An evening on the water turns into a fight for survival when four friends are swept onto an island that shouldn’t exist. No people, no signal, and no way home. Only a dense forest that clicks and whispers, and a shoreline that glows with an eerie green light.
The island feels alive, and it feels like it’s watching.
As hallucinations blur with reality and time slips out of sync, the group’s trust fractures. The island feeds on their emotions, twisting their fears into something physical… something dangerous.
When their final escape attempt ends in disaster, they're forced to confront the truth: The island isn’t just dangerous; it’s sentient, and it wants them.
Rescue should mean safety, but some horrors stay with you.
Chelsea Knight is a horror author from Essex who loves atmospheric stories, countryside walks with her dogs, and a good cup of coffee. She writes character‑driven, nature‑tinged horror that leans into emotions. When she’s not working on her next book, she’s usually outside, daydreaming new ideas or chatting with readers online. Dead Things Grow Here is her debut novel.
Honestly, when I first picked this up, I thought it was just going to be another standard "teens trapped in the woods" kind of slasher. But man, it gets under your skin. It follows four friends whose boat trip goes completely sideways, washing them up on an uncharted island that honestly feels straight-up wrong from the second they touch the sand. The trees are whispering, the shoreline glows this sickly green, and you just get that heavy feeling in your stomach that they are completely screwed. What I really liked about it—and what kept me turning pages late into the night—is how the island plays mind games with them. It doesn't just throw monsters at them right away; it weaponizes their own baggage. They start hallucinating, old arguments blow up into massive fights, and paranoia completely takes over the group. You can actually feel their sanity fraying. Of course, things go from bad to absolute worst-case scenario. Toward the end, they try to build a makeshift raft and escape, but the water literally fights back and destroys it. That's when the big gut-punch of a reveal lands: the island isn't just a weird place; it’s alive, and it's basically treating them like a fresh meal. By the finale, two of them don't even make it. They get completely absorbed by the forest—properly swallowed up by the ecosystem. The other two do get rescued eventually, but Knight does this brilliant thing where she doesn't give you a happy ending. They get pulled onto a ship, but the horror follows them back. The final pages show that the island is still in their heads, still whispering, still watching them from the corners of their own houses. It’s messy, it’s tense, and it actually stuck with me for a couple of days after finishing it. Definitely worth a read if you want something properly unsettling.
I actually enjoyed Where the Dark Glows. I was pulled into the story pretty much from the beginning, and it was such an easy and smooth read.
It’s told through multiple POVs, with each chapter focusing on a different character.
Now… I went into this expecting a paranormal horror thriller, and I have to be honest: I didn’t find it that creepy or dark. Maybe that says more about me and my ridiculously high horror threshold than it does about the book, though.
The whole “the water is scary” thing was definitely pushed quite a bit in the beginning. I can absolutely understand it if you have a fear of water — your own fear can make you see things and experience situations completely differently — but for me, it started feeling a little repetitive after a while.
There were definitely some heart-racing moments, sad moments and even some funny ones. I just sometimes had this feeling of so much is happening… but at the same time, not much is actually happening? I’m not even sure how to properly explain it. There was always something going on, but I sometimes felt like I was waiting for that bigger moment or payoff.
One thing I really wish we had gotten more of was Georgia’s backstory. I still have SO many questions about her. What exactly happened to her? Why is she so afraid? Why does everything feel so familiar to her? I really wanted to know more about what happened before the events of the book, because I think that could have made her character and the whole story even more interesting.
Overall, though, I thought it was a good story. It’s beautifully written, the pacing is easy to follow, and I flew through it. I’d definitely recommend it to someone who is just getting into paranormal horror/thrillers, or maybe for YA readers who want to dip their toes into the genre.
For me personally, I just wanted it to be a little darker, creepier and more intense.
This book is about 4 friends who take a boating vacation together. Unfortunately shortly into the trip they experience engine failure and are "lured" to a secluded island. What seems magical and intriguing at the start, very soon turns all consuming and deadly as the island doesn't want them to leave.
Georgia is the 1st main character, terrified of boats and water due to a seemingly supernatural near drowning accident as a child, however we don't get much explanation around what actually happened to her, only what she remembers as a child. She is also secretly in love with Liam who she has known since they were little kids. Liam is the level headed and responsible one in the group, he has life guard training and spends a lot of time making sure Nico isn't doing something too crazy. Nico is the class clown. With his own trauma to work through he hates the silence and guaranteed to fill it with a joke. Amara is Nico's girlfriend and is the typical influencer. Semi successful and constantly has her phone attached to her hand. Everything is an opportunity for content!
It took me a little while to get to know the characters because each chapter is a different person's POV. When a book has 4 main characters it can take a while though so this is expected.
The book is tagged as a supernatural horror. I personally like my horror quite a bit grittier but this book would be great for younger teenagers or people who are new to the genre. Overall it wasn't really for me but I know other readers would eat it up! I'll be buying a copy for my daughter once its released.
This story follows four friends who head off on a boat trip together, because apparently telling people where you’re going is overrated. Of course, things quickly descend into chaos when they end up stranded on a mysterious island where absolutely nothing is quite what it seems.
Our FMC, Georgia, already has a complicated relationship with open water because of her traumatic past, so she’s understandably hesitant about the whole trip. And honestly… I don’t blame her.
Once they reach the island, things get seriously strange. The water, the plants, the island itself, everything seems to be speaking to them, warping their minds and pushing them towards some seriously unsettling things.
Think botanical horror meets haunting sirens, with a psychological twist.
I really loved the premise of this one. The descriptions were hauntingly beautiful and there was something almost hypnotic about the way the story unfolded. It had that feeling where you know something awful is coming, but you’re so intrigued that you almost want it to happen just to see where the story goes.
This isn’t a book packed with jump scares or crazy gore. Instead, it leans much more into psychological horror, atmosphere and that slow-burning feeling that something is very, very wrong.
Overall, I really enjoyed this eerie little island nightmare and the unique take on horror. If you like atmospheric, psychological horror with a touch of the weird and unsettling, definitely add this one to your TBR!
Where the Dark Glows is available to preorder now and releases 19 September 2026.
Where the dark glows by Chelsea Knight is a supernatural horror about 4 friends who go out on a boat trip and end up stranded on a creepy island that shouldn’t exist. There’s forests that whisper, water that glows green, fog that follows and caves where strange things happen. This book isn’t a jumpscare horror book, it’s more psychological. The whole way through you have the feeling that something’s not right. There were multiple small moments in this book that I thought were a brilliant addition and made me even more captivated than I already was. The crabs and coconut crabs (also the little tidbit about Amelia Earhart😱) and the bag. Who owned the backpack?? I ate this book up. Even now that I’ve finished I’m still thinking about all the genius, unexpected ways the island could unalive you.
The only small criticism I would have (which is very much a me thing) is that the 4 POV’s confused me at times. I was so engrossed in the spookiness and what was going to happen next, that I found myself forgetting which character was which😂 This didn’t put me off the book however and I will absolutely be reading it again. I was also so happy when I saw that it was a UK based book as most books I’ve read have been based in America. I’ll definitely be looking out for a glowing island if I ever visit Cornwall 👀
Thank you so much to Chelsea Knight for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of this book. Rating: 3.5 stars.
This book gets straight into it. I had a few different emotions while reading this. It made me anxious and made my heart race, made me sad, made me frown. It’s well written, descriptive, atmospheric, emotional. There are four different POV’s.
Throughout the book, I was hooked but then I would get impatient with the pacing, and then I was hooked again.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The part with Nico near the lava when he sees his dad, that part hit me hard 😭 and then when Georgia had to leave Liam behind, the feels!
Also, anytime anything happens where fingernails come off or are ripped off, that makes me grimace. I hate that both in books and movies! But I love it at the same time because it evokes a physical reaction.
I kind of wanted a bit more background on Georgia and her mum, and what happened there/why Georgia felt the island/water was familiar to her, although that could’ve been a result of the sirens. I was also wondering how Amara and Nico could be telling us the story of their deaths in the past tense if they’re, you know, dead.
All of that said, I liked the way it ended, like it’s not over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A repetitive fever dream rather than supernatural horror.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC via Kindle.
I was hooked by the strong, fast-paced opening, but the book quickly lost momentum and fell completely flat. As someone who solely reads horror, I can safely say this wasn't horror at all. Nothing of substance actually happens until the 78% mark—the bulk of the story is just repetitive exploration where nothing useful is ever found. Despite switching between four POVs, the characters lacked real depth. Georgia was likely meant to be sympathetic, but her constant crying made her frustrating to read. Worse, major plot setups—like her fear of water and her mother's drowning—were completely dropped, which made no sense considering the entire book revolves around "glowing water," her mother apparently died from.
With no answers, no plot payoff, and repetitive phrasing, this felt more like a 50-page short story stretched into 200+ pages. It isn't horror; it's just an unexplained, surreal fever dream.
I haven't read a supernatural survival horror in a long time, so I went into this blind because this used to be the main genre I read. It did not disappoint.
4 friends, one eventful boat trip, only 2 return, but at what cost? Nico, Amara, Liam and Georgia are very complex characters with different backgrounds, unexpected friendship between outgoing Amara and quiet and reserved Georgia.
The resilience and strength that Georgia showed was something else! The environmental descriptions were fantastic. Gripping, kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing what was going to happen. Really well written. I am glad we had a 4 person POV. Absolutely recommend if you like supernatural survival horror!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This book is well written however I feel as if I’m not the target audience so take this review as you will.
The book started off great with 4 friends on a boating trip where things don’t go to plan.
They end up being drawn to a secluded island which isn’t what it seems with some dark supernatural events happening.
This is labelled as a supernatural horror, however I feel the horror was lost, I like my horror abit darker and fritter, it just didn’t hit the spot for me.
This may well be better suited for younger readers, it was just somewhat lacking for myself.
The characters were well written and I felt I got bit of a bond with them, which is why it was such a shame the story didn’t grip as I thought it would.
I received an arc copy from the author for my honest review.
This book is about 4 young adults (college age) going on a boating trip that goes completely wrong and they end up on this strange magical island. At first it seems beautiful but it soon starts taking a turn for the worst.
I enjoyed how each chapter you went to and from the characters and you got to read about how they were coping/seeing things on the island. This story is classed as a paranormal horror, I agree with the paranormal part to a certain degree but horror, not really more of a thriller, unless you put it in the YA section then yes I'd agree. I am looking forward to seeing what the author produces next as her writing style is good and I can see some great books coming next.
Thankyou to the author for this opportunity! This is the most beautifully, heart wrenching horror book you will ever read ✨ We follow four friends on a boat trip that turns into a shimmering disaster. They end up on an island that isn’t quite what it seems…Once the island gets its glowing claws into the individuals, we follow their POVs as they fight for survival! Chelsea Knight is a pro at creating stunning visuals for her books, and this one does not disappoint ✨ Coming out 19th September- I recommend for anyone who loves slow burn dread, immersive writing and unique horror plots. #arcread #arcreader #horrorbooks #upcominghorrorbooks
Absolutely fantastic! After reading Chelsea's first book I knew I was in for a treat and she did not disappoint. Following 4 friends who fight to survive the horrors of a mysterious island. An amazing first chapter grips you and draws you in from the off. Eeerie and unhinged I could not put it down. I had to know what was happening on that island! I loved the idea of a POV from each character describing from their own view matching who they were as people. The twists and turns kept me turning pages, eager to see where we went next. The visual descriptions were beautiful as expected from Chelsea. Loved, 5 stars no notes. Just stunning!
First of I would like to say thank Chelsea for giving me the opportunity to read “Where The Dark Glows”
This book follows 4 young adults that go on a boat trip and they get stranded and end up following a glow that takes them to an island. Things start getting very weird very fast. Glowing lights,dark fog, creepy caves. Shadows in the woods. Do they all survive the night on the island ? Should they follow the path into the woods? Who left the bag in the woods ? Are they still on the island ?
Very spooky the island kind of reminds me of the series “Lost” about the island being alive and creepy stuff happening.
This book follows 4 friends on a boating trip where things go horribly wrong and they find themselves stranded on an island where it seems everything is out to get them.
I have really enjoyed reading this book, it's a great horror book to dip your toes into. It's more atmospheric and psychological rather than gory/slasher, I loved how the scenes where described ! It really did feel like the island was alive!
I did find it started off really well and grabbed my attention really easily but it did become rather slow paced, I do feel like it was a little repetitive in places but that didn't stop it from being a good story! I'll definitely be telling my book club to check this one out!
THIS WAS SO GOOD! I will admit I was confused at first but mainly because this was the first book of this genre I have ever read. But toward the end, this had me crying and wanting to scream!
I am so grateful to have been given the ARC for this book! And I immediately fell in love with Nico’s recklessness and the love each character had for each other, especially Georgia’s resilience!
This book was written so well, and I have fallen in love with it! It’s a definite re-read and a definite recommendation from me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This is a unique and unsettling story. It was well-written and the very first page pulled me in. The imagery of the beautiful, yet dangerous island was done well too. I also enjoyed the ending.
The book lost me a little in the middle because I feel like the characters were just walking back and forth and not much happened. I think there could have been another major event in the middle that kept readers guessing, but it was just a lot of internal thoughts.
Thank you to the author for sending me an advance copy of this book!
This book is a mixture of dark fantasy, romance and mystery.
I received this book has an arc and i fall in love with it. It was beautiful written. I could not put it down.
The tension between the characters where so emotional and raw, you could really feel the passion and emotions of each character. I felt a real connection to the characters and understand. The storyline was brilliant and i loved all the twists and turns in this book. The book was addictive and entertaining. If you like dark fantasy with some romance I highly recommend this book
This book had me gripped from the get go and I did get sucked into it. I did find a little bit of the middle hard to get through but that was more due to me being impatient and wanting to know what was actually happening. I think I went through every emotion possible with this book, it’s definitely a rollercoaster but it was a good read!
The amount of unease I felt reading this was crazy and it's definitely a perfect spooky thriller. I have so many questions and that ending has left me reeling. Full of unsettling and heartwrenching scenes, I really enjoyed reading it and I dont think I will ever think about islands the same again.
Island paradise or pandemonium? A decent story that includes elements of the supernatural and environmental horror. I enjoyed the ending, but I still have unanswered questions. I personally would have liked more backstory about the island, what happened with Georgia and her Mom, and even more horror.
.This book is about 4 friends that go on a boat journey and the stumbe acoss an island with glowing lights . Buy the book to read more I loved this story alot it was a tad slow to start with then the antioation sets in and you want to find out what happens to them all . A well written story .thank you🥰🥰
This book started off as a standard stupid teens get lost and end up somewhere creepy type of horror but this book was so much more the creepy sentient feeling island gets into their heads and under their skin and you slowly start feeling their discomfort and dread I really enjoyed this book though the different points of view was slightly hard to get used to but all in all a great book 📖
This is the first book I've read by the author. I enjoyed it. I was kept wondering what was going to happen to the four characters. I'll definitely be reading her other book.
Where The Dark Glows gets 4⭐ from me. It isn't a "scary" horror as such, but it keeps you guessing and makes you want to carry on. 4 friends end up on an island after their boat gets damaged, but the island has a mind of its own, which reacts to their fear and emotions making things worse.