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Grace
A haunting, atmospheric modern Gothic horror tale based on traditional Irish mythology, from the author of smash hit The Watchers. Ancient evil is awakened on a lonely isle off the coast of Ireland.
TO LEARN THE TRUTH
WOULD YOU DESCEND INTO HELL?
Off the west coast of Ireland lies a lonely island, isolated and wilfully forgotten. Some say there hasn't been a child born on the island for thirty years. Others speak of strange deaths there, decades ago. But no one really knows what happened. Locals believe that the dark times are behind them.
They are mistaken.
Grace, adopted at four years old, has never known where she came from. A mysterious phone call leads her back to the island where she was born – and where a terrible evil has been disturbed.
As the evil starts to spread, Grace finds herself dragged back into a living nightmare that threatens to engulf anyone who steps into its path.
Grace is perfect for fans of horror classics, Paul Tremblay, and Kealan Patrick Burke.
TO LEARN THE TRUTH
WOULD YOU DESCEND INTO HELL?
Off the west coast of Ireland lies a lonely island, isolated and wilfully forgotten. Some say there hasn't been a child born on the island for thirty years. Others speak of strange deaths there, decades ago. But no one really knows what happened. Locals believe that the dark times are behind them.
They are mistaken.
Grace, adopted at four years old, has never known where she came from. A mysterious phone call leads her back to the island where she was born – and where a terrible evil has been disturbed.
As the evil starts to spread, Grace finds herself dragged back into a living nightmare that threatens to engulf anyone who steps into its path.
Grace is perfect for fans of horror classics, Paul Tremblay, and Kealan Patrick Burke.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published February 10, 2026
98 people are currently reading
2049 people want to read
About the author
A.M. Shine
8 books1,541 followersA. M. Shine is an author of Literary Horror from the west of Ireland. It was there that at a young age he discovered a passion for classic horror stories, and where he received his Masters in history, before ultimately sharpening his quill to pursue a life devoted to all things literary and macabre. His writing is inspired by the trinity of horror, history, and superstition, and he has tormented, toyed with, and tortured more characters than he will ever confess to.
Owing to a fascination with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and his ilk, A. M. Shine’s earlier writings were Gothic in their style and imagination. When his focus turned to novels he refined his craft as an author of Irish horror – stories influenced by his country’s culture, landscape, and language, but which draw their dark atmosphere and eloquence from the Gothic canon of his past.
He is represented by John Baker of Bell Lomax Moreton Literary Agency.
Owing to a fascination with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and his ilk, A. M. Shine’s earlier writings were Gothic in their style and imagination. When his focus turned to novels he refined his craft as an author of Irish horror – stories influenced by his country’s culture, landscape, and language, but which draw their dark atmosphere and eloquence from the Gothic canon of his past.
He is represented by John Baker of Bell Lomax Moreton Literary Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 250 reviews
November 28, 2025
You only get to have one of the exact same “big twist” in a book. Sorry, I don't make the rules. I mean, okay, I just made this one, but whatever. It probably goes without saying (but I guess not because *gesticulates wildly at this book*), but a twist is far less twisty when it's done for the second time in 150-ish pages.
Anyway, despite the title, Grace isn't really even the main character (and, in fact, disappears for a good portion of the book). This really feels more like Father O'Malley's story and we learn far more about him than anyone else on the island. The point of view changes with each chapter and Grace and a few of the (mostly unlikeable) islanders get to tell their sides of events, but mostly the narrative keeps coming back to O'Malley.
The setting is fantastic. Croaghnakeela is apparently a real island off the coast of Ireland, although I assume that some liberties have been taken with its history (for the sake of the people who live there, let's hope so). The Irish folklore is a super interesting, too. The author definitely knows how to write atmospheric prose, and the Bodach is a fascinating villain.
But, like, mostly the characters in this book just kind of skitter around the island while changing their minds a lot? The majority of them aren't particularly fleshed out, the history of the island (and the Bodach) isn't particularly fleshed out, and I don't even know what the heck that epilogue was supposed to be. The text switches between the present day and flashbacks without any warning, and the second half in particular was pretty underwhelming for me. Also, the twist(s) mentioned above made me literally LOL, especially the second time it happened. It started out decently strong and I loved the idea of an Irish island haunted by an ancient evil, but by the end I just kind of wanted the Bodach to slaughter them all.
Despite all of the above, however, this story is still entertaining-ish. I wasn't super invested in any of it, but it was interesting enough to keep me reading. It has its flaws, but the premise is intriguing and the Big Bad is the stuff of nightmares.
3 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is February 10, 2026.
Anyway, despite the title, Grace isn't really even the main character (and, in fact, disappears for a good portion of the book). This really feels more like Father O'Malley's story and we learn far more about him than anyone else on the island. The point of view changes with each chapter and Grace and a few of the (mostly unlikeable) islanders get to tell their sides of events, but mostly the narrative keeps coming back to O'Malley.
The setting is fantastic. Croaghnakeela is apparently a real island off the coast of Ireland, although I assume that some liberties have been taken with its history (for the sake of the people who live there, let's hope so). The Irish folklore is a super interesting, too. The author definitely knows how to write atmospheric prose, and the Bodach is a fascinating villain.
But, like, mostly the characters in this book just kind of skitter around the island while changing their minds a lot? The majority of them aren't particularly fleshed out, the history of the island (and the Bodach) isn't particularly fleshed out, and I don't even know what the heck that epilogue was supposed to be. The text switches between the present day and flashbacks without any warning, and the second half in particular was pretty underwhelming for me. Also, the twist(s) mentioned above made me literally LOL, especially the second time it happened. It started out decently strong and I loved the idea of an Irish island haunted by an ancient evil, but by the end I just kind of wanted the Bodach to slaughter them all.
Despite all of the above, however, this story is still entertaining-ish. I wasn't super invested in any of it, but it was interesting enough to keep me reading. It has its flaws, but the premise is intriguing and the Big Bad is the stuff of nightmares.
3 stars.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Head of Zeus for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is February 10, 2026.
February 10, 2026
Grace receives a phone call that her biological mother has passed away. She decides to take the opportunity to visit where her mother lived to try and catch a glimpse of who she once was. Once Grace arrives via the only ferry in, she realizes the people are all a bit guarded and there are no children on the island.
The first 50% of the novel was the perfect mix of atmosphere, mystery and subtle horror. As soon as Grace steps foot on the island followed by her meetings with both the priest and Harriet, I had absolutely no idea where the novel was going, but the creep factor was dialed up. However, the second half fizzled out. While the atmosphere was still there and some of the answers were slowly being doled out, it became rather chaotic with way too many character’s POVs. There were also some timeline jumps thrown in for good measure that threw the chaos factor up a notch as well. It became rather confusing and hard to follow. It may have worked better following just Grace and the priest’s POV. It ended up muddling up the resolution as well as the history of the folklore. At least it did for this reader.
If you’re a fan of subtle horror with plenty of atmosphere and a good helping of folklore this certainly fits the bill.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review .
The first 50% of the novel was the perfect mix of atmosphere, mystery and subtle horror. As soon as Grace steps foot on the island followed by her meetings with both the priest and Harriet, I had absolutely no idea where the novel was going, but the creep factor was dialed up. However, the second half fizzled out. While the atmosphere was still there and some of the answers were slowly being doled out, it became rather chaotic with way too many character’s POVs. There were also some timeline jumps thrown in for good measure that threw the chaos factor up a notch as well. It became rather confusing and hard to follow. It may have worked better following just Grace and the priest’s POV. It ended up muddling up the resolution as well as the history of the folklore. At least it did for this reader.
If you’re a fan of subtle horror with plenty of atmosphere and a good helping of folklore this certainly fits the bill.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review .
February 15, 2026
Set on a small isolated island off of Irelands Western coast, A.M. Shine's newest publication will creepy up on you in the dark and do unimaginably horrific things to you.
This book follows the inhabitants of Croaghnakeela and what appears to be just an ordinary isolated community. Soon that all changes when we found out the lengths they will go to to survive.
A.M. Shine has created such a captivating narrative, interwoven with folklore and religious connotations. It wont make you jump at any point but itll sure have you looking over your should from time to time.
I loved the oppressive atmosphere and the way each character had their own backstory which drove each individuals narrative and also the narrative as a whole. It also has to be said that Shine has a great a way with words which will leave you in awe or in a real state of horror.
A fantastic novel and one I would whole heartedly reccomend to many of my friends and followers.
This book follows the inhabitants of Croaghnakeela and what appears to be just an ordinary isolated community. Soon that all changes when we found out the lengths they will go to to survive.
A.M. Shine has created such a captivating narrative, interwoven with folklore and religious connotations. It wont make you jump at any point but itll sure have you looking over your should from time to time.
I loved the oppressive atmosphere and the way each character had their own backstory which drove each individuals narrative and also the narrative as a whole. It also has to be said that Shine has a great a way with words which will leave you in awe or in a real state of horror.
A fantastic novel and one I would whole heartedly reccomend to many of my friends and followers.
November 10, 2025
Huge thanks to the author, Netgalley and the publisher for a digital ARC of this one!
Back in the Halcyon days of Kendall Reviews, Gavin DM’d me to ask if I’d like to check out the debut novel of a new Irish horror novel. It was titled ‘The Watchers’ and the synopsis had me very intrigued. I read it, loved it, raved about it, and subsequently have enjoyed another two novels from one A.M. Shine. Shine, on his end, has hit homerun after homerun with his debut, the sequel (‘Stay in the Light’) and the horrifying ‘The Creeper,’ and ‘The Watchers’ was adapted into film and became a smash hit for Netflix.
All of that is to say, that I was beyond surprised when Shine DM’d me recently to ask if I’d be keen on reviewing his next novel. Truth was, after seeing it announced, I’d already preordered the Kindle edition, as I was certain a novel of this magnitude wouldn’t be available to request on Netgalley when it went live.
As with each of Shine’s books, there are three things you can expect. The first is remote location. The second is quality, well-fleshed characters. And the third is an absolutely creepy-as-all-hell atmosphere that seemed to blanket my Kindle with the same fog that appeared within this one.
I dove in, excited to learn what terror Shine was delivering this time, knowing full well that I’d be wishing I was sleeping with a light on.
What I liked: What happens when you take ‘The Reddening’ by Adam Nevill, ‘Eynhallow’ by Tim McGregor and ‘Behemoth’ from H.P. Newquist and mix them all in a blender? You get ‘Grace’ from A.M. Shine.
The novel follows a young woman, Grace, who discovers that she was adopted as a child. Her mother has passed away and has left her house to her. The only problem is that the house is on Croaghnakeela Island, some hundreds of kilometers away. Grace isn’t even familiar with the island and discovers she needs to take a boat – which even then is a challenge to arrange – to get to the island. The boat operator won’t step foot on the island, believes it to be cursed, but Grace doesn’t believe in such things.
Croaghnakeela Island is real – I Google mapped it, lol, but it’s safe to say Shine has taken significant liberties with the place, judging by what Google Maps shows. Saying that, the island does have Tobar Cáillín Holy Well, a religious relic, which seems to have inspired one aspect of the story. You see, the residents there toss coins into this ‘well,’ wanting to appease a benevolent creature that seems to be the root of this curse. And while I won’t spoil what this creature is, I will say that I have a short story inspired by the folklore behind it and have always found it fascinating, so when it popped up here, I was elated.
Shine sets things up nicely. We see the rise and fall of the island’s inhabitants. We are shown what might be the opening that allowed such a thing to arrive on the islands shorefront to begin with, and we see the cracks form between friends and ultimately the trust fail as they come to grips with what must be done to rid themselves of the islands infection.
I loved the characters Shine introduces, each one a crusty, weathered individual who you instantly like and dislike in equal measure. We learn of previous attempts to leave the island and we get the shit scared out of us time and time again.
The final quarter is revelatory. We learn secrets, we see some folks step up and do what needs to be done while others cower and show who they really are. And all the while Shine layers this last section with more fog and more insanity. It created a reading experience that was claustrophobic, visceral and had my heart jackhammering in my chest. Which led to an ending – and epilogue – that delivered exactly what I hoped for.
What I didn’t like: Funny story on this part. When Shine messaged me he even mentioned how he knew I don’t often mesh well with books with POV changes from chapter to chapter – which is what this book does. Hilariously (take that Shine!) that aspect worked phenomenally for me.
Instead, the one aspect that I wasn’t totally sold on for a bit was the dampening of Grace’s storyline (though it was necessary) and the switch to the Reverend. At least, I think he was a Reverend? I’m totally drawing a blank right now. I loved his character, but for me, Grace’s story drew me in far more than his, though his was paramount to what happens and how we get to the ending.
Why you should buy this: Over the last few years, A.M. Shine has cemented himself as a both a ‘must-read’ author for me but also one of a handful of authors who can easily scare the pants off me. His ability to create scenes and a tangible atmosphere in his books is world class and ‘Grace’ easily slots itself into the category of ‘Best Folklore Horror Novels of the Last 10 Years.’ Taking cues from ‘Starve Acre’ and ‘Cunning Folk,’ Shine wastes no time delivering creeps.
If you’ve not yet read any of A.M.’s work, this is a fantastic leaping in point. If you’re a dedicated Shine fan already, then you’ll be chomping at the bit to see release day arrive.
This novel turns the shadows in the corner darker, the blackness of the night blacker and the fog in the air thicker. And I can’t thank Shine enough for reminding me that sometimes the scariest things in lonely places are the ‘things’ that go bump in the night.
Fantastic.
Back in the Halcyon days of Kendall Reviews, Gavin DM’d me to ask if I’d like to check out the debut novel of a new Irish horror novel. It was titled ‘The Watchers’ and the synopsis had me very intrigued. I read it, loved it, raved about it, and subsequently have enjoyed another two novels from one A.M. Shine. Shine, on his end, has hit homerun after homerun with his debut, the sequel (‘Stay in the Light’) and the horrifying ‘The Creeper,’ and ‘The Watchers’ was adapted into film and became a smash hit for Netflix.
All of that is to say, that I was beyond surprised when Shine DM’d me recently to ask if I’d be keen on reviewing his next novel. Truth was, after seeing it announced, I’d already preordered the Kindle edition, as I was certain a novel of this magnitude wouldn’t be available to request on Netgalley when it went live.
As with each of Shine’s books, there are three things you can expect. The first is remote location. The second is quality, well-fleshed characters. And the third is an absolutely creepy-as-all-hell atmosphere that seemed to blanket my Kindle with the same fog that appeared within this one.
I dove in, excited to learn what terror Shine was delivering this time, knowing full well that I’d be wishing I was sleeping with a light on.
What I liked: What happens when you take ‘The Reddening’ by Adam Nevill, ‘Eynhallow’ by Tim McGregor and ‘Behemoth’ from H.P. Newquist and mix them all in a blender? You get ‘Grace’ from A.M. Shine.
The novel follows a young woman, Grace, who discovers that she was adopted as a child. Her mother has passed away and has left her house to her. The only problem is that the house is on Croaghnakeela Island, some hundreds of kilometers away. Grace isn’t even familiar with the island and discovers she needs to take a boat – which even then is a challenge to arrange – to get to the island. The boat operator won’t step foot on the island, believes it to be cursed, but Grace doesn’t believe in such things.
Croaghnakeela Island is real – I Google mapped it, lol, but it’s safe to say Shine has taken significant liberties with the place, judging by what Google Maps shows. Saying that, the island does have Tobar Cáillín Holy Well, a religious relic, which seems to have inspired one aspect of the story. You see, the residents there toss coins into this ‘well,’ wanting to appease a benevolent creature that seems to be the root of this curse. And while I won’t spoil what this creature is, I will say that I have a short story inspired by the folklore behind it and have always found it fascinating, so when it popped up here, I was elated.
Shine sets things up nicely. We see the rise and fall of the island’s inhabitants. We are shown what might be the opening that allowed such a thing to arrive on the islands shorefront to begin with, and we see the cracks form between friends and ultimately the trust fail as they come to grips with what must be done to rid themselves of the islands infection.
I loved the characters Shine introduces, each one a crusty, weathered individual who you instantly like and dislike in equal measure. We learn of previous attempts to leave the island and we get the shit scared out of us time and time again.
The final quarter is revelatory. We learn secrets, we see some folks step up and do what needs to be done while others cower and show who they really are. And all the while Shine layers this last section with more fog and more insanity. It created a reading experience that was claustrophobic, visceral and had my heart jackhammering in my chest. Which led to an ending – and epilogue – that delivered exactly what I hoped for.
What I didn’t like: Funny story on this part. When Shine messaged me he even mentioned how he knew I don’t often mesh well with books with POV changes from chapter to chapter – which is what this book does. Hilariously (take that Shine!) that aspect worked phenomenally for me.
Instead, the one aspect that I wasn’t totally sold on for a bit was the dampening of Grace’s storyline (though it was necessary) and the switch to the Reverend. At least, I think he was a Reverend? I’m totally drawing a blank right now. I loved his character, but for me, Grace’s story drew me in far more than his, though his was paramount to what happens and how we get to the ending.
Why you should buy this: Over the last few years, A.M. Shine has cemented himself as a both a ‘must-read’ author for me but also one of a handful of authors who can easily scare the pants off me. His ability to create scenes and a tangible atmosphere in his books is world class and ‘Grace’ easily slots itself into the category of ‘Best Folklore Horror Novels of the Last 10 Years.’ Taking cues from ‘Starve Acre’ and ‘Cunning Folk,’ Shine wastes no time delivering creeps.
If you’ve not yet read any of A.M.’s work, this is a fantastic leaping in point. If you’re a dedicated Shine fan already, then you’ll be chomping at the bit to see release day arrive.
This novel turns the shadows in the corner darker, the blackness of the night blacker and the fog in the air thicker. And I can’t thank Shine enough for reminding me that sometimes the scariest things in lonely places are the ‘things’ that go bump in the night.
Fantastic.
December 4, 2025
3.5 stars
Thank you Zeus books for an early ebook! I thought much about this story was unique and the Irish folklore was intriguing and spooky. I had a hard time with the more fantasy forward parts/ god loving character… and the jumping timelines at times felt disjointed to me
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTr5hE85N/
Thank you Zeus books for an early ebook! I thought much about this story was unique and the Irish folklore was intriguing and spooky. I had a hard time with the more fantasy forward parts/ god loving character… and the jumping timelines at times felt disjointed to me
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTr5hE85N/
September 7, 2025
Grace
I really liked The Watchers and its sequel, so was really hyped the Netgalley gave me access to this one. Grace is an interesting one to review, I’d describe the book as faster paced Stephen King. Set in an unpronounceable (Croaghnakeela) Island off the coast of Ireland, the story starts with Grace running a bookstore (instantly relatable) and surprised to receive contact revealing an inherited house on said island.
Right from the get go (well including the semi-typical horror prologue) the horror and tension is built masterfully, its obvious there are terrible secrets on the island, but no-one will speak of it. We are also introduced to a Young Priest who despite living on the island for several years hasn’t managed to crack the locals and has a few secrets of his own.
Shine has a skill in balancing writerly dread and more jump-scary immediate horror, and this book has plenty of both. I found the book quite hard to put down and was super invested in almost every single scene. Like a Stephen King story there is a real gaggle of locals to be introduced, but somehow Shine managed to trim the fat of the setting and you’re never bogged down in backstory, while still finding each character unique and interesting, some might not like that element, and I confess I would still read this book if it were twice the size!
There are a couple of twists in this tale which I suspect will turn some off – as always with an ARC review it’s a pain waiting for the full release and sufficient time has passed to discuss them but they are certainly very interesting and quite bold from a writing perspective.
In summary, SUPER enjoyed A. M. Shine’s Grace and very pleased to get a NetGalley copy.
I really liked The Watchers and its sequel, so was really hyped the Netgalley gave me access to this one. Grace is an interesting one to review, I’d describe the book as faster paced Stephen King. Set in an unpronounceable (Croaghnakeela) Island off the coast of Ireland, the story starts with Grace running a bookstore (instantly relatable) and surprised to receive contact revealing an inherited house on said island.
Right from the get go (well including the semi-typical horror prologue) the horror and tension is built masterfully, its obvious there are terrible secrets on the island, but no-one will speak of it. We are also introduced to a Young Priest who despite living on the island for several years hasn’t managed to crack the locals and has a few secrets of his own.
Shine has a skill in balancing writerly dread and more jump-scary immediate horror, and this book has plenty of both. I found the book quite hard to put down and was super invested in almost every single scene. Like a Stephen King story there is a real gaggle of locals to be introduced, but somehow Shine managed to trim the fat of the setting and you’re never bogged down in backstory, while still finding each character unique and interesting, some might not like that element, and I confess I would still read this book if it were twice the size!
There are a couple of twists in this tale which I suspect will turn some off – as always with an ARC review it’s a pain waiting for the full release and sufficient time has passed to discuss them but they are certainly very interesting and quite bold from a writing perspective.
In summary, SUPER enjoyed A. M. Shine’s Grace and very pleased to get a NetGalley copy.
Want to read
November 14, 2025˚₊ ⟢┊pre-read 🖇️┊⊹࣪⋆
I enjoyed and got creeped out with “The Creeper,” so I'm excited to read another AM Shire book!🫣
➳ Huge thanks to the publisher & author — Aria & Aries, A.M. Shine, & NetGalley —for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed and got creeped out with “The Creeper,” so I'm excited to read another AM Shire book!🫣
➳ Huge thanks to the publisher & author — Aria & Aries, A.M. Shine, & NetGalley —for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 18, 2025
I discovered A.M. Shine's work during the spooky season last year and quickly became a fan after reading both The Watchers books. I even enjoyed the movie adaptation. This year, I was lucky to receive an ARC of Grace and went in completely blind, knowing it would be great, and it absolutely was.
From the first page, the story hooked me with its eerie island setting off the coast of Ireland. The atmosphere is thick with mystery and tension, and Shine's writing is once again outstanding. It is a masterclass in efficient storytelling, fast-paced, sharp, and never wasting a word.
Though it is a relatively short book, the cast feels rich and real, giving the story weight and high stakes. By 30 percent, I was completely immersed, desperate to learn what the islanders were hiding. The questions kept piling up, and even the supposed good guys had secrets. The villain is truly unique, and once their motives became clear, I got actual chills.
At around 66 percent, I had to put it down for a breather, but I did not want to stop reading. The tension and atmosphere had completely pulled me in.
Grace gave me the same vibes as Midnight Mass with its isolated community, creeping dread, and questions about faith, guilt, and survival. It is haunting, emotional, and beautifully written, the perfect spooky season read.
A.M. Shine once again proves he is one of the most exciting voices in modern horror.
From the first page, the story hooked me with its eerie island setting off the coast of Ireland. The atmosphere is thick with mystery and tension, and Shine's writing is once again outstanding. It is a masterclass in efficient storytelling, fast-paced, sharp, and never wasting a word.
Though it is a relatively short book, the cast feels rich and real, giving the story weight and high stakes. By 30 percent, I was completely immersed, desperate to learn what the islanders were hiding. The questions kept piling up, and even the supposed good guys had secrets. The villain is truly unique, and once their motives became clear, I got actual chills.
At around 66 percent, I had to put it down for a breather, but I did not want to stop reading. The tension and atmosphere had completely pulled me in.
Grace gave me the same vibes as Midnight Mass with its isolated community, creeping dread, and questions about faith, guilt, and survival. It is haunting, emotional, and beautifully written, the perfect spooky season read.
A.M. Shine once again proves he is one of the most exciting voices in modern horror.
January 20, 2026
Many thanks NetGalley and the publisher for the e-arc.
While I liked most of the things about this book, I was a tiny bit disappointed by the fear factor. It started so good, so creepy, but then something happened and my excitement went away.
I didn’t like the multiple pov’s, I think there are too many characters for a horror book and I keep forgetting who is who throughout the novel. At 60% I just wanted to be done with it.
Nonetheless, the ending really took me by surprise. I liked how it was done and the twist, it was even a little bit sad. It’s a good book for anyone who’s a beginner in the horror genre.
While I liked most of the things about this book, I was a tiny bit disappointed by the fear factor. It started so good, so creepy, but then something happened and my excitement went away.
I didn’t like the multiple pov’s, I think there are too many characters for a horror book and I keep forgetting who is who throughout the novel. At 60% I just wanted to be done with it.
Nonetheless, the ending really took me by surprise. I liked how it was done and the twist, it was even a little bit sad. It’s a good book for anyone who’s a beginner in the horror genre.
March 11, 2026
Dark, damp, depressing, depraved, dank despair – all the D-words really. Grace is the fourth novel by A.M. Shine, and it’s the fourth A.M. Shine novel I’ve read as soon as I could get my hands on it. This one is a rain-soaked tale of a bookshop owner, who gets a call from a priest on an obscure Irish isle(Croaghnakeela), informing her that her birth mother, who she hadn’t known, had passed away. Grace, our main girl, goes out to the island to pay her respects and inspect her inherited home. Unbeknownst to her, mysteriously, there hadn’t been any children on the island in decades, and there is an ominous, creepy undertow to all of her interactions on this rainy, desolate spit of land.
We follow several characters, including a priest, there under an assumed name, who is competing with the odd pagan traditions that take place on the depressing, rocky island, a bar owner at the one spot on the island where people drown their sorrows, and a few others who have grown up and grown old on the island, with little in the way of hope. Beneath it all, there is an ancient, malevolent force, seemingly connected intimately with the residents, and requiring weekly tithes, dumped down into a well that leads into the heart of the island. The mystery and folk-horror vibes are very strong as Grace explores and uncovers layers of the despair that these islanders are subjected to. We mainly follow Grace and Robin, with some other characters introduced as the novel progresses, plus the demon-like Bodach, who is the purveyor of all the death and destruction that this island has come to know.
I felt that there were a couple too many characters added on around the halfway point, and it made it difficult to follow the narrative, as well as messing with the pacing a bit. This one definitely had what I’ve come to know as A.M. Shine’s signature prose, with lots of atmosphere and gravity behind the setting in particular – it is bleak. As far as a bleak setting, I thought it was his best work since The Watchers. This island sucks, both colloquially, and figuratively as it seems to suck the life out of all those who dwell there. The Irish folklore sense was strong in this one, and I thought it was super interesting to see it juxtaposed with the perspective of a Catholic Priest.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, however I felt the jumble of characters and the ending left a bit to be desired. The descriptiveness of it was a particular highlight, with the craggy outcroppings, sad backstories, and dilapidated houses. As a big fan of the author, I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of Irish folk/gothic horror, with a healthy dose of sad sips of whisky at the pub.
We follow several characters, including a priest, there under an assumed name, who is competing with the odd pagan traditions that take place on the depressing, rocky island, a bar owner at the one spot on the island where people drown their sorrows, and a few others who have grown up and grown old on the island, with little in the way of hope. Beneath it all, there is an ancient, malevolent force, seemingly connected intimately with the residents, and requiring weekly tithes, dumped down into a well that leads into the heart of the island. The mystery and folk-horror vibes are very strong as Grace explores and uncovers layers of the despair that these islanders are subjected to. We mainly follow Grace and Robin, with some other characters introduced as the novel progresses, plus the demon-like Bodach, who is the purveyor of all the death and destruction that this island has come to know.
I felt that there were a couple too many characters added on around the halfway point, and it made it difficult to follow the narrative, as well as messing with the pacing a bit. This one definitely had what I’ve come to know as A.M. Shine’s signature prose, with lots of atmosphere and gravity behind the setting in particular – it is bleak. As far as a bleak setting, I thought it was his best work since The Watchers. This island sucks, both colloquially, and figuratively as it seems to suck the life out of all those who dwell there. The Irish folklore sense was strong in this one, and I thought it was super interesting to see it juxtaposed with the perspective of a Catholic Priest.
Overall, I really enjoyed it, however I felt the jumble of characters and the ending left a bit to be desired. The descriptiveness of it was a particular highlight, with the craggy outcroppings, sad backstories, and dilapidated houses. As a big fan of the author, I’d absolutely recommend it to anyone who likes a bit of Irish folk/gothic horror, with a healthy dose of sad sips of whisky at the pub.
December 1, 2025
What a banger! The characters in this book were mostly unloveable, but the author did a great job at pulling in their humanity (when they had it). The atmosphere was everything! Cold, misty, with briny sea air, mold and rocks… I could practically smell the desolation in the salty air. The middle of the book did lag a bit for me, but it was worth hanging in for the ending. Totally surprised me! I am hoping there might be a second installation? I would absolutely recommend reading this book. You won’t be disappointed.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 27, 2026
This ticked lots of boxes for me
Irish folklore ✔️
Gothic horror ✔️
Authentic Irish voice ✔️
Wonderfully remote setting ✔️
It played right into the hands of a woman raised on superstition and mythology.
The writing was lovely, the narration was excellent, I think I lost the book rather than it losing me and had I binged it I’d probably have rated it a bit higher, but it was consumed over several bedtimes during a busy period, and to try to be fair to the author this is never when a book really gets the best out of me. This one kept me looking forward to pressing play. Still a very solid 3 ⭐️ read/listen.
Many thanks to Head of Zeus Audiobooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
Irish folklore ✔️
Gothic horror ✔️
Authentic Irish voice ✔️
Wonderfully remote setting ✔️
It played right into the hands of a woman raised on superstition and mythology.
The writing was lovely, the narration was excellent, I think I lost the book rather than it losing me and had I binged it I’d probably have rated it a bit higher, but it was consumed over several bedtimes during a busy period, and to try to be fair to the author this is never when a book really gets the best out of me. This one kept me looking forward to pressing play. Still a very solid 3 ⭐️ read/listen.
Many thanks to Head of Zeus Audiobooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ALC 🎧
February 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Aria & Aries | Aries for providing me with the ARC.
Happy publication day
“Is this what faith has become? Had the world strayed so far from the Lord that they now sought out the sanctity of the devils?”
I was so ecstatic when it was reviled that A. M. Shine has a new book coming up next year, and to be approved for the ARC a few weeks later felt like I’ve received the grace of God /pun intended/.
I will keep my review tamed, because there are good twists that can be easily given away. I didn’t know the plot at all but still had some expectations base on Shine’s previous works. I am so happy to report that this book is indeed everything I hoped for – rich Irish folklore, unsettling atmosphere, flawless prose, unexpected twists, and pure horror, just as I like it.
This book was very emotionally charged thanks to the distinct and flawed characters, for which I still cared about. Let me just tell you I got actual goosebumps on 64% and I couldn’t predicted this twist even if I was actively trying to. I was just enjoying reading, being on that island with the islanders, which was so scary and sad at the same time. I loved that we got a short perspective from almost everyone, but my favorite character is most definitely Father Richard.
Another big positive for me was the body horror, so visceral and actually terrifying, this is what was lacking for me in the last Shine book – Stay in the light. But here it was done exceptionally well. This book fits right into the world of The Watchers and Stay in the light, without being a sequel. I could absolutely picture these events taking place during the same time as the ones in the previous two books took. Also, the setting reminded me so much of one of my favorite TV series - Midnight mass.
If you liked the previous works of the author I can absolutely recommend you this book as well. Even if you’ve never read from him before, this could be a really good starting point. Since I’ve read all of his published works, I think this one is absolutely sharing the top spot with The Watchers. I couldn’t pick which is the better book, as they are both an amazing folk horror and I have an emotional attachment to both of them.
Happy publication day
“Is this what faith has become? Had the world strayed so far from the Lord that they now sought out the sanctity of the devils?”
I was so ecstatic when it was reviled that A. M. Shine has a new book coming up next year, and to be approved for the ARC a few weeks later felt like I’ve received the grace of God /pun intended/.
I will keep my review tamed, because there are good twists that can be easily given away. I didn’t know the plot at all but still had some expectations base on Shine’s previous works. I am so happy to report that this book is indeed everything I hoped for – rich Irish folklore, unsettling atmosphere, flawless prose, unexpected twists, and pure horror, just as I like it.
This book was very emotionally charged thanks to the distinct and flawed characters, for which I still cared about. Let me just tell you I got actual goosebumps on 64% and I couldn’t predicted this twist even if I was actively trying to. I was just enjoying reading, being on that island with the islanders, which was so scary and sad at the same time. I loved that we got a short perspective from almost everyone, but my favorite character is most definitely Father Richard.
Another big positive for me was the body horror, so visceral and actually terrifying, this is what was lacking for me in the last Shine book – Stay in the light. But here it was done exceptionally well. This book fits right into the world of The Watchers and Stay in the light, without being a sequel. I could absolutely picture these events taking place during the same time as the ones in the previous two books took. Also, the setting reminded me so much of one of my favorite TV series - Midnight mass.
If you liked the previous works of the author I can absolutely recommend you this book as well. Even if you’ve never read from him before, this could be a really good starting point. Since I’ve read all of his published works, I think this one is absolutely sharing the top spot with The Watchers. I couldn’t pick which is the better book, as they are both an amazing folk horror and I have an emotional attachment to both of them.
October 20, 2025
Grace by A.M. Shine is a gothic horror about a woman who returns to the eerie island where she was born after her birth mother dies. Strange things start happening right away—crying children no one’s seen, creepy locals, and an island that feels alive.
The story took a while to grab me (started enjoying it more around the 40% mark), mostly because of the multiple POVs and unclear time jumps. Grace’s and Father Richard’s chapters were the easiest to follow, but some of the others were confusing at times.
That said, the writing is super atmospheric and the island’s history is really unsettling—in a good way. I just wish the ending had been less abrupt.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
The story took a while to grab me (started enjoying it more around the 40% mark), mostly because of the multiple POVs and unclear time jumps. Grace’s and Father Richard’s chapters were the easiest to follow, but some of the others were confusing at times.
That said, the writing is super atmospheric and the island’s history is really unsettling—in a good way. I just wish the ending had been less abrupt.
Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for a copy of this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
November 30, 2025
I can't believe it has taken me THIS DAMN LONG to read an A.M. Shine book. But here I am, finally, reviewing his upcoming book, Grace.
**ARC Review**
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing, A.M. Shine, and NetGalley for providing me an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#Grace #NetGalley #ePub #ARC #AMShine #Horror #NewHorror
💠EXPECTED PUB DATE: 10 Feb 2026
💠THEMES: Small-town secrets; the insidious nature of greed; how fear exposes the ugliness in people; passed down trauma
💠CONTENT WARNINGS / TRIGGERS:
Gore/blood, possession, death, allusion to physical abuse, graphic scenes, death of children, body horror, violence, disturbing imagery, drowning, profanity, alcoholism
💠RECOMMENDED FOR READERS WHO ENJOY:
• Slow-burn, atmospheric horrors
• Irish folklore
• Cursed lands
• Dark plot twists
💠PLOT OVERVIEW:
At the end of her shift, Grace unexpectedly receives a late-night call from Father Richard, a priest who informs Grace that her biological mother just passed away and left everything to her. Grace cannot remember her past; she was adopted around the age of four and has no memory of where she came from or who her bio parents were. Desperate for answers, Grace travels to her birthplace, the fog-shrouded island of Croaghnakeela. Told through the perspectives of Grace, Father Richard, and Croaghnakeela's mysterious inhabitants, Grace's arrival sparks a course of events that unearth dark secrets and an even darker presence.
💠FAVORITE LINE(S):
💠PRAISES:
• Atmosphere. I'm on the fence about reading atmospheric horror because it has to be done SO carefully; it must be well-crafted, and engaging, and creepy, and believable. Good atmospheric horror gives you that same unsettling feeling of being watched but you can't see who (or what) is watching you. Shine knocks this out of the park. Using a multitude of metaphors and alliteration, Shine brought me to the island right alongside Grace. I saw the jagged rocky cliffs dropping to a tumultuous tide, heard the creak of old wooden floorboards above my head, felt the primal fear of the islanders when the darkness took form.
• Tension. Right from the beginning, I was pulled into a narrative that slithered deep under my skin and left me in fight-or-flight mode. While the prologue only hints at what awaits Grace, it's transparently clear that, whatever it is, it is dangerous. So, tension is at an all-time high when Grace heads to the island, blissfully unaware of her predicament, while I'm forced to watch on helplessly. There were so many times throughout this book where I didn't even realize I was holding my breath until my lungs sputtered out an exhale.
• Character Complexities. The characters were complex, traumatized individuals whose moral compasses shifted like the tides, and I loved that I could never truly feel 'safe'. It kept me on my toes. I never knew who would be the next to go, who'd deceive someone for the right price, who'd crack a smile when chaos erupted. The characters were prone to their humanness -- to selfishness, greed, lust, jealousy -- and it made the characters feel so much more real.
💠CRITIQUES:
• The 'Roller Coaster Tycoon' ending. Anyone who victimized unsuspecting park-goers in Roller Coaster Tycoon has probably created a coaster that didn't exactly meet safety standards. What will happen if I decide to stop building the track 80% of the way through but I open the ride anyways? While I'm admittedly down and dirty for this psychotic method in a video game, I feel the opposite when it comes to books. I'm all for tragic endings, don't get me wrong. In fact, I think a happy ending would be entirely unfitting for this novel. But the ending to this felt so... abrupt? As sudden and unfinished as the track of one of those death coasters. It didn't feel like an ending at all. I actually kept trying to scroll past the last page, believing there MUST be more after it, some semblance of finality. Alas, there was no such thing.
💠REVIEW SUMMARY:
Overall, despite my dissatisfaction with how it 'ended', I truly enjoyed this book and Shine's writing style. I'd still recommend it wholeheartedly as a get-under-your-skin, atmospheric horror novel.
💠RATING:
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
4.5 out of 5 stars
**ARC Review**
Thank you to Bloomsbury Publishing, A.M. Shine, and NetGalley for providing me an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.
#Grace #NetGalley #ePub #ARC #AMShine #Horror #NewHorror
💠EXPECTED PUB DATE: 10 Feb 2026
💠THEMES: Small-town secrets; the insidious nature of greed; how fear exposes the ugliness in people; passed down trauma
💠CONTENT WARNINGS / TRIGGERS:
Gore/blood, possession, death, allusion to physical abuse, graphic scenes, death of children, body horror, violence, disturbing imagery, drowning, profanity, alcoholism
💠RECOMMENDED FOR READERS WHO ENJOY:
• Slow-burn, atmospheric horrors
• Irish folklore
• Cursed lands
• Dark plot twists
💠PLOT OVERVIEW:
At the end of her shift, Grace unexpectedly receives a late-night call from Father Richard, a priest who informs Grace that her biological mother just passed away and left everything to her. Grace cannot remember her past; she was adopted around the age of four and has no memory of where she came from or who her bio parents were. Desperate for answers, Grace travels to her birthplace, the fog-shrouded island of Croaghnakeela. Told through the perspectives of Grace, Father Richard, and Croaghnakeela's mysterious inhabitants, Grace's arrival sparks a course of events that unearth dark secrets and an even darker presence.
💠FAVORITE LINE(S):
The tides had gnawed deep into the coastline, leaving the land jagged and torn from an eternity of tooth marks, and with only the salt water to cleanse its wounds there was everywhere a feeling of neglect and pain, of a sorrow that time hadn't consoled.
💠PRAISES:
• Atmosphere. I'm on the fence about reading atmospheric horror because it has to be done SO carefully; it must be well-crafted, and engaging, and creepy, and believable. Good atmospheric horror gives you that same unsettling feeling of being watched but you can't see who (or what) is watching you. Shine knocks this out of the park. Using a multitude of metaphors and alliteration, Shine brought me to the island right alongside Grace. I saw the jagged rocky cliffs dropping to a tumultuous tide, heard the creak of old wooden floorboards above my head, felt the primal fear of the islanders when the darkness took form.
• Tension. Right from the beginning, I was pulled into a narrative that slithered deep under my skin and left me in fight-or-flight mode. While the prologue only hints at what awaits Grace, it's transparently clear that, whatever it is, it is dangerous. So, tension is at an all-time high when Grace heads to the island, blissfully unaware of her predicament, while I'm forced to watch on helplessly. There were so many times throughout this book where I didn't even realize I was holding my breath until my lungs sputtered out an exhale.
• Character Complexities. The characters were complex, traumatized individuals whose moral compasses shifted like the tides, and I loved that I could never truly feel 'safe'. It kept me on my toes. I never knew who would be the next to go, who'd deceive someone for the right price, who'd crack a smile when chaos erupted. The characters were prone to their humanness -- to selfishness, greed, lust, jealousy -- and it made the characters feel so much more real.
💠CRITIQUES:
• The 'Roller Coaster Tycoon' ending. Anyone who victimized unsuspecting park-goers in Roller Coaster Tycoon has probably created a coaster that didn't exactly meet safety standards. What will happen if I decide to stop building the track 80% of the way through but I open the ride anyways? While I'm admittedly down and dirty for this psychotic method in a video game, I feel the opposite when it comes to books. I'm all for tragic endings, don't get me wrong. In fact, I think a happy ending would be entirely unfitting for this novel. But the ending to this felt so... abrupt? As sudden and unfinished as the track of one of those death coasters. It didn't feel like an ending at all. I actually kept trying to scroll past the last page, believing there MUST be more after it, some semblance of finality. Alas, there was no such thing.
💠REVIEW SUMMARY:
Overall, despite my dissatisfaction with how it 'ended', I truly enjoyed this book and Shine's writing style. I'd still recommend it wholeheartedly as a get-under-your-skin, atmospheric horror novel.
💠RATING:
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
4.5 out of 5 stars
September 28, 2025
I had high hopes for this one, but it didn’t quite live up to it.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 ☆
Tropes:
- Irish folk horror
- Folklore but make it real
- Isolated, creepy island
- The locals know something you don’t
Was it scary?:
It had some creepy scenes throughout, however generally I didn’t find the book very scary.
Most memorable scene:
The scene where the Bodach tries to snatch a bitch up through the fireplace was pretty creepy and entertaining.
Overall thoughts:
I’ve loved some of A. M. Shine’s other novels, and so I was really excited for this one. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. One of the things that I see quite a lot in horror novels nowadays is the million person multi-POVs. If done right, this can really add to the story, but I’m increasingly finding in horrors that do this that they have the opposite effect: they take me out of the pacing and the story. I found it a bit confusing keeping track of who everyone was, the first half or so of the book was a bit slow-paced, and the ending felt a little abrupt for me.
Read if you want ➡️
Creepy folk horror based on Irish folklore written by an Irish author, with multi-POV throughout and a lot of twists and turns.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 ☆
Tropes:
- Irish folk horror
- Folklore but make it real
- Isolated, creepy island
- The locals know something you don’t
Was it scary?:
It had some creepy scenes throughout, however generally I didn’t find the book very scary.
Most memorable scene:
The scene where the Bodach tries to snatch a bitch up through the fireplace was pretty creepy and entertaining.
Overall thoughts:
I’ve loved some of A. M. Shine’s other novels, and so I was really excited for this one. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. One of the things that I see quite a lot in horror novels nowadays is the million person multi-POVs. If done right, this can really add to the story, but I’m increasingly finding in horrors that do this that they have the opposite effect: they take me out of the pacing and the story. I found it a bit confusing keeping track of who everyone was, the first half or so of the book was a bit slow-paced, and the ending felt a little abrupt for me.
Read if you want ➡️
Creepy folk horror based on Irish folklore written by an Irish author, with multi-POV throughout and a lot of twists and turns.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 14, 2025
I’m struggling to rate this tbh because the first half was a 5⭐️ read but the second half was more like a 3⭐️ so I’ve just gone with a 4⭐️ overall.
The first half had me GRIPPED! It is classic AM Shine - very atmospheric, very creepy and definitely gave me chills while I was reading it. He really set the scene on this isolated island.
However the second half for me just completely fizzled out and it didn’t hold my attention as much. I think it was the sheer number of POVs to keep track of, it just lost me a bit. I also felt like it ended really abruptly, I kept checking there wasn’t pages missing from my copy 🤣🙈.
Overall I did enjoy it and I would still recommend for anyone who is a fan of AM Shine’s previous books and anyone who loves a bit of folklore horror
The first half had me GRIPPED! It is classic AM Shine - very atmospheric, very creepy and definitely gave me chills while I was reading it. He really set the scene on this isolated island.
However the second half for me just completely fizzled out and it didn’t hold my attention as much. I think it was the sheer number of POVs to keep track of, it just lost me a bit. I also felt like it ended really abruptly, I kept checking there wasn’t pages missing from my copy 🤣🙈.
Overall I did enjoy it and I would still recommend for anyone who is a fan of AM Shine’s previous books and anyone who loves a bit of folklore horror
February 21, 2026
3.5⭐️
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley.
As a fan of the authors previous works, I was eager to read this. While good in parts, it sadly didn't quite land fully and felt like it needed further edits.
Pros: Creepy atmosphere, Irish folk horrors, small island town secrets, claustrophobic, haunting, bristling with paranoia and crackling with violence.
Cons: Too many character POVs to keep track of, and blurred personalities that would have benefitted from fleshing out with each introduction. Chaotic plot towards the end which didn't feel like a satisfying completion. I was honestly a bit lost and bored by the end. I did enjoy the ending twist, but it felt sudden and brief.
I think this book just needed more time to let the ideas flourish.
I received an advanced copy from Netgalley.
As a fan of the authors previous works, I was eager to read this. While good in parts, it sadly didn't quite land fully and felt like it needed further edits.
Pros: Creepy atmosphere, Irish folk horrors, small island town secrets, claustrophobic, haunting, bristling with paranoia and crackling with violence.
Cons: Too many character POVs to keep track of, and blurred personalities that would have benefitted from fleshing out with each introduction. Chaotic plot towards the end which didn't feel like a satisfying completion. I was honestly a bit lost and bored by the end. I did enjoy the ending twist, but it felt sudden and brief.
I think this book just needed more time to let the ideas flourish.
Read
November 17, 2025DNF @ 50% atmospheric, but very slow paced. I found that I just didn't care enough to continue the read.
January 10, 2026
If you're one of those people who appreciates the slow burn but steady building of dread and unease, then A.M. Shine is for you. Grace is a folk horror about a remote island off the coast of Ireland where an evil presence haunts the residents. When Grace gets a call that her biological mother has passed away, she goes to the island where she was born to learn more about her past. She soon discovers the reason her mother needed to give her up and why she should have never came back to the island.
I really enjoyed the folklore of this story. The Bodach was absolutely terrifying. The time jumps and different point of views were a little jarring and took me out of the story at times but overall this was a great read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Grace will be published February 10th.
I really enjoyed the folklore of this story. The Bodach was absolutely terrifying. The time jumps and different point of views were a little jarring and took me out of the story at times but overall this was a great read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Grace will be published February 10th.
February 19, 2026
GRACE, by A.M. Shine is a novel about the island Croaghnakeela, and seeped in Irish folklore. When Grace gets a call from the Priest on the island, telling her that her biological mother passed away, she decides to visit the island, in the hopes of understanding her past a little better. There is only one boat that goes in, and the same one goes out, weekly for supplies. When Grace is allowed passage, the man refuses to step off his boat, saying he's never ventured onto the island.
An island without children, most houses falling into disrepair, and a lone priest who had been transferred there only six years before, the place is as desolate as one could imagine. The novel is rich in atmosphere, and I truly loved the Irish folklore. The first half of the novel had me captivated! The slow unraveling of something that haunted the islanders in the past, something none of them would voice out loud, and kept them from moving forward was chilling even before I learned more of "what" the reason was.
The second half, however, seemed to meander between many characters (alternately referred to by either first, last, or nicknames in the same section as many others), did confuse me as to who was talking at what point. Aside from Grace, the Priest, and a few more permanent islanders, many were indistinguishable to me until something "unique to them" was told. Even then, the various names used for each took time away from the narrative as I tried to figure out which one was which.
There were some amazing elements to the story revealed then, but I really wish there had been more focus on them throughout. By the end, I wanted to know more details about those things mentioned as "background", and sadly, they felt left "unfinished".
Overall, I felt this story had some very unique features, and great promise. I loved the lore, and atmosphere of the island. I would have liked more information on some of the past (and still present, but not focused on) abnormalities. The execution itself is what seemed to be the problem for me. I loved the beginning, but the ending felt rushed and anticlimactic compared to the events mentioned beforehand.
An island without children, most houses falling into disrepair, and a lone priest who had been transferred there only six years before, the place is as desolate as one could imagine. The novel is rich in atmosphere, and I truly loved the Irish folklore. The first half of the novel had me captivated! The slow unraveling of something that haunted the islanders in the past, something none of them would voice out loud, and kept them from moving forward was chilling even before I learned more of "what" the reason was.
The second half, however, seemed to meander between many characters (alternately referred to by either first, last, or nicknames in the same section as many others), did confuse me as to who was talking at what point. Aside from Grace, the Priest, and a few more permanent islanders, many were indistinguishable to me until something "unique to them" was told. Even then, the various names used for each took time away from the narrative as I tried to figure out which one was which.
There were some amazing elements to the story revealed then, but I really wish there had been more focus on them throughout. By the end, I wanted to know more details about those things mentioned as "background", and sadly, they felt left "unfinished".
Overall, I felt this story had some very unique features, and great promise. I loved the lore, and atmosphere of the island. I would have liked more information on some of the past (and still present, but not focused on) abnormalities. The execution itself is what seemed to be the problem for me. I loved the beginning, but the ending felt rushed and anticlimactic compared to the events mentioned beforehand.
February 12, 2026
EVIL ALWAYS COMES BACK!!
Grace absolutely wrecked me in the best, most chilling way. AM Shine knows how to weave myth, legend, and folklore to create the most intense and horrific stories. From the moment I stepped onto that lonely, fog‑soaked island, I felt this slow, creeping terror working its way up my spine. There is a kind of dread that builds and builds until you realize your shoulders have been tense for pages. The way the story weaves myth and history together is unreal; every reveal felt like something ancient was stirring just out of sight, and I swear I could feel the cold breath of old folklore trailing behind me as the plot thickened. I devoured this story because I could NOT put it down.
And then there’s the ending. Oh. My. God. I pride myself on seeing twists coming, but this one blindsided me so hard my jaw actually dropped. It’s wild without going off the rails, shocking without cheap tricks. It is just this perfect, devastating moment where everything clicks in a way you absolutely do not expect. I thought that I knew where that story was going, but it turns out, I had NO CLUE. Grace is haunting, intense, and so deeply atmospheric that it clings to you long after you put it down. I’ll be thinking about this story for weeks to come.
Grace absolutely wrecked me in the best, most chilling way. AM Shine knows how to weave myth, legend, and folklore to create the most intense and horrific stories. From the moment I stepped onto that lonely, fog‑soaked island, I felt this slow, creeping terror working its way up my spine. There is a kind of dread that builds and builds until you realize your shoulders have been tense for pages. The way the story weaves myth and history together is unreal; every reveal felt like something ancient was stirring just out of sight, and I swear I could feel the cold breath of old folklore trailing behind me as the plot thickened. I devoured this story because I could NOT put it down.
And then there’s the ending. Oh. My. God. I pride myself on seeing twists coming, but this one blindsided me so hard my jaw actually dropped. It’s wild without going off the rails, shocking without cheap tricks. It is just this perfect, devastating moment where everything clicks in a way you absolutely do not expect. I thought that I knew where that story was going, but it turns out, I had NO CLUE. Grace is haunting, intense, and so deeply atmospheric that it clings to you long after you put it down. I’ll be thinking about this story for weeks to come.
February 12, 2026
One day Grace receives a call that her mother has died. Thing is, she doesn't remember her mother, having been given up for adoption at a young age. The phone call from the priest on the small island of Croaghnakeela lures her back to where she belonged. But perhaps, there are reasons for her to stay away. A little island, removed from so much, with more secrets than even the priest living there for 6 years could know. Something strange is going on, but what?
You have to love the British Isles. The number of strange legends, folklore, creatures, and other miscellaneous beings are astounding. This one features the bodach: a trickster or boogeyman that is rather fond of children. That's what I loved about the book. However the story is told from the point of view of many of the people of the island, bouncing back and forth every chapter. Sometimes it was difficult to remember who was who. The ending was a bit of a surprise, although it probably shouldn't have been. All in all, I enjoyed it, just perhaps not as much as The Watchers.
You have to love the British Isles. The number of strange legends, folklore, creatures, and other miscellaneous beings are astounding. This one features the bodach: a trickster or boogeyman that is rather fond of children. That's what I loved about the book. However the story is told from the point of view of many of the people of the island, bouncing back and forth every chapter. Sometimes it was difficult to remember who was who. The ending was a bit of a surprise, although it probably shouldn't have been. All in all, I enjoyed it, just perhaps not as much as The Watchers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 stars
Grace is an entertaining folk-horror read. The eerie atmosphere and remote setting were perfect, and they deserve all the stars! It's so creepy and ominous. It did a great job at setting the tone. The story is told through multiple POVs and timelines, adding complexity to the plot. I really enjoyed all the Irish folklore. It gave it a fantasy horror vibe. The writing is fantastic, as always. I did have a few issues with it, though. The title felt wrong. Grace is missing from the plot for a big chunk of the book and isn't even the main character. Why name it after her? There were also pieces of the story that just felt out of place, like they didn't belong. And the plot twist at the end felt wrong, like it was done just for shock value. The combination of those things made it feel very incohesive overall. Again, I liked the vibe and thought it was entertaining, but it needs some work.
Grace is an entertaining folk-horror read. The eerie atmosphere and remote setting were perfect, and they deserve all the stars! It's so creepy and ominous. It did a great job at setting the tone. The story is told through multiple POVs and timelines, adding complexity to the plot. I really enjoyed all the Irish folklore. It gave it a fantasy horror vibe. The writing is fantastic, as always. I did have a few issues with it, though. The title felt wrong. Grace is missing from the plot for a big chunk of the book and isn't even the main character. Why name it after her? There were also pieces of the story that just felt out of place, like they didn't belong. And the plot twist at the end felt wrong, like it was done just for shock value. The combination of those things made it feel very incohesive overall. Again, I liked the vibe and thought it was entertaining, but it needs some work.
January 26, 2026
I loved The Watchers, so I jumped at the chance to read Grace!! 🙌
This is a dark read, steeped in Irish mythology and it had me from the start! Had some shocking twists, especially the ending which was abrupt but it made my jaw drop! It’s one of those that makes you want to go back and reread it with knowledge that you didn’t have the first time around!! So good!! Highly recommend this one!! 👏
Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
This is a dark read, steeped in Irish mythology and it had me from the start! Had some shocking twists, especially the ending which was abrupt but it made my jaw drop! It’s one of those that makes you want to go back and reread it with knowledge that you didn’t have the first time around!! So good!! Highly recommend this one!! 👏
Thank you to Head of Zeus and NetGalley for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️
October 17, 2025
If you love atmospheric horrors that slowly creep under your skin give “grace” a try, the Irish folklore will immerse you deeper into the eery world created by the author.
I was a fan of the watchers and so excited to dive into this book. “Grace” is dark and twisty and switches between slow and fast pacing, keeping you on your toes.
I personally liked this more than the watchers, I enjoyed the mystery being the decades old unknown that was keeping the locals trapped on the island. If you enjoy haunting and isolating settings this book has plenty.
A great pick for spooky season.
Disclaimer: this book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own!
I was a fan of the watchers and so excited to dive into this book. “Grace” is dark and twisty and switches between slow and fast pacing, keeping you on your toes.
I personally liked this more than the watchers, I enjoyed the mystery being the decades old unknown that was keeping the locals trapped on the island. If you enjoy haunting and isolating settings this book has plenty.
A great pick for spooky season.
Disclaimer: this book was gifted to me in exchange for an honest review, all opinions are my own!
March 3, 2026
Atmospheric and eerie.
Who would have thought I would be able to find a 4⭐️ read during my reading slump and the book which would put an end to it all in one?
(I definitely did NOT expect that ending!!!)
Who would have thought I would be able to find a 4⭐️ read during my reading slump and the book which would put an end to it all in one?
(I definitely did NOT expect that ending!!!)
February 12, 2026
This was so creepy and atmospheric! Perfect mix of not knowing who to trust and what was going to happen next!
October 5, 2025
Book store owner Grace returns to the small island where she was born to pack up her mothers things for sale. After being adopted at just four years old, Grace doesn't remember much about her life before, but the island's few inhabitants make it clear she's never leaving.
Grace is a gothic folk horror full of atmospheric suspense. The island, itself a character, is surrounded by fog and a raging icy sea. The few people who live there are trapped by more than just geography. The Bodach, a dark entity that hides in the darkness, had been snatching children in the dead of night. Even some adults went missing over the years but for some time it's been quiet. When Grace returns, something is awakened and the nightmares start all over again.
I think Shine took some inspiration from Stephen King. The Bodach reminded me of Pennywise, a mysterious creature who instils fear and feeds off of it, a changeling who hides in shadow. This was creepy and got pretty gory towards the end. It was a little repetitious in the middle and the ending felt rushed but ultimately a great wintery spooky read.
**Thanks to Aria & Aries (Head of Zeus) for my free ARC via Netgalley.
Grace is a gothic folk horror full of atmospheric suspense. The island, itself a character, is surrounded by fog and a raging icy sea. The few people who live there are trapped by more than just geography. The Bodach, a dark entity that hides in the darkness, had been snatching children in the dead of night. Even some adults went missing over the years but for some time it's been quiet. When Grace returns, something is awakened and the nightmares start all over again.
I think Shine took some inspiration from Stephen King. The Bodach reminded me of Pennywise, a mysterious creature who instils fear and feeds off of it, a changeling who hides in shadow. This was creepy and got pretty gory towards the end. It was a little repetitious in the middle and the ending felt rushed but ultimately a great wintery spooky read.
**Thanks to Aria & Aries (Head of Zeus) for my free ARC via Netgalley.
March 3, 2026
The writing is superb, both poetically scary and downright evocative. Fabulous swearing! Great story, masterfully read. I love it.
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