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Where You Belong
This was meant to be our fresh start. It’s turning into a nightmare.
It seemed like a dream come true when we first moved in. A chance to leave my stressful job behind and fix things with James. But something gnaws at me each morning as I wave my husband off to work from our gated community, accept a coffee from Lin, our housekeeper, and watch my kids play in these eerily perfect, car-free streets.
When a neighbor’s body is found floating in a pool during a party, the other wives say it was a tragic accident. But there are also whispers about the family who lived in our villa before us—just vanished one day, they say.
Something’s not right. As I dig deeper, I realize this community will do anything to keep its secrets. Someone’s watching me now, I can tell. Even James wants me to stop asking questions, keep quiet, be grateful for what we have. Can I trust him? What if he’s part of this too?
What if this perfect new life is anything but?
For fans of Sophie Hannah, C.L. Taylor and JP Delaney, this addictive exploration of marriage, motherhood and manipulation will have you reading late into the night, how far would you go to protect your family?
It seemed like a dream come true when we first moved in. A chance to leave my stressful job behind and fix things with James. But something gnaws at me each morning as I wave my husband off to work from our gated community, accept a coffee from Lin, our housekeeper, and watch my kids play in these eerily perfect, car-free streets.
When a neighbor’s body is found floating in a pool during a party, the other wives say it was a tragic accident. But there are also whispers about the family who lived in our villa before us—just vanished one day, they say.
Something’s not right. As I dig deeper, I realize this community will do anything to keep its secrets. Someone’s watching me now, I can tell. Even James wants me to stop asking questions, keep quiet, be grateful for what we have. Can I trust him? What if he’s part of this too?
What if this perfect new life is anything but?
For fans of Sophie Hannah, C.L. Taylor and JP Delaney, this addictive exploration of marriage, motherhood and manipulation will have you reading late into the night, how far would you go to protect your family?
410 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2025
196 people are currently reading
342 people want to read
About the author
S.J. King
2 books24 followersAlways grateful to readers, and for your reviews.🙏🤗
Writer of dark psychological thrillers, and fun-lover!
As a wife, mother, and daughter, my novels aim to be shocking and twisty, to unpack complex and frightening domestic realities, and modern and troubling dilemmas.
I have two teens, a husband from Northern Ireland, and an Indian street-cat on Prozac. In my free time (um….is there any of that?) I read avidly, write obsessively, post silly content, and am trying to learn to garden…
My work has taken me from documentary making in China in the nineties, into digital innovation and communication for more than thirty years. I’m now global head of Public Affairs focusing on people and planet, including climate, human rights, geopolitics, and responsible AI. Originally from London, I’ve lived in six countries, including China and India for over a decade.
Thanks for reading!
Look forward to hearing from you.
Writer of dark psychological thrillers, and fun-lover!
As a wife, mother, and daughter, my novels aim to be shocking and twisty, to unpack complex and frightening domestic realities, and modern and troubling dilemmas.
I have two teens, a husband from Northern Ireland, and an Indian street-cat on Prozac. In my free time (um….is there any of that?) I read avidly, write obsessively, post silly content, and am trying to learn to garden…
My work has taken me from documentary making in China in the nineties, into digital innovation and communication for more than thirty years. I’m now global head of Public Affairs focusing on people and planet, including climate, human rights, geopolitics, and responsible AI. Originally from London, I’ve lived in six countries, including China and India for over a decade.
Thanks for reading!
Look forward to hearing from you.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
March 4, 2025
What a wild ride this one was! I was expecting one thing and got something totally different!
We follow our FMC, Julia, her husband James and their two young sons as they move to a picture perfect community, the Haven. Seemingly perfect in every way, Julia starts to immediately sense all is not as it seems.
The neighbors all act strangely, you have to earn "gratitude points" to move levels to purchase certain items, and you have to wear a crazy band on your wrist that turns colors depending on your disposition at the moment.
When a body turns up floating in a pool at a party and an entire family(not the first one to) seemingly goes missing, Julia knows she has to find a way to get out with her sons. But that is not an easy task since they are literally locked in at the community.
This definitely felt like something I've seen on Netflix before lol, I don't mean that in a bad way. I just mean it felt familiar. There were some familiar elements in this book. The neighborhood was very Stepford Wives meets a polished slightly tamer version of Gilead. There was even a party moment that felt very eyes wide shut lol. I love all of these things so all of these aspects were great.
Right within the first few chapters you know something is wrong and this uneasy feeling just sits in the pit of your stomach as you join Julia on this journey and find out what's really going on in this perfect community.
The pacing was great and each chapter had me wanting to flip to the next one. Definitely an entertaining page turner! Highly recommend!
Expected Release Date - 03/04/25
Buddy read with my bestie girl Meagan Be sure to check out her thoughts as well. 🤍
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Many thanks to the author, SJ King, and Anna over at Storm Publishing for reaching out and gifting me the advanced digital copy, all thoughts are my own. 💐
We follow our FMC, Julia, her husband James and their two young sons as they move to a picture perfect community, the Haven. Seemingly perfect in every way, Julia starts to immediately sense all is not as it seems.
The neighbors all act strangely, you have to earn "gratitude points" to move levels to purchase certain items, and you have to wear a crazy band on your wrist that turns colors depending on your disposition at the moment.
When a body turns up floating in a pool at a party and an entire family(not the first one to) seemingly goes missing, Julia knows she has to find a way to get out with her sons. But that is not an easy task since they are literally locked in at the community.
This definitely felt like something I've seen on Netflix before lol, I don't mean that in a bad way. I just mean it felt familiar. There were some familiar elements in this book. The neighborhood was very Stepford Wives meets a polished slightly tamer version of Gilead. There was even a party moment that felt very eyes wide shut lol. I love all of these things so all of these aspects were great.
Right within the first few chapters you know something is wrong and this uneasy feeling just sits in the pit of your stomach as you join Julia on this journey and find out what's really going on in this perfect community.
The pacing was great and each chapter had me wanting to flip to the next one. Definitely an entertaining page turner! Highly recommend!
Expected Release Date - 03/04/25
Buddy read with my bestie girl Meagan Be sure to check out her thoughts as well. 🤍
⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ Connect with me on Instagram ˗ˏˋ★‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹
Many thanks to the author, SJ King, and Anna over at Storm Publishing for reaching out and gifting me the advanced digital copy, all thoughts are my own. 💐
March 4, 2025
Fresh starts might not be all that they are cracked up to be! It was meant to be a fresh start in a beautiful setting, in a beautiful home, with friendly neighbors! That is what Julia, her husband James and their two children were hoping for. But everyone is a little too happy, a little too put together, a little too invested in earning gratitude points! Is this gated community really Where You Belong???
I have to agree with other reviews who have mentioned the movie "Don't Worry Darling" Where You Belong does give those same vibes and then some! The men seem to be in control and the women do as they are told and make sure to wear their bracelets so the app can measure how they are feeling. Julia begins to see and feel the cracks in this gated community’s picture-perfect facade. She beings to question, look for answers, and buck the system.
This was an interesting and quick read which has a dystopian type feel to it or does it? We have so many apps on our phones to track our steps, our heart rates, our sleep, our spending, our book quotas, etc. Having an app to track mood was not such a stretch. I applauded the author for adding that into this book.
I also enjoyed the tension, the dread, and especially that trapped feeling that I love in books! This book also has a creepy vibe, and I felt for Julia and wondered who things would turn out. This was an impressive debut book which moved at a nice pace and kept me fully invested.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
I have to agree with other reviews who have mentioned the movie "Don't Worry Darling" Where You Belong does give those same vibes and then some! The men seem to be in control and the women do as they are told and make sure to wear their bracelets so the app can measure how they are feeling. Julia begins to see and feel the cracks in this gated community’s picture-perfect facade. She beings to question, look for answers, and buck the system.
This was an interesting and quick read which has a dystopian type feel to it or does it? We have so many apps on our phones to track our steps, our heart rates, our sleep, our spending, our book quotas, etc. Having an app to track mood was not such a stretch. I applauded the author for adding that into this book.
I also enjoyed the tension, the dread, and especially that trapped feeling that I love in books! This book also has a creepy vibe, and I felt for Julia and wondered who things would turn out. This was an impressive debut book which moved at a nice pace and kept me fully invested.
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
March 21, 2025
Where You Belong by S.J King is a fast-paced and suspenseful psychological thriller with a Stepford Wives vibe!
When Julia, her husband James, and their two sons moved to a secluded community called The Haven, Julia wants this move to be a new start for their family, and she wants James to have a chance to follow his dreams. But very quickly Julia realizes that The Haven is concealing some dark secrets. Only the husbands leave to go to work and the wives all stay home and are perfectly content. Each member of The Haven wears a bracelet that changes colors. And then Julia's neighbor dies and things really start to get creepy.
The plot of this book is absolutely wild! Dystopian vibes, Stepford Wives, mystery and suspense are all weaved together to create Where You Belong. I cannot believe that this is a debut novel! The only critique I had was that it started off a little bit slow but I understood that that was necessary for character building and suspense building. Definitely going to keep an eye out for more by S.J King!
Thank you to NetGalley, S.J King, and Storm Publishing for this ARC. Release day was March 4th 2025.
When Julia, her husband James, and their two sons moved to a secluded community called The Haven, Julia wants this move to be a new start for their family, and she wants James to have a chance to follow his dreams. But very quickly Julia realizes that The Haven is concealing some dark secrets. Only the husbands leave to go to work and the wives all stay home and are perfectly content. Each member of The Haven wears a bracelet that changes colors. And then Julia's neighbor dies and things really start to get creepy.
The plot of this book is absolutely wild! Dystopian vibes, Stepford Wives, mystery and suspense are all weaved together to create Where You Belong. I cannot believe that this is a debut novel! The only critique I had was that it started off a little bit slow but I understood that that was necessary for character building and suspense building. Definitely going to keep an eye out for more by S.J King!
Thank you to NetGalley, S.J King, and Storm Publishing for this ARC. Release day was March 4th 2025.
January 24, 2025
I was hooked on this one from the start. It isn’t like any other suspense or thriller I have read. I wanted to keep turning the page the second I started. It all came together in the end and I didn’t see it coming. This is a debut book for SJ King and I think that it was a great book to be her first thriller. Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC.
January 26, 2025
The style and unique plot of this book made me read it like a Netflix binge! I was bought into reading the book by the description that made me think of Don’t Worry Darling and Stepford Wives - the promise of that perfect life we are constantly being pushed.
Everything is fine until you start to think for yourself and when the protagonist Julia does just that and tries to see who’s pulling the strings behind the curtain the hidden forces come after her and her children. I really didn’t like the husband James from the start - as a reader you’re as unsure as Julia if he is on her side or not.
The page-turning comes from both pace and quality but also the way as a reader you never really know what the real truth is - maybe Julia is just losing the plot? And as the forces close in Julia and her family’s predicament becomes even darker - how can she get them out of this?
A thrilling debut with a big reflection on where we are as a society.
Everything is fine until you start to think for yourself and when the protagonist Julia does just that and tries to see who’s pulling the strings behind the curtain the hidden forces come after her and her children. I really didn’t like the husband James from the start - as a reader you’re as unsure as Julia if he is on her side or not.
The page-turning comes from both pace and quality but also the way as a reader you never really know what the real truth is - maybe Julia is just losing the plot? And as the forces close in Julia and her family’s predicament becomes even darker - how can she get them out of this?
A thrilling debut with a big reflection on where we are as a society.
February 21, 2025
I love a good dystopian thriller, and Where You Belong delivered. Fast paced and tense, I couldn't put it down! Perfect for fans of John Marrs. I'm excited to read more by S.J. King!
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
February 24, 2025
I really enjoyed reading Where You Belong. I found it an interesting and unsettling story about living in a dystopian society. As these gated communities exist around us, this story feels completely conceivable. Which helped to build tension and suspense throughout.
You follow Julia as she moves into this idyllic community with her two boys after her husband James was offered a job in one. Everything seems too good to be true and not quite real. It's full of perfect families, clothing, shops, and activities, and the whole lifestyle is perfection. A place where the more you put in, the more you get back by earning gratitude points and thriving. Everything runs through an app and is measured through a bracelet. You are always being monitored and tracked.
I liked Julia's character. She always questioned things and didn't take everything at face value. She was strong, determined, and resilient. Always wanted what is best for her boys. I was never sure about the other characters they all felt off, and you didn't know whether to trust them. Everything seemed not quite right.
I didn't work out any of the twists. I constantly had no clue what was really going on, and there were parts where I was questioning why Julia acted in some ways. It all came together at the end and answered the parts I was unsure about. It had me gripped from the start.
Overall, for me, it was a great debut book. Full of paranoia, anxiety, I always felt uneasy and on the edge reading it.
It gave slight Handmaid's Tale and Stepford Wives vibes, mixed with big brother is watching.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for my advanced copy.
You follow Julia as she moves into this idyllic community with her two boys after her husband James was offered a job in one. Everything seems too good to be true and not quite real. It's full of perfect families, clothing, shops, and activities, and the whole lifestyle is perfection. A place where the more you put in, the more you get back by earning gratitude points and thriving. Everything runs through an app and is measured through a bracelet. You are always being monitored and tracked.
I liked Julia's character. She always questioned things and didn't take everything at face value. She was strong, determined, and resilient. Always wanted what is best for her boys. I was never sure about the other characters they all felt off, and you didn't know whether to trust them. Everything seemed not quite right.
I didn't work out any of the twists. I constantly had no clue what was really going on, and there were parts where I was questioning why Julia acted in some ways. It all came together at the end and answered the parts I was unsure about. It had me gripped from the start.
Overall, for me, it was a great debut book. Full of paranoia, anxiety, I always felt uneasy and on the edge reading it.
It gave slight Handmaid's Tale and Stepford Wives vibes, mixed with big brother is watching.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for my advanced copy.
March 19, 2025
This psychological thriller is both gripping and thought-provoking, weaving dystopian theme with a subtle touch. The world is richly imagined, drawing you in without feeling uncomfortably close to reality. The suspense builds steadily, keeping the tension high. It’s a uniquely crafted story that showcases the author's creativity, setting it apart from typical thrillers. A compelling read that I’d highly recommend to fans of the genre.
Congratulations SJ!
Congratulations SJ!
June 23, 2025
Review to come soon. :) Catching up.
January 25, 2025
This was a very interesting read with a plot that was out of the ordinary. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it first because it left me a little confused and I felt like I was reading about some sort of AI world. However, I became really engaged in the whole story and trying to figure out what was happening to the characters and this strange life they were living. I found it to be well written and the author, even with such a far fetched storyline was able to shift the perspective of me as a reader and help me see the beauty in the mundane freedoms of life. Well done.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this one.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this one.
March 28, 2025
I liked this book. I don’t normally like psychological thrillers but I thought that the story was gripping and I liked the characters. I also enjoyed the sub plot of the missing Sandman boys which I though added an extra dimension. The writing was good and very thought provoking, I thought the design for the community was very intriguing, not something I have seen before. Reminded me a lot of ‘Don’t Worry Darling’ which I love. For a debut novel this exceeded my expectations.
June 27, 2025
It’s rare that a book ropes me in the way Where You Belong did. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t the brilliant psychological thriller that I got. On the surface, it looks like just another smart woman making stupid choices, when in reality, it’s so much more. Part Stepford Wives and part dystopian thriller, I couldn’t wait to finish it.
Julia is a typical career woman in Boston. She’s overly preoccupied with her job, while her husband, who was laid off from his job, minds their two sons, Ollie and Milo. When he gets an offer that seems too good to be true, he jumps at it without consulting her. It means uprooting their lives and moving halfway across the world, but Julia goes along with it, believing it’s her turn to support her husband in his career. It feels like a fresh start for the two of them.
James goes on ahead of her while she wraps things up back home. Six weeks later, she’s traveling with their two sons to some third-world Asian country. The airport she finally lands at is a small one, and all around are guards with automatic rifles. James is there to meet her with a driver. Back in Boston, Julia didn’t drive, but she’s willing to learn. James states that there’s paperwork to be done in that regard, and meanwhile, they have the driver.
They enter a secluded compound where they are scanned in by more guards with guns. James brings her to an opulent house that is their new home. It’s very overwhelming to Julia. She also has a housekeeper. Katharine, a neighbor across the street, welcomes her. All of the people in the compound wear wristbands that sound something like Disney’s “Magic Band,” but it’s also so much more. They keep in touch by phone, and it seems to be sensing what Julia is thinking as the app on the phone sends Julia messages.
There are plenty of signs that something is off, but Julia talks herself out of pursuing them. What could she do anyway? She’s in a foreign country with her husband and two children, and no way to get out of the compound. At times, it’s almost like living in a video game where there are “gratitude points” neighbors collect from each other and levels they have to achieve for different areas of the compound to be available to them. It’s a paternal society where the men all work and the women stay home. With the boys at school and a housekeeper, Julia feels like there’s not much for her to do. What it leads to is her asking questions that no one else seems to be asking.
To read my complete review, please go to Where You Belong by S.J. King – A Captivating Thriller That Keeps You Guessing
Julia is a typical career woman in Boston. She’s overly preoccupied with her job, while her husband, who was laid off from his job, minds their two sons, Ollie and Milo. When he gets an offer that seems too good to be true, he jumps at it without consulting her. It means uprooting their lives and moving halfway across the world, but Julia goes along with it, believing it’s her turn to support her husband in his career. It feels like a fresh start for the two of them.
James goes on ahead of her while she wraps things up back home. Six weeks later, she’s traveling with their two sons to some third-world Asian country. The airport she finally lands at is a small one, and all around are guards with automatic rifles. James is there to meet her with a driver. Back in Boston, Julia didn’t drive, but she’s willing to learn. James states that there’s paperwork to be done in that regard, and meanwhile, they have the driver.
They enter a secluded compound where they are scanned in by more guards with guns. James brings her to an opulent house that is their new home. It’s very overwhelming to Julia. She also has a housekeeper. Katharine, a neighbor across the street, welcomes her. All of the people in the compound wear wristbands that sound something like Disney’s “Magic Band,” but it’s also so much more. They keep in touch by phone, and it seems to be sensing what Julia is thinking as the app on the phone sends Julia messages.
There are plenty of signs that something is off, but Julia talks herself out of pursuing them. What could she do anyway? She’s in a foreign country with her husband and two children, and no way to get out of the compound. At times, it’s almost like living in a video game where there are “gratitude points” neighbors collect from each other and levels they have to achieve for different areas of the compound to be available to them. It’s a paternal society where the men all work and the women stay home. With the boys at school and a housekeeper, Julia feels like there’s not much for her to do. What it leads to is her asking questions that no one else seems to be asking.
To read my complete review, please go to Where You Belong by S.J. King – A Captivating Thriller That Keeps You Guessing
April 1, 2025
This was creepy and unsettling! The characters had me invested and I had a hard time putting this down! The ending was good! I would recommend this! Special Thank You to S.J. King,Storm Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2025
"Where You Belong" is the debut novel by author S.J. King, and let me tell you, the synopsis had me hooked from the get-go! The captivating summary made me hit the pause button on my other reads to dive headfirst into this story.
It kicks off with a gradual buildup of suspense that adds a pinch of excitement and a splash of intrigue, making it tough to put down but, as I journeyed through the pages, the tension seemed to drop off as the plot unfolded.
Characters are the heart of any story, and while the cast here is definitely engaging, I found myself wanting to dig deeper into their backstories and motivations. A little more character exploration would have been like the cherry on top of an already yummy sundae!
Then there’s the ending—oh boy! Just when I thought we were gearing up for a big, mind-blowing reveal, it felt like it was rushed and fell short. I was hoping for that satisfying tie-up that leaves you gasping and saying, “Wow, what a ride!” instead of just kind of going, “Huh, that’s it?”
So, in a nutshell, "Where You Belong" starts off strong and has all the makings of a fantastic story, though it might leave some readers wishing for a bit more oomph at the finish line. It also reads more dystopian than psychological thriller but it was still a fast, fun read, and I can't wait to see what S.J. King whips up next!
It kicks off with a gradual buildup of suspense that adds a pinch of excitement and a splash of intrigue, making it tough to put down but, as I journeyed through the pages, the tension seemed to drop off as the plot unfolded.
Characters are the heart of any story, and while the cast here is definitely engaging, I found myself wanting to dig deeper into their backstories and motivations. A little more character exploration would have been like the cherry on top of an already yummy sundae!
Then there’s the ending—oh boy! Just when I thought we were gearing up for a big, mind-blowing reveal, it felt like it was rushed and fell short. I was hoping for that satisfying tie-up that leaves you gasping and saying, “Wow, what a ride!” instead of just kind of going, “Huh, that’s it?”
So, in a nutshell, "Where You Belong" starts off strong and has all the makings of a fantastic story, though it might leave some readers wishing for a bit more oomph at the finish line. It also reads more dystopian than psychological thriller but it was still a fast, fun read, and I can't wait to see what S.J. King whips up next!
February 6, 2025
Thank you Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was a captivating psychological thriller. It felt dystopian and political but subtly so. Just enough to be intriguing without being so close to reality that it’s uncomfortable. It is one of those books that makes you admire the imagination of the author. Very unique from most of the thrillers I’ve read.
This was a captivating psychological thriller. It felt dystopian and political but subtly so. Just enough to be intriguing without being so close to reality that it’s uncomfortable. It is one of those books that makes you admire the imagination of the author. Very unique from most of the thrillers I’ve read.
January 30, 2025
This was not really what I was expecting but I was certainly not disappointed. Initially I found the plot fascinating and enjoyed the hints of something sinister hiding beneath the surface of the gated community. As the story moved along I felt compelled to read as much as I could in each sitting. The author knew how much information to give up and how much to hold back. As I got deeper into the novel the writing expertly caused me to be constantly in suspense. For those such as myself who love a book with a twist or two, this book definitely delivered. I'm really hovering between four and five stars but I can't think of anything that I disliked so I'm going to tip the scales to a five. I will be looking for other books by this author.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I received this arc from netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
March 23, 2025
What a thrilling story that tests your own resilience and beliefs and knowledge.
Starting a new life journey that doesn’t feel right, but you must do it as your husbands career depends on it. But when yourself and your children’s welfare are put at stake, you must try to find a way to disappear and go back to what you know.
But when you realise the enormity of what you are trapped into, you know that life is indeed one that needs protecting at all costs.
This book kept me enthralled and guessing which way it was headed.
Starting a new life journey that doesn’t feel right, but you must do it as your husbands career depends on it. But when yourself and your children’s welfare are put at stake, you must try to find a way to disappear and go back to what you know.
But when you realise the enormity of what you are trapped into, you know that life is indeed one that needs protecting at all costs.
This book kept me enthralled and guessing which way it was headed.
February 1, 2025
Enjoyed this book, well-written and very entertaining.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
#WhereYouBelong
#NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.
#WhereYouBelong
#NetGalley
February 26, 2025
This was a strange read, but kept my interest throughout. James and Julia have moved to the haven, lovely houses, beautiful landscaping and everything you could really want, but something is not right. Julia wants to find out what, but this might not be a good idea. A chilling read that I really enjoyed, The characters are perfect for their roles and I liked the twists at the end. A very well written book. 4.5 stars. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a copy.
September 1, 2025
Where You Belong by S.J. King is a psychological thriller that will keep you on edge from the very first page. Julia, a career-driven woman from Boston, relocates with her husband James and their two young sons to a secluded, opulent community halfway across the world. At first glance, Haven seems like a dream come true: luxurious villas, helpful staff, and a sense of safety and order. But it quickly becomes apparent that something about the compound—and its residents—is deeply unsettling.
The tension in this novel builds slowly, mirroring Julia’s own growing unease. Wristbands that monitor emotions, “gratitude points” that govern access to different areas, and overly polished neighbors all hint that this community is anything but idyllic. Julia’s initial disbelief and attempts to rationalize the oddities around her only deepen the sense of suspense, making the reader feel as trapped as she does.
King excels at creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where paranoia, manipulation, and control pervade every interaction. Julia’s descent into questioning her own judgment and sanity is palpable, and her struggle to protect her family adds a deeply human and emotional layer to the story. The thriller also takes unexpected twists and turns, blending elements of dystopia with psychological tension in a way that keeps the narrative fresh and unpredictable.
At times, Julia’s choices may frustrate readers—her blind spots and delayed reactions are realistic but occasionally exasperating—but they also heighten the realism of the psychological manipulation she’s facing. The pacing alternates between slow-building dread and sudden, shocking revelations, creating a reading experience that feels immersive and unsettling.
Where You Belong is perfect for fans of “perfect society gone wrong” stories, blending suspense, psychological intrigue, and subtle dystopian elements. It’s a haunting, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page, raising questions about control, trust, and the illusion of safety.
The tension in this novel builds slowly, mirroring Julia’s own growing unease. Wristbands that monitor emotions, “gratitude points” that govern access to different areas, and overly polished neighbors all hint that this community is anything but idyllic. Julia’s initial disbelief and attempts to rationalize the oddities around her only deepen the sense of suspense, making the reader feel as trapped as she does.
King excels at creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where paranoia, manipulation, and control pervade every interaction. Julia’s descent into questioning her own judgment and sanity is palpable, and her struggle to protect her family adds a deeply human and emotional layer to the story. The thriller also takes unexpected twists and turns, blending elements of dystopia with psychological tension in a way that keeps the narrative fresh and unpredictable.
At times, Julia’s choices may frustrate readers—her blind spots and delayed reactions are realistic but occasionally exasperating—but they also heighten the realism of the psychological manipulation she’s facing. The pacing alternates between slow-building dread and sudden, shocking revelations, creating a reading experience that feels immersive and unsettling.
Where You Belong is perfect for fans of “perfect society gone wrong” stories, blending suspense, psychological intrigue, and subtle dystopian elements. It’s a haunting, thought-provoking novel that lingers long after the final page, raising questions about control, trust, and the illusion of safety.
February 2, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing this book, with my honest review below.
Where You Belong is a blend of speculative fiction and thriller, making it a fairly unique book and one that took on some fascinating concepts. Opening with Julia Seyward, a chief engagement officer grappling with a mysterious event around young boys disappearing who have used a game on the app she is associated with, she just wants an escape. Julia’s husband Jamie provides that escape with a somewhat out of nowhere move to Radiance, a community in another country. But all is not as perfect as it seems and Julia soon begin to look into the broader mystery of the community, and how it may be linked to her ‘previous’ life.
I enjoyed the ideas in the book and the play with our reality. For all we know there may be a Radiance community underway, and certainly if there was for a short time at least it might play out like the earlier chapters in this book. There were parts of the story, however, that drug just a bit, playing with too many things to create tension but which didn’t really add up. If you’re a fan of more realistic sci fi, The Stepford Wives, and John Mars this would fit nicely in a line up and haunt your mind just the same.
Where You Belong is a blend of speculative fiction and thriller, making it a fairly unique book and one that took on some fascinating concepts. Opening with Julia Seyward, a chief engagement officer grappling with a mysterious event around young boys disappearing who have used a game on the app she is associated with, she just wants an escape. Julia’s husband Jamie provides that escape with a somewhat out of nowhere move to Radiance, a community in another country. But all is not as perfect as it seems and Julia soon begin to look into the broader mystery of the community, and how it may be linked to her ‘previous’ life.
I enjoyed the ideas in the book and the play with our reality. For all we know there may be a Radiance community underway, and certainly if there was for a short time at least it might play out like the earlier chapters in this book. There were parts of the story, however, that drug just a bit, playing with too many things to create tension but which didn’t really add up. If you’re a fan of more realistic sci fi, The Stepford Wives, and John Mars this would fit nicely in a line up and haunt your mind just the same.
February 21, 2025
3.5 Stars
Where You Belong was a very interesting book that made you question so many things.
Julia is a working mom of two with a fairly high profile career but her home life isn't as great as it used to be. When the chance comes along for her husband James to get a new job she decides to uproot the family in hopes that a change is exactly what they need.
While the haven seems like it may be the perfect reset for their marriage Julia quickly starts to see many strange and unusual things that quickly set her on edge and make her question why James so desperately wanted this move.
This book was very intriguing and suspenseful, keeping you hanging on the edge of your seat.
I did feel that it seemed to be missing something. Like there was a loose thread that wasn't tied into the story. I don't know what it is but there felt like a piece missing to the story. Something that would have just rounded it out a bit more.
There were some parts that did drag a bit while some other parts were too fast.
Overall a great read and an author I will be keeping an eye out for.
**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**
Where You Belong was a very interesting book that made you question so many things.
Julia is a working mom of two with a fairly high profile career but her home life isn't as great as it used to be. When the chance comes along for her husband James to get a new job she decides to uproot the family in hopes that a change is exactly what they need.
While the haven seems like it may be the perfect reset for their marriage Julia quickly starts to see many strange and unusual things that quickly set her on edge and make her question why James so desperately wanted this move.
This book was very intriguing and suspenseful, keeping you hanging on the edge of your seat.
I did feel that it seemed to be missing something. Like there was a loose thread that wasn't tied into the story. I don't know what it is but there felt like a piece missing to the story. Something that would have just rounded it out a bit more.
There were some parts that did drag a bit while some other parts were too fast.
Overall a great read and an author I will be keeping an eye out for.
**Received ARC through NetGalley. Voluntarily reviewed**
January 29, 2025
Where You Belong by S.J. King was an absolute mind-bender! From the very first chapter, I was hooked, questioning everything alongside Julia as she started her new life with her family. It’s one of those thrillers that keeps you constantly second-guessing—who’s lying? What’s real? And the deeper you go, the more unsettling it gets.
Julia’s husband gets an amazing job offer and soon she and her family move to Haven. Everything seems wonderful at first, but something doesn’t seem quite right to Julia. As she tries to navigate what seems off about Haven, she learns that can she truly trust those around her ? Her neighbors? Her husband? Can she even trust her own judgement?
What I loved most was how thought-provoking it was. It wasn’t just about shocking twists (though trust me, there were plenty), but about memory, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves to feel safe. It made me wonder—how much of my past could I really trust? And the suspense? Unreal. Every time I thought I could breathe, another revelation hit, keeping me on edge until the very last page. If you love thrillers that mess with your head and make you think, this one’s a must-read!
Julia’s husband gets an amazing job offer and soon she and her family move to Haven. Everything seems wonderful at first, but something doesn’t seem quite right to Julia. As she tries to navigate what seems off about Haven, she learns that can she truly trust those around her ? Her neighbors? Her husband? Can she even trust her own judgement?
What I loved most was how thought-provoking it was. It wasn’t just about shocking twists (though trust me, there were plenty), but about memory, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves to feel safe. It made me wonder—how much of my past could I really trust? And the suspense? Unreal. Every time I thought I could breathe, another revelation hit, keeping me on edge until the very last page. If you love thrillers that mess with your head and make you think, this one’s a must-read!
June 27, 2025
What begins as a fresh start quickly spirals into a chilling nightmare in this compulsively readable debut by S.J. King. Julia, along with her husband James and their two sons, relocates to The Haven—a pristine, gated community promising perfection and safety. But the picture-perfect neighborhood hides something much darker beneath its glossy surface.
From the moment they arrive, something feels…off. Residents wear emotion-tracking bracelets, “gratitude points” determine access to privileges, and a disturbing sense of control hangs in the air. When a neighbor turns up dead and entire families begin to vanish without a trace, Julia realizes she’s not just imagining things—The Haven is not safe, and escape may not be possible.
This story blends eerie dystopian elements with Stepford-Wives-style domestic horror, giving serious Don’t Worry Darling and Black Mirror energy. The tension builds steadily, chapter by chapter, with an unsettling atmosphere that never lets up. It’s part psychological thriller, part modern cautionary tale—reminding us how easily control can be masked as comfort.
Julia is a protagonist you root for, especially as she begins to question everything and fight back against a system designed to silence her. And while the husband, James, seems supportive at first, you’re constantly questioning his loyalty—just like Julia.
S.J. King delivers a gripping and thought-provoking debut. With strong pacing, creepy vibes, and a hauntingly plausible twist on society’s obsession with perfection and tracking everything—we’re looking at a future that might not be as far-fetched as it seems.
Perfect for fans of:
🧠 Dystopian thrillers
🏘️ Cult-like communities
🎭 Stepford Wives vibes
📲 Tech-based control systems
🚪“Trapped in the perfect life” plots
A binge-worthy read that will have you questioning just how much of your life is being watched, tracked—or controlled.
From the moment they arrive, something feels…off. Residents wear emotion-tracking bracelets, “gratitude points” determine access to privileges, and a disturbing sense of control hangs in the air. When a neighbor turns up dead and entire families begin to vanish without a trace, Julia realizes she’s not just imagining things—The Haven is not safe, and escape may not be possible.
This story blends eerie dystopian elements with Stepford-Wives-style domestic horror, giving serious Don’t Worry Darling and Black Mirror energy. The tension builds steadily, chapter by chapter, with an unsettling atmosphere that never lets up. It’s part psychological thriller, part modern cautionary tale—reminding us how easily control can be masked as comfort.
Julia is a protagonist you root for, especially as she begins to question everything and fight back against a system designed to silence her. And while the husband, James, seems supportive at first, you’re constantly questioning his loyalty—just like Julia.
S.J. King delivers a gripping and thought-provoking debut. With strong pacing, creepy vibes, and a hauntingly plausible twist on society’s obsession with perfection and tracking everything—we’re looking at a future that might not be as far-fetched as it seems.
Perfect for fans of:
🧠 Dystopian thrillers
🏘️ Cult-like communities
🎭 Stepford Wives vibes
📲 Tech-based control systems
🚪“Trapped in the perfect life” plots
A binge-worthy read that will have you questioning just how much of your life is being watched, tracked—or controlled.
Read
February 2, 2025After moving overseas to the idyllic Haven community for her husband’s dream job and a fresh start for the family, psychologist Julia finds herself questioning how a community could be so perfect. Unique for a psychological thriller, the Haven gave me a combo of a dystopian society and stepford wives vibes with the wives staying at home (but never lifting a finger to care for the home or cook) while the husbands work. As Julia gets more acquainted with the community, she finds herself wondering—is it even possible to leave?
I finished this one rather quickly and enjoyed it! I would have loved to learn more throughout the conclusion, what happened to some of the main characters involved etc and would definitely read a sequel (if there were plans for one)!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this advanced reader copy—you can find Where You Belong on shelves near you on its pub date of March 4th, 2025!
I finished this one rather quickly and enjoyed it! I would have loved to learn more throughout the conclusion, what happened to some of the main characters involved etc and would definitely read a sequel (if there were plans for one)!
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this advanced reader copy—you can find Where You Belong on shelves near you on its pub date of March 4th, 2025!
February 21, 2025
What an incredible debut! This book felt like Stepford Wives meets a lighter version of The Handmaid’s Tale, set in a twisted dystopian world obsessed with achieving the perfect life—no matter the cost.
What a thrilling ride this was with Julia! There were moments when I had to put the book down because my heart was racing and the adrenaline was pumping. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed after the incident, it completely took me by surprise.
This was a fantastic read, and I’ve already recommended it! Set to be released on March 4, 2025, so if you love psychological thrillers, make sure to grab a copy. I can’t wait to see what SJ writes in the future.
A huge thank you to **NetGalley and Storm Publishing
What a thrilling ride this was with Julia! There were moments when I had to put the book down because my heart was racing and the adrenaline was pumping. Just when I thought I knew where the story was headed after the incident, it completely took me by surprise.
This was a fantastic read, and I’ve already recommended it! Set to be released on March 4, 2025, so if you love psychological thrillers, make sure to grab a copy. I can’t wait to see what SJ writes in the future.
A huge thank you to **NetGalley and Storm Publishing
January 25, 2025
Not really sure how I felt about this one, so it's hard to rate. The writing was great, the author kept me intrigued with trying to figure out the plot and it was a quick read for me. However, the concept of the storyline is just something I wouldn't normally 'choose' to read about, as it seemed a bit far fetched for me personally. I also realized while reading this one, that I prefer reading first person narratives over third person, specifically for mystery/thriller books- I guess it helps me feel more engaged with the main character throughout. I didn't realize I felt that way until this book haha! There isn't an option to give 3.5 stars, but that's what I would rate this book.
January 26, 2025
I could not put this one down!!
Julia is a hard-working mother of two, but her husband gets an amazing job offer and they soon move to the Haven! It seems like a wonderful perfect life but Julia can tell things aren’t quite right! Does her husband realize things are a little off? Things seem too good to be true and Julia is trying to figure out what is going on! The ending tied it up so perfect for me.
Thank you net galley for the arc!!
Julia is a hard-working mother of two, but her husband gets an amazing job offer and they soon move to the Haven! It seems like a wonderful perfect life but Julia can tell things aren’t quite right! Does her husband realize things are a little off? Things seem too good to be true and Julia is trying to figure out what is going on! The ending tied it up so perfect for me.
Thank you net galley for the arc!!
January 31, 2025
This story is terrifying and creepy. For some reason, I found myself
thinking this was a horrible cult and it turns out I was correct. It was
not what I expected. The story was well organized and the characters
are easy to follow. The irritating part for me was the attitude used by
Julia’s husband thinking he could make such important choices on his
own, and why he’d want to drag his family into this wretched cult…
My thanks to Storm Publishing for the download copy of this book
for review purposes.
thinking this was a horrible cult and it turns out I was correct. It was
not what I expected. The story was well organized and the characters
are easy to follow. The irritating part for me was the attitude used by
Julia’s husband thinking he could make such important choices on his
own, and why he’d want to drag his family into this wretched cult…
My thanks to Storm Publishing for the download copy of this book
for review purposes.
February 6, 2025
Where You Belong is a roller coaster ride of emotions, you go from wanting to reside at The Haven to putting yourself in Julia's shoes needing to know why is this place so "perfect". It's an exciting read, you turn page after page till the final moment. I look forward to more from this author..
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and SJ King for providing me with the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and SJ King for providing me with the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
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