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High Tide: A Survival Monster Horror
The tide is rising, and it's got teeth.
Nia Morgan used to be confident and capable, but recent trauma has broken her. She and her friends want to spend a few weeks in Thailand and forget the world. Surfing, getting high, seeing the sights — all seems well until events force them to change plans.
They decide to spend a few days on a private island that no one else seems to know about. It's cheap, and it's all for them. Until the only way back to the mainland is cut off. Until hungry and impossible creatures rise from the depths and pursue them.
As the group breaks down, fighting themselves and nature as much as they do the monsters, Nia must call on long forgotten strength to get herself and those she cares about off the island before the tides swallow them all.
Nia Morgan used to be confident and capable, but recent trauma has broken her. She and her friends want to spend a few weeks in Thailand and forget the world. Surfing, getting high, seeing the sights — all seems well until events force them to change plans.
They decide to spend a few days on a private island that no one else seems to know about. It's cheap, and it's all for them. Until the only way back to the mainland is cut off. Until hungry and impossible creatures rise from the depths and pursue them.
As the group breaks down, fighting themselves and nature as much as they do the monsters, Nia must call on long forgotten strength to get herself and those she cares about off the island before the tides swallow them all.
- GenresHorror
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Review of advance copy
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I am one of those people where the book they are reading turns into a movie in my head.
I kept finding I didn't want to put the book down and just wanted to finish it in one go. But alas everyday responsibilities like work prevented that.
It has the right amount of suspense without fear or stress, just enough to be like wait what's gonna happen next. Legit like watching a movie.
While certain characters like Miles I hate with a passion they all had depth to them and you learned backstories without it deviating from the ultimate plot of the book.
The monster itself I loved! I kept telling coworkers about it. It's form of… harm? It does. 100% loved. When you realize some things later in the book it really makes you think. I hope the book becomes popular enough that someone makes fan art of the monster. Because what a concept, I found I sometimes routed for it, while others I was definitely not.
I've found since finishing the book I have had the thought of 'I should watch High Tide again' to then remember it's a book and I read it lol.
10/10.
Will reread again here soon.
I am one of those people where the book they are reading turns into a movie in my head.
I kept finding I didn't want to put the book down and just wanted to finish it in one go. But alas everyday responsibilities like work prevented that.
It has the right amount of suspense without fear or stress, just enough to be like wait what's gonna happen next. Legit like watching a movie.
While certain characters like Miles I hate with a passion they all had depth to them and you learned backstories without it deviating from the ultimate plot of the book.
The monster itself I loved! I kept telling coworkers about it. It's form of… harm? It does. 100% loved. When you realize some things later in the book it really makes you think. I hope the book becomes popular enough that someone makes fan art of the monster. Because what a concept, I found I sometimes routed for it, while others I was definitely not.
I've found since finishing the book I have had the thought of 'I should watch High Tide again' to then remember it's a book and I read it lol.
10/10.
Will reread again here soon.
April 26, 2026
Loved this book! Been a couple days since I finished it and I keep thinking about this book.
High Tide is about several friends who get stranded on an island and soon find out the secrets/horrors of the island and its people.
It was a fast-paced book that I did not want to put down. Just wanted to keep reading to see what happens next! The author really keeps you on your toes and didn’t know what to expect each page turn.
Overall, 5/5 stars. LOVED it and want to re-read it all over again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
High Tide is about several friends who get stranded on an island and soon find out the secrets/horrors of the island and its people.
It was a fast-paced book that I did not want to put down. Just wanted to keep reading to see what happens next! The author really keeps you on your toes and didn’t know what to expect each page turn.
Overall, 5/5 stars. LOVED it and want to re-read it all over again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2026
From the beginning this story pulls no punches. Brooks created dangerous and terrifying ancient monsters, impossible situations and wrapped it all in folk horror detail. Do I want to go into the ocean now? Not so much.
March 31, 2026
Nia and her friends go on a trip to Tialand to help her relax. The island they end up on is secluded no cell reception and a ancient creature is stirring.
May 15, 2026
I enjoyed it. Fast paced and Brooks is fantastic at writing violence/gore. The “group goes on an island vacation but something goes wrong” trope is usually pretty played out imo, but the author managed to keep it fresh!
May 16, 2026
A good ole-fashioned "creature feature" with a quick read time, interesting backstory and well-executed mechanics. The writing was excellent pace, with just enough twists to keep me turning the pages. While the overall structure is somewhat formulaic, for this kind of book, it works perfectly. The beats hit just as expected, the abrupt POV shifts are normal - and the menace facing our characters is never fully settled.
Exactly what I was expecting.
Exactly what I was expecting.
Review of advance copy received from Author
If this book’s title and cover art has you expecting yet another tired take on Jaws, think again. It could be better described as The Ruins set against Thai culture and mythology, with a man-eating menace that’s far more unsettling than either a shark or invasive parasitic plants. While the author is well-versed in Asian mythology and has borrowed liberally from the Japanese pantheon of gods and monsters for past books, for this one he delved deep into his imagination to conjure up an original monster that nevertheless feels like it could fit right into ancient Asian folklore. The result is nothing less than horrifying.
A drawback of this novel is a cast of largely unlikeable characters with questionable judgment and sense, although the main protagonists are at least sympathetic and somewhat more likeable than the rest. I do appreciate that the Final Girl figure is not a “girl boss,” but is realistically portrayed as an average woman who has to stretch way beyond her comfort zone to be resourceful in her fight to survive.
This book contains what some may consider “woke” elements that will please some while being off-putting to others. But the author doesn’t seem to be making a political statement regarding this topic one way or the other -- it’s simply part of the story, and this particular character’s orientation ends up being a catalyst for landing the group in this situation.
All in all, I enjoyed this book, though not as much as those I’ve read in the author’s Black Sun series. But that has more to do with personal preferences than the quality of the writing, which is outstanding, and so I deduct no stars. All in all, this was a fun read, and I’m still thinking about it days after finishing it, which is the mark of a great book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A drawback of this novel is a cast of largely unlikeable characters with questionable judgment and sense, although the main protagonists are at least sympathetic and somewhat more likeable than the rest. I do appreciate that the Final Girl figure is not a “girl boss,” but is realistically portrayed as an average woman who has to stretch way beyond her comfort zone to be resourceful in her fight to survive.
This book contains what some may consider “woke” elements that will please some while being off-putting to others. But the author doesn’t seem to be making a political statement regarding this topic one way or the other -- it’s simply part of the story, and this particular character’s orientation ends up being a catalyst for landing the group in this situation.
All in all, I enjoyed this book, though not as much as those I’ve read in the author’s Black Sun series. But that has more to do with personal preferences than the quality of the writing, which is outstanding, and so I deduct no stars. All in all, this was a fun read, and I’m still thinking about it days after finishing it, which is the mark of a great book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The cover of High Tide by Sean Brooks immediately gave me Jaws vibes — a girl in the ocean with something clearly not right in the water. I’m not usually a straight horror reader (I lean more toward Dark romance and monster romance), so this was a bit outside my usual picks.
The first twenty minutes took me a moment to settle into, but once it clicked, I was completely hooked.
The story follows a group of friends staying on an island in Thailand when things start to go very, very wrong. I won’t say more than that because this is definitely a book best read without spoilers.
One thing I really loved was the setting. I actually live in Thailand and spend time on beaches like the ones in this book, and it felt incredibly well observed. The names of the characters were spot on, and the way the locals spoke to tourists was 10/10. It felt authentic in a way that’s quite rare to see.
The pacing was great, and the length felt just right… no dragging, no filler. And even though I’m someone who normally enjoys a bit of monster romance, under no circumstances did I want a romance to appear in this book.
The final stretch of the book is where it really shines. The last quarter genuinely had me on the edge of a cliff. The moments between the characters were unexpectedly emotional. At one point I honestly thought I might cry while reading it in immigration today, which would have been fairly embarrassing. For a book that isn’t especially long, it still managed to hit me right in the feels.
I read this on my Kobo Libra Colour and ended up annotating it more than any other book I’ve read since getting it.
Easy five-star read for me.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The first twenty minutes took me a moment to settle into, but once it clicked, I was completely hooked.
The story follows a group of friends staying on an island in Thailand when things start to go very, very wrong. I won’t say more than that because this is definitely a book best read without spoilers.
One thing I really loved was the setting. I actually live in Thailand and spend time on beaches like the ones in this book, and it felt incredibly well observed. The names of the characters were spot on, and the way the locals spoke to tourists was 10/10. It felt authentic in a way that’s quite rare to see.
The pacing was great, and the length felt just right… no dragging, no filler. And even though I’m someone who normally enjoys a bit of monster romance, under no circumstances did I want a romance to appear in this book.
The final stretch of the book is where it really shines. The last quarter genuinely had me on the edge of a cliff. The moments between the characters were unexpectedly emotional. At one point I honestly thought I might cry while reading it in immigration today, which would have been fairly embarrassing. For a book that isn’t especially long, it still managed to hit me right in the feels.
I read this on my Kobo Libra Colour and ended up annotating it more than any other book I’ve read since getting it.
Easy five-star read for me.
I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2026
Once capable and confident, Nia is now a shadow of her former self. Hoping to escape the weight of her trauma, she joins her friends on a trip to Thailand: surfing, partying, and chasing distraction. But what begins as a carefree getaway quickly spirals after a run-in with criminals forces them off course and into something far more dangerous.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced monster horror novel. While the pacing is intentionally brisk, it still takes time to peel back the layers of each character, giving enough background to make their fears and decisions feel grounded. The story doesn’t just center on the four tourists, it also brings in local perspectives, which adds authenticity and depth. It avoids the typical “outsider-only” lens and instead creates a stronger connection to the setting and culture. This isn’t just a monster horror story, it leans heavily into destination horror as well, using the unfamiliar environment to heighten tension and unease. Brooks also weaves in subtle nods to his previous works, which longtime readers will appreciate.
What stood out most to me was the horror itself. The monsters’ presence is felt through their destruction, mystery, and visceral brutality. The gore and chaos are vividly described without feeling excessive, striking a solid balance between shock and atmosphere.
Brooks’ writing style remains consistent with his other horror works, particularly in how he gradually develops his characters before throwing them into escalating danger. It’s a familiar structure, but one that works well here, and I found myself with no real complaints.
I really enjoyed this fast-paced monster horror novel. While the pacing is intentionally brisk, it still takes time to peel back the layers of each character, giving enough background to make their fears and decisions feel grounded. The story doesn’t just center on the four tourists, it also brings in local perspectives, which adds authenticity and depth. It avoids the typical “outsider-only” lens and instead creates a stronger connection to the setting and culture. This isn’t just a monster horror story, it leans heavily into destination horror as well, using the unfamiliar environment to heighten tension and unease. Brooks also weaves in subtle nods to his previous works, which longtime readers will appreciate.
What stood out most to me was the horror itself. The monsters’ presence is felt through their destruction, mystery, and visceral brutality. The gore and chaos are vividly described without feeling excessive, striking a solid balance between shock and atmosphere.
Brooks’ writing style remains consistent with his other horror works, particularly in how he gradually develops his characters before throwing them into escalating danger. It’s a familiar structure, but one that works well here, and I found myself with no real complaints.
April 10, 2026
High Tide by Shawn Brooks opens with a chilling, unforgettable scene: Marcus and his girlfriend Emma are sharing a quiet evening when their peace is brutally shattered by a mysterious sea monster. This shocking beginning immediately establishes a dark, suspenseful tone and hooks the reader from the very first pages. The story then shifts to a group of young travelers—Nia, Val, Jace, Ava, and Miles—vacationing in Thailand, blissfully unaware that something deadly is lurking beneath the ocean’s surface.
Blending fast-paced horror with thriller elements, High Tide strongly evokes the tension and atmosphere of Jaws, using the sea as a constant source of dread. The monster itself—a massive, glass-like octopus armed with deadly toxins—adds a fresh and frightening twist to the classic creature-feature formula. Written in a screenplay-style format, the novel reads visually, making it easy to imagine every scene unfolding like a movie. The pacing is relentless, keeping the stakes high as the danger escalates.
While some characters may feel irritating at times and the heavy use of swearing might not appeal to all readers, the dialogue effectively captures the characters’ youth and carefree vacation mindset. Nia stands out as a particularly strong and likable character; unlike Miles, who is willing to sacrifice others to escape the island, she is determined to save everyone in the group. Her recurring nightmares and moments of fear—shaped by trauma connected to her husband—feel especially realistic and add emotional depth to the story.
Overall, High Tide delivers an intense, page-turning horror experience with a gripping sense of threat that lasts until the very end. Fans of fast-paced horror and classic monster stories will find this book well worth the read. I really enjoyed this novel, even though I had no expectations.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thank you Netgalley :).
Blending fast-paced horror with thriller elements, High Tide strongly evokes the tension and atmosphere of Jaws, using the sea as a constant source of dread. The monster itself—a massive, glass-like octopus armed with deadly toxins—adds a fresh and frightening twist to the classic creature-feature formula. Written in a screenplay-style format, the novel reads visually, making it easy to imagine every scene unfolding like a movie. The pacing is relentless, keeping the stakes high as the danger escalates.
While some characters may feel irritating at times and the heavy use of swearing might not appeal to all readers, the dialogue effectively captures the characters’ youth and carefree vacation mindset. Nia stands out as a particularly strong and likable character; unlike Miles, who is willing to sacrifice others to escape the island, she is determined to save everyone in the group. Her recurring nightmares and moments of fear—shaped by trauma connected to her husband—feel especially realistic and add emotional depth to the story.
Overall, High Tide delivers an intense, page-turning horror experience with a gripping sense of threat that lasts until the very end. Fans of fast-paced horror and classic monster stories will find this book well worth the read. I really enjoyed this novel, even though I had no expectations.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thank you Netgalley :).
Review of advance copy
Nia Morgan is spending her holiday with friends in Thailand. What starts as one big party, soon spirals down into a horrific nightmare..
As soon as I read Chapter 1 I knew I hit the jackpot for choosing to read High Tide. This fast paced monster survival horror has everything. Persistent tension, likeable and unlikeable characters, an amazing setting, summer vibes and then of course we have this horrifying aquatic monster. Omg, I loved everything about it. Its features, how it acts and especially how it feeds. The killings are brutal, relentless and utterly fascinating. One must have a huge imagination to create such a unique and terrifying creature, respect! Only after a few pages I was totally submerged in it. All I wanted to do was read and soon I forgot about all of my usual daily chores and tasks. 🔥😂
The storytelling was vivid. I could see the story unfolding on my retinas just like a movie and I have high hopes for High Tide as a movie adaption. 🙏🏼 The characters were interesting and in addition to the monster plot the story touches themes like friendship, betrayal and domestic violence, all of this in a perfect balance. Two characters in particular had my heart and their lovely bond touched me deeply. Therefor some of the outcomes were heartbreaking, but I love tragic and bleak stories, so this one will stick with me for a long time. 🖤 If you’re into tragedy, creepy ass monsters and pure horror, this one’s for you!
As soon as I read Chapter 1 I knew I hit the jackpot for choosing to read High Tide. This fast paced monster survival horror has everything. Persistent tension, likeable and unlikeable characters, an amazing setting, summer vibes and then of course we have this horrifying aquatic monster. Omg, I loved everything about it. Its features, how it acts and especially how it feeds. The killings are brutal, relentless and utterly fascinating. One must have a huge imagination to create such a unique and terrifying creature, respect! Only after a few pages I was totally submerged in it. All I wanted to do was read and soon I forgot about all of my usual daily chores and tasks. 🔥😂
The storytelling was vivid. I could see the story unfolding on my retinas just like a movie and I have high hopes for High Tide as a movie adaption. 🙏🏼 The characters were interesting and in addition to the monster plot the story touches themes like friendship, betrayal and domestic violence, all of this in a perfect balance. Two characters in particular had my heart and their lovely bond touched me deeply. Therefor some of the outcomes were heartbreaking, but I love tragic and bleak stories, so this one will stick with me for a long time. 🖤 If you’re into tragedy, creepy ass monsters and pure horror, this one’s for you!
March 23, 2026
I saw the author’s instagram post about this book on my feed and immediately picked up the book on kindle.
It. Is. Good.
I consider myself harsher than I would like to be on my 5 stars giving but this book deserves it.
One of the books that got me out of my reading slump a few years ago was The Troop by Nick Cutter and High Tide reminded me of it in all the best ways.
The characters were well written and complex enough to keep me hoping they were gonna make it. And some surprise queer representation is always gonna make me at least that much more happy, I’m very simple.
Their dynamics and personalities reminded me, once again in the very best way, of every friend group we can find in early to mid-2000s horror movies like The Ruins or Frozen. The story felt fresh but also nostalgic, like I’ve read it before and forgot how good it was before picking it up again.
The monsters were truly terrifying and trashed right in my fear of deep waters. And probably made me more afraid, so thanks for that!
The idea of !! Slight spoilers !! being tortured in unfathomable ways by creatures that have no evident motives or ways to be stopped is truly blood curling. !! End of spoilers !!
The writing is flowy, the gore descriptions are on point and as disgusting as they should be, the plot was interesting enough to make me care… in short I loved this book and will be picking more of Shawn’s work!
It. Is. Good.
I consider myself harsher than I would like to be on my 5 stars giving but this book deserves it.
One of the books that got me out of my reading slump a few years ago was The Troop by Nick Cutter and High Tide reminded me of it in all the best ways.
The characters were well written and complex enough to keep me hoping they were gonna make it. And some surprise queer representation is always gonna make me at least that much more happy, I’m very simple.
Their dynamics and personalities reminded me, once again in the very best way, of every friend group we can find in early to mid-2000s horror movies like The Ruins or Frozen. The story felt fresh but also nostalgic, like I’ve read it before and forgot how good it was before picking it up again.
The monsters were truly terrifying and trashed right in my fear of deep waters. And probably made me more afraid, so thanks for that!
The idea of !! Slight spoilers !! being tortured in unfathomable ways by creatures that have no evident motives or ways to be stopped is truly blood curling. !! End of spoilers !!
The writing is flowy, the gore descriptions are on point and as disgusting as they should be, the plot was interesting enough to make me care… in short I loved this book and will be picking more of Shawn’s work!
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved this one from Shawn. Sticking with the mythology element based in Cthulhu style Eldrich horror, this book kept the tension rising.
I enjoyed the subtle LGBTQIA+ inclusion in this one, I felt it didn't take over the overall plot but gave a very subtle nod for those in the c0mmunity that may not see much of this in the horror/thriller genre. I'll be interested to see what else this could be put into for future books although this does not need to be in everything. Our LGBTQ character in this one retains their personality without having their gender identity being their only characteristic, which I have seen often in many novels of varying genres.
As usual, Shawn tackles the darker themes of the human condition such as trauma and some domestic violence elements, so those who may be affected should be mindful when reading. This is not a strong theme or something that is heavily leant into often so does not subtract from the horror they are experiencing throughout.
Loved the setting, I felt like this was a new avenue that was explored, interested to see what else is to come!
Creepy, unsettling and weird, just how I like my Eldrich based horror.
I enjoyed the subtle LGBTQIA+ inclusion in this one, I felt it didn't take over the overall plot but gave a very subtle nod for those in the c0mmunity that may not see much of this in the horror/thriller genre. I'll be interested to see what else this could be put into for future books although this does not need to be in everything. Our LGBTQ character in this one retains their personality without having their gender identity being their only characteristic, which I have seen often in many novels of varying genres.
As usual, Shawn tackles the darker themes of the human condition such as trauma and some domestic violence elements, so those who may be affected should be mindful when reading. This is not a strong theme or something that is heavily leant into often so does not subtract from the horror they are experiencing throughout.
Loved the setting, I felt like this was a new avenue that was explored, interested to see what else is to come!
Creepy, unsettling and weird, just how I like my Eldrich based horror.
Review of advance copy
High Tide gives The Ruins vibes but wetter and way worse. This book does not ease you in. The horror hits in chapter one and doesn’t let up.
There aren’t many things worse than what these characters endure. I’m fairly certain Shawn Brooks just wormed *ba dum tsss* his way into my nightmares and put them on the page. Teeth falling out will always traumatize me and that’s just the beginning of the trauma.
This is not subtle horror. Brooks fully commits to the body horror, and it is gross, gooey, claustrophobic, and relentless in the best way.
I will say, the use of they/them for one character occasionally made certain passages confusing… especially when the monsters are also referred to as “they.” When multiple “theys” stacked up in a sentence, things are bound to get muddled. And after all that careful use of they/them, specifically having “boy” and “girl” cabins felt… odd.
That said? This book is a win. It’s fast-paced, merciless, and I couldn’t put it down. If you like your horror slimy, suffocating, and brutal, read this.
Five stars. I’m never going in the ocean again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There aren’t many things worse than what these characters endure. I’m fairly certain Shawn Brooks just wormed *ba dum tsss* his way into my nightmares and put them on the page. Teeth falling out will always traumatize me and that’s just the beginning of the trauma.
This is not subtle horror. Brooks fully commits to the body horror, and it is gross, gooey, claustrophobic, and relentless in the best way.
I will say, the use of they/them for one character occasionally made certain passages confusing… especially when the monsters are also referred to as “they.” When multiple “theys” stacked up in a sentence, things are bound to get muddled. And after all that careful use of they/them, specifically having “boy” and “girl” cabins felt… odd.
That said? This book is a win. It’s fast-paced, merciless, and I couldn’t put it down. If you like your horror slimy, suffocating, and brutal, read this.
Five stars. I’m never going in the ocean again.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 22, 2026
I'm a girl that loves a creature feature. I also love Urban legends, lore, and mythology. So this was just the type of book I like to get my hands on. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nia, Jason (Jace), Val, Ava and Miles are vacationing in Thailand. Surfing, sand, good food.
After a run in with the Russian mob, they are given the opportunity to lay low on a private island.
From almost the beginning, something is off. Are they being watched? What's in the water? It sets their nerves on edge.
Ava is Jace's current girlfriend. There is some tension between her and Nia (who's know Jace since they were kids) to add to the mix.
I liked the buildup and creepy factor of the book. The characters are mostly unlikable with the exception of Jace and Nia and even they will irritate you from time to time. In a life or death situation, you don't align with or try to help someone who has tried to hurt you numerous times. Nor do you turn on your friends.
It's well written and had tense scary parts. The way the monsters were written was horror gold.
3.5- 4 stars for the ambiguous (yet satisfying in a way) ending.
Nia, Jason (Jace), Val, Ava and Miles are vacationing in Thailand. Surfing, sand, good food.
After a run in with the Russian mob, they are given the opportunity to lay low on a private island.
From almost the beginning, something is off. Are they being watched? What's in the water? It sets their nerves on edge.
Ava is Jace's current girlfriend. There is some tension between her and Nia (who's know Jace since they were kids) to add to the mix.
I liked the buildup and creepy factor of the book. The characters are mostly unlikable with the exception of Jace and Nia and even they will irritate you from time to time. In a life or death situation, you don't align with or try to help someone who has tried to hurt you numerous times. Nor do you turn on your friends.
It's well written and had tense scary parts. The way the monsters were written was horror gold.
3.5- 4 stars for the ambiguous (yet satisfying in a way) ending.
April 8, 2026
I will start by saying, everything I have read by Shawn Brooks has been amazing and this one is no different.
This one? Survival horror that grabbed me by the throat and dragged me under.
What starts as a carefree Thailand getaway with sun, surf, bad decisions...turns into something feral and suffocatingly tense the second they step onto that island. And from there? It’s pure chaos. Isolation horror at its finest. No help. No escape. Just rising water… and something waiting in it.
You can feel that creeping sense that something is very, very wrong. And when the creatures show up? Game over. Absolutely horrifying. The kind of fear that sinks into your bones and makes you side-eye every body of water you pass.
But what really got me was Nia. She’s not your typical “final girl”. She’s broken, raw, trying to piece herself back together while everything around her is literally falling apart.
The tension, the cracks, the desperation… it all felt so real.
Relentless and unforgiving.
This one? Survival horror that grabbed me by the throat and dragged me under.
What starts as a carefree Thailand getaway with sun, surf, bad decisions...turns into something feral and suffocatingly tense the second they step onto that island. And from there? It’s pure chaos. Isolation horror at its finest. No help. No escape. Just rising water… and something waiting in it.
You can feel that creeping sense that something is very, very wrong. And when the creatures show up? Game over. Absolutely horrifying. The kind of fear that sinks into your bones and makes you side-eye every body of water you pass.
But what really got me was Nia. She’s not your typical “final girl”. She’s broken, raw, trying to piece herself back together while everything around her is literally falling apart.
The tension, the cracks, the desperation… it all felt so real.
Relentless and unforgiving.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The cover gives Jaws vibes — girl in the ocean, something not right in the water, absolutely nobody should be swimming today.
My shelves are mostly dark romance & monster smut, which means I usually want my monsters scary & sexy, dangerous & possessive.
This monster?
No.
Absolutely not.
Hard pass.
1/10 monster boyfriend potential. (Not saying never. Monsters can change.)
Would not date.
Would not fix him.
The story follows a group of friends on an island in Thailand when things start going very, very wrong. The last quarter had me on the edge of a bloody cliff. At one point I almost cried straight up embarrassing. Don’t tell my mom.
Easy six-star read. Minus one star for monster boyfriend potential.
I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
My shelves are mostly dark romance & monster smut, which means I usually want my monsters scary & sexy, dangerous & possessive.
This monster?
No.
Absolutely not.
Hard pass.
1/10 monster boyfriend potential. (Not saying never. Monsters can change.)
Would not date.
Would not fix him.
The story follows a group of friends on an island in Thailand when things start going very, very wrong. The last quarter had me on the edge of a bloody cliff. At one point I almost cried straight up embarrassing. Don’t tell my mom.
Easy six-star read. Minus one star for monster boyfriend potential.
I received an advance copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 12, 2026
Rating: 3.5 stars
Format: kindle
* SOME SPOILERS *
High Tide is a solid good horror book! The plot and set up of characters was great and dynamic but I was left wanting MORE all around! I loved Nia but I wish we couldn’t gotten more from her in the sense of her background and current situation with her shitty husband. We could have evolved on that more and made her a character that readers absolutely would be devastated if something happened.
I loved the switch between the characters we were actively watching to those who had previously fell victim. The story telling on those parts was absolutely unsettling in the best way possible and I wish I could have had more of that!
The ending was a bit of a let down for me. I was hoping for a bit more out of it than what was given.
Overall, an enjoyable read! It was good, I was just left waiting for it to be great.
Format: kindle
* SOME SPOILERS *
High Tide is a solid good horror book! The plot and set up of characters was great and dynamic but I was left wanting MORE all around! I loved Nia but I wish we couldn’t gotten more from her in the sense of her background and current situation with her shitty husband. We could have evolved on that more and made her a character that readers absolutely would be devastated if something happened.
I loved the switch between the characters we were actively watching to those who had previously fell victim. The story telling on those parts was absolutely unsettling in the best way possible and I wish I could have had more of that!
The ending was a bit of a let down for me. I was hoping for a bit more out of it than what was given.
Overall, an enjoyable read! It was good, I was just left waiting for it to be great.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book is what I would describe as real horror. I don't even know where to start. This should be turned into a movie heck This should even be a full series.
I have been on a reading hiatus for the longest time and needed something to pull me back in. And this book did it for me.
The description,the plot twists,the character development. The way i got attached to the characters and felt like I was in there with them. I finished it in a day and I felt empty afterwards. I never wanted to leave.
If you’re looking for something to pull.at your heart strings,make you go on a whole roller coaster ride of emotions,please I beg you,read this book.
I love it so much.
This book is what I would describe as real horror. I don't even know where to start. This should be turned into a movie heck This should even be a full series.
I have been on a reading hiatus for the longest time and needed something to pull me back in. And this book did it for me.
The description,the plot twists,the character development. The way i got attached to the characters and felt like I was in there with them. I finished it in a day and I felt empty afterwards. I never wanted to leave.
If you’re looking for something to pull.at your heart strings,make you go on a whole roller coaster ride of emotions,please I beg you,read this book.
I love it so much.
April 3, 2026
First and foremost, High Tide is gnarly, y’all. It starts off frenetically and doesn’t slow a bit. Shawn Brooks describes horror so viscerally that I commented aloud facetiously more than once, “Welp, that wasn’t gruesome at all.”
I got major “The Ruins” vibes whilst reading this, and I quite enjoyed the author’s weaving of Thai mythology with his own creations. There are characters that downright infuriated me, so much so that I was internally begging the author to remove them from the board.
I thought the setup to the main story was a little weak, which is the only reason I did not give five stars. However, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to diving into more of Shawn Brooks’s back catalogue.
I got major “The Ruins” vibes whilst reading this, and I quite enjoyed the author’s weaving of Thai mythology with his own creations. There are characters that downright infuriated me, so much so that I was internally begging the author to remove them from the board.
I thought the setup to the main story was a little weak, which is the only reason I did not give five stars. However, I really enjoyed this story and look forward to diving into more of Shawn Brooks’s back catalogue.
April 25, 2026
The writing is so raw and messy (in a good way) that it feels like you're right there panicking with him. And that whole "something inside his body" part?? Absolutely disgusting.
And then the plot switches to a group of tourists living their messy lives, jealous girlfriend, weird tension, trauma, drunk beach nights and you're like okay maybe we can relax now??? NOPE. Because the creepy ocean horror is still lurking in the background like "hi I’m not done with you yet."
The characters feel very real too. Messy, annoying, funny and dramatic. Jace especially is that reckless idiot you KNOW is going to make things worse.
Tropes:
☕ Ocean horror
☕ Unknown sea creature
☕ Cosmic vibes
☕ Body horror (and it's NASTY)
☕ Isolated Island
And then the plot switches to a group of tourists living their messy lives, jealous girlfriend, weird tension, trauma, drunk beach nights and you're like okay maybe we can relax now??? NOPE. Because the creepy ocean horror is still lurking in the background like "hi I’m not done with you yet."
The characters feel very real too. Messy, annoying, funny and dramatic. Jace especially is that reckless idiot you KNOW is going to make things worse.
Tropes:
☕ Ocean horror
☕ Unknown sea creature
☕ Cosmic vibes
☕ Body horror (and it's NASTY)
☕ Isolated Island
April 1, 2026
I’ll start off by saying that I’m not sure why, but I started this thinking it was a set of short stories. Idk how I got that idea, but this is not that.
Now, even though I was mistaken, this book was pretty good! At times the characters felt a little one dimensional, and that’s most of the reason for the 4 stars. The creepy factor is here for sure, but it could’ve been leaned into a bit more to make it more suspenseful. It’s definitely a slow burn in that way.
The second half picks up a lot and at that point in the story I have no complaints.
I would definitely recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Now, even though I was mistaken, this book was pretty good! At times the characters felt a little one dimensional, and that’s most of the reason for the 4 stars. The creepy factor is here for sure, but it could’ve been leaned into a bit more to make it more suspenseful. It’s definitely a slow burn in that way.
The second half picks up a lot and at that point in the story I have no complaints.
I would definitely recommend!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed getting to read this book, it had that horror element that I was expecting from the description. I enjoyed the idea of the horror of an monstrous husband and how that was a shadow hanging over Nia. I was engaged with what was happening and thought the overall journey was done well. The characters were well written and I cared about what was happening with them. Shawn Brooks has a strong writing style and thought this was a fantastic read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
White Lotus meets Triangle of Sadness meets HP Lovecraft in all his horrific glory. A fast-paced story of a group of young people who find themselves isolated and trapped on a 'private resort' island in Thailand. Relationships are tested as the group battles terrifying entities that live in the waters surrounding the island. Nearly invisible and invincible, destroying everyone they touch, the travelers desperately plot how to leave the island. Stand together? Or every man for himself?
As always, Brooks writes his women fierce & heroic!
As always, Brooks writes his women fierce & heroic!
March 28, 2026
High Tide by Shawn Brooks is a standout creature‑feature horror novel, steeped in the spirit of 1970s genre classics. A tight, isolated cast, no escape in sight, and the creeping sense that anyone could be the next to go, it all builds a wonderfully claustrophobic tension. The grisly detail and that slow‑burn, mounting dread give the story a vivid, unsettling atmosphere. I’m genuinely excited to see what this author does next.
I received a free advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2026
Interesting Premise, Uneven Execution
I struggled to finish this book and came close to giving up several times, but I pushed through and made it to the end.
The story is somewhat interesting, but I found myself more intrigued by what was happening in the town as the tide rose than by the events on the island.
In the end, I was left with the feeling that the story had more potential than what was actually delivered.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I struggled to finish this book and came close to giving up several times, but I pushed through and made it to the end.
The story is somewhat interesting, but I found myself more intrigued by what was happening in the town as the tide rose than by the events on the island.
In the end, I was left with the feeling that the story had more potential than what was actually delivered.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2026
Imagine if The Ruins and The Beach (movie) had a baby...this would be it!
A trip to Thailand with friends sounds amazing doesnt it? Nia and her friends are having a fantastic time until some random person causes drama one night. They are offered access to a private island for a few days, its cheap & sounds too good to be true. Yep, its to good to be true.
What are those strange blue lights coming from the water and what is the strange red coral?? I struggled to put this down and it would make a fantastic film! Definitely one for the tbrs.
A trip to Thailand with friends sounds amazing doesnt it? Nia and her friends are having a fantastic time until some random person causes drama one night. They are offered access to a private island for a few days, its cheap & sounds too good to be true. Yep, its to good to be true.
What are those strange blue lights coming from the water and what is the strange red coral?? I struggled to put this down and it would make a fantastic film! Definitely one for the tbrs.
Review of advance copy
Nia and her friends go on the vacation of a lifetime, ready to relax and enjoy their time on a beautiful island.
This story pulls you in quickly. It’s relentless horror, creepiness , and fear- but you will definitely not want to stop reading as you can feel the desperation of the group as they try to escape their trip from hell. A thriller in every sense of the word.
I received an advance copy, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story pulls you in quickly. It’s relentless horror, creepiness , and fear- but you will definitely not want to stop reading as you can feel the desperation of the group as they try to escape their trip from hell. A thriller in every sense of the word.
I received an advance copy, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 17, 2026
This had my stomach in knots a few times a real suspense creature feature, really unique creatures too. A group of friends on a last hurrah trip before life forces them to settle down for Nia it was more escapism from her marriage. Ive never liked the sea especially swimming in it and this played on that fear. An unsettling and fun read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2026
A suspenseful story that will keep you begging for more. Shawn brings us Nia and her friends, who decide to visit a remote island in Thailand to get away from everything for a bit. Unfortunately for them, the island is besieged from monsters from below and they have to fight to survive. The cast of characters is great, so many unlikable ones that you love to see in these types of situations. The tenseness and suspense keep you hooked until the end and makes you want to read more from Shawn.
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