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Beyond the Lost Coast #2
Tides of Darkness
Among the ashes some cinders still burn. After the fire of Raven’s Valley consumed their community—and the lives of their neighbors—fourteen-year-old Zelda and her uncle Mark are determined to rebuild within Greywood Bay. It’s a place of serene beauty and rich history, a bucolic town they want to call home. If only the ghosts would leave her alone. Haunted by the spectral echoes of the dead, Zelda must fight for her sanity while navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence. And her uncle Mark must battle his own demons, both inside out. Alone, they will crumble. Together, they might just have a chance. Because something sinister is rising off the foggy shores of the Lost an entity beyond time itself, one who has long had her eyes on these lands. Her whispers won’t be silenced. Her shadows can’t be ignored. And her debts will never be forgiven. For beneath its surface Greywood Bay is built on borrowed fortunes and grim pacts. And soon retribution will wash over the town with Tides of Darkness.
494 pages, Paperback
Published June 28, 2024
133 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Andrew Van Wey
19 books591 followersAndrew Van Wey was born in Palo Alto, California, spent part of his childhood in New England, and lived in South Korea for over a decade.
When he's not writing, Andrew can be found mountain biking, playing video games, or hiking with his wife and their sheepdog Arthas. He loves education, geeking out about D&D and fountain pens, and collecting tattoos.
Visit him online at: www.andrewvanwey.com to sign up for early previews and special offers!
When he's not writing, Andrew can be found mountain biking, playing video games, or hiking with his wife and their sheepdog Arthas. He loves education, geeking out about D&D and fountain pens, and collecting tattoos.
Visit him online at: www.andrewvanwey.com to sign up for early previews and special offers!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
November 11, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
This is my third Andrew Van Wey book. Every time I finish one, I am just blown away by the sheer writing ability and how the characters feel like real people. Picking up months after the events of the first book, we are thrust right back into all the strange happenings in Greywood Bay. The story gains traction and gets much deeper this time around, providing more backstory for both the town and the players in Greywood Bay's game. I care deeply about these characters and I'm super invested in them now. I can't wait to go back to the Lost Coast again.
This is my third Andrew Van Wey book. Every time I finish one, I am just blown away by the sheer writing ability and how the characters feel like real people. Picking up months after the events of the first book, we are thrust right back into all the strange happenings in Greywood Bay. The story gains traction and gets much deeper this time around, providing more backstory for both the town and the players in Greywood Bay's game. I care deeply about these characters and I'm super invested in them now. I can't wait to go back to the Lost Coast again.
November 28, 2024
I came right over from my review for book 1 because my thoughts on this book feel like they're going to explode right out of my ears.
My wife is sick of hearing me rant so now I get to take it out on you folks.
For starters, I'm endlessly irritated by the whole wrestling match that brands Zelda as a zombie. Like, the author insisted on using language that makes it seem like Zelda genuinely cannot breathe. Like that Andria girl is using excessive force. But no one brings this up. We all just brand Zelda a psycho.
Speaking of, it's been like 9 months or so and Chester and Zelda never really seem to talk at all about their connection and all that. Chester was soooo adamant that Zelda is the next keeper. The next light to draw Jahars gaze. Yet they clearly never visit him even tho the man only saved the whole town and he's the only person who could possibly understand this size of Zelda.
Instead we see him get himself banned from seeing her and from leaving the nursing home. (Even if that doesn't stop him.)
Like I dunno, I understand that Zelda is having a hard time processing a lot of the stuff that happened. But the fact that she just neatly locks it all away is insane to me. The author writes her like some insane mentalist who can just suck everything up into a box.
And I'm sorry, but she saw her dead parents. Home girl should have definitely been more receptive to all that stuff. Especially when she admits that Jahar talks to her in her head and makes stuff everywhere look weird and spooky.
Mark really pissed me off this book. It felt like every single chapter of his was just him lamenting in circles and being a stubborn idiot. I understand these characters are 'flawed' but holy christ its been 9 months and he's still obsessed with Spain.
Dude
Get over it.
I liked that he and Stacie had a thing, though I was sad about Debrah never getting her chance. Or even a moment with Mark outside of official police business.
I think it's a real shame she also never got a moment with Zelda. I think a conversation while Zelda introduced her to Zippy burger would've been interesting.
Can I just also say that Zelda is somehow more and less talkative this book.
Like I enjoyed her practically popping out of her shell near the end. But the insinuation that she's made like nearly no progress in interacting with others feels wild.
Like what good is Mark in being the lighthouse for her (and apparently he's doing a good enough job according to the ghost of Maya.)
He can't even get the damn kid to say 3 words, there's a difference between teenage mullishness and just not knowing how to write a teen very well
Also the fact that she somehow forgets that Mark isn't indestructible just like her parents is bananas. And her not sticking up for him in front of her grandparents and uncle. She's not stupid, like you can see the hostility. She's so sure he'll protect her but the fact that she, the guardian, doesn't even consider protecting him back is WILD.
Now I'm sure I know what you're thinking, she's a teen not an adult. Kids don't have that much empathy.
Sure, but she's a book teen who saw both her parents die and also saw like 39 tortured souls that she helped lay to rest.
Also they make a point to say how mature she is. All. The. Time.
The fact that this kid doesn't seem to have a single empathetic bone till the end makes me wonder if the author changed his mind about making her a servant of Jahar.
Mara and Ali just as annoying, actually infinitely more so. And really bad friends? Like holy shit yall prevented so many deaths and you can't even stick up for your friendship? Like Zelda just asked them to get everyone off the pier. Not SHOOT FIREWORKS AT THEM. That one's on Ali and Mara and they got the audacity to straight up ignore her and listen to their parents. Like now?? NOW you listen.
If she doesn't get better friends I'll eat my hat.
Chester absolutely broke my heart this book. I wanted him to have more time and more interactions with Zelda but noooo. Instead we hear more about his bathroom habits than his talks with Zelda. I do think his confrontation with Grant was delightful. Even if I was disappointed that the ghosts of his friends didn't drag that fucker to hell.
Like it's already wild that they were haunting CHESTER and not Grant to begin with. Also that they apparently didn't hold any grudge towards the man who locked them up to die and didn't come to Chester's aid to get hands on Grant.
Utterly bewildering
Now, I will say that Bebe is one of my most favorite villains I've read in quite a while. I think her personality paired nicely with what she's done to herself to get to where she is. I liked that she freely talked back to her own god, she was nasty as fuck and knew exactly what she wanted. I was definitely shocked when she stabbed the detective and steel armed her into submission. Especially after listening to her lamenting about old age as she wrote her book.
(Can I also just say. That POOR woman who Bebe terrorizes for the bad book review. It felt like something I'm sure our author wishes he himself could do sometimes.)
I wanted to save Ben for near the end because i actually think the story of Ben and his lighthouse was the best part of the whole damn book for me. I cried when he got to talk to Janice again and that he was finally freed from his eternity in the lighthouse. Like his delight at hearing Zelda call back to his distress call had my chest twisting. He waited for what felt like his entire existence for even a single word to remind him he wasn't alone.
Overall I liked that Zelda broke out of her shell much more; even if I wasn't impressed that her "coming out" to Mark about all this weirdness was summed up as "so she told him." Like christ what a cop out. We waited one and 3/4ths of a book for this conversation and it's just "and so she/he told him/her"
Also the fact that Chester himself says Mark has some of the light in him. But apparently not enough to see anything but Maya a few times. I wanted to see much more of him and Zelda exploring this new link and the VULNERABILITY I HAD WANTED ALL ALOOOOONG. SOMEONE CRY IN FRONT OF SOMEONE HOLY SHIT.
Also because I forgot about this ppoint and can't drop it in anywhere organically. Mister Van Wey, why on Christ's green earth, did you continuously tell us that the language of the All was not something a human tongue could speak or understand. And then WRITE IT OUT IN A LANGUAGE THAT COULD BE SPOKEN. Sir, sir please. Like you are actually killing me here. Stick to your guns instead of slapping some Tolkein in there.
Anyway. I already know there's gonna be a third one and I'll end up reading it because truckers need some way to survive.
Hopefully I don't have the same audible narrator chanting words at me that the human tongue shouldn't be able to speak.
My wife is sick of hearing me rant so now I get to take it out on you folks.
For starters, I'm endlessly irritated by the whole wrestling match that brands Zelda as a zombie. Like, the author insisted on using language that makes it seem like Zelda genuinely cannot breathe. Like that Andria girl is using excessive force. But no one brings this up. We all just brand Zelda a psycho.
Speaking of, it's been like 9 months or so and Chester and Zelda never really seem to talk at all about their connection and all that. Chester was soooo adamant that Zelda is the next keeper. The next light to draw Jahars gaze. Yet they clearly never visit him even tho the man only saved the whole town and he's the only person who could possibly understand this size of Zelda.
Instead we see him get himself banned from seeing her and from leaving the nursing home. (Even if that doesn't stop him.)
Like I dunno, I understand that Zelda is having a hard time processing a lot of the stuff that happened. But the fact that she just neatly locks it all away is insane to me. The author writes her like some insane mentalist who can just suck everything up into a box.
And I'm sorry, but she saw her dead parents. Home girl should have definitely been more receptive to all that stuff. Especially when she admits that Jahar talks to her in her head and makes stuff everywhere look weird and spooky.
Mark really pissed me off this book. It felt like every single chapter of his was just him lamenting in circles and being a stubborn idiot. I understand these characters are 'flawed' but holy christ its been 9 months and he's still obsessed with Spain.
Dude
Get over it.
I liked that he and Stacie had a thing, though I was sad about Debrah never getting her chance. Or even a moment with Mark outside of official police business.
I think it's a real shame she also never got a moment with Zelda. I think a conversation while Zelda introduced her to Zippy burger would've been interesting.
Can I just also say that Zelda is somehow more and less talkative this book.
Like I enjoyed her practically popping out of her shell near the end. But the insinuation that she's made like nearly no progress in interacting with others feels wild.
Like what good is Mark in being the lighthouse for her (and apparently he's doing a good enough job according to the ghost of Maya.)
He can't even get the damn kid to say 3 words, there's a difference between teenage mullishness and just not knowing how to write a teen very well
Also the fact that she somehow forgets that Mark isn't indestructible just like her parents is bananas. And her not sticking up for him in front of her grandparents and uncle. She's not stupid, like you can see the hostility. She's so sure he'll protect her but the fact that she, the guardian, doesn't even consider protecting him back is WILD.
Now I'm sure I know what you're thinking, she's a teen not an adult. Kids don't have that much empathy.
Sure, but she's a book teen who saw both her parents die and also saw like 39 tortured souls that she helped lay to rest.
Also they make a point to say how mature she is. All. The. Time.
The fact that this kid doesn't seem to have a single empathetic bone till the end makes me wonder if the author changed his mind about making her a servant of Jahar.
Mara and Ali just as annoying, actually infinitely more so. And really bad friends? Like holy shit yall prevented so many deaths and you can't even stick up for your friendship? Like Zelda just asked them to get everyone off the pier. Not SHOOT FIREWORKS AT THEM. That one's on Ali and Mara and they got the audacity to straight up ignore her and listen to their parents. Like now?? NOW you listen.
If she doesn't get better friends I'll eat my hat.
Chester absolutely broke my heart this book. I wanted him to have more time and more interactions with Zelda but noooo. Instead we hear more about his bathroom habits than his talks with Zelda. I do think his confrontation with Grant was delightful. Even if I was disappointed that the ghosts of his friends didn't drag that fucker to hell.
Like it's already wild that they were haunting CHESTER and not Grant to begin with. Also that they apparently didn't hold any grudge towards the man who locked them up to die and didn't come to Chester's aid to get hands on Grant.
Utterly bewildering
Now, I will say that Bebe is one of my most favorite villains I've read in quite a while. I think her personality paired nicely with what she's done to herself to get to where she is. I liked that she freely talked back to her own god, she was nasty as fuck and knew exactly what she wanted. I was definitely shocked when she stabbed the detective and steel armed her into submission. Especially after listening to her lamenting about old age as she wrote her book.
(Can I also just say. That POOR woman who Bebe terrorizes for the bad book review. It felt like something I'm sure our author wishes he himself could do sometimes.)
I wanted to save Ben for near the end because i actually think the story of Ben and his lighthouse was the best part of the whole damn book for me. I cried when he got to talk to Janice again and that he was finally freed from his eternity in the lighthouse. Like his delight at hearing Zelda call back to his distress call had my chest twisting. He waited for what felt like his entire existence for even a single word to remind him he wasn't alone.
Overall I liked that Zelda broke out of her shell much more; even if I wasn't impressed that her "coming out" to Mark about all this weirdness was summed up as "so she told him." Like christ what a cop out. We waited one and 3/4ths of a book for this conversation and it's just "and so she/he told him/her"
Also the fact that Chester himself says Mark has some of the light in him. But apparently not enough to see anything but Maya a few times. I wanted to see much more of him and Zelda exploring this new link and the VULNERABILITY I HAD WANTED ALL ALOOOOONG. SOMEONE CRY IN FRONT OF SOMEONE HOLY SHIT.
Also because I forgot about this ppoint and can't drop it in anywhere organically. Mister Van Wey, why on Christ's green earth, did you continuously tell us that the language of the All was not something a human tongue could speak or understand. And then WRITE IT OUT IN A LANGUAGE THAT COULD BE SPOKEN. Sir, sir please. Like you are actually killing me here. Stick to your guns instead of slapping some Tolkein in there.
Anyway. I already know there's gonna be a third one and I'll end up reading it because truckers need some way to survive.
Hopefully I don't have the same audible narrator chanting words at me that the human tongue shouldn't be able to speak.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
“Some people spend their whole lives climbing up ladders, then smile while kicking them down.”
I first want to thank Tom Jordan for gifting me an Audible code to listen to this book. He is a great narrator. I listened to By the Light of Dead Stars, so I felt right back at home listening to Tom pick up right where he left off.
Tides of Darkness by Andrew Van Wey is the second book in his Beyond the Lost Coast series, and this one hits just as hard, if not harder, than By the Light of Dead Stars.
Tides takes place a few months after Dead Stars and we pick right back up with Zelda and her uncle Mark as they try to pick up the pieces of their life after what happened at the end of book one. As school starts, Zelda starts hearing the voice of the Eldritch entity. It’s not through with them yet.
There are a lot of twists and turns to this book, and it left me hanging on every word. Andrew does a really great job of painting a picture of the town and of all the characters, and Tom brings each character to life.
As a side note, there are a couple of characters in this book who I really hate in the Dolores Umbridge kind of way. In Harry Potter, you have Voldemort, but people don’t really hate him; the loathe Umbridge though. I have the same feeling with these characters in this story. Ugh, they made me cringe and feel for poor Zelda.
If you are looking for a fun thrill ride, you really need to check out the Beyond the Lost Coast series, and Tides of Darkness the most.
5 Stars.
I first want to thank Tom Jordan for gifting me an Audible code to listen to this book. He is a great narrator. I listened to By the Light of Dead Stars, so I felt right back at home listening to Tom pick up right where he left off.
Tides of Darkness by Andrew Van Wey is the second book in his Beyond the Lost Coast series, and this one hits just as hard, if not harder, than By the Light of Dead Stars.
Tides takes place a few months after Dead Stars and we pick right back up with Zelda and her uncle Mark as they try to pick up the pieces of their life after what happened at the end of book one. As school starts, Zelda starts hearing the voice of the Eldritch entity. It’s not through with them yet.
There are a lot of twists and turns to this book, and it left me hanging on every word. Andrew does a really great job of painting a picture of the town and of all the characters, and Tom brings each character to life.
As a side note, there are a couple of characters in this book who I really hate in the Dolores Umbridge kind of way. In Harry Potter, you have Voldemort, but people don’t really hate him; the loathe Umbridge though. I have the same feeling with these characters in this story. Ugh, they made me cringe and feel for poor Zelda.
If you are looking for a fun thrill ride, you really need to check out the Beyond the Lost Coast series, and Tides of Darkness the most.
5 Stars.
July 13, 2024
Fantastic addition to the series! We rejoin Zelda and Mark as they pick up the pieces from the fire that consumed their home and altered their lives. Cosmic terror is creeping in once again, and Zelda learns just how important she is, what she could be capable of. With loss, discovery, terror, and some very well done love, this book was a solid 4.5 stars, and a glorious sequel. I’ll just sit here and pretend to be patient while I wait for the next installation, but don’t take too long, okay Andrew?
February 19, 2025
*chef’s kiss*
Another brilliant entry in the Beyond the Lost Coast series.
Zelda, you have my heart. It breaks for the trials that you have to go through yet is so proud of all you’ve done. Are you blessed or are you cursed? Probably a bit of both as you have such good friends yet such demons.
Another brilliant entry in the Beyond the Lost Coast series.
Zelda, you have my heart. It breaks for the trials that you have to go through yet is so proud of all you’ve done. Are you blessed or are you cursed? Probably a bit of both as you have such good friends yet such demons.
September 5, 2025
A bit slower than book 1, but one hell of am ending!
July 6, 2024
"We," Zelda repeated. "I think that's how it works. We all carry each other."
Yet again, I am here to sing my praises for Andrew Van Wey and his wonderful work!
Tides of Darkness is the second installment in the Beyond the Lost Coast series, a series that I absolutely adore. This sequel continues to follow Zelda and her Uncle Mark, who are facing an unearthly horror, threatening not only their small town of Greywood Bay, but the world! Another fast paced, horror novel with sci-fi elements that will leave you looking over your shoulder and questioning who you're truly talking to.
I went into this novel very apprehensive at first. A lot of sequels are either hit or miss and can often ruin the experience for the reader in my opinion. Tides of Darkness was an absolute HIT for Van Wey! From the get go, you're thrown back into this world and the impending doom it's facing. You feel as if you've never left.
Andrew Van Wey has a beautiful writing style, one that allows the reader to fully immerse themselves into this universe through the vivid imagery and descriptive text. This novel, yet again, was a perfect horror and science fiction crossover. The unearthly entities and destruction that is caused it so easily imagined due to the realistic and expressive details by Van Wey. We learn so much more about the evil entity that is wreaking havoc on our world as their 'character' is expanded on in great detail.
The character development from By the Light of Dead Stars to Tides of Darkness was also done wonderfully! Not only could we see the character development in our protagonists due to the experiences they faced in the previous novel, but it could be felt across the entire town! The entire story created a sense of community and collective resilience to fight for what they believed in, constantly sparking hope within the reader that things will work out and good will conquer. By the Light of the Dead Stars is not just a serious and dark story, it also has wholesome and humorous elements, which emphasis the humanity of the characters. A favourite moment that caught me off guard, and showed some minor yet important character development from the previous novel was the scene where Zelda and pals were breaking in to a society building. Zelda stated to herself that she knew what she was doing was wrong, but believed there was a larger and more important reason for breaking and entering. Her maturity and growth was extremely evident. Then we had sassy Ali questioning whether it was "amateur hour" while Maura pointed out it was only her "second break-in". A little sprinkle of humour amongst the tense and stressful scenes.
Overall, Tides of Darkness was a wonderfully eerie and suspenseful novel that kept me on my toes. It was filled with twists and turns, always leaving the reader on the edge of their seat, hungry to read more. It felt like I was in an episode of Doctor Who meets Stranger Things, with more scares! I cannot praise Van Wey enough for such a wonderful sequel (we won't talk about that cliffhanger though.. I'm itching for the next already!) I'm also a huge fan of short chapters, action packed and straight to the point, holding the reader's interest, which are what Tides of Darkness is built on!
If you're a fan of horror, science fiction, a wholesome story of a small town fighting for the greater good and some bad ass teens, this novel is for you! Also look at how eerily beautiful that cover is. You should definitely judge this book by it's cover!
Thank you so much to the author Andrew Van Wey for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Yet again, I'll be pre-ordering the physical copy as well as checking out the audiobook!!
Yet again, I am here to sing my praises for Andrew Van Wey and his wonderful work!
Tides of Darkness is the second installment in the Beyond the Lost Coast series, a series that I absolutely adore. This sequel continues to follow Zelda and her Uncle Mark, who are facing an unearthly horror, threatening not only their small town of Greywood Bay, but the world! Another fast paced, horror novel with sci-fi elements that will leave you looking over your shoulder and questioning who you're truly talking to.
I went into this novel very apprehensive at first. A lot of sequels are either hit or miss and can often ruin the experience for the reader in my opinion. Tides of Darkness was an absolute HIT for Van Wey! From the get go, you're thrown back into this world and the impending doom it's facing. You feel as if you've never left.
Andrew Van Wey has a beautiful writing style, one that allows the reader to fully immerse themselves into this universe through the vivid imagery and descriptive text. This novel, yet again, was a perfect horror and science fiction crossover. The unearthly entities and destruction that is caused it so easily imagined due to the realistic and expressive details by Van Wey. We learn so much more about the evil entity that is wreaking havoc on our world as their 'character' is expanded on in great detail.
The character development from By the Light of Dead Stars to Tides of Darkness was also done wonderfully! Not only could we see the character development in our protagonists due to the experiences they faced in the previous novel, but it could be felt across the entire town! The entire story created a sense of community and collective resilience to fight for what they believed in, constantly sparking hope within the reader that things will work out and good will conquer. By the Light of the Dead Stars is not just a serious and dark story, it also has wholesome and humorous elements, which emphasis the humanity of the characters. A favourite moment that caught me off guard, and showed some minor yet important character development from the previous novel was the scene where Zelda and pals were breaking in to a society building. Zelda stated to herself that she knew what she was doing was wrong, but believed there was a larger and more important reason for breaking and entering. Her maturity and growth was extremely evident. Then we had sassy Ali questioning whether it was "amateur hour" while Maura pointed out it was only her "second break-in". A little sprinkle of humour amongst the tense and stressful scenes.
Overall, Tides of Darkness was a wonderfully eerie and suspenseful novel that kept me on my toes. It was filled with twists and turns, always leaving the reader on the edge of their seat, hungry to read more. It felt like I was in an episode of Doctor Who meets Stranger Things, with more scares! I cannot praise Van Wey enough for such a wonderful sequel (we won't talk about that cliffhanger though.. I'm itching for the next already!) I'm also a huge fan of short chapters, action packed and straight to the point, holding the reader's interest, which are what Tides of Darkness is built on!
If you're a fan of horror, science fiction, a wholesome story of a small town fighting for the greater good and some bad ass teens, this novel is for you! Also look at how eerily beautiful that cover is. You should definitely judge this book by it's cover!
Thank you so much to the author Andrew Van Wey for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Yet again, I'll be pre-ordering the physical copy as well as checking out the audiobook!!
April 22, 2025
Facing the Abyss Without Flinching
Andrew Van Wey’s Tides of Darkness, the second entry in his Beyond the Lost Coast trilogy, is a rare thing: a horror novel that wounds honestly but refuses to glamorize the scars.
Set in the decaying coastal town of Greywood Bay, the story follows Zelda and her uncle Mark as they attempt to rebuild their lives after surviving the horrors of By the Light of Dead Stars. But Greywood Bay holds older, deeper rot. The ghosts that haunt its streets are not mere monsters—they are memories. Forgotten souls, crushed under the heel of comfort, ignored by the adults too weary—or too complicit—to care.
At its core, Tides of Darkness is about bearing witness. Zelda survives not by violence, but by remembrance. By refusing to let the dead stay silent. In a world where apathy has become a survival mechanism, she chooses compassion instead. It’s not sentimental. It’s defiant.
The villains, too, are chilling not because they are theatrical, but because they are ordinary. The town elders who serve the dark god Jahar do so with the casual cruelty of bureaucrats, not fanatics. They exploit, exclude, and sacrifice not because they are monsters, but because it’s easier. Van Wey captures the banality of evil with unnerving precision: evil isn’t always dramatic—it’s often paperwork, old money, and tradition gone sour.
Importantly, Van Wey’s violence is purposeful. Pain is present—but it is never stylized or fetishized. Violence wounds here because it should. When Mark endures his mutilation, the story leans into his sacrifice, not his suffering. The violence serves the truth, not the thrill.
Stylistically, Van Wey draws from the well of cosmic horror—but transforms it. Where Lovecraft’s universe is cold and indifferent, Van Wey’s world still hints at meaning. The void is real—but it is not empty. And that theological undercurrent, whether intended or not, offers a subtle but vital resistance to despair.
Zelda’s journey is far from finished. Evil, though battered, still lingers. But Tides of Darkness reminds us that even in a broken world, the smallest act of remembrance, the quietest act of courage, is enough to defy the tide.
Final Verdict:
Not a horror story for cheap thrills, but for hard truth. Unsettling, redemptive, and ultimately defiant in the face of despair.
Andrew Van Wey’s Tides of Darkness, the second entry in his Beyond the Lost Coast trilogy, is a rare thing: a horror novel that wounds honestly but refuses to glamorize the scars.
Set in the decaying coastal town of Greywood Bay, the story follows Zelda and her uncle Mark as they attempt to rebuild their lives after surviving the horrors of By the Light of Dead Stars. But Greywood Bay holds older, deeper rot. The ghosts that haunt its streets are not mere monsters—they are memories. Forgotten souls, crushed under the heel of comfort, ignored by the adults too weary—or too complicit—to care.
At its core, Tides of Darkness is about bearing witness. Zelda survives not by violence, but by remembrance. By refusing to let the dead stay silent. In a world where apathy has become a survival mechanism, she chooses compassion instead. It’s not sentimental. It’s defiant.
The villains, too, are chilling not because they are theatrical, but because they are ordinary. The town elders who serve the dark god Jahar do so with the casual cruelty of bureaucrats, not fanatics. They exploit, exclude, and sacrifice not because they are monsters, but because it’s easier. Van Wey captures the banality of evil with unnerving precision: evil isn’t always dramatic—it’s often paperwork, old money, and tradition gone sour.
Importantly, Van Wey’s violence is purposeful. Pain is present—but it is never stylized or fetishized. Violence wounds here because it should. When Mark endures his mutilation, the story leans into his sacrifice, not his suffering. The violence serves the truth, not the thrill.
Stylistically, Van Wey draws from the well of cosmic horror—but transforms it. Where Lovecraft’s universe is cold and indifferent, Van Wey’s world still hints at meaning. The void is real—but it is not empty. And that theological undercurrent, whether intended or not, offers a subtle but vital resistance to despair.
Zelda’s journey is far from finished. Evil, though battered, still lingers. But Tides of Darkness reminds us that even in a broken world, the smallest act of remembrance, the quietest act of courage, is enough to defy the tide.
Final Verdict:
Not a horror story for cheap thrills, but for hard truth. Unsettling, redemptive, and ultimately defiant in the face of despair.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
This is Andrew Van Wey’s second of three books in the “Beyond the Lost Coast Series” so far and does not disappoint! In this second installment, the community is is still recovering from the impossible events the year before; the horrifyingly brutal phenomenon that took lives, injured many, destroyed an entire housing development and will forever haunt and terrify the minds of those who survived; especially those who decided to stay.
Young Zelda in one of the remaining residents that lives with her uncle she just met before all Hell broke loose. Both her parents gone from a car accident Zelda survived, she is a long ways away from being “stable” “normal” or “adjusted”. Furthermore, her Spanish only speaking grandparents who never show one ounce of interest in Zelda is battling her uncle for custody. (BTW- Zelda is a millionaire fifty times over, nothing her uncle cares about but the grandparents can’t shut up about it! ) Zelda doesn’t care about the money either which is why she had her parents mansion sold and moved into a more humble home on coast, The Monterey Bay.
Zelda had made three really close friends her first year here as an 7th grader and heading into high school at 14, she doesn’t want leave her new found friends that together along with her Uncle, was able to solve the terror that amassed and put it to bed! But, did they really? In this second chapter, a new phenomenon begins to emerge with equally horrifying implications. Once again, these young, displaced but very intelligent adolescents with the help of a cool uncle, his new girlfriend-Zelda’s teacher and others, need to get to the bottom of this mounting horror. The oceans bottom maybe!
Andrew Van Wey is an epic Lovecraftian mythos author as well as in the Macabre Supernatural Horror trope, “Forsaken” is an excellent example of this fact. The “Beyond the Lost Coast” series is Lovecraftian Mythos at its best! Only John Langan Kaitlan R Kerinan, Laird Barron and Darcy Coates can compete with the pen of Andrew Van Wey, by no means surpass; only stay close!
CthulhuBluesBear!
Young Zelda in one of the remaining residents that lives with her uncle she just met before all Hell broke loose. Both her parents gone from a car accident Zelda survived, she is a long ways away from being “stable” “normal” or “adjusted”. Furthermore, her Spanish only speaking grandparents who never show one ounce of interest in Zelda is battling her uncle for custody. (BTW- Zelda is a millionaire fifty times over, nothing her uncle cares about but the grandparents can’t shut up about it! ) Zelda doesn’t care about the money either which is why she had her parents mansion sold and moved into a more humble home on coast, The Monterey Bay.
Zelda had made three really close friends her first year here as an 7th grader and heading into high school at 14, she doesn’t want leave her new found friends that together along with her Uncle, was able to solve the terror that amassed and put it to bed! But, did they really? In this second chapter, a new phenomenon begins to emerge with equally horrifying implications. Once again, these young, displaced but very intelligent adolescents with the help of a cool uncle, his new girlfriend-Zelda’s teacher and others, need to get to the bottom of this mounting horror. The oceans bottom maybe!
Andrew Van Wey is an epic Lovecraftian mythos author as well as in the Macabre Supernatural Horror trope, “Forsaken” is an excellent example of this fact. The “Beyond the Lost Coast” series is Lovecraftian Mythos at its best! Only John Langan Kaitlan R Kerinan, Laird Barron and Darcy Coates can compete with the pen of Andrew Van Wey, by no means surpass; only stay close!
CthulhuBluesBear!
June 16, 2024
Review of Uncorrected Proof
To Ben Thomas, something feels wrong in the old Point Greywood Lighthouse. And what is that chanting he hears?
Zelda Ruiz, trying to fit in with her high school classmates, struggles with unbidden voices in her ears. Ghost or demon, alien or curse, she does not yet know how to define J’harr. But she’d stood up to J’harr when she’d helped her neighbors escape from the fire that consumed Raven’s Valley.
But what lies ahead? And what is J’harr's plan?
=========
Second in the author’s Beyond the Lost Coast series, “Tides of Darkness” picks up where “By the Light of Dead Stars left off; however, there is sufficient backstory for those who have yet to read the first volume. Well-developed characters . . . Mark and Zelda remain central to the telling of the tale . . . and a strong sense of place work together to keep readers guessing as the unfolding narrative keeps the pages turning faster and faster.
Serene Greywood Bay harbors a malevolent secret and as readers uncover the hidden abhorrence that is, by turns, terrifyingly horrific and overwhelmingly heartbreaking, the terror grows. Fourteen-year-old Zelda navigates adolescence with her friends Ali and Maura, struggling to deal with the fallout from the town’s depraved pacts. Surprising revelations and plot twists and turns keep the terror stalking the small town.
There’s a sense of malevolence running beneath this story, keeping readers off-balance as the suspense wraps tendrils around the reader. Unexpected twists leave readers guessing; as with the previous tale, readers are left with much to ponder . . . and much to fear as the denouement races toward an ending the reader simply will not see coming.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
To Ben Thomas, something feels wrong in the old Point Greywood Lighthouse. And what is that chanting he hears?
Zelda Ruiz, trying to fit in with her high school classmates, struggles with unbidden voices in her ears. Ghost or demon, alien or curse, she does not yet know how to define J’harr. But she’d stood up to J’harr when she’d helped her neighbors escape from the fire that consumed Raven’s Valley.
But what lies ahead? And what is J’harr's plan?
=========
Second in the author’s Beyond the Lost Coast series, “Tides of Darkness” picks up where “By the Light of Dead Stars left off; however, there is sufficient backstory for those who have yet to read the first volume. Well-developed characters . . . Mark and Zelda remain central to the telling of the tale . . . and a strong sense of place work together to keep readers guessing as the unfolding narrative keeps the pages turning faster and faster.
Serene Greywood Bay harbors a malevolent secret and as readers uncover the hidden abhorrence that is, by turns, terrifyingly horrific and overwhelmingly heartbreaking, the terror grows. Fourteen-year-old Zelda navigates adolescence with her friends Ali and Maura, struggling to deal with the fallout from the town’s depraved pacts. Surprising revelations and plot twists and turns keep the terror stalking the small town.
There’s a sense of malevolence running beneath this story, keeping readers off-balance as the suspense wraps tendrils around the reader. Unexpected twists leave readers guessing; as with the previous tale, readers are left with much to ponder . . . and much to fear as the denouement races toward an ending the reader simply will not see coming.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
August 23, 2024
Tides of Darkness (Beyond the Lost Coast Book 2)
I have just completed a 2nd reading of Andrew Van Wey's "Tides of Darkness (Beyond the Lost Coast Book 2)". This is the follow-up to "By The Light of Dead Stars." I highly recommend that you read this book first, not only because it is a great read, but because, as the case with most sequels, there is continuity of characters and storylines that are important!
I received an advanced copy of "Tides of Darkness (Beyond The Lost Coast Book 2)" this summer. I should have reviewed it then. Suffice it to say, I didn't. I blame...(pick an excuse).
*Apologies to author Andrew Van Wey. Please don't fire me from the Street Team!*
With the release of “Tides of Darkness”, I saw that it was in my 'read' list, unreview! Anyway, I decided to re-read the book. Yes, it is that good!
Everything that I have read by Andrew Van Wey is a well thought out, expertly crafted story. The creep factor of these (2) books is very high. These are not simple bedtime stories. I'm not sure they are cozy up by the fireplace with hot chocolate, either. If you do, I recommend leaving the light on - several, in fact. And, maybe have a flashlight nearby.
In this book, the main character, Zelda, an unpopular teenager, finds herself caught up in an alternate universe that spills over into her reality. It’s like she's at a crossroad between "Obi Wan, you're our only hope" and The 6th Sense, "I see dead people." (Lights. please!). While the adults are fighting over custody, her only stability following the death of her mother is her legal guardian, Uncle Mark.
Mark is single, but his sister told him that she wanted Zelda toI be raised by him. How do we know? Because his dead sister told him, obviously. -Mr.Bill
I have just completed a 2nd reading of Andrew Van Wey's "Tides of Darkness (Beyond the Lost Coast Book 2)". This is the follow-up to "By The Light of Dead Stars." I highly recommend that you read this book first, not only because it is a great read, but because, as the case with most sequels, there is continuity of characters and storylines that are important!
I received an advanced copy of "Tides of Darkness (Beyond The Lost Coast Book 2)" this summer. I should have reviewed it then. Suffice it to say, I didn't. I blame...(pick an excuse).
*Apologies to author Andrew Van Wey. Please don't fire me from the Street Team!*
With the release of “Tides of Darkness”, I saw that it was in my 'read' list, unreview! Anyway, I decided to re-read the book. Yes, it is that good!
Everything that I have read by Andrew Van Wey is a well thought out, expertly crafted story. The creep factor of these (2) books is very high. These are not simple bedtime stories. I'm not sure they are cozy up by the fireplace with hot chocolate, either. If you do, I recommend leaving the light on - several, in fact. And, maybe have a flashlight nearby.
In this book, the main character, Zelda, an unpopular teenager, finds herself caught up in an alternate universe that spills over into her reality. It’s like she's at a crossroad between "Obi Wan, you're our only hope" and The 6th Sense, "I see dead people." (Lights. please!). While the adults are fighting over custody, her only stability following the death of her mother is her legal guardian, Uncle Mark.
Mark is single, but his sister told him that she wanted Zelda toI be raised by him. How do we know? Because his dead sister told him, obviously. -Mr.Bill
December 15, 2024
After really enjoying By The Light Of Dead Stars, I was eager to delve back into the world of Greywood Bay and spend more time with Zelda and Mark. The sequel ramps up the peril, gets darker frequently, and while there are still the coming-of-age elements that made up most of the first book, these are now wrapped in much more cosmic horror. The mythology built in Dead Stars is greatly expanded on here, with town secrets exposed and characters—both new and old—firmly in the sight of the ever-watchful being we were introduced to previously.
I did find the start of the book slow going at times. Whether this was because of the story or a personal issue with me, I'm not sure. Van Wey does a great job of reintroducing the reader to this world without going into explicit recap details, which I appreciated, so it never felt like I was getting bogged down reliving details I already knew. By the time I had reached the 35-40% point, however, I was hooked. There are numerous action set pieces with some genuinely creepy moments and plenty of twists, and some surprising character developments. Once the book had sunk its teeth into me, it didn't let go until I'd turned the last page.
It's difficult to go into plot-specific details without spoiling one (or both) books, but needless to say, if you were a fan of the first, you owe it to yourself to continue exploring Greywood Bay. If you haven't read By The Light Of Dead Stars yet, and a small-town Lovecraftian horror story meets high school drama appeals, then I'd highly recommend getting up to speed with these books. It seems like a third entry is on the horizon, and if Van Wey betters the last book in the series—as I feel he has done with Tides Of Darkness—then you're going to want to be along for the ride.
I did find the start of the book slow going at times. Whether this was because of the story or a personal issue with me, I'm not sure. Van Wey does a great job of reintroducing the reader to this world without going into explicit recap details, which I appreciated, so it never felt like I was getting bogged down reliving details I already knew. By the time I had reached the 35-40% point, however, I was hooked. There are numerous action set pieces with some genuinely creepy moments and plenty of twists, and some surprising character developments. Once the book had sunk its teeth into me, it didn't let go until I'd turned the last page.
It's difficult to go into plot-specific details without spoiling one (or both) books, but needless to say, if you were a fan of the first, you owe it to yourself to continue exploring Greywood Bay. If you haven't read By The Light Of Dead Stars yet, and a small-town Lovecraftian horror story meets high school drama appeals, then I'd highly recommend getting up to speed with these books. It seems like a third entry is on the horizon, and if Van Wey betters the last book in the series—as I feel he has done with Tides Of Darkness—then you're going to want to be along for the ride.
July 3, 2024
Truth be told, this book has left me speechless. I'm not really sure what to say about it or how to explain the feelings this book has left me with.
Tides of Darkness gave me chills. It's a sheer gut punch of raw emotion, power, and humanity's unrelenting determination to survive beyond all else. It's a storm of tears and a flood of relieved breaths; a perilous roller coaster where up is diagonal and down is sideways.
Everything really came full circle here, and I really have to give Andrew all the credit for giving me characters that felt as real to me as the people around me every day. Zelda and Mark have become as much a part of life to me as my friends and family, more so than almost any characters I've ever read.
THE CLIFFHANGER THOUGH!!! I'd already put my pitchfork and torch away after the threat of a certain death had passed, but that might just be enough for me to bring them out again! I'll just be over here impatiently waiting for book 3.
While Tides is approaching absolute doorstop territory in length, it's worth every minute and every second spent immersing yourself in the black-violet light of Greywood Bay. The Lost Coast will suck you in and utterly devour you if you aren't careful, but then again, that may be preferable to what awaits you bathing in the light of J'harr...
Many thanks to Andrew for letting me see this early. As much as I've loved some of his other works, this is unequivocally his best one yet!
Tides of Darkness gave me chills. It's a sheer gut punch of raw emotion, power, and humanity's unrelenting determination to survive beyond all else. It's a storm of tears and a flood of relieved breaths; a perilous roller coaster where up is diagonal and down is sideways.
Everything really came full circle here, and I really have to give Andrew all the credit for giving me characters that felt as real to me as the people around me every day. Zelda and Mark have become as much a part of life to me as my friends and family, more so than almost any characters I've ever read.
THE CLIFFHANGER THOUGH!!! I'd already put my pitchfork and torch away after the threat of a certain death had passed, but that might just be enough for me to bring them out again! I'll just be over here impatiently waiting for book 3.
While Tides is approaching absolute doorstop territory in length, it's worth every minute and every second spent immersing yourself in the black-violet light of Greywood Bay. The Lost Coast will suck you in and utterly devour you if you aren't careful, but then again, that may be preferable to what awaits you bathing in the light of J'harr...
Many thanks to Andrew for letting me see this early. As much as I've loved some of his other works, this is unequivocally his best one yet!
August 26, 2025
For anyone who is a fan of cosmic horror, this series is for you.
I'll be honest, I put reading this one off for quite a while. By Light of Dead Stars was my favorite book of 2024, so I was worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations.
I'm laughing at myself now for my own stupidity. I had . . . momentarily . . . forgotten that I am never disappointed by an Andrew Van Wey book.
This is one of those books that I instantly want to dive right back into because I just know I'll discover a layer I missed the first time
The novel picks up a few months after the events of the first book. We find the community still dealing with the aftermath of the events in the last book. And we now dive further into the mythos of Greywood Bay. And this town has a DARK history.
The novel is beautifully written and intrinsically detailed. The story is so richly layered that it's like eating a decadent dessert and loving every bite of it. The characters are so well-developed that I feel like I know all of them personally. And I absolutely adore Zelda. She is such an amazing young protagonist.
It's very Lovecraftian in so many ways, but where Lovecraft's was always terrifyingly cold and empty, Van Wey creates a void that is teeming with a life of its own. And this world begs to be remembered, to be known.
This novel is beautiful and dark and infinite, just like the All, and I will always want to revisit this story.
I'll be honest, I put reading this one off for quite a while. By Light of Dead Stars was my favorite book of 2024, so I was worried it wouldn't live up to my expectations.
I'm laughing at myself now for my own stupidity. I had . . . momentarily . . . forgotten that I am never disappointed by an Andrew Van Wey book.
This is one of those books that I instantly want to dive right back into because I just know I'll discover a layer I missed the first time
The novel picks up a few months after the events of the first book. We find the community still dealing with the aftermath of the events in the last book. And we now dive further into the mythos of Greywood Bay. And this town has a DARK history.
The novel is beautifully written and intrinsically detailed. The story is so richly layered that it's like eating a decadent dessert and loving every bite of it. The characters are so well-developed that I feel like I know all of them personally. And I absolutely adore Zelda. She is such an amazing young protagonist.
It's very Lovecraftian in so many ways, but where Lovecraft's was always terrifyingly cold and empty, Van Wey creates a void that is teeming with a life of its own. And this world begs to be remembered, to be known.
This novel is beautiful and dark and infinite, just like the All, and I will always want to revisit this story.
December 22, 2024
Andrew Van Wey has crafted a masterpiece. I was a huge fan of By The Light of Dead Stars, and its sequel did not disappoint. Tides of Darkness is engrossing, consuming, and shows a deft balance between fun and heavy that never leans too far in either direction, but rather holds a masterfully controlled pendulum between the two. The story is deep, layered, and builds upon its predecessor perfectly.
But its greatest strength is its characters. This is a long book, although it never feels like its dragging, with a great plot. But the simple fact is it could have been twice as long with a threadbare plot and I still would have enjoyed it because I wanted so badly to spend time with these characters. Nobody is perfect, and heroism arises from real and personal places. The nasty ones...oh, are they nasty? One particular scene introducing the mindset of an antagonist will always live in my mind. Zelda and her crew of friends are delightful, and juxtaposed perfectly with the very adult issues Mark, Stacy, and co. are dealing with in the parallel. Zelda herself straddles that line in much the same way she straddles the real world and the "all". I could read about these characters forever.
So, I'm leaving Greywood Bay for the time being, but I can't wait to return to the Lost Coast and follow the light of a Black Lantern to see how this incredible story concludes.
But its greatest strength is its characters. This is a long book, although it never feels like its dragging, with a great plot. But the simple fact is it could have been twice as long with a threadbare plot and I still would have enjoyed it because I wanted so badly to spend time with these characters. Nobody is perfect, and heroism arises from real and personal places. The nasty ones...oh, are they nasty? One particular scene introducing the mindset of an antagonist will always live in my mind. Zelda and her crew of friends are delightful, and juxtaposed perfectly with the very adult issues Mark, Stacy, and co. are dealing with in the parallel. Zelda herself straddles that line in much the same way she straddles the real world and the "all". I could read about these characters forever.
So, I'm leaving Greywood Bay for the time being, but I can't wait to return to the Lost Coast and follow the light of a Black Lantern to see how this incredible story concludes.
May 29, 2025
Tides of Darkness by Andrew Van Wey is a sequel to By the Light of the Dead Stars. I don’t want to give anything away, but our heroes, Zelda, her friends, and her Uncle Mark, step up again to fight cosmic terror. I love everything about this series. It is so immersive! The world-building is out of this world! It is carefully planned out. I got easily sucked into this book as the events unfolded. The characters are all loveable (except for J'harr, of course. J'harr is truly evil and such a good villain); it continues the story so well, and I really enjoy the small-town horror aspect too.
Zelda has a special place in my heart. She has been through so much and has a lot of emotions to sort out while also trying to adjust to living with her uncle. This book focuses even more on her experiences. Since book 1, I could identify with her. At 13, my life got turned upside down, and I had to live with my great-aunt. I wish I had these books when I was her age. Tides of Darkness isn't a YA book, but I feel teens would like this series too. Zelda is an excellent role model for teens in similar situations. She is smart, sarcastic, strong, resilient, and she has such a huge heart. She shows that teens can get through the worst circumstances. That it is okay to get help, including friends and family. I can’t wait for the next book, and hopefully, they can conquer evil for good!
Zelda has a special place in my heart. She has been through so much and has a lot of emotions to sort out while also trying to adjust to living with her uncle. This book focuses even more on her experiences. Since book 1, I could identify with her. At 13, my life got turned upside down, and I had to live with my great-aunt. I wish I had these books when I was her age. Tides of Darkness isn't a YA book, but I feel teens would like this series too. Zelda is an excellent role model for teens in similar situations. She is smart, sarcastic, strong, resilient, and she has such a huge heart. She shows that teens can get through the worst circumstances. That it is okay to get help, including friends and family. I can’t wait for the next book, and hopefully, they can conquer evil for good!
June 16, 2024
I was fortunate enough to receive a “beta” version of Andrew Van Wey’s “Tides of Darkness.” I certainly enjoyed getting an advance copy and pretending to myself that all my little suggestions and few grammatical glitches were taken into consideration😊I will say that I probably would not have picked up this second book immediately after reading the first one. However, I was surprised to discover that I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I think this could be considered a YA/coming of age story.
While it always helps to read the first book in a series like this, I do think you could get away with reading either one separately. I think he did a great job of filling in the gaps from the first book, “By the Light of Dead Stars”, without retelling the entire story. The ending of “Tides of Darkness” ends with a cliffhanger of sorts. I was Ok with it and I don’t think anyone would feel “cheated” or forced to purchase the next in the series to get closure. I do still hope he decides to go in a different direction for his next book. I’d like to see something with a little more oomph and scare factor.
While it always helps to read the first book in a series like this, I do think you could get away with reading either one separately. I think he did a great job of filling in the gaps from the first book, “By the Light of Dead Stars”, without retelling the entire story. The ending of “Tides of Darkness” ends with a cliffhanger of sorts. I was Ok with it and I don’t think anyone would feel “cheated” or forced to purchase the next in the series to get closure. I do still hope he decides to go in a different direction for his next book. I’d like to see something with a little more oomph and scare factor.
August 14, 2025
Returning to the Lost Coast proved a bittersweet reunion for this reader. Our characters are settling back into life following the Raven's Valley fires. Unfortunately, peace is short-lived as the cosmic being, J'harr, has set her infinite gaze on the invasive presence of Zelda Ruiz. She will learn the horrifying truth that the fires were just the beginning and that the violet light of the cosmos has dug its tendrils in far deeper than Zelda, or anyone for that matter, could have imagined.
So, she reluctantly accepts the tutelage of a master who can help her navigate the dark cosmic energies for her own benefit. But at what cost?
Tides of Darkness sinks the hook of book one deep, pulling readers into shadowy nightmares and celestial machinations where vastly more repugnant secrets fester beneath the surface of Greywood Bay, and death waits to feast on a fresh offering cultivated by the town's undying gentry.
I cannot recommend this series enough, and I hope to see this title popping up on more readers' timelines as the third novel, "The Black Lantern" approaches its end-of-year release.
So, she reluctantly accepts the tutelage of a master who can help her navigate the dark cosmic energies for her own benefit. But at what cost?
Tides of Darkness sinks the hook of book one deep, pulling readers into shadowy nightmares and celestial machinations where vastly more repugnant secrets fester beneath the surface of Greywood Bay, and death waits to feast on a fresh offering cultivated by the town's undying gentry.
I cannot recommend this series enough, and I hope to see this title popping up on more readers' timelines as the third novel, "The Black Lantern" approaches its end-of-year release.
August 11, 2024
Tides Of Darkness
By Andrew Van Wey
I first want to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
🦑 Simply put, Andrew Van Wey writes the most approachable, enjoyable cosmic horror I have ever read. By no means is it super easy reading, but I also don't feel dumb reading it like I have with other cosmic horror writers. This book has been another example of his talent.
🦑 This was creepy, heartwarming, dark, emotional, suspenseful, captivating, and medium paced.
🦑 The characters the author writes continue to be amazing. I know I got even more attached to these characters the second time around after being introduced to them in By the Light of Dead Stars. This book introduced a new character, Bibi, who hit the spot for me. You'll have to read it to find out why.
🦑 I enjoyed this about as much as the first book in the series.Though I think I liked the first book slightly more. but I can't put my finger on why. If you loved the first book, you will love this as well. If you haven't read By the Light of Dead Stars yet, what are you doing???
🦑 5⭐️s from me, and I can not wait for the next book to come out. In the author's own words: "More horrors are coming."
By Andrew Van Wey
I first want to thank the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
🦑 Simply put, Andrew Van Wey writes the most approachable, enjoyable cosmic horror I have ever read. By no means is it super easy reading, but I also don't feel dumb reading it like I have with other cosmic horror writers. This book has been another example of his talent.
🦑 This was creepy, heartwarming, dark, emotional, suspenseful, captivating, and medium paced.
🦑 The characters the author writes continue to be amazing. I know I got even more attached to these characters the second time around after being introduced to them in By the Light of Dead Stars. This book introduced a new character, Bibi, who hit the spot for me. You'll have to read it to find out why.
🦑 I enjoyed this about as much as the first book in the series.Though I think I liked the first book slightly more. but I can't put my finger on why. If you loved the first book, you will love this as well. If you haven't read By the Light of Dead Stars yet, what are you doing???
🦑 5⭐️s from me, and I can not wait for the next book to come out. In the author's own words: "More horrors are coming."
January 20, 2025
This book is epic. I loved By the Light of Dead Stars - it's an excellent book and one with such well-drawn characters that you can't help investing in them. This sequel successfully makes everything bigger and more intense without losing our intimate connection to the characters.
Mark and Zelda, of course, stand out at the center of the story as such life-like and vivid characters that I was just as invested in their family lives as I was in the horror story here - but the side characters are hugely engaging as well. I won't spoil them, but each character stood with their own identity on the page.
This is the 2nd book in a planned much larger series - I'm absolutely dying for the 3rd entry now. This book very successfully moves the feel of the 1st book forward first as a continuation but also as a book with its own identity. I can't wait to see how Andrew Van Wey manages the same in the next!
Mark and Zelda, of course, stand out at the center of the story as such life-like and vivid characters that I was just as invested in their family lives as I was in the horror story here - but the side characters are hugely engaging as well. I won't spoil them, but each character stood with their own identity on the page.
This is the 2nd book in a planned much larger series - I'm absolutely dying for the 3rd entry now. This book very successfully moves the feel of the 1st book forward first as a continuation but also as a book with its own identity. I can't wait to see how Andrew Van Wey manages the same in the next!
October 25, 2024
I loved loved loved By The Light of Dead Stars and was very excited to get back to Greywood Bay!
Because I'm using these reviews as more notes for myself on my books, than actual reviews, I'll note that I do think I liked the first book better. BUT only cause it set such a high bar for me, and I really really enjoyed this one too.
One thing that's fun about cosmic horror done well, is it's hard to explain what's going on. Yes we've got J'harr, who is a..?? God? Demon? Monster? Unknowable power source with no way to describe it in tangible terms?
I liked that in this book we got a deeper look into her influence on the town, with an undying cult servicing her. We got The All. We got a contrast to the fires of book one, with ocean and lighthouses in this one. And we got more time with characters we love so much!!
I'm sad though that Maura and Ali aren't supposed to hang out with Zelda anymore, and I hope that it gets resolved in following book.
Because I'm using these reviews as more notes for myself on my books, than actual reviews, I'll note that I do think I liked the first book better. BUT only cause it set such a high bar for me, and I really really enjoyed this one too.
One thing that's fun about cosmic horror done well, is it's hard to explain what's going on. Yes we've got J'harr, who is a..?? God? Demon? Monster? Unknowable power source with no way to describe it in tangible terms?
I liked that in this book we got a deeper look into her influence on the town, with an undying cult servicing her. We got The All. We got a contrast to the fires of book one, with ocean and lighthouses in this one. And we got more time with characters we love so much!!
I'm sad though that Maura and Ali aren't supposed to hang out with Zelda anymore, and I hope that it gets resolved in following book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2024
This book was a brilliant follow-up to By the Light of Dead Stars. Van Wey paints a stunningly vivid picture of the quaint town of Greywood Bay and the cosmic horrors lurking just on the other side of reality. The story picks up with Mark, Zelda, and the people who have become such an important part of their lives. Under the current of general teenage angst, growing pains, and legal strife, something is brewing in the cozy little harbor community. Fantastic new characters emerge and old favorites return, all leading to a stunning climax and an end that left me reeling and begging for more. So many parts of this book broke my heart and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this fantastic series.
June 19, 2024
Review of Uncorrected Proof
An excellent sequel. This book does justice to the first and ushers in a whole new set of problems for Zelda and her squad to deal with along with the big baddie J'harr. I love learning more about this town and its citizens and there's some history here that has a direct impact on the situation Zelda is facing. Loved seeing Chester as a more fleshed out character. The pacing is fast and the story is fraught with tension. There are real life or death situations here that have huge repercussions to Zelda's life. And that ending was perfectly heartbreaking. I can't wait to read the next one.
Thanks to the author for the Beta Read. All opinions expressed are my own.
An excellent sequel. This book does justice to the first and ushers in a whole new set of problems for Zelda and her squad to deal with along with the big baddie J'harr. I love learning more about this town and its citizens and there's some history here that has a direct impact on the situation Zelda is facing. Loved seeing Chester as a more fleshed out character. The pacing is fast and the story is fraught with tension. There are real life or death situations here that have huge repercussions to Zelda's life. And that ending was perfectly heartbreaking. I can't wait to read the next one.
Thanks to the author for the Beta Read. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 8, 2024
This book is the sequel to "By the Light of the Dead Stars.” Tides of Darkness is both creepy and suspenseful. This was an incredible read, gave me chills, and left me flabbergasted. It was filled with twists and turns that left me on the edge of my seat. From the very first page, I was captivated by the author's storytelling and the way they brought the characters and Greywood Bay to life. With the introduction of new characters and the return of familiar ones, the story unfolds in a way that kept me engaged until a shocking cliffhanger left me wanting for more. I am eagerly anticipating the release of the next book in the series so that I can once again immerse myself in this captivating world and follow the characters on their next journey.
July 21, 2024
I was so happy to an early copy of this book so I could start it as soon as I finished By the Light of Dead Stars.
This book is fantastic and if you liked By the Light of Dead Stars, you are going to love the sequel. We get thrown back into Zelda and Mark's town of Greywood Bay and the new horrors that await them. This series has everything I need in a horror story: unique loveable characters, super fast pacing, eerie atmosphere and some terrifying WTF moments with some sci-fi elements tossed in. There is a lot going on but it is laid our perfectly making the story just flow off the pages. The author does a splendid job building intensity and a sense of dread throughout. I loved this book and I cannot wait to read more!
This book is fantastic and if you liked By the Light of Dead Stars, you are going to love the sequel. We get thrown back into Zelda and Mark's town of Greywood Bay and the new horrors that await them. This series has everything I need in a horror story: unique loveable characters, super fast pacing, eerie atmosphere and some terrifying WTF moments with some sci-fi elements tossed in. There is a lot going on but it is laid our perfectly making the story just flow off the pages. The author does a splendid job building intensity and a sense of dread throughout. I loved this book and I cannot wait to read more!
July 1, 2024
Tides of Darkness by Andrew Van Wey is the sequel to By the LIght of the Dear Stars. We follow with Zelda and friends, along with Uncle Mark and her overbearing grandparents, as they figure out life in Greywood Bay after a giant fire destroyed their new neighborhood.
Chester becomes a teacher for Zelda, helping her navigate the All.
I don't want to give anything away. This is a solid read. It's well written, we continue to see the characters develop in all the ways (the good, the bad, the shitty), and we learn more about Greywood Bay and it's history.
😈😈😈😈😈 from me. I absolutely love this world Andrew is building, and I feel like a peasant having to wait for the next installment. In the words of Veruca Salt, I want it now!
Chester becomes a teacher for Zelda, helping her navigate the All.
I don't want to give anything away. This is a solid read. It's well written, we continue to see the characters develop in all the ways (the good, the bad, the shitty), and we learn more about Greywood Bay and it's history.
😈😈😈😈😈 from me. I absolutely love this world Andrew is building, and I feel like a peasant having to wait for the next installment. In the words of Veruca Salt, I want it now!
October 30, 2024
Zelda is a wonderful character you feel for her and the tragic short journey she’s been on. And Uncle Mark’s patience and understanding makes me strive to be a better father. Fortunately, I do not have to deal with the cosmic horrors that haunt Zelda Ruiz and anyone close to her, even her grandparents turn into someone you can understand and empathize with, Andrew Van Wey does a wonderful job of building a world (or worlds) you can believe in and want to visit! Or maybe not depending on your knowledge of the Lost coast! But if you do enter the Lost Coast enjoy the world building and the journey you may not want to leave…
February 13, 2025
Holy shit! What an epic tale of cosmic horror this is turning out be! I thought book one was good, but Tides just took it to a whole other level. Andrew has such an amazing way with words, and the way this story is unfolding is just incredible! If you've not read By the Light of Dead Stars (book one), prioritise that to the top of your list so that you can move onto Tides of Darkness immediately after. Book three in the series isn't too far away, so get on board with the horror that has a stranglehold on Greywood Bay, today!!!
5/5 any day of the week!!!!
5/5 any day of the week!!!!
June 13, 2024
Brace yourself, this is an extraordinary journey. The narrative escorts the reader through a labyrinth of horrifying paths from the past, the present and perhaps even the future, with personas and plots that contain both emotional depth and maniacal elements. Trust is elusive, as the breadcrumbs of truth and illusions blur the lines between reality and fabrication. Download this one quickly, you surely will not regret it!
July 12, 2024
Another superb read from Andrew Van Wey. A book with such a richness of charaters and relationships, which for me is the best part of the stories. Of course the creepiness and cosmic goings on are chilling and lovely, and just say the word lighthouse and I will get goose bumps ( I know Im never going to live in one). So much to be engrossed in.... and an ending... well it just makes you take a deep breath. Loved it.
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