What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wetlands Society
For a while they were the name on everyone's lips.
Fearless Paranormal; the new faces on the reality ghost show scene, the envy of all those who had come before them.
Then had come Salvation, the remote Alaskan outpost, abandoned by its terrified workers, all ready for them to investigate the mystery surrounding it, high on their recent successes.
They had left three days later following the death of one of their number, each of the four survivors scarred by their experiences.
Fifteen years have passed.
Fifteen years in which the surviving psychics who began their careers as The Wetlands Society, have tried to move on from the horrors of that remote Alaskan camp, and the horror that they found there.
Now reuniting to investigate the haunting of Saoradh, a sprawling former asylum in Scotland, the team soon learn that some horrors will never let you go.
Fearless Paranormal; the new faces on the reality ghost show scene, the envy of all those who had come before them.
Then had come Salvation, the remote Alaskan outpost, abandoned by its terrified workers, all ready for them to investigate the mystery surrounding it, high on their recent successes.
They had left three days later following the death of one of their number, each of the four survivors scarred by their experiences.
Fifteen years have passed.
Fifteen years in which the surviving psychics who began their careers as The Wetlands Society, have tried to move on from the horrors of that remote Alaskan camp, and the horror that they found there.
Now reuniting to investigate the haunting of Saoradh, a sprawling former asylum in Scotland, the team soon learn that some horrors will never let you go.
399 pages, Paperback
Published November 23, 2024
1 person is currently reading
55 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 12, 2024
A fantastic story of a group of ghost hunters who are reunited after 15 years for an investigation in a remote part of Scotland, which proves to be a terrifying experience, it’s 399 pages long but a worthwhile read.
Definitely one of my top reads of the year.
Definitely one of my top reads of the year.
August 29, 2024
If I could give it more than 5 stars I would!
I'm trying to find the words to describe how incredible this story is...
The author takes us on such a journey.
The setting is described beautifully, you feel you are in snowy Scotland.
You will fall in love with Henry his empathetic, humourous personality radiated such warmth and strength.
The story had moments of happiness, sadness, anger, heartbreak, disgust, surprise and so many more emotions. There were moments I laughed, moments of shock and moments my heart felt like it had been smashed into infinitesimal pieces.
There were plot twists that took me so off guard I think they caused whiplash!
I have read several stories by this author, and they're all brilliant, this story however, is now my favourite of his.
I'm trying to find the words to describe how incredible this story is...
The author takes us on such a journey.
The setting is described beautifully, you feel you are in snowy Scotland.
You will fall in love with Henry his empathetic, humourous personality radiated such warmth and strength.
The story had moments of happiness, sadness, anger, heartbreak, disgust, surprise and so many more emotions. There were moments I laughed, moments of shock and moments my heart felt like it had been smashed into infinitesimal pieces.
There were plot twists that took me so off guard I think they caused whiplash!
I have read several stories by this author, and they're all brilliant, this story however, is now my favourite of his.
September 24, 2024
You don't seek salvation, Salvation seeks YOU!
Kelvin gets better with every book he writes, upping the level of enjoyment each time, when you think he has smashed it, along comes the next book and he smashes it all over again! This particular book was 3 years in the making, his self proclaimed Magnum Opus, and it certainly lives up to that title. Well worth the wait, and all the blood, sweat and tears that clearly went into it, making it a thing of darkly terrifying beauty! 🖤 The detail that goes into Kelvin’s stories is perfect, helping to create a realistic world you can't help but immerse yourself fully into. And his trademark sense of humour increases the enjoyment of this brilliantly captivating book, along with his passion for history.
This story immediately drew me in and gave me chills. With some truly creepy moments and all kinds of ghosts, lost souls, angry spirits, even a raging horny spirit. The pace and suspense build steadily, and you're left with a climax that is both satisfying and emotional.
Carolina is plagued by night terrors and alone in the house with nothing but her creepy, cursed artifacts, she finds herself with an unwanted and unexpected visitor in the early hours of the morning….
Henry Tudor, or, The King, and the rest of the psychic investigators are drawn back together, albeit reluctantly, and are hired to investigate a strange occurrence at Saoradh, a huge house in Scotland that was once an asylum and still resonates with past events. But could it be connected to their last investigation? One that left them swearing they would never embark on any investigation ever again, and one that cost them a close friend? The trip to the house however, results in the ultimate reunion, and particularly, being reunited in a big way with one of the old team.
When Vinny, a skeptic despite his involvement with the others, goes missing, that skepticism is soon put to the test. And when Henry sets out looking for his lost friend, he meets a young girl with a similar gift to himself, and things take a strange and creepy turn. Meanwhile, back at the house, things are getting decidedly disturbing, and friendships are tested, alongside beliefs and loyalties. Things are leaving the shadows of darkness and seeking out the light and anyone that might be nearby.
Insidious meets The Shining, and this is just the beginning….
Kelvin gets better with every book he writes, upping the level of enjoyment each time, when you think he has smashed it, along comes the next book and he smashes it all over again! This particular book was 3 years in the making, his self proclaimed Magnum Opus, and it certainly lives up to that title. Well worth the wait, and all the blood, sweat and tears that clearly went into it, making it a thing of darkly terrifying beauty! 🖤 The detail that goes into Kelvin’s stories is perfect, helping to create a realistic world you can't help but immerse yourself fully into. And his trademark sense of humour increases the enjoyment of this brilliantly captivating book, along with his passion for history.
This story immediately drew me in and gave me chills. With some truly creepy moments and all kinds of ghosts, lost souls, angry spirits, even a raging horny spirit. The pace and suspense build steadily, and you're left with a climax that is both satisfying and emotional.
Carolina is plagued by night terrors and alone in the house with nothing but her creepy, cursed artifacts, she finds herself with an unwanted and unexpected visitor in the early hours of the morning….
Henry Tudor, or, The King, and the rest of the psychic investigators are drawn back together, albeit reluctantly, and are hired to investigate a strange occurrence at Saoradh, a huge house in Scotland that was once an asylum and still resonates with past events. But could it be connected to their last investigation? One that left them swearing they would never embark on any investigation ever again, and one that cost them a close friend? The trip to the house however, results in the ultimate reunion, and particularly, being reunited in a big way with one of the old team.
When Vinny, a skeptic despite his involvement with the others, goes missing, that skepticism is soon put to the test. And when Henry sets out looking for his lost friend, he meets a young girl with a similar gift to himself, and things take a strange and creepy turn. Meanwhile, back at the house, things are getting decidedly disturbing, and friendships are tested, alongside beliefs and loyalties. Things are leaving the shadows of darkness and seeking out the light and anyone that might be nearby.
Insidious meets The Shining, and this is just the beginning….
December 7, 2024
5/5 ⭐️
1/1 🔪
Carolina, Henry, Vinny and Drew (the dream team) link back up after a 15 year hiatus at the request of a man who lives in a giant mansion in the Scotland countryside. He wants his mansion to be investigated by the group of psychics to see if they can help the haunting that is plaguing the mansion.
The group have a dark history as to why the group initially split up. They had a friend that was also in the group named Elias but he perished on their last expedition and that pushed the friend group apart.
Coming back together after so long isn’t an easy feat and the group gets nasty with each other as they try to get used to being around each other again as tension is palpable.
What waits in the mansion isn’t some easy task, the mansion is full of dark tortured spirits that do not plan on going anywhere and even plan on making sure the groups stay there is not a walk in the park.
I loved this novel and I love his writing. This was a great book and I normally don’t like novels about ghosty stuff. I will of course be reading more of his work.
1/1 🔪
Carolina, Henry, Vinny and Drew (the dream team) link back up after a 15 year hiatus at the request of a man who lives in a giant mansion in the Scotland countryside. He wants his mansion to be investigated by the group of psychics to see if they can help the haunting that is plaguing the mansion.
The group have a dark history as to why the group initially split up. They had a friend that was also in the group named Elias but he perished on their last expedition and that pushed the friend group apart.
Coming back together after so long isn’t an easy feat and the group gets nasty with each other as they try to get used to being around each other again as tension is palpable.
What waits in the mansion isn’t some easy task, the mansion is full of dark tortured spirits that do not plan on going anywhere and even plan on making sure the groups stay there is not a walk in the park.
I loved this novel and I love his writing. This was a great book and I normally don’t like novels about ghosty stuff. I will of course be reading more of his work.
November 13, 2024
I’ve been reading quite a bit of Kelvin’s work lately, and somehow each one I read seems to get better and better. This novel definitely just landed a spot on my top reads of the year, and I’m really excited about it! 🥳
This book is such a different vibe from the others one I’ve read, in a good way, and it was written brilliantly. It’s spooky, paranormal, ghostly, and a super well rounded horror book. There’s some gore but not like the extreme books. Again, I say this all as praise because it’s so nice to see range from authors who can go from writing something absolutely vile, to something absolutely intricate and lengthy with a ton of substance. 🤌🏼
Even though it’s a girthy boy at about 400 pages, I really didn’t want this one to end and couldn’t believe how quickly I actually got through it. It put me through a range of feels from cover to cover. The characters were fantastic, the plot was fantastic, the build up and horror?! Fucking fantastic. 🙌🏼
Can we get a part two please and thanks?! 🙏🏼
This book is such a different vibe from the others one I’ve read, in a good way, and it was written brilliantly. It’s spooky, paranormal, ghostly, and a super well rounded horror book. There’s some gore but not like the extreme books. Again, I say this all as praise because it’s so nice to see range from authors who can go from writing something absolutely vile, to something absolutely intricate and lengthy with a ton of substance. 🤌🏼
Even though it’s a girthy boy at about 400 pages, I really didn’t want this one to end and couldn’t believe how quickly I actually got through it. It put me through a range of feels from cover to cover. The characters were fantastic, the plot was fantastic, the build up and horror?! Fucking fantastic. 🙌🏼
Can we get a part two please and thanks?! 🙏🏼
September 15, 2024
Kelvin VA Allison’s The Wetland Society, published by Shadow House Press.
Until now, my only experience of Kelvin’s writing was with Gomorrah - reviewed on my blog about a month ago, and one of my first posts.
This book is a very different kettle of fish - over a decade ago Henry, Drew, Carolina, and Vinny (all psychics apart from Vinny) were all part of something they jokingly called The Wetlands Society; investigating haunting and examining paranormal activity. But then tragedy happened…
Fifteen years later, all four of them have moved on, allegedly, though many of them still find themselves haunted by their past. Then Carolina receives a visitation warning her ‘Elias has returned’ - the man who originally brought all four of them together - closely followed by an invitation by a mysterious stranger for her and the rest of the original team to re-band and come to a haunted former asylum.
Though the team are reluctant at first to reform, the promise of a high monetary compensation persuades them, but soon after they arrive, straight away they begin wondering what they have walked into as past demons come back to haunt them.
This was a great read. A spooky, paranormal horror, with enough gory and nasty elements to entertain the more extreme horror readers, but with a much more subtle and less in your face approach than Gomorrah that only shows off the depth of this writer and shows he is not just a one trick pony.
There is a lot here to like, and a lot of potential for this series to continue, and I look forward to reading more by this writer. (I have at least one more currently queued up on my Kindle app)
It is rare to find a writer who can straddle both worlds, but K VA Allison looks to be one of those writers, for this is a much more intelligent, and well thought-out, book than Gomorrah that whilst still excellent, was much more like a rollercoaster ride into Hell, whilst this book is a bit more of a slow-burn that gradually drags you in, then throws everything it can at you just when the author thinks your defences are down
Until now, my only experience of Kelvin’s writing was with Gomorrah - reviewed on my blog about a month ago, and one of my first posts.
This book is a very different kettle of fish - over a decade ago Henry, Drew, Carolina, and Vinny (all psychics apart from Vinny) were all part of something they jokingly called The Wetlands Society; investigating haunting and examining paranormal activity. But then tragedy happened…
Fifteen years later, all four of them have moved on, allegedly, though many of them still find themselves haunted by their past. Then Carolina receives a visitation warning her ‘Elias has returned’ - the man who originally brought all four of them together - closely followed by an invitation by a mysterious stranger for her and the rest of the original team to re-band and come to a haunted former asylum.
Though the team are reluctant at first to reform, the promise of a high monetary compensation persuades them, but soon after they arrive, straight away they begin wondering what they have walked into as past demons come back to haunt them.
This was a great read. A spooky, paranormal horror, with enough gory and nasty elements to entertain the more extreme horror readers, but with a much more subtle and less in your face approach than Gomorrah that only shows off the depth of this writer and shows he is not just a one trick pony.
There is a lot here to like, and a lot of potential for this series to continue, and I look forward to reading more by this writer. (I have at least one more currently queued up on my Kindle app)
It is rare to find a writer who can straddle both worlds, but K VA Allison looks to be one of those writers, for this is a much more intelligent, and well thought-out, book than Gomorrah that whilst still excellent, was much more like a rollercoaster ride into Hell, whilst this book is a bit more of a slow-burn that gradually drags you in, then throws everything it can at you just when the author thinks your defences are down
November 22, 2024
Foreboding, entrancing and emotional. Loved it!.
A group of paranormal investigators are enticed to reunite, betrayals and secrets of the past create an anxiety that never lets up.
This is very clever; the backstory subtly reveals in parallel with the plot - just a little at a time - a quiet drip that maintains tension throughout. The characters are well drawn; their motives never entirely transparent. There is no second guessing this one.
This author never ceases to astound: his range is phenomenal. He can write splatter like the best of the rest; but this classically written tale is a thing of beauty.
A group of paranormal investigators are enticed to reunite, betrayals and secrets of the past create an anxiety that never lets up.
This is very clever; the backstory subtly reveals in parallel with the plot - just a little at a time - a quiet drip that maintains tension throughout. The characters are well drawn; their motives never entirely transparent. There is no second guessing this one.
This author never ceases to astound: his range is phenomenal. He can write splatter like the best of the rest; but this classically written tale is a thing of beauty.
October 19, 2024
Fifteen years have passed since the paranormal team The Wetlands Society experienced horror and death at Salvation, a remote Alaskan outpost.
The psychics who survived have tried to move on from the death of one of their members at that camp, but reminders remain.
One of the psychics, Carolina, is contacted by the owner of Saoradh, a former asylum in Scotland, to reform the team and investigate a haunting there. They soon find that some horrors are not easily vanquished.
I was given an ARC copy of this novel which is being released November 22nd.
Kevin once again shows his prowess as an author that can write in any genre as he spins a haunting tale.
This is a great ghost story filled with wonderful characters, some more likeable than others but all well developed in a believable world that Kelvin builds.
I was really drawn into this story, it was creepy and gory with enough violence to satisfy the pickiest horror aficionado. The story itself was very intriguing and pulled me along as I read it. This is one not to be missed!
The psychics who survived have tried to move on from the death of one of their members at that camp, but reminders remain.
One of the psychics, Carolina, is contacted by the owner of Saoradh, a former asylum in Scotland, to reform the team and investigate a haunting there. They soon find that some horrors are not easily vanquished.
I was given an ARC copy of this novel which is being released November 22nd.
Kevin once again shows his prowess as an author that can write in any genre as he spins a haunting tale.
This is a great ghost story filled with wonderful characters, some more likeable than others but all well developed in a believable world that Kelvin builds.
I was really drawn into this story, it was creepy and gory with enough violence to satisfy the pickiest horror aficionado. The story itself was very intriguing and pulled me along as I read it. This is one not to be missed!
December 2, 2024
This one was tame in comparison to my previous reads from Kelvin V.A. Allison, but even without the wall to wall gore, this story kept me invested and up resding well past my bedtime, waiting for the next piece of the puzzle to come to life.
September 4, 2024
Kelvin has a way of writing stories that play like the most perfect movies. His imagination is beyond most and I absolutely love his books. This was no exception. The characters were well developed, the plot intriguing. But it's more than that. It's the way the pages suck you in. You immediately grow attached and the grief this man can put you through with only words is both beautiful and horrible. But what the hell does he have against optimists??? They always seem to suffer the worst fates. Any deaths that happen, as painful as some of them are, make sense so it never feels unresolved.
I know that doesn't say too much about this specific book. How do I explain it without giving much away? Do I tell you that Lavender is the best friend we all wish we had? Do I tell you that sometimes you can't see the darkness inside someone until it's too late? How about the fact that preconceived notions and assumptions can be wrong and may surprise you? No, none of that. It's a haunted fucking asylum with some crazy vengeful spirits who may actually succeed in their venture to harm, maim, and kill you. Good luck. You'll need it.
I know that doesn't say too much about this specific book. How do I explain it without giving much away? Do I tell you that Lavender is the best friend we all wish we had? Do I tell you that sometimes you can't see the darkness inside someone until it's too late? How about the fact that preconceived notions and assumptions can be wrong and may surprise you? No, none of that. It's a haunted fucking asylum with some crazy vengeful spirits who may actually succeed in their venture to harm, maim, and kill you. Good luck. You'll need it.
April 14, 2025
I grew up watching Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures. They are still guilty pleasures for me. Now, Kelvin V.A. Allison has written about a team that, unlike certain celeb teams, genuinely have the means to not only find ghosts, but move them on to another plane. They have fame and things only look to be going better and better when they get in over their heads in a remote Alaskan outpost. A decade and a half later, the remaining members of the team reassemble to investigate the home of a superfan which happens to have been an asylum previously.
The plot is awesome, and things get gruesome. Where the the author excels though, is the characters. He makes everyone their own fully realized person, and their messy personal lives come into play as secrets are revealed and the ghosts ramp up their activity. Kelvin considers this his best work, and I have to agree. There were characters I loved (Henry) and ones I hated (Drew and his paramour). No lie, I cheered when some of them got their comeuppance. I can't wait for the sequel.
I would not call this extreme horror, but there are instances of SA and torture/murder. Things are gritty and definitely not a cozy horror.
The plot is awesome, and things get gruesome. Where the the author excels though, is the characters. He makes everyone their own fully realized person, and their messy personal lives come into play as secrets are revealed and the ghosts ramp up their activity. Kelvin considers this his best work, and I have to agree. There were characters I loved (Henry) and ones I hated (Drew and his paramour). No lie, I cheered when some of them got their comeuppance. I can't wait for the sequel.
I would not call this extreme horror, but there are instances of SA and torture/murder. Things are gritty and definitely not a cozy horror.
April 9, 2025
Magnum Opus--a large and important work of art, music, or literature, especially one regarded as the most important work of an artist or writer.
Having read most of Kelvin's body of work, and been given a heinous starring role in one, I can confidently day this is truly his magnum opus.
The story is a fantastically told ghost story with some rather twisted entities haunting the pages. It's filled with all of the things that make a ghost story great: a haunted mansion, evil and vengeful spirits, psychics caught up in the horror of the past and present.
The characters are well realized, and you can't help but love some and absolutely hate others. All have their flaws that make them realistic, and not everyone is who they seem.
There are a few good twists that tie the plot together and keep you glued to the page until the intense climax. Kelvin has completely outdone himself with this one.
Having read most of Kelvin's body of work, and been given a heinous starring role in one, I can confidently day this is truly his magnum opus.
The story is a fantastically told ghost story with some rather twisted entities haunting the pages. It's filled with all of the things that make a ghost story great: a haunted mansion, evil and vengeful spirits, psychics caught up in the horror of the past and present.
The characters are well realized, and you can't help but love some and absolutely hate others. All have their flaws that make them realistic, and not everyone is who they seem.
There are a few good twists that tie the plot together and keep you glued to the page until the intense climax. Kelvin has completely outdone himself with this one.
August 30, 2024
How do I review this? This is a 399 page book and I read it in record time as it was SO good. Wasn’t sure what to expect with a ghost story but it was more than that. Each of our main characters each has a special ability aside from 2. One being dead. They come back together after being offered a job where they all need to be present. A mega fan of theirs! Oof what goes down there it’s all go go go. Twists in there I didn’t see coming I even cried at times. This is an emotional book with little lashings of splatter in there to cater to a variety of audiences. The ending was a blur just so much happening and I HOPE there’s a sequel!!
January 6, 2025
The Wetlands Society by Kelvin V A Allison - author is a marvelous book. I throughly enjoyed it. For starters, there is not a single wasted word. It's a story of ghosts and other supernatural beings that I will not reveal the nature of. It's got a dash of mystery and a bit of romance. These are, for the most part, characters you will fall in love with. Some male authors done always write women as complete characters. Some female authors have the same problem with male characters. Both the male and female characters in this novel are fully realized. That's something I love about Kelvin's writing in general. Anyway, read this book. I won't spoil the ending, but if you cry, don't blame me.
September 5, 2024
Another fantastic novel by Britain’s answer to Stephen King ( if king was as good as Kelvin is ) the book is filled with wonderfully diverse characters living and otherwise , the various psychic abilities of the main characters combine to make a formidable team , but they are up against the likes of which they have never before encountered, who will live , if any .
This book is so packed with emotion it was hard to put down , I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys hardcore horror
This book is so packed with emotion it was hard to put down , I absolutely loved it and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys hardcore horror
August 28, 2024
A perfect read! I felt I knew the characters before I read the book! Great story, epic twists that I didn't see coming. Some of the best villains if that's right word I have ever had the pleasure to read!
Praying the author turns this into a series, I hope this is just the beginning for the Wetlands Society!
Praying the author turns this into a series, I hope this is just the beginning for the Wetlands Society!
November 21, 2024
Another book for my all time top reads! Incredible story with the perfect pace. Ghosts, a haunted Scottish asylum, Scottish forest demons, a paranormal investigation team comprised of psychics with different abilities with dark secrets, and a love story all combine to pack one heck of a punch. I wanted this book to last forever. My heart hurt for the characters and the things they experienced.
December 17, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing a review copy.
This book may be the author's best yet. I adore Kelvin's books, and I find them compulsively readable. I'll pick it up, and before I know, I've blown through 100 pages. I'm always a sucker for a paranormal investigation book, and The Wetlands Society is one of the best I've read. It broke my heart a little, but I still loved it. 5 stars
This book may be the author's best yet. I adore Kelvin's books, and I find them compulsively readable. I'll pick it up, and before I know, I've blown through 100 pages. I'm always a sucker for a paranormal investigation book, and The Wetlands Society is one of the best I've read. It broke my heart a little, but I still loved it. 5 stars
August 30, 2024
OK, as much as I loved this story I didn't want it to end !
Loved the twists - totally unexpected! .
I want more !!
Loved the twists - totally unexpected! .
I want more !!
September 15, 2024
This was a solid and propulsive story of supernatural and paranormal terror, one of the most unnerving and chilling novels I’ve read recently. From start to finish, a sense of false calm and creeping dread floods the page, a feeling that things are on the brink of escalating, of worsening abruptly - the kind of anxiety you want to hide under the carpet, but it just never goes away!
I read the whole thing in a couple of sittings; it was very hard to stop, at least during the book's first half: background information kept being given subtly and cunningly, every bit of the past stories being added without any fanfare, through extremely clever writing decisions. In the second half, everything explodes: ghosts attacking ghosts, ghosts possessing people, people killing people, demons seducing mediums, telepaths being assaulted by monsters! Romance getting the axe (literally!), friendships blooming into lovely carnage - plus heads roll in this one!
My only complaint would be with the ending. I wanted more of this chilling horrorfest! Perhaps there'll be a sequel?
I read the whole thing in a couple of sittings; it was very hard to stop, at least during the book's first half: background information kept being given subtly and cunningly, every bit of the past stories being added without any fanfare, through extremely clever writing decisions. In the second half, everything explodes: ghosts attacking ghosts, ghosts possessing people, people killing people, demons seducing mediums, telepaths being assaulted by monsters! Romance getting the axe (literally!), friendships blooming into lovely carnage - plus heads roll in this one!
My only complaint would be with the ending. I wanted more of this chilling horrorfest! Perhaps there'll be a sequel?
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews