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As the Snow Gathers
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12 days and 22:05:21
15 copies available
U.S. only
The forest doesn't just take what it's owed—it takes whatever it wants.
Dominic was born in Aplin Shade, a remote Canadian town built on the bones of another that vanished without a trace. Bookish and quiet, he never asked to lead his family, but after a carriage crash kills his father and leaves his sister forever changed, he has no choice.
The only person who truly sees him is Lex, a logger in the camp near town and the love Dominic must keep secret. Together they dream of escaping Aplin Shade, a place where isolation breeds judgment and every kindness hides a cost.
But the forest is no refuge. The Fanteur dwell there—shadowed beings who come at night to drain the dead of their blood and return them for burial by dawn.
They've never touched the living.
Until now.
As winter descends and the Fanteur strike back against the logging camp, Dominic and Lex must fight for their lives, their love, and a way out of the woods' tightening grasp.
Because the forest doesn't forgive, and it never forgets.
Dominic was born in Aplin Shade, a remote Canadian town built on the bones of another that vanished without a trace. Bookish and quiet, he never asked to lead his family, but after a carriage crash kills his father and leaves his sister forever changed, he has no choice.
The only person who truly sees him is Lex, a logger in the camp near town and the love Dominic must keep secret. Together they dream of escaping Aplin Shade, a place where isolation breeds judgment and every kindness hides a cost.
But the forest is no refuge. The Fanteur dwell there—shadowed beings who come at night to drain the dead of their blood and return them for burial by dawn.
They've never touched the living.
Until now.
As winter descends and the Fanteur strike back against the logging camp, Dominic and Lex must fight for their lives, their love, and a way out of the woods' tightening grasp.
Because the forest doesn't forgive, and it never forgets.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 1, 2026
About the author
Mere Joyce
17 books109 followersMere Joyce lives in Atlantic Canada. As both a writer and a librarian, she understands the importance of reading, and the impact the right story can have.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 3, 2026
Aplin Shade is a remote Canadian town that was discovered abandoned, its former residents gone without a trace. At first glance, it looks like an ideal place to settle, but at night, a magical force called the Fanteur arrives and drains the dead. Dominic was born in Aplin Shade and never wanted to stay, but after his father died in a carriage accident, he became the head of his family. Only Lex, a logger working at a camp outside town, notices Dominic. Together, they have dreams of escaping Aplin Shade. But the Fanteur are now going after the living and killing anyone trying to escape. Dominic and Lex must find out what the Fanteur wants before it's too late.
As the Snow Gathers is a gripping horror story filled with a village of unlikable characters and a paranormal mystery hidden in the woods. The town feels even more eerie because of its winter isolation, and I liked how the tension grew between the townspeople and the logging camp as the Fanteur continued to terrorize the villagers. The romance between Lex and Dominic was a nice break from the horrors of the Fanteur, but it was truly heartbreaking in the end. Overall, this was a fantastic horror novel, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of the genre.
As the Snow Gathers is out September 1st.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to review As the Snow Gathers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
As the Snow Gathers is a gripping horror story filled with a village of unlikable characters and a paranormal mystery hidden in the woods. The town feels even more eerie because of its winter isolation, and I liked how the tension grew between the townspeople and the logging camp as the Fanteur continued to terrorize the villagers. The romance between Lex and Dominic was a nice break from the horrors of the Fanteur, but it was truly heartbreaking in the end. Overall, this was a fantastic horror novel, and I would definitely recommend it to fans of the genre.
As the Snow Gathers is out September 1st.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to review As the Snow Gathers. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 23, 2026
This book was horribly miserable, I loved it. Set in a vile little village with a logging camp at its outskirts, the dead are taken by an unknown source for years until one day the source stops waiting until they are dead.
Special thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline was incredibly unique. Essentially, the author crafted a setting and group of characters that explores what happens in a place where hope has gone to die.
I can acknowledge that this book wasn’t perfect, some of the world building left unanswered questions, and the pacing ebbed and flowed, but I was quickly sucked into this story. I feel like the author did an excellent job of setting the tone at the beginning and I don’t know.. this book just really worked for me.
I would highly recommend this book and it had a sort of Wildjackets vibe to it (it evoked the same feeling in me I had when watching the show despite them being nothing alike). I truly was not expecting to like this as much as I did.
In conclusion everything is awful and everyone sucks in this book, it’s my favorite read of the year so far (and I could truly see it being my top read of the year).
Special thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The storyline was incredibly unique. Essentially, the author crafted a setting and group of characters that explores what happens in a place where hope has gone to die.
I can acknowledge that this book wasn’t perfect, some of the world building left unanswered questions, and the pacing ebbed and flowed, but I was quickly sucked into this story. I feel like the author did an excellent job of setting the tone at the beginning and I don’t know.. this book just really worked for me.
I would highly recommend this book and it had a sort of Wildjackets vibe to it (it evoked the same feeling in me I had when watching the show despite them being nothing alike). I truly was not expecting to like this as much as I did.
In conclusion everything is awful and everyone sucks in this book, it’s my favorite read of the year so far (and I could truly see it being my top read of the year).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This isn’t my usual genre, but sometimes the best reads are the ones that feel like taking an unexpected detour—and this one led straight into a cold, haunting wilderness I won’t soon forget.
From the start, As The Snow Gathers establishes a relentlessly dark tone. There’s no warmth to cling to here—no easy comfort or lightness—but there is a quiet, striking beauty woven throughout. The setting feels almost cinematic, reminiscent of the stark brutality of The Revenant blended with the eerie isolation of a place like Smeerenburg in Klaus: snowbound, unforgiving, and steeped in an old-world heaviness.
The characters are, by design, difficult—guarded, self-serving, and tangled in secrets. Yet, within that harsh landscape, the relationship between Dom and Lex offers a rare and luminous contrast. Their connection is handled with a delicate restraint that feels both authentic and historically grounded. Much of what makes their story compelling lies not in what is said outright, but in what lingers beneath the surface—unspoken, but deeply felt.
This is very much a slow-burn narrative. The pacing is deliberate, almost meditative, drawing you deeper into the mystery of the unseen terror lurking beyond the village. Rather than relying on sharp twists or overt scares, the novel builds tension in the quiet spaces—in the cold, in the silence, and in the sense that something is always just out of reach.
Readers looking for a plot-driven thriller or a feel-good escape may find this challenging. Character development outside of Dom and Lex is minimal, and the story leans heavily into atmosphere over action. But for those willing to settle into its rhythm, there is something undeniably compelling about its mood and restraint.
Ultimately, As The Snow Falls is a haunting, introspective read—one best experienced curled up under a blanket, when you’re in the mood to sit with something a little darker, a little quieter, and a little more elusive.
If you enjoy slow, atmospheric historical fiction where much is left unsaid—and where beauty exists even in the bleakest places—this is well worth the journey.
This isn’t my usual genre, but sometimes the best reads are the ones that feel like taking an unexpected detour—and this one led straight into a cold, haunting wilderness I won’t soon forget.
From the start, As The Snow Gathers establishes a relentlessly dark tone. There’s no warmth to cling to here—no easy comfort or lightness—but there is a quiet, striking beauty woven throughout. The setting feels almost cinematic, reminiscent of the stark brutality of The Revenant blended with the eerie isolation of a place like Smeerenburg in Klaus: snowbound, unforgiving, and steeped in an old-world heaviness.
The characters are, by design, difficult—guarded, self-serving, and tangled in secrets. Yet, within that harsh landscape, the relationship between Dom and Lex offers a rare and luminous contrast. Their connection is handled with a delicate restraint that feels both authentic and historically grounded. Much of what makes their story compelling lies not in what is said outright, but in what lingers beneath the surface—unspoken, but deeply felt.
This is very much a slow-burn narrative. The pacing is deliberate, almost meditative, drawing you deeper into the mystery of the unseen terror lurking beyond the village. Rather than relying on sharp twists or overt scares, the novel builds tension in the quiet spaces—in the cold, in the silence, and in the sense that something is always just out of reach.
Readers looking for a plot-driven thriller or a feel-good escape may find this challenging. Character development outside of Dom and Lex is minimal, and the story leans heavily into atmosphere over action. But for those willing to settle into its rhythm, there is something undeniably compelling about its mood and restraint.
Ultimately, As The Snow Falls is a haunting, introspective read—one best experienced curled up under a blanket, when you’re in the mood to sit with something a little darker, a little quieter, and a little more elusive.
If you enjoy slow, atmospheric historical fiction where much is left unsaid—and where beauty exists even in the bleakest places—this is well worth the journey.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm trying to write this review & wondering if I actually know anything anymore, because a book I was hesitant on ended up being my FIRST 5-star read of 2026. When I first read the description for As the Snow Gathers I was absolutely intrigued ((as any good horror goblin would be)) but the mentions of romance had me pausing. I love a romance plot line for anyone who ISN'T me, but I tend to get annoyed when my horror is too romance heavy. What I didn't know before reading this book is that Mere Joyce is brilliant at using romance to twist the knife & make the horror hit that much harder.
The setting of this book instantly called to me. It's isolated, wooded, & icy- perfect for losing yourself in. ((But remember... you're not alone out there...)) I also found myself quickly wrapped up in both the tension that blanketed the town of Aplin Shade & the overwhelming sense of dread that Dom is grappling with. I really loved him & Lex as characters and thought they balanced each other well.
If you're not one for gore there will be some scenes here that aren't for you, but I loved them. Joyce has this innate skill for making even gruesome scenes read like poetry. I'd simultaneously love to see this as a horror film & dread seeing someone bring it to life as anything less than what it deserves. I don't picture things when I read ((my brain doesn't work that way)) but As the Snow Gathers is a book that I felt on a visceral level the whole time I was consuming it. ((Or was it consuming me? It's too soon to tell...))
I need this book to be on the radar of every horror reader ASAP, because though it isn't expected to release until 9/1/26, Mere Joyce has written something darkly captivating. Pre-order, request at your local library, see what you can do to get this book in your hands & on the shelves- I can't wait to hear what you think about this one!
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Mere Joyce for this complimentary copy.))
The setting of this book instantly called to me. It's isolated, wooded, & icy- perfect for losing yourself in. ((But remember... you're not alone out there...)) I also found myself quickly wrapped up in both the tension that blanketed the town of Aplin Shade & the overwhelming sense of dread that Dom is grappling with. I really loved him & Lex as characters and thought they balanced each other well.
If you're not one for gore there will be some scenes here that aren't for you, but I loved them. Joyce has this innate skill for making even gruesome scenes read like poetry. I'd simultaneously love to see this as a horror film & dread seeing someone bring it to life as anything less than what it deserves. I don't picture things when I read ((my brain doesn't work that way)) but As the Snow Gathers is a book that I felt on a visceral level the whole time I was consuming it. ((Or was it consuming me? It's too soon to tell...))
I need this book to be on the radar of every horror reader ASAP, because though it isn't expected to release until 9/1/26, Mere Joyce has written something darkly captivating. Pre-order, request at your local library, see what you can do to get this book in your hands & on the shelves- I can't wait to hear what you think about this one!
((While the viewpoints shared are my own, I want to thank NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Mere Joyce for this complimentary copy.))
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This started out really intriguing, and I liked a lot of the elements As the Snow Gathers was working with. The snowy, isolated village is a great setting for this kind of supernatural horror, and it really works as backdrop for the introspection and frustration we get to explore with our queer main characters. I also really liked how the social dynamics of this village evolved and how that influenced/was influenced by the looming threat of the fanteur.
Unfortunately a lot of other things just didn't get handled well in the long run, and a lot of the tension we get from the setup just doesn't go anywhere fast enough to keep me interested. While we get some bits of information about the supernatural forces at play in the first half, there isn't enough for me to really understand how much of a threat they pose to the villagers. Then we do eventually get some reveal, and though the scene was unsettling it left me with more questions than answers. While I can appreciate that ambiguity can add to suspense I felt like I never knew enough to understand the the kind of danger anyone was in or why any of this was happening. There are so many eerie aspects to this story, but we just don't do enough with them.
Pacing was similarly an issue with character development, and it left me frustrated. While there's definitely a big change in Dom from beginning to end it isn't until the last quarter or so that we see this rapid shift, and I just wish that process had begun sooner. There's certainly reason for the sudden change, but it was more one extreme to another and not actual character "development." This in addition to the way the situation with the village was resolved left me with a sense of whiplash more than anything, and it kept me from getting totally invested in these characters that I really wanted to like.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC
Unfortunately a lot of other things just didn't get handled well in the long run, and a lot of the tension we get from the setup just doesn't go anywhere fast enough to keep me interested. While we get some bits of information about the supernatural forces at play in the first half, there isn't enough for me to really understand how much of a threat they pose to the villagers. Then we do eventually get some reveal, and though the scene was unsettling it left me with more questions than answers. While I can appreciate that ambiguity can add to suspense I felt like I never knew enough to understand the the kind of danger anyone was in or why any of this was happening. There are so many eerie aspects to this story, but we just don't do enough with them.
Pacing was similarly an issue with character development, and it left me frustrated. While there's definitely a big change in Dom from beginning to end it isn't until the last quarter or so that we see this rapid shift, and I just wish that process had begun sooner. There's certainly reason for the sudden change, but it was more one extreme to another and not actual character "development." This in addition to the way the situation with the village was resolved left me with a sense of whiplash more than anything, and it kept me from getting totally invested in these characters that I really wanted to like.
Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you enjoy a slow-burn, queer gothic steeped in folklore and atmosphere, As the Snow Gathers by Joyce Mere may be exactly what you’re looking for. Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.
The heart of this novel lies in the forbidden relationship between Dom and Lex. Their chemistry is undeniable, tender, aching, and filled with a quiet defiance. I found myself completely drawn into their longing and their shared dream of building a life together, even as the world around them threatens to tear that possibility apart. While some villagers turn a blind eye to their connection, others respond with cruelty, adding tension that feels both intimate and painfully real.
Set in a remote Canadian mountain village during the brutal winter of 1863, the story is drenched in isolation. The setting is one of the book’s greatest strengths: a snowbound settlement surrounded by dense, unforgiving woods, with a logging camp looming at its edge under the control of a greedy overseer. As the forest is carved away, something ancient and dangerous stirs. The Fanteur—haunting, predatory creatures—emerge as a chilling presence, draining the dead and returning their hollowed bodies. The novel makes one thing clear: the forest does not forgive.
While I was consistently engaged, especially by Dom’s relationships with his mother, sister, and Lex. I did find myself wishing for more intensity in the horror elements. The story leans heavily into atmosphere over action, favoring a slow, simmering dread rather than sharp scares. For some readers, the pacing may feel too measured.
Overall, the tone is dark, eerie, and somber, like a long winter that never quite breaks. Though it didn’t fully meet my expectations in terms of tension and payoff, I was deeply invested in Dom and Lex—their love is what lingers.
⭐️ 3.5 stars
The heart of this novel lies in the forbidden relationship between Dom and Lex. Their chemistry is undeniable, tender, aching, and filled with a quiet defiance. I found myself completely drawn into their longing and their shared dream of building a life together, even as the world around them threatens to tear that possibility apart. While some villagers turn a blind eye to their connection, others respond with cruelty, adding tension that feels both intimate and painfully real.
Set in a remote Canadian mountain village during the brutal winter of 1863, the story is drenched in isolation. The setting is one of the book’s greatest strengths: a snowbound settlement surrounded by dense, unforgiving woods, with a logging camp looming at its edge under the control of a greedy overseer. As the forest is carved away, something ancient and dangerous stirs. The Fanteur—haunting, predatory creatures—emerge as a chilling presence, draining the dead and returning their hollowed bodies. The novel makes one thing clear: the forest does not forgive.
While I was consistently engaged, especially by Dom’s relationships with his mother, sister, and Lex. I did find myself wishing for more intensity in the horror elements. The story leans heavily into atmosphere over action, favoring a slow, simmering dread rather than sharp scares. For some readers, the pacing may feel too measured.
Overall, the tone is dark, eerie, and somber, like a long winter that never quite breaks. Though it didn’t fully meet my expectations in terms of tension and payoff, I was deeply invested in Dom and Lex—their love is what lingers.
⭐️ 3.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Alpin Shade, a remote town in the Canadian wilderness, may have an idyllic name, but the bones of ta past abandoned town its built on should have served as a warning, not an invitation. Dominic was born here, raised here, and will likely die here - after a carriage crash which killed his father and maimed his siter, he's now the reluctant head of his family, and his dreams of leaving the judgement, isolation, and destitution of Alpin Shade with Lex - a logger in the camp near town and his secret love - seem more far-fetched by the day.
Making an escape through the woods more complicated are the Fanteur - shadowed beings who come at night to drain the dead of their blood and return them for burial by dawn. Before now, they've never touched the living - but as winter descents on the logging camp so do the Fanteur on the loggers - and if Lex and Dominic aren't careful, the lovely, dark and deep woods will be their reluctant resting place before they can even dream of spring.
If this doesn't get picked up by Netflix - or probably HBO, because this is an R-rated book - I don't know what I'm going to do. Horror is not happy and is not easy, and this was EXACTLY what I wanted in a book about the things we don't talk about in the forest. This was dripping with horror - both the things that go bump in the night and that of a micro-town in a time before antibiotics where you happen to be a man who likes a man. Big fan of the horrors within and without, and I finished this book in a few short days because I needed to KNOW what happened next. This would be a great atmospheric read for the fall or for that nice trip to the Canadian woods you have this summer - try not to die!
Making an escape through the woods more complicated are the Fanteur - shadowed beings who come at night to drain the dead of their blood and return them for burial by dawn. Before now, they've never touched the living - but as winter descents on the logging camp so do the Fanteur on the loggers - and if Lex and Dominic aren't careful, the lovely, dark and deep woods will be their reluctant resting place before they can even dream of spring.
If this doesn't get picked up by Netflix - or probably HBO, because this is an R-rated book - I don't know what I'm going to do. Horror is not happy and is not easy, and this was EXACTLY what I wanted in a book about the things we don't talk about in the forest. This was dripping with horror - both the things that go bump in the night and that of a micro-town in a time before antibiotics where you happen to be a man who likes a man. Big fan of the horrors within and without, and I finished this book in a few short days because I needed to KNOW what happened next. This would be a great atmospheric read for the fall or for that nice trip to the Canadian woods you have this summer - try not to die!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow okay.. I ate this up. As The Snow Gathers is definitely one of those slow-burning horrors that gets creepier and more gruesome as the story goes on. The feeling of dread grows, and when that last 40% hits, Joyce puts her foot on the gas, and you get all the gruesome horror treats you’ve been waiting for. My mind was spinning over the imagery and trying to piece together what these Fanteurs look like. I would love to see some art of these forest entities (I LOVE a spooky forest entity). The pacing of this one is a bit slow, but I don’t let that deter me as I’ve learned that these slower-paced books always take me by surprise in the last half.
There are a handful of characters who make up this story that takes place in a remote Canadian town, but Dom and Lex are the two main MMCs. Dom is the main POV in the book, and Lex has a couple of POV chapters. I really loved that there was a romantic element, giving a soft, loving emotional underbelly that is much-needed relief in a dreadful, dark story. At its core, this is also a revenge story. After Dom feels disowned and rejected by pretty much everyone around him, Lex is his only safe space. I felt sad for Dom… and when he started to plan his revenge, I knew I was in for a strong, satisfying conclusion. At times, it left me wondering if I actually liked Dom as a character or if I am a little bit scared of him (LOL)?
This is an atmospheric read — you feel the desolate, dark, and suffocating environment of this small town and the eerie forest around it. That silence that you feel in the dead of winter. It’s dreary and sad. Everyone is on edge because of the Fanteurs, but for the majority of the book, you have no idea what they actually are. The mystery is what kept me fully engaged in the slower parts of the story.
There are a handful of characters who make up this story that takes place in a remote Canadian town, but Dom and Lex are the two main MMCs. Dom is the main POV in the book, and Lex has a couple of POV chapters. I really loved that there was a romantic element, giving a soft, loving emotional underbelly that is much-needed relief in a dreadful, dark story. At its core, this is also a revenge story. After Dom feels disowned and rejected by pretty much everyone around him, Lex is his only safe space. I felt sad for Dom… and when he started to plan his revenge, I knew I was in for a strong, satisfying conclusion. At times, it left me wondering if I actually liked Dom as a character or if I am a little bit scared of him (LOL)?
This is an atmospheric read — you feel the desolate, dark, and suffocating environment of this small town and the eerie forest around it. That silence that you feel in the dead of winter. It’s dreary and sad. Everyone is on edge because of the Fanteurs, but for the majority of the book, you have no idea what they actually are. The mystery is what kept me fully engaged in the slower parts of the story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this eARC.
I knew I needed to read this not only the second I saw the gorgeous cover, but once I read the brief synopsis I knew this would be for me!
Our main character Dom and his partner Lex's relationship are what really drew me into this story, give a queer story and I'm in! Their chemistry and tender longing for one another really made me believe and feel for their relationship so deeply. They love one another so deeply despite all of the negativity and bigotry being thrown at them from almost every other character. Their longing for a better life was so sweet and endearing.
This story spends a lot of time building up this fantastic dark, isolated, depressing atmosphere that does not subside at any point throughout. The village of Aplin Shade feels so real and cold it seems like a waking everyday nightmare. Descriptions of the forest and what goes on inside it kept me on the edge of my seat not wanting to put the book down!
My only slight complaint about the story is that despite the atmospheric writing that built such a solid picture of this village in my mind, I wish a little more would have happened plot wise, especially in the first 6o to 70%, we spent a while just watching Dom wake up and at the end of the chapter go to sleep without too much happening in between to further the plot. This is however, such a personal issue of mine and did not tamper my enjoyment of the story very much, I know that this will not be an issue for readers who love more character focused stories.
I knew I needed to read this not only the second I saw the gorgeous cover, but once I read the brief synopsis I knew this would be for me!
Our main character Dom and his partner Lex's relationship are what really drew me into this story, give a queer story and I'm in! Their chemistry and tender longing for one another really made me believe and feel for their relationship so deeply. They love one another so deeply despite all of the negativity and bigotry being thrown at them from almost every other character. Their longing for a better life was so sweet and endearing.
This story spends a lot of time building up this fantastic dark, isolated, depressing atmosphere that does not subside at any point throughout. The village of Aplin Shade feels so real and cold it seems like a waking everyday nightmare. Descriptions of the forest and what goes on inside it kept me on the edge of my seat not wanting to put the book down!
My only slight complaint about the story is that despite the atmospheric writing that built such a solid picture of this village in my mind, I wish a little more would have happened plot wise, especially in the first 6o to 70%, we spent a while just watching Dom wake up and at the end of the chapter go to sleep without too much happening in between to further the plot. This is however, such a personal issue of mine and did not tamper my enjoyment of the story very much, I know that this will not be an issue for readers who love more character focused stories.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Rating 2.75 rounded up
As The Snow Gathers is a introspective novel that leans heavily into atmosphere and emotional nuance with themes of isolation, emotional distance and regret. The narrative unfolds through fragments of memory combined with subtle interactions and shifting emotional states. Tension builds quietly over time leading to a sense of acceptance, or at least recognition, rather than a dramatic resolution.
The world building seems it’s deliberately constrained. Joyce builds a tight, almost claustrophobic setting shaped by winter which suits the story line perfectly and creating more of a psychological worldbuilding. The result is a setting that feels less like a place on a map and more like a state of being. This creates this sense of stillness that’s immersive… at least at first.
The problem is that the novel leans so heavily into that stillness that it starts to work against itself. The pacing is very slow, and not much happens on a plot level. Instead, the story focuses on internal emotion but those feelings are often so restrained that they never fully land. I kept waiting for something to break open, for a moment of clarity or confrontation, and it never quite came.
Overall, its a thoughtfully written, atmospheric novel that will work for readers who love slow, introspective fiction but for me, it was a bit too distant and uneventful to fully connect with.
As The Snow Gathers is a introspective novel that leans heavily into atmosphere and emotional nuance with themes of isolation, emotional distance and regret. The narrative unfolds through fragments of memory combined with subtle interactions and shifting emotional states. Tension builds quietly over time leading to a sense of acceptance, or at least recognition, rather than a dramatic resolution.
The world building seems it’s deliberately constrained. Joyce builds a tight, almost claustrophobic setting shaped by winter which suits the story line perfectly and creating more of a psychological worldbuilding. The result is a setting that feels less like a place on a map and more like a state of being. This creates this sense of stillness that’s immersive… at least at first.
The problem is that the novel leans so heavily into that stillness that it starts to work against itself. The pacing is very slow, and not much happens on a plot level. Instead, the story focuses on internal emotion but those feelings are often so restrained that they never fully land. I kept waiting for something to break open, for a moment of clarity or confrontation, and it never quite came.
Overall, its a thoughtfully written, atmospheric novel that will work for readers who love slow, introspective fiction but for me, it was a bit too distant and uneventful to fully connect with.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5⭐️ 1🌶️ 2🌪️ 3😱 1😭 1🤗
Thank you NetGalley, Mere Joyce, and the publishing team at Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. As the Snow Gathers by Mere Joyce is such a unique book, and the ending was just about as perfectly wrapped up as you can get—especially for a genre-bending story that seamlessly combines horror and romance. I’m also a huge fan when you can bring me a “new” unique monster…Wow! I’ll be thinking about this one all year.
Set in 1863, Joyce writes as if she lived in this time period—the language, dialogue, and descriptions all felt authentically period-appropriate, completely immersing me in the era. The story takes place in a remote, isolated village where trees and winter control everything. Joyce was incredibly clever to withhold the specific location, adding mystery and a timeless, fairy-tale quality. It’s also told over just one month, so the pacing is relentlessly fast.
As for the plot, you’ll just need to read it—I don’t want to provide any spoilers, and this story is perfect for going in blind. Just know there are frights, gore, romance, tension, and everything that makes a compelling horror story. One of the most impressive debuts I’ve read in a while.
Thank you NetGalley, Mere Joyce, and the publishing team at Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC!
I don’t even know where to begin with this review. As the Snow Gathers by Mere Joyce is such a unique book, and the ending was just about as perfectly wrapped up as you can get—especially for a genre-bending story that seamlessly combines horror and romance. I’m also a huge fan when you can bring me a “new” unique monster…Wow! I’ll be thinking about this one all year.
Set in 1863, Joyce writes as if she lived in this time period—the language, dialogue, and descriptions all felt authentically period-appropriate, completely immersing me in the era. The story takes place in a remote, isolated village where trees and winter control everything. Joyce was incredibly clever to withhold the specific location, adding mystery and a timeless, fairy-tale quality. It’s also told over just one month, so the pacing is relentlessly fast.
As for the plot, you’ll just need to read it—I don’t want to provide any spoilers, and this story is perfect for going in blind. Just know there are frights, gore, romance, tension, and everything that makes a compelling horror story. One of the most impressive debuts I’ve read in a while.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
What I loved most was the horror of it all. The atmosphere was so tense and unsettling, and I could feel that dread slowly building with every dated chapter. The dated chapter format made the slower pacing work for me because it emphasized the weight of each day and the way tension kept building little by little. There is a repetitive quality to Dom’s days, waking up, moving through the house, trying to piece things together, going to bed, but that routine added to the claustrophobic feeling of the story.
The faunter felt really unique, and I loved how different the plot felt. It wasn’t just another standard haunted-house type of story. There was something strange and deeply eerie about it that kept pulling me back in.
But the emotional side is what really made this hit. I felt so much for the characters, especially Dom and Lex. Their love was sweet, believable, and tender in a way that made the horror hurt more. I cared about them, and by the end, this book had me crying.
The pacing is definitely slow at times. But for me, the atmosphere, the horror, the emotional weight, and the way it made me not want to put it down completely won me over.
A chilling, emotional, gory, unique read that left me haunted.
What I loved most was the horror of it all. The atmosphere was so tense and unsettling, and I could feel that dread slowly building with every dated chapter. The dated chapter format made the slower pacing work for me because it emphasized the weight of each day and the way tension kept building little by little. There is a repetitive quality to Dom’s days, waking up, moving through the house, trying to piece things together, going to bed, but that routine added to the claustrophobic feeling of the story.
The faunter felt really unique, and I loved how different the plot felt. It wasn’t just another standard haunted-house type of story. There was something strange and deeply eerie about it that kept pulling me back in.
But the emotional side is what really made this hit. I felt so much for the characters, especially Dom and Lex. Their love was sweet, believable, and tender in a way that made the horror hurt more. I cared about them, and by the end, this book had me crying.
The pacing is definitely slow at times. But for me, the atmosphere, the horror, the emotional weight, and the way it made me not want to put it down completely won me over.
A chilling, emotional, gory, unique read that left me haunted.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I ended up somewhere between 2 and 3 stars with As the Snow Gathers because the core idea genuinely had a lot of potential, but the execution needed much more editing.
The atmosphere is probably the book’s strongest aspect. The isolated Canadian setting, the winter horror elements, the secrecy surrounding Dominic and Lex, and the folklore-like presence of the Fanteur create a really compelling foundation. The idea of creatures that only fed on the dead until suddenly they didn’t is genuinely unsettling, and the emotional core centred around grief, repression, and survival had the ingredients for something deeply haunting.
Unfortunately, the writing itself often weakened the story for me. There’s a surprising amount of repetition, both in wording and in themes, especially in the first half of the book. At times, it almost feels like the same emotional point is being rewritten multiple times in slightly different sentences instead of naturally progressing. One example that stood out to me was when, within essentially the same page, the narration explains that someone fears conflict because they never experienced the feeling of victory, only to repeat almost the same idea again, a few paragraphs later, with slightly different phrasing. And this wasn’t an isolated issue.
The atmosphere is probably the book’s strongest aspect. The isolated Canadian setting, the winter horror elements, the secrecy surrounding Dominic and Lex, and the folklore-like presence of the Fanteur create a really compelling foundation. The idea of creatures that only fed on the dead until suddenly they didn’t is genuinely unsettling, and the emotional core centred around grief, repression, and survival had the ingredients for something deeply haunting.
Unfortunately, the writing itself often weakened the story for me. There’s a surprising amount of repetition, both in wording and in themes, especially in the first half of the book. At times, it almost feels like the same emotional point is being rewritten multiple times in slightly different sentences instead of naturally progressing. One example that stood out to me was when, within essentially the same page, the narration explains that someone fears conflict because they never experienced the feeling of victory, only to repeat almost the same idea again, a few paragraphs later, with slightly different phrasing. And this wasn’t an isolated issue.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As the Snow Gathers immediately establishes itself as a haunting and unforgiving read. The chilly, dreary setting of an isolated Canadian village pulled me in instantly. Mere Joyce does a poetic job of weaving together a sense of dread and helplessness the characters feel as the village is slowly preyed upon from unknown beings lurking in the forest.
The queer romance between Dom and Lex doesn’t pull away from the eerie atmosphere but builds on it. The village is small where it’s almost an open secret the two men are in a relationship but shunned by the religious population. They have dreams of moving away from the town, but so many factors have you feeling it’s desperately fragile.
The prose is beautiful and rich with mystery, leading the story in directions I truly didn’t see coming. I was pleasantly surprised by several plot twists that kept me fully invested until the final page. I highly recommend this for any horror lover looking for a perfect autumn or winter read—it’s the kind of story that will keep you looking over your shoulder during those long, cold nights.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
The queer romance between Dom and Lex doesn’t pull away from the eerie atmosphere but builds on it. The village is small where it’s almost an open secret the two men are in a relationship but shunned by the religious population. They have dreams of moving away from the town, but so many factors have you feeling it’s desperately fragile.
The prose is beautiful and rich with mystery, leading the story in directions I truly didn’t see coming. I was pleasantly surprised by several plot twists that kept me fully invested until the final page. I highly recommend this for any horror lover looking for a perfect autumn or winter read—it’s the kind of story that will keep you looking over your shoulder during those long, cold nights.
Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC of this book!
As the Snow Gathers is a fantastical, romantic horror novel that I think a lot of people would enjoy reading. I found the pacing to be perfect (there is never a time where things feel too rushed or like the plot is dragging) and the Fanteur are a compellingly scary adversary. I really enjoyed the sweetness of Lex and Dom's relationship, and Joyce made their decision to continue running towards horror make sense in context.
I have two main critiques of this book: firstly, the prose does not read in any way like the 19th century. I understand that this makes the book more accessible and quicker to read, but I would have liked the dialogue at least to draw me in and make me feel rooted in the 19th c. Secondly, I think Dominic's characterization throughout the book does not follow closely enough to make his character growth make complete sense in the end.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, relatively light read who enjoys thrillers or more romantic horror novels!
As the Snow Gathers is a fantastical, romantic horror novel that I think a lot of people would enjoy reading. I found the pacing to be perfect (there is never a time where things feel too rushed or like the plot is dragging) and the Fanteur are a compellingly scary adversary. I really enjoyed the sweetness of Lex and Dom's relationship, and Joyce made their decision to continue running towards horror make sense in context.
I have two main critiques of this book: firstly, the prose does not read in any way like the 19th century. I understand that this makes the book more accessible and quicker to read, but I would have liked the dialogue at least to draw me in and make me feel rooted in the 19th c. Secondly, I think Dominic's characterization throughout the book does not follow closely enough to make his character growth make complete sense in the end.
I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a quick, relatively light read who enjoys thrillers or more romantic horror novels!
May 11, 2026
Advance copy received from Netgalley. Review voluntarily provided.
This was a horribly dreary and miserable book about a small Canadian village being preyed on by *something* in the forest that they are actively chopping down.
The setting and atmosphere: miserable, cold, and suffocating. The characters: miserable, cold, and MEAN. The creatures in the forest: brutal and unforgiving. The only light in the whole thing is Dom and Lex and their plan to escape it all together.
Honestly, it was a slow and brutal book with a slow build, but the build paid off, I think. Dom was a compelling character and I wanted to know where his story ended given the absolute terror that had taken over the village. I loved him and Lex and the small sanctuary they built between them. Even though they were miserable, they weren't miserable because of each other - quite the opposite and it was that bit of lightness that kept me going. It helped to have them so thoroughly on each other's side when everyone else was so cruel and cold and greedy.
I've loved reading Mere Joyce's Oracle of Senders series, so I'm glad to have liked this one, too!
This was a horribly dreary and miserable book about a small Canadian village being preyed on by *something* in the forest that they are actively chopping down.
The setting and atmosphere: miserable, cold, and suffocating. The characters: miserable, cold, and MEAN. The creatures in the forest: brutal and unforgiving. The only light in the whole thing is Dom and Lex and their plan to escape it all together.
Honestly, it was a slow and brutal book with a slow build, but the build paid off, I think. Dom was a compelling character and I wanted to know where his story ended given the absolute terror that had taken over the village. I loved him and Lex and the small sanctuary they built between them. Even though they were miserable, they weren't miserable because of each other - quite the opposite and it was that bit of lightness that kept me going. It helped to have them so thoroughly on each other's side when everyone else was so cruel and cold and greedy.
I've loved reading Mere Joyce's Oracle of Senders series, so I'm glad to have liked this one, too!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This snowy, dread-filled story follows Dom and the inhabitants of a small village in Canada set in 1863. Lurking in the woods is a presence they've always known and accepted as part of their lives. But when their presence becomes a threat, Dom tries his best to figure out how to stop them before he loses everything he holds dear, even if it means making sacrifices.
This story was a great atmospheric read and I almost wish I had been able to save it for winter! The creeping mystery kept me engaged but the pace was a little slow for my personal liking. If you're a fan of slow burns, this will be for you. The love story that intertwines with the horror was a pleasant change from usual horror stories. The characters were well-developed and easily imagined to be real. If you're looking for a slow-burn folk horror story with a touch of love, definitely check this one out.
This story was a great atmospheric read and I almost wish I had been able to save it for winter! The creeping mystery kept me engaged but the pace was a little slow for my personal liking. If you're a fan of slow burns, this will be for you. The love story that intertwines with the horror was a pleasant change from usual horror stories. The characters were well-developed and easily imagined to be real. If you're looking for a slow-burn folk horror story with a touch of love, definitely check this one out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I absolutely loved As the Snow Gathers. This book felt incredibly dark, haunting, and strangely beautiful all at the same time. The atmosphere pulled me in immediately — the cold, quiet setting and the creeping sense that something terrible was lurking just beneath the surface made it impossible to put down.
What stood out to me the most was how beautifully written the darkness was. Even in the most unsettling moments, the story had this poetic quality that made every scene feel vivid and emotional. I found myself completely immersed in the eerie mood and tension.
I also loved how the story slowly unfolded, revealing more and more of the mystery while keeping that heavy, chilling tone throughout. By the end, I was left feeling both disturbed and amazed by how powerful the storytelling was.
A dark and mesmerizing read that I won’t forget anytime soon.
What stood out to me the most was how beautifully written the darkness was. Even in the most unsettling moments, the story had this poetic quality that made every scene feel vivid and emotional. I found myself completely immersed in the eerie mood and tension.
I also loved how the story slowly unfolded, revealing more and more of the mystery while keeping that heavy, chilling tone throughout. By the end, I was left feeling both disturbed and amazed by how powerful the storytelling was.
A dark and mesmerizing read that I won’t forget anytime soon.
May 5, 2026
I received an eARC of As the Snow Gathers from NetGalley in exchange for my review. This novel follows residents of the town of Aplin Shade, from the point of visas of town solicitor Dom, who is in a secret relationship with one of the town’s loggers. The town’s permanent residents have a tenuous relationship with the more impermanent loggers, who do seasonal work and as years pass, have grown to irritate the “Fanteur” a mythical creature that occupies the woodlands outside the village. Where minor robberies and attacks on corpses believe to be committed by the Fanteur escalate into attacks on the living, the townsfolk quickly blame the loggers and tensions boil over.
I loved the gothic, atmospheric tension of this novel. The characters were well developed for the novel’s shorter length; I would have loved to know more about the historical context of the land pre Aplin Shade and the history surrounding the Fanteur. Not that the author did not do a good job, it was just so richly set up there would have been so much more that could have been explored! I can’t wait to explore more of this author’s work, and I loved this novel.
I loved the gothic, atmospheric tension of this novel. The characters were well developed for the novel’s shorter length; I would have loved to know more about the historical context of the land pre Aplin Shade and the history surrounding the Fanteur. Not that the author did not do a good job, it was just so richly set up there would have been so much more that could have been explored! I can’t wait to explore more of this author’s work, and I loved this novel.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this book as an ARC. This story kept me on edge the whole time. twisting and turning through the dark woods of its own making. A wonderful story if you want to watch the main character break slowly before your eyes, akin to Don't Let the Forest in. Giving the forest a will amd a way to enact its malevolent revenge. Although you can tell the author had a fanfiction Era with the vocabulary and the mannerisms. Towards the end I believe I had figured out the plot, but then it would twist and change. overall I need a second and possibly a third book following Lex and Dom into their next adventures. I can't wait to see just how they will enact their revenge.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.75/5 rounded up.
Remote cabin spookiness! That always sounds fun.
But I didn't find this to be nearly as intriguing or exciting as I expected it to be.
The atmosphere is definitely the star of the show. It is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
This story follows the mental and emotional aspects rather than the actual spooky happenings. I don't tend to love that. It's not as engaging for the reader, in my opinion. I find it to stunt the story and my connection to it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Remote cabin spookiness! That always sounds fun.
But I didn't find this to be nearly as intriguing or exciting as I expected it to be.
The atmosphere is definitely the star of the show. It is doing a lot of the heavy lifting.
This story follows the mental and emotional aspects rather than the actual spooky happenings. I don't tend to love that. It's not as engaging for the reader, in my opinion. I find it to stunt the story and my connection to it.
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to Net Galley and Poisoned pen press for trusting me with this ARC read
As the snow gathers is a really gruesome horror story about a smal Canadian village plagued by forest creatures who for years have stolen their dead only to return them to the village. But something is changing and this unsettling coexistent that's been safe for the living for so many years is beginning to shift.
This is a story about humanity's dark sides and finding the strength to persevere against the odds, but it's also as tory about true and pure love.
As the snow gathers is a really gruesome horror story about a smal Canadian village plagued by forest creatures who for years have stolen their dead only to return them to the village. But something is changing and this unsettling coexistent that's been safe for the living for so many years is beginning to shift.
This is a story about humanity's dark sides and finding the strength to persevere against the odds, but it's also as tory about true and pure love.
Read
April 23, 2026A great atmospheric read, though perhaps better saved for a winter evening. The pacing in the first half is quite slow, and the world building around the Fanteur leaves a few unanswered questions. Character development outside of the two leads is also fairly minimal. Worth picking up if you enjoy folk horror and atmosphere-heavy storytelling, just go in knowing it takes its time.
April 24, 2026
This book while enjoyable I found it moved incredibly slowly up until roughly 60% of the way through. Once I hit that point it was hard to put down.
Besides how slow it was for me I found the prose enjoyable and the ending unexpected in a way that filled me with glee.
If you enjoy a slower moving horror I’d definitely give this novel a try.
Besides how slow it was for me I found the prose enjoyable and the ending unexpected in a way that filled me with glee.
If you enjoy a slower moving horror I’d definitely give this novel a try.
Want to Read
March 5, 2026A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
April 12, 2026
✨ ARC ✨ As The Snow Gathers by Mere Joyce ✨
As The Snow Gathers is a paranormal mystery set in a small town called Aplin Shade isolated by an eerie forest. The story is set in winter and there is no warmth in any of the characters outside of the brief glimpse of the love story between the main characters, Lex and Dom.
The romance between Dom and Lex in the book has already settled. Not new, or fiery but deep, devotion shown through out the book.
However, while there is romance, it’s not the main focus of the story. Mysterious creatures from the woods surrounding the town want more than just the blood from dead bodies and nearly everyone in the town has a secret.
4 ⭐️’s. I really enjoyed it. Thank you Netgallery and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this early.
As The Snow Gathers is a paranormal mystery set in a small town called Aplin Shade isolated by an eerie forest. The story is set in winter and there is no warmth in any of the characters outside of the brief glimpse of the love story between the main characters, Lex and Dom.
The romance between Dom and Lex in the book has already settled. Not new, or fiery but deep, devotion shown through out the book.
However, while there is romance, it’s not the main focus of the story. Mysterious creatures from the woods surrounding the town want more than just the blood from dead bodies and nearly everyone in the town has a secret.
4 ⭐️’s. I really enjoyed it. Thank you Netgallery and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this early.
Did Not Finish
April 16, 2026As The Snow Gathers immediately drew me in with its promise of a mysterious town and the dangers that lurked in the surrounding woods. The story dives head first into the escalating tensions, which pits the villagers against both monsters and their fellow man. The creatures themselves are super interesting, and I could see them becoming quite chilling as the story progresses. The main cast of characters was diverse and there were glimpses of a cute, if predictable, dynamic between the lovers.
So why the DNF? The main issue was unfortunately the prose, I found the writing to be very distracting. Overuse of repetitive descriptions completely pulls me out of a story. I want the author to trust me with remembering plot details and making connections. Show me, don’t tell me. The pacing was also not working for me. As it stands, by almost the half way point the horror elements have been rather tame, and the plot is dragging.
In the end this wasn’t for me. But, I could see this being better suited to a reader who thrives off slower burns and straightforward storytelling
* Thank you to the author, publisher & NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review *
So why the DNF? The main issue was unfortunately the prose, I found the writing to be very distracting. Overuse of repetitive descriptions completely pulls me out of a story. I want the author to trust me with remembering plot details and making connections. Show me, don’t tell me. The pacing was also not working for me. As it stands, by almost the half way point the horror elements have been rather tame, and the plot is dragging.
In the end this wasn’t for me. But, I could see this being better suited to a reader who thrives off slower burns and straightforward storytelling
* Thank you to the author, publisher & NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review *
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