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The Engagement
Evil doesn't always hide under the bed. Sometimes it lives in your feed.A social media challenge showed up on Feed without warning. By morning, half of Brownsville had seen it. By evening, Ava Chapman's little brother Ethan had taken it.
Ava knows better than anyone how fast the internet can destroy a person. One viral moment cost her everything, and after her breakdown, she's worked hard on her recovery. She was finally getting close to normal again.
Close enough to realize that Ethan isn't himself anymore.
Like everyone who finishes the challenge, he goes viral overnight—and comes back wrong. Despite the warnings, more teens eagerly sign up, because being seen by millions is too good to question the cost.
But as they do, the algorithm won't stop feeding.
Ava knows what it takes to perform for the camera, but what she sees on Feed is something worse. The kids are performing for a powerfully hungry algorithm.
Whatever moves behind the challenge is old. It’s older than Feed and even older than Brownsville itself. It has fed on human attention for over a century, hiding behind each new technology. It doesn't just want their performance. It wants the most real, the most raw, and the most flawed human part of them.
Whatever is controlling Feed has never been hungrier…and it already knows Ava’s name.
Ava knows better than anyone how fast the internet can destroy a person. One viral moment cost her everything, and after her breakdown, she's worked hard on her recovery. She was finally getting close to normal again.
Close enough to realize that Ethan isn't himself anymore.
Like everyone who finishes the challenge, he goes viral overnight—and comes back wrong. Despite the warnings, more teens eagerly sign up, because being seen by millions is too good to question the cost.
But as they do, the algorithm won't stop feeding.
Ava knows what it takes to perform for the camera, but what she sees on Feed is something worse. The kids are performing for a powerfully hungry algorithm.
Whatever moves behind the challenge is old. It’s older than Feed and even older than Brownsville itself. It has fed on human attention for over a century, hiding behind each new technology. It doesn't just want their performance. It wants the most real, the most raw, and the most flawed human part of them.
Whatever is controlling Feed has never been hungrier…and it already knows Ava’s name.
- GenresHorror
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2026
About the author
Jay Bower
54 books315 followersJAY BOWER is a horror author living outside St. Louis, MO in the forest of Southern Illinois. He spends his time reading, writing, and convincing his wife the dark stories he writes do not involve her.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
One time punk-rock skateboarder and heavy metal kid of the 80s, Jay approaches his work with the same indie attitude as those early punk bands.
He's the author of several dark novels and short stories. He can be reached at jay@jay-bower.com.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 27, 2026
I was looking forward to this one for quite a while and boy does it deliver. It's a techno/cosmic horror read that focuses on something all too real, the power and dangers of social media. The horror in this one is not your traditional creature, but instead something far more sinister, a force that keeps you from enjoying real life. Ava, found out the hard way, but now is determined to find out what the Brownsville challenge is all about. I don't want to spoil anything, but Jay does a masterful job with what happens to Ava and the others who try to defeat this 'force'.
What I came out of this was just how relatable this was for me. I often feel that feeling of being the odd one out or feeling ignored. Sometimes feeling alone and ignored hurts much more than going too viral and losing your privacy. At times I felt like Ava and could relate to her character as I know the feeling of isolation all too well.
This could end up as one of the best books I've read in 2026! Just remember, social media isn't all that it's cracked up to be, there might be something driving all that engagement. Pun intended.
What I came out of this was just how relatable this was for me. I often feel that feeling of being the odd one out or feeling ignored. Sometimes feeling alone and ignored hurts much more than going too viral and losing your privacy. At times I felt like Ava and could relate to her character as I know the feeling of isolation all too well.
This could end up as one of the best books I've read in 2026! Just remember, social media isn't all that it's cracked up to be, there might be something driving all that engagement. Pun intended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ROBIN’S REVIEW: THE AUTOPSY OF THE ENGAGEMENT
The Engagement (The Brownsville Nightmares)
by Jay Bower
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀💀
🪦 THE BODY
Brownsville remains one of my favorite fictional places to visit, mostly because I never have to pay property taxes or survive whatever fresh nightmare has crawled into town.
🔪 FIRST INCISION
Mr. Bower trades familiar terrors for something alarmingly current, proving that humanity can transform absolutely anything into a terrible idea if enough people are watching.
🩸 THE AUTOPSY
This installment feels noticeably different from the author’s customary work, and I mean that as a compliment. The concept is clever, unsettling, and far too believable. Its digital menace turns ordinary online behavior into something increasingly sinister without drowning the reader in technical nonsense.
The story moves quickly, keeps its secrets close, and delivers mounting unease with a wicked little grin. I tore through it in only a few days because apparently I also make questionable decisions when presented with irresistible content.
🫀 STILL HAD A PULSE
I loved returning to this universe and seeing it explored from such a fresh angle. The emotional stakes give the horror real weight, while the modern premise makes every notification seem mildly suspicious afterward.
🦴 WHAT BROKE
A few moments could have lingered longer, especially when the story reached its darker emotional territory. Still, the rapid pace suits a tale obsessed with immediate gratification.
☠️ CAUSE OF DEATH
Fatal exposure to cursed content and absolutely no ability to scroll past it.
Inventive, timely, and deliciously disturbing, The Engagement is a welcome surprise from Jay Bower. Anyone tired of the usual haunted-house routine should take a trip to Brownsville. Just keep the phone facedown.
Book Series:
The Dark Sacrifice: A Horror Novel (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Soul Eyes: A Horror Novel (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Dreamwraith: A Horror Novel (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Master of Demons (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Cadaverous (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Salvation for the Damned (The Brownsville Nightmares)
The Engagement (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Reviewed by Robin Ginther-Venneri
The Engagement (The Brownsville Nightmares)
by Jay Bower
Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Skull Dread Rating: 💀💀💀💀
🪦 THE BODY
Brownsville remains one of my favorite fictional places to visit, mostly because I never have to pay property taxes or survive whatever fresh nightmare has crawled into town.
🔪 FIRST INCISION
Mr. Bower trades familiar terrors for something alarmingly current, proving that humanity can transform absolutely anything into a terrible idea if enough people are watching.
🩸 THE AUTOPSY
This installment feels noticeably different from the author’s customary work, and I mean that as a compliment. The concept is clever, unsettling, and far too believable. Its digital menace turns ordinary online behavior into something increasingly sinister without drowning the reader in technical nonsense.
The story moves quickly, keeps its secrets close, and delivers mounting unease with a wicked little grin. I tore through it in only a few days because apparently I also make questionable decisions when presented with irresistible content.
🫀 STILL HAD A PULSE
I loved returning to this universe and seeing it explored from such a fresh angle. The emotional stakes give the horror real weight, while the modern premise makes every notification seem mildly suspicious afterward.
🦴 WHAT BROKE
A few moments could have lingered longer, especially when the story reached its darker emotional territory. Still, the rapid pace suits a tale obsessed with immediate gratification.
☠️ CAUSE OF DEATH
Fatal exposure to cursed content and absolutely no ability to scroll past it.
Inventive, timely, and deliciously disturbing, The Engagement is a welcome surprise from Jay Bower. Anyone tired of the usual haunted-house routine should take a trip to Brownsville. Just keep the phone facedown.
Book Series:
The Dark Sacrifice: A Horror Novel (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Soul Eyes: A Horror Novel (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Dreamwraith: A Horror Novel (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Master of Demons (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Cadaverous (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Salvation for the Damned (The Brownsville Nightmares)
The Engagement (The Brownsville Nightmares)
Reviewed by Robin Ginther-Venneri
Review of advance copy received from Author
**ARC Review**
Author: Jay Bower
Book: The Engagement
Book Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Horror
Jay Bower is at it again coming at us hard with a new story that hits way to close to home. In The Engagement Bower takes us on a digital nightmare that makes me feel weird even typing this out on my phone to post onto social media.
There is a new viral challenge that have taken the teens of Brownsville by storm. The challenge: go to 7 different locations throughout the town in a certain time frame. If completed, your profile goes viral, you followers explode, and brand deals will make you rich and famous. Ava has had her share as a viral sensation, and up until her very public crash out she was chronically online. Now, she tries to stay off until she hears about the challenge, and sees thr blank, empty stares if those who have completed it... including her brothers. Now her and the couple remaining friends she has start to investigate this challenge and its origins.
This book was incredibly fast-paced. The whole thing read like it was the climax of the book, full petal to the metal and then I looked down and I was only at 25% complete. Jay kept the action going, leaving me not wanting to put the book down.
In an age where kids are basically born with a phone in their hands, this story comes with a stark reminder that danger Lurks online. It tackles things like bullying, going viral, social media engagement, and AI seamlessly. All those themes might seem like a lot, but Bower does it with such grace it all came together flawlessly.
As an avid Jay Bower fan, this one ranks up there with some of my favorite by him. If you like digital horror, this should be a must read for you. Preorder The Engagement today, and expect to give your phone the side eye when it releases on October 13th.
Author: Jay Bower
Book: The Engagement
Book Rating: 4.5 Stars
Genre: Horror
Jay Bower is at it again coming at us hard with a new story that hits way to close to home. In The Engagement Bower takes us on a digital nightmare that makes me feel weird even typing this out on my phone to post onto social media.
There is a new viral challenge that have taken the teens of Brownsville by storm. The challenge: go to 7 different locations throughout the town in a certain time frame. If completed, your profile goes viral, you followers explode, and brand deals will make you rich and famous. Ava has had her share as a viral sensation, and up until her very public crash out she was chronically online. Now, she tries to stay off until she hears about the challenge, and sees thr blank, empty stares if those who have completed it... including her brothers. Now her and the couple remaining friends she has start to investigate this challenge and its origins.
This book was incredibly fast-paced. The whole thing read like it was the climax of the book, full petal to the metal and then I looked down and I was only at 25% complete. Jay kept the action going, leaving me not wanting to put the book down.
In an age where kids are basically born with a phone in their hands, this story comes with a stark reminder that danger Lurks online. It tackles things like bullying, going viral, social media engagement, and AI seamlessly. All those themes might seem like a lot, but Bower does it with such grace it all came together flawlessly.
As an avid Jay Bower fan, this one ranks up there with some of my favorite by him. If you like digital horror, this should be a must read for you. Preorder The Engagement today, and expect to give your phone the side eye when it releases on October 13th.
October 15, 2026
The Engagement by Jay Bower
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An exciting, suspenseful, and creepy techno-horror story!!
A challenge has popped up in the town of Brownsville and teens are racing to complete it. Once the challenges are completed, their social media accounts skyrocket to millions of views, and become viral sensations. The negative is that once this challenge has been completed, the person is not the same. They go into a trance- like state and can’t be taken out of it. Ava, Harper and Tate are determined to figure out why and how this is happening to so many of their friends!! The answers they find are pretty surprising!
This is a well written story that had me completely hooked from beginning to end!! It’s a fast read that doesn’t let down in intensity!! I definitely didn’t guess what direction this story would take.
I was lucky to get an arc of this fantastic story!!
**It’s out now and I highly recommend the read!!**
🤳📱🤳📱🤳📱🤳📱🤳📱
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An exciting, suspenseful, and creepy techno-horror story!!
A challenge has popped up in the town of Brownsville and teens are racing to complete it. Once the challenges are completed, their social media accounts skyrocket to millions of views, and become viral sensations. The negative is that once this challenge has been completed, the person is not the same. They go into a trance- like state and can’t be taken out of it. Ava, Harper and Tate are determined to figure out why and how this is happening to so many of their friends!! The answers they find are pretty surprising!
This is a well written story that had me completely hooked from beginning to end!! It’s a fast read that doesn’t let down in intensity!! I definitely didn’t guess what direction this story would take.
I was lucky to get an arc of this fantastic story!!
**It’s out now and I highly recommend the read!!**
🤳📱🤳📱🤳📱🤳📱🤳📱
October 15, 2026
The title of this book could be seen as misleading. I had a whole different idea because I went in without reading the premise. This book definitely fits the times as the world stands now. The younger generation is avid about getting views of their content. I observe many social media platform and I see the requests for follows and shares. I have observed this behavior in my teen grandchildren. On some level being seen is important but at what cost? This book was truly terrifying. Not only because the author knew his stuff but because of the reality of the story could become. The fact that a group of teens discovered the problem was not lost on this adult reader. As adults, we tend to ignore what we do not understand. So of course it made sense that teens would figure out the solution. I definitely did not see the end of this story happening the way it did. This book would be a great addition to a YA library. It is fiction but what a cautionary tale.
October 13, 2026
First off I’m gonna say that Jay Bower is one of my favorite authors and no matter what I will automatically be buying any book that he releases.
A viral challenge is sweeping through Brownsville: visit seven locations in one night, within a set time limit, and your profile will blow up. But those who complete it come back different. Almost zombie-like.
When Ava and her two friends start to notice the change taking over their town, they have to uncover the truth behind the challenge before it consumes everyone.
I devoured this book in one sitting — I literally couldn't put it down. It's fast-paced, thrilling, and genuinely terrifying. A creepy tech-horror that will have you hooked until the last page
A viral challenge is sweeping through Brownsville: visit seven locations in one night, within a set time limit, and your profile will blow up. But those who complete it come back different. Almost zombie-like.
When Ava and her two friends start to notice the change taking over their town, they have to uncover the truth behind the challenge before it consumes everyone.
I devoured this book in one sitting — I literally couldn't put it down. It's fast-paced, thrilling, and genuinely terrifying. A creepy tech-horror that will have you hooked until the last page
October 29, 2026
I loved how this book has such an original trope and feels so different from what I usually read.
The Engagement is a clever, fast-paced story about the attention-driven society we live in and the human longing for, and need to be, seen. One sentence really struck me because it feels so true to the world we live in today: "There is so much loneliness in a connected world".
The book has a very eerie vibe, and the characters are easy to get attached to. That emotional connection makes you genuinely invested in their fates.
For reasons I can't quite put my finger on, it took me a while to get into the story, and I was left with a few unanswered questions in the end.
But all in all, a very fun read!
The Engagement is a clever, fast-paced story about the attention-driven society we live in and the human longing for, and need to be, seen. One sentence really struck me because it feels so true to the world we live in today: "There is so much loneliness in a connected world".
The book has a very eerie vibe, and the characters are easy to get attached to. That emotional connection makes you genuinely invested in their fates.
For reasons I can't quite put my finger on, it took me a while to get into the story, and I was left with a few unanswered questions in the end.
But all in all, a very fun read!
October 13, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5-Star Read!
The Engagement by Jay Bower was such a unique, creepy, and thought-provoking read! 😳💜 The concept of The Feed replacing people with optimized versions of themselves while trapping the originals somewhere they can be fed on is absolutely disturbing in the BEST way!
The idea of a perfect version of you taking your place while the real you suffers? Talk about nightmare fuel! 😱 I love a story that messes with your mind and makes you think long after you finish. If you enjoy dark, unsettling, mind-bending reads, add this one to your TBR! 📚🔥
#TheEngagement #JayBower #FiveStarRead #BookReview #DarkReads #SciFiThriller
The Engagement by Jay Bower was such a unique, creepy, and thought-provoking read! 😳💜 The concept of The Feed replacing people with optimized versions of themselves while trapping the originals somewhere they can be fed on is absolutely disturbing in the BEST way!
The idea of a perfect version of you taking your place while the real you suffers? Talk about nightmare fuel! 😱 I love a story that messes with your mind and makes you think long after you finish. If you enjoy dark, unsettling, mind-bending reads, add this one to your TBR! 📚🔥
#TheEngagement #JayBower #FiveStarRead #BookReview #DarkReads #SciFiThriller
Review of advance copy received from Author
Brownsville has a new nightmare… and this one might be the scariest!
Three friends have to stop the ever-expanding threat of technology when the Feed app begins possessing their friends and fellow students. And it may be part of something more evil and ancient than they ever thought possible.
I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t get enough. It’s fast-paced, thrilling, and, of course, terrifying. Part tech horror, part possession horror, part liminal horror, part small town horror. Jay Bower never misses and this is no exception. You won’t regret reading The Engagement.
Three friends have to stop the ever-expanding threat of technology when the Feed app begins possessing their friends and fellow students. And it may be part of something more evil and ancient than they ever thought possible.
I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t get enough. It’s fast-paced, thrilling, and, of course, terrifying. Part tech horror, part possession horror, part liminal horror, part small town horror. Jay Bower never misses and this is no exception. You won’t regret reading The Engagement.
October 12, 2026
I’ll start off by saying Jay is an excellent writer. Every one of his books is entertaining, filling the reader with dread and excitement alike with his unique tales. The Brownsville universe, in which The Engagement is set, is a creepy place and you have to feel for the residents that are caught inside. The amount of trauma Jay puts the residents through is enough to drive anyone as far away from Brownsville as possible, yet still the hapless citizens persist and endure its horrors. This time, they face a technological scourge in the form of The Engagement.
The story follows Ava, a high school student with a past addiction to the social media platform Feed, who had a viral moment for all the wrong reasons—A breakdown that was seen by the thousands, which forced her off social media and into therapy. Now recovering and managing to stave off her addiction, a new viral challenge on Feed is doing the rounds. The challenge: film yourself at seven different locations within a certain timeframe, and your profile will go viral with millions of views, thousands upon thousands of followers and brand deals galore. The only problem? Those who complete it don’t come back the same. They’re shells of their former selves, slaves to social media in more ways than one.
Ava and her two friends Harper—a girl who is determined to get into film school and the very same person who filmed Ava’s breakdown, and Tate, a technological guru—are seemingly are the only ones who aren’t interested in doing the challenge and when Ava’s younger brother Ethan falls into the challenge’s trap, they set out to uncover what is really behind the sinister trend.
This is a fast-paced book with a unique premise that tackles many struggles that the younger generation face today, those being social media addiction and AI. It’s a refreshing addition to the horror genre that I loved and if you give it a go, I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I did.
The story follows Ava, a high school student with a past addiction to the social media platform Feed, who had a viral moment for all the wrong reasons—A breakdown that was seen by the thousands, which forced her off social media and into therapy. Now recovering and managing to stave off her addiction, a new viral challenge on Feed is doing the rounds. The challenge: film yourself at seven different locations within a certain timeframe, and your profile will go viral with millions of views, thousands upon thousands of followers and brand deals galore. The only problem? Those who complete it don’t come back the same. They’re shells of their former selves, slaves to social media in more ways than one.
Ava and her two friends Harper—a girl who is determined to get into film school and the very same person who filmed Ava’s breakdown, and Tate, a technological guru—are seemingly are the only ones who aren’t interested in doing the challenge and when Ava’s younger brother Ethan falls into the challenge’s trap, they set out to uncover what is really behind the sinister trend.
This is a fast-paced book with a unique premise that tackles many struggles that the younger generation face today, those being social media addiction and AI. It’s a refreshing addition to the horror genre that I loved and if you give it a go, I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I did.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Social Media. Finish the challenge, gain tons of followers and… come back wrong. A social media nightmare!
Brownsville teens are challenged to visit seven locations in a certain time frame and become a viral sensation; rich and famous. The Feed possesses the teens and turns them zombie like.
High speed, Hi-Tech Terror, Intense, real enough to be creeped out! A cyber nightmare and Digital menace..when we become content. A closer to life, horrifying, tale that makes one pause before opening social media.
Brownsville teens are challenged to visit seven locations in a certain time frame and become a viral sensation; rich and famous. The Feed possesses the teens and turns them zombie like.
High speed, Hi-Tech Terror, Intense, real enough to be creeped out! A cyber nightmare and Digital menace..when we become content. A closer to life, horrifying, tale that makes one pause before opening social media.
October 14, 2026
Have you tried the Brownsville challenge yet? It's easy. You film yourself at seven different locations in order. Instant fame, millions of followers and brand endorsements. Seems perfect except you're not yourself and you can't stop posting.
In typical Jay Bower fashion he turns something everyday ordinary into something terrifying. This was faced paced and pretty creepy. Perfect small town horror with elements of possession. Reading this made me very glad my daughter has no interest in a phone or social media.
In typical Jay Bower fashion he turns something everyday ordinary into something terrifying. This was faced paced and pretty creepy. Perfect small town horror with elements of possession. Reading this made me very glad my daughter has no interest in a phone or social media.
September 15, 2026
Let me tell you that I have read a lot of Jay’s books and this one is definitely different, but it’s not a bad thing! It’s very unique.
I enjoyed this book as well as the others! Jay does it again with his writing! This will definitely keep you on your toes, wanting more. You’re going to WANT to know what happens next.
Jay has still yet to write a story for me to read and have me NOT like it. This one was amazing!!
I enjoyed this book as well as the others! Jay does it again with his writing! This will definitely keep you on your toes, wanting more. You’re going to WANT to know what happens next.
Jay has still yet to write a story for me to read and have me NOT like it. This one was amazing!!
October 13, 2026
We have all seen them. The zombies walking along or on the bus or subway, eyes glued to their cell phone screens, barely acknowleging the world around them. Some are watching, some are texting and some are recording. There are also many challenges out there for participants to follow. In Jay bower's latest, a very sinister challenge is making it's rounds and people are definitely ... engaging.
I received a copy of this book vis the author and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this book vis the author and I voluntarily leave my opinion of the tale.
October 15, 2026
I am so late to my review, but life is lifing. First, thank you to Jay for letting me ARC read this one. I loved it!
The newest installment in the Brownsville Nightmares! This one was unique to me in a way that I don’t think I’ve ever read a story with this type of premise. Plus in the age of the influencer, it just makes it that much better! It was fast paced, had a great story and the characters were enjoyable!
The newest installment in the Brownsville Nightmares! This one was unique to me in a way that I don’t think I’ve ever read a story with this type of premise. Plus in the age of the influencer, it just makes it that much better! It was fast paced, had a great story and the characters were enjoyable!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to get an early hands on with this book and I really enjoyed it. Much different than the authors usual writing, and quite the pleasant surprise! If you want something that’s much different than the typical ghost story or slasher books that have been popular lately, check this one out, I blew through it in a few days!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a super terrifying idea that is kind of already happening. We are all super attached to technology and can no longer go somewhere without our phones.
But what if something lured you into giving yourself over to that technology forever? What if it was the technology itself?
But what if something lured you into giving yourself over to that technology forever? What if it was the technology itself?
October 14, 2026
Incredible story that seems a little too close to actually happening. Thought provoking and intensely written tale of social networking gone crazy! Great characters and excellent writing. I 100% recommend this to everyone!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Challenge
There is a challenge going around Brownsville seven places at a certain time posted online. This is no ordinary challenge. The people that are doing the challenge change.There is a bigger evil at work. Ava must try and save her brother and the town. Technology horror thriller.
There is a challenge going around Brownsville seven places at a certain time posted online. This is no ordinary challenge. The people that are doing the challenge change.There is a bigger evil at work. Ava must try and save her brother and the town. Technology horror thriller.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews