What do you think?
The Horrors We Harbour
DON'T LET THE LIGHT GO OUT.
Most lighthouses are a promise of sanctuary. Guinevere’s lighthouse is a threat. Its light fends off the horrors lurking in the ocean surrounding the isolated Ynys Halen. Guin has one keep the light on.
So, when Guin slips up, monsters are free to ravage the island and terror ensues for all who live there. No longer confident that the lighthouse can protect them, the islanders are all too keen to return to the ritual sacrifices that once sated the sea. As punishment, first in the firing line is Guin’s more-than-a-friend, Catrin Morgan. In a month, Catrin will be thrown to the ocean to be devoured by the secrets beneath the waves.
But Guin won’t let that happen. She can't. Because it’s not just Catrin’s life at stake; it will mean the floodgates for future sacrifices will be flung open, and anyone could be forced to pay the cost.
To succeed against the island’s rapidly forming cult, Guin and the eerie Morgan sisters must take a stand, using the lighthouse as their fortress. And as the community descends into depravity, the women must unearth the pestilence beneath the waves and determine who the real enemy is.
Most lighthouses are a promise of sanctuary. Guinevere’s lighthouse is a threat. Its light fends off the horrors lurking in the ocean surrounding the isolated Ynys Halen. Guin has one keep the light on.
So, when Guin slips up, monsters are free to ravage the island and terror ensues for all who live there. No longer confident that the lighthouse can protect them, the islanders are all too keen to return to the ritual sacrifices that once sated the sea. As punishment, first in the firing line is Guin’s more-than-a-friend, Catrin Morgan. In a month, Catrin will be thrown to the ocean to be devoured by the secrets beneath the waves.
But Guin won’t let that happen. She can't. Because it’s not just Catrin’s life at stake; it will mean the floodgates for future sacrifices will be flung open, and anyone could be forced to pay the cost.
To succeed against the island’s rapidly forming cult, Guin and the eerie Morgan sisters must take a stand, using the lighthouse as their fortress. And as the community descends into depravity, the women must unearth the pestilence beneath the waves and determine who the real enemy is.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 17, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ this addictive feminist folk horror sunk it’s pointy teeth into me from page one and didn’t let me go. This was FANTASTIC!! I loved every element of this from the god worshipping cult/religion, seemingly sentient lighthouse, monstrous mermaid-esque creatures, sapphic obsession. It kept me on my toes and constantly guessing. I will be running to read more of Emily’s work
August 22, 2026
‘That is the paradox of Ynys Helen: the ocean gives, and the ocean takes away. It delivers a kiss and rips out our throats with the same full lips.’
Yet again, I am in awe of Emily’s immersive and evocative writing style. The Horrors we Harbour is hauntingly beautiful and a powerful, unique take on the misogynistic treatment of women and the pulsing, feminine rage that simmers and thrashes beneath the waves, emerging to wreak consequences of those that have been ignorant of it for too long.
Guin and Cat are both incredible female leads and their story hooked me from the first page. The tide wraiths that plague the island are both chilling and fascinating- I found myself holding my breath during the tense moments when Guin would survey the beaches and check all her points, or each time she woke to check the light at Point Beacon, in case it had gone out.
I devoured it. The storyline, the setting, the characters, the gods, the monsters on land and in the sea…all come together in another masterpiece from Emily Cooper. And all whilst delivering a powerful message around behaviours that are still rife within our society, and showcasing how religion has often been a tool used to oppress and demean women throughout history.
A huge thank you to Solstice for sending me a proof to read and review. The Horrors we Harbour easily takes a spot on my top reads of 2026.
Yet again, I am in awe of Emily’s immersive and evocative writing style. The Horrors we Harbour is hauntingly beautiful and a powerful, unique take on the misogynistic treatment of women and the pulsing, feminine rage that simmers and thrashes beneath the waves, emerging to wreak consequences of those that have been ignorant of it for too long.
Guin and Cat are both incredible female leads and their story hooked me from the first page. The tide wraiths that plague the island are both chilling and fascinating- I found myself holding my breath during the tense moments when Guin would survey the beaches and check all her points, or each time she woke to check the light at Point Beacon, in case it had gone out.
I devoured it. The storyline, the setting, the characters, the gods, the monsters on land and in the sea…all come together in another masterpiece from Emily Cooper. And all whilst delivering a powerful message around behaviours that are still rife within our society, and showcasing how religion has often been a tool used to oppress and demean women throughout history.
A huge thank you to Solstice for sending me a proof to read and review. The Horrors we Harbour easily takes a spot on my top reads of 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I honestly don't even know where to begin with this book! It completely surpassed my expectations. Emily Cooper has an incredibly immersive, atmospheric writing style that sweeps you away from the very first page.
The setting is absolute perfection 🤌🏼 Set on the isolated island of Ynys Halen, the story is drenched in gloomy ocean vibes and features a lighthouse that feels utterly sentient.
From the outset, a profound sense of foreboding takes hold. Emily masterfully builds tension through the rising antagonism of the local townspeople and the friction between the main characters, and the slow unravel of the plot left me genuinely shaken at every turn!
While the book is packed with horror and shocking, "did that really just happen?" moments, what truly elevated it for me was its underlying message. Beneath the eerie folklore and cult-like religious undertones, this is a powerful story about sisterhood, loyalty, and female survival against oppression.
The dynamic between Guin and the sisters was a personal highlight. Cat in particular, was incredibly manipulative, there were moments I was entirely infuriated by her actions! However, that moral ambiguity made the book a fantastic, deeply compelling character study.
It was a masterful blend of folk horror, psychological tension, and a raw look at how women rise above oppression. I've tried to be vague possible, as this is better read not knowing what to expect, just know it was incredible!
The setting is absolute perfection 🤌🏼 Set on the isolated island of Ynys Halen, the story is drenched in gloomy ocean vibes and features a lighthouse that feels utterly sentient.
From the outset, a profound sense of foreboding takes hold. Emily masterfully builds tension through the rising antagonism of the local townspeople and the friction between the main characters, and the slow unravel of the plot left me genuinely shaken at every turn!
While the book is packed with horror and shocking, "did that really just happen?" moments, what truly elevated it for me was its underlying message. Beneath the eerie folklore and cult-like religious undertones, this is a powerful story about sisterhood, loyalty, and female survival against oppression.
The dynamic between Guin and the sisters was a personal highlight. Cat in particular, was incredibly manipulative, there were moments I was entirely infuriated by her actions! However, that moral ambiguity made the book a fantastic, deeply compelling character study.
It was a masterful blend of folk horror, psychological tension, and a raw look at how women rise above oppression. I've tried to be vague possible, as this is better read not knowing what to expect, just know it was incredible!
September 20, 2026
Emily Cooper does it again! Her writing is so mesmerising, I am not a highlighter or tabber, but this book had me desperately wishing I was with so many beautiful quotes
they-told-me-to-read-it
April 12, 2026
August 8, 2026
Legit just sat outside for hours and devoured this cover to cover
Deliciously dark, I knew Emily Cooper wouldn’t let me down.
Full rtc <3
Deliciously dark, I knew Emily Cooper wouldn’t let me down.
Full rtc <3
August 21, 2026
When this came through the letterbox I was absolutely thrilled and it lived up to every expectation I had.
The Horrors We Harbour is deliciously creepy, completely unsettling and incredibly immersive. Emily Cooper has such a way of writing that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped straight into the middle of the story, and there were genuinely moments where I felt like a rabbit caught in headlights.
I thoroughly loved the cult-like society, the twists and the monsters lurking beneath the water 😂 they were my favourite aspects of the book.
It felt like there was so much going on, but it never felt overwhelming. I just wanted to know what on earth was going to happen next!
What I really loved though was that the horror went much deeper than the actual monsters. There’s misogyny, religion, sacrifice and some truly infuriating men woven throughout, and at some point I realised the creatures in the water might not actually be the most monstrous things in this book.
And the end was amazing! I lobed where it ended up.
Overall this book is eerie, slightly unhinged and an absolutely brilliant night-time read. I’ll happily follow Emily Cooper into whatever nightmare she writes next! 🌊👀
The Horrors We Harbour is deliciously creepy, completely unsettling and incredibly immersive. Emily Cooper has such a way of writing that makes you feel like you’ve been dropped straight into the middle of the story, and there were genuinely moments where I felt like a rabbit caught in headlights.
I thoroughly loved the cult-like society, the twists and the monsters lurking beneath the water 😂 they were my favourite aspects of the book.
It felt like there was so much going on, but it never felt overwhelming. I just wanted to know what on earth was going to happen next!
What I really loved though was that the horror went much deeper than the actual monsters. There’s misogyny, religion, sacrifice and some truly infuriating men woven throughout, and at some point I realised the creatures in the water might not actually be the most monstrous things in this book.
And the end was amazing! I lobed where it ended up.
Overall this book is eerie, slightly unhinged and an absolutely brilliant night-time read. I’ll happily follow Emily Cooper into whatever nightmare she writes next! 🌊👀
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Review of proof copy received from the Publisher.
Out September 2026!
This feminist & sapphic folk horror was my first dabble into the horror genre and also my first Emily Cooper book and let me just say it won't be my last!! I need to read Season of Fear immediately.
Synopsis:
Most lighthouses are a promise of sanctuary. Guinevere’s lighthouse is a threat. Its light fends off the horrors lurking in the ocean surrounding the isolated Ynys Halen. Guin has one job to keep the light on.
So, when Guin slips up, monsters are free to ravage the island and terror ensues for all who live there. No longer confident that the lighthouse can protect them, the islanders are all too keen to return to the ritual sacrifices that once sated the sea. As punishment, first in the firing line is Guin’s more-than-a-friend, Catrin Morgan. In a month, Catrin will be thrown to the ocean to be devoured by the secrets beneath the waves.
To succeed against the island’s rapidly forming cult, Guin and the eerie Morgan sisters must take a stand, using the lighthouse as their fortress. And as the community descends into depravity, the women must unearth the pestilence beneath the waves and determine who the real enemy is.
The review:
I loved the folklore weaved into this and as always it is the women who are sacrificed for the needs (read greed) of men. Emily does a great job of world-building and building up the tension in such a short amount of time. I was on tenterhooks from one chapter to the next.
I couldn't put this down or look away despite being horrified?? Every night I read this was like one more chapter before bed and I just have no words to describe this. Packed an absolute punch in just over 300+ pages!!
No notes this was 5 freaking stars !! Emily Cooper I'm am in awe of your brain but also worried? Like how did you come up with that 💀💀
Out September 2026!
This feminist & sapphic folk horror was my first dabble into the horror genre and also my first Emily Cooper book and let me just say it won't be my last!! I need to read Season of Fear immediately.
Synopsis:
Most lighthouses are a promise of sanctuary. Guinevere’s lighthouse is a threat. Its light fends off the horrors lurking in the ocean surrounding the isolated Ynys Halen. Guin has one job to keep the light on.
So, when Guin slips up, monsters are free to ravage the island and terror ensues for all who live there. No longer confident that the lighthouse can protect them, the islanders are all too keen to return to the ritual sacrifices that once sated the sea. As punishment, first in the firing line is Guin’s more-than-a-friend, Catrin Morgan. In a month, Catrin will be thrown to the ocean to be devoured by the secrets beneath the waves.
To succeed against the island’s rapidly forming cult, Guin and the eerie Morgan sisters must take a stand, using the lighthouse as their fortress. And as the community descends into depravity, the women must unearth the pestilence beneath the waves and determine who the real enemy is.
The review:
I loved the folklore weaved into this and as always it is the women who are sacrificed for the needs (read greed) of men. Emily does a great job of world-building and building up the tension in such a short amount of time. I was on tenterhooks from one chapter to the next.
I couldn't put this down or look away despite being horrified?? Every night I read this was like one more chapter before bed and I just have no words to describe this. Packed an absolute punch in just over 300+ pages!!
No notes this was 5 freaking stars !! Emily Cooper I'm am in awe of your brain but also worried? Like how did you come up with that 💀💀
September 12, 2026
The Horrors We Harbour has completely ruined me.
Emily has created something so hauntingly beautiful here.
The whole book feels soaked in saltwater, fog and darkness, with this constant sense that something is waiting just beyond the edge of what you can see.
Ynys Halen feels isolated in that particular kind of way that makes you feel like there is nowhere to run, and I absolutely loved it.
And the lighthouse.
I don't think I will ever look at one quite the same way again.
I loved the way the setting and the horror are so completely intertwined.
The sea isn't just scenery.
It feels alive.
The tidewraiths, the lighthouse, the ocean surrounding the island, the things lurking beneath the waves. . .
Everything creates this creeping sense of dread that builds and builds until you are completely trapped in it.
But what really made this book for me was the women at the heart of it.
Guin is such a compelling character to follow, and I became completely invested in her determination to protect Catrin and refuse to accept the fate that has been decided for her.
And the relationship between Guin and Cat?
Oh, I was INVESTED.
There is something so beautifully painful about their connection, and I loved the yearning and tension between them.
The horror here also feels like it has teeth beyond the monsters themselves.
There is so much to unpack in the way fear, religion, desperation and power can turn a community into something frightening.
The line between faith and fanaticism becomes increasingly blurred, and I loved how the book keeps making you question who the real monsters actually are.
And the writing...
Honestly, I could wax lyrical about it forever.
It is atmospheric and vivid and sometimes downright gorgeous.
There were moments where I felt like I could practically taste the salt in the air.
Emily has such a talent for creating imagery that feels both beautiful and deeply unsettling.
I also loved how the story plays with the idea of monstrosity.
What makes something a monster?
Is it what lives beneath the waves, or what people are capable of doing to one another when fear takes hold?
And then there were the moments where I genuinely had no idea where the story was going.
I thought I knew what kind of horror I was reading, and then the book would quietly shift beneath my feet and leave me questioning everything again. I was constantly trying to piece things together, and by the time I reached the end, I just sat there for a moment like...
Oh.
Okay.
I need to process that.
Emily Cooper, I am both in awe of your brain and slightly concerned about it.
Emily has created something so hauntingly beautiful here.
The whole book feels soaked in saltwater, fog and darkness, with this constant sense that something is waiting just beyond the edge of what you can see.
Ynys Halen feels isolated in that particular kind of way that makes you feel like there is nowhere to run, and I absolutely loved it.
And the lighthouse.
I don't think I will ever look at one quite the same way again.
I loved the way the setting and the horror are so completely intertwined.
The sea isn't just scenery.
It feels alive.
The tidewraiths, the lighthouse, the ocean surrounding the island, the things lurking beneath the waves. . .
Everything creates this creeping sense of dread that builds and builds until you are completely trapped in it.
But what really made this book for me was the women at the heart of it.
Guin is such a compelling character to follow, and I became completely invested in her determination to protect Catrin and refuse to accept the fate that has been decided for her.
And the relationship between Guin and Cat?
Oh, I was INVESTED.
There is something so beautifully painful about their connection, and I loved the yearning and tension between them.
The horror here also feels like it has teeth beyond the monsters themselves.
There is so much to unpack in the way fear, religion, desperation and power can turn a community into something frightening.
The line between faith and fanaticism becomes increasingly blurred, and I loved how the book keeps making you question who the real monsters actually are.
And the writing...
Honestly, I could wax lyrical about it forever.
It is atmospheric and vivid and sometimes downright gorgeous.
There were moments where I felt like I could practically taste the salt in the air.
Emily has such a talent for creating imagery that feels both beautiful and deeply unsettling.
I also loved how the story plays with the idea of monstrosity.
What makes something a monster?
Is it what lives beneath the waves, or what people are capable of doing to one another when fear takes hold?
And then there were the moments where I genuinely had no idea where the story was going.
I thought I knew what kind of horror I was reading, and then the book would quietly shift beneath my feet and leave me questioning everything again. I was constantly trying to piece things together, and by the time I reached the end, I just sat there for a moment like...
Oh.
Okay.
I need to process that.
Emily Cooper, I am both in awe of your brain and slightly concerned about it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc of The Horrors We Harbour! I had so much fun with Emily Cooper's debut novel, Season of Fear, but I'm afraid this book didn't live up to my expectations.
The Horrors We Harbour sets out to be a dark, queer, feminist horror novel about revenge, monstrosity, and cannibalism, but ultimately, I found it a little... tepid. I wanted more of the queer and vengeful monsters setting things right, and less of the all-knowing man coming in to save the day by The book tells us that the root cause of horror is femicide, but I feel that the message got muddled when it came to this character and his role throughout the novel.
That said, there were a lot of things I liked! The maritime monsters were the perfect mixture of monstrous, novel and intriguing, and I also loved both the title and the text snippets at the start of each chapter. While the men were various flavours of bland (bland but sexy, bland but villainous, bland but weak, bland but fatherly...), the main female characters were complex and compelling, and I enjoyed their relationships and distinct personalities. And it's also a very easy book to read. I devoured it in under a day, and at no point did I feel that it dragged.
On the other hand, most of the book's twists were predictable, and I also felt like some basic plot holes weren't closed off enough. E.g. (major spoilers) And ultimately, I still feel like far too many of the men got off too lightly for the violence they enacted against women, not just in terms of their fates but in the way that they were presented in the book and how the ending wrapped up. (I still feel annoyed that )
The Horrors We Harbour sets out to be a dark, queer, feminist horror novel about revenge, monstrosity, and cannibalism, but ultimately, I found it a little... tepid. I wanted more of the queer and vengeful monsters setting things right, and less of the all-knowing man coming in to save the day by The book tells us that the root cause of horror is femicide, but I feel that the message got muddled when it came to this character and his role throughout the novel.
That said, there were a lot of things I liked! The maritime monsters were the perfect mixture of monstrous, novel and intriguing, and I also loved both the title and the text snippets at the start of each chapter. While the men were various flavours of bland (bland but sexy, bland but villainous, bland but weak, bland but fatherly...), the main female characters were complex and compelling, and I enjoyed their relationships and distinct personalities. And it's also a very easy book to read. I devoured it in under a day, and at no point did I feel that it dragged.
On the other hand, most of the book's twists were predictable, and I also felt like some basic plot holes weren't closed off enough. E.g. (major spoilers) And ultimately, I still feel like far too many of the men got off too lightly for the violence they enacted against women, not just in terms of their fates but in the way that they were presented in the book and how the ending wrapped up. (I still feel annoyed that )
September 3, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley.
I think what drew me to this book was initially its ties to Welsh mythology. Not quite the areas I studied (though Llyr is the father of Branwen and Bran in the Mabinogion), but I was interested nonetheless. This story has definitely sparked my interest in his origins and the stories surrounding him (if I can find them).
Emily Cooper has a vivid writing style. You can see from her prose, too, that she studied Marine Biology, and I thought that was very effective in giving an atmosphere to the setting of Ynys Halen. However, I think there was a small problem with tone. I'm not sure if this was the intent of certain scenes in the lighthouse, but they came across as very comedic to me. I think Cooper should try her hand at black comedy because they would fit perfectly there, but for this novel in particular, I would have expected the tone to be far more ominous throughout.
I also had a difficult time really buying the romantic and sexual tension between Cat and Guinevere. Cat, in general, was pretty difficult to get a hold of as a character, and while this was the purpose, it made for difficult reading.
My copy of the book had some glitches in the text - mostly it was the double 'ff' that was being removed from certain words - this did mean that the overuse of 'stiff' and 'stiffens' was really obvious to me. As writers, we all have phrases and words that we automatically use, and I do believe that I might not have noticed so much if I had a different copy of the book.
I did also appreciate the effort and creativity connected to the Lighthouse and the Tidewraiths. I am always a sucker for body-horror and bizarre horror.
I would still be interested in reading Cooper's other work, especially if she veers into black comedy or anything without romance, because I think she has a great style and a fantastic imagination.
I think what drew me to this book was initially its ties to Welsh mythology. Not quite the areas I studied (though Llyr is the father of Branwen and Bran in the Mabinogion), but I was interested nonetheless. This story has definitely sparked my interest in his origins and the stories surrounding him (if I can find them).
Emily Cooper has a vivid writing style. You can see from her prose, too, that she studied Marine Biology, and I thought that was very effective in giving an atmosphere to the setting of Ynys Halen. However, I think there was a small problem with tone. I'm not sure if this was the intent of certain scenes in the lighthouse, but they came across as very comedic to me. I think Cooper should try her hand at black comedy because they would fit perfectly there, but for this novel in particular, I would have expected the tone to be far more ominous throughout.
I also had a difficult time really buying the romantic and sexual tension between Cat and Guinevere. Cat, in general, was pretty difficult to get a hold of as a character, and while this was the purpose, it made for difficult reading.
My copy of the book had some glitches in the text - mostly it was the double 'ff' that was being removed from certain words - this did mean that the overuse of 'stiff' and 'stiffens' was really obvious to me. As writers, we all have phrases and words that we automatically use, and I do believe that I might not have noticed so much if I had a different copy of the book.
I did also appreciate the effort and creativity connected to the Lighthouse and the Tidewraiths. I am always a sucker for body-horror and bizarre horror.
I would still be interested in reading Cooper's other work, especially if she veers into black comedy or anything without romance, because I think she has a great style and a fantastic imagination.
August 11, 2026
What a great moody read for a stormy night - releasing in September, this book will be perfect to take you into the Autumnal season!
Set primarily in a lighthouse that guards against monsters coming onto the island from the sea (tidewraiths), The Horrors We Harbour, was an atmospheric read, with gradual increasing tension, dark moments, and beautiful descriptions.
As a zoologist, I particularly loved the little ecology/historical snippets at the start of each chapter - it made the read so much more immersive that author has clearly researched marine based animals, and made sure her tidewraith monsters were realistic despite being completely fantasy based. The sentence about coral in relation to the sisters (no spoilers!) for example was just perfection.
I loved the "relationship" between Guin and Cat - I love tortured romances where the characters are conflicted/confused/yearning and it made the ending so much more powerful. My heart was breaking, and re-mending so many times that I couldn't keep up. As atypical of gothic, atmospheric reads, it is quite a slow-paced one, but that really added to the build up of tension. I must admit, from the blurb, I was expecting something darker, but to be honest, to get it darker would have required it to be longer, and I think it was perfect as is.
Also, despite hoping that the story went a slightly different way, I actually enjoyed the ending and I will be forever left wondering if Guin completing all 3 of the tasks has made her so that she can be the same and finally with the one she desires (trying to phrase so as not to spoil!).
If you love atmospheric reads, want something slightly different with a lighthouse setting, want your monsters both realistic & out of this world and want your characters to go through EVERYTHING for their heart, then this might be the read for you!
Set primarily in a lighthouse that guards against monsters coming onto the island from the sea (tidewraiths), The Horrors We Harbour, was an atmospheric read, with gradual increasing tension, dark moments, and beautiful descriptions.
As a zoologist, I particularly loved the little ecology/historical snippets at the start of each chapter - it made the read so much more immersive that author has clearly researched marine based animals, and made sure her tidewraith monsters were realistic despite being completely fantasy based. The sentence about coral in relation to the sisters (no spoilers!) for example was just perfection.
I loved the "relationship" between Guin and Cat - I love tortured romances where the characters are conflicted/confused/yearning and it made the ending so much more powerful. My heart was breaking, and re-mending so many times that I couldn't keep up. As atypical of gothic, atmospheric reads, it is quite a slow-paced one, but that really added to the build up of tension. I must admit, from the blurb, I was expecting something darker, but to be honest, to get it darker would have required it to be longer, and I think it was perfect as is.
Also, despite hoping that the story went a slightly different way, I actually enjoyed the ending and I will be forever left wondering if Guin completing all 3 of the tasks has made her so that she can be the same and finally with the one she desires (trying to phrase so as not to spoil!).
If you love atmospheric reads, want something slightly different with a lighthouse setting, want your monsters both realistic & out of this world and want your characters to go through EVERYTHING for their heart, then this might be the read for you!
August 3, 2026
I genuinely don’t know how to explain what I experienced.
The atmosphere in this book is absolutely unreal. 🌫️ The crashing sea 🌊, the isolated island 🏝️, the lighthouse standing between the people and whatever waits beneath the waves… it all feels so oppressive in the absolute best way. You can almost taste the salt in the air and feel the dread creeping in with every page. 😨
And then there’s the horror. 👀 Not just monsters lurking beneath the ocean 🫣, but the kind that creeps into people too. Fear. Desperation. Blind faith. The tension keeps building until you’re left wondering who, or what, you should really be afraid of. 💀
Guin is exactly the kind of protagonist I love. ❤️ Determined, flawed, fiercely protective, and absolutely refusing to accept the fate that’s been decided for the people she loves. 🖤
I absolutely inhaled this book. 🌊 It sank its hooks into me from page one and refused to let go until I’d reached the very end. Even now, I can’t stop thinking about it. 🫠
Emily Cooper has officially terrified me 😭, emotionally destroyed me 💔, and reminded me why I absolutely love stories that leave you sitting in complete silence after the final page, wondering what on earth you just experienced. 🌊🖤
If you’re looking for atmospheric horror 🌫️, monstrous seas 🌊, creeping dread 😰, morally grey choices ⚖️, unforgettable characters ❤️, and a lighthouse that might be the only thing standing between humanity and absolute nightmare fuel… 💡👀
📖 Do not let this one sail past you. 🌊⚓
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💙
The atmosphere in this book is absolutely unreal. 🌫️ The crashing sea 🌊, the isolated island 🏝️, the lighthouse standing between the people and whatever waits beneath the waves… it all feels so oppressive in the absolute best way. You can almost taste the salt in the air and feel the dread creeping in with every page. 😨
And then there’s the horror. 👀 Not just monsters lurking beneath the ocean 🫣, but the kind that creeps into people too. Fear. Desperation. Blind faith. The tension keeps building until you’re left wondering who, or what, you should really be afraid of. 💀
Guin is exactly the kind of protagonist I love. ❤️ Determined, flawed, fiercely protective, and absolutely refusing to accept the fate that’s been decided for the people she loves. 🖤
I absolutely inhaled this book. 🌊 It sank its hooks into me from page one and refused to let go until I’d reached the very end. Even now, I can’t stop thinking about it. 🫠
Emily Cooper has officially terrified me 😭, emotionally destroyed me 💔, and reminded me why I absolutely love stories that leave you sitting in complete silence after the final page, wondering what on earth you just experienced. 🌊🖤
If you’re looking for atmospheric horror 🌫️, monstrous seas 🌊, creeping dread 😰, morally grey choices ⚖️, unforgettable characters ❤️, and a lighthouse that might be the only thing standing between humanity and absolute nightmare fuel… 💡👀
📖 Do not let this one sail past you. 🌊⚓
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐💙
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A dark story set on an isolated island, Ynys Halen, full of mystery and monstrous creatures. Where a lighthouse has one job, keep the light on.
A haunting lyrical prose sets the tone of isolation and dread in this story, with a dark and gritty atmosphere. A slow burn full of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes.
I absolutely devoured this book, the story sinks its claws into you and you can't look away.
I adore when books include religions, the isolation included in this story really created a fine line between religion and a cult, especially when there is desperation and people fall into a herd mentality.
There's a lot of focus on monsters, and as the story progresses, the ideas of who the monsters are starts to change. Also, the fine line of the creation of gods and monsters was beautifully done.
The characters are flawed, the relationships are complicated, and they feel painfully realistic.
I loved the ending. The story creates some ambiguity, and I really appreciate the implications it leaves.
There are so many aspects to this story and so much I want to rave about, but it would give things away.
A haunting lyrical prose sets the tone of isolation and dread in this story, with a dark and gritty atmosphere. A slow burn full of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes.
I absolutely devoured this book, the story sinks its claws into you and you can't look away.
I adore when books include religions, the isolation included in this story really created a fine line between religion and a cult, especially when there is desperation and people fall into a herd mentality.
There's a lot of focus on monsters, and as the story progresses, the ideas of who the monsters are starts to change. Also, the fine line of the creation of gods and monsters was beautifully done.
The characters are flawed, the relationships are complicated, and they feel painfully realistic.
I loved the ending. The story creates some ambiguity, and I really appreciate the implications it leaves.
There are so many aspects to this story and so much I want to rave about, but it would give things away.
September 10, 2026
"I'm briefly struck by the thought that human eyes shouldn't shine like that."
This is my first read of this author, and I can honestly say it won’t be my last. Emily Cooper crafts a truly eerie gothic atmosphere that immerses you in the story.
This feminist horror novel features a strong female protagonist, and I particularly enjoyed Guin and Cat’s story. It hooked me from the very first page. The book is haunting and powerful, exploring the misogynistic treatment of women and how men believe sacrificing them for the greater good is all they need to appease the monsters.
“The Horrors We Harbour” is a dark queer feminist horror novel exploring revenge, cannibalism, and monstrosity. I particularly enjoy its ecological and historical elements.
If you crave atmospheric, eerie reads and something different with a lighthouse setting, this book is a must-read during stormy, dark days. It’s an unusual tale!
This is my first read of this author, and I can honestly say it won’t be my last. Emily Cooper crafts a truly eerie gothic atmosphere that immerses you in the story.
This feminist horror novel features a strong female protagonist, and I particularly enjoyed Guin and Cat’s story. It hooked me from the very first page. The book is haunting and powerful, exploring the misogynistic treatment of women and how men believe sacrificing them for the greater good is all they need to appease the monsters.
“The Horrors We Harbour” is a dark queer feminist horror novel exploring revenge, cannibalism, and monstrosity. I particularly enjoy its ecological and historical elements.
If you crave atmospheric, eerie reads and something different with a lighthouse setting, this book is a must-read during stormy, dark days. It’s an unusual tale!
September 19, 2026
This. Was. So. Good!!!
Feminist horror, spooky fall vibes, an eerie isolated setting, monsters in the dark…this was exactly what I wanted it to be.
The premise immediately hooked me: a girl and her grandmother are the Keepers, living in a lighthouse whose flame must burn every night to keep the monsters at bay. But what happens when the light goes out?
I was hooked from the first page. You’re thrown straight into the action, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. Read it in less than 24 hours. For such a short book, the world-building is fantastic. The setting feels fully realized, the characters are surprisingly well developed, and there’s so much packed into such a small page count without it ever feeling rushed.
I gave Emily Cooper’s The Fear Season 4.5 stars, but this was an easy 5 stars for me. I absolutely loved it. Perfect spooky-season reading.
Feminist horror, spooky fall vibes, an eerie isolated setting, monsters in the dark…this was exactly what I wanted it to be.
The premise immediately hooked me: a girl and her grandmother are the Keepers, living in a lighthouse whose flame must burn every night to keep the monsters at bay. But what happens when the light goes out?
I was hooked from the first page. You’re thrown straight into the action, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. Read it in less than 24 hours. For such a short book, the world-building is fantastic. The setting feels fully realized, the characters are surprisingly well developed, and there’s so much packed into such a small page count without it ever feeling rushed.
I gave Emily Cooper’s The Fear Season 4.5 stars, but this was an easy 5 stars for me. I absolutely loved it. Perfect spooky-season reading.
September 22, 2026
This book is pure atmosphere, isolation, and mystery, drawing you into a world where the lighthouse feels like a lifeline and impending doom all at once. The setting is intensely vivid, defined by the isolated island itself and the terrifying, relentless tidewraiths that haunt it. Between these two opposing forces we find the characters, with the female characters completely stealing the show as they prove themselves to be strong, surviving, and deeply supportive of one another. I thoroughly enjoyed how the folklore and religious aspects were woven together, creating a constant, creeping sense of unease throughout the narrative. The entire aesthetic and colour palette of the book feels drenched in dark ocean waves and blood. If you enjoy feminist stories of oppression mixed with haunting horror elements, then this is absolutely a must-read.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This really delivered. A misty haunting tale of a grandmother & granddaughter holding back the sea wraiths from the island every night with light from their lighthouse.
The prologue soon came into play as the sisters met on the beach at the beginning are part of the town now & good friends with the lighthouse keepers.
Things start to go awry as the wraiths get bold one night, the leviathan singing her song to encourage them, the island needs to have more faith in the old ways it seems.
I wasn't expecting so many surprises and enjoyed the eerie drama unfolding as the girls sought to find a way to save their ways, the island & themselves.
Very clever pace and plot, highly recommend this unusual tale.
The prologue soon came into play as the sisters met on the beach at the beginning are part of the town now & good friends with the lighthouse keepers.
Things start to go awry as the wraiths get bold one night, the leviathan singing her song to encourage them, the island needs to have more faith in the old ways it seems.
I wasn't expecting so many surprises and enjoyed the eerie drama unfolding as the girls sought to find a way to save their ways, the island & themselves.
Very clever pace and plot, highly recommend this unusual tale.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2026
This really nailed that eerie, isolated feeling I love in dark stories. Setting it on a remote island made everything feel tight and claustrophobic, and using a lighthouse—which is usually a sign of safety—as a bleak last line of defense against whatever is in the ocean was a great touch. Honestly, the scariest part wasn't even the sea creatures; it was watching the townspeople lose their minds to fear and turn on each other.
What kept me hooked was the focus on Guin trying to save Catrin. Having a deadline to get her out made the whole thing feel tense, but their relationship and the way the women look out for each other gave the book a real heart. It managed to be genuinely creepy and tense without feeling over the top.
What kept me hooked was the focus on Guin trying to save Catrin. Having a deadline to get her out made the whole thing feel tense, but their relationship and the way the women look out for each other gave the book a real heart. It managed to be genuinely creepy and tense without feeling over the top.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Horrors We Harbour is a sharply written and thoughtful novel that blends quiet, everyday female fear with visceral horror in a way that really resonates, and its strongest moments come from how deliberately it handles character and atmosphere. The social commentary is clear and often incisive, especially in how it explores gendered power and the ways women learn to navigate danger, but the storyline itself didn’t feel particularly exciting and the cannibalism leaned more toward graphic shock than meaningful tension. I also found the thematic overlap with Season of Fear hard to ignore, since the feminism and male versus female dynamics felt familiar even with a different plot.
August 23, 2026
I feel like I’ve been beaten, battered and bruised after reading that.
There is no real nice way to describe what I just went through, so I’ll settle with mindfuck.
A darkly gothic feminist read filled with religion, Gods and Monsters and a good old dose of “you didn’t see that coming did ya?”
In true Emily Cooper style this book hit the Gothic Monster notes for a brilliantly creepy read, that even to the last chapter kept me guessing. I should have guessed the ending but I didn’t. I was left screaming at the characters all the way through, then at the end I was left staring at a wall.
There is no real nice way to describe what I just went through, so I’ll settle with mindfuck.
A darkly gothic feminist read filled with religion, Gods and Monsters and a good old dose of “you didn’t see that coming did ya?”
In true Emily Cooper style this book hit the Gothic Monster notes for a brilliantly creepy read, that even to the last chapter kept me guessing. I should have guessed the ending but I didn’t. I was left screaming at the characters all the way through, then at the end I was left staring at a wall.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A haunting, atmospheric read that feels like it was made for dark autumn nights 🌛🖤
☆ Sea Monsters
☆ Dark Secrets
☆ Cult
☆ Human Sacrifices
The Horrors We Harbour completely pulled me into its eerie, gothic atmosphere and I spent so much of the book wondering what on earth is going on?!!? There was something so unsettling and mysterious about the plot that kept me turning the pages, desperately trying to piece everything together!
I also really appreciated the representation and exploration of grief and how beautifully it was woven into the story.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before picking this one up as there are sensitive topics throughout.
☆ Sea Monsters
☆ Dark Secrets
☆ Cult
☆ Human Sacrifices
The Horrors We Harbour completely pulled me into its eerie, gothic atmosphere and I spent so much of the book wondering what on earth is going on?!!? There was something so unsettling and mysterious about the plot that kept me turning the pages, desperately trying to piece everything together!
I also really appreciated the representation and exploration of grief and how beautifully it was woven into the story.
Definitely check the trigger warnings before picking this one up as there are sensitive topics throughout.
September 24, 2026
Never turn your back on the ocean. The waves love nothing more than a careless soul.
The story grabs the reader with an horrific opening and doesn’t let go until the final sentence. Along the way, the sense of isolation builds as Guin learns that not all monsters are at sea.
The characters are distinct and their motivations feel real. I was particularly moved with the discussions with on how to deal with the bodies. Every point of view was relatable and each suggestion made sense. The portrayal of the ultimate decision was both delicious and sickening.
In my opinion, this book clearly crowns Emily as the queen of horror. And chess teaches us that a queen is far more powerful than a king.
The story grabs the reader with an horrific opening and doesn’t let go until the final sentence. Along the way, the sense of isolation builds as Guin learns that not all monsters are at sea.
The characters are distinct and their motivations feel real. I was particularly moved with the discussions with on how to deal with the bodies. Every point of view was relatable and each suggestion made sense. The portrayal of the ultimate decision was both delicious and sickening.
In my opinion, this book clearly crowns Emily as the queen of horror. And chess teaches us that a queen is far more powerful than a king.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2026
‘If you smile at the ocean and it smiles back, run for your life.’
I am officially a horror girlie!! I’ve only recently gotten into horror and this has just set the bar so high for every other book I will read from here on out. How can a book be so beautifully written, dark, eery and still have me giggling at the times.
I physically couldn’t put this down and was kept on my toes the whole time. I genuinely had no clue how this was going to play out!
It did make me put down my reading snacks so do with that what you may…
will now be going to read the whole of Emily’s back log🫱🏼🫲🏽
I am officially a horror girlie!! I’ve only recently gotten into horror and this has just set the bar so high for every other book I will read from here on out. How can a book be so beautifully written, dark, eery and still have me giggling at the times.
I physically couldn’t put this down and was kept on my toes the whole time. I genuinely had no clue how this was going to play out!
It did make me put down my reading snacks so do with that what you may…
will now be going to read the whole of Emily’s back log🫱🏼🫲🏽
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Emily’s writing is hauntingly beautiful, and is always able to sink its claws into me , and the horrors we harbour does exactly that ! . From the religious/ cult elements to the addition of the sapphic romance mixed in with the gothic overarching tone of the book, this story had me wanting MORE!! This is a feminist folk horror to absolutely die for and I absolutely cannot wait to read more from Emily in the future !
September 26, 2026
This is a very very well-written folk horror tale set on an island about the hard life there (especially for women) and occasionally infested by mythical creatures. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped to. While the fmc is a lightkeeper, she lacks independent judgment, which I found deeply frustrating. Although I understand how love can blind someone and leave them susceptible to influence, I've realized I dislike when a character remains this way right until the end.
September 29, 2026
I really loved this book and would recommend it to anyone, haha. My only gripe is that I wish the whole thing had been like the last 60 pages. Those parts were just so sassy, funny, and heartfelt. It made the rest feel a bit flat by comparison, but I still enjoyed the story; I loved the lore and all the intensity from Guin.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was just absolutely WILD & I devoured it whole. A feminist folk horror that just captivates you with such rich mystery from page 1!! Sentient lighthouses, creepy monstrous tidewraiths, cult like religions and creepy mysteries. Just WOW
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I a need a moment to compose myself. I didn’t finish this book, it finished me x
September 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this and it is unlike anything I have read before.
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