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A Lonely Broadcast #2
A Lonely Broadcast: Book Two
Despite everything, 104.6 FM is still on the air.
Hidden between tall trees and snowy mountains is the village of Pinehaven, a quaint town with a horrifying secret. For years, the Operators at 104.6 FM have protected the village from ravenous, mutated beasts that live deep in the forest and emerge every time the fog rolls in. The current radio hosts - Evelyn, Daniel, and Finn - have been keeping watch for over a year.
But suddenly, things are changing. A hypnotic light has appeared between the trees, earthquakes have been putting the radio tower in danger, and something massive has moved into the Pinehaven coal mines. The forest is getting smarter. A blight is spreading. And this year, the winter is colder and more vicious than ever.
Hidden between tall trees and snowy mountains is the village of Pinehaven, a quaint town with a horrifying secret. For years, the Operators at 104.6 FM have protected the village from ravenous, mutated beasts that live deep in the forest and emerge every time the fog rolls in. The current radio hosts - Evelyn, Daniel, and Finn - have been keeping watch for over a year.
But suddenly, things are changing. A hypnotic light has appeared between the trees, earthquakes have been putting the radio tower in danger, and something massive has moved into the Pinehaven coal mines. The forest is getting smarter. A blight is spreading. And this year, the winter is colder and more vicious than ever.
247 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 7, 2025
190 people are currently reading
983 people want to read
About the author
Kel Byron
4 books267 followersKel is a horror author whose work focuses on rural terror, character-driven stories, and weaving gruesome imagery with touching narratives about human bonds. Her work was inspired by the lingering spookiness of growing up in an isolated rural area and the superstitions and folktales that surrounded her childhood in the wetlands of Michigan.
She began her writing career in college where she would disgust her classmates on purpose, writing short stories about body horror, monsters, and the fear of the unknowable. When she joined Reddit's NoSleep forum under the username "Wendingus", her gloomy yet comedic stories about the gruesome folk horrors surrounding a fictional Appalachian village quickly formed a humble yet loyal fanbase.
Kel's online work has been narrated on YouTube by voice actors Autumn Ivy, MrCreepypasta, and others. After disappearing from the internet for several years to get treatment for multiple tumors, she returned in 2023 to completely re-write and re-imagine her previous work as a formal novel, beginning a trilogy that will continue in 2024. Kel's work often focuses on themes such as queer identity, grief, mental health, trauma recovery, and platonic love. Although horror is her main genre of choice, she enjoys weaving in comedic moments of feral, chaotic dark humor.
Today, she lives in Saginaw, Michigan where she works as a graphic designer and neonatal kitten rescuer. She likes to lie face-down on the kitchen floor, perch like a gargoyle, and eat leaves that she finds on the ground.
She began her writing career in college where she would disgust her classmates on purpose, writing short stories about body horror, monsters, and the fear of the unknowable. When she joined Reddit's NoSleep forum under the username "Wendingus", her gloomy yet comedic stories about the gruesome folk horrors surrounding a fictional Appalachian village quickly formed a humble yet loyal fanbase.
Kel's online work has been narrated on YouTube by voice actors Autumn Ivy, MrCreepypasta, and others. After disappearing from the internet for several years to get treatment for multiple tumors, she returned in 2023 to completely re-write and re-imagine her previous work as a formal novel, beginning a trilogy that will continue in 2024. Kel's work often focuses on themes such as queer identity, grief, mental health, trauma recovery, and platonic love. Although horror is her main genre of choice, she enjoys weaving in comedic moments of feral, chaotic dark humor.
Today, she lives in Saginaw, Michigan where she works as a graphic designer and neonatal kitten rescuer. She likes to lie face-down on the kitchen floor, perch like a gargoyle, and eat leaves that she finds on the ground.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
February 27, 2025
Fantastically visceral, gut wrenching and disturbing!! I loved every page and I hope there’s a book 3.
September 9, 2025
I think this is the first book that had me so stressed out that I could feel it in it my ribs omg
February 19, 2025
amazing. just as good as the first book. i will always look forward to this series. it's horrific and clever and still has pieces of levity.
July 16, 2025
Much better than the first book! Ups the creepiness and character relationships from the start. While reading some chapters I legitimately got goosebumps, very well executed!
March 8, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
I found A Lonely Broadcast: Book One a bit underwhelming, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the sequel. But I’m glad I gave it a shot—this one is definitely a step up. Where the first book took its time building tension, this one jumps straight into the action and keeps things moving. I didn’t miss the slower pace, though, because the atmosphere is still on point, and the setting really comes to life.
The forest, the mountain, the fog, the tower—they don’t just set the scene; they almost feel like characters in their own right. That eerie, immersive vibe from the first book is still here, but what really made a difference for me was the character development. The people feel more fleshed out this time, which made it a much more engaging read.
I honestly didn’t think this story would turn into a series, but now that they’ve teased a third book, I’m actually looking forward to seeing where it goes. I’m glad I stuck with it despite my mixed feelings about the first.
All in all, a solid continuation. I’ll be keeping an eye out for what happens next.
I found A Lonely Broadcast: Book One a bit underwhelming, so I wasn’t sure what to expect from the sequel. But I’m glad I gave it a shot—this one is definitely a step up. Where the first book took its time building tension, this one jumps straight into the action and keeps things moving. I didn’t miss the slower pace, though, because the atmosphere is still on point, and the setting really comes to life.
The forest, the mountain, the fog, the tower—they don’t just set the scene; they almost feel like characters in their own right. That eerie, immersive vibe from the first book is still here, but what really made a difference for me was the character development. The people feel more fleshed out this time, which made it a much more engaging read.
I honestly didn’t think this story would turn into a series, but now that they’ve teased a third book, I’m actually looking forward to seeing where it goes. I’m glad I stuck with it despite my mixed feelings about the first.
All in all, a solid continuation. I’ll be keeping an eye out for what happens next.
March 17, 2025
Oh maaaaaaan, I've been waiting to read this book for such a LONG TIME.
When I read the first book I fell in LOVE. This second instalment did NOT disappoint. Kel Byron's writing is just !!! AMAZING !!! INCREDIBLE !!! ENCAPTIVATING !!!
The way the characters have been written makes me adore the HECK out of them.
Honestly, I would do ANYTHING for Daniel. He is such a sweet, beautiful, gentle soul who MUST BE PROTECTED.
I also absolutely adored the development between Evelyn and Finn. My heart aches so much but I just !!!!!! cannot put my emotions into words right now.
The little town of Pinehaven is completely MESSED up but I absolutely LOVE the chaos. Every single page of this second instalment captivated me.
I heard that there's going to be a third book as well, and dude, sign me the F up. I am so ready.
When I read the first book I fell in LOVE. This second instalment did NOT disappoint. Kel Byron's writing is just !!! AMAZING !!! INCREDIBLE !!! ENCAPTIVATING !!!
The way the characters have been written makes me adore the HECK out of them.
Honestly, I would do ANYTHING for Daniel. He is such a sweet, beautiful, gentle soul who MUST BE PROTECTED.
I also absolutely adored the development between Evelyn and Finn. My heart aches so much but I just !!!!!! cannot put my emotions into words right now.
The little town of Pinehaven is completely MESSED up but I absolutely LOVE the chaos. Every single page of this second instalment captivated me.
I heard that there's going to be a third book as well, and dude, sign me the F up. I am so ready.
October 16, 2025
I have some conflicting feelings about this book. I absolutely loved the first one, but I had critiques about the way that it ended. And those critiques carry over to this one, but apply to the entire book.
It was a good read. I still loved the characters. I still love the writing style and the fast pace.
However, the entire time I was reading, I kept asking what’s the point? It felt like the plot was missing. It felt like the whole book was just climax after climax without a resolution.
I think this is the danger of making the story into a series. This book just kind of felt like filler? I would’ve much preferred a larger book that combined the first and this one (and the obvious third this book teases) with a much more concrete plot and conclusion.
In the end this one didn’t answer any questions it presented us with and didn’t answer any questions from the end of the first book either. I have to say I’m a little disappointed & I probably won’t continue the series unless the third book course corrects.
It was a good read. I still loved the characters. I still love the writing style and the fast pace.
However, the entire time I was reading, I kept asking what’s the point? It felt like the plot was missing. It felt like the whole book was just climax after climax without a resolution.
I think this is the danger of making the story into a series. This book just kind of felt like filler? I would’ve much preferred a larger book that combined the first and this one (and the obvious third this book teases) with a much more concrete plot and conclusion.
In the end this one didn’t answer any questions it presented us with and didn’t answer any questions from the end of the first book either. I have to say I’m a little disappointed & I probably won’t continue the series unless the third book course corrects.
August 17, 2025
The main characters have immense plot armor and I'm mostly okay with that. They've created not just a bond with each other, but me as the reader that I actively root for their wellbeing through every horror encounter. Though it does get to a point where their ability to enter and leave the forest mostly unscathed feels unrealistic in the parameters the world has created.
I'm unsure where this story is headed and while this one was immensely fun, I do wish we got more on the Forest itself as it feels we were left with even more questions than answers.
I'm unsure where this story is headed and while this one was immensely fun, I do wish we got more on the Forest itself as it feels we were left with even more questions than answers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 27, 2025
This book was just as good as the first one. I was STRESSED throughout reading as fast as I could to see what happened . This gave jeff strand “haunted forest tour” vibes and I loved it. Hope there’s a 3rd!
July 23, 2025
AAAAAAAAAAQ
February 21, 2025
It's terrifyingly good.
It's absolutely amazing. The second I realized the second book was available, I bought it. And like the Amalgamate, I devoured this book until there was nothing left. Engaging and captivating this was absolutely amazing as the first book and so worth the price. I could hardly put the book down because I just had to know what happened next.
Kel Byron uses such good descriptions to capture the terror and horror of the events taking place. I felt myself being called to the local woods in search of things calling me home. I can't wait for the next book, and I hope there are many more to come!
It's absolutely amazing. The second I realized the second book was available, I bought it. And like the Amalgamate, I devoured this book until there was nothing left. Engaging and captivating this was absolutely amazing as the first book and so worth the price. I could hardly put the book down because I just had to know what happened next.
Kel Byron uses such good descriptions to capture the terror and horror of the events taking place. I felt myself being called to the local woods in search of things calling me home. I can't wait for the next book, and I hope there are many more to come!
May 28, 2025
A good combination of supernatural and paranormal horror! Not as graphic as the first book, but still extremely good. I love how the author built on the relationship between Lyn, Daniel, and Finn. I also really love how you can't tell if the love between Daniel and Lyn is platonic or romantic, and I wouldn't mind it going either way. <3 Really good story if you want something to send chills down your spine.
May 18, 2025
Disgusting, grotesque, something’s definitely outside my window type of paranoia inducing, the features I have come to expect from a lonely broadcast book and this one doesn’t disappoint.
The character growth and relationship development is what really drew me in to the first book, there wasn’t as much in this book but the ‘three against the world’ or maybe end of the world.. was still enjoyable.
I was glad to see Big Boy make a return and interested to see where this new glowing horror will take us next.
The character growth and relationship development is what really drew me in to the first book, there wasn’t as much in this book but the ‘three against the world’ or maybe end of the world.. was still enjoyable.
I was glad to see Big Boy make a return and interested to see where this new glowing horror will take us next.
November 2, 2025
Unsurprisingly, I began tearing up around the last pages. Again.
Evelyn, Daniel, and Finn continue their hard job in 104.6 FM, protecting everyone in Pinehaven from the Horrors lying in wait out in the forest. Equally part disturbing and moving, I found myself at the edge of my seat as the stakes kept getting higher each chapter.
These three just love each other so much man. How can I not get emotional as f*ck.
Waiting was worth it, I loved this as much as I did the first one. Maybe if I pray really hard to the forest horrors I’ll get a third book.
Evelyn, Daniel, and Finn continue their hard job in 104.6 FM, protecting everyone in Pinehaven from the Horrors lying in wait out in the forest. Equally part disturbing and moving, I found myself at the edge of my seat as the stakes kept getting higher each chapter.
These three just love each other so much man. How can I not get emotional as f*ck.
Waiting was worth it, I loved this as much as I did the first one. Maybe if I pray really hard to the forest horrors I’ll get a third book.
March 8, 2025
The best part of the book was Daniel and Evelyn's friendship and the playful banter between the two of them.. Got me laughing out loud.
"I’m starting to question everything?"
“Hey. Look at me,” I said, still squeezing Daniel’s pinky finger. “I love you, Danny Boy.” He gave me a stupid, gap- toothed grin, blood collecting at the corners of his mouth. “I love you too, Freckle Face.”
"nostalgia seems to always hit harder when I look around and search for faces that aren’t here anymore, places that have disappeared, good times we can’t get back."
"He can’t undo it. And when you can’t undo, you learn.”
“Mornin’, bitch- mittens,” Evelyn said sweetly, patting me on the back one last time. Our morning ritual of coming up with new, insulting nicknames did wonders to break the tension."
"I could see he was already getting his collection of Christmas hats out, because on his head was a stupid little band with reindeer antlers on it. It jingled every time he moved and I already hated it."
"It’s just trying to get under your skin like the dick- face that it is.” Dan laughed. “Excuse you, that’s technically my face you’re talking about. Am I a dick- face?” “No,” I giggled, “but you’re a dick- for.”
“It’s moving day, my good bitch!”
"It’s cold as a witch’s left ass cheek out here.”
"You know that feeling when you pass through a tiny old village with nothing but a single gas pump and a set of train tracks? You wonder why people are still there, why homes are still standing, why those folks haven’t left yet. Take a good look at yourself, my friend. We’re no different. No matter where we go, no matter how far we get, no matter what new roots we put down, the old land will always pull us back in."
"Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a day you’ve lived before? It starts simple. One familiar sight, a smell, maybe an old song comes to mind, and suddenly you’re back in a place you forgot about. You’re back in a place that used to be special."
"I could hear distant steps and voices from above, muffled by the walls, and it brought me back to a far- away place in my memory. The endless peeling wallpaper and the ugly tile made this place feel both liminal and outdated, but the way the shadows bounced off every surface was unsettling. Lonely. Unreal."
“Champions aren’t picky, Dan,” I grumbled with my mouth full. “Eat your fuckin’ chips.”
“You sure you have to leave?” I asked, the playful tone of my voice hiding the genuine anxiety. “We could put in a movie, paint each other’s toenails, talk about boys.”
"I guess it’s true that sometimes, when we’re afraid, all you can really do is go back to the last place that felt safe. And right now, that safe place was Danny Boy."
“Dan, you fucking walnut, pick up your phone!”
"Those people might never remember what really happened that day, but the boys and I would remember for them. We would hold onto it so they didn’t have to. We’ll be with you all night long."
"I’m starting to question everything?"
“Hey. Look at me,” I said, still squeezing Daniel’s pinky finger. “I love you, Danny Boy.” He gave me a stupid, gap- toothed grin, blood collecting at the corners of his mouth. “I love you too, Freckle Face.”
"nostalgia seems to always hit harder when I look around and search for faces that aren’t here anymore, places that have disappeared, good times we can’t get back."
"He can’t undo it. And when you can’t undo, you learn.”
“Mornin’, bitch- mittens,” Evelyn said sweetly, patting me on the back one last time. Our morning ritual of coming up with new, insulting nicknames did wonders to break the tension."
"I could see he was already getting his collection of Christmas hats out, because on his head was a stupid little band with reindeer antlers on it. It jingled every time he moved and I already hated it."
"It’s just trying to get under your skin like the dick- face that it is.” Dan laughed. “Excuse you, that’s technically my face you’re talking about. Am I a dick- face?” “No,” I giggled, “but you’re a dick- for.”
“It’s moving day, my good bitch!”
"It’s cold as a witch’s left ass cheek out here.”
"You know that feeling when you pass through a tiny old village with nothing but a single gas pump and a set of train tracks? You wonder why people are still there, why homes are still standing, why those folks haven’t left yet. Take a good look at yourself, my friend. We’re no different. No matter where we go, no matter how far we get, no matter what new roots we put down, the old land will always pull us back in."
"Have you ever felt like you were stuck in a day you’ve lived before? It starts simple. One familiar sight, a smell, maybe an old song comes to mind, and suddenly you’re back in a place you forgot about. You’re back in a place that used to be special."
"I could hear distant steps and voices from above, muffled by the walls, and it brought me back to a far- away place in my memory. The endless peeling wallpaper and the ugly tile made this place feel both liminal and outdated, but the way the shadows bounced off every surface was unsettling. Lonely. Unreal."
“Champions aren’t picky, Dan,” I grumbled with my mouth full. “Eat your fuckin’ chips.”
“You sure you have to leave?” I asked, the playful tone of my voice hiding the genuine anxiety. “We could put in a movie, paint each other’s toenails, talk about boys.”
"I guess it’s true that sometimes, when we’re afraid, all you can really do is go back to the last place that felt safe. And right now, that safe place was Danny Boy."
“Dan, you fucking walnut, pick up your phone!”
"Those people might never remember what really happened that day, but the boys and I would remember for them. We would hold onto it so they didn’t have to. We’ll be with you all night long."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2025
Book Two of A Lonely Broadcast was by far and away my most anticipated read for this year. It is not an easy task to take an amazing introduction to an extremely compelling world, mystery, cast & follow it up with a sequel that lives up to its quality. Many great stories have tried and come up short. But Book Two did a great job on keeping me hooked!
The exploration of arcs relating to Evelyn’s alcoholism, Danny’s crippling PTSD, and Finn’s past were marvelously interwoven with the conflict of the story. One of the strongest points of this series is that Kel Byron, the author, has made sure to keep this cast extremely tight-knit so there’s ample opportunity to fully explore their characterization.
The horror element in this sequel is a close resemblance to Gyo by Junji Ito. There is a strong emphasis on the stench and rot that’s infected the forest, the town, and themselves (figuratively and literally). Admittedly the fear factor for me in this one was not as strong as the first one, likely because 1. I knew what I was getting into, 2. I think there was an over quantity of scenes that depicted the body horror to the point I felt a little numb reading it. It felt like every scene was something gross happening to our main cast and a few of them definitely interrupted the pacing. The story does, however, make up for it with the emotional arcs and exploration of some of unanswered questions and emotional fallout of our characters that we had at the end of book one.
It’s clear that there was direction from the get-go as we revisit topics specified in book one, a prophecy, etc., and it does a good job following up on them and having us ask more questions.
My critique of this story mainly pertains to the length. Book One was 271 pages, while Book Two was 239 pages. While that’s only 32 pages, I bring this up because I do admit it feels like there was a rush to get this finished and printed. I wish there were just a few more chapters in this book to smoothly bridge the gap leading up to the final conflict. The fight scene between Evelyn & Danny vs the Amalgamate (Big Boy) in Book One was really what cemented it as an excellent story, but I don’t think there is an equivalent one here.
There’s still A LOT of ground to cover in this storyline. There a have been several seeds of mystery planted in book one that were touched upon and teased that need to be resolved in the final installment. Evelyn’s father? Rose? What is the fog? Purple light? ‘God’? Because of that, I hope Kel takes their sweet sweet time writing this and that the length of Book Three is LONG. I’m talking 400+ pages. I will happily wait another 3-5 years because I am still excited to see how all of this plays out.
This is the best book I’ve read in 2025!
Rating: 8.0/10
The exploration of arcs relating to Evelyn’s alcoholism, Danny’s crippling PTSD, and Finn’s past were marvelously interwoven with the conflict of the story. One of the strongest points of this series is that Kel Byron, the author, has made sure to keep this cast extremely tight-knit so there’s ample opportunity to fully explore their characterization.
The horror element in this sequel is a close resemblance to Gyo by Junji Ito. There is a strong emphasis on the stench and rot that’s infected the forest, the town, and themselves (figuratively and literally). Admittedly the fear factor for me in this one was not as strong as the first one, likely because 1. I knew what I was getting into, 2. I think there was an over quantity of scenes that depicted the body horror to the point I felt a little numb reading it. It felt like every scene was something gross happening to our main cast and a few of them definitely interrupted the pacing. The story does, however, make up for it with the emotional arcs and exploration of some of unanswered questions and emotional fallout of our characters that we had at the end of book one.
It’s clear that there was direction from the get-go as we revisit topics specified in book one, a prophecy, etc., and it does a good job following up on them and having us ask more questions.
My critique of this story mainly pertains to the length. Book One was 271 pages, while Book Two was 239 pages. While that’s only 32 pages, I bring this up because I do admit it feels like there was a rush to get this finished and printed. I wish there were just a few more chapters in this book to smoothly bridge the gap leading up to the final conflict. The fight scene between Evelyn & Danny vs the Amalgamate (Big Boy) in Book One was really what cemented it as an excellent story, but I don’t think there is an equivalent one here.
There’s still A LOT of ground to cover in this storyline. There a have been several seeds of mystery planted in book one that were touched upon and teased that need to be resolved in the final installment. Evelyn’s father? Rose? What is the fog? Purple light? ‘God’? Because of that, I hope Kel takes their sweet sweet time writing this and that the length of Book Three is LONG. I’m talking 400+ pages. I will happily wait another 3-5 years because I am still excited to see how all of this plays out.
This is the best book I’ve read in 2025!
Rating: 8.0/10
April 5, 2025
Now sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for book three.
Being back in the unsettling Appalachian mountains to the dying town of Pinehaven with our three favorite radio hosts (I love Finn even more ah!!) had me on the edge of my seat. I think there's bit less action scenes, but much MUCH higher stakes, and a lot more looking into the psyche of our radio operators and seeing how the last year has heavily affected them. So so much is resting on their shoulders and the fact that they can only assume they'll die for their job is such an daunting ideal to live with every day especially on top of them all carrying a deep love and sense of protection for their found family.
The mystery continues and I'm so excited to see where the 3rd books takes us and potentially gives us the answer of wtf is happening in those woods. Especially after how much has changed for Pinehaven in book 2!
Real talk though - why did they not push the radio tower bell at the start of the final fog event?!
**And when it got closer, I saw it. Many pairs of eyes, white and glowing, stared at me through the swirling fog as a warm mist formed at the window from its breath. It made a sound like the cry of an elk, only low and alien, followed by a shivering death rattle. I could still remember how the monster smelled: soil, mold, and old rotten flesh. One of those eyes used to be mine, but now it was dead and blind. I wondered if the beast remembered.**
**On my back, I finally saw it's face. The mound of flesh with spider-like limbs had many sets of human eyes on a disfigured, lumpy head. Its huge gaping mouth was filled with wriggling appendages. What first appeared to be worms was actually human fingers, reaching out from its throat and curling out if its mouth like feelers cover in blood and sludge. It voiced muffled groans as it pressed its weight against me, one of its rotten, dripping hands wrapping around my throat while the others held my limbs down against the stairs**
Being back in the unsettling Appalachian mountains to the dying town of Pinehaven with our three favorite radio hosts (I love Finn even more ah!!) had me on the edge of my seat. I think there's bit less action scenes, but much MUCH higher stakes, and a lot more looking into the psyche of our radio operators and seeing how the last year has heavily affected them. So so much is resting on their shoulders and the fact that they can only assume they'll die for their job is such an daunting ideal to live with every day especially on top of them all carrying a deep love and sense of protection for their found family.
The mystery continues and I'm so excited to see where the 3rd books takes us and potentially gives us the answer of wtf is happening in those woods. Especially after how much has changed for Pinehaven in book 2!
Real talk though - why did they not push the radio tower bell at the start of the final fog event?!
**And when it got closer, I saw it. Many pairs of eyes, white and glowing, stared at me through the swirling fog as a warm mist formed at the window from its breath. It made a sound like the cry of an elk, only low and alien, followed by a shivering death rattle. I could still remember how the monster smelled: soil, mold, and old rotten flesh. One of those eyes used to be mine, but now it was dead and blind. I wondered if the beast remembered.**
**On my back, I finally saw it's face. The mound of flesh with spider-like limbs had many sets of human eyes on a disfigured, lumpy head. Its huge gaping mouth was filled with wriggling appendages. What first appeared to be worms was actually human fingers, reaching out from its throat and curling out if its mouth like feelers cover in blood and sludge. It voiced muffled groans as it pressed its weight against me, one of its rotten, dripping hands wrapping around my throat while the others held my limbs down against the stairs**
August 24, 2025
The horror is great, but I felt like the book itself was pretty mid.
I think this series so far has introduced a lot of good creature/monster + body horror with psychological elements, I just wish that it sort of picked one to really hone/develop. The whispering woods and shadows who look like you and voices who sound like other people definitely are terrifying. So are monsters that have absorbed your friends. But I think there are just almost too many creatures and monsters.
This book, at least, sort of solved an "issue" I had with the last book: that Evelyn is an alcoholic but has ZERO withdrawal symptoms.
There also wasn't really any type of romance, thankfully, to be had. I'm not sure if I love the way the characters are written as individuals + (now) as a trio, but they're definitely not the worst main cast I've ever read.
I think this series as it stands is really great, it just lacks depth? I think?
A gripe I have is that "everyone who leaves Pinewhatever always comes back" and also half the townspeople die and somehow they don't also flee. It comes off very "there's nothing else/no other reason that characters would be trapped here, so this is the 'reason'". The only characters I "get" staying no matter what are the troopers and radio staff - because they're accepting/tasking themselves with controlling/containing whatever comes from the fog.
I was pretty content with the first book being a standalone and a little surprised and curious to see that there was an addition. At this point though, I don't think I'll be continuing the series, if it does really get a third installment.
If you liked Firewatch, Fears to Fathom - Ironbark Lookout (maybe?), and The Mist, I think this series will really be your jam. Unfortunately, there's just a little bit something missing for me.
I think this series so far has introduced a lot of good creature/monster + body horror with psychological elements, I just wish that it sort of picked one to really hone/develop. The whispering woods and shadows who look like you and voices who sound like other people definitely are terrifying. So are monsters that have absorbed your friends. But I think there are just almost too many creatures and monsters.
This book, at least, sort of solved an "issue" I had with the last book: that Evelyn is an alcoholic but has ZERO withdrawal symptoms.
There also wasn't really any type of romance, thankfully, to be had. I'm not sure if I love the way the characters are written as individuals + (now) as a trio, but they're definitely not the worst main cast I've ever read.
I think this series as it stands is really great, it just lacks depth? I think?
A gripe I have is that "everyone who leaves Pinewhatever always comes back" and also half the townspeople die and somehow they don't also flee. It comes off very "there's nothing else/no other reason that characters would be trapped here, so this is the 'reason'". The only characters I "get" staying no matter what are the troopers and radio staff - because they're accepting/tasking themselves with controlling/containing whatever comes from the fog.
I was pretty content with the first book being a standalone and a little surprised and curious to see that there was an addition. At this point though, I don't think I'll be continuing the series, if it does really get a third installment.
If you liked Firewatch, Fears to Fathom - Ironbark Lookout (maybe?), and The Mist, I think this series will really be your jam. Unfortunately, there's just a little bit something missing for me.
September 1, 2025
Finished reading:
A Lonely Broadcast: book 2 by Kel Byron
__________
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Pages: 241
Format: Paperback
Genre: Horror
Started reading: August 26th
Finished reading: September 1st
Second book in the "A Lonely Broadcast" series
__________
For years, the Operators at 104.6 FM have protected the village from ravenous, mutated beasts that live deep in the forest and emerge every time the fog rolls in. The current radio hosts - Evelyn, Daniel, and Finn - have been keeping watch for over a year.
But suddenly, things are changing. A hypnotic light has appeared between the trees, earthquakes have been putting the radio tower in danger, and something massive has moved into the Pinehaven coal mines. The forest is getting smarter. A blight is spreading. And this year, the winter is colder and more vicious than ever.
__________
"We were born on Pinehaven soil, and no matter where life took us during the space between, we always come back here to die."
__________
First and foremost, a special thank you to @lucindareads for reading this series with me. Now we are patiently waiting for the next book to come out (or not so patiently...)
This series has become one of my favourite series ever. Kel Byron has become an auto-buy author and I am dedicated by buying everything this author will write, because Kel Byron is A PRO at setting a scene, bringing over an eerie atmosphere and here and there sprinkling a little humour to lighten the mood a little.
A Lonely Broadcast book 2 was phenomenal, and I didn't think it could get any better than the first book but, well, it was!
There were more monsters, abominations, hybrids, whatever you want to call them. New problems to surface and take on, old problems peeking up again and it was just... Impossible to put down!
If you haven't read this series yet... What are you waiting for?! 👀
A Lonely Broadcast: book 2 by Kel Byron
__________
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟/5
Pages: 241
Format: Paperback
Genre: Horror
Started reading: August 26th
Finished reading: September 1st
Second book in the "A Lonely Broadcast" series
__________
For years, the Operators at 104.6 FM have protected the village from ravenous, mutated beasts that live deep in the forest and emerge every time the fog rolls in. The current radio hosts - Evelyn, Daniel, and Finn - have been keeping watch for over a year.
But suddenly, things are changing. A hypnotic light has appeared between the trees, earthquakes have been putting the radio tower in danger, and something massive has moved into the Pinehaven coal mines. The forest is getting smarter. A blight is spreading. And this year, the winter is colder and more vicious than ever.
__________
"We were born on Pinehaven soil, and no matter where life took us during the space between, we always come back here to die."
__________
First and foremost, a special thank you to @lucindareads for reading this series with me. Now we are patiently waiting for the next book to come out (or not so patiently...)
This series has become one of my favourite series ever. Kel Byron has become an auto-buy author and I am dedicated by buying everything this author will write, because Kel Byron is A PRO at setting a scene, bringing over an eerie atmosphere and here and there sprinkling a little humour to lighten the mood a little.
A Lonely Broadcast book 2 was phenomenal, and I didn't think it could get any better than the first book but, well, it was!
There were more monsters, abominations, hybrids, whatever you want to call them. New problems to surface and take on, old problems peeking up again and it was just... Impossible to put down!
If you haven't read this series yet... What are you waiting for?! 👀
November 4, 2025
byron did some great work creating an eldrich horror and an environment that's pretty interesting and unsettling. its not a best seller and i had my notes, but it was an enjoyable read!
in this book, she leaves all that behind and creates not one but two new random "horrors". we get a random bottomless pit that glows and steals people souls? and a not as detailed description of a monster that is also made of a bunch of living parts like the amalgamation but is different? more of a flesh monster i guess and also under ground? it seems entirely random and it all culminates in the end and also oh yea the amalgamation is there.
this book tried really hard to spend a lot of time doing character work with one dimensional characters. the constant swearing and irritating nick names really cheapens the writing and makes it seem juvenile. suddenly evelyn has really in depth longing for her lost father and her alcoholism is a horrible misrepresentation. suddenly dan and lyn can fluently speak sign language after no other mention of it besides evelyn asks danny if he knows how to sign swears when he first loses his hearing in the first book. finn somehow has two dogs even though he's always at the station and has no family so how are they alive? also he was off the very ranger force that he was with when first encountering the hydra because he joined the radio team.
was really hoping they'd all die at the end im not gonna tune in for round 3
in this book, she leaves all that behind and creates not one but two new random "horrors". we get a random bottomless pit that glows and steals people souls? and a not as detailed description of a monster that is also made of a bunch of living parts like the amalgamation but is different? more of a flesh monster i guess and also under ground? it seems entirely random and it all culminates in the end and also oh yea the amalgamation is there.
this book tried really hard to spend a lot of time doing character work with one dimensional characters. the constant swearing and irritating nick names really cheapens the writing and makes it seem juvenile. suddenly evelyn has really in depth longing for her lost father and her alcoholism is a horrible misrepresentation. suddenly dan and lyn can fluently speak sign language after no other mention of it besides evelyn asks danny if he knows how to sign swears when he first loses his hearing in the first book. finn somehow has two dogs even though he's always at the station and has no family so how are they alive? also he was off the very ranger force that he was with when first encountering the hydra because he joined the radio team.
was really hoping they'd all die at the end im not gonna tune in for round 3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2025
Kel Byron gives a great continuation of her series. Book Two retains the mysterious Lovecraftian horror, rich characters, and crude dark humor that made the first novel so engrossing, while raising the stakes of the story. I was most impressed by how the author explained how the disturbing town of Pinehaven keeps pulling people back into its embrace:
***************************************************************************
[Image: Book Cover]
Citation:
Byron, K. (2025). A lonely broadcast: Book two. Kel Byron.
Title: A Lonely Broadcast: Book Two
Author(s): Kel Byron
Series: A Lonely Broadcast #2
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction - Novel: Horror
Page count: 241 pages
Date(s) read: 2/28/25 - 3/1/25
Book 48 in 2025
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“For a long time, he was silent, looking out the window at the snow and the distant trees. ‘People know about the forest. It’s not really a secret anymore, not since the day the fog rolled in, but people knew before that too. That’s how Pinehaven is still around.’
‘What do you mean?’ I asked.
Finn huffed as he tried to think of the right words. ‘The people in town, there’s somethin’ that keeps them around, keeps them comin’ back no matter what. I don’t know what in the ancestral hell it is, but there’s always been a Pinehavan and there always will be.’
‘You’re talking about a curse or something?’
Finn shook his head. ‘I don’t know if it’s that,’ he said. ‘I suppose you can call it that if you like. Truth is, everyone I’ve ever known who’s tried to leave Pinehaven has ended up goin’ right back there at some point in their lives. It’s a calling. A bond.’” (p. 142).
***************************************************************************
[Image: Book Cover]
Citation:
Byron, K. (2025). A lonely broadcast: Book two. Kel Byron.
Title: A Lonely Broadcast: Book Two
Author(s): Kel Byron
Series: A Lonely Broadcast #2
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction - Novel: Horror
Page count: 241 pages
Date(s) read: 2/28/25 - 3/1/25
Book 48 in 2025
***************************************************************************
December 18, 2025
A year has passed since the first part of A Lonely Broadcast ended and rejoin our trio, Evelyn, Daniel and Finn as they continue to defend Pinehaven (and quite possibly even further) from the horrors that lie in the forest.
This time a new creation comes to play, which, really sorta downplays the terrifying level of the other minsters that had....well previously been terrifying. Doesn't help that those things are smarter this time around also, determined to take down the radio station and Pinehaven in more creative ways....so smarter old monster and more terrifying new ones....great for us!
Along with some severe weather conditions, more injuries, more "yucky stuff" and general creepiness our trio have much more to face in part two. Along with a very weired and slightly unexplained light in the forest.
The main characters have immense plot armor, but me as the reader....well I'm actively root for their wellbeing through every horror encounter. Though it does get to a point where their ability to enter and leave the forest mostly unscathed feels unrealistic, more so because the last book took so much from them every time..
I'm hoping the author adds more to this universe and takes the opportunity to explore the very interesting lore they've set up and, whilst I love our trio, the history and lore of the forest, it's purpose and its drive is the most interesting part.
This time a new creation comes to play, which, really sorta downplays the terrifying level of the other minsters that had....well previously been terrifying. Doesn't help that those things are smarter this time around also, determined to take down the radio station and Pinehaven in more creative ways....so smarter old monster and more terrifying new ones....great for us!
Along with some severe weather conditions, more injuries, more "yucky stuff" and general creepiness our trio have much more to face in part two. Along with a very weired and slightly unexplained light in the forest.
The main characters have immense plot armor, but me as the reader....well I'm actively root for their wellbeing through every horror encounter. Though it does get to a point where their ability to enter and leave the forest mostly unscathed feels unrealistic, more so because the last book took so much from them every time..
I'm hoping the author adds more to this universe and takes the opportunity to explore the very interesting lore they've set up and, whilst I love our trio, the history and lore of the forest, it's purpose and its drive is the most interesting part.
April 25, 2025
LOVE THIS SERIES. I love Pinehaven and its batshit happenings. I love our main protagonists and how they deal with said events. I have grown dangerously attached to them to the point where I know I’m being emotionally set up for an ambush and had to brace myself several times throughout these books in order to protect my sanity. NO SPOILERS so I won’t tell you if that bracing was justified or not… but man.
My only real complaint is that this is very obviously part of a serial. It’s not a genuine novel in and of itself. Not enough progress was made, and not enough of a story existed here besides “weirdness again… except more of it,” which is fine in a serial… but not great for a -book-. We get some character growth, we get some status quo shakeups, and we get something akin to a climax, but only because the pages ended there. This whole book felt like the second act of a much larger book.
Now, don’t mistake me. As long as Kel Byron continues to produce this series, I will continue to read it. It’s good. And her craft is sharpening. This book was MUCH cleaner and less clumsy than the first one, starting out. So I still recommend it. Just be ready to buckle in for a commitment that lasts as long as it takes.
My only real complaint is that this is very obviously part of a serial. It’s not a genuine novel in and of itself. Not enough progress was made, and not enough of a story existed here besides “weirdness again… except more of it,” which is fine in a serial… but not great for a -book-. We get some character growth, we get some status quo shakeups, and we get something akin to a climax, but only because the pages ended there. This whole book felt like the second act of a much larger book.
Now, don’t mistake me. As long as Kel Byron continues to produce this series, I will continue to read it. It’s good. And her craft is sharpening. This book was MUCH cleaner and less clumsy than the first one, starting out. So I still recommend it. Just be ready to buckle in for a commitment that lasts as long as it takes.
May 17, 2025
My rating with partial stars would be 3.75.
Nonsensically, I'm not rating this lower than the first book because I actually liked it less. I enjoyed it probably about the same. It just seemed like the flaws jumped out at me more in this installment; it's extremely possible I just picked it up at the wrong time, because this part of the story ENTHRALLED me as a NoSleep narration. This is still a tale that's very dear to me, though.
I think the horror progresses in this sequel in a really neat way. I'm a huge fan of "always a bigger fish" in horror, and god damn, is the Hydra a bigger fish. But the Amalgamate isn't taken out of the picture either! I enjoy that. I wonder if something even bigger is on the horizon that will cannibalize both of them. Despite the looming threat of the magenta light, I'd also be content if the story ended here, though. I love the emotional closure Evelyn got; the final scene is really resonant to me.
I noticed a lot more typos this time around, as well as minor inconsistencies or logical snags. But it didn't take away that much from my enjoyment of a really neat story that makes me actually like undead horror in a way I usually don't.
Nonsensically, I'm not rating this lower than the first book because I actually liked it less. I enjoyed it probably about the same. It just seemed like the flaws jumped out at me more in this installment; it's extremely possible I just picked it up at the wrong time, because this part of the story ENTHRALLED me as a NoSleep narration. This is still a tale that's very dear to me, though.
I think the horror progresses in this sequel in a really neat way. I'm a huge fan of "always a bigger fish" in horror, and god damn, is the Hydra a bigger fish. But the Amalgamate isn't taken out of the picture either! I enjoy that. I wonder if something even bigger is on the horizon that will cannibalize both of them. Despite the looming threat of the magenta light, I'd also be content if the story ended here, though. I love the emotional closure Evelyn got; the final scene is really resonant to me.
I noticed a lot more typos this time around, as well as minor inconsistencies or logical snags. But it didn't take away that much from my enjoyment of a really neat story that makes me actually like undead horror in a way I usually don't.
March 8, 2025
I absolutely loved the first installment, and I've been looking forward to part two ever since!
With that being said, 'Book Two' did not quite deliver for me. It's still a great story, and the author has an amazing way with imagery, but contradictory to other reviewers, I found the pace too fast. Major and frightening events happened in such quick succession that there was hardly time for me to really absorb them and take in their significance. One of the main components that makes 'Book One' so wonderful to me is that the reader is kept in the dark for a large portion of the book. It's the epitome of slow burn horror. We don't know exactly what's going on, and the author incorporates lulls in activity when everything seems like it may be "normal", giving the reader a false sense of security. Then suddenly, the freakiest, scariest thing happens out of nowhere and shocks you. 'Book Two' simply has one thing after the other. Essentially, if you show me what the "scary stuff" is right from the get-go instead of having it creep around in the shadows for a couple days/weeks, building up the anticipation, I'm not going to be scared. 'Book One' had that element, 'Book Two' didn't. Regardless, I love the overall themes/plot of the series, find the characters lovable, and really look forward to future installments.
With that being said, 'Book Two' did not quite deliver for me. It's still a great story, and the author has an amazing way with imagery, but contradictory to other reviewers, I found the pace too fast. Major and frightening events happened in such quick succession that there was hardly time for me to really absorb them and take in their significance. One of the main components that makes 'Book One' so wonderful to me is that the reader is kept in the dark for a large portion of the book. It's the epitome of slow burn horror. We don't know exactly what's going on, and the author incorporates lulls in activity when everything seems like it may be "normal", giving the reader a false sense of security. Then suddenly, the freakiest, scariest thing happens out of nowhere and shocks you. 'Book Two' simply has one thing after the other. Essentially, if you show me what the "scary stuff" is right from the get-go instead of having it creep around in the shadows for a couple days/weeks, building up the anticipation, I'm not going to be scared. 'Book One' had that element, 'Book Two' didn't. Regardless, I love the overall themes/plot of the series, find the characters lovable, and really look forward to future installments.
October 5, 2025
I really enjoyed Part 1 — it was well written, the world-building was excellent, and the rules of the universe made sense. I was very excited to read this second installment. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointment: nothing really happened, chapter after chapter. The rules that had been introduced no longer mattered, and nothing seemed to have real consequences. Every moment of tension was followed by a forced “everything’s fine, back to where we started” resolution.
The decision to separate the chapters by points of view didn’t make much sense either, since most of them were still from Evelyn’s perspective, and we never truly got to see anything new from the other POVs. The characters lacked common sense, and their decisions didn’t align with the dangers established early on. I don’t think the characters experienced any real growth, nor did we learn anything new about the forest monsters or how to fight them.
The existence of the radio was a key element in the first book, but in this sequel, it didn’t seem to hold any relevance.
The decision to separate the chapters by points of view didn’t make much sense either, since most of them were still from Evelyn’s perspective, and we never truly got to see anything new from the other POVs. The characters lacked common sense, and their decisions didn’t align with the dangers established early on. I don’t think the characters experienced any real growth, nor did we learn anything new about the forest monsters or how to fight them.
The existence of the radio was a key element in the first book, but in this sequel, it didn’t seem to hold any relevance.
April 30, 2025
Book one starts of strong with introductions opening mystery and elaboration, book two is the somewhat escalating awkward middle child but still enjoyable because the characters are carrying this, with a bit more of the slice of character chapters given to Finn now as well the one responsible adult out of the 3 Broadcast Staff.
This feels like a sprint to the conclusion this time with some focus on character development and less on the mystery of the forest and what's going on within but it does give us a few more questions at least and plenty of body horror and action but I think the pacing feels like we're speed running the apocalypse to get to hopefully a 3rd Book which will play catch up to what book 2 lacked.
I would say if you enjoyed the first you should enjoy this as well Kel once again have given us one of the most ADHD friendly books in the world and the quick pacing does make reading these a breeze even when your head might be on the bounce.
This feels like a sprint to the conclusion this time with some focus on character development and less on the mystery of the forest and what's going on within but it does give us a few more questions at least and plenty of body horror and action but I think the pacing feels like we're speed running the apocalypse to get to hopefully a 3rd Book which will play catch up to what book 2 lacked.
I would say if you enjoyed the first you should enjoy this as well Kel once again have given us one of the most ADHD friendly books in the world and the quick pacing does make reading these a breeze even when your head might be on the bounce.
May 2, 2025
I’m a bit surprised that we have no real answers here at the end of the story, but I find I don’t even mind. Seriously, book two took off like a rocket and never slowed down.
I loved that we got more of Finn here- he’s the foundation holding our two other operators together at this point after all that happened in the first book, and now I’m left with the greatest of what ifs that could possibly happen once the spring comes back around. I like that it’s up to me to decide what happens from here if I want, but the ending really is good as written if I am ready to walk away.
I love the friendship and trust these three come to have and there is no shortage of character growth along the way. Sure, there has been a lot of crazy going on, but the trio really are the heart and soul of the story that keeps you reading.
Bet you’ll never look at the deep woods in quite the same way after this!
I loved that we got more of Finn here- he’s the foundation holding our two other operators together at this point after all that happened in the first book, and now I’m left with the greatest of what ifs that could possibly happen once the spring comes back around. I like that it’s up to me to decide what happens from here if I want, but the ending really is good as written if I am ready to walk away.
I love the friendship and trust these three come to have and there is no shortage of character growth along the way. Sure, there has been a lot of crazy going on, but the trio really are the heart and soul of the story that keeps you reading.
Bet you’ll never look at the deep woods in quite the same way after this!
February 19, 2025
I LOVE this story SO much, It has everything I enjoy in a book; weird cosmic horror beyond our imagination, quirky sarcastic characters that make me laugh, SUCH GOOD atmospheres and panic. I have to admit I was holding my breath at times while reading, I'm not gonna spoil anything but poor Dan couldn't get a dam break (Same with Lyn and Finn). Evelyn's character felt so real and in depth, her struggles felt so heavy that I couldn't help but feel so affected by them. Only annoying thing that isn't about the book is that you cant zoom in the text on your kindle which I'm not sure if its just a problem with my kindle or not, but its not ground-breaking or anything.
Anyways I cant wait to see if there will be another book in this cool ass series, I've grown emotionally attached to these characters now so I know that ill definitely be here to read more if there ever is any.
Anyways I cant wait to see if there will be another book in this cool ass series, I've grown emotionally attached to these characters now so I know that ill definitely be here to read more if there ever is any.
June 26, 2025
I picked up the first one as an audiobook and was kind of hoping to find one for this one... but I'm glad that they chose not having one over using one of those garbage AI readers that would definitely. 100% miss EVERY emotional beat and scare in this book.
The first one was good and fun and scary, and it was also clearly the front end of the roller coaster ride because this one went HARD. The Hydra/Flesh Centipede was HORRIFYING and the stakes were higher and the characters clearly in more danger, and I like that we still don't know everything because theres no good reason for the characters to know everything.
Also Bartholomew, you weird creepy ass bird... it's good to see you back.
The first one was good and fun and scary, and it was also clearly the front end of the roller coaster ride because this one went HARD. The Hydra/Flesh Centipede was HORRIFYING and the stakes were higher and the characters clearly in more danger, and I like that we still don't know everything because theres no good reason for the characters to know everything.
Also Bartholomew, you weird creepy ass bird... it's good to see you back.
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