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Forlorn Harbor
Squeaky-clean Martina Ramirez is about to commit her first crime with a group of six schoolmates—breaking and entering into an abandoned movie theater.
But the trespassers soon find themselves trapped inside, and while desperately trying to discover a way out, a projector starts playing a film introduction to a vintage episode of a horror series named Forlorn Harbor. When the introduction ends, one of the group becomes trapped within the film.
The only method of escape is to survive the episode, but Forlorn Harbor doesn’t play fair. As the terrifying night wears on, the projector displays more episodes, ensnaring the others one by one.
And as Martina’s turn arrives, she must face her own ominous trial…alone.
Fans of “The October Society” series by Christopher Robertson, “My Heart is a Chainsaw” by Stephen Graham Jones, or “The Hazel Wood” by Melissa Albert will enjoy “Forlorn Harbor” by Jim Doran.
But the trespassers soon find themselves trapped inside, and while desperately trying to discover a way out, a projector starts playing a film introduction to a vintage episode of a horror series named Forlorn Harbor. When the introduction ends, one of the group becomes trapped within the film.
The only method of escape is to survive the episode, but Forlorn Harbor doesn’t play fair. As the terrifying night wears on, the projector displays more episodes, ensnaring the others one by one.
And as Martina’s turn arrives, she must face her own ominous trial…alone.
Fans of “The October Society” series by Christopher Robertson, “My Heart is a Chainsaw” by Stephen Graham Jones, or “The Hazel Wood” by Melissa Albert will enjoy “Forlorn Harbor” by Jim Doran.
- GenresHorrorYoung Adult
ebook
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
June 3, 2026
The moment I opened Forlorn Harbor, I felt like I’d been lured into an abandoned movie theatre by a group of teenagers who clearly never watched a single horror film in their lives. And yet there I was, popcorn in hand, ready to judge every terrible decision they made while also secretly hoping the projector would start flickering ominously, because I live for that kind of chaos.
Martina Ramirez—sweet, squeaky clean, probably never even stole a pen Martina—decides to commit her first crime. And not even a glamorous crime. No diamonds. No heists. No mafia silver fox dragging her into danger by the wrist. No. She breaks into a dusty, decrepit theatre with six classmates who all have the survival instincts of damp toast.
And then the projector wakes up.
Not politely. Not gently. It possesses the room like it’s auditioning for a demonic talent show. Suddenly, they’re watching the intro to a vintage horror series called Forlorn Harbor, and before anyone can say “this seems like a terrible idea,” one of them gets sucked into the film like a human popcorn kernel.
And the rules? Oh, honey. Forlorn Harbor doesn’t have rules. It has vibes. Bad ones. The kind that smells like mildew and regret.
Every new episode traps another kid, and the only way out is to survive the plot, which is rude, because horror plots are specifically designed to murder people creatively. The tension builds, the stakes rise, and by the time Martina’s turn comes, she’s staring down her own personal nightmare with nothing but her wits, her courage, and the faint hope that the projector might spontaneously combust.
This book feels like The Hazel Wood got drunk with My Heart Is a Chainsaw and decided to raise a cursed child together. It’s eerie, atmospheric, and delightfully cruel. The pacing is tight, the concept is delicious, and the creeping dread is the kind that slithers under your skin and sets up a long term lease.
Your rating of 3.5–4 stars makes perfect sense—it’s clever, creepy, and original, but also one of those stories where you occasionally want to shake the characters and yell, “STOP TOUCHING THINGS IN THE HAUNTED BUILDING.”
Martina Ramirez—sweet, squeaky clean, probably never even stole a pen Martina—decides to commit her first crime. And not even a glamorous crime. No diamonds. No heists. No mafia silver fox dragging her into danger by the wrist. No. She breaks into a dusty, decrepit theatre with six classmates who all have the survival instincts of damp toast.
And then the projector wakes up.
Not politely. Not gently. It possesses the room like it’s auditioning for a demonic talent show. Suddenly, they’re watching the intro to a vintage horror series called Forlorn Harbor, and before anyone can say “this seems like a terrible idea,” one of them gets sucked into the film like a human popcorn kernel.
And the rules? Oh, honey. Forlorn Harbor doesn’t have rules. It has vibes. Bad ones. The kind that smells like mildew and regret.
Every new episode traps another kid, and the only way out is to survive the plot, which is rude, because horror plots are specifically designed to murder people creatively. The tension builds, the stakes rise, and by the time Martina’s turn comes, she’s staring down her own personal nightmare with nothing but her wits, her courage, and the faint hope that the projector might spontaneously combust.
This book feels like The Hazel Wood got drunk with My Heart Is a Chainsaw and decided to raise a cursed child together. It’s eerie, atmospheric, and delightfully cruel. The pacing is tight, the concept is delicious, and the creeping dread is the kind that slithers under your skin and sets up a long term lease.
Your rating of 3.5–4 stars makes perfect sense—it’s clever, creepy, and original, but also one of those stories where you occasionally want to shake the characters and yell, “STOP TOUCHING THINGS IN THE HAUNTED BUILDING.”
Want to Read
January 18, 2025Jim's concepts are always so intriguing and creative, and I can't wait to dive into this book upon release!
May 31, 2026
A very noir creative and absorbing horror YA. They are trapped in an abandoned movie theater and must survive the episode. I like this author's writing style, it was very easy to see the images in my mind, the switch of colors, and the 4th wall (fun take on this element). Super scenic. We're turning the page for their doom hour. 4.5
May 27, 2026
what a great story!!
This book totally surprised me. I did not expect any of it. Martina, looking for acceptance from her friends in school, decides to go and be a lookout for them only to get their acceptance in school, which is so sad once inside this old theater they are trapped and placed in old horror segments this book was so good captivating I loved every bit of it
This book totally surprised me. I did not expect any of it. Martina, looking for acceptance from her friends in school, decides to go and be a lookout for them only to get their acceptance in school, which is so sad once inside this old theater they are trapped and placed in old horror segments this book was so good captivating I loved every bit of it
July 4, 2026
4 Stars
Martina just wants to fit in, she tired of being the new girl at school, constantly being the outcast. But she has a plan to fit in. She is going to be a lookout for a group of her schoolmates while they break into a local abandoned movie theatre. In and out, they say; she just has to make sure the coast is clear. simple. But things don’t go to plan when she and her schoolmates become imprisoned in the movie theatre, and beyond any comprehension, they one by one get trapped inside an episode of the theatre's old horror series, Forlorn Harbour. In order to survive, they must work together, must listen to one another, must believe one another. But they each have secrets, and as the episodes keep playing, these secrets slowly come to light.
I really enjoyed this read; it gave me goosebumps vibes, which took me back to some of the spooky stories I used to read when I was a teenager. I thought that this was really well written, and Doran really knows how to create an atmosphere. I was constantly worried about the safety of the characters and what they would face next.
I thought the characters were wonderfully written and felt very realistic. They were infuriating and selfish, and argued constantly, which I think really captured how a group of teenagers would respond in a situation like this. They were nuanced and morally grey characters that I both loved and despised in equal measure. I swear there were moments where I was literally screaming at my Kindle, trying to tell them not to make a stupid decision.
My only issues with the book are pretty minor, but I will say that the characters became frustrating when they refused to listen to Liam and Martina tell them to do things, even when it became very obvious that not listening had dire consequences. I do concede that there were, in every story, personal reasons as to why the characters chose not to listen, and I thought this was an interesting addition on Doran's part, showing us how people can be given all the advice in the world, but their own thoughts, fears and worries can make doing the right thing almost impossible.
I did think that the punishments for the group were sometimes a little too much. I got what Doran was going for, but it was just a little jarring when characters were punished, and we found out what they were being punished for. I would argue that some characters who actually did more hurtful things didn’t get punished as much as those who did only minor things. I also think that this element of the story missed the nuance of the characters that was created so beautifully in the story, working on black-and-white thinking, when all the rest of the narrative seemed to be painting the world in shades of grey.
Still, this was a really enjoyable book, and I would recommend this as a really fun YA novel that even adults would enjoy, especially from a nostalgia standpoint. Anyone looking for a story with a bit of a chill this summer, look no further. It is fun, scary and will definitely make you think twice before you do something wrong.
Martina just wants to fit in, she tired of being the new girl at school, constantly being the outcast. But she has a plan to fit in. She is going to be a lookout for a group of her schoolmates while they break into a local abandoned movie theatre. In and out, they say; she just has to make sure the coast is clear. simple. But things don’t go to plan when she and her schoolmates become imprisoned in the movie theatre, and beyond any comprehension, they one by one get trapped inside an episode of the theatre's old horror series, Forlorn Harbour. In order to survive, they must work together, must listen to one another, must believe one another. But they each have secrets, and as the episodes keep playing, these secrets slowly come to light.
I really enjoyed this read; it gave me goosebumps vibes, which took me back to some of the spooky stories I used to read when I was a teenager. I thought that this was really well written, and Doran really knows how to create an atmosphere. I was constantly worried about the safety of the characters and what they would face next.
I thought the characters were wonderfully written and felt very realistic. They were infuriating and selfish, and argued constantly, which I think really captured how a group of teenagers would respond in a situation like this. They were nuanced and morally grey characters that I both loved and despised in equal measure. I swear there were moments where I was literally screaming at my Kindle, trying to tell them not to make a stupid decision.
My only issues with the book are pretty minor, but I will say that the characters became frustrating when they refused to listen to Liam and Martina tell them to do things, even when it became very obvious that not listening had dire consequences. I do concede that there were, in every story, personal reasons as to why the characters chose not to listen, and I thought this was an interesting addition on Doran's part, showing us how people can be given all the advice in the world, but their own thoughts, fears and worries can make doing the right thing almost impossible.
I did think that the punishments for the group were sometimes a little too much. I got what Doran was going for, but it was just a little jarring when characters were punished, and we found out what they were being punished for. I would argue that some characters who actually did more hurtful things didn’t get punished as much as those who did only minor things. I also think that this element of the story missed the nuance of the characters that was created so beautifully in the story, working on black-and-white thinking, when all the rest of the narrative seemed to be painting the world in shades of grey.
Still, this was a really enjoyable book, and I would recommend this as a really fun YA novel that even adults would enjoy, especially from a nostalgia standpoint. Anyone looking for a story with a bit of a chill this summer, look no further. It is fun, scary and will definitely make you think twice before you do something wrong.
June 1, 2026
3.5 - 4 Stars
‘ The theater’s canvas displayed a turbulent sea, huge black-and-white waves cascading before their eyes, while a rushing tidal sound filled the auditorium. The water rose and soon crashed down. The darkness of the scene contrasted with a few whitecaps on the waves. To Martina, the whitecaps resembled shark’s teeth. She retreated to the wall and placed her palms behind her, flat against it. Heart pounding, she gripped the ridges of the cinderblocks, and then music suddenly cut across the building. The soundtrack played an organ note deep and loud enough to vibrate the ground. Martina sucked in a breath and held it in her lungs, frozen in place. Then the movie found its voice. Raspy, disquieting narration filled the chamber… ’
Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran is another intriguing production that takes us on a YA horror themed adventure with plenty of drama, danger, mystery, high stakes, teen issues & angst, peer pressure, friendship, quirky characters, psychological tension, action, and dread.
Martina Ramirez, a straight-laced, rule-abiding teen, finds herself swept into a reckless plan with six of her classmates by breaking into an abandoned movie theatre, what could possibly go wrong … right? And so the ‘adventure’ begins’. What begins as a thrill-seeking mission soon spirals into a nightmare when the theatre’s old projector begins screening strange ‘episodes’ of horror-themed viewing which pulls the group into deadly ‘game’. The only way out is to survive each episode, but the rules are unclear, the stakes aren’t just high ---they’re lethal, and the harbor’s darkness seems to feed on their fears and flaws.
I don’t want to give too much away and spoil it for you, so I will just finish by saying that if you love moody horror, YA, and creepy vibes then you will definitely want to visit ‘Forlorn Harbor’ – as it’s not just about surviving the night — it’s about confronting the shadows within.
Happy Reading…
‘ The theater’s canvas displayed a turbulent sea, huge black-and-white waves cascading before their eyes, while a rushing tidal sound filled the auditorium. The water rose and soon crashed down. The darkness of the scene contrasted with a few whitecaps on the waves. To Martina, the whitecaps resembled shark’s teeth. She retreated to the wall and placed her palms behind her, flat against it. Heart pounding, she gripped the ridges of the cinderblocks, and then music suddenly cut across the building. The soundtrack played an organ note deep and loud enough to vibrate the ground. Martina sucked in a breath and held it in her lungs, frozen in place. Then the movie found its voice. Raspy, disquieting narration filled the chamber… ’
Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran is another intriguing production that takes us on a YA horror themed adventure with plenty of drama, danger, mystery, high stakes, teen issues & angst, peer pressure, friendship, quirky characters, psychological tension, action, and dread.
Martina Ramirez, a straight-laced, rule-abiding teen, finds herself swept into a reckless plan with six of her classmates by breaking into an abandoned movie theatre, what could possibly go wrong … right? And so the ‘adventure’ begins’. What begins as a thrill-seeking mission soon spirals into a nightmare when the theatre’s old projector begins screening strange ‘episodes’ of horror-themed viewing which pulls the group into deadly ‘game’. The only way out is to survive each episode, but the rules are unclear, the stakes aren’t just high ---they’re lethal, and the harbor’s darkness seems to feed on their fears and flaws.
I don’t want to give too much away and spoil it for you, so I will just finish by saying that if you love moody horror, YA, and creepy vibes then you will definitely want to visit ‘Forlorn Harbor’ – as it’s not just about surviving the night — it’s about confronting the shadows within.
Happy Reading…
June 15, 2026
This book was actually such a fun creepy read. The whole idea of a group of teens getting trapped inside an abandoned movie theatre and forced into deadly horror “episodes” was super unique and honestly hooked me right away.
The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. The theatre felt eerie and unsettling from the start, and every new episode brought a different kind of horror. Changelings, Vampires, Monsters, etc.. It almost felt like watching a twisted horror anthology show where nobody is guaranteed to survive. I kept wanting to know what kind of nightmare would happen next.
I also liked that the group of teens didn’t all feel super close or perfect. They had tension, drama, and different personalities, which made everything feel more realistic. Martina was easy to root for too. She mostly got involved because she wanted to fit in, and things spiraled so badly from there. She quickly finds out that maybe humans are worse than anything the show can throw her way.
The pacing stayed fast the entire time, which made this really easy to binge in one sitting. Every chapter ended in a way that made me want to keep going. Some of the horror scenarios were genuinely intense, and I liked trying to figure out how the characters could survive each “episode.”
The story also had that classic cautionary tale feel where the characters are forced to face their fears and bad choices. It gave me creepy YA horror movie vibes in the best way.
The atmosphere was one of my favorite parts. The theatre felt eerie and unsettling from the start, and every new episode brought a different kind of horror. Changelings, Vampires, Monsters, etc.. It almost felt like watching a twisted horror anthology show where nobody is guaranteed to survive. I kept wanting to know what kind of nightmare would happen next.
I also liked that the group of teens didn’t all feel super close or perfect. They had tension, drama, and different personalities, which made everything feel more realistic. Martina was easy to root for too. She mostly got involved because she wanted to fit in, and things spiraled so badly from there. She quickly finds out that maybe humans are worse than anything the show can throw her way.
The pacing stayed fast the entire time, which made this really easy to binge in one sitting. Every chapter ended in a way that made me want to keep going. Some of the horror scenarios were genuinely intense, and I liked trying to figure out how the characters could survive each “episode.”
The story also had that classic cautionary tale feel where the characters are forced to face their fears and bad choices. It gave me creepy YA horror movie vibes in the best way.
July 11, 2026
Martina Ramirez is a young woman who just wants to be accepted at her new school and one of the friends she has made has been invited to join her group in the early hours of the morning to break into an old, abandoned movie theatre so that they can steal the copper held within and Martina is meant to be the lookout.
Unfortunately, for the group, things don't go as smoothly as they imagined, as Martina is brought inside to help out, suddenly the projector starts playing, an introduction with storm tossed seas, a lonely lighthouse, a creepy graveyard and finally a tavern filled with monsters which announces that the show is Forlorn Harbour.
This terrified the group, as there is nobody meant to be here, which they discover is correct when they look into the projector booth with no equipment in it! Suddenly the screen starts playing again, they also find that all the doors have been bricked up, but this time, one of the friends is inside it, playing a role in the episode and the only way to survive is to complete it, with or without help.
As Martina tries to help the others as they are sucked into their own episodes, she dreads when her own will appear, but will anyone help her like she has done for them, or will she remain alone? This is a young adult horror which keeps you hooked throughout as you follow along the episodes and discoveries throughout!
Unfortunately, for the group, things don't go as smoothly as they imagined, as Martina is brought inside to help out, suddenly the projector starts playing, an introduction with storm tossed seas, a lonely lighthouse, a creepy graveyard and finally a tavern filled with monsters which announces that the show is Forlorn Harbour.
This terrified the group, as there is nobody meant to be here, which they discover is correct when they look into the projector booth with no equipment in it! Suddenly the screen starts playing again, they also find that all the doors have been bricked up, but this time, one of the friends is inside it, playing a role in the episode and the only way to survive is to complete it, with or without help.
As Martina tries to help the others as they are sucked into their own episodes, she dreads when her own will appear, but will anyone help her like she has done for them, or will she remain alone? This is a young adult horror which keeps you hooked throughout as you follow along the episodes and discoveries throughout!
June 19, 2026
Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran.
4 of 5 Stars.
This YA horror story kept me hooked throughout. Martina just wants to ‘fit in’ with her schoolmates when she breaks into an abandoned movie theatre with six others. They then get trapped inside and whilst trying to find a way out, a projector suddenly turns on. It starts playing the introduction to a vintage episode of ‘Forlorn Harbor’, a horror series. Things then take an even darker turn when one of the group is imprisoned within the film. During the terrifying night, the projector plays more episodes, and one by one each of the schoolmates gets trapped in the film.
The only way to escape is to survive the episode, not easy to do in Forlorn Harbor. Martina is the last one to face her episode and is left all alone to face her trial. The descriptive narrative really brought the claustrophobic feeling abandoned movie theatre vividly to life, so much so I felt as though I was also trapped inside. Martina is a relatable character, especially to teenagers who the book is aimed at, with how she wants to be liked by her schoolmates. The suspense really built chapter by chapter as each person got trapped in the film, making this fast paced ominous story a real page turner.
4 of 5 Stars.
This YA horror story kept me hooked throughout. Martina just wants to ‘fit in’ with her schoolmates when she breaks into an abandoned movie theatre with six others. They then get trapped inside and whilst trying to find a way out, a projector suddenly turns on. It starts playing the introduction to a vintage episode of ‘Forlorn Harbor’, a horror series. Things then take an even darker turn when one of the group is imprisoned within the film. During the terrifying night, the projector plays more episodes, and one by one each of the schoolmates gets trapped in the film.
The only way to escape is to survive the episode, not easy to do in Forlorn Harbor. Martina is the last one to face her episode and is left all alone to face her trial. The descriptive narrative really brought the claustrophobic feeling abandoned movie theatre vividly to life, so much so I felt as though I was also trapped inside. Martina is a relatable character, especially to teenagers who the book is aimed at, with how she wants to be liked by her schoolmates. The suspense really built chapter by chapter as each person got trapped in the film, making this fast paced ominous story a real page turner.
July 2, 2026
Forlorn Harbor has such a creative premise, and from the moment the story began, I knew I was in for a suspenseful and entertaining ride. The idea of being trapped inside a horror anthology was both clever and unsettling, and each new twist kept me wondering what would happen next.
What I appreciated most was how each story within the larger narrative had its own unique feel while still contributing to the overall mystery. The tension steadily builds, creating an eerie atmosphere that reminded me of the classic horror anthologies I grew up enjoying. The characters felt believable, and I found myself invested in whether they would outsmart the terrifying situations they faced.
Jim Doran strikes a wonderful balance between creepy suspense and engaging storytelling, making this a book that's difficult to put down. It isn't just about scares—it also explores courage, friendship, and the choices people make when they're pushed to their limits.
If you enjoy horror with a nostalgic anthology feel, memorable characters, and plenty of unexpected twists, I highly recommend Forlorn Harbor. It was a fun, imaginative read that left me looking forward to reading more of Jim Doran's work.
What I appreciated most was how each story within the larger narrative had its own unique feel while still contributing to the overall mystery. The tension steadily builds, creating an eerie atmosphere that reminded me of the classic horror anthologies I grew up enjoying. The characters felt believable, and I found myself invested in whether they would outsmart the terrifying situations they faced.
Jim Doran strikes a wonderful balance between creepy suspense and engaging storytelling, making this a book that's difficult to put down. It isn't just about scares—it also explores courage, friendship, and the choices people make when they're pushed to their limits.
If you enjoy horror with a nostalgic anthology feel, memorable characters, and plenty of unexpected twists, I highly recommend Forlorn Harbor. It was a fun, imaginative read that left me looking forward to reading more of Jim Doran's work.
July 10, 2026
Forlorn Harbor is a YA horror novel that blends eerie atmosphere with high-stakes psychological tension. The story follows Martina Ramirez, a straight laced teen who joins six classmates in breaking into an abandoned movie theater, hoping the act will finally help her fit in. Their stunt quickly turns nightmarish when a vintage horror series begins playing, trapping each teen inside its episodes one by one, forcing them to survive twisted scenarios ranging from changelings to vampires to monstrous threats. Themes of fear, peer pressure, friendship, and moral complexity run throughout the book, with the group’s secrets and flaws surfacing as the episodes progress. Martina stands out as a relatable protagonist who is rule abiding, eager to belong, and ultimately forced to confront both external horrors and her own internal struggles. The novel’s structure feels like a dark horror anthology, fast paced and atmospheric, with each episode offering a new, unsettling challenge. Overall, Forlorn Harbor is a creepy, engaging YA horror story with a clever premise and strong character work. It delivers dread, suspense, and emotional depth while keeping the pages turning.
June 16, 2026
Martina Ramirez and six of her friends have broken into an abandoned movie theatre. Prior to this adventure Martina has never gotten into any kind of trouble. What could go wrong? This gang of seven soon find themselves trapped inside with no way out. A projector starts to play a film series called Forlorn Harbor. By the time the introduction is over they are one crew member short. As new episodes start to play, another member of the crew goes missing and ends up in the film. There is only one way out: you survive the episode you have been sucked into. Will they all survive until the end? Horror takes up such a small section in my kindle and I couldn't pass this one up. Usually I pick books based on the title or the cover art but this time the synopsis caught me. It made me want to find out what horrors these kids were facing and whether or not they survived their episodes. I also wondered what happened if they didn't make it. Did they stay in the picture forever? I am glad I picked this one up.
June 20, 2026
What starts as a simple dare turns into the most terrifying movie night Martina and her classmates will ever face... if they survive the horror series called *Forlorn Harbor*.
When Martina and her friends sneak into an abandoned movie theater, they aren't expecting to watch a movie. They just want to explore the creepy old building. But the theater has other plans. Before they know it, they're trapped inside the horror series *Forlorn Harbor*, where they become part of the story. To make it through the night, they'll have to survive terrifying challenges, unravel eerie mysteries, and hope they can escape before the final credits roll.
What I loved most about this book is how everything played out like a real movie in my head. Every scene was so vivid that I could picture it unfolding on the big screen, making it impossible to stop turning the pages.
Grab some popcorn, buckle up, and get ready for a wild ride! When bedtime rolls around, you'll keep telling yourself, "Just one more chapter..." And you might want to leave a nightlight on when you're finally done. 👻🍿🎥
When Martina and her friends sneak into an abandoned movie theater, they aren't expecting to watch a movie. They just want to explore the creepy old building. But the theater has other plans. Before they know it, they're trapped inside the horror series *Forlorn Harbor*, where they become part of the story. To make it through the night, they'll have to survive terrifying challenges, unravel eerie mysteries, and hope they can escape before the final credits roll.
What I loved most about this book is how everything played out like a real movie in my head. Every scene was so vivid that I could picture it unfolding on the big screen, making it impossible to stop turning the pages.
Grab some popcorn, buckle up, and get ready for a wild ride! When bedtime rolls around, you'll keep telling yourself, "Just one more chapter..." And you might want to leave a nightlight on when you're finally done. 👻🍿🎥
June 15, 2026
Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran. This is a horror young adult read and it I'm for sure not a young adult anymore but I really enjoyed this book. It's the story of 7 teens who break into an abandoned theater to steal copper but once they are in they realize they may never leave. Martina is the newest to the group and she only offered to be the lookout so that she could fit in. Once the projector wakes up it starts one by one taking the teens and entering them into their own show of an old horror show called Forlorn Harbor. The teen is not released until their show is over and then their fate is revealed. Martin is hoping that she has better survival skills than her so called friends. Once its her turn she in on and she is hoping she can rely on her wits and skills and a prayer that the projector will blow up before her show is over. This was a flipping the pages late into the night kind of read! I loved it!
June 18, 2026
5 out of 5 Stars
Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Forlorn Harbor is a tricky sort of story. Each character gets sucked into a different episode. The author had me sucked in from the first page to the last. I really didn’t want the book to end, but I was happy to know how it ended.
Martina isn’t really friends with anyone at the school and now she was asked to help with something. When her crush Liam and his brother have something planned they asked her to be the lookout. But then they needed her help with something and now she’s stuck in the movie theater with the rest of them. When it’s her turn to get sucked into an episode she gets to make a choice. Either save them all and they go back to how they were when they left their episodes or she can leave by herself and the rest of them stay. The quote I chose for her is: “I searched for your parable in several holy books and the internet. It doesn’t exist.”
Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Forlorn Harbor is a tricky sort of story. Each character gets sucked into a different episode. The author had me sucked in from the first page to the last. I really didn’t want the book to end, but I was happy to know how it ended.
Martina isn’t really friends with anyone at the school and now she was asked to help with something. When her crush Liam and his brother have something planned they asked her to be the lookout. But then they needed her help with something and now she’s stuck in the movie theater with the rest of them. When it’s her turn to get sucked into an episode she gets to make a choice. Either save them all and they go back to how they were when they left their episodes or she can leave by herself and the rest of them stay. The quote I chose for her is: “I searched for your parable in several holy books and the internet. It doesn’t exist.”
June 30, 2026
Forlorn Harbor is a YA Horror that navigates teen feelings and troubles such as peer pressure, angst, drama, and adventure. The characters are believable and relateable. Martina Ramirez is a rule following teen and never been in any trouble but gives in to peer pressure from some of her classmates when they hatch a plan to check out the local shut down theatre. Once inside, things start to get weird when the big screen starts playing a horror themed show...one that literally draws the teens in. Now the teens must navigate each of the show's episodes and survive to move on to the next one. To make matters worse, the episodes seem to focus on their individual fears and they have to figure out how to get past those fears to move on. Not only do they have to get out of the episodes alive, but they also don't know the fate of the classmates that did not come out....are they trapped forever, or can they find a way to get them out as well?
July 1, 2026
Just the blurb I read pulled me in to this new-to-me author, and I wanted this to be as good as I imagined it could be - and it was even better! The world building was so good, the creativeness of this entire storyline kept me so interested, and I couldn't read it fast enough. It deals with things like peer pressure, getting to know yourself/facing your flaws and finding your courage. The drama, intrigue, suspense, and the opportunity to include aspects of what it's like to grow up had me turning the pages so fast - and the 4th wall element is always something I enjoy when it's done well.
Martina is convinced by a group of six peers to join them in breaking into a movie theater. They end up trapped and the only way to escape is to live through each of their own episodes of a horror anthology. While this is billed more as a horror story, I felt much more of a psychological style thriller, and I genuinely enjoyed it so much. This was an excellent summer read!
Martina is convinced by a group of six peers to join them in breaking into a movie theater. They end up trapped and the only way to escape is to live through each of their own episodes of a horror anthology. While this is billed more as a horror story, I felt much more of a psychological style thriller, and I genuinely enjoyed it so much. This was an excellent summer read!
July 11, 2026
The mark of a truly rare author is reading a single book and instantly resolving never to miss another. The Department of Extraordinary Emigration and Delivery was that gem for me, but this one is now tied with it. Let me first say that if you haven’t picked up a book by this author before, get ready to be a lifelong fan. This is a magnificent YA horror story that is addictive, intriguing, and incredibly well written. As someone who loves exploring abandoned places, this seemed like both a super interesting thought as well as a terrifying nightmare. Martina and her friends are in for the ride of their lives (or deaths), but you’ll go on an adventure of your own right along with them. I knew better than to read this even remotely close to bedtime because I said, “After this chapter” a few too many times. And by that I mean I finished the entire book. I highly recommend making some room on your shelf for this one. You’ll come back to it again and again.
June 9, 2026
Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran is a young adult horror story. The story centers on 7 teens who break into an abandoned theater to steal copper that is reportedly inside. Martina is new to the group and only agreed to be the lookout because she wanted to be accepted by the group. The theater quickly turns into a trap, pulling each of the teens into the episodes of an old show called Forlorn Harbor. As each teen enters the episode projected on the screen, the other watch to see their fate. Each teen is pulled in and not released back into the theater until their episode ends. Mr. Doran does an excellent job of world-building both in the theater and each episode of the show. The plot is quick-moving and will pull you in from the start. I recommend this book to all young adult and horror fans.
July 11, 2026
I really enjoyed this one! Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran from the very first chapter with its eerie, nostalgic horror vibe kept me enthralled. The idea of a group of teens becoming trapped inside an abandoned movie theater and forced to survive the terrifying stories playing on the screen was incredibly creative and kept me turning the pages. I loved how the author balanced supernatural horror with the characters' personal fears and struggles. The atmosphere was wonderfully unsettling, and the old theater itself felt like a character, adding to the tension with every chapter.The horror leans more toward suspense and psychological chills than graphic gore, making it a fun, fast-paced read that feels like binge-watching a spooky late-night television marathon. It's definitely worth picking up
June 1, 2026
I enjoyed reading this horror story. This is a newer author for me in which I enjoyed their use of details that not only made the story come to life but had me sitting on the edge of my seat. This is a story about Martina and a group of her friends. They sneak into an older movie theater. Now they find themselves trapped inside. The only way out is to live through the episode. Will she survive the episode when it’s her turn? This is a story that you don’t want to miss. A story where the characters will keep you wanting to know more about what will happen to them. The growth of the plot is fast paced and kept me turning pages. I found this story to be engaging and hard to put down. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I highly recommend this story.
June 11, 2026
Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran is unlike any other book I've ever read, and I loved it! This story has a wide variety of characters that you would not normally think to put together, but that's exactly what makes them so perfect together. This story is truly unique. When I say expect the unexpected, it really does ring true to what happens to each of the characters. This story grabbed my attention right from the beginning and held on tight. It was exciting and mysterious. I loved the twist at the end; it was just so perfect considering everything that the kids went through together. I cannot wait to read more books from this author; he wrote a masterpiece here for sure.
@Brandy Rymer
06/2026
@Brandy Rymer
06/2026
June 12, 2026
Ok this book HOOKS right away. I was immediately caught up and could not put the book down. It is super easy to read, making it a quick read, which is great since I had the hardest time putting it down for even little bits at a time to do adult responsibilities. I finished it in a day and could have done in one sitting if I didn't have to adult.
The storyline is unique and I love how each person gets a quick POV for their time in the "movie", but then cuts right back to main character. The ending was chilling, and I'm glad for a storyline that gives the villains, even if they don't show as villains in the traditional sense, a good dose of justice. Will definitely read more by this author.
The storyline is unique and I love how each person gets a quick POV for their time in the "movie", but then cuts right back to main character. The ending was chilling, and I'm glad for a storyline that gives the villains, even if they don't show as villains in the traditional sense, a good dose of justice. Will definitely read more by this author.
June 19, 2026
Imagine wanting to fit in so much that you're willing to do just about anything. That's where Martina was and she, along with a handful of others, decided to break into an old abandoned movie theater. Sounds like fun, eh? Well, it's all fun and games until the movie projector comes on and the band of trespassers find themselves involved in a game of sorts. Not the kind you really want to play though!
This was such a thrilling read and I believe that young adults as well as more mature adults will appreciate this story. The theater setting is unique and ominous for the parts to be played out. This is a great read and I will likely add this to the "re-read pile" to enjoy again down the road!
This was such a thrilling read and I believe that young adults as well as more mature adults will appreciate this story. The theater setting is unique and ominous for the parts to be played out. This is a great read and I will likely add this to the "re-read pile" to enjoy again down the road!
June 20, 2026
An absolute page-turner for young adults. How far would you go to fit into a group? Meet Martina Ramirez, the rule follower, the trustworthy one and now the one who gets caught up in the crazy and dangerous plan. Martina and a few of her classmates decide to break into the abandoned movie theater, it is then that they realize the danger they are all in. The teens are now trapped inside the movie theater, and an introduction episode of Forlorn Harbor has started playing. At the end of the episode one of their group is missing, and another episode has begun playing. The only way out is to survive the episode you have been sucked into. A can't put down horror that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
July 10, 2026
This was a gripping and fast past horror movie. I was captivated from the first page. It was such a unique story and I wasn’t able to tell what was going to happen next which to me is the sign of a good book.
Martina Ramirez is a squeaky clean student. She always plays by the rules until the day she is dragged into an abandoned movie theatre by a group of her classmates. What seems like a good idea turns out to be something no one expected when the ancient projector comes alive a drags one of them into the horror series. Each series traps another child and the only way out is to survive.
This is a gripping YA horror story with danger,suspense, angst and loads of drama. It was an interesting read that I couldn’t put down.
Martina Ramirez is a squeaky clean student. She always plays by the rules until the day she is dragged into an abandoned movie theatre by a group of her classmates. What seems like a good idea turns out to be something no one expected when the ancient projector comes alive a drags one of them into the horror series. Each series traps another child and the only way out is to survive.
This is a gripping YA horror story with danger,suspense, angst and loads of drama. It was an interesting read that I couldn’t put down.
June 20, 2026
Martina is the new girl and her one night of bravery turns into something out of a nightmare. The group of teenagers have chosen the wrong place to cause havoc. When their night turns they each must fight to survive.
As Martina works to fit in with her new friends and all that is happening.
Readers are taken on a ride as the characters must find a way out of the fate that they find themselves in. As each teen is forced to deal with the horror that befalls them readers see the drama unfold. This is an interesting young adult horror story that has you hoping that Martina has what it takes to find her way out.
As Martina works to fit in with her new friends and all that is happening.
Readers are taken on a ride as the characters must find a way out of the fate that they find themselves in. As each teen is forced to deal with the horror that befalls them readers see the drama unfold. This is an interesting young adult horror story that has you hoping that Martina has what it takes to find her way out.
June 22, 2026
Forlorn Harbor has that dark, eerie energy that creeps in slowly and doesn’t let go. A group of teens breaks into an abandoned theater, only to find themselves pulled into a vintage horror serial where each “episode” forces them to face something terrifying and deeply personal. The shifting rules, the old‑film aesthetic, and the mix of monsters; from changelings to marionettes to the harbormaster himself; give the story a moody, cinematic feel.
It’s fast, unsettling, and full of that classic YA‑horror tension where every choice matters. A creepy, creative read that feels like stepping into a nightmare you can’t quite wake up from.
It’s fast, unsettling, and full of that classic YA‑horror tension where every choice matters. A creepy, creative read that feels like stepping into a nightmare you can’t quite wake up from.
June 23, 2026
Forlorn Harbor by Jim Doran
5 Star Review
This book tells of a group of six friends who find themselves breaking the law by breaking into a movie theater. However, this is no ordinary theater and the friends find themselves fighting individual trials in order to escape their new prison.
This YA book was a fascinating and entertaining read that made me feel like I was watching a movie in my head. The writing is creative and kept me reading from the first page to the last. Martina and her friends were wonderful characters and their storylines are unique to them. A wonderful read and I will be looking to read more by Jim Doran.
5 Star Review
This book tells of a group of six friends who find themselves breaking the law by breaking into a movie theater. However, this is no ordinary theater and the friends find themselves fighting individual trials in order to escape their new prison.
This YA book was a fascinating and entertaining read that made me feel like I was watching a movie in my head. The writing is creative and kept me reading from the first page to the last. Martina and her friends were wonderful characters and their storylines are unique to them. A wonderful read and I will be looking to read more by Jim Doran.
June 24, 2026
This is a fast-paced YA horror novel that follows seven teenagers who break into an abandoned theater to steal copper, only to become trapped inside. Once the building's projector unexpectedly roars to life, it forces the teens one by one into deadly, vivid "episodes" of an old horror show where survival is never guaranteed. The story is driven by realistic peer pressure and tension within the group, particularly through Martina, a relatable main character who only agreed to act as a lookout to fit in with her peers. Evoking the eerie, high-stakes feeling of a twisted horror anthology show, this ominous page-turner keeps readers hooked late into the night as Martina uses her wits to outlast both the nightmarish scenarios and the shifting loyalties of her friends.
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