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The H-Index
Publish or perish just got real.
An isolated writing retreat on the Welsh coast brings together five academics, in single-minded pursuit of career progression. Each of them has their own reasons for why they came to Pembrokeshire, and as they begin their work together tensions between them rise. Not all is as it seems however and when a storm hits and forces them to shelter together against the elements, they begin to fear that there is more to contend with than their personal demons. The picturesque coastal setting turns into a sinister stage in a fight for survival pitching their intellectual prowess against a natural horror.
The H-Index is academic horror at its blackest and funniest — proof that no amount of citations will save you from what's coming.
An isolated writing retreat on the Welsh coast brings together five academics, in single-minded pursuit of career progression. Each of them has their own reasons for why they came to Pembrokeshire, and as they begin their work together tensions between them rise. Not all is as it seems however and when a storm hits and forces them to shelter together against the elements, they begin to fear that there is more to contend with than their personal demons. The picturesque coastal setting turns into a sinister stage in a fight for survival pitching their intellectual prowess against a natural horror.
The H-Index is academic horror at its blackest and funniest — proof that no amount of citations will save you from what's coming.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a rip roaring novel which features folk horror, supernatural horror, and a bone chilling slasher vibe. And it's all set in a small village in South Wales.
A writing retreat for academics promises them a month of solitude to focus on finishing their next academic papers. That is soon going to turn into a horrifying blood drenched nightmare for the four guests, the owners of the retreat, and the woman sent there to push them forward. Make no mistake, this is a living nightmare they're entering!
Each of the participants holds a specialty in a different field of study but each one will be an important part eventually if they want to survive. During one of those "once in a lifetime" rain storms, something rises from the local bog. Something with bloodlust on its mind, something terrifying, and something which won't allow any of them to leave.
Local folklore aside, what this thing is exactly could be a bog witch, or a bog monster, or something summoned from a place in between this world and another. Either way, it's hunger and vicious streak will soon beome evident once the killing starts.
We get to learn about all of these characters, each one is there for various reasons, but the author did a fantastic job at giving us the information we needed without being bogged down in useless details which lend nothing to the plot. It's a very narrative forward kind of horror novel which keeps your attention until the very end.
The kills are gruesome, the atmosphere will suck you in, and you will never know if anyone will survive. I read it in just a few hours and found myself totally immersed in this claustrophobic like environment and was saddened at some of the deaths! I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
A writing retreat for academics promises them a month of solitude to focus on finishing their next academic papers. That is soon going to turn into a horrifying blood drenched nightmare for the four guests, the owners of the retreat, and the woman sent there to push them forward. Make no mistake, this is a living nightmare they're entering!
Each of the participants holds a specialty in a different field of study but each one will be an important part eventually if they want to survive. During one of those "once in a lifetime" rain storms, something rises from the local bog. Something with bloodlust on its mind, something terrifying, and something which won't allow any of them to leave.
Local folklore aside, what this thing is exactly could be a bog witch, or a bog monster, or something summoned from a place in between this world and another. Either way, it's hunger and vicious streak will soon beome evident once the killing starts.
We get to learn about all of these characters, each one is there for various reasons, but the author did a fantastic job at giving us the information we needed without being bogged down in useless details which lend nothing to the plot. It's a very narrative forward kind of horror novel which keeps your attention until the very end.
The kills are gruesome, the atmosphere will suck you in, and you will never know if anyone will survive. I read it in just a few hours and found myself totally immersed in this claustrophobic like environment and was saddened at some of the deaths! I highly recommend it. I received an ARC of this book from the author. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Several academics go on a remote writing retreat. A terrible storm comes, and people start dying. This is a very promising set up, and I really liked the remote Welsh setting and the atmosphere was top notch. The characters were mostly likeable, especially Hazel. The witch monster was also really cool. I really like folk horror, so this was the perfect book for me! I can't wait to read what Martin comes up with next! I received a free copy of this story and write this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
ARC REVIEW. A group of academics go to a small Welsh town for a writing retreat. A terrible storm brings something worse with it.
This book was alright. The creature was interesting and I liked learning about it. Most of the characters were likeable. The AI parts of the story didn’t need to be there. It was weirdly pro-AI in a variety of ways which kinda makes me side eye a bit. I don’t know if the author is pro AI but it read like he is.
This book was alright. The creature was interesting and I liked learning about it. Most of the characters were likeable. The AI parts of the story didn’t need to be there. It was weirdly pro-AI in a variety of ways which kinda makes me side eye a bit. I don’t know if the author is pro AI but it read like he is.
September 7, 2026
This was nearly impossible to put down! I simply adored the blend of academic horror, folk horror, and morbid humor woven throughout. The characters all grew on me as well, even the ones who weren't painted in the most favorable light to begin with. Looking forward to keeping up with future adventures on The Cursed Coast!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews