have more insight into Alex's reality and the traumas that she has experienced prior to the novel's beginning. There were elements of suspense and the book doesn't end with giving out all of the answers, but I do wish certain aspects were clarified further (such as what happened with 709 and if there was more to the story there).
This was an introspective novel told by an unreliable narrator that deals with chronic illness/pain, mental illness and suicide attempts, an abusive relationship, and gender identity. The story eventually takes place on an island where Alex continues to question reality and experience paranoia, but as more of the story unfolds, we have more insight into Alex's reality and the traumas that she has experienced prior to the novel's beginning. There were elements of suspense and the book doesn't end with giving out all of the answers, but I do wish certain aspects were clarified further (such as what happened with 709 and if there was more to the story there).
April 15, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was a very difficult read for me (in a positive, cathartic way) because of how eerily similar the protagonist's mental illness manifested itself to my own, as well as the fact that my first serious relationship was almost identical to their unfortunate relationship with Adam. Alex's struggles to navigate self-identification and pronouns due to past trauma also hit very close to home, and I was so grateful to see myself so thoroughly in this book. The island felt perfectly ambiguous as to whether it was actually cursed/haunted/insidious which really allowed the spotlight to shine on the characters themselves. Thank you, R. J. McDaniel, for writing this book!
This was a very difficult read for me (in a positive, cathartic way) because of how eerily similar the protagonist's mental illness manifested itself to my own, as well as the fact that my first serious relationship was almost identical to their unfortunate relationship with Adam. Alex's struggles to navigate self-identification and pronouns due to past trauma also hit very close to home, and I was so grateful to see myself so thoroughly in this book. The island felt perfectly ambiguous as to whether it was actually cursed/haunted/insidious which really allowed the spotlight to shine on the characters themselves. Thank you, R. J. McDaniel, for writing this book!
May 2, 2024
'And as he speaks, the car slows to a stop. He turns the engine off, turns to face Alex, and grins. "You're going to love this."'
This line hit the hardest, as someone who reacts poorly when other people presume to know about me. All Things Seen and Unseen has many moments like this. The entire story plays out with dark undercurrents, some resolved, some left to linger.
This book was a riveting journey through the POV of Alex, someone who also cannot handle it when other people presume to know about her/them. I loved the early chapters where Alex was alone, experiencing rock bottom, then being given a chance to glimpse life at the top. I also loved the variety of frightening characters (human and non-). A fast-moving but memorable read.
This line hit the hardest, as someone who reacts poorly when other people presume to know about me. All Things Seen and Unseen has many moments like this. The entire story plays out with dark undercurrents, some resolved, some left to linger.
This book was a riveting journey through the POV of Alex, someone who also cannot handle it when other people presume to know about her/them. I loved the early chapters where Alex was alone, experiencing rock bottom, then being given a chance to glimpse life at the top. I also loved the variety of frightening characters (human and non-). A fast-moving but memorable read.
November 26, 2023
"I am not my body".
Alex (she/they) is a queer, chronically ill university student who we meet following a suicide attempt, with no home, money, or identity, and a past full of trauma. This book explores her mental state - paranoia, confusion, doubt her own mind and what's real. I think it does a great job at showing that and putting you in their shoes - I'm still not sure if I know what really happened. Their past haunts them and impacts every future relationship and interaction. The final confrontation was powerful. I would've liked more horror, but it does a great job at creating an atmosphere of confusion and unknown. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
Alex (she/they) is a queer, chronically ill university student who we meet following a suicide attempt, with no home, money, or identity, and a past full of trauma. This book explores her mental state - paranoia, confusion, doubt her own mind and what's real. I think it does a great job at showing that and putting you in their shoes - I'm still not sure if I know what really happened. Their past haunts them and impacts every future relationship and interaction. The final confrontation was powerful. I would've liked more horror, but it does a great job at creating an atmosphere of confusion and unknown. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.
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