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The Dreaming at the Drowned Town
Hired to accompany a wandering American journalist in search of curious and exotic stories in the Philippine Islands, local guide and translator Enrique is no stranger to the bizarre. Yet his greatest peril comes not from their travels, but when he closes his eyes—every night, Enrique is trapped in a world of vivid, harrowing nightmares. The dead call out to him, begging him to watch them die.
When an ancient town mysteriously emerges off the coast of Leyte, Enrique has no choice but to follow his employer to investigate. But as the expedition unravels, so too does the boundary between dreams and reality. With the island’s dark secrets coming to light, Enrique must face the horrors of its past before he too is claimed by the Drowned Town.
When an ancient town mysteriously emerges off the coast of Leyte, Enrique has no choice but to follow his employer to investigate. But as the expedition unravels, so too does the boundary between dreams and reality. With the island’s dark secrets coming to light, Enrique must face the horrors of its past before he too is claimed by the Drowned Town.
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2025
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
The Brothers K
2 books15 followersTHE BROTHERS K are a sibling-author duo based in Cebu City, Philippines with a deep shared passion for storytelling. Since an early age, both have been captivated by immersive worlds crafted by others, nurturing a deep desire to weave tales of their own. Now, their dreams have become reality with their debut novel, "Answering the Human Question: A Gnome's Essays on Mankind."
Their name pays homage to the classic 1880 novel "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, whom they consider one of their all-time favorite authors and thinkers.
Their name pays homage to the classic 1880 novel "The Brothers Karamazov" by Fyodor Dostoevsky, whom they consider one of their all-time favorite authors and thinkers.
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December 14, 2025The Dreaming at the Drowned Town is a book perfect for the spooky season with its case file and journal log mode of storytelling and an atmospheric, ominous writing style. I love how the narration and descriptions align with the setting and story, with a sense of foreboding that creeps into your skin. I don't usually gravitate towards horror because I live alone and my active imagination but this book interested me with its premise and it delivered in making me vigilant at night.
While the horrors of the book painted a solid picture, I feel that the creep factor could be amped a bit, not just to crawl under the reader's skin but to whisper in the reader's ear. I like how the journal log format establishes an authentic mode of storytelling and sets each scene with the appropriate atmosphere but I wish the dialogue to maintain the consistency of the setting in order to complement each other more.
Overall, The Dreaming at the Drowned Town is a compelling story about how the horrors of the past linger as ghosts of the present.
While the horrors of the book painted a solid picture, I feel that the creep factor could be amped a bit, not just to crawl under the reader's skin but to whisper in the reader's ear. I like how the journal log format establishes an authentic mode of storytelling and sets each scene with the appropriate atmosphere but I wish the dialogue to maintain the consistency of the setting in order to complement each other more.
Overall, The Dreaming at the Drowned Town is a compelling story about how the horrors of the past linger as ghosts of the present.
September 16, 2025
It was past midnight when I finished reading The K Brothers' latest masterpiece, "The Dreaming of the Drowned Town". Describing it being as a good read is an understatement.
Having read the K Brothers' Shadow of the Basilisk, I was already expecting the same kind of narration. The same tone. While their previous book was set on the future, this one was dated back to 1924. The prologue started with an incident report to introduce our main character, Enrique, and to foreshadow the suspenseful theme of the novel, of the horrific things to come.
The chapters were written as journal entries, a first person POV, a manifesto of the authors' creativity and ingenuity to tell Enrique's tale.
Both authors are also from Cebu, so it doesn't surprise me that their book has many historical details about the nearby topographical areas, and their histories. It does make me want to visit Cebu and its museums one of these days 😊.
The K Brothers' passion for their craft is inspiring for me, as a fellow writer, because it must have taken them a lot of research to come up with these ideas. The technical, historical, and geographical knowledge just to make the backbone of this book is quite impressive, that it makes me want to look for references, too.
I have to really admire the way the authors have written this. It's like the two brothers combined their minds and their hands. Since I have been following them, I already know that Kevin has expertise in aviation; therefore, machines, physics, etc; while Kyle in the area of human psychology. Like Shadow of the Basilisk, this novel showcased again their usual theme of technical mastery and psychology.
How they describe the scenes were also impressive. The psychological part-- just hair rising! Chilling to the sense that it was cooked up to perfection! Truly, the K Brothers are masters of their craft!
All in all, historical psychology is not my cup of tea, but again, the K Brothers have crafted this tale expertly, that yes, this is indeed a treasure to behold in my personal bookshelf.
Having read the K Brothers' Shadow of the Basilisk, I was already expecting the same kind of narration. The same tone. While their previous book was set on the future, this one was dated back to 1924. The prologue started with an incident report to introduce our main character, Enrique, and to foreshadow the suspenseful theme of the novel, of the horrific things to come.
The chapters were written as journal entries, a first person POV, a manifesto of the authors' creativity and ingenuity to tell Enrique's tale.
Both authors are also from Cebu, so it doesn't surprise me that their book has many historical details about the nearby topographical areas, and their histories. It does make me want to visit Cebu and its museums one of these days 😊.
The K Brothers' passion for their craft is inspiring for me, as a fellow writer, because it must have taken them a lot of research to come up with these ideas. The technical, historical, and geographical knowledge just to make the backbone of this book is quite impressive, that it makes me want to look for references, too.
I have to really admire the way the authors have written this. It's like the two brothers combined their minds and their hands. Since I have been following them, I already know that Kevin has expertise in aviation; therefore, machines, physics, etc; while Kyle in the area of human psychology. Like Shadow of the Basilisk, this novel showcased again their usual theme of technical mastery and psychology.
How they describe the scenes were also impressive. The psychological part-- just hair rising! Chilling to the sense that it was cooked up to perfection! Truly, the K Brothers are masters of their craft!
All in all, historical psychology is not my cup of tea, but again, the K Brothers have crafted this tale expertly, that yes, this is indeed a treasure to behold in my personal bookshelf.
October 22, 2025
I wasn't sure what to expect when I decided to read THE DREAMING AT THE DROWNED TOWN by the Brothers K. I own other books by the writing duo, but they are, alas, still on my to-be-read list. I was expecting a spooky horror story, and while there were certainly some uncanny elements, it wasn't scary in the way of traditional horror novels.
Instead, what you get is a suspenseful mystery where you don't know if the main character is being toyed with by supernatural forces or going insane. The case could be made for either—or both!
ABOUT THE BOOK
A mysterious island emerges from the sea off the coast of Leyte in the aftermath of an earthquake, one with houses in the Spanish colonial style, but which no one remembers the existence of. Tour guide and translator Enrique must accompany his employer, an American journalist, to explore the ruins. Along with them are the employer’s new Filipina wife, an American sympathizer who told them about the island in the first place, a grumpy boat captain, and officials from the nearest town. Except that Enrique keeps having strange, ominous dreams. And the members of their expedition start dying or going missing.
THINGS I LOVED ABOUT THIS READ:
🩵 The antiquated language. The story takes place in the early 20th century, during the American occupation of the Philippines. And apart from the prologue and epilogue, it's written from the point of view of Enrique, the main character—essentially, entries from his journal. The language feels almost gothic—think Jane Eyre-ish in its contemplation over spirits and sanity. I was reminded of the way my grandfather would write his memoirs in terms of cadence and word choice.
🩵 The mystery and suspense. I'm glad this wasn't really a horror story, as instead of filling me with dread, I found myself turning page after page because I needed to know what happened next, if the theories I was guessing at were correct. Enrique's fears of madness given his haunted dreamings and spiking paranoia, added to that sense of questioning "is it supernatural or mental illness?" Which I thought was a great touch.
🩵 Resonance. This story is set about a century in the past. But many of the struggles depicted in the story still hold true today. That includes government corruption, white supremacy, machismo and chauvinism, transactional relationships, and red flags galore. So even though this story and I were divorced in space and time, there were sentiments I could very much identify with.
🩵 Guessing game. I found myself analyzing many of these characters as I read, trying to decide who was innocent, who was guilty, who was something in between. And who was going to die, in what order! Haha. And I found myself correct on many counts, including the biggest reveal. So I ended the book with a hefty dose of smugness.
THINGS I DIDN'T LOVE:
😰 There were some parts of the story, especially in the first half of the book, that I feel got a lot more verbal real estate than was strictly needed. They were a bit distracting, and not in the way red herrings are. But to be honest, I'm not all that mad about them. Just nitpicking the slightest bit.
__
All in all, this was a quick, satisfying, and slightly creepy read for me—I finished it in about a day. And I'm glad I accepted an electronic ARC from the authors and joined the Book Chickas PH Book Tour to promote it, as it's a great pick for an October read (but would work any other time of the year too).
Instead, what you get is a suspenseful mystery where you don't know if the main character is being toyed with by supernatural forces or going insane. The case could be made for either—or both!
ABOUT THE BOOK
A mysterious island emerges from the sea off the coast of Leyte in the aftermath of an earthquake, one with houses in the Spanish colonial style, but which no one remembers the existence of. Tour guide and translator Enrique must accompany his employer, an American journalist, to explore the ruins. Along with them are the employer’s new Filipina wife, an American sympathizer who told them about the island in the first place, a grumpy boat captain, and officials from the nearest town. Except that Enrique keeps having strange, ominous dreams. And the members of their expedition start dying or going missing.
THINGS I LOVED ABOUT THIS READ:
🩵 The antiquated language. The story takes place in the early 20th century, during the American occupation of the Philippines. And apart from the prologue and epilogue, it's written from the point of view of Enrique, the main character—essentially, entries from his journal. The language feels almost gothic—think Jane Eyre-ish in its contemplation over spirits and sanity. I was reminded of the way my grandfather would write his memoirs in terms of cadence and word choice.
🩵 The mystery and suspense. I'm glad this wasn't really a horror story, as instead of filling me with dread, I found myself turning page after page because I needed to know what happened next, if the theories I was guessing at were correct. Enrique's fears of madness given his haunted dreamings and spiking paranoia, added to that sense of questioning "is it supernatural or mental illness?" Which I thought was a great touch.
🩵 Resonance. This story is set about a century in the past. But many of the struggles depicted in the story still hold true today. That includes government corruption, white supremacy, machismo and chauvinism, transactional relationships, and red flags galore. So even though this story and I were divorced in space and time, there were sentiments I could very much identify with.
🩵 Guessing game. I found myself analyzing many of these characters as I read, trying to decide who was innocent, who was guilty, who was something in between. And who was going to die, in what order! Haha. And I found myself correct on many counts, including the biggest reveal. So I ended the book with a hefty dose of smugness.
THINGS I DIDN'T LOVE:
😰 There were some parts of the story, especially in the first half of the book, that I feel got a lot more verbal real estate than was strictly needed. They were a bit distracting, and not in the way red herrings are. But to be honest, I'm not all that mad about them. Just nitpicking the slightest bit.
__
All in all, this was a quick, satisfying, and slightly creepy read for me—I finished it in about a day. And I'm glad I accepted an electronic ARC from the authors and joined the Book Chickas PH Book Tour to promote it, as it's a great pick for an October read (but would work any other time of the year too).
October 27, 2025
Introduction
“The Dreaming at the Drowned Town” by authors -The Brothers K- is a brooding, immersive novel blending history, dream, and existential horror. Below is an in-depth review showcasing the narrative’s rich character work, haunting atmosphere, and powerful thematic undertones.
Stranded in Memory and Guilt
Set on a mysterious island that rises from the sea with every tremor, the story follows survivors of a doomed expedition. Their struggle is not only against physical dangers but also surreal visions permeating their dreams and reality. The protagonist, Enrique, is plagued by guilt, haunted by people he failed—lost friends, a distant father, even a bellhop from memories past—a vivid metaphor for the weight of history and unresolved grief.
A Cast of the Damned
The cast is a motley group: Ava, a nurse wracked by remorse for failing her employer Ponciano; Lita, enigmatic and capable of ruthless decisions; Mr. Thomas, the American outsider; Verdugo, a corrupt constable; and Joe, a novice sailor. The deaths among their party—grisly, suggestive, or unclear—leave the survivors hunting not only for answers but also for redemption and escape. Each character is layered, their histories and motivations entangled in the horrors that unfold and the island’s spectral presence.
Dreams and Disintegration
The book blurs dream and waking, sanity and madness. Enrique’s feverish dreams echo real events, foretelling deaths and exposing hidden desires and violence. Ghosts, locked doors, drowned towns, and sacrificial rituals swirl together, making reality unreliable. At times, the dreams reveal truths too unbearable to face, pushing Enrique and the others toward existential crisis and moral ambiguity. The narrative’s surreal structure mirrors the characters' fraying minds and the supernatural pressure of the island.
Colonial Shadows and Surreal Geography
The setting is as much a character as the people—a place carved by layers of imperial history, shifting between Spanish, American, and native influences. Castilian ruins rise above the waves; native relics and foreign artifacts dot the landscape. The narrative uses this geography to evoke the enduring trauma of colonialism, revolution, and exile. The town’s drowned past and the ghosts that populate Enrique’s visions reflect a people and land scarred by events beyond the living’s understanding or control.
Survival, Sacrifice, and the Unquiet Dead
As the story spirals toward its climax, the survivors are confronted by choices: sacrifice, betrayal, violence, and the inability to fully trust or know one another. The recurring motif—“watch us die”—is both a demand from the dead and a rebuke to the living. The act of witnessing, refusing to turn away from suffering, becomes both curse and salvation. The lock, the dreams, and the rituals underline the price of survival in a world where old wounds never heal, and where justice and guilt reverberate across generations.
This poetic, unsettling work demands close reading, rewarding its audience with emotional intensity, moral complexity, and haunting prose.
“The Dreaming at the Drowned Town” by authors -The Brothers K- is a brooding, immersive novel blending history, dream, and existential horror. Below is an in-depth review showcasing the narrative’s rich character work, haunting atmosphere, and powerful thematic undertones.
Stranded in Memory and Guilt
Set on a mysterious island that rises from the sea with every tremor, the story follows survivors of a doomed expedition. Their struggle is not only against physical dangers but also surreal visions permeating their dreams and reality. The protagonist, Enrique, is plagued by guilt, haunted by people he failed—lost friends, a distant father, even a bellhop from memories past—a vivid metaphor for the weight of history and unresolved grief.
A Cast of the Damned
The cast is a motley group: Ava, a nurse wracked by remorse for failing her employer Ponciano; Lita, enigmatic and capable of ruthless decisions; Mr. Thomas, the American outsider; Verdugo, a corrupt constable; and Joe, a novice sailor. The deaths among their party—grisly, suggestive, or unclear—leave the survivors hunting not only for answers but also for redemption and escape. Each character is layered, their histories and motivations entangled in the horrors that unfold and the island’s spectral presence.
Dreams and Disintegration
The book blurs dream and waking, sanity and madness. Enrique’s feverish dreams echo real events, foretelling deaths and exposing hidden desires and violence. Ghosts, locked doors, drowned towns, and sacrificial rituals swirl together, making reality unreliable. At times, the dreams reveal truths too unbearable to face, pushing Enrique and the others toward existential crisis and moral ambiguity. The narrative’s surreal structure mirrors the characters' fraying minds and the supernatural pressure of the island.
Colonial Shadows and Surreal Geography
The setting is as much a character as the people—a place carved by layers of imperial history, shifting between Spanish, American, and native influences. Castilian ruins rise above the waves; native relics and foreign artifacts dot the landscape. The narrative uses this geography to evoke the enduring trauma of colonialism, revolution, and exile. The town’s drowned past and the ghosts that populate Enrique’s visions reflect a people and land scarred by events beyond the living’s understanding or control.
Survival, Sacrifice, and the Unquiet Dead
As the story spirals toward its climax, the survivors are confronted by choices: sacrifice, betrayal, violence, and the inability to fully trust or know one another. The recurring motif—“watch us die”—is both a demand from the dead and a rebuke to the living. The act of witnessing, refusing to turn away from suffering, becomes both curse and salvation. The lock, the dreams, and the rituals underline the price of survival in a world where old wounds never heal, and where justice and guilt reverberate across generations.
This poetic, unsettling work demands close reading, rewarding its audience with emotional intensity, moral complexity, and haunting prose.
December 10, 2025
"...for only the damned could possibly know that a life beyond condemnation exists."
Enrique was hired to be a guide and a translator to an American man, together with his wife. As they heard rumors about this mysterious ancient town, they set out to investigate and explore the island but strange things started happening.
Ngl, I made the mistake of starting this before bed because my brain cells were not comprehending things at first. Writing style took me awhile, maybe around 10%, before I got used to it considering this novel was set during the American regime.
First off, I am a character-driven reader so I love to connect to the characters, see myself in their background, mindset, behaviors, etc. but in this book, I was a plot-driven reader. I honestly did not connect to any of the characters, even our narrator. I just didn't care for any of them. However, what kept me going was the whole mystery surrounding the island.
The dreams and the diary entries are not as seamless as I would've liked. I wished we had a line divider or something to indicate it's separate, because I always get confused with it, or maybe it's a me problem? I had to reread a few sentences or paragraphs to fully grasp wtf is happening, but hey, like I said I was reading this before bed so that might also factor in. Take it with a grain of salt.
Mind you, I was reading one diary journal entry a night before bed so I was up making different theories like: Enrique is an unrealiable character, can Enrique astral project like Piolo from Mallari, what's with the 'sulfur' smell the island seemed to gave off, and many more. I lost sleep, but worth it.
This book surprised me in a good way because I did not expect the plot twist. Very rare for a book to surprise me nowadays.
It's slow burn, not your typical horror story, there's not much jump scares (I was scared at times ngl) but there's a lot of gory details that squeamish people should avoid. Though at first I was like, hmm does this book needs a trigger warning or something? But you know what, sure, but it'll spoil a lot of things. I love the setting though, the authors gave off enough details that feels very eerie and atmospheric but doesn't overwhelm you with information.
Enough yapping.
This is my first book from these authors and I am looking forward to reading their work.
Enrique was hired to be a guide and a translator to an American man, together with his wife. As they heard rumors about this mysterious ancient town, they set out to investigate and explore the island but strange things started happening.
Ngl, I made the mistake of starting this before bed because my brain cells were not comprehending things at first. Writing style took me awhile, maybe around 10%, before I got used to it considering this novel was set during the American regime.
First off, I am a character-driven reader so I love to connect to the characters, see myself in their background, mindset, behaviors, etc. but in this book, I was a plot-driven reader. I honestly did not connect to any of the characters, even our narrator. I just didn't care for any of them. However, what kept me going was the whole mystery surrounding the island.
The dreams and the diary entries are not as seamless as I would've liked. I wished we had a line divider or something to indicate it's separate, because I always get confused with it, or maybe it's a me problem? I had to reread a few sentences or paragraphs to fully grasp wtf is happening, but hey, like I said I was reading this before bed so that might also factor in. Take it with a grain of salt.
Mind you, I was reading one diary journal entry a night before bed so I was up making different theories like: Enrique is an unrealiable character, can Enrique astral project like Piolo from Mallari, what's with the 'sulfur' smell the island seemed to gave off, and many more. I lost sleep, but worth it.
This book surprised me in a good way because I did not expect the plot twist. Very rare for a book to surprise me nowadays.
It's slow burn, not your typical horror story, there's not much jump scares (I was scared at times ngl) but there's a lot of gory details that squeamish people should avoid. Though at first I was like, hmm does this book needs a trigger warning or something? But you know what, sure, but it'll spoil a lot of things. I love the setting though, the authors gave off enough details that feels very eerie and atmospheric but doesn't overwhelm you with information.
Enough yapping.
This is my first book from these authors and I am looking forward to reading their work.
November 22, 2025
The Dreaming at the Drowned Town is a wild ride of a story told through the diary of Enrique Castaño, a Filipino translator in 1924 who is haunted by some truly horrific nightmares. He gets hired to guide his American journalist boss, Mr. Thomas, and his new wife, Lita, to a mysterious island that just popped up from the bottom of the sea. They assemble a small, tense group to go with them, and things go wrong. People start dying, reality blurs, and Enrique’s awful dreams seem to be bleeding into the real world, leaving him and the reader trying to figure out what’s real and what’s just in his head.
The writing just floors you. The choice to use Enrique’s diary was a great decision. Readers are stuck right inside this guy’s head, and it is not a nice place to be. I felt his paranoia. The Brothers K absolutely nail the atmosphere. It’s sticky. It’s hot. You can smell the sulfur from the island and the rot from Enrique’s dreams. The way his nightmares just bleed into the story, you start to question everything. I found myself re-reading parts, thinking, “Wait, did that actually happen, or did he just dream it?” It’s a total head-trip. I loved feeling so completely unmoored.
It’s not just a simple ghost story. It’s a deep dive into the messy, complicated world of the American-occupied Philippines. You have the old revolutionary boatman. You have the American boss who thinks he’s bringing enlightenment. You have the corrupt local constable. All these people are just trapped on this island, and their real-world drama gets swallowed by this huge, ancient, creepy-crawly horror. The betrayals just keep stacking up. I thought I knew what was happening, then the story just pulls the rug out. Then it pulls another rug out. Lita’s character, in particular, is just a masterpiece of twists. I honestly didn’t know who to root for by the end. It really makes you think.
I was completely hooked. My heart was pounding. I felt genuinely unsettled when I put it down. This is not some light, breezy read. This is a book that demands your full attention, and it will haunt you for a while after you finish. It’s a puzzle. It’s a nightmare. It’s brilliant. If you like your horror smart, historical, and deeply weird, you have to pick this up.
The writing just floors you. The choice to use Enrique’s diary was a great decision. Readers are stuck right inside this guy’s head, and it is not a nice place to be. I felt his paranoia. The Brothers K absolutely nail the atmosphere. It’s sticky. It’s hot. You can smell the sulfur from the island and the rot from Enrique’s dreams. The way his nightmares just bleed into the story, you start to question everything. I found myself re-reading parts, thinking, “Wait, did that actually happen, or did he just dream it?” It’s a total head-trip. I loved feeling so completely unmoored.
It’s not just a simple ghost story. It’s a deep dive into the messy, complicated world of the American-occupied Philippines. You have the old revolutionary boatman. You have the American boss who thinks he’s bringing enlightenment. You have the corrupt local constable. All these people are just trapped on this island, and their real-world drama gets swallowed by this huge, ancient, creepy-crawly horror. The betrayals just keep stacking up. I thought I knew what was happening, then the story just pulls the rug out. Then it pulls another rug out. Lita’s character, in particular, is just a masterpiece of twists. I honestly didn’t know who to root for by the end. It really makes you think.
I was completely hooked. My heart was pounding. I felt genuinely unsettled when I put it down. This is not some light, breezy read. This is a book that demands your full attention, and it will haunt you for a while after you finish. It’s a puzzle. It’s a nightmare. It’s brilliant. If you like your horror smart, historical, and deeply weird, you have to pick this up.
September 17, 2025
The story focuses on Enrique, as the narrator (using First POV throughout the story) and the retelling of what he had written in his surviving journal during the American colonial era, on his unforgettable and horrifying experience to become a guide and translator to the ambitious American journalist Mr. Thomas, accompanied by his young and innocent-looking Filipina wife, Lita Balete, to explore the mysterious island, "Lazarus Point." As Mr. Thomas was encouraged and strongly convinced by Joe, a stranger whom the married couple met in one gathering once, and told them about the existence of an island that seemed to be oblivious or a part of renowned local legend in their place. But little did they know, what they were about to discover upon visiting the place will cost tragic incidents and will push Enrique to doubt upon his own sanity. If what he had witnessed first hand is for real. Or it is already part of his own madness of believing that certain dreams - or rather nightmares - could come true.
What piqued my interest in reading this story (as one of the invited ARCs), is how vivid the way Enrique described in details - of what he has written in journal - the entire events that happened from his first encounter with the married couple until they met Joe and other people connected to their adventure to the mysterious island. As well as making us relearn and reminisce some parts of our colorful historical past by what each character and places represented in the story.
So if you are into stories of mystery, adventure, crime, horror, and supernatural thrillers fused with our own local historical culture and traditions, this book is for you.
What piqued my interest in reading this story (as one of the invited ARCs), is how vivid the way Enrique described in details - of what he has written in journal - the entire events that happened from his first encounter with the married couple until they met Joe and other people connected to their adventure to the mysterious island. As well as making us relearn and reminisce some parts of our colorful historical past by what each character and places represented in the story.
So if you are into stories of mystery, adventure, crime, horror, and supernatural thrillers fused with our own local historical culture and traditions, this book is for you.
October 18, 2025
This book is a captivating mix of mystery, supernatural horror, and Filipino culture. Set in the Philippines, it follows Enrique, a local guide and translator who is hired by an American journalist to investigate strange island stories. What starts as a simple adventure quickly becomes much darker and more unsettling.
The setting really makes this story stand out. The Philippines isn’t just a backdrop; it’s full of folklore, superstition, and atmosphere. The author skillfully weaves local myths into the narrative, making everything feel both eerie and genuine. The idea of a mysterious, ancient town rising from the sea completely hooked me. The connection to Enrique’s nightmares adds a creeping sense of dread that builds effectively.
Enrique is an interesting character, caught between the dangers of the real world and the horrors that haunt his sleep. I wish we got to know him a bit better. More insight into his backstory or personal motivations would have made his journey even more emotional.
The pacing mostly works, but the switches between Enrique’s dreams and the investigation can feel abrupt at times. There are moments when the supernatural details become heavy, but the eerie atmosphere and mystery of the drowned town definitely keep things tense and engaging.
Overall, it’s a haunting and immersive read with a unique setting and a great blend of suspense and folklore-driven horror. It’s not perfect, but if you enjoy stories that mix mystery, culture, and the supernatural, this one is definitely worth picking up.
The setting really makes this story stand out. The Philippines isn’t just a backdrop; it’s full of folklore, superstition, and atmosphere. The author skillfully weaves local myths into the narrative, making everything feel both eerie and genuine. The idea of a mysterious, ancient town rising from the sea completely hooked me. The connection to Enrique’s nightmares adds a creeping sense of dread that builds effectively.
Enrique is an interesting character, caught between the dangers of the real world and the horrors that haunt his sleep. I wish we got to know him a bit better. More insight into his backstory or personal motivations would have made his journey even more emotional.
The pacing mostly works, but the switches between Enrique’s dreams and the investigation can feel abrupt at times. There are moments when the supernatural details become heavy, but the eerie atmosphere and mystery of the drowned town definitely keep things tense and engaging.
Overall, it’s a haunting and immersive read with a unique setting and a great blend of suspense and folklore-driven horror. It’s not perfect, but if you enjoy stories that mix mystery, culture, and the supernatural, this one is definitely worth picking up.
October 11, 2025
Lost in a haunting world where dreams and reality collide, "The Dreaming at the Drowned Town" is a captivating novella that delves into the unsettling depths of the human psyche. The story masterfully explores themes of a haunted past, the erasure of history, and the blurred lines between what is real and what is imagined. It’s a chilling narrative that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. This is a must-read for fans of psychological horror and suspense.
The narrative expertly weaves a tapestry of dread and suspense as Enrique is forced to confront the horrors of an ancient, mysteriously emerged town off the coast of Leyte. The writer skillfully evokes a sense of growing unease and psychological terror, making you question what is real and what is a figment of the protagonist's haunted mind. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a story that stays with you long after the final page is turned!!!
I was totally invested in Enrique's desperate struggle. He's just a local guide trying to manage a complicated job, but his waking life is constantly invaded by these vivid, harrowing nightmares. The story masterfully uses his nightmares as a vehicle to unravel the boundary between sleep and reality. it's a dizzying, emotional ride that had me questioning what was real right alongside him.
Overall, great job to the author. You would definitely not want to miss this one. :)
The narrative expertly weaves a tapestry of dread and suspense as Enrique is forced to confront the horrors of an ancient, mysteriously emerged town off the coast of Leyte. The writer skillfully evokes a sense of growing unease and psychological terror, making you question what is real and what is a figment of the protagonist's haunted mind. This is a must-read for anyone who loves a story that stays with you long after the final page is turned!!!
I was totally invested in Enrique's desperate struggle. He's just a local guide trying to manage a complicated job, but his waking life is constantly invaded by these vivid, harrowing nightmares. The story masterfully uses his nightmares as a vehicle to unravel the boundary between sleep and reality. it's a dizzying, emotional ride that had me questioning what was real right alongside him.
Overall, great job to the author. You would definitely not want to miss this one. :)
October 26, 2025
Ever had dreams so real and haunting that your throat tightens as you try to scream but nothing comes out? Your body frozen, your mind trapped, and your eyes forced to watch the horror unfold. And when you finally wake up, gasping for air, it feels like breaking free. Reading this book reminded me of those dreams...those nightmares that felt too real.
The story unfolds through entries from the diary of our main character, Enrique, who records his experiences while working for an American employer. At the same time, he recounts his nightmares of a leper and, later on, of his companions that seem to foreshadow their deaths. Eventually, his dreams begin to blur with reality, as he starts to hallucinate and hear voices and sounds only he can hear.
𝘈𝘴 𝘐 𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯—𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺, 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘥.
This book has an eerie atmosphere that keeps you on edge. It urges you to read until the very last page. It’s both mysterious and deeply intriguing. I'm in awe of how the story unraveled. And while I had my own theories, I definitely didn’t see that ending coming.
If you’re looking for a book that delivers both chills and thrills, this one’s definitely for you.
The story unfolds through entries from the diary of our main character, Enrique, who records his experiences while working for an American employer. At the same time, he recounts his nightmares of a leper and, later on, of his companions that seem to foreshadow their deaths. Eventually, his dreams begin to blur with reality, as he starts to hallucinate and hear voices and sounds only he can hear.
𝘈𝘴 𝘐 𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘮𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘴𝘢𝘸 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦, 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘧 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘭𝘭, 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘶𝘤𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯—𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘺, 𝘢𝘴 𝘮𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘥.
This book has an eerie atmosphere that keeps you on edge. It urges you to read until the very last page. It’s both mysterious and deeply intriguing. I'm in awe of how the story unraveled. And while I had my own theories, I definitely didn’t see that ending coming.
If you’re looking for a book that delivers both chills and thrills, this one’s definitely for you.
October 30, 2025
This is, without question, an objectively good book. The writing style is exemplary—rich, intelligent, and impressively consistent. Told in first-person using older English to match the historical setting, the prose reflects a deep command of tone and atmosphere. It’s clearly the work of a skilled writer, and the level of craft in maintaining that voice is remarkable.
That said, I don’t think I was the intended audience. I tend to gravitate toward faster-paced narratives with more immediacy and gothic undertones—think Dracula by Bram Stoker. This book leans more into a cosmic or Lovecraftian horror style, which I’ve never fully connected with. While the mystery is carefully constructed, the slow-burn pacing and emotional restraint made it harder for me to stay engaged. I found myself wishing for more momentum and a sharper escalation of tension. Again, that’s a personal preference.
The worldbuilding is quietly effective, the concept is unique, and the prose is masterful. For readers who enjoy literary horror, atmospheric storytelling, and patient, character-driven mysteries, this book is absolutely a homerun. It rewards the kind of reader who prefers to savor rather than sprint—and for them, this could be an unforgettable experience.
This would be a 4.5 for me
That said, I don’t think I was the intended audience. I tend to gravitate toward faster-paced narratives with more immediacy and gothic undertones—think Dracula by Bram Stoker. This book leans more into a cosmic or Lovecraftian horror style, which I’ve never fully connected with. While the mystery is carefully constructed, the slow-burn pacing and emotional restraint made it harder for me to stay engaged. I found myself wishing for more momentum and a sharper escalation of tension. Again, that’s a personal preference.
The worldbuilding is quietly effective, the concept is unique, and the prose is masterful. For readers who enjoy literary horror, atmospheric storytelling, and patient, character-driven mysteries, this book is absolutely a homerun. It rewards the kind of reader who prefers to savor rather than sprint—and for them, this could be an unforgettable experience.
This would be a 4.5 for me
October 15, 2025
I just finished it and I really enjoyed how it blended Philippine history with horror. The atmosphere was its strongest point Cebu, Leyte, and Culion felt vivid and real, and Enrique’s nightmares were unsettling in the best way.
I loved how the book used folklore and colonial tension to deepen the horror, making the story feel both unique and culturally grounded.
That said, I felt the pacing dragged at times. Some travel and city descriptions went on a bit too long, and the dream sequences repeated the same imagery more than necessary.
I also thought Lita’s character was inconsistent sometimes she seemed like a passive side character, and other times she hinted at more depth, but it never fully came through.
Overall, I think it’s an ambitious and unique novel. I can see how much care went into crafting this story, and with some tightening of the pacing, more variation in the nightmare imagery, and clearer character arcs, it has the potential to really stand out in the gothic horror genre !! Stories like this are rare in the Philippine setting, and I’m excited to see how your work continues to grow.
October 24, 2025
I feel both haunted and in awe of how the story begins as a blur, then slowly unveils its mysteries with every chapter. As a Leyteño, it immediately reminded me of the lore of Biringan, the mythical city-island our elders spoke of that only appears when it wants to, where people vanish without a trace. But unlike Biringan, where those who disappear into the unseen city are said to live forever in another realm, The Drowned Town becomes a metaphor for repressed guilt—for the character Enrique, who carries the echoing cries of the dead, both literal and symbolic.
Beyond the folklore, I also see The Brothers K's story as a mirror, a reflective symbol of how we, as Filipinos, continue to bear the inherited weight of colonial guilt. Even unconsciously, it feels as though the ghosts of our history live in our DNA. For me, the drowned town represents the culture and memory we lost to colonization, submerged and forgotten, yet the sea, like our blood, still remembers. It’s a psychological thriller at its finest, enriched by Filipino supernatural elements. A thought-provoking and hauntingly beautiful story.
Beyond the folklore, I also see The Brothers K's story as a mirror, a reflective symbol of how we, as Filipinos, continue to bear the inherited weight of colonial guilt. Even unconsciously, it feels as though the ghosts of our history live in our DNA. For me, the drowned town represents the culture and memory we lost to colonization, submerged and forgotten, yet the sea, like our blood, still remembers. It’s a psychological thriller at its finest, enriched by Filipino supernatural elements. A thought-provoking and hauntingly beautiful story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 30, 2025
I praise this book for its uniqueness...it's not every day you get presented a horror story grounded in philippine history, folklore, nightmares and colonial tension... Absolutely a great concept...
While this was a good read, the execution felt short...the pacing felt dragging at times ruining the atmosphere..some scenes and places were overly descriptive... the dream sequences were good but they became repetitive... and Lita! I wasn't really sure about her character...
nonetheless, the writing style is impressive... looking forward to the next fair and I hope to see more books from The Brothers K.
While this was a good read, the execution felt short...the pacing felt dragging at times ruining the atmosphere..some scenes and places were overly descriptive... the dream sequences were good but they became repetitive... and Lita! I wasn't really sure about her character...
nonetheless, the writing style is impressive... looking forward to the next fair and I hope to see more books from The Brothers K.
November 3, 2025
They call it The Lazarus Effect — the power to bring the dead back to life.
But on the mysterious island called Lazarus Point, the line between life and death blurs. The dead becomes alive in your dreams, leave you visions of what’s to come, and refuse to let go. What starts as the miracle of resurrection soon becomes a curse no one can escape. Enrique, a local guide and translator, joins an American journalist exploring strange stories in the Philippine islands. But every night, he’s trapped in terrifying dreams where the dead beg him to watch them die.
When a long-lost town suddenly rises from the sea off Leyte, Enrique follows his employer to uncover its mystery. As dreams and reality begin to blur, he must face the island of Lazarus’ Point’s dark secrets.
“The Dreaming at the Drowned Town” might just be your next great read! If you love horror, suspense, and mystery stories that keep you on edge, this one’s definitely worth picking up. The story feels like Inception meets the island setting of Triangle of Sadness. It was a heavy read for me; each day, Enrique drifts through nightmares within nightmares, that even when he awakes he’s still trapped in an endless loop of false awakenings he can’t escape. I also felt trapped trying to figure out the mysteries of the story. Still, The Dreaming at the Drowned Town was so intriguing and gripping, I couldn’t stop reading
But on the mysterious island called Lazarus Point, the line between life and death blurs. The dead becomes alive in your dreams, leave you visions of what’s to come, and refuse to let go. What starts as the miracle of resurrection soon becomes a curse no one can escape. Enrique, a local guide and translator, joins an American journalist exploring strange stories in the Philippine islands. But every night, he’s trapped in terrifying dreams where the dead beg him to watch them die.
When a long-lost town suddenly rises from the sea off Leyte, Enrique follows his employer to uncover its mystery. As dreams and reality begin to blur, he must face the island of Lazarus’ Point’s dark secrets.
“The Dreaming at the Drowned Town” might just be your next great read! If you love horror, suspense, and mystery stories that keep you on edge, this one’s definitely worth picking up. The story feels like Inception meets the island setting of Triangle of Sadness. It was a heavy read for me; each day, Enrique drifts through nightmares within nightmares, that even when he awakes he’s still trapped in an endless loop of false awakenings he can’t escape. I also felt trapped trying to figure out the mysteries of the story. Still, The Dreaming at the Drowned Town was so intriguing and gripping, I couldn’t stop reading
October 11, 2025
Amnesia the Dark Descent vibes + Cabin in the Woods story structure + The Lighthouse intro
0% suspense + 50% mystery + 40% kissing scenes + 6% Hallucinations + 4% Watch me
Not for everyone. But if it is for you, then its for you.
Dont let the kissing scenes stop you from reading. Its there for drama and not for romance.
0% suspense + 50% mystery + 40% kissing scenes + 6% Hallucinations + 4% Watch me
Not for everyone. But if it is for you, then its for you.
Dont let the kissing scenes stop you from reading. Its there for drama and not for romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2025
One of my favorite books to come out this 2025! I appreciate the authors' attention to detail in rooting the story in history, filling the book with haunting imagery that's eerily familiar because it's set in my home country. To some, the book's journal entry format may be limiting, but it only adds to the suspense because our narrator is so unreliable, making the reader question what is real or not.
Definitely a great read for spooky season, or any season at all!
Definitely a great read for spooky season, or any season at all!
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