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Beautiful, Once
A dark dystopian survival thriller set on a secluded island paradise.
From acclaimed author Mia Dalia comes a propulsive, character-driven horror novel that’s a chilling blend of high-tech utopia, isolation, and catastrophic consequences.
When a controversial tech billionaire retreats from society, he constructs a private island designed to be the ultimate controlled experiment: a hand-selected population, sustainable systems, and a flawless model for humanity’s future. A paradise engineered to perfection.
But perfection breeds boredom.
Seeking recognition—and perhaps validation—he sends a message into the cosmos, broadcasting The Island’s triumph to the universe. All hell breaks loose when something replies.
Within hours, the community fractures. Neighbors turn on neighbors. A savage, insatiable hunger spreads. Civilization unravels.
Told through three gripping perspectives—the billionaire’s loyal assistant, an island mechanic, and a visiting investigative reporter—Beautiful, Once explores survival, psychological collapse, unchecked ambition, and the terrifying consequences of playing god.
Set in a near-future island enclave, this intense dystopian horror novel will appeal to fans of isolated community thrillers, outbreak fiction, and cinematically propulsive, speculative survival stories in the vein of The Island and The Crazies.
When paradise falls, who gets to live?
From acclaimed author Mia Dalia comes a propulsive, character-driven horror novel that’s a chilling blend of high-tech utopia, isolation, and catastrophic consequences.
When a controversial tech billionaire retreats from society, he constructs a private island designed to be the ultimate controlled experiment: a hand-selected population, sustainable systems, and a flawless model for humanity’s future. A paradise engineered to perfection.
But perfection breeds boredom.
Seeking recognition—and perhaps validation—he sends a message into the cosmos, broadcasting The Island’s triumph to the universe. All hell breaks loose when something replies.
Within hours, the community fractures. Neighbors turn on neighbors. A savage, insatiable hunger spreads. Civilization unravels.
Told through three gripping perspectives—the billionaire’s loyal assistant, an island mechanic, and a visiting investigative reporter—Beautiful, Once explores survival, psychological collapse, unchecked ambition, and the terrifying consequences of playing god.
Set in a near-future island enclave, this intense dystopian horror novel will appeal to fans of isolated community thrillers, outbreak fiction, and cinematically propulsive, speculative survival stories in the vein of The Island and The Crazies.
When paradise falls, who gets to live?
254 pages, Paperback
Published March 16, 2026
About the author
Mia Dalia
48 books68 followersMia Dalia is an internationally published author of all things fantastic, thrilling, scary, and strange
Featured publications:
Estate Sale (Lethe Press)
Tell Me a Story (Anuci Press)
Discordant (Anuci Press)
Smile So Red and Other Tales of Madness (Brigids Gate Press)
Arrakoth (Spaceboy Books)
Haven (CamCat Books)
Do You Know The Muffin Man? (Spaceboy Books)
Alakazam (PS Publishing)
Beautiful, Once (Crystal Lake Publishing)
Mia's short fiction of horror, noir, science fiction, mystery, crime, humor, and more have been featured in a variety of anthologies, magazines, literary journals, online, and adapted for narrative podcasts.
Her work has been selected as Top Ten of Tales to Terrify in 2023, shortlisted for the Crime Writers Association's Dagger Award in 2024, named finalist for the 2026 Imadjinn Awards, and acclaimed by Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews.
Mia Dalia is represented by the John Jarrold Literary Agency. https://www.johnjarrold.co.uk/
Find her at
Twitter: @ Dalia_Verse
FB: Mia DaliaVerse
Instagram: daliaverse
https://linktr.ee/daliaverse
Featured publications:
Estate Sale (Lethe Press)
Tell Me a Story (Anuci Press)
Discordant (Anuci Press)
Smile So Red and Other Tales of Madness (Brigids Gate Press)
Arrakoth (Spaceboy Books)
Haven (CamCat Books)
Do You Know The Muffin Man? (Spaceboy Books)
Alakazam (PS Publishing)
Beautiful, Once (Crystal Lake Publishing)
Mia's short fiction of horror, noir, science fiction, mystery, crime, humor, and more have been featured in a variety of anthologies, magazines, literary journals, online, and adapted for narrative podcasts.
Her work has been selected as Top Ten of Tales to Terrify in 2023, shortlisted for the Crime Writers Association's Dagger Award in 2024, named finalist for the 2026 Imadjinn Awards, and acclaimed by Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus Reviews.
Mia Dalia is represented by the John Jarrold Literary Agency. https://www.johnjarrold.co.uk/
Find her at
Twitter: @ Dalia_Verse
FB: Mia DaliaVerse
Instagram: daliaverse
https://linktr.ee/daliaverse
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This novel prompted me to recall the ages-old adage: "one bad apple spoils the whole bunch." However, it's more like one bad decision made by the founder of a small but admirable uptopian society.
The characterization in this novel is so strong that it drives the narrative and makes everything work. Without it, I know I would be indifferent about the outcomes. With it, I empathized with all of these characters and really worried for them. Then, when everything starts to fall apart in a really short period of time, I felt the pain that they experienced.
There's an ensemble cast here. What I appreciate is that each chapter is told from the point-of-view of three different characters. Each has a different stake in the startling incidents on the island, expertly told from their individual perspectives: Martha, the assistant administrator of the island; Jacob, the fix-it maintenance man; and Arden, the investigative reporter interviewing the island founder.
But the most interesting character of all is island founder Ronan Bard, whose point of view we learn from the other three characters. I have mixed feelings about him. He comes across as a friend to all, but something about him makes me suspicious. Still, it would be great to have a wealthy elite character who's actually a nice and benevolent guy.
HIs speech at a TED Talk could make a believer out of me. I can't argue with anything he says here, and found myself nodding my head many times:
"Our country has failed us. Our politicians have failed us. The American Dream is dead. The media and the pundits are distracting us with fake news and meaningless trivialities to keep us from seeing the truth. The standard of living in the U.S. is lower than in any other first-world country. Pick an important topic: life expectancy, gender and pay equality, voting rights, education, crime, homelessness. This country is failing in every single way.
The golden promise of it has been eroded, revealing nothing but gilt. Instead of learning from our history, we find ways to bury it. Instead of speaking about what matters, we obsess over TikTok. We don't know the faces and platforms of our leaders, but we spend hours watching social media celebrities doing and talking about nothing.
As a society, we have become dumber and more complacent, and we have been encouraged to do that at every turn by the powers that be. Stupid people are the easiest to lead. We play video games and shop, while the world gets lit on fire, while it slips beneath the waves, while it becomes increasingly uglier and more hostile.
We waste our lives working jobs we hate toward an uncertain retirement. We cycle through meaningless diversions while our freedoms are slowly stripped away from us. We are sleepwalking.
Well, I'm here to say, wake up. Look around. Walk away. There is another path."
Ronan, sign me up!
Just found another reason to really like Ronan: His comments to a questioning reporter: "The only way for a society to stay happy is through staying small. The threads of cohesiveness stretch and tear. Time and again we see this happen, in the news, in history lessons, and yet most continue to ignore it. . . . . .
Time and again, the happiest countries elected are some of the smallest on Earth. Iceland, Finland. Places where people have forged a strong national character based on shared values. Where they feel supported by their government. Where a true democracy is practiced. Time and again, on the other hand, some of the largest countries in the world fall to autocratic rule. These places experience large levels of unhappiness among its people, which results in making tragic political choices."
He's preaching to the choir now, and his observations are spot on as regards current events.
As much as I like Ronan, he is still a billionaire / elite class - - so I was looking for some chinks in the armor. Those get revealed in the novel's final acts. Also, there's a hint that Ronan's position as regards immigration may have been restrictive, but that is not explored any further.
I like the description here, regarding investigative reporter Arden: "Her thought processes were bifurcating, then splitting further; the tributaries carrying them miles away from the origin source."
The novel touches upon many themes, including end-of-the-world apocalypse (but confined to the island), alien visitation, and zombie infestation. But the root of this book is more about utopian dreams, idealization, hubris/vanity, and has an underlying message - which can be left to the reader's imagination to determine. For me, I finished the book with the impression that while dreams can take a long time and careful consideration to build upon, a nightmare can tear it down quickly.
The characterization in this novel is so strong that it drives the narrative and makes everything work. Without it, I know I would be indifferent about the outcomes. With it, I empathized with all of these characters and really worried for them. Then, when everything starts to fall apart in a really short period of time, I felt the pain that they experienced.
There's an ensemble cast here. What I appreciate is that each chapter is told from the point-of-view of three different characters. Each has a different stake in the startling incidents on the island, expertly told from their individual perspectives: Martha, the assistant administrator of the island; Jacob, the fix-it maintenance man; and Arden, the investigative reporter interviewing the island founder.
But the most interesting character of all is island founder Ronan Bard, whose point of view we learn from the other three characters. I have mixed feelings about him. He comes across as a friend to all, but something about him makes me suspicious. Still, it would be great to have a wealthy elite character who's actually a nice and benevolent guy.
HIs speech at a TED Talk could make a believer out of me. I can't argue with anything he says here, and found myself nodding my head many times:
"Our country has failed us. Our politicians have failed us. The American Dream is dead. The media and the pundits are distracting us with fake news and meaningless trivialities to keep us from seeing the truth. The standard of living in the U.S. is lower than in any other first-world country. Pick an important topic: life expectancy, gender and pay equality, voting rights, education, crime, homelessness. This country is failing in every single way.
The golden promise of it has been eroded, revealing nothing but gilt. Instead of learning from our history, we find ways to bury it. Instead of speaking about what matters, we obsess over TikTok. We don't know the faces and platforms of our leaders, but we spend hours watching social media celebrities doing and talking about nothing.
As a society, we have become dumber and more complacent, and we have been encouraged to do that at every turn by the powers that be. Stupid people are the easiest to lead. We play video games and shop, while the world gets lit on fire, while it slips beneath the waves, while it becomes increasingly uglier and more hostile.
We waste our lives working jobs we hate toward an uncertain retirement. We cycle through meaningless diversions while our freedoms are slowly stripped away from us. We are sleepwalking.
Well, I'm here to say, wake up. Look around. Walk away. There is another path."
Ronan, sign me up!
Just found another reason to really like Ronan: His comments to a questioning reporter: "The only way for a society to stay happy is through staying small. The threads of cohesiveness stretch and tear. Time and again we see this happen, in the news, in history lessons, and yet most continue to ignore it. . . . . .
Time and again, the happiest countries elected are some of the smallest on Earth. Iceland, Finland. Places where people have forged a strong national character based on shared values. Where they feel supported by their government. Where a true democracy is practiced. Time and again, on the other hand, some of the largest countries in the world fall to autocratic rule. These places experience large levels of unhappiness among its people, which results in making tragic political choices."
He's preaching to the choir now, and his observations are spot on as regards current events.
As much as I like Ronan, he is still a billionaire / elite class - - so I was looking for some chinks in the armor. Those get revealed in the novel's final acts. Also, there's a hint that Ronan's position as regards immigration may have been restrictive, but that is not explored any further.
I like the description here, regarding investigative reporter Arden: "Her thought processes were bifurcating, then splitting further; the tributaries carrying them miles away from the origin source."
The novel touches upon many themes, including end-of-the-world apocalypse (but confined to the island), alien visitation, and zombie infestation. But the root of this book is more about utopian dreams, idealization, hubris/vanity, and has an underlying message - which can be left to the reader's imagination to determine. For me, I finished the book with the impression that while dreams can take a long time and careful consideration to build upon, a nightmare can tear it down quickly.
March 20, 2026
4.5 ⭐ rounded to 5.
What a story! So unique and with the right amount of unsettling elements. This novel quietly sneaks up on you, just as you’re getting to know the characters and getting cosy on the island.
There is a very original take on the zombie trope, which I loved. I’m just sad I couldn’t stay in this story any longer!
I read two books by this author so far, and I know what made them an auto buy author for me: it’s their writing. I’m very attentive to writing styles, and Mia Dalia’s prose manages to conquer me completely. I’m always totally absorbed by the story from the beginning, but especially with this one, because the prologue is so abrupt that it stimulates your brain to be on alert for the rest of the book. You know something is coming, you don’t know when and how.
One other thing that makes this book stand out is the deep characterisation. There is a purposeful focus on the characters, as the author wants the readers to know them intimately, resulting in what happens next even more contrasting.
As I said, all of this sneaks up on you subtly, due to the reader being constantly lulled by this utopian island and the perfect idyllic setting. I found this book so easy to read and such a pleasure! Don’t get me wrong, some scenes were definitely disquieting and made me uneasy, but I loved all of it. Woven into the plot, there is also a social commentary that I personally appreciated and found very apt given current times.
In my opinion, this is a sophisticated sci-fi horror that mesmerises the reader at first, attacking them when they least expect it.
Thanks to the author and Crystal Lake Publishing for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
What a story! So unique and with the right amount of unsettling elements. This novel quietly sneaks up on you, just as you’re getting to know the characters and getting cosy on the island.
There is a very original take on the zombie trope, which I loved. I’m just sad I couldn’t stay in this story any longer!
I read two books by this author so far, and I know what made them an auto buy author for me: it’s their writing. I’m very attentive to writing styles, and Mia Dalia’s prose manages to conquer me completely. I’m always totally absorbed by the story from the beginning, but especially with this one, because the prologue is so abrupt that it stimulates your brain to be on alert for the rest of the book. You know something is coming, you don’t know when and how.
One other thing that makes this book stand out is the deep characterisation. There is a purposeful focus on the characters, as the author wants the readers to know them intimately, resulting in what happens next even more contrasting.
As I said, all of this sneaks up on you subtly, due to the reader being constantly lulled by this utopian island and the perfect idyllic setting. I found this book so easy to read and such a pleasure! Don’t get me wrong, some scenes were definitely disquieting and made me uneasy, but I loved all of it. Woven into the plot, there is also a social commentary that I personally appreciated and found very apt given current times.
In my opinion, this is a sophisticated sci-fi horror that mesmerises the reader at first, attacking them when they least expect it.
Thanks to the author and Crystal Lake Publishing for a copy and this is my honest opinion.
April 13, 2026
WOW.
WOW.
Simply WOW.
Once I'd read the Prologue of this book, it was impossible not to read it in one sitting. It's genre-defying, blending zombie fiction and survival horror with science fictional themes, primarily the notions of experimental, near-future utopia, crazy scientists, and unorthodox alien contact. But this says nothing at all about the conceptual and philosophical depth of the novel: sometimes it reads like intelligent and compelling sociological and political commentary, other times like the extensive record of moments of brutally honest introspection - and one of the surprises within is that the latter, namely the characters' third-personal 'internal monologues' extend to the time these same people get infected, and start experiencing symptoms without ever realizing what is going on! This extraordinary idea is executed in brilliant fashion, taking the experience of those same characters, whose point of view we've been following all along in the first half of the book, straight into the painful sensory maelstrom of flesh-hungry yet fully aware zombies!
The book is rich in detail throughout, high in suspense the more you dive into the story, and completely innovative and fresh in terms of originality. Dalia's vision is bold, having the charismatic leader Ronan (whose point of view we never visit, by the way, for reasons integral to the plot) arguing for ideas most wouldn't dare state in public, yet never allowing the reader to be certain how much of said ideas are indeed guiding the events described in the story. There's a sense of mystery, an atmosphere of uncertainty, growing stronger and stronger as the last third of the book is reached. The ending will definitely shock you!
Dalia's writing is flawless (as usual), though the slow build-up of the story in the first half of the book may give the mistaken impression that this is a slow-burn novel. I personally found that part engaging and absorbing - the way that watching the sped-up video of a cathedral's construction, for example, is engaging and absorbing: things fit together, beauty is produced, and you feel dizzy depending on the camera's perspective. This makes the horrifying developments coming immediately after even more gruesome and frightening, perhaps even sadder.
This is such an unusual and rewarding sci-fi horror story! I can't recommend it highly enough.
By the way (and going on a tangent here), if you've watched (and enjoyed) the Spanish thriller series Welcome to Eden (Bienvenidos a Edén), unduly cancelled before the crucial third season, you'll find similar themes explored in Dalia's book - island utopias, alien contact, and crazy science (but no zombies!).
WOW.
Simply WOW.
Once I'd read the Prologue of this book, it was impossible not to read it in one sitting. It's genre-defying, blending zombie fiction and survival horror with science fictional themes, primarily the notions of experimental, near-future utopia, crazy scientists, and unorthodox alien contact. But this says nothing at all about the conceptual and philosophical depth of the novel: sometimes it reads like intelligent and compelling sociological and political commentary, other times like the extensive record of moments of brutally honest introspection - and one of the surprises within is that the latter, namely the characters' third-personal 'internal monologues' extend to the time these same people get infected, and start experiencing symptoms without ever realizing what is going on! This extraordinary idea is executed in brilliant fashion, taking the experience of those same characters, whose point of view we've been following all along in the first half of the book, straight into the painful sensory maelstrom of flesh-hungry yet fully aware zombies!
The book is rich in detail throughout, high in suspense the more you dive into the story, and completely innovative and fresh in terms of originality. Dalia's vision is bold, having the charismatic leader Ronan (whose point of view we never visit, by the way, for reasons integral to the plot) arguing for ideas most wouldn't dare state in public, yet never allowing the reader to be certain how much of said ideas are indeed guiding the events described in the story. There's a sense of mystery, an atmosphere of uncertainty, growing stronger and stronger as the last third of the book is reached. The ending will definitely shock you!
Dalia's writing is flawless (as usual), though the slow build-up of the story in the first half of the book may give the mistaken impression that this is a slow-burn novel. I personally found that part engaging and absorbing - the way that watching the sped-up video of a cathedral's construction, for example, is engaging and absorbing: things fit together, beauty is produced, and you feel dizzy depending on the camera's perspective. This makes the horrifying developments coming immediately after even more gruesome and frightening, perhaps even sadder.
This is such an unusual and rewarding sci-fi horror story! I can't recommend it highly enough.
By the way (and going on a tangent here), if you've watched (and enjoyed) the Spanish thriller series Welcome to Eden (Bienvenidos a Edén), unduly cancelled before the crucial third season, you'll find similar themes explored in Dalia's book - island utopias, alien contact, and crazy science (but no zombies!).
March 23, 2026
Beautiful, Once by Mia Dalia is a horror and science fiction novel about an island utopia that encounters a foreign object. The book is light on both horror and science fiction but heavy on themes about society, which in some ways can be more unsettling.
The novel asks deep questions about how society functions and how humans might build something better. It explores ideas surrounding Marxism, small government, and immigration. At times, it even suggests that the world might be better off if left to animals.
The core premise is simple: what happens when an island utopia is disrupted by an alien object that may be a weapon.
The balance between genres is where the book struggled for me. Horror makes up about 20 percent of the story, while discussions about society take up the other 80 percent. I enjoy social commentary, but this ratio did not work in a horror novel. Even when characters are affected by an alien virus that turns them into ravenous, bloodthirsty versions of themselves, they remain focused on philosophical discussions. When horror elements occur, the characters often misinterpret what is happening, which keeps the reader from fully experiencing those moments and weakens the impact.
The ending felt more like a strange joke . It did not tie back to the societal themes that dominated the rest of the book. Instead, it focused on ideas like happiness, curiosity, and personal drive. This disconnect made the conclusion unsatisfying.
I did enjoy two characters, Ronan and Martha. Dalia does solid character work with both, and they were the main reason I continued reading.
At one point, I thought the novel might become a modern retelling of Roanoke. I was expecting a “croatoan” moment, but that direction never materialized.
Beautiful, Once by Mia Dalia was first published on March 20, 2026 by Crystal Lake Publishing.
The novel asks deep questions about how society functions and how humans might build something better. It explores ideas surrounding Marxism, small government, and immigration. At times, it even suggests that the world might be better off if left to animals.
The core premise is simple: what happens when an island utopia is disrupted by an alien object that may be a weapon.
The balance between genres is where the book struggled for me. Horror makes up about 20 percent of the story, while discussions about society take up the other 80 percent. I enjoy social commentary, but this ratio did not work in a horror novel. Even when characters are affected by an alien virus that turns them into ravenous, bloodthirsty versions of themselves, they remain focused on philosophical discussions. When horror elements occur, the characters often misinterpret what is happening, which keeps the reader from fully experiencing those moments and weakens the impact.
The ending felt more like a strange joke . It did not tie back to the societal themes that dominated the rest of the book. Instead, it focused on ideas like happiness, curiosity, and personal drive. This disconnect made the conclusion unsatisfying.
I did enjoy two characters, Ronan and Martha. Dalia does solid character work with both, and they were the main reason I continued reading.
At one point, I thought the novel might become a modern retelling of Roanoke. I was expecting a “croatoan” moment, but that direction never materialized.
Beautiful, Once by Mia Dalia was first published on March 20, 2026 by Crystal Lake Publishing.
March 31, 2026
Beautiful, Once isn’t your typical popcorn horror book. It’s one that is intended to make the reader think, one that challenges thoughts and beliefs and brings them to the forefront in a situation that is highly topical. In short, this is the type of horror novel I really enjoy. When a book makes you think, it pulls you further into its story and connects you with the characters more personally, whether you love or hate them. As such, books like this can be somewhat of a slow burn, which is by no means a bad thing, but if you’re after something fast-paced, this one probably isn’t for you.
The story is set in the near future and focuses on a remote island community that has been created by one of society’s elite, a rich businessman by the name of Ronan Bard. His narrative is that large societies just don’t work and create lives that are unfulfilling and unhappy and run by autocratic rule. Ronan aims to build a small community that is full of contentment and shared values, one that feels they are supported in everything they do. One that is free from the addictions that people used to escape from real life, like alcohol, video games, and phones, with a few very minor exceptions.
Together with his second in command, Martha, Ronan has handpicked those who get to live on the island from the applications they receive. These people are often disillusioned with life and are seeking a way to find a better way of living away from the rigors of society.
The community is in a solid place by the time we join the story, although there are minor gripes with the arrival of a reporter that had been invited there by Ronan to bring more attention to what he’s created there. Shortly after her arrival, the inhabitants’ lives are further upheaved by the appearance of a strange metal object that crash-lands at the other end of the island in a forest.
The story structure features multiple POV chapters as the inhabitants of the island deal with the spreading catastrophe that the object brings and when things spiral, boy do they spiral.
Those that enjoy a slow burn story like I do will find much to like here.
The story is set in the near future and focuses on a remote island community that has been created by one of society’s elite, a rich businessman by the name of Ronan Bard. His narrative is that large societies just don’t work and create lives that are unfulfilling and unhappy and run by autocratic rule. Ronan aims to build a small community that is full of contentment and shared values, one that feels they are supported in everything they do. One that is free from the addictions that people used to escape from real life, like alcohol, video games, and phones, with a few very minor exceptions.
Together with his second in command, Martha, Ronan has handpicked those who get to live on the island from the applications they receive. These people are often disillusioned with life and are seeking a way to find a better way of living away from the rigors of society.
The community is in a solid place by the time we join the story, although there are minor gripes with the arrival of a reporter that had been invited there by Ronan to bring more attention to what he’s created there. Shortly after her arrival, the inhabitants’ lives are further upheaved by the appearance of a strange metal object that crash-lands at the other end of the island in a forest.
The story structure features multiple POV chapters as the inhabitants of the island deal with the spreading catastrophe that the object brings and when things spiral, boy do they spiral.
Those that enjoy a slow burn story like I do will find much to like here.
March 21, 2026
Overall, this was a really strong effort with a lot to like. This is built mainly around a wholly intriguing setup that offers the kind of immersive starting point that allows this to go in a rather promising direction. The series of distinct touches regarding this island setup and how it all creates the kind of society that is immensely fun to see play out with the different interpretations of the universe within it is a solid touch, opening this up to a potentially realistic take involving the future society built on the reclusive island. Taking the amount of time it does to address the various living conditions on the island, the lives of the people living there, and how they live, creates the kind of starting point necessary to establish the introduction of the extraterrestrial threat, sending the community into a frenzy. Covering some highly topical ground with its depiction of the ultra-elite creating a paradise for themselves at the expense of others, this is incredibly immersive and gets this going nicely.
What makes this work incredibly well is the shifting series of viewpoints that handle the main perspective of the particular series of events, letting the various characters offer some rather intriguing points take on a special significance. As each one contains more info about the situation and gets more in-depth about how the escalating scenario spirals out of control, these bits take place about the invasion and the eventual breakdown of the society they’ve built within the isolated island community. While everything about this is rather enjoyable, as it details the various lives of the different lead characters and their various interactions with the leader of the society regarding his viewpoints that bring everyone together in this environment, that section is quite underwhelming in terms of getting the horror on track, as that comes about more in the second half of the book. It all takes a while to get going, but it is really the only factor here that harms this one.
4.5/5
What makes this work incredibly well is the shifting series of viewpoints that handle the main perspective of the particular series of events, letting the various characters offer some rather intriguing points take on a special significance. As each one contains more info about the situation and gets more in-depth about how the escalating scenario spirals out of control, these bits take place about the invasion and the eventual breakdown of the society they’ve built within the isolated island community. While everything about this is rather enjoyable, as it details the various lives of the different lead characters and their various interactions with the leader of the society regarding his viewpoints that bring everyone together in this environment, that section is quite underwhelming in terms of getting the horror on track, as that comes about more in the second half of the book. It all takes a while to get going, but it is really the only factor here that harms this one.
4.5/5
May 16, 2026
I have enjoyed both long-form and short-form work from this author over the last couple of years. Her short-form format provides a great introduction into her genre. A mixture of horror, history and the super-natural always with a wide variety of well-developed characters. Her longer-form work allows her to develop plots and themes more fully and populate them with richly portrayed characters. This new book, “Beautiful, Once” comprises some 250 pages and is a fine addition to her body of work.
The publishers description sets the scene. Ronan, a wealthy tech-founder, no longer in the business world, buys an island and carefully populates it with a selected group of people. An island largely self-sufficient and isolated from the outside world. It seems utopian, a success. Almost paradise; people are happy.
“…the island setup allowed for just the right balance of privacy and community. Here you had to like your neighbours; but most of them were easy to like.”
The author tells the story from the perspective of three characters. Jacob, a youngish man, who struggled with drugs on the ‘mainland’ but is happy, healthy and content on the island. A well-liked and valuable part of this small community.
“Finding the island had changed his life. It was the first place he’d ever truly belonged. It was his home; he felt at home here”
Martha particularly resonated with me. She is slightly older, a former school principal and has been involved in the Island project from the start. Close to the Ronan, the founder; she is an efficient administrator running everything on a day to day basis. She reflects on her environment:
“Here, kids played games outside, ones she could recognise and understand. They seemed younger, or perhaps merely free to act their age , and categorically happier.”
She is happy in herself. Superficially ordinary, perhaps plain, but fulfilled, enriched and satisfied.
The third viewpoint is from Arden, a young journalist who is allowed to visit the island. She has peaked early in her career and is now struggling, disappointed at her lack of lasting success. Being allowed to visit the island is an opportunity to rekindle her career. Finding something dark, perhaps sinister and hopefully scandalous would be a wonderful bonus. She is disappointed initially. All seems perfect, until it doesn’t…
The third viewpoint is from Arden, a young journalist who is allowed to visit the island. She has peaked early in her career and is now struggling, disappointed at her lack of lasting success. Visiting the island is an opportunity to rekindle her career. Finding something dark, perhaps sinister and hopefully scandalous would be a wonderful bonus. She is disappointed initially. All seems perfect, until it doesn’t…
The background and plot builds slowly. The author takes time building the characters. Slowly, from what they say and do and how others see them. A little of their past, but mostly their present lives, which apparently is worry-free and happy. We get to know them and wish them well. We learn about Ronan as well. Something of a tech-bro. He has great wealth, is attractive, youthful with abundant charisma and of course, a vision. He is a skilled and compelling communicator with a warm, engaging personality. Perfect. Possibly too perfect. Nevertheless, even the media-hardened visiting journalist, cannot help but be attracted to him, despite her attempts to maintain a professional distance and ultimately write a great story.
The reader will develop a warmth for the good people inhabiting the island, a respect for their lifestyle choices and admiration for what they have achieved. The atmosphere is alluring. Not at all cultish or weird. A better place for everyone. A happy place.
The best comedians use pathos; evoking sadness alongside laughter. Readers of this author will be expecting something dark and scary at some point. Until then we have a tour of paradise with some of the authors humour and true-history scattered about. An obscure John Waters quote that I had to check. It was appropriate. Or maybe inappropriate ! A Henriette Avram reference was fascinating; I never knew. As for Melvin Dewey; shocking ! I’m not sure I wanted to know. Then something to make a reader chuckle, referring to large statues of unicorns outside a building used as a library, Arden the journalist observes:
“They were impressively life-sized, or at least horse-sized-since she had no idea about exact unicorn dimensions.”
There are a couple of hints that the Island community may or may not last indefinitely. Martha reflects:
“It was hardly meant to last, after all. Not enough people, not enough children. It seemed to her like one of those obscure religious movements that died out as their member did.
But she is optimistic, hopeful, with:
“…also a feeling they were…different, better…”
These and other small indication suggest the island could be more of an experiment than a place offering an alternative life.
Inevitably something happens to upset life on the island. An unusual event, possibly innocuous. An unusual character is introduced relatively late in the book, adding a new dimension to the plot. An older person, a long-time acquaintance of Ronan. Something of a recluse, more so than the other inhabitants. And somewhat out of place with the collective vision.
Gradually then suddenly horror happens. Readers of the author will not be surprised, but may be shocked at the severity. It is graphic but what is most jarring is the narrative accompanying these events. A point of view that is often not presented. The thought process, justifications and excuses. Overt and unapologetic.
The horror is not gratuitous but is necessary to drive the plot forward. Ultimately the heart of the book surrounds the characters, their predicament and aspirations. For the most part good, kind people wanting the best for their families, friends and community.
The ending seems a little ambiguous. Almost life-affirming then sadly inevitable. Having finished reading the book, it stayed in my thoughts and as I reflected on the plot I suddenly recalled an earlier episode in the book. I thought to myself, “Oh…”
Readers of this author will enjoy ‘Beautiful, Once’. A great read. I love the history lessons, humour and character development. The horror is necessary and does not dominate the fine plot. A memorable book that might just ruin a holiday on a small, remote semi-tropical island. Best wishes to the author and publishers.
The publishers description sets the scene. Ronan, a wealthy tech-founder, no longer in the business world, buys an island and carefully populates it with a selected group of people. An island largely self-sufficient and isolated from the outside world. It seems utopian, a success. Almost paradise; people are happy.
“…the island setup allowed for just the right balance of privacy and community. Here you had to like your neighbours; but most of them were easy to like.”
The author tells the story from the perspective of three characters. Jacob, a youngish man, who struggled with drugs on the ‘mainland’ but is happy, healthy and content on the island. A well-liked and valuable part of this small community.
“Finding the island had changed his life. It was the first place he’d ever truly belonged. It was his home; he felt at home here”
Martha particularly resonated with me. She is slightly older, a former school principal and has been involved in the Island project from the start. Close to the Ronan, the founder; she is an efficient administrator running everything on a day to day basis. She reflects on her environment:
“Here, kids played games outside, ones she could recognise and understand. They seemed younger, or perhaps merely free to act their age , and categorically happier.”
She is happy in herself. Superficially ordinary, perhaps plain, but fulfilled, enriched and satisfied.
The third viewpoint is from Arden, a young journalist who is allowed to visit the island. She has peaked early in her career and is now struggling, disappointed at her lack of lasting success. Being allowed to visit the island is an opportunity to rekindle her career. Finding something dark, perhaps sinister and hopefully scandalous would be a wonderful bonus. She is disappointed initially. All seems perfect, until it doesn’t…
The third viewpoint is from Arden, a young journalist who is allowed to visit the island. She has peaked early in her career and is now struggling, disappointed at her lack of lasting success. Visiting the island is an opportunity to rekindle her career. Finding something dark, perhaps sinister and hopefully scandalous would be a wonderful bonus. She is disappointed initially. All seems perfect, until it doesn’t…
The background and plot builds slowly. The author takes time building the characters. Slowly, from what they say and do and how others see them. A little of their past, but mostly their present lives, which apparently is worry-free and happy. We get to know them and wish them well. We learn about Ronan as well. Something of a tech-bro. He has great wealth, is attractive, youthful with abundant charisma and of course, a vision. He is a skilled and compelling communicator with a warm, engaging personality. Perfect. Possibly too perfect. Nevertheless, even the media-hardened visiting journalist, cannot help but be attracted to him, despite her attempts to maintain a professional distance and ultimately write a great story.
The reader will develop a warmth for the good people inhabiting the island, a respect for their lifestyle choices and admiration for what they have achieved. The atmosphere is alluring. Not at all cultish or weird. A better place for everyone. A happy place.
The best comedians use pathos; evoking sadness alongside laughter. Readers of this author will be expecting something dark and scary at some point. Until then we have a tour of paradise with some of the authors humour and true-history scattered about. An obscure John Waters quote that I had to check. It was appropriate. Or maybe inappropriate ! A Henriette Avram reference was fascinating; I never knew. As for Melvin Dewey; shocking ! I’m not sure I wanted to know. Then something to make a reader chuckle, referring to large statues of unicorns outside a building used as a library, Arden the journalist observes:
“They were impressively life-sized, or at least horse-sized-since she had no idea about exact unicorn dimensions.”
There are a couple of hints that the Island community may or may not last indefinitely. Martha reflects:
“It was hardly meant to last, after all. Not enough people, not enough children. It seemed to her like one of those obscure religious movements that died out as their member did.
But she is optimistic, hopeful, with:
“…also a feeling they were…different, better…”
These and other small indication suggest the island could be more of an experiment than a place offering an alternative life.
Inevitably something happens to upset life on the island. An unusual event, possibly innocuous. An unusual character is introduced relatively late in the book, adding a new dimension to the plot. An older person, a long-time acquaintance of Ronan. Something of a recluse, more so than the other inhabitants. And somewhat out of place with the collective vision.
Gradually then suddenly horror happens. Readers of the author will not be surprised, but may be shocked at the severity. It is graphic but what is most jarring is the narrative accompanying these events. A point of view that is often not presented. The thought process, justifications and excuses. Overt and unapologetic.
The horror is not gratuitous but is necessary to drive the plot forward. Ultimately the heart of the book surrounds the characters, their predicament and aspirations. For the most part good, kind people wanting the best for their families, friends and community.
The ending seems a little ambiguous. Almost life-affirming then sadly inevitable. Having finished reading the book, it stayed in my thoughts and as I reflected on the plot I suddenly recalled an earlier episode in the book. I thought to myself, “Oh…”
Readers of this author will enjoy ‘Beautiful, Once’. A great read. I love the history lessons, humour and character development. The horror is necessary and does not dominate the fine plot. A memorable book that might just ruin a holiday on a small, remote semi-tropical island. Best wishes to the author and publishers.
March 20, 2026
Are you ready for the apocalypse? If not, you’d best be getting ready. Mia Dalia knows how the apocalypse will happen. She knows how it’s going to go down. But this is not your typical apocalypse story. There is so much more.
In a story of hopes and dreams… failures and inner turmoil, Dalia has a new version of how the world will end. It is nothing like anything I have read.
Mia Dalia has given us a story of obsession, hopefulness, and life-long insecurities. In Beautiful, Once, Dalia showcases her amazing ability to write a solid story full of emotions on a scale of bitterness to love. Dalia managed to incorporate the psychological behavior of the main characters. Her polished prose definitely brings your reading level up a notch or two. You’ll find many new words to add to your vocabulary. Well… that happened to me!
Our two main characters, Ronan and Martha, are best friends with similar goals. Ronan decides he is done with society. Done with the governments, the people, and the continuous redundancy of life (aren’t we all?). Martha finds the charisma of Ronan luring. She decides to help Ronan come up with a solution for what ails him and the many civilians across the world. But, the wonderful idea of utopia has many strengths… as well as weaknesses. You can count me in to escape to a paradise like the one in this novel!
I’d say that Dalia is probably the queen of similes. Using historical facts, there are numerous metaphors throughout the book. Always expect a well researched and educated horror story.
The character development is amazing. The buildup of the characters grows as we follow along their story. We start to truly care for all the characters and begin hoping for the best for all of them. There isn’t too much or too little, just the right amount of information. Dalia does use back and forth timelines throughout the story.
Oh, expect lots of shocks. Dalia loves the shock factor.
Mia Dalia has a unique style in writing. True passion shines in her stories, which you don’t always get in authors these days - especially in horror. I feel every reader should give Dalia a read. I truly feel you would walk away with a personal story you didn’t know you were missing.
In a story of hopes and dreams… failures and inner turmoil, Dalia has a new version of how the world will end. It is nothing like anything I have read.
Mia Dalia has given us a story of obsession, hopefulness, and life-long insecurities. In Beautiful, Once, Dalia showcases her amazing ability to write a solid story full of emotions on a scale of bitterness to love. Dalia managed to incorporate the psychological behavior of the main characters. Her polished prose definitely brings your reading level up a notch or two. You’ll find many new words to add to your vocabulary. Well… that happened to me!
Our two main characters, Ronan and Martha, are best friends with similar goals. Ronan decides he is done with society. Done with the governments, the people, and the continuous redundancy of life (aren’t we all?). Martha finds the charisma of Ronan luring. She decides to help Ronan come up with a solution for what ails him and the many civilians across the world. But, the wonderful idea of utopia has many strengths… as well as weaknesses. You can count me in to escape to a paradise like the one in this novel!
I’d say that Dalia is probably the queen of similes. Using historical facts, there are numerous metaphors throughout the book. Always expect a well researched and educated horror story.
The character development is amazing. The buildup of the characters grows as we follow along their story. We start to truly care for all the characters and begin hoping for the best for all of them. There isn’t too much or too little, just the right amount of information. Dalia does use back and forth timelines throughout the story.
Oh, expect lots of shocks. Dalia loves the shock factor.
Mia Dalia has a unique style in writing. True passion shines in her stories, which you don’t always get in authors these days - especially in horror. I feel every reader should give Dalia a read. I truly feel you would walk away with a personal story you didn’t know you were missing.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
So once again, I am here to tell you about how much I loved another Dalia book 😅
Seriously if you haven't checked her out yet you really need too, she has quiet a few books out and they just keep getting better.
This set up is one of my favorites, people "trapped" on a island or really anywhere but there is something about island thst just makes it a little more wild, Castaways by Brian Keene might have influenced me a bit there IYKYK 😅
But this is better it's a "Island Community" my culty alarm went off, Ronan the leader of the community seems slick and says all the right things to make you think he's reasonable, logical and well sane.. And to be honest I was like wait should I be on his side or??
But let's be real a billionaire that's set up a island, that screams danger danger, I just knew it wasn't as it seemed. When you set up a Utopia and everything is really handled there's no challenges or new ideas, things stagnate and people make their own fun or chaos in some cases..
So let's send messages to space, it's harmless fun, until it's not and now you have a message that no one expected and everything you built starts to crack..
Mia told us this story through a few different POVs so you really get to feel and understand the breakdown of the community from all sides, the fear the confusion and the panic built a vibe that had me really anxious to finish. I had to know if anyone was going to survive this.
The undertones in this one with everything going on currently hit harder then it might normally have for me but honestly this might be up there with my favorites from her, it tapped a horror that feels all too real and got under my skin.
Definitely a good one for anyone that likes isolation horror (me lol) and this also had a culty end of the world type lean that I liked.
Seriously if you haven't checked her out yet you really need too, she has quiet a few books out and they just keep getting better.
This set up is one of my favorites, people "trapped" on a island or really anywhere but there is something about island thst just makes it a little more wild, Castaways by Brian Keene might have influenced me a bit there IYKYK 😅
But this is better it's a "Island Community" my culty alarm went off, Ronan the leader of the community seems slick and says all the right things to make you think he's reasonable, logical and well sane.. And to be honest I was like wait should I be on his side or??
But let's be real a billionaire that's set up a island, that screams danger danger, I just knew it wasn't as it seemed. When you set up a Utopia and everything is really handled there's no challenges or new ideas, things stagnate and people make their own fun or chaos in some cases..
So let's send messages to space, it's harmless fun, until it's not and now you have a message that no one expected and everything you built starts to crack..
Mia told us this story through a few different POVs so you really get to feel and understand the breakdown of the community from all sides, the fear the confusion and the panic built a vibe that had me really anxious to finish. I had to know if anyone was going to survive this.
The undertones in this one with everything going on currently hit harder then it might normally have for me but honestly this might be up there with my favorites from her, it tapped a horror that feels all too real and got under my skin.
Definitely a good one for anyone that likes isolation horror (me lol) and this also had a culty end of the world type lean that I liked.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a stunning book from an author I recently discovered.
A story about cults and something that might include cosmic horror? YES, please!
The tale about an isolated community set up by a billionaire to perfect a new society that is very cultish, despite the best intentions is the perfect set up. A reporter who visits digs deep and finds something she didn't expect.
A message was sent into deep space... and something answered.
What follows is thrilling and unexpected, a fast but deep read that is all too prescient in today's society.
What makes it work are the variety of character personalities and Dalia's strong writing.
Highly recommended reading.
A story about cults and something that might include cosmic horror? YES, please!
The tale about an isolated community set up by a billionaire to perfect a new society that is very cultish, despite the best intentions is the perfect set up. A reporter who visits digs deep and finds something she didn't expect.
A message was sent into deep space... and something answered.
What follows is thrilling and unexpected, a fast but deep read that is all too prescient in today's society.
What makes it work are the variety of character personalities and Dalia's strong writing.
Highly recommended reading.
March 18, 2026
I was really excited to read this book. I thought it was going to be about a zombie invasion on a small island. Well, it is that, But it’s also a dystopian novel and a character Study. I found it interesting overall. But it was a bit slow. I was intrigued by the characters and their life on the island, but when we got to the zombie part, I almost felt like it didn’t fit. I could tell what this book was going for, but by the end of it, I had more questions than answers. i’m not sure if I missed the point or the point got lost in everything. I felt like the ending was kind of abrupt and nothing got resolved. Again, that could just be me missing the point.
March 23, 2026
Mia Dalia has done it again! I am never quite sure what to expect from her stories, because she always manages to slip between genres and is never predictable. Billed as Scifi /Horror this is a well-told story from which an astute reader can take many lessons about our current society. No spoilers here- but the zombies are not really typical, and the aliens may be closer than you think. Imagine what might happen if a technologically competent man ended up with a lot of money and thought he could make a Utopia? Of course it could never happen...
May 16, 2026
This is not like other utopias. This is one that knows its limitations. One purposefully designed for selective growth. More ideal than ideology. And whether you're a skeptic or an admirer of the experiment, you can't wait to see how it all turns out.
Beautiful, Once is my second read from Mia Dalia and the second time she's put me oceanside as a snack for monsters. But in this excursion, Dalia has given us Ronan, an enigmatic, charming, idealistic billionaire who wants to do what all billionaires seem to want to do--experiment on human cattle. In Ronan's case it's a benevolent experiment. To try to create a society built on a community of like-minded folks; one that favors purpose and connection instead of material and notoriety. But as you'd expect with good intentions, things don't go as intended.
I was drawn to the philosophies and theories this book set up. And it escalated to the point where I thought Dalia could be painting herself into a corner. The promise was getting to be too much to keep. But she did! It paid off in the end and I think it's a book that has more in it than the page count would indicate.
When things go sideways, I really enjoyed the POV shifts. I'm not going to spoil anything but seeing horrible situations through a POV other than the victim is a bit refreshing. The way traumatic events are handled allows the reader to see that sometimes everyone is a victim.
Anyway, I realize I'm at the point of the review where I'm dancing around spoilers and stumbling over my own feet. So I won't say anymore other than the bigger the dream, the deeper the nightmare.
4 stars.
Beautiful, Once is my second read from Mia Dalia and the second time she's put me oceanside as a snack for monsters. But in this excursion, Dalia has given us Ronan, an enigmatic, charming, idealistic billionaire who wants to do what all billionaires seem to want to do--experiment on human cattle. In Ronan's case it's a benevolent experiment. To try to create a society built on a community of like-minded folks; one that favors purpose and connection instead of material and notoriety. But as you'd expect with good intentions, things don't go as intended.
I was drawn to the philosophies and theories this book set up. And it escalated to the point where I thought Dalia could be painting herself into a corner. The promise was getting to be too much to keep. But she did! It paid off in the end and I think it's a book that has more in it than the page count would indicate.
When things go sideways, I really enjoyed the POV shifts. I'm not going to spoil anything but seeing horrible situations through a POV other than the victim is a bit refreshing. The way traumatic events are handled allows the reader to see that sometimes everyone is a victim.
Anyway, I realize I'm at the point of the review where I'm dancing around spoilers and stumbling over my own feet. So I won't say anymore other than the bigger the dream, the deeper the nightmare.
4 stars.
May 16, 2026
Another great read by Dalia! A sharply paced, character-driven descent into a tech billionaire's failed sandbox. The cast feels entirely genuine and the momentum hooked me immediately, even if the ending cuts off just early enough to leave you craving a bit more post-mortem on the island's spectacular demise.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What a great story! Is it folk horror, a cult tale, religious, sci fi? Maybe all of those? Strong characters, excellent pacing, and a subversion of not one but two of my favourite subgenres. Highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Slow paced but not in a bad way. The action doesn't really start until about halfway through. There was a lot of character building/back story in first half.
Premise had potential, but I felt myself wanting more. Overall, not bad.
Premise had potential, but I felt myself wanting more. Overall, not bad.
Review of advance copy
Had a chance to get an ARC and was glad I did. The setting was a utopia that has something crash on the island. After that, it gets fun.
Good plot with a unique ending. The characters were believable and overall it had a lot of fun threads woven into it that made it great.
Good plot with a unique ending. The characters were believable and overall it had a lot of fun threads woven into it that made it great.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is soooo good and subverted my expectations. It combines my two favourite subgenres and manages to do something unique and unexpected within both of them. Fabulous!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
An island community secluded from the world, everything seems perfect. Until a message is answered by an unknown source. Things get extremely dangerous. What answered? Will anyone survive? A haunting tale.
April 14, 2026
4 8 15 16 23 42
Review of advance copy
I was so captivated by this novel (and cover!). What starts as a dream paradise turns dark and smashes your sense of a utopia to bits. I wanted to spend my days with these characters. A thrilling ride that I couldn't put down. I highly recommend that you go on this journey for yourself. You won't be disappointed. Highly recommended!
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