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What The Dead Remember

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512 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 24, 2026

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About the author

Christina Welbourne

1 book5 followers
Christina is a storyteller, spellbinder, and globe-trotting wordsmith with a B.A. in English and Creative Writing and a passport that's nearly as worn as her favorite journal. A self-proclaimed foodie and serial entrepreneur, she conjures up creativity through multiple ventures - including a coworking space that feels straight out of a modern-day guild hall. Married to her real-life knight for over two decades and raising three warrior princesses, Christina thrives on epic quests, enchanted tales, and chasing wonder in every corner of the globe - especially when the journey includes exploring new realms and embarking on unforgettable foodie adventures.

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5 stars
9 (56%)
4 stars
2 (12%)
3 stars
4 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Amanda.
404 reviews28 followers
Did Not Finish
April 4, 2026
DNF at 16%. I just can’t get into the story and I’m not a fan of the FMC. The diary entries were kind of interesting but I wasn’t enjoying this enough to continue. Just not for me unfortunately.
March 16, 2026
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

What the Dead Remember by Christina Welbourne has an intriguing premise that initially drew me in. As a fan of gothic fantasy, I appreciated the dark and atmospheric tone that runs throughout the novel. The story focuses strongly on mood and suspense, and the folkloric setting creates a slow-burning tension that helps build the overall atmosphere.

One aspect I found particularly interesting was the layered narrative structure, especially the use of a journal that connects the past and present. This element highlights how history and memory continue to shape our lives, and the multi-generational perspective adds depth to the themes of legacy and inheritance.

That said, the novel leans heavily into its slow pace and character-driven approach. While the themes of loss, self-discovery, and familial responsibility are thoughtfully woven into the story, the pacing occasionally made it harder to stay fully invested. I enjoyed the overall concept and atmospheric writing, but at times I wished for a bit more momentum in the plot.

Overall, it’s a thoughtful gothic fantasy with strong mood and interesting ideas, though the slower pacing may not work for every reader. A solid mid-range 3-star read for me.
Profile Image for Carrie Gulledge.
242 reviews1 follower
Did Not Finish
March 24, 2026
This was a DNF for me at 31 percent. I genuinely wanted to give this book a fair crack - I really liked a lot of aspects of it. But I was already struggling with the underlying Christianity references and then we ended up in a conversation about whether the Christian God would rule over an alternate realm if that realm really existed and I was out. I know there are people out there that are looking for their religion within their fantasy books, but it isn't my religion and I just don't want it there.

I think that this book has potential - it appears to be Welbourne's debut and I can see the bones of a good author there. The writing is good and she does really well at writing atmosphere. What I didn't enjoy was the pacing and her character development. This book is over 500 pages long and that is entirely too long for what this book is - a paranormal fantasy, potentially romance forward. And the characters were one dimensional to the point that I couldn't figure out why any of them were actually there. Why was Elijah staying in the house??? Why was Olive okay with him staying there? Why was she ok with her mentally insane grandfather checking himself out and coming to live with her without asking her permission? The only characters with any personality at all in this book were the insane grandfather and the dog.

And Olive... for a book that is told almost entirely from her point of view, she has about as much personality as a door. We are supposed to believe that she is the heir to... something. And probably is going to be the Special One who saves the town, presumably, from some possible undead invasion. And she is so special that Elijah (who is also as flat as a door but is also apparently impossibly handsome) is desperate for her to stay and to be with her and blah blah blah. Our first encounter with Olive interacting with another human being had her being rude and abrasive for literally no reason that is explained then or at any point in the first thirty percent. And maybe if that was how she interacted with every one I could chalk it up to that being her personality but that isn't how she interacts with other people - in fact, she doesn't interact with other people with any sort of reliability or sense. It's weird.

I am not writing Welbourne off completely - I could potentially see myself really enjoying her work and I possibly could have enjoyed this one if she hadn't felt the need to bolster the story with Christianity.

** I received an Arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Amanda Woodell.
3 reviews1 follower
March 25, 2026
I’m not going to lie—I was a little hesitant going into What The Dead Remember.

The premise pulled me in, sure—but fantasy can be… a lot. It’s one of those genres that’s either completely immersive or starts to feel like you’ve read the same story ten different ways. Portals, other worlds, hidden legacies—we’ve all been there.

But…

This one surprised me. In the best way.

Without giving anything away, I really loved Olive. She doesn’t arrive as some fearless, destined heroine—she shows up worn down, a little lost, already carrying more than she knows what to do with. And then, just when it feels like things couldn’t possibly get worse… they do. There’s something very real about the way her story unfolds, even with everything that’s anything but ordinary happening around her.

And the atmosphere? This is where the book really settled in for me.

Ravenswood Manor (I know it’s technically Ravenswood, but in my head it lives as Ravenscrest—it just feels like that kind of place) is one of those settings that lingers. It’s eerie without being over-the-top, quiet but heavy with something just beneath the surface. Equal parts cozy and unsettling—the kind of place you’d want to explore during the day and absolutely regret at night.

But what really hooked me—what made me sit up a little straighter—was everything tied to Vivian, Kallum, and that gate to Ebonspire.

There’s something about Vivian that just stays with you. Her story feels bigger than the pages you’re given—like you’re only seeing fragments of something much deeper, something that hasn’t finished unfolding yet. And Kallum… I won’t say too much, but there’s a presence there. Not just a villain, not just a ruler—something more complicated, more layered, and honestly a little hard to look away from.

And the gate itself? That whole concept—this thin place between worlds, something ancient and waiting and not entirely understood—it’s the kind of thing that makes your imagination start running ahead of the story in the best way. You can feel how much more there is to it.

That’s really what this book did for me—it made me curious. Not just about what happens next, but about everything that came before and everything still left unexplored.

It feels like the beginning of something much larger, and I’m genuinely excited to see where the author takes this world next.
Profile Image for Beth Dixon.
1 review
April 1, 2026
I’m just going to say it upfront—I am an absolute sucker for stories that move between our world and somewhere… else.

Give me a hidden door, a second realm, a “you were never meant to find this place” moment—I’m in. Immediately.

And What The Dead Remember delivers exactly that.

This story pulls you into Olive’s life when everything already feels a little… broken. There’s this underlying sense of hopelessness at the beginning that makes everything that follows hit just a little harder. You’re not stepping into a perfect heroine’s journey—you’re stepping into something messy, uncertain, and very human.

And then the world opens.

The author’s world-building is strong—the kind where you’re not just reading descriptions, you’re actually there. The settings feel textured and alive, like if you reached out you’d actually brush against something real (and possibly dangerous, which… feels on brand).

One of my favorite elements, though, was the journal entries from Vivian—Olive’s great-great-grandmother. Those added such a rich layer to the story. There’s something about a dual timeline that just works when it’s done well, and this one absolutely is. It gives you that slow unraveling of history while everything else is unfolding in the present.

And then… we need to talk about Kallum.

Because yes. Obviously.

I do, in fact, have a weakness for morally questionable, slightly dangerous men who may or may not ruin your life—and Kallum fits that bill beautifully. There’s just enough edge there to keep things interesting without tipping too far, and I was fully invested every time he was on the page.

Overall, this is one of those reads that pulls you in with atmosphere and keeps you there with curiosity. You want to know what happens next, what everything means, and how all of it is going to come together.

And I, for one, am absolutely ready for whatever comes next.

Because I will be picking up the sequel. No hesitation.
Profile Image for Michaela.
683 reviews6 followers
May 1, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book!

As usual, I forgot the plot of the book by the time I actually read it, which makes it a little difficult to get into the book. Surprisingly, despite the flashbacks via journal entries and some memories, it was easy to slide into this universe and get a sense of the characters and their world. However, there were many times I felt like I was missing information (or had skipped a book?) because things would happen that just didn’t make sense and left me confused and rereading to see if I’d missed something. The plot itself moved pretty quickly which may be the only reason I kept reading and ultimately enjoyed the book despite feeling lost at times. I also did not know this would be the start of a series (if it’s not, the review drops down to 2 stars given how much is left unaddressed) or I may not have chosen to read it now given that I struggle to finish series when I have to wait a long time between installments. Since I’ve already read this one, I’ll probably read the sequel if only to know how this all ends.

SPOILERS

As a side note, I also do not like Elijah and am hoping for either a redemption story for our villain king or for his mysterious brother to appear and become the love interest as it seems obvious that Olive is not going to be able to stay in the human world for long given how she is changing from the well. I’m hoping the matter of breaking the curse comes up (how did it not in the entire book???) and maybe that will be the redemption arc for the king? Again, too much was left open for me to feel satisfied.
359 reviews3 followers
May 23, 2026
“What The Dead Remember is a haunting, emotionally rich, and deeply immersive novel that explores memory, grief, trauma, and the lingering echoes of the past with remarkable emotional intelligence and atmospheric depth. Christina Welbourne crafts a story that feels both intimate and expansive, gradually unraveling buried truths and emotional wounds through beautifully layered storytelling. The novel balances psychological tension with emotional vulnerability in a way that keeps readers completely invested from beginning to end.”

“What stood out most was the novel’s ability to capture the emotional weight of memory and the way unresolved pain continues to shape people long after events have passed. The atmosphere throughout the story feels vivid and emotionally charged, allowing the past to linger almost like another living presence within the narrative. Welbourne handles themes of loss, fear, survival, and emotional reckoning with subtlety and compassion, creating characters who feel deeply human in both their strengths and their flaws. The pacing unfolds with careful precision, revealing emotional truths gradually while maintaining a constant sense of mystery and anticipation. The prose itself feels elegant and emotionally resonant, giving even quiet moments tremendous impact. The result is a novel that feels haunting, thoughtful, and emotionally unforgettable.”
Profile Image for icantcomeimbooked.
165 reviews5 followers
May 28, 2026
What the Dead Remember was such an atmospheric and emotionally haunting read. This story blended mystery, grief, suspense, and darker emotional themes together in a way that completely pulled me in from the beginning.

The atmosphere was one of my favourite parts of the book. There was this constant unsettling feeling throughout the story that made everything feel tense and immersive, and the emotional undertones added so much depth to the mystery unfolding.

I really appreciated how layered the characters felt because their emotions, flaws, and personal struggles made the story feel much more impactful and realistic. The pacing slowly built the suspense while still giving the emotional moments time to fully land, which worked really well for me.

Christina Welbourne created a story that felt emotional, eerie, and gripping all at once, and I found myself thinking about it long after finishing.

If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with emotional depth, darker themes, suspense, and haunting vibes, this is definitely worth picking up.

Thank you so much to Christina Welbourne, the publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2026
5 Star Read!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I love giving new authors a chance and while I’m not always pleased with what I read, I have to say I was not let down with Christina’s debut book.

This genre of story is right up my alley although I didn’t fully know what to expect. I was immediately pulled in by the prologue - I’m a sucker for diary entries in books - then sprinkled throughout the book, there are more entries that give you backstory to understand what’s going on better.

The storyline is captivating, the idea of gate keepers and the world beyond those gates, the beings (or monsters !) that you might meet beyond, and I mustn’t forget the King, Kallum. He’s a personal favorite of mine. ;) (I love a well written bad guy.) I love getting to know the characters, Olive and Vivian, as well as Elijah and Deacon. And little Cinder too.

As a Christian myself, I appreciate the allusions to God.

Overall, I was thoroughly pleased with this book and I can’t wait to read whatever Christina publishes next!! :)
2 reviews
May 6, 2026
From the very first page, this novel immerses you in a world where atmosphere is character and every shadow holds a secret. Blending gothic tension with a slow-burn supernatural mystery, the story follows Olive to the foreboding Ravenswood Mental Institution, where cryptic warnings, enigmatic staff, and her own fractured family history pull her into a legacy she never asked for but can’t escape. The prose is richly evocative, painting a landscape where the line between psychological unraveling and otherworldly magic blurs seamlessly. Interwoven journal entries from Vivian add a chilling historical layer, chronicling a haunting obsession with a forgotten gateway and the quiet decay of those drawn to it. With compelling character dynamics, meticulously paced reveals, and an oppressive, beautiful atmosphere that lingers long after you close the book, this is a standout read for fans of gothic fiction, psychological thrillers, and dark fantasy. It doesn’t just tell a story—it pulls you into its shadows and dares you to look closer. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Annabelle (Taylor’s Version).
34 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
March 22, 2026
*Received an ARC of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

The summary seemed very promising, and it immediately drew me in. The cover also played a big part in me selecting this book. I really, really, really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn’t. The world-building and character-building was pretty great, but there were too many details, lines of dialogue, and it was just too wordy for my taste. It also started out at quite a slow pace, so I quickly lost interest. The characters (especially the main character) also seemed flat to me; there was nothing that could keep me reading and interested in the plot or any of the characters. This has a lot of potential and it’s well-written, but I just couldn’t get into it.

If you like a slow-paced story with lots of details, this book is for you.
Profile Image for Christina Kamp.
12 reviews
May 15, 2026
I really enjoyed What The Dead Remember by Christina Welbourne. It kept pulling me forward because I genuinely wanted to know what was going to happen next and how everything connected together. I love books that slowly uncover secrets layer by layer, and this one did that really well.

The story felt different from a lot of fantasy books I’ve read. It had mystery, emotion, family history, and enough twists to keep it interesting without feeling overwhelming. I especially liked how the past and present tied together and how the journal revealed more over time.

If you enjoy stories that make you curious from the beginning and keep you thinking about the characters and their choices, this is definitely worth reading. It was imaginative, engaging, and hard to put down.
Profile Image for Emma-Louise Wykes.
170 reviews
April 12, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley for a free copy for review.

I thought this book was quite good. It started promisingly, building the world and providing the background for what happens as the plot progresses. I also liked that it was a solid fantasy read, without unnecessary sexual content.

This felt very much a story of two halves, and sadly I didn't enjoy the second half as much as I should have, considering that's when the FMC finally enters the alternate realm. I was disappointed that after a great build up, the main fantasy section fell a bit flat for me. I also think it could have done with being about 100 pages shorter.

A decent fantasy adventure with some interesting themes.
Profile Image for Ashton Reed.
1 review
April 13, 2026
I’m usually pretty skeptical of anything that tries to juggle two worlds at once, but What The Dead Remember actually pulls it off.

The pacing is steady, the worldbuilding is sharp, and nothing feels thrown in just for effect. You can tell Christina Welbourne knows exactly how this world works—even when she’s not spelling it out. That’s rare.

Olive’s story starts off heavier than I expected, but it earns where it goes. And the journal pieces? Surprisingly one of the strongest parts.

It’s the kind of book that doesn’t beg for your attention—but keeps it anyway.
Profile Image for Lauren Flores.
1 review
April 1, 2026
I strayed outside my usual genres for this one. And I'm glad I did. Very interesting read. It's over 500 pages long, but the way it is written, it seems much shorter. I loved Olive and Vivian's stories - the journal entries were a nice touch. And it wasn't heavy like most fantasy books are - I would describe this as more of an urban fantasy / speculative book than a true blue fantasy. So you get the best of both worlds. If you're on the fence about this one - just read it! You won't regret it!
Profile Image for Skylar Keeton.
221 reviews5 followers
Read
April 22, 2026
🛑Did Not Continue🛑
Unfortunately this book was not for me, the story itself was good but not something I as a reader like.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews