Crimson Shore

by Brenda Rothert

Power. Betrayal. A love that could save them all—or destroy everything.
Briar Hollis made her choice, but Blue Arrow Island doesn't forgive. It doesn't forget. And it sure as hell doesn't let you leave unscathed. The war for control of the brutal island is escalating, and now that Briar has allies at her side, the stakes have never been higher.

A new player has entered the game.
When a new prisoner arrives on the island's blood-soaked shores, the fragile balance of power shatters. The rules have changed. Survival now demands impossible choices. Briar is still learning to wield the power the island gifted her—but time is running out.

He shattered her heart. Now she's all that stands between him and oblivion.
The war between the island's ruthless leaders has turned personal, and Briar stands at the center of a storm whose destruction won't end at the shore. The man who destroyed her—whose lies cut deeper than any blade—harbors a power so volatile it could consume everything. But it's killing him from the inside out.
To defeat the darkness rising from the island's depths, Briar must do the trust the beautiful, broken man who taught her that love and betrayal are two sides of the same coin.

Genres: Dystopia, Forced Proximity, Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers

391 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Brenda Rothert is the author of more than thirty Contemporary Romance novels. You can learn more about her books at her website, www.brendarothert.com, which features teasers, excerpts and trailers for her books. Follow her here:

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Reviews

[taylor ❤️‍🔥 · Rating 5 out of 5]

crimson shore is the second book in the blue arrow island series, where the "new america" regieme has taken over, where using birth control can cause a woman to be sent to death, or live out their lives on a remote island where there are two groups fighting one another for survival. oh and did i forget to mention the islands inhabitants were scientific experiments of the government in attempts to build a perfect soldier?

being blindsided by one of the people she trusted the most we are back with briar on blue arrow island, where she is attempting to grapple with her feelings of hurt and betryal. despite her feelings, she is still racing against time to attempt to come up with a stabilizer for the injections the islands inhabitants have been getting in order to try and save them all. if you know brenda rothert it is never that simple. new problems arise, new villains are introduced and the non stop action always leaves you wondering what is going to happen next.

i could probably write a novella about all of the things i loved about this book but alas, i will try to control myself.

the biggest thing that stood out to me in this book was the actual maturity of the relationship between briar and marcus in this book. yes, marcus had his broody, "i have to protect her from me" moments but once those passed there was something we rarely see in any romance, or romance adjacent book: COMMUNICATION. like god, them actually being honest and having the conversations that needed to be had to resolve issues or talk about the future was a dream come true. and brenda, i seriously cannot thank you enough for the marcus POVs and flashbacks because it was truly *chefs kiss* 😚

the found family in this book really hit me straight in the heart. when we're introduced to briar in blue arrow island she has completely shut down her emotions, closing herself to anyone who attempted to actually get to know her. in crimson shore we get to see her walls start to come down brick by brick for those she has come to fiercely love and care for, and see her receive that love in return.

𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢 𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘦-𝘢𝘳𝘤 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸. ❤️‍🔥

[whatmarissareads · Rating 5 out of 5]

"People who are fighting to maintain control will always lose to people who are fighting for each other."

5⭐ 2🌶️

Rarely do I enjoy the sequel as much as the first book in a series but lemme tell you... I LOVED THIS BOOK EVEN MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! like WOW!
The twists and turns, and wtf is happening energy is SO STRONG in this book

I loved Briar in the first book but this one just proves she is one badass bitch.
Like she truly is willing to do whatever it takes to survive and protect the people she loves... even if it means sacrificing the things she holds dearest to her heart.

It's hard for me to review this without giving away any spoilers from the first book, but I LOVE her relationships, her friendships, the ying and yang she has with her love interest, I am so so so obsessed with their love and how they are both willing to sacrifice themselves in the name of love

The witty banter between them is LOL and I loved learning more about how the island has effected them. The secret society fighting against the new regime is SO ADDICTING! I'm so happy there will be more books because I am honestly so hooked on this series.

if dystopian is your jam? YOU NEED TO READ THIS!!!!!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW: Crimson Shore by Brenda Rothert

Crimson Shore is book 2 in the Blue Arrow Island series by Brenda Rothert and it was just as addictive and unhinged as book 1!

This book picks up right where book 1 left off. There is war on the island and Briar has been betrayed by someone she trusted. Now she is frantically working on a stabilizer that could potentially save everyone.

This story takes place in a dystopian, post apocalyptic New America where the rules have changed and life is no longer the way it used to be. This book is written in dual timeline and we get to see some of the characters’ backstories. This fast paced read has political intrigue, lots of action, secrets, betrayal, magic and a mysterious, unpredictable island. In my review of book 1, I described Blue Arrow Island as a mix of Survivor x Lost x The Hunger Games x The Handmaid’s Tale and I think that description definitely fits this book too. And the twist at the end of this one was a jaw dropper! This series doesn’t get nearly the hype it deserves in my opinion. I cannot wait to get my hands on book 3!! (⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫)

Thank you to Brenda Rothert for an opportunity to read an eARC of Crimson Shore. All opinions in this review are my own.

[A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this sequel so much! The added POVs were a great addition to the story, and also worked so well with getting some needed background on events. The way the flashbacks were done were very good and added so much to the story and explain why the characters are acting the way they are. I love the way the next book is set up at the end and I’m so excited to read it!!

Also, just a sidenote, but I think the funniest part about this book is that as I’m reading it, I forget that it’s in modern times then they’ll say something that I personally say and it makes me laugh 😂😂

[Kassie Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another 6 star for this one. Hands down amazing. Twists your mind and emotions. The second book hit me so much harder since you’re so close to the characters now. 🥲 the ending, finding out who nightingale is… wow. I literally would’ve NEVER suspected that, i thought i had an idea and was so wrong. Farewell blue arrow island, let’s see how our crew takes on new America

[CJ Smart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m convinced Brenda infuses crack into her books because they are so damn addictive. I started this today and finished it. So much for having self control and waiting until the third one is out. I’m literally clawing at the bars of my enclosure to get the next one NOW.
Briar and Mason are such a power couple it makes me giddy. They are both such strong personalities and are both hardheaded but they love each other so fiercely it just works.

Pls Brenda I NEED the next one asap!!!!!

4.75⭐️

[Larissa Gobert · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is book 2 in the series, and if you like dystopian, think lost meets hunger games and divergent and the 100 - you will like this!!!!
it is SO SO GOOD!!!! like could not put it down and can’t wait for the third one. this is the next thing to blow up on book tok. so go read it!!!!

[Chelsea Eckersley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to wait until September… with that cliffhanger????

What a journey these two books have been. I have no other words to describe how much I’ve loved this story.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my antidote - this series will alter my DNA permanently 🧬 💉

I believed in Brenda as much as I believed in B, and the way neither of them let me down in this second book of her new age dystopian series!!!! Thank you to our author and FMC for this journey, but the lead men don’t go without appreciation either!

Quick Synopsis:

Book 1: Blue Arrow Island - We are introduced to a world where a man-made airborne disease is created, is highly contagious and lethal. The government creates “New America”, a controlled system where women are forced into reproductive roles; our FMC being one of them. She secretly fights the patriarchy but once caught and deemed useless, she’s sent to exile on an island. On the island, we meet two opposing groups and are confused by who is good or bad, but get many answers as the story unfolds (but not all of them!). We have magical elements; characters tied to other living things that can help protect them! It’s full of twists and turns and ends on a cliffhanger that makes you beg for the next book. Good news for you is now you can read both back to back!

Book 2: Crimson Shore - The way this book took it to the NEXT level!! We start right where we ended, with trust needing to be rebuilt/figured out while the two groups battle each other. It’s jam packed with action that’ll have you flipping the pages so fast! In this book, we find out there is so much more going on that we couldn’t have ever imagined.

Things I love:

- rage against the corruptive system/ patriarchy
- teamwork and found family 🥹
- the way plants are honored!!! 🌱🌳
- short chapters
- character perspective chapters
- flashbacks (dual timeline) that you didn’t know you needed, that add beautiful layers to each character
- resolutions that were made and those that were left to be explored (perfect balance)
- the thoughtful spice 🌶️! It truly added to the story so much, without overpowering it.
- the COMMUNICATION between our FMC + MMC! After the initial mistrust, they end up talking things out for 90% of this book. If he starts to take control, she calls him out about their entire group being a team and he is quick to listen and learn. I love seeing her help him grow. No miscommunication trope here!
- The endless twists and turns I absolutely did not expect. The amount of times my jaw dropped!
- The ending!!! Thank you Brenda for your decisions on the ending. I was crossing every finger and toe certain things would happen and that I wouldn’t be left on too big of a cliffhanger, but just enough to have me CRAVING the next one!
- read in 2 days

Have I fallen in love with these characters and world? 100% yes!

Do I want it to be a movie?! YES YES YES! This should be hyped everywhere. Run to read and review!

Thank you to Brenda Rothert for an advanced copy (that I may have begged for) for an honest review!

[Uncaged Reads Uncaged Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every second of this journey. Dystopian fiction is having a massive year, and it’s a crime that Brenda Rothert isn't being talked about alongside the biggest TikTok sensations. Her Blue Arrow Island series is a hidden gem that deserves so much more hype. While the first book set the stage in August 2025, Crimson Shore—releasing May 19, 2026—raises the stakes in ways I didn't think possible.
The world-building here is masterfully executed. Post-apocalyptic New America is a chilling, patriarchal dictatorship—led by President Soren Whitman where women are reduced to their utility, and the consequences for defiance are brutal. I was completely immersed in the creativity of this world—from the desperate flashbacks of Briar traversing the states alone in search of her sister to the fascinating deep dive into Pax’s history off the island. I especially loved the addition of Marcus’s flashbacks; seeing his time with the Original 26 research team added such a necessary layer of depth to the history of the aromium. Seeing the government hierarchy expand really tied the whole political landscape together for me.
The plot picks up right after the intense ending of book one. I felt every bit of Briar’s hurt and betrayal over Marcus’s lies, all while the tension mounted as the clock ticked down to find a stabilizer for the aromium. What really struck me in this installment is Briar’s incredible resilience. She is so fiercely loyal and constantly strives to maintain her humanity in the face of such ugliness, even toward the people who have done nothing but cause her pain. I loved watching her realize that she has found a true family and friends, despite how much she originally tried to keep herself closed off to protect her heart. It’s fast-paced, high-stakes, and the emotional weight is heavy because the characters feel so real. Each person in this story has a distinct, relatable personality that kept me anchored to the page.
And that ending? A massive cliffhanger that has me questioning everything about one character’s true motives. I’ll be spiraling over that until book three drops! If I could give this book six stars, I would. Oh and it’s spicy! This series is not getting the love it deserves, but it absolutely should be at the top of everyone's TBR. I am counting down the days until the next installment later this year.
Pre-order Crimson Shore now and add to your TBR. Available May 19, 2026!

I want to thank @brendarothert for allowing me to read this amazing eARC. I truly feel honored to have had the privilege to read and review it.

[Glitched.Havok · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are fun and then some books completely wreck your emotional stability and leave you staring at the ceiling after finishing the last page. This series keeps doing that to me.
I loved the first book, but this one somehow hit even harder.

The stakes felt bigger, the betrayals hurt more, and the survival aspect had me fully invested the entire time. I am such a sucker for apocalypse stories with viruses, power struggles, impossible choices, and people trying to hold onto whatever humanity they have left, so this book was basically made for me.

Briar continues to be one of my favorite FMCs because she is strong without feeling untouchable. She has been through absolute hell and still somehow keeps her heart intact. Watching her grow into herself through everything Blue Arrow Island keeps throwing at her has honestly been one of the best parts of this series.

She fights when she needs to, protects the people she loves, and still carries so much emotion underneath it all.

Marcus still has me stressed out in the best way possible. Seeing Briar slowly pull pieces of humanity back out of him hurts so good because you can tell how badly he wants to be more than the man he became after the world fell apart.

The small moments with him hit the hardest. The smiles, the softer reactions, the moments where his guard slips for half a second. Their relationship constantly sits in that space where love and betrayal are tangled together and it makes every scene between them feel intense.

And Pax... yeah, I am still emotionally damaged over him. Getting his POV and seeing who he was before the virus compared to who he is now genuinely hurt my feelings a little. These characters are all so layered and broken in different ways that you cannot help getting attached to them.

The whole book gave me Resident Evil without zombies mixed with The 100 vibes with two sides needing to come together against something even worse, and I ate it up.

The science and virus aspects added so much depth to the story too. That stuff can get confusing really fast in books, but Brenda Rothert balanced it perfectly without making it feel overwhelming or too technical.

Also that ending was RUDE. Like excuse me??? I finished it and just sat there for a minute feeling personally attacked.

I need book 3 immediately because there is no way I am being left like this.

[Linnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crimson shore is the second book in the Blue Arrow Island series, and I'm so glad I got to read both back-to-back. BAI builds this dangerous, complicated world both on the island and on the mainland in a way that feels like you're sitting on the edge of your seat so hard that you'll fall off any second. This book takes that feeling and dials it up to 200.

As a testimant to that - I read this book in 4 days, which is insane for me. I couldn't do any of my other hobbies, I couldn't eat and work without thinking about the book, the cliffhanger I was left with (true for every single chapter) and what the next step is going to be. I was so into this book that my reactions were aloud and impossible to ignore.

That's what a really good book feels like - especially a 5 stars.

To get more into the details:

The main frustrating thing for me in the first book, was how unstable Briar and Marcus felt. They kept breaking up and coming back together and obsessing over the smallest things. In this book they realized the risks and how deep they go, and through that they find comfort and support in each other. They find a way to communicate in a way that is productive and creates a solution that can hold through the next possible drama. It felt really good seeing that, and dealing with fallouts much less.

The best thing in this book, however, is the expension of the world. Both in the bold choice to have more POVs, to see more of the past, to have this traveling sensation between different aspects and giving us a real look into the world, the other islands and what happened to the people who live in either of them. I think it allowed us to understand Marcus better as our MMC, and the world that Briar couldn't show us because she was isolated both as a college student and in Lochlan's house. It broadened the world so much and made it seem so much realer, that I'm estatic about going to the mainland in the next book and see how those politics come into action for our characters.

Thank you Hambright PR and Brenda Rothert for the eARC!

[Smutty Professor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crimson Shore picked up right where Blue Arrow Island left off, with Briar and Marcus trying to hold together a camp that was already barely surviving after everything that happened in book one. The island completely falls apart and suddenly every single problem somehow gets worse at the same time. Between the destruction, the shortages, the Rising Tide situation, and what started happening with New America, this book was so intense from beginning to end that it actually stressed me out! Blue Arrow Island was incredible, yet Brenda Rothert somehow made everything feel bigger and darker without losing what made me love these characters in the first place. There was never a time where things felt safe. Every time I thought they might finally catch a break, something else happened. It was all written so freaking well!

Briar is exhausted, angry, grieving, trying to protect everyone, and still refusing to lose her compassion. She made impossible decisions while still trying to hold onto her humanity. I was emotionally unwell over Marcus in this book. Everything involving Island Three and what happened after actually made me sick to my stomach. The clone storyline was INSANE and so much creepier than I expected. I also loved how morally complicated everything became. Nobody got to make easy choices there. The whole book constantly asks what people are willing to do to survive and whether they can still keep their humanity while doing it.

I loved finally getting more of the world outside the island because it somehow made everything feel even more terrifying. And that ending absolutely wrecked me. I need the next book immediately because there is no way I can just sit here and go back to reading romances after all of that. If I could give this one more than 5 stars, I absolutely would!

[InkedSirenXO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Advanced Copy received from Author

“Love and betrayal are two sides of the same coin.” And this book sharpened both edges until they cut straight through me.

Crimson Shore was absolute chaos in the best possible way. The tension on Blue Arrow Island feels like standing barefoot on cracked glass while a storm rolls in. Every chapter carried this heavy sense of danger, betrayal, and desperation that made it impossible to stop reading.

Briar continues to prove why she’s such a strong FMC. She’s bruised, angry, constantly forced into impossible choices, but she never breaks. Watching her fight to survive while carrying the emotional wreckage of everything Marcus put her through? Devastatingly good.

And Marcus… 😮‍💨
That man is the human equivalent of a lit match tossed into a gasoline-soaked prison island. Dangerous, broken, obsessive, and somehow still impossible not to love. The “don’t touch her” energy from him was feral. Every scene between Briar and Marcus felt loaded like a weapon waiting to fire.

The worldbuilding also leveled up hard in this installment. The island itself feels alive, brutal, and hungry. The shifting alliances, warring factions, and new player entering the game kept the stakes razor sharp the entire time. Nobody feels safe, and honestly? I loved the panic. 🖤

What really hit was the emotional conflict. This isn’t a clean romance. It’s messy, painful, and full of trust shattered into tiny jagged pieces. But underneath all the destruction is this desperate hope that love might still survive the wreckage.

If you love:
🖤 Dark dystopian romance
🏝️ Deadly island prison settings
⚔️ Warring factions
👑 Powerful morally gray MMCs
🫶 Found family
🔥 “Don’t touch her” obsession
💔 Betrayal + aching redemption arcs

…then Crimson Shore will drag you under willingly. And honestly? I’d let Marcus ruin my life just a little.

[Annie Tasaka · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝟰.𝟱 ⭐️𝗖𝗿𝗶𝗺𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲 (𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 #𝟮) 𝗯𝘆 𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘁.⁣
⁣
Quick catch up. A man made airborne virus killed thousands. New America is struggling and population is dwindling. Repopulation becomes priorities and women must procreate or else. Briar is convicted of using Birth Control to prevent pregnancy and is sent to exile on Blue Arrow Island. Things escalate quickly on the island. We meet two opposing tribes, the Tiders and The Dusk Walkers. It’s not obvious at first who are the good guys. Spoiler alert it was the Tiders. She falls for Marcus their leader, but he drops a bomb on her at the end of book one when she finds out he had a hand in creation the virus.‼️⁣
⁣
Oh and there’s magic on the island. She is connected to plants. Like literally. She can summons vines and do things with them like strangle someone and she can’t always control it. ⁣
⁣
Book 2 hits the ground running and picks up right where book 1 ended. There is trust to rebuild but the connection between our two MCs is still very strong. Like shake the earth strong. IYKYK 🔥This book is fast paced. A lot of questions will be answered and many more will be posed and I am intentionally vague here as not to spoil it for you.⁣
Briar and Marcus both drive this fight forward as equals. ⁣
⁣
“𝗪𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵, 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿?” 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗹𝘆. 𝗜 𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝘆 𝗯𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝘁𝗼𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿, 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁. “𝗜 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝘀𝗼. 𝗪𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻’𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗴𝘂𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆?” “𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗺𝗲, 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗵. 𝗔𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲.” “𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗳𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗲’𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲.” 🌱🐺❤️‍🔥⁣
⁣
We now know we are getting 4 books total in this series, with book 3 & 4 getting each new MCs. I don’t know who’s going to lead next but I love the Lost’s Jack & Sawyer vibes I got from Marcus and Pax on this one. I hope it’s not the last we see of Pax. 🤭⁣
⁣
Thank you to the author Brenda Rothert for sharing an advanced copy with me, all my opinions are my own.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was non stop action from the first page- the characters barely got a moment of peace. I devoured every page & finished it in ONE DAY that's how invested I was.

**Spoliers**







The fact that there was ONE smut scence in the entire book??
Also, having Marcus turn on his aromium for what perhaps besides the fact that it just killed him fasters? Like why did you do that- you would have done just fine without it.
There are a lot of unanswered questions and I felt like we didn't get too much closure with our MMC & FMC- the last two chapters they got married (no ring though), and then said goodbye to everyone and escaped on the boat to the mainland to find Brair's sister. The ending felt a little abrupt- and I wonder who is going to become the next main characters. Will they be on the island or with Brair and Marcus on the main land?
At least after the horrific volcano, the two tribes became one and focused on their common enemy- the president. Also the fact that there are multiple islands but somehow the island they are on have the worst resources- which I guess makes sense because they should have the aromium on at all times.

Justice for Pax though- the backstory with him, that he was actually in love with a girl and got trapped by his parents to live in a underground bunker from the virus when he would rather die then be without her. Poor man. I don't think he is on the same side as his parents. I liked getting the backstory of Brair & Marcus as well- getting to know what brought them to the island.

I LOVED the banter between Brair & Marcus- thank god they communicated. I love how action packed it was and I finished it in ONE DAY!

Excited to see what direction this series will take. I'll miss Brair & Marcus!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dystopian isn’t usually my go-to genre, and honestly, it’s not Brenda Rothert’s either—she’s best known for her romance novels (and this is her new dystopian series). That’s why I was so pleasantly surprised by this book! The pacing is spot on, and I loved the subtle blend of elemental abilites, animal companions (thanks to the amorium implant!), and just the right touch of sci-fi.

The characters are all fantastic in their own unique ways. I especially enjoyed watching Briar grow into a true leader over the course of the story. But my favorite character has to be Ellison. As the group’s medic, she brings such a strong mom vibe—her calm, nurturing presence is desperately needed during high-stakes moments (and there are plenty of those!).

As for tropes, this book checks so many boxes:

-Found family
-Elemental abilities
-Animal companions
-High stakes
-Bargains and betrayals
-Political intrigue
-Survive at all costs
- Rage against the patriarchy

One thing I really appreciated was how the story ties into real-world events—especially the highly communicable airborne virus affecting the globe and the clear parallels to modern politics. It added an extra layer of realism that made the stakes feel even higher and oddly relatable.

With the way things ended, I can’t wait to see how the group dynamics shift and what new challenges they’ll face in the next installment. If you’re looking for a dystopian read with heart, determination, and a cast you’ll want to root for, give this one a shot!

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Brenda Rothert for the eARC!! I really enjoyed Blue Arrow Island when I read it last year, and I think this series deserves so much more hype. If you like dystopian but haven’t read these yet then I would highly recommend them!! Before starting this book, I skimmed the first one again to refresh my memory, and I forgot how addictive the plot is.

One of my favorite things about this series is the world building. The island setting is so immersive and interesting, and I love the storyline surrounding the virus and the island itself. Brenda Rothert does such a good job creating a dangerous atmosphere where it constantly feels like something could go wrong at any moment. The twists are also so good because I never knew what was going to happen next.

Crimson Shore was so fast paced and addicting! The stakes felt even higher than before, and the characters were constantly fighting for their lives. Between all the action, twists, and chaos, I was so invested and couldn’t stop reading. I was so excited to see where the story would go next, and this book exceeded all my expectations.

Briar is such a strong FMC, and I loved seeing her continue to go to war for the people she cares about. I also really loved the romance in this book! I like that it isn’t the main focus of the story, but I was still so invested. The chemistry and tension were amazing, and I really loved seeing how much better the characters communicated in this book and how they were actually able to talk things out with each other. They felt like such a strong team in this book.

Overall, this was such a strong continuation to the series, and I can’t wait to see where Brenda takes this series in the future! Please pick up this series if you are looking for a unique and fast-paced dark dystopian romance!

[sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ Rating: 5⭐️
🫧 Vibes: surviving and alliances
🎶 Song: new americana - halsey
📖 Favourite Quote: "I’ll go anywhere and do anything. As long as I’m with you."
📚 Would I recommend? YES
💬 tldr thoughts: a great sequel filled with action and more secrets!

In the package:
📦 dystopian
📦 multiple POVs
📦 trapped on an island
📦 FMC who kicks ass

Plot: The war between the island's ruthless leaders has turned personal, and now both of them are struggling for survival. They must decide if they want to gain control of the island or form an alliance to beat the enemy. As Briar and Marcus search for clues and a cure, new secrets are uncovered.

Thoughts: The 2nd book was just as good as the first book! It was action-packaged and the pacing was great. I literally finished this in under 24hrs. There was less romance in this book but I'm not even mad about it because it worked. I enjoyed getting more POVs in this one and getting to learn more about Pax' past. We learn some very interesting things in this book so I'm very excited to see where this is going in the next one 👀 This is shaping up to be one of my favourite dystopian series right now!

Thank you Hambright PR and Brenda Rothert for the eARC!

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW ✨

When you think the story can’t get anymore crazy ….and then BOOM , just hit after hit after hit.

I was sitting there at the start like well this book it’s got to end better right? WRONG. You basically get to go through multiple emotions, most of them being “you’ve got to be kidding me” and then as you think it’s starting to work out it’s SIKE got you. If this was to happen irl I’m pretty sure we would all just be done.

Not only is this series super exciting and you just want to know what will happen next but the characters all have this special place in your heart where you find out things about them , and those thing change how you felt about them the whole time. This could be good or bad but either way it’s a huge eye opener.

Briar is still a badass FMC which we all love, watching her be so assertive , strong and caring all the same time is exactly what I look for in a FMC during situations like this book entails. And even though Marcus can be a little “come on man” at times I still love him so much.

The ending of this one was another cliffhanger but I think this cliffhanger takes the cake….because WHAT. I’m actually sitting here stressed, shocked and literally reeling from the turn of events during the book and now that ending has me reeling even more.

[Samantha Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Brenda Rothert for allowing me to continue to be an ARC reader in this series!

I have been patiently waiting for this book since I arc read the first one and had really high expectations. Brenda absolutely DID NOT disappoint!! I love, love, LOVE that this book really gave us more information about the island, the New America regime, and how everyone ended up in the positions they are in. I am completely invested in this story and am dying to know what happens next.

The ending. Ma'am. MA'AM. The last line in this book literally dropped my jaw. I was banging on my Kindle trying to get it to flip to the next page before I realized that was it. That's all we got. Now I don't know what to do with myself. This book answered so many questions but introduced just as many new ones.

Much like I said in my review for the first book, Blue Arrow Island, I just love Brenda's writing style. Her prose just flows so well and is so easy to read. She is a master of dual/multiple POV storytelling, and her ability to weave in all these intricate and interconnected details just blows me away. Brenda is an auto-buy author for me for sure, and I still think we should petition to make this a movie!!!

[Alli Carlson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Hambright PR and the author for the gifted ARC opportunity!

Crimson Shore is book 2 in the Blue Arrow Island series and WOW this series just keeps getting better.

I loved the addition of multiple POVs and flashbacks in this one. It added so much depth to the story and really expanded the world in a way that made everything feel bigger, darker, and even more immersive. We dive deeper into the history of how Old America became New America, meet new characters, and uncover so many layers to this dystopian world.

This book is anxiety-inducing in the best way — absolutely captivating and constantly keeping you on edge. One minute your heart is pounding and the next you’re swooning. It delivers both tension and emotional payoff so well.

You can genuinely see the author growing in confidence and skill from book one to book two. The story feels larger, sharper, and even more thoughtfully developed this time around. When the author announced this will be a four-book series, I got SO excited because I already need the next book immediately.

If you’ve been waiting for your next dystopian obsession… this is it.

[Amanda Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting… I literally could stop 🥵 DEVOURED IT.

Just like book 1, but deeper. More twists. Some more emotion. A LOT more backstory and background to what has happened. And much higher stakes. It picks up right where we left off.

The fmc, Briar, is still a top fav of mine. She is a badass, does not give up even when she wants to, and truly is someone you want to strive to be.
And Marcus. He has many sides, but I LOVE who he ends up being after opening up due to Briar’s love for him. It’s absolutely beautiful.

The side characters are still some of the best in this series! You end up loving them just as much as the main characters. They feel as though they’re family.

Things get messy in this second book, and the tension is HIGH. You’ll be worried. People will die. A lot of tragedies occur. The plot continues to thicken. It’s just so yummy you won’t want to put your kindle down.

Again, it’s a crime this series is so underrated! I’m ready for book 3 👹

Overall,
5 ⭐️
2 🌶️

Thank you so much to Hambright PR and Brenda for this advanced copy! I’m so excited to see where this goes 🩷

[Ashleyschaptersbookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect sequel. I swear there is something about dystopian books that completely rewires my brain and this series has me OBSESSED.

The tension and betrayals in this one? Painful. The amount of holy shit moments that kept happening?? I was stressed the entire time in the best way. Every single time I thought I had something figured out, something else would happen and suddenly I had a million new theories running through my head.

One of my favorite parts of this world is how everything comes down to fight or survive… and then watching that dynamic start to shift into having to choose one or the other. That survival aspect feels so important to this series and it adds this constant pressure and desperation underneath everything happening.

I also really loved seeing Briar continue to grow into herself while still carrying the weight of everything happening around her. The emotional side of this story hit so well too. The anger, betrayal, trust issues, love… it all felt messy and intense in the best way.

And listen… if I was shoved into a dystopian world, I would absolutely want Marcus at my side because hot damn.

This one somehow felt darker and even more addicting than the first book and now I’m sitting here needing the next one immediately because WHAT WAS THAT ENDING.

Thank you so much to the author for the eARC.

[Madeline Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

THIS is how you do a dystopian novel!!
Just like the first, I absolutely flew through this book, she has a way of immersing you into this alternative world and story in a way that’s frighteningly realistic and un-put-downable!! The entire book was high stakes with so much on the line, complex scientific experiments and political structure, found family, with the perfect balance of romance was just chefs kiss perfection. The inclusion of the flashback chapters of some of the characters pre-virus/beginning of virus life provided so much insight into the structure of the world. It’s been hard to find a book lately where I literally just cannot fathom putting it down until I finished and this one definitely accomplished that. Kinda sad to be leaving the island but I have a feeling we are truly in for a wild ride as these characters take on New America. (Also I definitely need a Marcus pax bromance in the next book pleaseee).


Thank you to Brenda Rothert for providing me with an advanced copy of Crimson Shore, the thrilling sequel to her debut Dystopian Blue Arrow Island!

[Brooke Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Screaming, crying and throwing up! 🤯
Holy hot fire balls this was sooooo freaking good.
And that ending??
Brenda, what the hell are you doing to me!
Somehow the second book is better than the first!
So many things uncovered, questions answered and even more mysteries have come to light.
I’m going to think about this series on repeat until the third book comes, because I’m obsessed with these characters.
Briar has leveled up in so many ways, and I know once she gets her revenge it’s going to be bloody beautiful.
Marcus is actually everything, getting more of his point of view this time round has been an absolute treat and I’ve been stressing if I’m going through perimenopause, because everyone of his chapters cause major hot flashes. 🤣🤣🤣
Side characters I know we have been given insights into make the third book even more exciting!
Amira for one, like holy shit! What was that ending??
And Pax??? 👀👀👀
Thank you so much for the ARC HambrightPR and Brenda Rothert!
I’m going to cry in the corner until September!
🌶️.5 more chill in this book.
❤️❤️❤️

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you looking for a DARK DYSTOPIAN ROMANCE? Because I have a new FAVOURITE!!

This is the sequel to the first book, Blue Arrow Island, which I'm also obsessed with!! In this one the war for control of the brutal island is escalating, and to defeat the darkness rising from the island's depths, Briar must trust the beautiful, broken man who taught her that love and betrayal are two sides of the same coin.

Unlike a lot of sequels, which can be a let down, this book ABSOLUTELY delivered!! There was non-stop action and tension, new obstacles to overcome, new POVs, plus we also get a little more insight into a few of the characters and how they ended up exiled on Blue Arrow Island. I was on the edge of my seat, heart racing as I read through this incredibly addictive novel! I'm already so excited to read these two books while anxiously awaiting the next one!

This one finishes on a bit of a cliffhanger, however, the romantic arc is resolved by the end, and the next installment will feature new MCs.

[Nicole Geneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ★

Crimson Shore picks up right where we left off in Blue Arrow Island and the action and plot twists don't stop. Every time I think I might have things figured out, Brenda drops another twist that sends you reeling.

I loved the additional POVs we're given, as well as the the jumps back in time that give us a better understanding of all the characters. It really makes you question how you feel about certain characters and why they do the things they do.

Marcus. I really love that broody, tortured, martyr of a man. I do wish we got a bit more tension between him and Briar in this book, and that's the only reason why this isn't a full blown 5 stars for me.

Despite all the stress Brenda puts you through, there's still plenty of moments with comedic relief that had me giggling. I love the expansion of the world and where things are headed in book three, and I still have SO many questions. Anyone who loves dystopian absolutely needs to read this series.

Thank you to Brenda and Hambright PR for the eARC!

[Emily || Bookstagram🎀 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crimson Shore Arc
There’s 100+ people forced to be on this prison island that is alive in its own way. Everyone’s trying to survive and find a way to escape but there’s danger at every turn.

i’m absolutely obsessed with this story line and plot. Everything about it pulls me in! From the intense controlling government and scientists to the connection between other prisoners. There’s even a rival campsite that has evil morals. it’s action packed from environmental issues to human to human, and straight up survival instincts that keep you aware and alert 24/7. Absolutely exhausting and i ate it up!!

It’s all intense and action packed and i cannot recommend this book enough !! Loved every single chapter, Brenda you out did yourself with this series so far 😍 i truly root for Marcus and Briar hard core!

🐚Dark Dystopian Romance
🐚“Don’t Touch Her”
🐚Island Prison
🐚Found Family
🐚Strong Fmc
🐚Waring Factions
🐚Spicy
🐚Tropical Vibes

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏝️ ARC REVIEW 🔥

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

🌊 I absolutely LOVED this 2nd book! 😍😍😍 the story went ways I was not expecting and it made me want to continue to read more! Loved the dystopian/sci-fi vibes,
multiple POVs, and learning more about these characters! Anxiously waiting for book 3 now… 🌿🧬

A few of my favorite quotes…

💪🏼 “But I’ve never been great at blindly following anyone’s lead.” “You won’t be letting me do anything. I make my own choices.”

❤️‍🔥 “Over the years since the virus came, my raging, fiery river of fury has poured itself into a mold with one purpose: hardening me into the warrior I’ve needed to become. Hell hath no fury like a woman forged.”

🍃 “I want to hug him and scream at him at the same time.”

🫶🏼 “Life is too short to spend any of it hating yourself. I’ve been down that road, and it kept me from letting myself live. Everyone makes mistakes. I don’t hate you at all. So don’t hate yourself.”