What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wandering Of Umbra
A storm. A shadow in the rain. A death.
When the fog arrived, everything changed.
On a remote island ravaged by famine, the old cling to beliefs they’ve come to resent, while the young bear the weight of vanishing futures.
All live in fear of what lurks in the fog.
A chilling story of survival, fading faith, and the quiet terror of the unknown.
When the fog arrived, everything changed.
On a remote island ravaged by famine, the old cling to beliefs they’ve come to resent, while the young bear the weight of vanishing futures.
All live in fear of what lurks in the fog.
A chilling story of survival, fading faith, and the quiet terror of the unknown.
342 pages, Paperback
Published November 5, 2025
5 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
November 6, 2025
Imagine living on a peaceful island where you work hard for your food, happiness and peace while caring for each other between shifts in the small village where everyone knows each other. Until famine strikes, suddenly there’s a shortage of food and there’s unusual circumstances spreading across the island creating chaos and unrest. Through death and destruction, chaos distrust and fear begins to take hold and things get deeper and darker and there is something lurking in the shadows. Harsh choices are made and the ocean will become not just once upon a time a source of food, but the most dangerous place of all.
I didn’t expect this book to go the way it did and I really enjoyed reading this one. It’s very different from my usual reads so I’m pleased I enjoyed it as much as I did.
I didn’t expect this book to go the way it did and I really enjoyed reading this one. It’s very different from my usual reads so I’m pleased I enjoyed it as much as I did.
November 17, 2025
I found this a beautifully written story. The narrative is immersive and conjured up so much imagery in my mind whilst I was reading.
The story is about the inhabitants of an island that live in fear. Fear of the past, fear of the unknown and fear of what lies ahead. It's quite a dark and chilling story about these people's survival.
I found this so different to any other book I've read before, but I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it. I also think the cover is stunning.
The story is about the inhabitants of an island that live in fear. Fear of the past, fear of the unknown and fear of what lies ahead. It's quite a dark and chilling story about these people's survival.
I found this so different to any other book I've read before, but I'm so glad I got the opportunity to read it. I also think the cover is stunning.
December 12, 2025
The Wandering of Umbra is a haunting and dark story of a village struggling with famine and rationing what food they do have when a mysterious fog engulfs their land.
The chilling events that follow are written from various members point of view, as they all have a story to tell that leaves a slight prickle against your neck.
What could possibly cause the storm, the dead fish and the destruction of their food source, and why?
What could cause the dark thoughts coming from the villages and their actions that follow?
The Wandering of Umbra is a brilliant introduction to a dark fantasy for those wanting to try something different in the YA genre.
The chilling events that follow are written from various members point of view, as they all have a story to tell that leaves a slight prickle against your neck.
What could possibly cause the storm, the dead fish and the destruction of their food source, and why?
What could cause the dark thoughts coming from the villages and their actions that follow?
The Wandering of Umbra is a brilliant introduction to a dark fantasy for those wanting to try something different in the YA genre.
November 18, 2025
BLOG TOUR REVIEW
Review for 'The Wandering Of Umbra' by Alexander Linton
I will start by saying that this isn't my usual chosen genre but I'm an eclectic reader and happy to read most books and I was drawn to this book by its eye catching and intriguing cover and synopsis. I must say that if you are the same as me and this is not the type of book that you would usually pick it up then it is definitely worth expanding your literary choices and giving it a read today!! I was not completely sure what to expect when I started reading this book so I went in with a pretty open mind. I must admit that it was a much slower paced storyline to the type of books that I usually read but I believe that there also needed to be a lower pace in order to build up the "world" that Umbra lived in. It did take me a while to really get into the storyline due to the fact that it is a slower read to what I am used to but also due to the fact that I found there were quite a few characters to get to know and many of them had names that I found difficult to work out how to say. Although I struggled with it for about 20% I am glad that I did continue to read it as after that the storyline really starts to pick up and I become thoroughly invested. It is definitely a unique storyline for myself as I have yet to come across anything similar. Alexander's emotive and evocative descriptions and writing skills are absolutely beautiful and vivid and I really did feel as if I was on the Island with Umbra seeing the villagers and the scenery coming to life in front of my eyes. The storyline itself is filled with fear, dread, mystery, suspense, emotions, family, friendships, community, endurance, dread, love, danger and so much more. I absolutely loved the setting of a remote Island and I was intrigued and fascinated by the way of life that the islanders led with each person having their own individual roles and skills. They each had to work hard for their food but also lived in peace and happiness while caring for each other. However when the fisherman come back to news of dead fish floating and a famine strikes everything changes. Hunger strikes the island and fear starts to overcome the peace. When they finally think that things are getting better but even that changes people start to point fingers at each other and distrust, chaos and mayhem sets in. While this is all going on Umbra, a young and hard working girl, seems mainly unaware as she spends more and more time on a beach with a whale and something that others fear. Alexander does a beautiful job of weaving the storyline through the eyes of multiple protagonist perspectives so we get to see what is going on through the eyes of Umbra, the young girl who tends to the rice, Cadeo, one of the island's oldest residents and the only one who knows how the previous famine ended and Adorjan, the farmer. The storyline is packed with emotions from love to fear, rage to happiness, blame to peace and Alexander ensures his readers feel each of them along with his characters. This a story that starts of peaceful and calm and becomes chilling, shocking and filled with fear. I was extremely shocked with what happened at the end and this is not something that comes easy so well done Alexander. Although it took me a while to get into it once I did I flew through the pages and it is one of those stories that I will not be forgetting anytime soon. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books from this extremely talented author!
Grab your copy of this beautifully written, vivid and thought emotive book today!
Overall a beautifully written, emotional and unique story.
#TheWanderingOfUmbra #AlexanderLinton #KellyALacey #lovebookstours #Ad #LBTCrew #BookTwitter #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #Bookstagram
@AlexanderLinton @Re_AlexanderLinton @LoveBookTours @LBTCrew
Review for 'The Wandering Of Umbra' by Alexander Linton
I will start by saying that this isn't my usual chosen genre but I'm an eclectic reader and happy to read most books and I was drawn to this book by its eye catching and intriguing cover and synopsis. I must say that if you are the same as me and this is not the type of book that you would usually pick it up then it is definitely worth expanding your literary choices and giving it a read today!! I was not completely sure what to expect when I started reading this book so I went in with a pretty open mind. I must admit that it was a much slower paced storyline to the type of books that I usually read but I believe that there also needed to be a lower pace in order to build up the "world" that Umbra lived in. It did take me a while to really get into the storyline due to the fact that it is a slower read to what I am used to but also due to the fact that I found there were quite a few characters to get to know and many of them had names that I found difficult to work out how to say. Although I struggled with it for about 20% I am glad that I did continue to read it as after that the storyline really starts to pick up and I become thoroughly invested. It is definitely a unique storyline for myself as I have yet to come across anything similar. Alexander's emotive and evocative descriptions and writing skills are absolutely beautiful and vivid and I really did feel as if I was on the Island with Umbra seeing the villagers and the scenery coming to life in front of my eyes. The storyline itself is filled with fear, dread, mystery, suspense, emotions, family, friendships, community, endurance, dread, love, danger and so much more. I absolutely loved the setting of a remote Island and I was intrigued and fascinated by the way of life that the islanders led with each person having their own individual roles and skills. They each had to work hard for their food but also lived in peace and happiness while caring for each other. However when the fisherman come back to news of dead fish floating and a famine strikes everything changes. Hunger strikes the island and fear starts to overcome the peace. When they finally think that things are getting better but even that changes people start to point fingers at each other and distrust, chaos and mayhem sets in. While this is all going on Umbra, a young and hard working girl, seems mainly unaware as she spends more and more time on a beach with a whale and something that others fear. Alexander does a beautiful job of weaving the storyline through the eyes of multiple protagonist perspectives so we get to see what is going on through the eyes of Umbra, the young girl who tends to the rice, Cadeo, one of the island's oldest residents and the only one who knows how the previous famine ended and Adorjan, the farmer. The storyline is packed with emotions from love to fear, rage to happiness, blame to peace and Alexander ensures his readers feel each of them along with his characters. This a story that starts of peaceful and calm and becomes chilling, shocking and filled with fear. I was extremely shocked with what happened at the end and this is not something that comes easy so well done Alexander. Although it took me a while to get into it once I did I flew through the pages and it is one of those stories that I will not be forgetting anytime soon. I am definitely looking forward to reading more books from this extremely talented author!
Grab your copy of this beautifully written, vivid and thought emotive book today!
Overall a beautifully written, emotional and unique story.
#TheWanderingOfUmbra #AlexanderLinton #KellyALacey #lovebookstours #Ad #LBTCrew #BookTwitter #FreeReview #FreeBookReview #Bookstagram
@AlexanderLinton @Re_AlexanderLinton @LoveBookTours @LBTCrew
November 29, 2025
“Behold the heart of what the mortals call life.”
The Wandering of Umbra shattered me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. 😔 Alexander Linton doesn’t simply tell a story—he exposes the raw, painful truth of what fear and desperation can turn people into. Set on a small Vietnamese island, the book follows a community ravaged not only by nature, but also by a mysterious magical force: a shadow that brings famine and ruin. Yet the real question haunts every page—is the entity truly the villain, or are we, the mortals, the architects of our own downfall?
Told in third person, the narrative drifts through the minds and emotions of several characters, each carrying their own guilt, terror, and denial. The pacing is slow, but slow like a wound that refuses to close. Like a truth you’re forced to swallow even when it burns. And what Linton reveals here… hurts. Deeply.
What destroyed me was not the magic, but the people. The way hunger twists the mind. The way murder becomes “necessary.” The way innocent lives are sacrificed because superstition screams louder than reason. Reading characters whispering “death as a price for life” felt like a punch to the soul—especially when those same characters did nothing to stop the horror. They chose silence. They chose fear. They chose blood over hope.
Killing a child because you believe he carries the curse that struck your land? 💔 That’s not the work of a shadow. That’s the darkness humans nurture inside themselves.
The village divides into two types of people: those who cling to superstition and bad omens, and those who understand that nature simply follows its own cycle. Sadly, it’s the superstitious who act first—and their actions stain the island with innocent blood. Nature wasn’t punishing them. Their own cruelty was.
This book is tragic, heavy, and emotionally exhausting—but beautifully, painfully true. Not for everyone, but it carved something into me. 🌒✨
The Wandering of Umbra shattered me in ways I wasn’t prepared for. 😔 Alexander Linton doesn’t simply tell a story—he exposes the raw, painful truth of what fear and desperation can turn people into. Set on a small Vietnamese island, the book follows a community ravaged not only by nature, but also by a mysterious magical force: a shadow that brings famine and ruin. Yet the real question haunts every page—is the entity truly the villain, or are we, the mortals, the architects of our own downfall?
Told in third person, the narrative drifts through the minds and emotions of several characters, each carrying their own guilt, terror, and denial. The pacing is slow, but slow like a wound that refuses to close. Like a truth you’re forced to swallow even when it burns. And what Linton reveals here… hurts. Deeply.
What destroyed me was not the magic, but the people. The way hunger twists the mind. The way murder becomes “necessary.” The way innocent lives are sacrificed because superstition screams louder than reason. Reading characters whispering “death as a price for life” felt like a punch to the soul—especially when those same characters did nothing to stop the horror. They chose silence. They chose fear. They chose blood over hope.
Killing a child because you believe he carries the curse that struck your land? 💔 That’s not the work of a shadow. That’s the darkness humans nurture inside themselves.
The village divides into two types of people: those who cling to superstition and bad omens, and those who understand that nature simply follows its own cycle. Sadly, it’s the superstitious who act first—and their actions stain the island with innocent blood. Nature wasn’t punishing them. Their own cruelty was.
This book is tragic, heavy, and emotionally exhausting—but beautifully, painfully true. Not for everyone, but it carved something into me. 🌒✨
November 27, 2025
The Wandering of Umbra is one of those books that seems quiet but packs a punch by the end. It’s beautifully descriptive and immersive in building the image of a peaceful island where the inhabitants have nothing to worry about other than fishing and tending to the rice and other crops. When storms batter the island, fish seemingly disappear from the sea and crops are destroyed, the islanders turn on each other out of fear, hunger and desperation but some have seen shadows and figures in the storms… The slow build up of events leads to tension which made me keep turning the pages to find out more.
‘Dead fish and famines, shadows of giant men , storms and tidal waves. Something insane is happening to this place’.
I loved that this book didn’t only follow Umbras story but also several other characters which was great in getting a better picture of what island life was like and the different roles people did while living there. I found the characters likeable and could feel their anguish of having to go through difficult times and not knowing if there would be an end to them.
This book was atmospheric, tragic and thought provoking. It’s different to books I’d usually pick up but that’s not a bad thing at all!
I’d like to mention the beautiful artwork on the cover - it was one of the things that made me want to read this book! I also appreciated that the chapters weren’t too long which made the book much easier to read!
Overall, I think Alex should be proud of himself with this book - it’s a great read and I look forward to reading more from him in the future!
‘Dead fish and famines, shadows of giant men , storms and tidal waves. Something insane is happening to this place’.
I loved that this book didn’t only follow Umbras story but also several other characters which was great in getting a better picture of what island life was like and the different roles people did while living there. I found the characters likeable and could feel their anguish of having to go through difficult times and not knowing if there would be an end to them.
This book was atmospheric, tragic and thought provoking. It’s different to books I’d usually pick up but that’s not a bad thing at all!
I’d like to mention the beautiful artwork on the cover - it was one of the things that made me want to read this book! I also appreciated that the chapters weren’t too long which made the book much easier to read!
Overall, I think Alex should be proud of himself with this book - it’s a great read and I look forward to reading more from him in the future!
November 23, 2025
This book is a book of survival, in a small beautiful wonderland, Umbra works hard on the rice paddies to provide for her aging father. Wide beyond her years Umbra is respected across the village for her grit and determination. One day the peace of this small village is shattered with an accent omen back to bring death and destruction. With famine setting in, the book explores the lengths people are willing to go to ensure their survival.
This book is so descriptive you feel like you are on this beautiful island watching a much simpler life, then the darkness comes. With characters I imagine from mythical tales becoming part of the narrative. I didn’t expect going in this to become such a heartbreaking read about fear and survival and at its core the innocence of a young girl and her connection to nature.
This is not a read you go into for the twists and turns but the fantastically immersive narrative, the building of a story that you could imagine is a story of legends past down through generations. It is filled with emotion, from happiness and love to fear, rage which ends in both a chillingly sad ending which is somehow beautiful at the same time.
A brilliant immersive, descriptive fantasy which will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
This book is so descriptive you feel like you are on this beautiful island watching a much simpler life, then the darkness comes. With characters I imagine from mythical tales becoming part of the narrative. I didn’t expect going in this to become such a heartbreaking read about fear and survival and at its core the innocence of a young girl and her connection to nature.
This is not a read you go into for the twists and turns but the fantastically immersive narrative, the building of a story that you could imagine is a story of legends past down through generations. It is filled with emotion, from happiness and love to fear, rage which ends in both a chillingly sad ending which is somehow beautiful at the same time.
A brilliant immersive, descriptive fantasy which will take you on an emotional rollercoaster.
November 20, 2025
This book was a slow burn and took me a while to get through, not because it wasn’t a good one but just because it was a totally different experience to what I would usually read so didn’t grip me in quite the same way. The pace was slow and story building rather than action and excitement that has you unable to put it down.
However the story was intriguing, sad, interesting and heartbreaking. It follows a small group of people living together on an island like a little family. Everyone knows everyone and they all work together to keep their community going. Working in the paddies to grow rice, fishing to provide food sources etc.
Things take a darker turn when a paranormal curse or otherworldly being causes everything to go wrong, the storms and fog destroy their food sources and create so much tension and stress among the people. We find out how far people will go and the acts they will commit to try to stay alive in times of starvation and desperation.
It is a slow pace, story telling, character building book with some deep meanings that has you really thinking about life and peoples actions.
However the story was intriguing, sad, interesting and heartbreaking. It follows a small group of people living together on an island like a little family. Everyone knows everyone and they all work together to keep their community going. Working in the paddies to grow rice, fishing to provide food sources etc.
Things take a darker turn when a paranormal curse or otherworldly being causes everything to go wrong, the storms and fog destroy their food sources and create so much tension and stress among the people. We find out how far people will go and the acts they will commit to try to stay alive in times of starvation and desperation.
It is a slow pace, story telling, character building book with some deep meanings that has you really thinking about life and peoples actions.
November 28, 2025
Thank you to Love Books Tours for a copy of this book. *All thoughts and opinions are my own*
What a beautifully written book! You not only have the perspective of the main character but others on the island too, so you can see the island from other people's point of view; it's so descriptive and immersive you feel as though you're actually on the island with the characters, whilst the short chapters keep you turning page after page.
The story follows Umbra, a hard working young girl doing her best to provide for her father, until one day the peace of her small village is disrupted by an ancient omen, set on bringing death and destruction to everyone.
This book explores the lengths people will go to survive, and whilst this is not one for twists and turns, the story it builds is so powerful you cannot help but get wrapped up in it.
I'd also like to mention the beautiful quality of this book, and the artwork on the cover. It was one of the things that appealed to me with this ARC, rarely do you see such beautiful detail.
Overall this was a fantastic read, and one I would highly recommend!
What a beautifully written book! You not only have the perspective of the main character but others on the island too, so you can see the island from other people's point of view; it's so descriptive and immersive you feel as though you're actually on the island with the characters, whilst the short chapters keep you turning page after page.
The story follows Umbra, a hard working young girl doing her best to provide for her father, until one day the peace of her small village is disrupted by an ancient omen, set on bringing death and destruction to everyone.
This book explores the lengths people will go to survive, and whilst this is not one for twists and turns, the story it builds is so powerful you cannot help but get wrapped up in it.
I'd also like to mention the beautiful quality of this book, and the artwork on the cover. It was one of the things that appealed to me with this ARC, rarely do you see such beautiful detail.
Overall this was a fantastic read, and one I would highly recommend!
November 21, 2025
What an absolutely brilliant and very unique book. This book will completely convince of the need to read it, my first look and blurb. It has all the wow factor and clearing for a good reason. This book goes on to tell you a story that takes in so much,.winds and weaves a tale and hit you with a very unexpected finish.
The whole of story tells you about human nature and what it is to live in a small community. As the community change, due to the famine and the overall demeanor of the island, we see how hard things can be when everyone knows everyone. We also see what greed and the need to find a scapegoat for your troubles does to everyone. We see it all from different perspectives and can take in what each person is thinking, either about blame.and accountability or about how to try and stop it,.etc. It is very interesting to also take in how differently each person reacts to everything. Overall, it is a slower r ad, but it has a lot of deep meaning to take in and consider. It was a brilliant book.
The whole of story tells you about human nature and what it is to live in a small community. As the community change, due to the famine and the overall demeanor of the island, we see how hard things can be when everyone knows everyone. We also see what greed and the need to find a scapegoat for your troubles does to everyone. We see it all from different perspectives and can take in what each person is thinking, either about blame.and accountability or about how to try and stop it,.etc. It is very interesting to also take in how differently each person reacts to everything. Overall, it is a slower r ad, but it has a lot of deep meaning to take in and consider. It was a brilliant book.
November 22, 2025
Thank you to the author and LBT for having me on the tour!
Small spoilers:
I’m new to the authors work, so I was excited to get into this book. First of all, the cover is absolutely gorgeous! I received a hardcopy of The Wandering of Umbra and it is such a beautiful cover 😍
Now as for the story, it’s a dark fantasy though is safe for ages over 13 so just be aware of the plot or maybe give a read before you gift it to your young ones.
As you read the story, you get the emotions of the inhabitants, the harshness of the happenings and the reactions to things going on. You deal with starvation & death (as mentioned, the warning for the young ones on this theme particularly) and how the inhabitants deal with their predicament. It does start off slow but once you get into the plot, it pulls you in.
Overall it is beautifully written, well presented and I’m glad I was able to have the chance to read this story.
Would I recommend The Wandering of Umbra?
Yeah I would, but of course the warning mentioned above for teens should be guided.
Small spoilers:
I’m new to the authors work, so I was excited to get into this book. First of all, the cover is absolutely gorgeous! I received a hardcopy of The Wandering of Umbra and it is such a beautiful cover 😍
Now as for the story, it’s a dark fantasy though is safe for ages over 13 so just be aware of the plot or maybe give a read before you gift it to your young ones.
As you read the story, you get the emotions of the inhabitants, the harshness of the happenings and the reactions to things going on. You deal with starvation & death (as mentioned, the warning for the young ones on this theme particularly) and how the inhabitants deal with their predicament. It does start off slow but once you get into the plot, it pulls you in.
Overall it is beautifully written, well presented and I’m glad I was able to have the chance to read this story.
Would I recommend The Wandering of Umbra?
Yeah I would, but of course the warning mentioned above for teens should be guided.
November 24, 2025
A beautifully crafted story that feels more like an experience than just a book. The writing is lyrical and immersive, with descriptions that paint the world in soft, vivid strokes and make every scene feel almost dreamlike.
What stood out most to me was how gentle yet powerful the story felt. There’s a quiet beauty woven through every chapter, in the world-building, in the character journeys, and in the way light and shadow are balanced. It never feels heavy-handed; instead, it slowly wraps around you until you’re fully invested without even realising when it happened.
The characters are thoughtful and nuanced, and their emotional journeys are handled with care. There’s a real sense of growth, reflection, and wonder that makes the book feel both intimate and expansive at the same time.
If you love stories that are atmospheric, beautifully written, and full of quiet magic and meaning, The Wandering of Umbra is a truly lovely read. It’s the kind of book you sit with, savour, and think about long after you’ve turned the last page.
What stood out most to me was how gentle yet powerful the story felt. There’s a quiet beauty woven through every chapter, in the world-building, in the character journeys, and in the way light and shadow are balanced. It never feels heavy-handed; instead, it slowly wraps around you until you’re fully invested without even realising when it happened.
The characters are thoughtful and nuanced, and their emotional journeys are handled with care. There’s a real sense of growth, reflection, and wonder that makes the book feel both intimate and expansive at the same time.
If you love stories that are atmospheric, beautifully written, and full of quiet magic and meaning, The Wandering of Umbra is a truly lovely read. It’s the kind of book you sit with, savour, and think about long after you’ve turned the last page.
November 20, 2025
The Wandering of Umbra review
Thank you to LBT and Alexander Linton for the copy of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The cover of this book is so beautiful and the blurb really intrigued me. This is a Dark Fantasy and is aimed at ages 13+.
This book was different to anything I’ve read before, and it was a lot darker than I expected. The writing style is easy to read and easy to get absorbed into, with detailed world building. The world created is eerie and atmospheric and you can really imagine the island and its inhabitants, and the creepy fog that surrounds it. It is an intriguing story, and the author did a great job depicting a hardworking community that is struggling with famine, and just trying to survive, and the unnerving happenings on the island.
I would describe this book as a moody and mysterious story about survival, fear and faith and the ending was totally unexpected.
Thank you to LBT and Alexander Linton for the copy of this book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The cover of this book is so beautiful and the blurb really intrigued me. This is a Dark Fantasy and is aimed at ages 13+.
This book was different to anything I’ve read before, and it was a lot darker than I expected. The writing style is easy to read and easy to get absorbed into, with detailed world building. The world created is eerie and atmospheric and you can really imagine the island and its inhabitants, and the creepy fog that surrounds it. It is an intriguing story, and the author did a great job depicting a hardworking community that is struggling with famine, and just trying to survive, and the unnerving happenings on the island.
I would describe this book as a moody and mysterious story about survival, fear and faith and the ending was totally unexpected.
November 21, 2025
This is a book aimed at a young adult audience. I am very much not that, but I must say, I really enjoyed it. Set on a remote island, the population face hardship in the form of scarce food and poor weather, leading to a failed rice harvest. Umbra lives with her father Varyis who is unwell and unable to carry out even basic tasks. Umbra provides for them both but she is exhausted by her work and caring role. She, and in fact many of the people on the island, are troubled in some way or other, weighed down by a dense fog internally and externally.
The book has wonderful descriptions of the landscape, the people and their fears. It is dark with themes throughout of omens, shadows, superstition and death but there are also very poignant moments such as Umbra and her bond with a whale. I found Varyis difficult to like but this, for me, shows great writing for me to feel such dislike. Overall I found this to be a compelling read.
The book has wonderful descriptions of the landscape, the people and their fears. It is dark with themes throughout of omens, shadows, superstition and death but there are also very poignant moments such as Umbra and her bond with a whale. I found Varyis difficult to like but this, for me, shows great writing for me to feel such dislike. Overall I found this to be a compelling read.
November 17, 2025
This narrative carries the drive of an Asian fairytale or oral myth, with the enduring qualities of contemporary allegory. That may sound like a lot, but while reading I was swept away by a story that felt real, immersive, and compelling.
The characters made me feel part of their small island community—friends with those who fought to uncover the cause of the encroaching fog, and reflected in those who were paralyzed by it.
Alexander Linton is a new author to me, but I’m glad I found him. Though the age of the characters and the otherworldly setting might suggest YA, there’s something deeper here. It struck me in the same place that Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli films call to: a blend of wonder, melancholy, and human truth.
Umbra is a story that lingers like mist—mythic, human, and quietly unforgettable.
The characters made me feel part of their small island community—friends with those who fought to uncover the cause of the encroaching fog, and reflected in those who were paralyzed by it.
Alexander Linton is a new author to me, but I’m glad I found him. Though the age of the characters and the otherworldly setting might suggest YA, there’s something deeper here. It struck me in the same place that Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli films call to: a blend of wonder, melancholy, and human truth.
Umbra is a story that lingers like mist—mythic, human, and quietly unforgettable.
November 26, 2025
I was drawn to this book initially by the cover as its absolutely gorgeous. The story itself is shattering as Andrew Linton provides a thought provoking read on community, loss, love and uncertainty.
A small island of villagers are put to the test when famine strikes and causes a shortage of food. They have to work together to fight the fear that plagues them and brave the fog that lurks beyond the water.
This was such a unique and emotional story, the author had me guessing how it was going to end. I especially loved that the story was told from multiple POV which really helped the narrative of explaining the characters and their feelings towards each other and the island.
Thank you so much to the author and Love book tours for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A small island of villagers are put to the test when famine strikes and causes a shortage of food. They have to work together to fight the fear that plagues them and brave the fog that lurks beyond the water.
This was such a unique and emotional story, the author had me guessing how it was going to end. I especially loved that the story was told from multiple POV which really helped the narrative of explaining the characters and their feelings towards each other and the island.
Thank you so much to the author and Love book tours for a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 6, 2025
💚This is a unique, dark, atmospheric fantasy steeped in mystery and slightly unnerving at times when a shadowy figure emerges from the ocean.
The Wandering Of Umbra follows a small island community slowly becoming consumed by a strange eerie fog. With food sources quickly diminishing and starvation setting in, the villagers start to question their beliefs and with tensions running high, begin to turn on each other.
The writing flows beautifully and the author creates such imagery of the village with the huts, ground beds and paddy fields that it’s so easy to immerse yourself in the story. One of my favourite parts was the description of the villagers hair, their tattoos and the meanings.
I really enjoyed the slow pace, which gave time to explore each character and also helped build the intensity.
The ending took me by surprise and felt quite magical.
The Wandering Of Umbra follows a small island community slowly becoming consumed by a strange eerie fog. With food sources quickly diminishing and starvation setting in, the villagers start to question their beliefs and with tensions running high, begin to turn on each other.
The writing flows beautifully and the author creates such imagery of the village with the huts, ground beds and paddy fields that it’s so easy to immerse yourself in the story. One of my favourite parts was the description of the villagers hair, their tattoos and the meanings.
I really enjoyed the slow pace, which gave time to explore each character and also helped build the intensity.
The ending took me by surprise and felt quite magical.
November 16, 2025
I was super drawn to this book from the cover and the idea of a remote island and knowing things were not going to go as the residence of the island were used to. I love me something kinda dark and twisty! And this plot was loaded with all the things to keep us guessing and intrigued! It was a bit different than I expected going in but I really enjoyed it! Things lurking in the dark, situations that would instill fright and fear into anyone who was present for the circumstances, choices to be made, fate for some that is not promising that leaves others to accept and move forward for survival. They went through a lot. Between love, loss, growth, faith and endurance- I think this story was told well and I did very much enjoy the authors writing style!
November 18, 2025
In The Wandering of Umbra, we follow the inhabitants of a peaceful, isolated island who work hard growing food, and live happily in their small community.
That is until a ruthless famine strikes causing a relentless shortage of food and disarray across the island.
Fear soon takes hold, followed by death and disaster, while something sinister lurks in the shadows.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up.
So all in all, an enjoyable, entertaining read, somewhat strange and weirs in parts ( in a good way ) and mysterious in others, just great to keep you guessing.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
That is until a ruthless famine strikes causing a relentless shortage of food and disarray across the island.
Fear soon takes hold, followed by death and disaster, while something sinister lurks in the shadows.
Want to know more? Be sure to pick your copy up.
So all in all, an enjoyable, entertaining read, somewhat strange and weirs in parts ( in a good way ) and mysterious in others, just great to keep you guessing.
4 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 's from me.
November 21, 2025
A dark fantasy set on a island that's fallen on desperate times which explores the lengths people will go to under extreme hardship. The story is told from multiple POVs, my favourite is Umbra's and I enjoyed her relationships with the other characters in the book. I especially loved how hard she tried to save the whale. This is very different from anything I've read before, I had no idea what direction the book would go in and didn't expect it to end the way it did. It was a dark but fascinating read.
Thank you to the author and Love Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author and Love Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 23, 2025
This book opens to the struggles of life on the village island. With anger, survival, famine..it quickly turns to distrust which is a perfect negative storm. The idea of curses comes to be, and whether they are real or not. There was alot packed into the dark ending. It does bring out alot of emotions throughout the story as you follow the struggles.
I feel it had a good premise for the plot. Though the flow and execution seemed slower to me. Honestly it was hard for me to get into this story, but im also a mood reader, so if you like reads that question what you think you know, fantasy, and that are a bit slower...this read will be for you!
I feel it had a good premise for the plot. Though the flow and execution seemed slower to me. Honestly it was hard for me to get into this story, but im also a mood reader, so if you like reads that question what you think you know, fantasy, and that are a bit slower...this read will be for you!
November 24, 2025
"Omen. Famine. These were words that had no place in this land of tranquility and hard labour anymore, and Cadeo refused to believe that they would ever have a place here again."
This is a psychological fantasy horror novel that takes place on an island. The story is about the happenings as the island is struck by famine. Everyone begins to live in fear and do not know what choices to make, and what the future holds.
I liked the story. But I feel if you are a fantasy fan, you'll be able to appreciate it better than I did. There are twists and turns and the author has done his best. A huge shoutout to the brilliant book cover as well.
This is a psychological fantasy horror novel that takes place on an island. The story is about the happenings as the island is struck by famine. Everyone begins to live in fear and do not know what choices to make, and what the future holds.
I liked the story. But I feel if you are a fantasy fan, you'll be able to appreciate it better than I did. There are twists and turns and the author has done his best. A huge shoutout to the brilliant book cover as well.
November 18, 2025
the book Starts with the every day struggle of village life and how to survive but soon turns eerie with a sense of foreboding.
Do curses exist or is it merely in our own minds? This is the common theme on the island but it some becomes apparent that something is definitely not right. Famine, anger and distrust soon emerges with every passing day.
I found this Very emotional at points especially towards the ending as more and more islanders succumb to despair. The book takes a very dark turn and you find yourself asking, Is everything that happens for the good of survival?
Do curses exist or is it merely in our own minds? This is the common theme on the island but it some becomes apparent that something is definitely not right. Famine, anger and distrust soon emerges with every passing day.
I found this Very emotional at points especially towards the ending as more and more islanders succumb to despair. The book takes a very dark turn and you find yourself asking, Is everything that happens for the good of survival?
December 1, 2025
This was an absolutely beautiful, heartbreaking story. I was immediately drawn in and wanted to read this because of the stunning cover, and then the blurb grabbed me further. But regardless of the cover or the blurb, this book delivers. It's heavy, shocking stuff.
The writing is phenomenal. The prose is lyrical and absorbing. The sights, sounds and smells practically jump off the page. The use of multiple POVs creates an immersive atmosphere. I felt like I was on the island with the characters, experiencing the fear, the grief and the hunger right beside them.
The story builds at a slow, steady pace. Allowing the reader time to understand the island, the world, the characters and what they are experiencing. The impact that time spent immersing the reader into the story is paid back tenfold when reaching its gut wrenching conclusion.
I read The Wandering of Umbra as part of a book tour and share this review voluntarily. All thoughts expressed are my own. Thank you to the author Alexander Linton and Love Books Tours for the gifted copy of the book. 💜
The writing is phenomenal. The prose is lyrical and absorbing. The sights, sounds and smells practically jump off the page. The use of multiple POVs creates an immersive atmosphere. I felt like I was on the island with the characters, experiencing the fear, the grief and the hunger right beside them.
The story builds at a slow, steady pace. Allowing the reader time to understand the island, the world, the characters and what they are experiencing. The impact that time spent immersing the reader into the story is paid back tenfold when reaching its gut wrenching conclusion.
I read The Wandering of Umbra as part of a book tour and share this review voluntarily. All thoughts expressed are my own. Thank you to the author Alexander Linton and Love Books Tours for the gifted copy of the book. 💜
November 21, 2025
This story is about an isolated island, where we follow Umbra's journey in the small community she lives in, the island is ravaged by famine where the old cling to beliefs that they’ve come to resent, while the young bear the weight of a vanishing future.
This novel is on the darker side with plenty of twists and turns.
This is the first novel of this authors I have read, I can't wait to see what this author has next in line for us.
This novel is completely different to the other novels that I normally read. I enjoyed this one, it's something different draws you in!
This novel is on the darker side with plenty of twists and turns.
This is the first novel of this authors I have read, I can't wait to see what this author has next in line for us.
This novel is completely different to the other novels that I normally read. I enjoyed this one, it's something different draws you in!
November 20, 2025
This book may win the best cover of the year of all the book I have read and received, it is truly beautiful and the story inside did not disappoint. This book had so much depth and an intensity that I wasn't expecting, this looming presence of the fog created this tension that had me hooked for the whole book. At times the pacing felt slightly fast but I think the story needed that to help build the panic and tension. Overall this was a great book
November 17, 2025
This story pulled me in from the very beginning. The world feels haunting and full of tension and the characters are so well written. I couldn’t put it down and even after finishing it stayed with me. Dark immersive and surprisingly emotional a read I won’t forget.
November 28, 2025
The Wandering Of Umbra is a beautifully written read that's unique and completely different from anything that I've read before.
This was such an amazing read that pulls you into the dark Fantasy world right from the start, it is thoroughly detailed and has you picturing the images in your mind as you read.
The storyline has a mysterious and intriguing theme to it about surviving and having faith.
This was a powerful and meaningful read that I truly enjoyed and will remember.
This was such an amazing read that pulls you into the dark Fantasy world right from the start, it is thoroughly detailed and has you picturing the images in your mind as you read.
The storyline has a mysterious and intriguing theme to it about surviving and having faith.
This was a powerful and meaningful read that I truly enjoyed and will remember.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews