Immersion

by Joe Young

Nova Corp. has developed a breakthrough technology destined to redefine the entertainment industry. With final testing underway, a select group of participants are set to experience the newest Immersion experience.

Until something goes wrong. . . .

In Immersion, Joe Young harnesses cutting-edge science to deliver a relentless new techo horror thriller where progress comes at a steep price and the entire world may suffer the consequences..

Genres: Horror

254 pages, Hardcover

Published October 20, 2025

Reviews

[Erica · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book literally does 60 pages of writing the exact plot, costumes, scenic design, etc. of Night of the Living Dead and then goes into zombies coming into the real-world. I read the rest of it but was so angry at the intellectual property theft that I can't get past it. To make matters somehow worse, the writing was very poor. I will never get these 90 minutes of my life back.

I would give a half star for the concept of a film coming to life, but on principle for stealing someone else's work it's not getting anything. Unfortunately Goodreads doesn't allow anything below zero.

I was sent this book by the author in exchange for a review.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really great! I did really enjoy it! A really good idea, well written, interesting characters, some good moments of action, pretty much everything you want from this type of story! A really good fun read!

[Dom Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immersion is a fast-paced techno-horror that blends classic zombie movie energy with a modern, high-concept twist.

The story follows Noah, a down-on-his-luck protagonist who signs up for a confidential clinical trial run by a company called Novacorp, hoping to improve his financial situation. What’s pitched as revolutionary entertainment quickly turns unsettling when Noah finds himself fully immersed inside a movie scenario reminiscent of Night of the Living Dead. When the experience ends — or appears to — the horror begins to bleed into reality, trapping Noah and several Novacorp staff inside a contained outbreak.

Noah works well as a lead character; his reactions feel grounded and believable in a situation that escalates quickly. The Novacorp doctors are clearly withholding information from the start, which adds to the tension, while two women on the staff stand out as capable, engaging characters who contribute meaningfully to the story rather than fading into the background.

The book balances gory moments, tension, and occasional humor, with a light sci-fi element that enhances the story without overcomplicating it. The pacing is strong throughout, and the concept remains entertaining without overstaying its welcome.

Overall, Immersion was an enjoyable read and a solid entry into techno-horror. I gave it four stars and would definitely read more from Joe Young.

[Reuben Shupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Thrilling Book!

I was actually hesitant about reading this book. I may be because I am burnt out with "The Walking Dead." But after reading the "Wholesale Club," I knew this was going to be a great book.

The story starts out with our main character Noah who is going to submit himself to an experimental drug. He is struggling financially and this gig pays 300 dollars. I immediately identified with him. When I was younger, I have done the same thing. I even know a guy who did this with Mary Jane.

The beginning of the story reminds me of an episode from the "Walking Dead." The rest of the book is a thriller. I was gripping my seat the entire time. I really enjoyed the author's writing style. He does not just write a story. He Immerses you in it. I felt like I was Noah.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves horror-thrillers. I know I did. Great Job Mr. Young.

[Ann Adolphson · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC provided by the author (thank you!)

Wow! I dove headfirst into Immersion by Joe Young, and once I started, I could not put it down. It’s a fast-paced techno-horror thriller that completely pulls you in and makes you question what’s real—and whether something like this could actually happen.

With all the technology around us today, the story felt disturbingly plausible, which made it even scarier. The author’s imagination and writing style are incredible—gripping from the very first page.

What you’ll find in this book:
💻 Corporate greed
😱 Isolation horror
🧬 Science gone wrong
🤝 Strangers turned friends

If you love dark, tech-driven thrillers that mess with your mind and make you think, Immersion is absolutely worth the read.

[Carlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Frighteningly fun!

The author has created a techno-horror that is both familiar and original. The writing is fast-paced and the thriller and horror will have you on the edge of your seat. The first half of the story is straight up horror--as it's bound to the rules of the source material story--and it keeps you hopping in your chair. But by the second half of the novel, the possibilities open up. Paired with the techno thriller horror is perfectly placed humor that makes you LOL and provides an ideal palate cleanser for the next horror scene. I really enjoyed this book. The author is a wonderful visual storyteller. What a great read to finish on Halloween!

[Armando Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was eerily creepy because it seems so plausible. We all heard of being paid for market research studies. And the thing is, we take it at face value, we believe in what they are giving us. What if this truly is a way for them to develop biological weapons? What if it gets out of control and causes the next outbreak. The level of description was phenomenal, and the flow is quite fast, the author never lets up, keeping you going. The only issue I had was the idea that at times of life and death people would still be concerned with financial gains.

[Jeffrey Riley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable book. The first act could have been shorter and covered less of the source material in that section. I enjoyed the premise and concept the author used. The book was what I wanted, plenty of excitement and suspense. There were some parts where the zombies moved from A to B faster than they should have to add to the drama, but I can overlook minor issues like that. The characters were likable and the small details in their stories were told well. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Nupur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good read. With what started as a means to earn money soon changed to something more dangerous. Our MC needed to earn money and so he agreed to take part is small experiments. But little did he know that things would change and he'll enter into a movie he had once watched and all he had to do was to survive. But it didn't just end there..
The concept of this book is refreshing and different. I liked how it was written. Definitely Recommended.

[Kirsty Southwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read. A zombie apocalypse with meaning, orchestrated cleverly and if successful devastating for the world. Fast paced with a solid story line and great characters. Some you live some not so much. It’s given me plenty of ideas for using household items to help me during a zombie outbreak. Four stars from me

[M. Lindenberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

All in all, this was an enjoyable book. It was a little bloated in some spots, but the plot kept it rolling well enough to not detract from the story itself. I expected a certain twist and was pleasantly surprised when it didn't happen.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has potential to become something great with a little more work. Thank you to the author for providing an arc copy.