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The Way is Narrow: A Pine Haven novel
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 8, 2026
I absolutely love folk horror, especially if it’s done right, and Shawn Brooks has created something special, loosely basing it on a real life historical tragedy.
The story is set in Pine Haven, a small isolated town, with a lot of snow. Something evil is stalking in the forest, just staying out of sight near the tree line, whispering to the townsfolk, and visitors, with many hikers having gone missing in the vast forest.
Rowan left Pine Haven for Hawaii decades ago, after his dad tried to kill him, and then committed suicide. His estranged sister Sarah, one day contacts him, with the tragic news that their younger brother Peter, has taken his own life after impaling his eyeballs on the antlers of the deer statue, residing in the local general store. The last thing Rowan wants is to return to his hometown, the tragic memories, and the beyond freezing weather of Pine Haven. But return, he must.
This is a tense, creepy, and atmospheric story, which gets right into your bones, turning your blood to ice, and was right up my alley. I’m not going to say too much about this story, as I will leave that to you all to read, but Shawn Brooks sure knows how to create the perfectly unhinged horror story, which keeps pace, and ups the ante, throughout. The fact the book title also states that it is a Pine Haven novel, makes me hope that there will be more.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Shawn Brooks, and BookSirens, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: NOW
The story is set in Pine Haven, a small isolated town, with a lot of snow. Something evil is stalking in the forest, just staying out of sight near the tree line, whispering to the townsfolk, and visitors, with many hikers having gone missing in the vast forest.
Rowan left Pine Haven for Hawaii decades ago, after his dad tried to kill him, and then committed suicide. His estranged sister Sarah, one day contacts him, with the tragic news that their younger brother Peter, has taken his own life after impaling his eyeballs on the antlers of the deer statue, residing in the local general store. The last thing Rowan wants is to return to his hometown, the tragic memories, and the beyond freezing weather of Pine Haven. But return, he must.
This is a tense, creepy, and atmospheric story, which gets right into your bones, turning your blood to ice, and was right up my alley. I’m not going to say too much about this story, as I will leave that to you all to read, but Shawn Brooks sure knows how to create the perfectly unhinged horror story, which keeps pace, and ups the ante, throughout. The fact the book title also states that it is a Pine Haven novel, makes me hope that there will be more.
5 ⭐️
Thanks to Shawn Brooks, and BookSirens, for providing me with this free ARC, with which I leave a voluntary review.
Available: NOW
July 8, 2026
I really enjoyed this fast-paced horror book set within Brooks's interconnected Pine Haven world. While I've always enjoyed horror, it was through his work that I realized how much I love folk horror specifically. His stories consistently immerse readers in unsettling folklore, small-town secrets, and ancient evils, and this book continues that tradition beautifully.
The atmosphere creates vivid and immersive horror through detailed sensory descriptions that engage both the visual and auditory imagination. The horror feels tangible, while the characters' inner thoughts and personal experiences provide emotional depth and allow readers to better understand their fears, motivations, and trauma. Rowan's return to Pine Haven and his confrontation with both personal and supernatural horrors create a compelling emotional core that drives the story forward.
The plot does incorporate some familiar horror elements, both from Brooks's previous works and from the genre as a whole. Certain character decisions, the overwhelming nature of the supernatural threat, and the sense of inevitable tragedy may feel recognizable to seasoned horror readers. However, these familiar tropes never detract significantly from the experience because Brooks builds such a distinctive folklore mythology around them. The folklore, history, and lore are truly the heart of the novel. The tropes provide a familiar framework, but the rich worldbuilding and evolving mythology give the story its unique identity.
Another aspect I continue to appreciate in Brooks's writing is the blend of folk horror and cosmic horror influences. Beneath the local legends, family secrets, and isolated forests lies an unsettling sense of cosmic dread. There is a feeling that something vast, ancient, and unknowable exists beyond the characters' understanding. Although the story moves at a brisk pace for most of its runtime, the ending slows down to focus on the aftermath of the horror and what remains for Rowan and his family once the immediate danger has passed. I appreciated this shift, as it allowed space for reflection, healing, and the consequences of everything that occurred.
At its core, this is a story about family trauma, buried secrets, and the horrors that refuse to stay buried. It delivers the small-town atmosphere, dark folklore, and creeping dread that I've come to expect from Shawn Brooks while continuing to expand the Pine Haven universe in interesting ways. Brooks remains one of my automatic-read authors, and I will definitely be picking up a finished copy when this releases. I can't wait to see where the Pine Haven series goes next.
The atmosphere creates vivid and immersive horror through detailed sensory descriptions that engage both the visual and auditory imagination. The horror feels tangible, while the characters' inner thoughts and personal experiences provide emotional depth and allow readers to better understand their fears, motivations, and trauma. Rowan's return to Pine Haven and his confrontation with both personal and supernatural horrors create a compelling emotional core that drives the story forward.
The plot does incorporate some familiar horror elements, both from Brooks's previous works and from the genre as a whole. Certain character decisions, the overwhelming nature of the supernatural threat, and the sense of inevitable tragedy may feel recognizable to seasoned horror readers. However, these familiar tropes never detract significantly from the experience because Brooks builds such a distinctive folklore mythology around them. The folklore, history, and lore are truly the heart of the novel. The tropes provide a familiar framework, but the rich worldbuilding and evolving mythology give the story its unique identity.
Another aspect I continue to appreciate in Brooks's writing is the blend of folk horror and cosmic horror influences. Beneath the local legends, family secrets, and isolated forests lies an unsettling sense of cosmic dread. There is a feeling that something vast, ancient, and unknowable exists beyond the characters' understanding. Although the story moves at a brisk pace for most of its runtime, the ending slows down to focus on the aftermath of the horror and what remains for Rowan and his family once the immediate danger has passed. I appreciated this shift, as it allowed space for reflection, healing, and the consequences of everything that occurred.
At its core, this is a story about family trauma, buried secrets, and the horrors that refuse to stay buried. It delivers the small-town atmosphere, dark folklore, and creeping dread that I've come to expect from Shawn Brooks while continuing to expand the Pine Haven universe in interesting ways. Brooks remains one of my automatic-read authors, and I will definitely be picking up a finished copy when this releases. I can't wait to see where the Pine Haven series goes next.
June 28, 2026
The opening promises an atmospheric horror story, but after a dramatic and bloody start, the pace slows considerably. The prose is highly cinematic, with almost every scene striving for maximum impact through vivid imagery and frequent similes. For me, that became overwrought rather than immersive. I could almost imagine the author envisaging the television adaptation, lining up the shots and ensuring that every expected trope of a snowbound small-town American horror story was present.
My biggest problem was that I never connected with Rowan, Sarah or Sarah's unlovable children. Horror depends on the reader caring about the people in danger, and I never developed enough interest in these characters to feel any real suspense. I simply wasn't invested in their fate. All of the other characters were one-dimensional fodder for the monster. Bob, Anthony, Thomas, etc were all so obviously going to be slaughtered from the moment they were first encountered, that there was no jeopardy in it. As a result, the scares had little emotional impact.
The horror itself also didn't work for me. There was no shortage of graphic violence and grisly imagery, but I found relatively little genuine tension or creeping dread. Gore and decapitated corpses aren't a substitute for suspense, and I was looking for a much greater sense of unease than the novel provided. This fault perhaps stems from the issue of writing as if for filming. A book can do what a video sequence cannot--it cultivates horror in the imagination without having to show something horrifying.
There will undoubtedly be readers who enjoy its cinematic style and emphasis on visceral horror, but I found the characters too thin and the story too slow to sustain my interest.
I received this book as an ARC from BookSirens. This review reflects my independent opinion.
My biggest problem was that I never connected with Rowan, Sarah or Sarah's unlovable children. Horror depends on the reader caring about the people in danger, and I never developed enough interest in these characters to feel any real suspense. I simply wasn't invested in their fate. All of the other characters were one-dimensional fodder for the monster. Bob, Anthony, Thomas, etc were all so obviously going to be slaughtered from the moment they were first encountered, that there was no jeopardy in it. As a result, the scares had little emotional impact.
The horror itself also didn't work for me. There was no shortage of graphic violence and grisly imagery, but I found relatively little genuine tension or creeping dread. Gore and decapitated corpses aren't a substitute for suspense, and I was looking for a much greater sense of unease than the novel provided. This fault perhaps stems from the issue of writing as if for filming. A book can do what a video sequence cannot--it cultivates horror in the imagination without having to show something horrifying.
There will undoubtedly be readers who enjoy its cinematic style and emphasis on visceral horror, but I found the characters too thin and the story too slow to sustain my interest.
I received this book as an ARC from BookSirens. This review reflects my independent opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2026
A haunting return to a past best left buried in the woods." 🌲🌑
The Way is Narrow is a chilling reminder that you can run from your past, but you can never truly outpace the shadows waiting in your hometown. Pine Haven is a masterclass in atmospheric setting—it’s a town where everything feels "off," and where the secrets buried in the woods are far more dangerous than the people living above them.
Why it’s a gripping read:
The Atmosphere: Shawn Brooks excels at creating a sense of dread. Pine Haven feels like a character of its own, thick with mystery and the kind of claustrophobic tension that makes you look over your shoulder while reading.
The Family Trauma: I really appreciated how the supernatural elements are tied directly to Rowan’s family history. It’s not just a monster story; it’s a story about childhood scars, broken relationships, and the weight of secrets that drive wedges between siblings.
The Pacing: The buildup is excellent. The "evil buried beneath the forest" feels like a constant, looming threat that makes Rowan’s journey back to the cabin feel like a suicide mission.
Why 4 stars:
The story is incredibly creepy and emotionally resonant, and while I found the journey to "dig up the devil" to be a wild, heart-pounding ride, there were moments where I felt the tension could have been pushed just a bit further. Regardless, it is a solid, chilling read that kept me hooked.
Verdict: If you enjoy folk horror or psychological thrillers that center on family secrets and malevolent woodland entities, The Way is Narrow is well worth the trip to Pine Haven. Just don’t expect to feel safe once you finish. 🌟🔦
The Way is Narrow is a chilling reminder that you can run from your past, but you can never truly outpace the shadows waiting in your hometown. Pine Haven is a masterclass in atmospheric setting—it’s a town where everything feels "off," and where the secrets buried in the woods are far more dangerous than the people living above them.
Why it’s a gripping read:
The Atmosphere: Shawn Brooks excels at creating a sense of dread. Pine Haven feels like a character of its own, thick with mystery and the kind of claustrophobic tension that makes you look over your shoulder while reading.
The Family Trauma: I really appreciated how the supernatural elements are tied directly to Rowan’s family history. It’s not just a monster story; it’s a story about childhood scars, broken relationships, and the weight of secrets that drive wedges between siblings.
The Pacing: The buildup is excellent. The "evil buried beneath the forest" feels like a constant, looming threat that makes Rowan’s journey back to the cabin feel like a suicide mission.
Why 4 stars:
The story is incredibly creepy and emotionally resonant, and while I found the journey to "dig up the devil" to be a wild, heart-pounding ride, there were moments where I felt the tension could have been pushed just a bit further. Regardless, it is a solid, chilling read that kept me hooked.
Verdict: If you enjoy folk horror or psychological thrillers that center on family secrets and malevolent woodland entities, The Way is Narrow is well worth the trip to Pine Haven. Just don’t expect to feel safe once you finish. 🌟🔦
July 13, 2026
4.50 stars
School teacher Rowan Reed returns home to the small, isolated, ski town of Pine Haven. A place filled with traumatic childhood memories, estranged family, and a darkness that can't be explained. It's also cold, so very cold.
This book started out with a sense of impending doom so strong that it hit me over the head like a sledge hammer. I was immediately captivated. Through the first half of the book the tension was high and the dread was palpable. The coldness felt like a character. If you look up bone-chilling in the dictionary, a picture of this book should be beside it. The second half of the story is non-stop action as Rowan must battle the supernatural danger that is threatening his life and the lives of his loved ones. It's so descriptive, I felt like I was watching a movie. I loved the atmosphere, the folklore, the mythology, and the characters. Also, the ending threw me for a loop!
This is my second novel from Shawn Brooks and I feel he will soon become an auto-buy author for me. I enjoy his writing style which is easy to follow even when combined with a complex story. His appreciation for folk horror also shines through. I look forward to continuing the Pine Haven series!
I received a copy of this book from the author through Book Sirens for my fair and honest review.
School teacher Rowan Reed returns home to the small, isolated, ski town of Pine Haven. A place filled with traumatic childhood memories, estranged family, and a darkness that can't be explained. It's also cold, so very cold.
This book started out with a sense of impending doom so strong that it hit me over the head like a sledge hammer. I was immediately captivated. Through the first half of the book the tension was high and the dread was palpable. The coldness felt like a character. If you look up bone-chilling in the dictionary, a picture of this book should be beside it. The second half of the story is non-stop action as Rowan must battle the supernatural danger that is threatening his life and the lives of his loved ones. It's so descriptive, I felt like I was watching a movie. I loved the atmosphere, the folklore, the mythology, and the characters. Also, the ending threw me for a loop!
This is my second novel from Shawn Brooks and I feel he will soon become an auto-buy author for me. I enjoy his writing style which is easy to follow even when combined with a complex story. His appreciation for folk horror also shines through. I look forward to continuing the Pine Haven series!
I received a copy of this book from the author through Book Sirens for my fair and honest review.
Review of advance copy
Brooks dug up a historic disaster and stuffed something even worse into the snow.
This is the second ARC I’ve read by Brooks and I gotta say he has an absolutely unhinged imagination…. and I mean that as a compliment.
This was GROSS, layered, fast-paced, and packed with backstories and memories that actually matter…. none of that filler nonsense. Taking a real-life historical tragedy, pulling one actual person from it, and building such a wildly imaginative story around them so seamlessly? That is some serious talent.
My only real critique is the ending. The last 10% cranked the gore and chaos up to max level and things tipped into full kookoo-land by the end. Still, it never lost its originality or ambition and overall I had a blast reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the second ARC I’ve read by Brooks and I gotta say he has an absolutely unhinged imagination…. and I mean that as a compliment.
This was GROSS, layered, fast-paced, and packed with backstories and memories that actually matter…. none of that filler nonsense. Taking a real-life historical tragedy, pulling one actual person from it, and building such a wildly imaginative story around them so seamlessly? That is some serious talent.
My only real critique is the ending. The last 10% cranked the gore and chaos up to max level and things tipped into full kookoo-land by the end. Still, it never lost its originality or ambition and overall I had a blast reading it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 6, 2026
While writing this review, snippets of the book come creeping back into my consciousness. One might think they can escape their past; then find out you were always going to be called back. The description of the woods in this story had me creeped out as I read through the pages. I find the idea of forests being the perfect setting for a book about family curses. I know that when I see a part of a forest that looks dead is forever going to remind me of the eerie forest in this book. Not only was the forest they way to find the source of his brother’s death but how to free his family from the generational horror. When Row had to make a life changing decision, I was glad but also worried for what was to come for Row and his two nieces. This is the first book in this new series and I greatly look forward to reading more about Rowan and family.
July 10, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
...
With each new book Mr. Brooks is putting out, they keep getting better like he's perfecting his craft or something. The visual you'll get as you're reading this particular story if fantastic. The drama between the characters, the shame, the animosity, all these different feelings are relatable & you feel bad cuz you know this story isn't going to end well for them.. that wicker bowl chair did make me laugh tho. I thought maybe he made a typo so I looked it up & they're called papasans & I might be getting one now ❤️
Great book! Get it!! Read it in the dark! Beware of gore cuz you are gonna visualize it..
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
...
With each new book Mr. Brooks is putting out, they keep getting better like he's perfecting his craft or something. The visual you'll get as you're reading this particular story if fantastic. The drama between the characters, the shame, the animosity, all these different feelings are relatable & you feel bad cuz you know this story isn't going to end well for them.. that wicker bowl chair did make me laugh tho. I thought maybe he made a typo so I looked it up & they're called papasans & I might be getting one now ❤️
Great book! Get it!! Read it in the dark! Beware of gore cuz you are gonna visualize it..
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Review**
I really enjoyed this book! This review is rounded down because i cant do half stars! 4.5!!
The atmosphere in this was genuinely creepy and I thoroughly enjoyed the story progression and pace.
I couldnt put this down once it got going.
Our main character Rowan is compassionate but selfish and completely believable/relatable. I found myself really resonating with his decisions and his regained love for his family despite the horrors of his past.
This book throws you right into the action immediately in the first chapter and i was hooked since.
Thank you so much! I look forward to more books in this series and universe!
I really enjoyed this book! This review is rounded down because i cant do half stars! 4.5!!
The atmosphere in this was genuinely creepy and I thoroughly enjoyed the story progression and pace.
I couldnt put this down once it got going.
Our main character Rowan is compassionate but selfish and completely believable/relatable. I found myself really resonating with his decisions and his regained love for his family despite the horrors of his past.
This book throws you right into the action immediately in the first chapter and i was hooked since.
Thank you so much! I look forward to more books in this series and universe!
July 12, 2026
A tense, unsettling folk horror novel infused with a persistent sense of dread. The Way Is Narrow draws you in from the very first page. Shawn Brooks has a remarkable ability to Immerse you into the story through vivid, atmospheric prose.
The Way is Narrow explores forgiveness, unresolved family issues with elements of the unknown. This a fast-paced novel for fans of eldritch, cosmic horror.
🖤Thank you to Book Sirens for providing access to this ARC . Opinions are my own.🖤
The Way is Narrow explores forgiveness, unresolved family issues with elements of the unknown. This a fast-paced novel for fans of eldritch, cosmic horror.
🖤Thank you to Book Sirens for providing access to this ARC . Opinions are my own.🖤
June 24, 2026
The Way Is Narrow is the first novel in Shawn Brooks’ new Pine Haven series. A slow burn at first, but the mystery and compelling characters kept me hooked, and the payoff delivered. Fans of cosmic horror will likely enjoy this one.
3.5 stars
I received a free copy from the author. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 stars
I received a free copy from the author. I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy
This one from Shawn was quite different to his other novels. But in the best way possible. As always, Shawn touches on the darker sides of the human experience, grief, loss and trauma. A different paced novel, this one really challenged the effects of generational trauma.
Review of advance copy received from Author
There is something strange in the woods. Rowan's family seems cursed by it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was given to me from a publisher to reveiw it is a arc. It is a 4out of 5 The way is narrow is really good full entertainment to keep you wanting to read it till the end. So when the story first starts off there is a lot of things going on for example dad tries to kill son then kills himself in front of son. With a gun. Then couple years later mom kills herself on pills. Kids grow up and the brother goes and kills himself a horrific way. Then the other brother has to come back to the same little cabin with his sister there were rumors that the brother killed a hitchhiker and was wearing his jacket then brother and sister find bodies without the heads at the cabin. But that's where it starts getting weird
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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