The Uninvited: Author's Updated Edition

by Jonathan Daniel

222 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

I write stories that pull you in fast and don’t let go—dark, gripping tales where danger lurks in the shadows and the past is never really buried. My books are filled with flawed, sharp-edged characters fighting their way through eerie landscapes, whether it’s a haunted town in the Deep South or a world unraveling under its own corruption. In addition to my books, I’ve had several short pieces published in various magazines such as Black Petals, The Harrow and Lullaby Hearse.

I live in Birmingham, Alabama with my wife and hyper Boston Terrier, Buster. When not writing about nightmarish things, I enjoy cooking, reading, brewing beer and trying to watch every horror movie made in the 80’s.

Follow me at: byjonathandaniel.dot.com

Reviews

[Steve Rufle · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most suspenseful books I have ever read.

The author keeps you guessing as what is going to happen to the small group of survivors as they try to avoid the creatures that came from the tunnels beneath the resort.

As the group shrinks in size, will Owen and Michelle meet the challenges successful as they move across the island both above and below the ground.

I held my breath at times as the author paints a picture of what they are going through.

I received as an ARC WITH NO expectation of a positive review.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my second Jonathan Daniel book, and I have been impressed with both so far! As a horror film fanatic, I am thoroughly enjoying his writing style. He was very descriptive in this story making you visualize these creatures in your head. Am I the only one that pictured the creatures from The Quiet Place? This is exactly what I was visualizing throughout these chapters. This scary story of survival kept me invested from start to finish and I was definitely rooting for Owen to survive this retreat turned nightmare. Very enjoyable read and I am looking forward to more from this author. Huge thank you to Jonathan Daniel for this advanced copy, all opinions are my own

[Ali O · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Uninvited by Jonathan Daniel
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a very entertaining and intense horror novel!
Poor Owen decides to attend a work retreat on an island hoping to help conquer his fear of the water. Once there he finds out quickly that this isn’t going to be an ordinary relaxing trip. This trip is quickly filled with death and gore and the body count is rising!

This story is full of wild suspense and lots of crazy thrills! It’s a fast, frightful and exciting read!
There is a great amount of detailed imagery and I was able to picture being trapped on the island of doom!

Being stuck on this sand of death, with monstrous creatures, definitely invoked terror in me!
Will anyone make it off the island alive?

Thank you to Jonathan Daniel for an arc of this wild ride of a book!
*It’s out now and I recommend checking out this creative and creepy book!*

[FantasyBookNerd · Rating 4 out of 5]

If an island in the middle of the Caribbean is renowned by the locals as being cursed, the best advice is to stay away and completely forget that the rock in the sea is even there. However, if you are a billionaire with limitless fund, ignore this and let’s see if you can build a resort for other billionaire types and corporate venture capital babies.

The book starts innocuously enough at a construction site of a billionaire landowner who has purchased said cursed island to build a resort for other posh corporate types. As the crew set about their daily jobs suddenly a sinkhole appears and one the crew and their machinery fall into the hole.

A rescue mission is quickly undertaken. As the construction crew mount a desperate attempt rescue their fallen colleague, they notice something strange coming from under the earth. It doesn’t take long for the crew to be overwhelmed by a group of crazed, flesh eating monsters.

Cut to Owen and his mate Michelle coming onto the island. Owen has begrudgingly been dragged along to a corporate event organised by the owner as a tester for his swanky new resort island. Both Michelle and his psychiatrist think that the time away will do Owen good, who is traumatised by the death of his wife in the 2004 tsunami that devastated Thailand.

As the party gets underway, they are swamped by the uninvited guests on the island that have swarmed over the construction site and propels Owen and Michelle in a horrific fight for survival.

The Uninvited is a propulsive survival horror that is perfect for fans of films like 28 Days Later, or books by Richard Laymon.

It’s a throwback to 80’s horror books that just told a story and was ultimately quite fun, and The Uninvited was a very fun novel. Yes there is loads of hokum, we never really get any explanation of how the monsters are created,and to be honest the book doesn’t break any new boundaries. However, ultimately, who the hell cares. Just strap in and enjoy the ride

The story starts immediately and never lets up the whole way through the book. There’s one disaster after another, each one leading the cast of the book into one perilous situation after another. At times, as a reader you may need to put the book down to have a bit of a break from all the edge of the seat action, but stick with it until the end and you will be rewarded with a high energy story that keeps you biting your nails to the end of the book.

The characters are typical characters. There is a bit of a back story, but don’t expect too much exposition in the way of background information as the story is set in the ‘now’ and the current situation rather than fleshing out characters. Which to be honest was fine by me. Owen is the only one who gets fleshed out a bit which usually came in the form of PTSD flashbacks, but the rest of the cast tend to get snippets of back story.

TheUninvited is a fun, bloody horror book that grabs you by the throat and never lets go until the end. There are plenty of thrills and spills (usually of the bloody variety) to keep your breath firmly bated, and is as entertaining as it is gore filled.

[Zoé-Lee O'Farrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, another disclosure, I hate zombies!! I really hate them. If there is going to be a zombie apocalypse, I am done for. I know I won't survive - especially the new fangalled zombies. So why did I read this? Well, every so often, I like to watch or read something to try and get over this crazy fear. Now I am most definitely not over this fear, and the "zombies" in this book are ones I never want to meet, but am I loving the book? - by god am I!

The isolation of this island, for Owen and the other survivors, is palpable. It is its own character. There is no help coming; we know this because of the folklore surrounding the island, and none of the locals will go near it. We have seen firsthand there is no escape or lack of, so what the heck are we to do!!! I need to know!!!!!!!

Not only do we have mad-ass zombies running about, we are on an island, BUT THERE IS AN UNDERNEATH TO THE ISLAND! Yup, that's right, more bloody hidey places, this gave me real The Descent vibes. The tunnels, the claustrophobic feeling, you are now in their terrain, and anything will and can go wrong.

This book kicks straight off with action, action and yeah action! There is a lot of blood, guts and gore. It's horrifying, shocking, and so addictive. I have no idea how this is going to end, but I am hear for it. I feel so wound up when I am reading this; there is no relief, despite a few happy moments dotted about. You are as on edge as Owen and Michelle. I just can't see a happy ending at the end of this. Ahhh!!!

I absolutely love this book! I am addicted to it, and I loved that I got the chance to read it!

*Update* Now that I have finished it, I am anxious and on edge - what the heck is that ending!!!!!! OH MY GOD!!!!

[Lauren Griffiths · Rating 4 out of 5]

The action begins straight away in this book and we get an insight into the horrors that lie ahead right from the very first chapter.

This one was GORY… and BRUTAL. So be prepared for that if you are picking this one up. Lots of very in detail descriptions and I could really visualise what was happening.

I felt it was very faced paced and kept me flicking through to see what was coming next.

The ending was left open to interpretation and I’m not sure how I feel about that! I want to know if it’s a happy ending or not! I NEED TO KNOW.

I would definitely love to see this book made into a horror movie!

[Leanne Tempest · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very first page The Uninvited sinks its claws into you (no pun intended) and doesn’t let go until the very last page, if then.

What could possibly go wrong on a deserted island when you build a fancy resort there despite locals believing said island is cursed?

At the opening party for the resort ancient monsters arise from deep within the island and carnage ensues. There are some wonderful descriptions of these evil creatures and I had all sorts of pictures floating in my mind but couldn’t settle on anything which just made the monsters creepier and scarier.

The tension is maintained throughout the story and I was constantly wondering if anyone was going to make it out alive - no spoilers here - you need to read the book for yourself.

I felt that there was a really interesting element to this book which was an examination of how different people can react in a crisis. Although there is not much depth to the characters there is a group that band together to try to survive, a selfish executive who lies to try and make it out alive without anyone else, the neighbouring islanders who are deeply rooted in their fear of the cursed island and the rescuers who refuse to believe in nonsense such as flesh eating monsters.

I absolutely loved this book and found it a fast paced, scary read that pays homage to some of the creature features of the 1980s of which the author is a self professed fan.

Thank you to the author and Zooloosbooktours for the free review copy.

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up*

A fast paced, gory, horror that hooks you from the get go, even if the scares don’t always hit the same as the blood does!

The Uninvited by Jonathan Daniel wastes no time pulling us in with an unsettling opening chapter that sends shivers up your spine and kicks in that sense of dread early on! This novel follows our protagonist and his mental turmoil from the loss of his wife, as he struggles with his fears and the terrifying isolation and creatures he faces on this supposedly serene island.

I couldn’t put it down. A fast paced, gory (which I'm obsessed with), and atmospheric horror that literally drags you in ;)

That said, there are a few things I was disappointed with. At times, the horror fell off a little, relying more on the shock factor rather than building that dread and unsettling atmosphere. The horror element did fall a little flat for my personal liking, but the brutal gore definitely made up for it in my opinion. Some moments were just a little anti-climatic for me.

The Uninvited did, overall, do a wonderful job as a terrifying novel, for several reasons. There are many scenes that have stuck with me since I finished, and that's what I want and need from a horror, it's gotta stay with you after the final page.

Thank you so much to the author for an arc of their work, it's greatly appreciated and all thoughts and opinions are my own and written voluntarily.

[Jeff Brodnax · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, a classic love story with a twist (or, more accurately, a giant twist). It’s the tale of Boy, Girl, and Monsters—and no, not the metaphorical kind. Boy loves Girl, loses Girl, and then meets New Girl (because, clearly, we needed more drama). New Girl helps Boy deal with his trauma, because who doesn’t love a good “let’s bond over fighting giant creatures” moment?

But just when you think things might settle down, giant freaking monsters show up at the work retreat and absolutely wreck the place. Boy loses Girl AGAIN (this guy’s love life could use a time-out), gets some help from Yet Another Girl, then, of course, finds his Girl again. You’d think by now, they’d get a vacation... but no! Instead, they face even more insane monsters and barely manage to escape.

Then, just when you think things can’t get any crazier, they go all “monster-slaying superheroes” and, spoiler alert: they kick some serious monster ass.

This book was like a creature feature on steroids—wild, unpredictable, and thrilling to the point of exhaustion. I devoured it like a hungry monster. Highly recommend if you're into intense romance, epic battles, and, of course, work retreats from hell.

5 large stars. Because if you can survive this much chaos and still stand tall, you deserve a standing ovation.

[Josette Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot imagine the absolute terror that Owen and Michelle must have been feeling as they became under attack. The description of the monsters made them look like some otherworldly aliens. Not to mention the strength of muscle and smell these creatures must have had to hunt down human after human. When I am reading a tale of survival my stress level intensifies to the point where I can hear my heart beating and I zone in on reading the pages to see where the story is headed. The all consuming terror is real as the group of survivors scope all areas for a way off the island. The deeper the reader gets into the book the more bleak reality of death seems to appear. The author has such talent at describing the utter isolation and claustrophobic fear Michelle and Owen experience as they traverse those tunnels. The fear emanating off these two can be felt out of the pages, as though I were there with them and trying to find the strength to go on. There were many times I felt hopeless for Owen and Michelle as they met with each disaster. When they finally found a way off the island, I felt as though I had found the boat with them. This book was a truly immersive horror novel that is a must read.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am going to be honest, I started this on the 31st because real life sucks and when I say that I powered through it and actually missed out on sleep I am not exaggerating. ‘Zombie’ fiction and media can be difficult, you have to get a good balance between the humanity and human characters' struggles and the horror of the undead. Well you do for me to really become invested and let me tell you Daniel managed to capture my attention within the first two pages. As a self-proclaimed horror fan I was hooked. There’s blood, guts and undead for days. The characters are fantastic and most of all realistic to the situation, or at least how you think someone would act in the situation! 

The pace is brilliant given the genre and story. It’s also deadly (pun intended) because you quickly fall into one more chapter, one more page or just a few more minutes and suddenly it’s the early hours of the morning! To me that is the sign of a good novel if ever there was one. 

I won’t spoil anything but rest assured if you enjoy zombies (and references to zombie media), well written characters and impeccable horror this is for you.

As always thank you to Zooloo’s Book Tours for the copy to review. My review is always honest, truthful and freely given.

[Shane Crick · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Uninvited by Jonathan Daniel is quite an experience. The island setting was both captivating and eerie, providing a great backdrop for the story’s steady buildup of suspense. The plot does a wonderful job of gradually revealing the island’s mysteries, which kept me eager to see what would happen next.

Owen, the main character, and his sidekick, Michelle, stood out to me the most. Their struggles and decisions felt believable, making it easy to connect with them and root for their survival. I enjoyed how their relationship developed throughout the story, and the supporting characters also added some nice depth, even if I wished a few of them were explored a little more.

The creatures lurking around the island added to the suspense. Not all of my questions about them were answered, but that sense of the unknown worked well, keeping me intrigued and on my toes. Some scenes were quite vivid and had a cinematic quality, almost as if I was watching everything unfold rather than reading it.

The Uninvited offers an engaging and suspenseful read. It’s great for anyone who appreciates a mix of adventure, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural in their stories. If that sounds like your kind of thing, you'll want to sink your claws into this book. :D

[Pauline Render · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do like a good horror story, but I loved this one.
This book starts with a bang and then didn’t let up, keeping me almost gripped by the throat as I devoured the pages. Owen Decker is already struggling to overcome his terror of water but when he wakes to a scene of unimaginable horror, he finds himself fighting for his life on an island overrun by monsters. Finding some survivors of the horrific slaughter, he knows he has no choice but to fight to stay alive and escape from the island. I found Owen to be quite a complex character not only with his extreme fears but also his strength to force himself past them. The description of the island made me feel like I would love to be there but its inhabitants sent shivers of horror down my back. I spent most of my time reading this with a strong feeling of fear and tension, especially as I got closer to the end. The legend of the island and warnings about it just fuelled my anxiety for Owen and I really hoped he would survive.

The Uninvited was a fantastic read, and I’m truly hoping that Jonathan has plans to write a sequel.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Zooloo's Book Tours for this ARC.

At its core, this was a grim and gory creature feature with very little hope for the humans, and I am absolutely here for it. As someone who is terrified of water, I wish there had been more done with Owen's fear - I would have loved to have found the book really scary. There were moments of good tension, reminiscent of playing Alien: Isolation (niche reference? I hope not!), which were my absolute favourite bits. The hiding and listening... Ooh it was fun.

For my own inability to imagine things, I wish there had been a reference picture of the creatures, although I know that that is very much a me problem. The writing was very descriptive, but I need a visual aid to be able to conceive of new things. I think this would make a fantastic film, with the rollercoaster of emotions the characters go through and the immense scale of the visceral gore.

I really liked Jessica's storyline - it didn't go where I expected it to, and I enjoyed the surprise.

[Tanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Uninvited, written by Jonathan Daniel, is a gripping and intense horror. This is my second book by this author, and I was thoroughly entertained. Who doesn’t love zombies?!?!

The book quickly gets straight into the action. Owen decides to attend a work retreat to try to overcome a fear he has. A picturesque island, what can go wrong? Damn zombies, that's what! Owen teams up with other survivors to try to survive an unescapable island. Just when you think it couldn’t get any worse, wrong, it does.

Jonathan did a fantastic job with the imagery. What happened to the days of slow, staggering zombies that you could easily escape? LOL. I loved gore and the brutality. It was vividly written and had me quickly turning the page to see what happened next. It had my head spinning.

Thanks to Jonathan Daniel for gifting me an eARC of The Uninvited. I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Liz Brooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am grateful to have received an advanced reader copy of this book, and am leaving a review voluntarily. This was a fun, well written, easy read; gory, but "easy" as in easy to follow. There was plenty of detailed gore, which I appreciated, as it felt the author put a bit more attention into this element of the book some other authors do. I also appreciate the immediate onset of suspense, and the maintained suspense until the last few pages of the book. You will not get bored with this book. I did feel that it could have ended several times, but continued with more twists and turns and "surprises". Some readers will absolutely love this. Others like myself may feel a bit of an instinct to roll their eyes, but this is also typical of horror. Either way, it is still very fun!

[Rainbeaux Harvest · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Uninvited needs to be read in one sitting. I read this little by little. That was my mistake. The story started out fast-paced but slowed down. Owen was involved in a tragedy that took someone he loved. Now he's invited to an "island get-away" that is bringing back reminders of that fateful day in Thailand. Luckily, he invited his friend, Michelle, along to keep him company. Owen's never seen party crashers like the ones that showed up out of the jungle. Now he's in a fight for survival and a way off the island. I enjoyed the fast-paced, anxiety making, suspense towards the end of the story. Unfortunately, the ending was cheesy. It felt as if this was the easiest way to end the story.

[Cat B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good creature tale and this was outstanding! This would be the author's updated edition as the reviews I read of the original were very luke warm. The Uninvited: Author's Updated Edition was a thrill of a ride. The action starts immediately and the author has you by the throat and he never lets up. I could not wait to get to the next passage to see what was coming and I was never disappointed. There is everything a dedicated horror reader enjoys. No soft landing here, the gore is palatable as the action continues page after page. What a truly exhilarating read this was.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving my opinion of the tale.

[Hannah Boyland · Rating 5 out of 5]

It feels like it’s been a hot minute since I’ve read a horror, and this one did not disappoint. This book was all the right amounts of gory, terrifying and suspenseful. We learnt a bit about the main characters, not much, but enough to make you really root for them!
The writing style was PERFECT. I got sucked right into this one, and I honestly started to feel like I was stuck on the deserted island too (somebody tell my body that reading a book about monsters isn’t the same as experiencing them pls).
This book just had everything I love in horror films, I think I need to read allll of Jonathan’s books now.

[Marin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Summary:
Owen Decker survives the tragedy where he loses someone he loves. He develops the phobia of the ocean, and his therapist tells him to go on a trip to Bezeton island which would help him. But, Bezeton island has its own secrets, even the locals stay way. The arrival will turn into a fight for his own life.

Review:
"The Uninvited" is a fast paced horror, which will make you want to know more, want to know what happened to the everyone involved. Mine recommendation if you are in for a novel full of suspense and terryfing moments.

[Jeremy Fowler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gory grossness abounds in this thrill-ride novel!

This was genuinely full-tilt from start to finish. The action is almost immediate jumping straight into the thick of a massacre of epic proportions. Not only does this play out on a Romero style zombie epic, but the setting is like I Still Know What You Did Last Summer. Surrounded by water and creatures more deadly than anything, I had to devour this story to figure out what happens. The story is quick paced and doesn’t relent until the very end!

Perfect for fans of David Sodergren or Duncan Ralston!

[Jenny Coyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jonathan Daniel is so gifted in his ability to put the reader in the book. The descriptions of the creatures made me cringe in disgust. The details of dismemberment and gore were so vivid I could almost smell the creatures foul odors and the stench of the bodies left behind. I actually found myself holding my breath and internally jumping when Michelle and Owen were being persued.

This book is a horrifying, locked room scenario where even if help ever comes, no one can save you.

Thank you Jonathan Daniel. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kris Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a creature feature horror that hits in all the right places. It starts at a quick pace and doesn’t let up throughout the book. It’s short chapters and gory, visceral descriptions kept me focussed all way through. Something I really appreciated with this book that can be often missing from other body horror style books , was the human element. The characters were likeable and you end up rooting for them. Would definitely read more if this writers work - could not put it down

I received an advance review copy for free, from book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacquetta Harvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt I was dreaming and this is the most horrible nightmare I have ever had. Thank God I couldn't see the people or the resort, reading it was frightening. The poor people, the survivors struggling, trying to find escape from the island. 

Will Owen, Michelle, Dixon and Jessica make it and will they find more survivors? Will they get to the boat in time? Will they find a boat? Will they get away from the island? 

If you truly love terror, I promise you will love this book.

[Jesse Bollinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one heck of a survival horror novel. We have people trapped on an isolated island with bloodthirsty creatures. This book was full of carnage! I love the story and I really connected with the characters. I wanted them to survive the nightmare they found themselves in. I feel like this would make a great movie or video game. I think these creatures will haunt my nightmares for years to come.

[Jim Donohue · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a good, strong horror story, with some blood and gore, not to mention a really nice twist,
this is the book for you.
Jonathan Daniel has written a fast paced winner, with an actual plot, and made it very easy to follow ur protagonist to Bezelton Island, which has plenty of things to worry about. Just ask the people who live in the area.
By the way, did I mention that our guy is afraid of the water?
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to more from this author.

[Zacs Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read! if you love Thrillers with a twist!

A tragic tale of love, Epic fights, and of course MONSTERS!

This Exciting story of heroism, Love, and Terror had me jumping out of my seat, grasping at the pages wanting more. Jonathans world building and describing of each scene really captivates you and immerses you in the world he created.
I look forward to what this author has instore for the future.

[Sarah Wakeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thrilling, no‑breath moment kind of read—The Uninvited throws you into chaos from the first page and doesn’t let go. Readers describe it as action‑packed, suspense‑driven, and brimming with vivid creature horror that keeps your pulse racing. 

Perfect for anyone looking for a sharp, adrenaline-fueled horror escape that delivers non-stop intensity. A standout for fans who love survival stories and raw, creepy thrills. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Belinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. . .horror, gore and suspense everything needed to make a horror book complete. A couple of times I thought the story was winding down and then something even more nerve wracking would happen. A good read I definitely recommend

[Chelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is everything I want in a decent gory horror.
Fast paced, intriguing, well written.

A never ending nightmare.

I really enjoyed this.

Thank you Jonathan 😊