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Island X
One thousand lucky celebrities and influencers receive an email invite to an island music festival that no one has ever heard of, with a mere 24 hours to commit to the unknown or refuse what could be the opportunity of a lifetime. Among them are newly sober nepo baby Cassidy and a codependent model named Edie. It's the party of a lifetime.
Until a sudden death turns the festival on its head¿
Or it would, if anyone knew exactly what happened. Those who saw it firsthand suspect a cover-up, while those who didn't disregard it as a prank.
But shortly thereafter, things on the island start to change. Guests go missing, only to return acting off. Cassidy and Edie remember things that didn't happen.
Soon they realize their social media feeds are warping their surroundings, and the only way they can leave the island alive is by gaming the algorithm and uncovering the secrets behind its otherworldly power.
Until a sudden death turns the festival on its head¿
Or it would, if anyone knew exactly what happened. Those who saw it firsthand suspect a cover-up, while those who didn't disregard it as a prank.
But shortly thereafter, things on the island start to change. Guests go missing, only to return acting off. Cassidy and Edie remember things that didn't happen.
Soon they realize their social media feeds are warping their surroundings, and the only way they can leave the island alive is by gaming the algorithm and uncovering the secrets behind its otherworldly power.
- GenresHorror
282 pages, Paperback
Published July 7, 2026
About the author
Marissa Yarrow
5 books10 followersMarissa Yarrow lives in Colorado Springs with her spouse and two cats.
In the first grade, she picked up her first Stephen King book, and got in trouble for reading it in school. Ultimately, administrators agreed that she could read whatever she wanted as long as she didn't tell the other kids about it. So began her secret love. In these shadows, her own stories of ghosts and family trauma took root. Now, fruited like fresh mushrooms, they are ready for others to enjoy - at their own risk.
Until the Internet completely disappears, Marissa can be found on Instagram @marissayarrowauthor.
In the first grade, she picked up her first Stephen King book, and got in trouble for reading it in school. Ultimately, administrators agreed that she could read whatever she wanted as long as she didn't tell the other kids about it. So began her secret love. In these shadows, her own stories of ghosts and family trauma took root. Now, fruited like fresh mushrooms, they are ready for others to enjoy - at their own risk.
Until the Internet completely disappears, Marissa can be found on Instagram @marissayarrowauthor.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 25, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
conceptually, this novel is fantastic. There is an exclusive music fest being held on an island off the Bahamas and a random selection of influencers are invited to join. Things start going wrong and soon what was supposed to be a weekend of partying and sun turns into a fight for their lives.
but in practice... we're following 3 perspectives of people who just all suck. So i'm immediately less interested in what happens to them, because even on social media i wouldn't have been following them. James is perhaps the most relatable in that he seemed to be famous from his own work vs nepotism but hes such an asshole I'm annoyed he was a perspective.
The book itself is very short and reads really quickly which was nice, but for something so short it also got incredibly repetitive. The answers we're provided as to what is happening on the island really brought up more questions than it answered and ultimately left me walking away from this ... wanting the movie version because i just think this story needed a visual element to it.
I’m waffling between a 2 and 3. The potential is there but it’s lacking in areas and feels like it was written with the sole purpose of being adapted. Which, it WOULD make for amazing movie but I also wish it had perhaps been pitched as a screenplay instead
conceptually, this novel is fantastic. There is an exclusive music fest being held on an island off the Bahamas and a random selection of influencers are invited to join. Things start going wrong and soon what was supposed to be a weekend of partying and sun turns into a fight for their lives.
but in practice... we're following 3 perspectives of people who just all suck. So i'm immediately less interested in what happens to them, because even on social media i wouldn't have been following them. James is perhaps the most relatable in that he seemed to be famous from his own work vs nepotism but hes such an asshole I'm annoyed he was a perspective.
The book itself is very short and reads really quickly which was nice, but for something so short it also got incredibly repetitive. The answers we're provided as to what is happening on the island really brought up more questions than it answered and ultimately left me walking away from this ... wanting the movie version because i just think this story needed a visual element to it.
I’m waffling between a 2 and 3. The potential is there but it’s lacking in areas and feels like it was written with the sole purpose of being adapted. Which, it WOULD make for amazing movie but I also wish it had perhaps been pitched as a screenplay instead
July 7, 2026
I thought the concept of this book was so fresh and it immediately grabbed my attention.
Were all the characters vapid and unlikable? Yes, but that’s because Yarrow wrote them perfectly that way! This is an island filled with nepo babies and wanna-be celebrities. I will say, some of them grew on me and do I dare say…I started to care about them. GASP
The atmosphere was described so vividly I could almost feel the warm salty air on my skin as I read. My eyes also rolled so far back in my head at the perfectly selected dialogue these “influencers” used to communicate. We all know the kind and Yarrow nailed these character stereotypes.
There is a deeper level to this story, though. The social commentary is spot on and important.
Island horror is one I need to read more of.
Were all the characters vapid and unlikable? Yes, but that’s because Yarrow wrote them perfectly that way! This is an island filled with nepo babies and wanna-be celebrities. I will say, some of them grew on me and do I dare say…I started to care about them. GASP
The atmosphere was described so vividly I could almost feel the warm salty air on my skin as I read. My eyes also rolled so far back in my head at the perfectly selected dialogue these “influencers” used to communicate. We all know the kind and Yarrow nailed these character stereotypes.
There is a deeper level to this story, though. The social commentary is spot on and important.
Island horror is one I need to read more of.
March 25, 2026
Yarrow unleashes this novel onto the scene like a horde of influencers on an island looking for excitement—something this book doesn’t lack.
My intrigue in this one was simply hinged on the pitch. 1000 influencers get an invite to attend a music festival on an island and have 24 hours to respond. If you’re like me, you wonder what’s the worst that could happen? Where this book goes was not anything like I was expecting.
Imagine White Lotus/Music Festival vibes meets We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer.
With millennial/Gen Z heavy-handed themes, the social commentary is loud, smart, and relevant. Existential dread feels like an understated term to describe this, but also accurate. I’m struggling to talk about this without showing it’s hand to anyone who hasn’t read it, but just know, it isn’t what you think it is, and what it is is so much worse.
My intrigue in this one was simply hinged on the pitch. 1000 influencers get an invite to attend a music festival on an island and have 24 hours to respond. If you’re like me, you wonder what’s the worst that could happen? Where this book goes was not anything like I was expecting.
Imagine White Lotus/Music Festival vibes meets We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer.
With millennial/Gen Z heavy-handed themes, the social commentary is loud, smart, and relevant. Existential dread feels like an understated term to describe this, but also accurate. I’m struggling to talk about this without showing it’s hand to anyone who hasn’t read it, but just know, it isn’t what you think it is, and what it is is so much worse.
May 27, 2026
A super exclusive festival on a far away island is not what it appears to be.
I love island horror and this did not disappoint. I don’t read much cosmic horror but this was an excellent addition to the genre and the ending was perfect. Really really enjoyed it!
Thanks NetGalley for the copy.
I love island horror and this did not disappoint. I don’t read much cosmic horror but this was an excellent addition to the genre and the ending was perfect. Really really enjoyed it!
Thanks NetGalley for the copy.
July 9, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Mad Axe Media for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
“Island X” by Marissa Yarrow is basically Coachella meets The White Lotus, and that pitch alone was enough to get me to pick it up.
The story follows a group of celebrities and influencers who receive an exclusive invite to a mysterious music festival on a private island in the Bahamas. They only have 24 hours to accept, which immediately makes the whole thing feel suspicious. Of course, everyone says yes because what's the worst that could happen?
At first it's all beach parties, luxury villas, and influencer content, but then people start dying, guests begin disappearing, and those who come back aren't quite the same. Reality itself starts bending, memories stop lining up, and somehow everyone's social media feeds seem to be changing the world around them. The deeper the story goes, the weirder and creepier it gets.
One of my favorite parts was the social commentary. This isn't just another "influencers trapped on an island" thriller. It has a lot to say about social media, online personas, algorithms, and how much of ourselves we give away to the internet. It takes a familiar concept and twists it into something surprisingly original and unsettling. I genuinely didn't see where the story was heading.
The atmosphere is also fantastic. The tropical island setting mixed with growing paranoia creates this constant feeling that something is just off. Even before the horror really kicks in, there's an underlying sense of dread that keeps you turning the pages. It's definitely more of a slow burn, but the strange little details keep building until things become completely bonkers.
That said, this is one of those books where you'll probably either love the ambiguity or wish there were a lot more answers. I found parts of the mystery confusing, and some of the explanations left me with even more questions than before. I also wasn't particularly attached to most of the characters. Honestly, they're all kind of terrible people, which is partly the point, but it did make it harder to really care who survived.
Even with those flaws, I flew through this book. It's short, fast-paced, incredibly weird, and unlike anything else I've read recently. If you're looking for a summer horror novel packed with reality-warping weirdness, creepy island vibes, influencer satire, cosmic horror, and plenty of "wait, what is happening?!" moments, “Island X” is a wild ride that's definitely worth checking out.
“Island X” by Marissa Yarrow is basically Coachella meets The White Lotus, and that pitch alone was enough to get me to pick it up.
The story follows a group of celebrities and influencers who receive an exclusive invite to a mysterious music festival on a private island in the Bahamas. They only have 24 hours to accept, which immediately makes the whole thing feel suspicious. Of course, everyone says yes because what's the worst that could happen?
At first it's all beach parties, luxury villas, and influencer content, but then people start dying, guests begin disappearing, and those who come back aren't quite the same. Reality itself starts bending, memories stop lining up, and somehow everyone's social media feeds seem to be changing the world around them. The deeper the story goes, the weirder and creepier it gets.
One of my favorite parts was the social commentary. This isn't just another "influencers trapped on an island" thriller. It has a lot to say about social media, online personas, algorithms, and how much of ourselves we give away to the internet. It takes a familiar concept and twists it into something surprisingly original and unsettling. I genuinely didn't see where the story was heading.
The atmosphere is also fantastic. The tropical island setting mixed with growing paranoia creates this constant feeling that something is just off. Even before the horror really kicks in, there's an underlying sense of dread that keeps you turning the pages. It's definitely more of a slow burn, but the strange little details keep building until things become completely bonkers.
That said, this is one of those books where you'll probably either love the ambiguity or wish there were a lot more answers. I found parts of the mystery confusing, and some of the explanations left me with even more questions than before. I also wasn't particularly attached to most of the characters. Honestly, they're all kind of terrible people, which is partly the point, but it did make it harder to really care who survived.
Even with those flaws, I flew through this book. It's short, fast-paced, incredibly weird, and unlike anything else I've read recently. If you're looking for a summer horror novel packed with reality-warping weirdness, creepy island vibes, influencer satire, cosmic horror, and plenty of "wait, what is happening?!" moments, “Island X” is a wild ride that's definitely worth checking out.
July 16, 2026
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Island X by Marissa Yarrow
Published: July 7, 2026
Thank you, Marissa and NetGalley, for the ARC and for reminding me that if an exclusive mystery invite lands in my inbox, I’ll happily stay home in my pajamas.
If Black Mirror and Fyre Festival had a deeply unhinged child that was raised by social media algorithms, this would be it.
The premise had me immediately. A mysterious island. Fame-hungry influencers. Reality slowly falling apart. People disappearing, returning… not quite right. Throw in an algorithm that starts rewriting reality, and I was absolutely sold. The atmosphere was eerie, unsettling, and dripping with paranoia, and I loved the dark stab at influencer culture and our unhealthy relationship with social media.
But somewhere along the way, my brain packed its bags and quietly left the island.
There are memory glitches, shifting realities, timelines that seem to fold in on themselves, and so many “wait… did that actually happen?” moments that I occasionally found myself more confused than intrigued. I know that uncertainty is part of the experience, but I spent a little too much time trying to figure out what was happening instead of simply enjoying the ride. That’s completely on me—I think this book just demanded more mental gymnastics than my brain was willing to perform.
That said, I was never bored. It’s original, creepy, unsettling, and has several moments that genuinely made me question everything. It also managed to make me suspicious of my own social media feed, which feels a little rude, honestly. Apparently doomscrolling can now become a supernatural survival game.
3.5 “What in the algorithm did I just read?” stars.
The concept is incredibly creative, the atmosphere is fantastic, but I wanted just a little more clarity to help connect all the brilliantly chaotic pieces. If you love dark, twisty psychological thrillers with surreal sci-fi horror, unreliable reality, and stories that leave your brain buffering long after the last page, Island X is absolutely worth picking up. Just don’t blame me if you start questioning your Instagram feed afterward.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Island X by Marissa Yarrow
Published: July 7, 2026
Thank you, Marissa and NetGalley, for the ARC and for reminding me that if an exclusive mystery invite lands in my inbox, I’ll happily stay home in my pajamas.
If Black Mirror and Fyre Festival had a deeply unhinged child that was raised by social media algorithms, this would be it.
The premise had me immediately. A mysterious island. Fame-hungry influencers. Reality slowly falling apart. People disappearing, returning… not quite right. Throw in an algorithm that starts rewriting reality, and I was absolutely sold. The atmosphere was eerie, unsettling, and dripping with paranoia, and I loved the dark stab at influencer culture and our unhealthy relationship with social media.
But somewhere along the way, my brain packed its bags and quietly left the island.
There are memory glitches, shifting realities, timelines that seem to fold in on themselves, and so many “wait… did that actually happen?” moments that I occasionally found myself more confused than intrigued. I know that uncertainty is part of the experience, but I spent a little too much time trying to figure out what was happening instead of simply enjoying the ride. That’s completely on me—I think this book just demanded more mental gymnastics than my brain was willing to perform.
That said, I was never bored. It’s original, creepy, unsettling, and has several moments that genuinely made me question everything. It also managed to make me suspicious of my own social media feed, which feels a little rude, honestly. Apparently doomscrolling can now become a supernatural survival game.
3.5 “What in the algorithm did I just read?” stars.
The concept is incredibly creative, the atmosphere is fantastic, but I wanted just a little more clarity to help connect all the brilliantly chaotic pieces. If you love dark, twisty psychological thrillers with surreal sci-fi horror, unreliable reality, and stories that leave your brain buffering long after the last page, Island X is absolutely worth picking up. Just don’t blame me if you start questioning your Instagram feed afterward.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Coachella but make it horror? Coachella meets the Twilight zone? Exclusive celebrities and influencers are invited to an exclusive music festival on a deserted island. Everyone's having a great time until some of them start to notice reality warping around them. This is a really fun summer horror read. It's got a tropical island setting, a music festival happening in the background, and beach parties along with mysterious deaths and disappearances, reality bending in weird ways, and some supernatural horror elements. All of the characters are awful, and I love it. The social commentary is on point. This book explores social media and the way it shapes and influences reality. There are all kinds of books with things to say about social media, but I haven't seen one like this before. We're all different in some way on social media than we are in real life--but what if our SM selves took over? Loved the invasion of the body snatchers element to all of this, and didn't see it coming. It's a pretty slow burn. There were elements of weirdness and little details showing things weren't quite right the whole time, but it took a minute for things to start coming together. Didn't hurt the story for me at all. Recommended if you're looking for some fun summer horror, you enjoy cosmic horror, you've ever had Coachella FOMO, or you spend hours a day curating your social media feed!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In Island X, we follow a group of social media influencers who have been invited to a brand new, super exclusive island destination getaway. Each invitee has only been given 24 hours to accept the invite creating a sense of urgency that is concerning right away.
Once the influencers arrive to the island, things seem cool and normal until tragedy strikes the first night.
The island staff will not talk about the tragedy. Some individuals are seeing eerie black shadows that move incredibly fast appearing to be tricks of the eye.. or something more? Then rumors spread that the island has a haunted history.
As people begin to disappear and return changed with different memories, other islanders notice that their environment is warping around them impacting their own lived reality.
This book is not what I expected, yet I went in with a completely open mind. It is a chilling concept yet a bit ambiguous which leaves me wanting to know more.
Island X is a fun, chilling, unique summer read that is relevant in our influencer era.
Thank you to @netgalley and @madaxemedia for the arc!
Once the influencers arrive to the island, things seem cool and normal until tragedy strikes the first night.
The island staff will not talk about the tragedy. Some individuals are seeing eerie black shadows that move incredibly fast appearing to be tricks of the eye.. or something more? Then rumors spread that the island has a haunted history.
As people begin to disappear and return changed with different memories, other islanders notice that their environment is warping around them impacting their own lived reality.
This book is not what I expected, yet I went in with a completely open mind. It is a chilling concept yet a bit ambiguous which leaves me wanting to know more.
Island X is a fun, chilling, unique summer read that is relevant in our influencer era.
Thank you to @netgalley and @madaxemedia for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Island X by Marissa Yarrow has a fantastic, high-concept premise that sits somewhere between Fyre Festival and Black Mirror, but the execution doesn't quite pull it off.
The story follows influencers and celebrities—like Cassidy and Edie—who are lured to a mysterious island music festival, only for things to turn into a techno-horror nightmare where their social media feeds start warping reality. The critique of modern influencer culture is sharp, and the eerie, reality-bending horror elements are really creative early on.
However, the book struggles with its pacing and its cast. Because so many characters are deliberately shallow, unlikable stereotypes of internet culture, it becomes hard to care about what happens to them. The algorithm-gaming survival plot also gets highly repetitive in the second half, leading to a conclusion that feels a bit messy.
It is a fun, creepy modern horror concept, but it gets bogged down by its own repetition.
The story follows influencers and celebrities—like Cassidy and Edie—who are lured to a mysterious island music festival, only for things to turn into a techno-horror nightmare where their social media feeds start warping reality. The critique of modern influencer culture is sharp, and the eerie, reality-bending horror elements are really creative early on.
However, the book struggles with its pacing and its cast. Because so many characters are deliberately shallow, unlikable stereotypes of internet culture, it becomes hard to care about what happens to them. The algorithm-gaming survival plot also gets highly repetitive in the second half, leading to a conclusion that feels a bit messy.
It is a fun, creepy modern horror concept, but it gets bogged down by its own repetition.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Island X, by Marissa Yarrow, is very relevant to our social media obsessed culture. 1000 influencers are invited to an exclusive festival on a remote island. They have 24 hours to accept or decline the invite. Cassidy, newly sober and feeling a little distant from her friends who still indulge and Edie are among the guests. When a guest mysteriously dies, the getaway turns darker. When some of the other guests disappear and come back different, Cassidy and Edie have to figure out the islands secrets to survive.
This book combines cosmic horror with social media satire along with psychology horror. The combo works, and the story is original and interesting. The way the story focuses on the fact that social media and the validation it provides can consume one's life. The pacing of the book is good, and it held my attention. I would recommend this book which I received from netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I'm rating it 4 stars.
This book combines cosmic horror with social media satire along with psychology horror. The combo works, and the story is original and interesting. The way the story focuses on the fact that social media and the validation it provides can consume one's life. The pacing of the book is good, and it held my attention. I would recommend this book which I received from netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I'm rating it 4 stars.
July 13, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced review copy of this book.
Conceptually, this book had a wonderful set up. I enjoyed the atmosphere the book was building in the beginning. I am a fan of isolated location thriller/horror books and I was enjoying the premise of this one for sure.
Overall the book kept me guessing as to what the mystery of the island was. I couldnt tell if it was going to be AI versus company overreach versus something supernatural. It also had a lot of interesting commentary on social media and influencer culture.
Unfortunately I ended up rating this 3 stars as I wasn't the biggest fan of the ambiguity of the ending. I wanted more explanation of the entity and the lore behind it.
I do think it was an interesting and original read and I think it will be wonderful for the right audience and those that are more comfortable with less answers and more of a creepy vibe in the ending.
Conceptually, this book had a wonderful set up. I enjoyed the atmosphere the book was building in the beginning. I am a fan of isolated location thriller/horror books and I was enjoying the premise of this one for sure.
Overall the book kept me guessing as to what the mystery of the island was. I couldnt tell if it was going to be AI versus company overreach versus something supernatural. It also had a lot of interesting commentary on social media and influencer culture.
Unfortunately I ended up rating this 3 stars as I wasn't the biggest fan of the ambiguity of the ending. I wanted more explanation of the entity and the lore behind it.
I do think it was an interesting and original read and I think it will be wonderful for the right audience and those that are more comfortable with less answers and more of a creepy vibe in the ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
ARC Review-From Netgalley
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Pub Date: July 7th, 2026
Genre: Horror/Mystery/Suspense
Format: Digital
This is definitely private island influencer Coachella mystery. Island X is fast paced and was really interesting. This has lingo that is perfect for Gen-Z and Millennials could really understand.
The premise sucked me in because of the influencer music festival vibes with horror/mystery vibes. We follow Cassidy and model Edie within the festival and lots of social media really makes them think of what they saw happen was reality.Isolation, a sudden murder and now people go missing. Very fast paced within a 24 hour time period. I wanted more horror vibes tbh though.. like more slasher or some thriller vibes, I personally didn’t get spooked or anything. I was more of a suspense/mystery mostly but this was a pretty good read.
Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Pub Date: July 7th, 2026
Genre: Horror/Mystery/Suspense
Format: Digital
This is definitely private island influencer Coachella mystery. Island X is fast paced and was really interesting. This has lingo that is perfect for Gen-Z and Millennials could really understand.
The premise sucked me in because of the influencer music festival vibes with horror/mystery vibes. We follow Cassidy and model Edie within the festival and lots of social media really makes them think of what they saw happen was reality.Isolation, a sudden murder and now people go missing. Very fast paced within a 24 hour time period. I wanted more horror vibes tbh though.. like more slasher or some thriller vibes, I personally didn’t get spooked or anything. I was more of a suspense/mystery mostly but this was a pretty good read.
July 29, 2026
Island X was such an original, fun and refreshing read. The premise of influencers and celebrities attending a mysterious invitation-only festival on a remote island immediately caught my attention, and it definitely delivered on atmosphere.
The growing sense of paranoia is one of the novel's strongest aspects. As strange events begin unfolding and reality itself starts to feel unreliable, I found myself constantly questioning what was really happening alongside the characters.
I enjoyed the subtle commentary on social media, influencer culture, and the way online platforms can distort reality and shape our perception of the world.
I found myself a little confused towards the ending, but overall I had a good time. It was the perfect book to enjoy while sitting in the sun listening to the waves.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Mad Axe Media for the arc!
The growing sense of paranoia is one of the novel's strongest aspects. As strange events begin unfolding and reality itself starts to feel unreliable, I found myself constantly questioning what was really happening alongside the characters.
I enjoyed the subtle commentary on social media, influencer culture, and the way online platforms can distort reality and shape our perception of the world.
I found myself a little confused towards the ending, but overall I had a good time. It was the perfect book to enjoy while sitting in the sun listening to the waves.
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Mad Axe Media for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a quick read for me, and the tension kept me interested the whole time. There was always something unsettling underneath the story, which made me want to keep reading to figure out what was really going on.
At times, I did find the mystery a little confusing, especially because some parts felt like they needed more explanation or development. I occasionally felt like I was missing information that would have helped certain moments make more sense.
Even with that, I still enjoyed the book overall. It kept my attention, moved quickly, and gave me enough intrigue to stay invested until the end.
At times, I did find the mystery a little confusing, especially because some parts felt like they needed more explanation or development. I occasionally felt like I was missing information that would have helped certain moments make more sense.
Even with that, I still enjoyed the book overall. It kept my attention, moved quickly, and gave me enough intrigue to stay invested until the end.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fun setup, a wild finish!
I'm always down to read stories about nefarious happenings on pretty, tropical islands, and this was no exception. It's also fun to have lots characters you love to hate, as was the case with our rich, privileged nepo babies and 'influencers.' Pretty quickly, though, the plot goes off in some wild, unexpected directions! Admittedly there were plenty of times I had no idea what was happening, but the experience was fun!
If you don't mind getting lost along the journey and not getting all the answers, I think you'll enjoy this quick, mind-bending read.
*Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours/Mad Max Media and NetGalley for the ARC!
I'm always down to read stories about nefarious happenings on pretty, tropical islands, and this was no exception. It's also fun to have lots characters you love to hate, as was the case with our rich, privileged nepo babies and 'influencers.' Pretty quickly, though, the plot goes off in some wild, unexpected directions! Admittedly there were plenty of times I had no idea what was happening, but the experience was fun!
If you don't mind getting lost along the journey and not getting all the answers, I think you'll enjoy this quick, mind-bending read.
*Thanks to Xpresso Book Tours/Mad Max Media and NetGalley for the ARC!
May 25, 2026
Oh this was an absolute mind trip! Kinda reminded me of fyre fest meets body snatchers LOL
This messed up musical festival people are dying and people are missing but then show up again just a little odd and everyone’s forgetting everyone!
It’s like all of your worst fears but also if you speak a rumour into existence it becomes true!
This was a totally different read for me but I really liked it because I had no idea what was going to happen next or absolutely kept me on my toes until the very end!
This messed up musical festival people are dying and people are missing but then show up again just a little odd and everyone’s forgetting everyone!
It’s like all of your worst fears but also if you speak a rumour into existence it becomes true!
This was a totally different read for me but I really liked it because I had no idea what was going to happen next or absolutely kept me on my toes until the very end!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a fast-paced wild ride of a horror! It feels eerily relatable as a group of social media influencers are invited to an exclusive island music festival and then things go inexplicable sideways in ways you could never outguess! The sheer volume of AI changes, gaslighting, disappearing of people from platforms, "only positive posts!", and some unseen but experienced underbelly is just so wildly compelling. Thank-you, Xpresso Book Tours, Mad Axe Media, and Marissa Yarrow, for this complimentary copy. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a fast paced, if a bit confusing horror book. The main plot device wasn't really explained until near the end and even then it was super vague and raised a lot of questions that would have made the story more complete. The twist was really interesting but I would have liked to know more about how it a came about.
July 19, 2026
This is such a fun read! What's starts off as the familiar trope of obnoxious influencers on a luxury island, quickly escalates into a Twilight Zone-esque survival horror. Whatever you think is happening to these people....isn't! I had so much fun trying to figure out what was actually going on, and genuinely did not see that ending coming!
July 25, 2026
Love the concept but had issues with the execution. Full review to come in Cemetery Dance.
July 28, 2026
This is a very fun summer read. It's an easy, quick read, but with a good story and some social commentary sprinkled in as well.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The summer cosmic horror story I never knew I needed.
This one is slow burn. I had a bit of a hard time getting into but I am so glad I stuck with it! It quietly gets weirder as the tension, paranoia, and mystery builds. You can't trust anyone. Not even your own memories. Think The Thing but on a tropical island full of influencers!
Thanks to Mad Axe Media for sending out my pre-order early.
This one is slow burn. I had a bit of a hard time getting into but I am so glad I stuck with it! It quietly gets weirder as the tension, paranoia, and mystery builds. You can't trust anyone. Not even your own memories. Think The Thing but on a tropical island full of influencers!
Thanks to Mad Axe Media for sending out my pre-order early.
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