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Dark Walker #1
Gulf
Seventeen-year-old David is fading from his world, like a Polaroid picture in reverse. He longs to feel connected to something bigger.
When his brothers discover the new extension at the rental cottage comes with a locked door, David finds the key first. Expecting to claim a bedroom, he opens a dimensional gateway instead, exploring abandoned versions of his world in different timelines, 1960s muscle cars alternating with crumbling cottages.
Except now the dimensional bridge won’t close, and something hungry claws the door at night. David scours for clues to break the bridge, but each trip to the other side makes him fade more on his. Even if he succeeds, he risks severing his connection to his own world, and dying on the wrong side, forgotten.
When his brothers discover the new extension at the rental cottage comes with a locked door, David finds the key first. Expecting to claim a bedroom, he opens a dimensional gateway instead, exploring abandoned versions of his world in different timelines, 1960s muscle cars alternating with crumbling cottages.
Except now the dimensional bridge won’t close, and something hungry claws the door at night. David scours for clues to break the bridge, but each trip to the other side makes him fade more on his. Even if he succeeds, he risks severing his connection to his own world, and dying on the wrong side, forgotten.
- GenresHorrorYoung AdultFiction
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2021
25 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Shelly Campbell
10 books114 followersAt a young age, Shelly Campbell wanted to be an air show pilot or a pirate, possibly a dragon and definitely a writer and artist. She’s piloted a Cessna 172 through spins and stalls, and sailed up the east coast on a tall ship barque—mostly without projectile vomiting. In the end, Shelly found writing stories and drawing dragons to be so much easier on the stomach.
Shelly's tales are speculative fiction, tending toward literary with dollops of oddity. She enjoys the challenge of exploring new techniques and subject matter, and strives to embed inspiring stories in her writing and art.
Shelly's tales are speculative fiction, tending toward literary with dollops of oddity. She enjoys the challenge of exploring new techniques and subject matter, and strives to embed inspiring stories in her writing and art.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 23, 2021
** Edited as review is now live on Kendall Reviews! **
I’m a bit stunned here, as I snagged this for review purely from the amazing Kealan cover (and knowing Silver Shamrock put out some of the best books in Horror) but I have just read a book that’s easily going to sit in my all-time favorite book list.
Phenomenal.
This book had everything I look for in a book – emotional depth, a coming-of-age journey, fantasy elements and jarring scary sections.
To be honest, this book does what I couldn’t complete with my own two releases ‘The Girl Who Lived in the Trees’ and ‘The Window In the Ground.’ I usually steer clear of discussing my own work when reviewing a book, but when I approached those two novellas, I wanted to work in fantasy/dark elements, and think I succeeded well with ‘The Window…’
Campbell though, has mastered this element and made for a ridiculously compulsive read, a book I wish I would’ve started on holiday or been able to call in sick and read it completely in one sitting.
What I liked: ‘Gulf’ follows young David and his siblings and parents as they go on their annual summer vacation trip to the cottage they always rent. When they arrive, they find out the owner has added an addition but has misplaced the key.
From this point on, David is drawn to the door, wanting to know what’s on the other side, while combating the reality that he is as close to invisible to his parents and his siblings as he can be, without actually being invisible.
As someone who has dealt with internal issues of feeling unseen before, this storyline really resonated with me and Campbell weaves it masterfully. As the book goes on we learn more and more of the back story and it is truly heartbreaking.
For me, the absolute highlight was when David finds the key and opens the door and begins a journey of fighting the over there with the over here and wanting to protect his family while also struggling to figure out just where he fits in and what world made more sense for him to reside in.
The ending of this was spot on and brought out the waterworks. There is an epilogue that opens the possibility of further releases in this world, which would be great. I don’t know if I liked the ending more with or without the epilogue, both punctuating David’s journey well.
What I didn’t like: I really disliked the character of Angus, who didn’t add much to the story other than being the caretaker of the cottages. He was a necessity for certain things, but he frankly could’ve remained unnamed and had almost no dialogue and it wouldn’t have made a difference to the story itself.
Why you should buy this: If you love the beauty of how Neil Gaiman crafts a story, Campbell will be a home run for you. This is her debut novel in the horror realm, but has other works out already. The book is engrossing and will tick all of the boxes of why some books are great while others are really good.
This one was great and I’m hoping it gets the recognition this rightly deserves.
I’m a bit stunned here, as I snagged this for review purely from the amazing Kealan cover (and knowing Silver Shamrock put out some of the best books in Horror) but I have just read a book that’s easily going to sit in my all-time favorite book list.
Phenomenal.
This book had everything I look for in a book – emotional depth, a coming-of-age journey, fantasy elements and jarring scary sections.
To be honest, this book does what I couldn’t complete with my own two releases ‘The Girl Who Lived in the Trees’ and ‘The Window In the Ground.’ I usually steer clear of discussing my own work when reviewing a book, but when I approached those two novellas, I wanted to work in fantasy/dark elements, and think I succeeded well with ‘The Window…’
Campbell though, has mastered this element and made for a ridiculously compulsive read, a book I wish I would’ve started on holiday or been able to call in sick and read it completely in one sitting.
What I liked: ‘Gulf’ follows young David and his siblings and parents as they go on their annual summer vacation trip to the cottage they always rent. When they arrive, they find out the owner has added an addition but has misplaced the key.
From this point on, David is drawn to the door, wanting to know what’s on the other side, while combating the reality that he is as close to invisible to his parents and his siblings as he can be, without actually being invisible.
As someone who has dealt with internal issues of feeling unseen before, this storyline really resonated with me and Campbell weaves it masterfully. As the book goes on we learn more and more of the back story and it is truly heartbreaking.
For me, the absolute highlight was when David finds the key and opens the door and begins a journey of fighting the over there with the over here and wanting to protect his family while also struggling to figure out just where he fits in and what world made more sense for him to reside in.
The ending of this was spot on and brought out the waterworks. There is an epilogue that opens the possibility of further releases in this world, which would be great. I don’t know if I liked the ending more with or without the epilogue, both punctuating David’s journey well.
What I didn’t like: I really disliked the character of Angus, who didn’t add much to the story other than being the caretaker of the cottages. He was a necessity for certain things, but he frankly could’ve remained unnamed and had almost no dialogue and it wouldn’t have made a difference to the story itself.
Why you should buy this: If you love the beauty of how Neil Gaiman crafts a story, Campbell will be a home run for you. This is her debut novel in the horror realm, but has other works out already. The book is engrossing and will tick all of the boxes of why some books are great while others are really good.
This one was great and I’m hoping it gets the recognition this rightly deserves.
May 5, 2021
Gulf - a deep chasm or wide gap (Merriam-Webster). Gulf - a truly wonderful book by Shelly Campbell (all lovers of eerie thrillers).
I was hooked by the premise of this book - a dimensional gateway into a different world, in different times, where monsters wait. Oh yes, give me more. And the cover - beautiful and frightening and oh so perfect for this story.
Campbell's writing is fun and witty and David (the main character) is very well developed. I was 'all in' right from page one. I will say (or write), however, that I would have enjoyed it better if more action had taken place in that other 'Bizarro' world. I did feel that the character development took center stage over the world building. And I get it - David is the story. At it's core this is a devolution story. A tale of the 'odd' one out, the invisible, hardly noticeable, introverted, people who struggle to be seen, or who don't really want to be seen. This is that - but on a whole other level.
I do recommend this book for someone looking for a good character driven story, with great writing. And, being a fellow Canuck, I loved seeing my Country mentioned several times. I am so looking forward to camping again.
I was hooked by the premise of this book - a dimensional gateway into a different world, in different times, where monsters wait. Oh yes, give me more. And the cover - beautiful and frightening and oh so perfect for this story.
Campbell's writing is fun and witty and David (the main character) is very well developed. I was 'all in' right from page one. I will say (or write), however, that I would have enjoyed it better if more action had taken place in that other 'Bizarro' world. I did feel that the character development took center stage over the world building. And I get it - David is the story. At it's core this is a devolution story. A tale of the 'odd' one out, the invisible, hardly noticeable, introverted, people who struggle to be seen, or who don't really want to be seen. This is that - but on a whole other level.
I do recommend this book for someone looking for a good character driven story, with great writing. And, being a fellow Canuck, I loved seeing my Country mentioned several times. I am so looking forward to camping again.
May 5, 2021
GULF, by Shelly Campbell, was a book that I went into blindly--not sure what to expect. I was immediately drawn to the main character, David, who became as real in my mind as someone I'd actually met.
David is from a family of seven, a "forgotten" child (in more ways than one), all of his life. He is awkward and has social anxiety--if this is something you're not already familiar with (I am all too well), then you soon will be. The writing is phenomenal in expressing this--not by just instructing the reader, but just by showing David's daily life.
". . . First came the shock of my sudden presence, then the slow guilt as it sunk in, the realization that I'd been along for the ride the whole time . . . and they hadn't known I was there . . . "
The summer cottage--and what David finds happens when he crosses into a spare room that is so much more than it seems, is so intriguing that I was thinking about it even when I wasn't actively reading.
". . . It's only one step further than you ever were . . . "
This was my first read by this author, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
"Because invisibility is contagious . . ."
Highly recommended.
David is from a family of seven, a "forgotten" child (in more ways than one), all of his life. He is awkward and has social anxiety--if this is something you're not already familiar with (I am all too well), then you soon will be. The writing is phenomenal in expressing this--not by just instructing the reader, but just by showing David's daily life.
". . . First came the shock of my sudden presence, then the slow guilt as it sunk in, the realization that I'd been along for the ride the whole time . . . and they hadn't known I was there . . . "
The summer cottage--and what David finds happens when he crosses into a spare room that is so much more than it seems, is so intriguing that I was thinking about it even when I wasn't actively reading.
". . . It's only one step further than you ever were . . . "
This was my first read by this author, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with next.
"Because invisibility is contagious . . ."
Highly recommended.
April 27, 2021
I received a paperback ARC of Gulf, authored by Shelly Campbell, published by Silver Shamrock
publishing, for review consideration. Cover art by Kealan Patrick Burke, interior art by Bob Veon, formatting and editing by Kenneth W. Cain. What follows below is my honest review, freely given.
I rated this novel 5 stars. This is her debut into horror and I say welcome, please visit us again, become a permanent resident even; you fit in just fine.
The opening sentence does something to you: latching onto a vital piece of you, pulling it slowly from you, making you feel slightly panicked. How will this admission unfold, can you make it to the final page unharmed? No, gentle reader, you will not, but that is not why you pick up a tale such as this; both of us know this well by this point.
David, our MC, exists in environments familiar but not of comfort; simple interactions take on the level of exhausting forays, with almost no reward. Coupled with a dangerous mystery only he seems capable of experiencing, remembering, or doing anything about, and David is not having the ideal summer vacation.
Keeping with my spoiler free review policy means leaving a lot out, but it’s for the greater good I promise you. The epilogue is just as moving in this novel as the beginning, but for other reasons. The things that David uncovers, deciphers, during his worst summer ever is so much larger than one person should have to shoulder that a kind of static pressed out from my ears. A heaviness that made my own white noise when I thought about the implications on the page, if that makes any type of sense; I made my own cone of silence that engulfed me.
Then the epilogue, which my husband said I could use the phrase, ‘it’s just the tip if the iceberg’, to describe it, but that didn’t feel correct. I thought maybe the Tardis, ‘it’s bigger on the inside’, but still not right. Metal anthill. You can look up the video on YouTube, I had to show my husband, I don’t know why I assumed everyone would have seen this not even two minute video but: dude pours melted aluminum into a fire ant mound. We see him dig it out after it has had time to cool. Sprays off the dirt so we are left with the tunnels forever displayed in metal glory. You never really think about how far down an anthill goes, or how random the tunnels are, but the video shows you how it branches off, all these hundreds of offshoots. That’s how I felt at the end of Gulf. Weary from the journey, but amazed by what the author gave us a glimpse of ahead.
publishing, for review consideration. Cover art by Kealan Patrick Burke, interior art by Bob Veon, formatting and editing by Kenneth W. Cain. What follows below is my honest review, freely given.
I rated this novel 5 stars. This is her debut into horror and I say welcome, please visit us again, become a permanent resident even; you fit in just fine.
The opening sentence does something to you: latching onto a vital piece of you, pulling it slowly from you, making you feel slightly panicked. How will this admission unfold, can you make it to the final page unharmed? No, gentle reader, you will not, but that is not why you pick up a tale such as this; both of us know this well by this point.
David, our MC, exists in environments familiar but not of comfort; simple interactions take on the level of exhausting forays, with almost no reward. Coupled with a dangerous mystery only he seems capable of experiencing, remembering, or doing anything about, and David is not having the ideal summer vacation.
Keeping with my spoiler free review policy means leaving a lot out, but it’s for the greater good I promise you. The epilogue is just as moving in this novel as the beginning, but for other reasons. The things that David uncovers, deciphers, during his worst summer ever is so much larger than one person should have to shoulder that a kind of static pressed out from my ears. A heaviness that made my own white noise when I thought about the implications on the page, if that makes any type of sense; I made my own cone of silence that engulfed me.
Then the epilogue, which my husband said I could use the phrase, ‘it’s just the tip if the iceberg’, to describe it, but that didn’t feel correct. I thought maybe the Tardis, ‘it’s bigger on the inside’, but still not right. Metal anthill. You can look up the video on YouTube, I had to show my husband, I don’t know why I assumed everyone would have seen this not even two minute video but: dude pours melted aluminum into a fire ant mound. We see him dig it out after it has had time to cool. Sprays off the dirt so we are left with the tunnels forever displayed in metal glory. You never really think about how far down an anthill goes, or how random the tunnels are, but the video shows you how it branches off, all these hundreds of offshoots. That’s how I felt at the end of Gulf. Weary from the journey, but amazed by what the author gave us a glimpse of ahead.
June 20, 2021
What a great debut horror novel!
May 10, 2021
So, I found that this story reminded me a lot of Goosebumps, but of course much more complex. And I realized that it does follow a similar Goosebump plot structure!
And I really liked it! I think the hint of nostalgia helped me to get more invested in David, the main character, and his story. I can relate to feeling like the "Odd child," like the one in the family that doesn't fit in, and I can relate to the feeling that being quiet and forgotten are both blessings and curses. So, David was my biggest pro.
Protagonist, Plot and Setting
17-year-old David is brought to a cottage where his family vacations every summer. It’s kind of out in the middle of nowhere and set in the year 1994, I think? Before everyone had cell phones to communicate (furthering the isolation). For David, this vacation is different than the previous ones. There’s a supernatural presence he can’t ignore. The door to a new cottage addition added just before they arrived. David manages to open it, accidentally unleashing what’s inside Pandora’s box. While he has to deal with the monsters coming from the literal gate to Hell, he has to continue dealing with his family.
Family Conflicts
As the youngest in a large family, everyone seems to forget that he exists, and when they remember they often act somewhat cruelly towards him - like getting irritated at his presence. So, David has always felt unwanted and invisible. It has come to the point where he misunderstands or rejects when his family does show him positive attention because he doesn't seem to trust it or feel he deserves it. So, this means he is dealing with the monsters entirely alone.
Writing and Ending
I really liked all of this. Along with the writing and the slow pacing. I binged it all in two sittings, even staying up way past my bedtime last night to finish it. Unfortunately, I probably should have used that time to sleep. Just because I ended up not liking the epilogue. I was honestly satisfied with the ending, but the epilogue felt very jarring like I suddenly picked up a different book. If there is a sequel, I’ll still read it as it might change my feelings about the epilogue. For now though, I’m going to think of the story as ending at Chapter 18.
The child protagonist is sent/brought somewhere isolated from "typical societal conventions." The child is involved in strange and scary situations, often dealing with monsters or the supernatural. Not always, but often there was a conflict with the protagonist and their family (especially siblings). They are mostly written in the first-person narrative and have twist endings. Also, the silly names like "maneater" to describe the monsters and "Bizarro world" to describe literal Hell helped with the nostalgic feeling.
And I really liked it! I think the hint of nostalgia helped me to get more invested in David, the main character, and his story. I can relate to feeling like the "Odd child," like the one in the family that doesn't fit in, and I can relate to the feeling that being quiet and forgotten are both blessings and curses. So, David was my biggest pro.
Protagonist, Plot and Setting
17-year-old David is brought to a cottage where his family vacations every summer. It’s kind of out in the middle of nowhere and set in the year 1994, I think? Before everyone had cell phones to communicate (furthering the isolation). For David, this vacation is different than the previous ones. There’s a supernatural presence he can’t ignore. The door to a new cottage addition added just before they arrived. David manages to open it, accidentally unleashing what’s inside Pandora’s box. While he has to deal with the monsters coming from the literal gate to Hell, he has to continue dealing with his family.
Family Conflicts
As the youngest in a large family, everyone seems to forget that he exists, and when they remember they often act somewhat cruelly towards him - like getting irritated at his presence. So, David has always felt unwanted and invisible. It has come to the point where he misunderstands or rejects when his family does show him positive attention because he doesn't seem to trust it or feel he deserves it. So, this means he is dealing with the monsters entirely alone.
Writing and Ending
I really liked all of this. Along with the writing and the slow pacing. I binged it all in two sittings, even staying up way past my bedtime last night to finish it. Unfortunately, I probably should have used that time to sleep. Just because I ended up not liking the epilogue. I was honestly satisfied with the ending, but the epilogue felt very jarring like I suddenly picked up a different book. If there is a sequel, I’ll still read it as it might change my feelings about the epilogue. For now though, I’m going to think of the story as ending at Chapter 18.
April 26, 2021
I’ve started more than one or two reviews by doing something we’re told from an early age to avoid—that’s right, people. I judge a book by its cover. Kealan Patrick Burke’s design for Gulf is just as imaginative and atmosphere-inducing as we’ve come to expect. Another triumph on his long list of other winners. What sometimes gets glossed over is the interior art, usually done by Bob Veon, in Silver Shamrock releases. From the five paneled door at the center of the store to the four claws reaching out from underneath, gouging the floor, Veon’s work here sets the tone for every chapter.
The artwork may convey the tone, but the story masterfully establishes it in the first place. Campbell explores a range of tropes, from time travel to alternate dimensions to hell hounds even back to the horror of losing identity. She captures a snapshot of large family life—after all what member of a multi-child household doesn’t have a story of being left out, forgotten about, or just plain feeling invisible. Gulf takes the elements that make finding your role within a family difficult and speaks to them with an authenticity.
Despite some of the tropes listed above being represented in multiple other works of horror, Campbell brings them together in a way that feels unique and original. You know those stickers or placards that read “For fans of…”? You won’t find one on Gulf, because it’s not a mirror image of a familiar path you’ve traveled time after time.
Instead, let’s call this one for fans of character-driven horror. Our main character, David, is pretty easy to get behind. The reader understands his motivations from the get-go and Campbell delivers a satisfying arc. We could also call this one for fans of creature features. Not in a traditional way, but the elements are present if you keep an eye out.
Gulf is bleak and eerie, but brimming with heart, and Campbell is an author to keep an eye out for. She’s got a fantasy duology with one book out and the other on the horizon, as well as a forthcoming book on writing, that looks like it will focus quite a bit on world building. Check out Gulf now.
I received a copy from the publisher for review consideration.
The artwork may convey the tone, but the story masterfully establishes it in the first place. Campbell explores a range of tropes, from time travel to alternate dimensions to hell hounds even back to the horror of losing identity. She captures a snapshot of large family life—after all what member of a multi-child household doesn’t have a story of being left out, forgotten about, or just plain feeling invisible. Gulf takes the elements that make finding your role within a family difficult and speaks to them with an authenticity.
Despite some of the tropes listed above being represented in multiple other works of horror, Campbell brings them together in a way that feels unique and original. You know those stickers or placards that read “For fans of…”? You won’t find one on Gulf, because it’s not a mirror image of a familiar path you’ve traveled time after time.
Instead, let’s call this one for fans of character-driven horror. Our main character, David, is pretty easy to get behind. The reader understands his motivations from the get-go and Campbell delivers a satisfying arc. We could also call this one for fans of creature features. Not in a traditional way, but the elements are present if you keep an eye out.
Gulf is bleak and eerie, but brimming with heart, and Campbell is an author to keep an eye out for. She’s got a fantasy duology with one book out and the other on the horizon, as well as a forthcoming book on writing, that looks like it will focus quite a bit on world building. Check out Gulf now.
I received a copy from the publisher for review consideration.
October 15, 2021
This was pretty fun. It was a little slow in the buildup, but I was ok with that. The ending was worth it.
May 26, 2021
After finishing Gulf and reflecting on it, I would say I have an overall positive impression with some hang-ups. The premise of the story is interesting. It's an otherworld tale that has more of a Coraline vibe rather than a Narnia vibe. What I mean by this is that Narnia's otherworld is completely different than the actual world, while Coraline's is just a distorted version of the real world. So in Gulf, the world behind the door reflects the regular world with time travel elements. Once a character steps through the door, they will be in the exact same place, just at a different time in history. I actually prefer distorted reality otherworlds, so I enjoyed this aspect of the story quite a bit. I also thought the flashbacks scenes were done well. They didn't feel out of place and helped the reader better understand the characters and their perspectives.
*Discussion of the world in these next paragraphs, so some spoilers are mentioned*
However, there were some aspects of the world that I didn't understand, making it difficult for me to be fully immersed. For example, when David goes to this otherworld, there are no people, but animals are still there. There are fish and birds talked about in some of the scenes. So what I was confused about is if you would see pets in the otherworld. Like you walk into somebody's house, and you see their dog Fido. Or is it just some animals that are in the otherworld? Also, from what I understand, time in the regular world stays the same while you are in the otherworld, so you are not missing anything. Everett says this in one of his diary entries. His wife, Annie, thinks he is getting Alzheimer's because he comes out of the door seconds after he goes in. Although, in reality, he's been in there for hours. This gets a little convoluted because we find that a girl is living in the otherworld at the end of the story, and there may be more people there who traveled through separate portals. So, wouldn't the regular world be frozen to where the situation with David wouldn't even have happened? If she went in there, the regular world should be frozen until she comes back. I'm confused. Maybe I'm just looking into it too much or missing something, haha.
Here's another thing that just came to mind. Most times that David goes through the door, he is in a different period of time. Unless he goes through the door multiple times on the same day, it will be the same period. So, if another person is living in the otherworld, would the time be changing for them, as well? I just assumed that if you stay there, you would just live out in whatever time period you went to and not be jumping around. So, either time for this girl is also jumping around as she is living in the otherworld, or David just happened to come to the time period in which she was in. There is some hinting at the end that there may be a sequel. Hence, there is a good possibility this subject will be touched upon then, so I'm not too worried about it right now and am being lenient. If this was a standalone novel, I would be concerned with some of these plot holes and drop my rating accordingly.
As far as the characters go, I wasn't the biggest fan at first, but they grew on me. It took me half the novel to remember the main character's name. I almost liked this, though. David is discussed as a very forgettable person, so it makes sense that even the reader should feel this way. He gains a more substantial presence in the second half as he develops more. Also, I had to keep reminding myself that David is a teenager. While his brothers are all in their twenties, he is seventeen, so I should give him a little slack for being so angsty and not thinking straight. It's just, there were many times when he would think something, and I was like: how could you think like that, bro!? Haha. My favorite was probably James, but I feel like he contributed to David's loneliness almost as much as everyone else. Basically, no one in this novel is the good guy. Which is okay. As long as the characters elicit some type of emotional response from me, I'm good. I just don't like it when I feel completely indifferent about the characters. Then I would have a problem.
If there is a sequel, I'll definitely read it. The last quarter of the book makes me want to see more of the story. And I'll at least read a sequel to see more world-building and to clear up some confusion I have.
Overall, this is a solid 3-stars.
Edit: I sat on this for a minute and decided that the plotholes were too numerous. The author has also said that she doesn't have plans to make a sequel at this time, so I have decided to judge this as a stand-alone novel. I'll give it 2-stars.
*Discussion of the world in these next paragraphs, so some spoilers are mentioned*
However, there were some aspects of the world that I didn't understand, making it difficult for me to be fully immersed. For example, when David goes to this otherworld, there are no people, but animals are still there. There are fish and birds talked about in some of the scenes. So what I was confused about is if you would see pets in the otherworld. Like you walk into somebody's house, and you see their dog Fido. Or is it just some animals that are in the otherworld? Also, from what I understand, time in the regular world stays the same while you are in the otherworld, so you are not missing anything. Everett says this in one of his diary entries. His wife, Annie, thinks he is getting Alzheimer's because he comes out of the door seconds after he goes in. Although, in reality, he's been in there for hours. This gets a little convoluted because we find that a girl is living in the otherworld at the end of the story, and there may be more people there who traveled through separate portals. So, wouldn't the regular world be frozen to where the situation with David wouldn't even have happened? If she went in there, the regular world should be frozen until she comes back. I'm confused. Maybe I'm just looking into it too much or missing something, haha.
Here's another thing that just came to mind. Most times that David goes through the door, he is in a different period of time. Unless he goes through the door multiple times on the same day, it will be the same period. So, if another person is living in the otherworld, would the time be changing for them, as well? I just assumed that if you stay there, you would just live out in whatever time period you went to and not be jumping around. So, either time for this girl is also jumping around as she is living in the otherworld, or David just happened to come to the time period in which she was in. There is some hinting at the end that there may be a sequel. Hence, there is a good possibility this subject will be touched upon then, so I'm not too worried about it right now and am being lenient. If this was a standalone novel, I would be concerned with some of these plot holes and drop my rating accordingly.
As far as the characters go, I wasn't the biggest fan at first, but they grew on me. It took me half the novel to remember the main character's name. I almost liked this, though. David is discussed as a very forgettable person, so it makes sense that even the reader should feel this way. He gains a more substantial presence in the second half as he develops more. Also, I had to keep reminding myself that David is a teenager. While his brothers are all in their twenties, he is seventeen, so I should give him a little slack for being so angsty and not thinking straight. It's just, there were many times when he would think something, and I was like: how could you think like that, bro!? Haha. My favorite was probably James, but I feel like he contributed to David's loneliness almost as much as everyone else. Basically, no one in this novel is the good guy. Which is okay. As long as the characters elicit some type of emotional response from me, I'm good. I just don't like it when I feel completely indifferent about the characters. Then I would have a problem.
If there is a sequel, I'll definitely read it. The last quarter of the book makes me want to see more of the story. And I'll at least read a sequel to see more world-building and to clear up some confusion I have.
Overall, this is a solid 3-stars.
Edit: I sat on this for a minute and decided that the plotholes were too numerous. The author has also said that she doesn't have plans to make a sequel at this time, so I have decided to judge this as a stand-alone novel. I'll give it 2-stars.
June 5, 2021
This was great! I really got into the main characters set of mind, and he was easily understandable and sympathetic. SPOILER ALERT! The weirdness creeps in. Who isn't fascinated by locked doors. and then changing dimensions! I liked the tempo, the building of the relationships in the family. Maybe, could have advanced a tiny bit faster compared to the end? I guess we will have more?
May 5, 2021
About:
GULF centers around seventeen-year-old protagonist David, the youngest of seven siblings, who goes on vacation with his three older brothers James, twins Jess and Jordan, and their parents at a lakeside rental cottage.
A life spent constantly fading into the background, David longs to be seen, heard, and become a part of something bigger—when his siblings discover a new extension added to the cottage they stay at every year, David is first to find the key and opens a gateway to an ever-changing version of his world in a different timeline.
My Thoughts:
You can’t help but feel for David from the hook-line, ‘The first time my parents forgot me; I was six years old—the first time that I know of.’, to the very end of the book, that I’m hoping leads to a sequel.
I love the imagery and description Campbell creates in a book that I would describe as quiet horror—a slow walk into the narrative allowing the reader to see, feel and experience what David does.
The family dynamic is heartbreaking—the longing and need to stay connected with the one family member who sees David is palpable on the page.
Highly Recommend!
Thank you, Silver Shamrock Publishing, for providing me with an ebook of GULF in the request for an honest review.
GULF centers around seventeen-year-old protagonist David, the youngest of seven siblings, who goes on vacation with his three older brothers James, twins Jess and Jordan, and their parents at a lakeside rental cottage.
A life spent constantly fading into the background, David longs to be seen, heard, and become a part of something bigger—when his siblings discover a new extension added to the cottage they stay at every year, David is first to find the key and opens a gateway to an ever-changing version of his world in a different timeline.
My Thoughts:
You can’t help but feel for David from the hook-line, ‘The first time my parents forgot me; I was six years old—the first time that I know of.’, to the very end of the book, that I’m hoping leads to a sequel.
I love the imagery and description Campbell creates in a book that I would describe as quiet horror—a slow walk into the narrative allowing the reader to see, feel and experience what David does.
The family dynamic is heartbreaking—the longing and need to stay connected with the one family member who sees David is palpable on the page.
Highly Recommend!
Thank you, Silver Shamrock Publishing, for providing me with an ebook of GULF in the request for an honest review.
May 7, 2021
If you love character driven quiet horror then THIS is the book for you!
David is a great protagonist; nuanced, complex, with relatable dreams and fears. The youngest in a large family of mostly boys, he is constantly overlooked, ignored, and neglected. So when he opens a doorway to multiple dimensions and accidentally alerts the monsters within, he finally feels like he has a purpose: defending his family against an evil that very well may swallow him up in the process. It's a story filled with sincerity, genuine laughs, contemplative moments, and lots of underlying dread punctuated by scenes of outright fear.
Seriously, I've never found a locked door so scary, never been filled with such tension at what might happen if it were found open in the middle of the night. This is certainly a slow burn story, but it's perfectly paced and full of great character-building. I really enjoyed the scenes on the "other side" of the door, and the ways David begins to disappear (physically and metaphorically) in the real world the more he crosses back and forth. At first some of the scenes where David's family overlooks him felt exaggerated and unrealistic, but then I began to realize the tragic beauty in emphasizing these moments from David's perspective.
I also loved the author's writing style, and her ability to authentically articulate the mind of teenage boys is fantastic (if not disturbing in a few scenes haha). David certainly steals the show as our protagonist, but we learn enough about the other characters, typically through his relationships with them, to even out a mostly dynamic cast.
I cried, I laughed, I gripped the pages in terror - basically I got exactly what I want from reading this type of book. Highly recommend!
David is a great protagonist; nuanced, complex, with relatable dreams and fears. The youngest in a large family of mostly boys, he is constantly overlooked, ignored, and neglected. So when he opens a doorway to multiple dimensions and accidentally alerts the monsters within, he finally feels like he has a purpose: defending his family against an evil that very well may swallow him up in the process. It's a story filled with sincerity, genuine laughs, contemplative moments, and lots of underlying dread punctuated by scenes of outright fear.
Seriously, I've never found a locked door so scary, never been filled with such tension at what might happen if it were found open in the middle of the night. This is certainly a slow burn story, but it's perfectly paced and full of great character-building. I really enjoyed the scenes on the "other side" of the door, and the ways David begins to disappear (physically and metaphorically) in the real world the more he crosses back and forth. At first some of the scenes where David's family overlooks him felt exaggerated and unrealistic, but then I began to realize the tragic beauty in emphasizing these moments from David's perspective.
I also loved the author's writing style, and her ability to authentically articulate the mind of teenage boys is fantastic (if not disturbing in a few scenes haha). David certainly steals the show as our protagonist, but we learn enough about the other characters, typically through his relationships with them, to even out a mostly dynamic cast.
I cried, I laughed, I gripped the pages in terror - basically I got exactly what I want from reading this type of book. Highly recommend!
September 21, 2023
I keep thinking about this book...
I first read this book a year ago, and I enjoyed it. It was a great horror/dark fantasy story and I felt immersed in the world of the story and drawn in by the main character. (not to mention, I got the Hall & Oates song "Maneater" stuck in my head on repeat while reading). As time has passed, I keep thinking about this book. I find myself coming back to the story in my mind, replaying details that I only sort of remembered. I finally sat back down and reread it, and I loved it even more the second time around.
Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
I first read this book a year ago, and I enjoyed it. It was a great horror/dark fantasy story and I felt immersed in the world of the story and drawn in by the main character. (not to mention, I got the Hall & Oates song "Maneater" stuck in my head on repeat while reading). As time has passed, I keep thinking about this book. I find myself coming back to the story in my mind, replaying details that I only sort of remembered. I finally sat back down and reread it, and I loved it even more the second time around.
Read this book. You won't be disappointed.
May 3, 2021
Like the words and descriptions she uses, and she sets up flash backs well.
Perfectly portrays the NIGHTMARE that is family trips. That was the real scary part.😂
I yelled at the book like you yell at movies “DON’T DO THAT!” “DON’T GO IN THERE!”
I liked the ending a lot! Really came to a good close.
Perfectly portrays the NIGHTMARE that is family trips. That was the real scary part.😂
I yelled at the book like you yell at movies “DON’T DO THAT!” “DON’T GO IN THERE!”
I liked the ending a lot! Really came to a good close.
January 22, 2025
Reminded me in theme of "The Talisman".
I'd try to find an adjective in place of "bloody"...which seemed to be on every page, although I know it wasn't.
OK read..don't know if I'd read a sequel...
Jeff McIntosh
I'd try to find an adjective in place of "bloody"...which seemed to be on every page, although I know it wasn't.
OK read..don't know if I'd read a sequel...
Jeff McIntosh
October 16, 2024
Gulf is a masterful blend of horror, sci-fi, and portal fantasy that pulls you in from the very beginning with its eerie premise and slowly increasing tension. Shelly Campbell taps into real-life fears—feeling invisible, forgotten, and unwanted—and amplifies them with the unsettling discovery of a parallel world that threatens to swallow seventeen-year-old David whole. The story’s balance between psychological horror and supernatural mystery is incredibly well done, creating an experience that feels haunting yet deeply relatable.
David’s emotional arc is what makes this book shine. He’s a young man who already feels sidelined within his large family, especially by his mother, and the eerie way he begins to fade—both literally and metaphorically—hits hard. You can’t help but feel for him as he struggles with this growing sense of invisibility, and it’s easy to connect with his desire to be seen, to matter, to belong. The way the portal to another dimension becomes a physical manifestation of his emotional isolation is brilliantly done. Every trip to the other side deepens the feeling that David is slipping away from his world, and you feel the desperation in his attempts to fix things before it’s too late.
What’s great about Gulf is how it layers its horror. It’s not just the looming threat of something terrifying clawing at the door at night—though that is plenty creepy on its own—it’s also the psychological dread of David being erased from his world. That constant sense of unease builds steadily, and the book knows exactly when to escalate things. Yet, it never veers into territory that would overwhelm new readers to the genre. It’s accessible without sacrificing the slow-burn tension that horror fans love.
The sci-fi and portal fantasy elements add a fascinating twist, with David exploring abandoned versions of his world in different timelines. The crumbling cottages and vintage cars create an atmosphere that’s unsettling yet nostalgic, a perfect backdrop for the slowly unraveling mystery.
Campbell juggles the complexity of all of these elements without losing focus, keeping readers hooked as the story doles out answers at just the right pace. Overall, Gulf is an outstanding read for both seasoned horror fans and those dipping their toes into the genre. The slow build of dread, combined with an emotional core, makes this a standout story that will linger. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much to the author, Eerie River Publishing, and R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review!
David’s emotional arc is what makes this book shine. He’s a young man who already feels sidelined within his large family, especially by his mother, and the eerie way he begins to fade—both literally and metaphorically—hits hard. You can’t help but feel for him as he struggles with this growing sense of invisibility, and it’s easy to connect with his desire to be seen, to matter, to belong. The way the portal to another dimension becomes a physical manifestation of his emotional isolation is brilliantly done. Every trip to the other side deepens the feeling that David is slipping away from his world, and you feel the desperation in his attempts to fix things before it’s too late.
What’s great about Gulf is how it layers its horror. It’s not just the looming threat of something terrifying clawing at the door at night—though that is plenty creepy on its own—it’s also the psychological dread of David being erased from his world. That constant sense of unease builds steadily, and the book knows exactly when to escalate things. Yet, it never veers into territory that would overwhelm new readers to the genre. It’s accessible without sacrificing the slow-burn tension that horror fans love.
The sci-fi and portal fantasy elements add a fascinating twist, with David exploring abandoned versions of his world in different timelines. The crumbling cottages and vintage cars create an atmosphere that’s unsettling yet nostalgic, a perfect backdrop for the slowly unraveling mystery.
Campbell juggles the complexity of all of these elements without losing focus, keeping readers hooked as the story doles out answers at just the right pace. Overall, Gulf is an outstanding read for both seasoned horror fans and those dipping their toes into the genre. The slow build of dread, combined with an emotional core, makes this a standout story that will linger. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much to the author, Eerie River Publishing, and R&R Booktours for the opportunity to read and review!
May 31, 2021
David is a teen coming of age and on summer vacation with his big family at their usual rustic lake rental cabin. He has always felt like an afterthought to his family - forgotten, disregarded, overlooked. In a large family that's probably inevitable, but he's always felt like it's something more. A distance between him and the world. A gulf he can't explain. Since last summer, an addition has been built onto the cabin, but is locked. David's curiosity is piqued - he wants to get that door open. Even more so when he begins hearing strange noises at night from behind the door, and sees a pair of other-wordly claws reach out from under the door and rake across the floor. When he's able to open the door, he discovers on the other side an alternate reality - same place but at different times in history. Going to the other world makes David feel really good. But every time he goes, a little more of him disappears from the real world. And there's something scary over there that only comes out at night…
What a great little horror novel! I really enjoyed reading Gulf by Shelly Campbell. It first caught my attention when I read a friend's review right after I had finished The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher. The overall premises are similar - protagonist discovers a wormhole to an alternate dimension sitting in plain sight. Alternate dimension is a gravely dangerous place. I enjoyed both books very much and, while the overall premise was similar the execution of each book was totally unique. I loved the character of David - he was well developed and relatable with his growing pains and his struggles to fit into the family and the world, his feelings of distance and being an outsider. His family was a great cast of characters with some interesting complexities. Campbell creates some really lovely imagery in both the rustic countryside of the real world and the desolate, creepy starkness of the alternate world. High marks for creepiness as the story developed. I recommend this book to any horror lover.
What a great little horror novel! I really enjoyed reading Gulf by Shelly Campbell. It first caught my attention when I read a friend's review right after I had finished The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher. The overall premises are similar - protagonist discovers a wormhole to an alternate dimension sitting in plain sight. Alternate dimension is a gravely dangerous place. I enjoyed both books very much and, while the overall premise was similar the execution of each book was totally unique. I loved the character of David - he was well developed and relatable with his growing pains and his struggles to fit into the family and the world, his feelings of distance and being an outsider. His family was a great cast of characters with some interesting complexities. Campbell creates some really lovely imagery in both the rustic countryside of the real world and the desolate, creepy starkness of the alternate world. High marks for creepiness as the story developed. I recommend this book to any horror lover.
November 26, 2025
★★★★☆ An Eerie and Lachrymose Story
I would like to thank the author for providing me with the audiobook, because I absolutely loved the story.
The smooth writing made it easy to visualize the main character and his journey. It was captivating to read about a mysterious mirrored world, the interactions between David and his family, and, more notably, the exploration of loneliness and isolation.
From the beginning, the story was engrossing and evoked a strong emotional response toward David. The way he was neglected and ignored was heartbreaking, and by the end—even though he was alive—his story felt like a tragedy. His family, who should have cared for him, didn't care enough to give him the love and sense of belonging he needed. This led to the unfortunate outcome of him feeling more at home in the mysterious other world than he did with his own family.
David’s development from a scared boy into the version he admired was seamless and deeply moving. The moments when he felt forgotten and unloved progressed into the truly heartbreaking reality of being utterly forgotten by everyone around him.
Book one was a horror focused on an individual and the profound sense of loneliness one can feel in a room full of people, with less focus on the unknown other world and its creatures. However, I hope that the next book will focus more on developing that other world, now that the characters are established.
I look forward to continuing with the story in the next book, and I cannot wait to be just as engrossed.
I would like to thank the author for providing me with the audiobook, because I absolutely loved the story.
The smooth writing made it easy to visualize the main character and his journey. It was captivating to read about a mysterious mirrored world, the interactions between David and his family, and, more notably, the exploration of loneliness and isolation.
From the beginning, the story was engrossing and evoked a strong emotional response toward David. The way he was neglected and ignored was heartbreaking, and by the end—even though he was alive—his story felt like a tragedy. His family, who should have cared for him, didn't care enough to give him the love and sense of belonging he needed. This led to the unfortunate outcome of him feeling more at home in the mysterious other world than he did with his own family.
David’s development from a scared boy into the version he admired was seamless and deeply moving. The moments when he felt forgotten and unloved progressed into the truly heartbreaking reality of being utterly forgotten by everyone around him.
Book one was a horror focused on an individual and the profound sense of loneliness one can feel in a room full of people, with less focus on the unknown other world and its creatures. However, I hope that the next book will focus more on developing that other world, now that the characters are established.
I look forward to continuing with the story in the next book, and I cannot wait to be just as engrossed.
March 11, 2022
This was really good...like, proper, really good!
The emotional journey of David as the "invisible" child as he navigates his way through a hostile environment is brilliant. Written in first person, you can't help but feel for him, and hope he gets through it all in one piece (literally).
The writing is great and really solidifies David's plight. The "maneaters" also...wow. For creatures that you don't see or are described to you until near the end of the book, they are scary. The scrabbling behind the door, claw marks and the like- all add to the dread. And you can't help but feel scared along with David.
Excellent cover, creepy image at the start of each chapter (which adds to the picture of the story), very well written. Just an all round brilliant book.
HIGHLY recommend!
The emotional journey of David as the "invisible" child as he navigates his way through a hostile environment is brilliant. Written in first person, you can't help but feel for him, and hope he gets through it all in one piece (literally).
The writing is great and really solidifies David's plight. The "maneaters" also...wow. For creatures that you don't see or are described to you until near the end of the book, they are scary. The scrabbling behind the door, claw marks and the like- all add to the dread. And you can't help but feel scared along with David.
Excellent cover, creepy image at the start of each chapter (which adds to the picture of the story), very well written. Just an all round brilliant book.
HIGHLY recommend!
May 18, 2025
So, the third installment is due out fairly soon and I wanted to read this one again. I was sure I'd left a review, but obviously I hadn't. Anyways... it's never too late to review, is it?
I've got to start by saying what a great writer Shelly Campbell is. Truly. This is one of those stories that keeps building, never running out of steam. Feels original, too, but I will say I reckon fans of Stranger Things will dig this one a lot with the coming-of-age and other-worldy vibe.
Toms to admire here. Great main character, the setting, the different directions the story takes. Yeah, just good stuff. A hard book to put down.
Highly recommended.
I've got to start by saying what a great writer Shelly Campbell is. Truly. This is one of those stories that keeps building, never running out of steam. Feels original, too, but I will say I reckon fans of Stranger Things will dig this one a lot with the coming-of-age and other-worldy vibe.
Toms to admire here. Great main character, the setting, the different directions the story takes. Yeah, just good stuff. A hard book to put down.
Highly recommended.
November 4, 2025
Normally I have a hard time turning off my internal editor when I read, but that wasn’t an issue with Gulf. Even though I’m an old man, I connected with David over his feelings of invisibility or maybe living in the wrong place or time. The character development and interaction, world-building, and pacing are top-notch, outshined only by the ending! It had me itching to dig into book two right away.
May 8, 2021
I went into this book knowing very little about it, and I having no expectations made it even better, not that it needed much help. The story had me in its grips from the early going, and maintained a slow but steady pace throughout, unspooling the mysteries that lay within at a clip that made you both want to keep reading and skip to the end to find out the finale at the same time. Campbell did a splendid job of putting you right into main character David's head, making you feel his frustrations, fears and isolation like you're looking through his eyes. This is the most original and unique novel I've read in quite a while, and the writing is that of a seasoned veteran at writing stories.
August 20, 2024
I discovered a new favorite author.
July 2, 2025
3.75⭐️
June 20, 2021
David is a 17 year old middle child with crippling self-esteem issues. The center of 7 siblings he’s felt all his life he went unnoticeable by his family.
The family decides to head to their summer resort cabin for a family vacation, David is flanked my his older brother James and his two twin brothers. Nothing is making David more unhappy then this situation.
When they reach the cabin, they see the owner had added on a mysterious room extension. The caretaker insists he doesn’t have a key but the room must remain closed.
Amid chores, David unearths a large skeleton key with odd markings and hides it from his family.
His obsession with the door has begun.
No spoilers but when David finally opens the door he has unleashed unspeakable horror that threatens his family and his own sanity and only he can make right again.
This fantastic story powers along non-stop, portals and monsters, family and sibling rivalry. You won’t be able to put this book down. And that ending? Whoa!!
Another best read of 2021, grab a copy and prepare yourself for a wild adventure. Enjoy!
September 21, 2022
Shelly Campbell’s Gulf is an extraordinary read. Equal parts coming of age story and otherworldly horror, Gulf probes the depths of loneliness, loss of identity and childhood trauma. Yet, despite the weighty subject matter, it still manages to inject a heaping dose of good, old-fashioned monster movie fun! It is a true treat for fans of the genre and had me clutched in its razor-clawed hands from the first word to the last.
December 24, 2022
Campbell proves what King proved before her: there are in fact other worlds than these. Here however, in Campbell's debut, it involves a different door, a different world, and a young man who's been invisible for the majority of his life. Go forth, seek out, purchase and enjoy. Tell 'em another lover of Canadian fiction sent you.
Recommend.
Recommend.
May 10, 2021
Verdict: 3.25 out of 5.0
Overview: David is the youngest in a large family that vacations in a cabin every summer. All his life, he’s been largely ignored and bullied by his siblings and mother. Only his father and brother, James, seem to care about him at all. This year, their cottage has a new extension, a room hidden behind a locked door. When David discovers the key, he expects to claim a new room for himself. Instead he opens a gateway to reflecting dimensions of his world in different timelines, all seemingly abandoned. However, something hungry exists on the other side of that door that comes out at night, looking to get through to David’s world. Now he must find a way to keep his family away from the room while seeking out a way to close the gateway forever.
The Good: Campbell proves early on that she is a skilled writer and narrator. The idea is familiar, but interesting, and the drama commes full force throughout. Gulf is a slow and quiet horror novel that focuses on its lead character above all else. The final few pages also prove to be a godsend, leaving the reader with the promise of a sequel that could prove fantastical. Without going into detail, let’s just say I went from viewing the finale as average, to being excited for what could come next.
The Bad: I found it a little difficult to like David; I understand he’s been ignored much of his life, but his character is still too whiny. There was also a lack of action, which made the pacing a bit too slow and tedious at times. In my reading, I found some small inconsistencies scattered throughout, such as the family’s language - in the beginning, they get mad over the kids saying fake curses like “crap,” but then in the second half of the book everyone actually starts cursing and no one complains about it. Lastly, for a group of “kids” all of legal adult age (with the exception of David, who is 17), they all acted like they were middle grade in age, which was often distracting.
The Takeaway: Gulf faces some annoying pitfalls, but also does an excellent job in building a character-driven story with a cool concept worth exploring further. It certainly doesn’t hurt that its final moments allude to so much more going on behind the scenes, so here’s to hoping Campbell returns to this world in a sequel!
Overview: David is the youngest in a large family that vacations in a cabin every summer. All his life, he’s been largely ignored and bullied by his siblings and mother. Only his father and brother, James, seem to care about him at all. This year, their cottage has a new extension, a room hidden behind a locked door. When David discovers the key, he expects to claim a new room for himself. Instead he opens a gateway to reflecting dimensions of his world in different timelines, all seemingly abandoned. However, something hungry exists on the other side of that door that comes out at night, looking to get through to David’s world. Now he must find a way to keep his family away from the room while seeking out a way to close the gateway forever.
The Good: Campbell proves early on that she is a skilled writer and narrator. The idea is familiar, but interesting, and the drama commes full force throughout. Gulf is a slow and quiet horror novel that focuses on its lead character above all else. The final few pages also prove to be a godsend, leaving the reader with the promise of a sequel that could prove fantastical. Without going into detail, let’s just say I went from viewing the finale as average, to being excited for what could come next.
The Bad: I found it a little difficult to like David; I understand he’s been ignored much of his life, but his character is still too whiny. There was also a lack of action, which made the pacing a bit too slow and tedious at times. In my reading, I found some small inconsistencies scattered throughout, such as the family’s language - in the beginning, they get mad over the kids saying fake curses like “crap,” but then in the second half of the book everyone actually starts cursing and no one complains about it. Lastly, for a group of “kids” all of legal adult age (with the exception of David, who is 17), they all acted like they were middle grade in age, which was often distracting.
The Takeaway: Gulf faces some annoying pitfalls, but also does an excellent job in building a character-driven story with a cool concept worth exploring further. It certainly doesn’t hurt that its final moments allude to so much more going on behind the scenes, so here’s to hoping Campbell returns to this world in a sequel!
October 23, 2021
Emotional Coming-of-age Tale
I've enjoyed Shelly Campbell's short fiction, but this novel is even more special. I devoured it in two days, so curious to see what would happen in this emotional tale. I was not disappointed!
David is the youngest in a large family, 1 of 7 kids, and he is frequently overlooked - often left behind, as well, which we discover quickly. He's an introverted, quiet young man, but he sees everything even if he keeps it all to himself. While on the annual summer vacation, it's David who finds the key to a locked door - a new addition from the owner - in their usual cabin, and what he finds opens up a whole world of terrifying trouble.
I don't want to say too much about what's beyond the locked door because Campbell unfurls that mystery so well. I will say being in David's head was quite sad. He's 17, struggling to face the vast unknown of adulthood, and the worst part is he does much of this alone. His dad and brother, James, make an effort to include him and connect whenever possible, but the rest of the family either teases or ignores him. Hell, his mother never even sets him a place for dinner! It really made me sad for David, then mad. I wanted them to care about him, but I also wanted him to care about himself and make them see he deserved to be included. There's one flashback about an incident at work where I was so proud of him, then promptly sad again. The empathy David sparked in me was something I did not expect, but it's a testament to Campbell's stellar writing skills.
The end surprised me, as I wasn't ready to stop reading. I needed more! The epilogue is wild, indicating a sequel could be coming, which I will definitely want to read. If you like quiet horror with a bit of fantasy/speculative fiction, give this one a try. And if you find a locked door where it doesn't belong, maybe it's best to just leave it be.
I've enjoyed Shelly Campbell's short fiction, but this novel is even more special. I devoured it in two days, so curious to see what would happen in this emotional tale. I was not disappointed!
David is the youngest in a large family, 1 of 7 kids, and he is frequently overlooked - often left behind, as well, which we discover quickly. He's an introverted, quiet young man, but he sees everything even if he keeps it all to himself. While on the annual summer vacation, it's David who finds the key to a locked door - a new addition from the owner - in their usual cabin, and what he finds opens up a whole world of terrifying trouble.
I don't want to say too much about what's beyond the locked door because Campbell unfurls that mystery so well. I will say being in David's head was quite sad. He's 17, struggling to face the vast unknown of adulthood, and the worst part is he does much of this alone. His dad and brother, James, make an effort to include him and connect whenever possible, but the rest of the family either teases or ignores him. Hell, his mother never even sets him a place for dinner! It really made me sad for David, then mad. I wanted them to care about him, but I also wanted him to care about himself and make them see he deserved to be included. There's one flashback about an incident at work where I was so proud of him, then promptly sad again. The empathy David sparked in me was something I did not expect, but it's a testament to Campbell's stellar writing skills.
The end surprised me, as I wasn't ready to stop reading. I needed more! The epilogue is wild, indicating a sequel could be coming, which I will definitely want to read. If you like quiet horror with a bit of fantasy/speculative fiction, give this one a try. And if you find a locked door where it doesn't belong, maybe it's best to just leave it be.
May 7, 2021
David has found the key to another dimension, in his summer cottage. What is supposed to be a spare room, turns out to be a gateway to hell.
Now that he has opened the door, David can't stop himself from entering it daily. Every time he does, he loses a little bit of himself in the real world. If he stays too long he might disappear. David might be OK with staying in the other dimension if it weren't for the creatures that come out at night.
The creatures want to go into David's real world. David has left his scent in their realm, and now they want more.
This book was terrifying. David doesn't open Pandora's Box or the door to Narnia, he opens the gates of hell. He calls it a "Bizzaro" world, which is exactly what it is but creepy as hell. Every time the door is opened, so is a new dimension. Kind of like time traveling in a black hole? Sure, but there are demon creatures that wait in the shadows to hunt you. So yeah, i would lock the damn door and bury the key.
David's family ticked me off. I felt so sorry for him. It made complete sense why he was ok with staying on the other side of the door. I did get a little bit of a suicide vibe in his actions, which broke my heart.
I felt anxious through the whole book. The jittery kind you get after too much coffee. He kept opening the damn door. Wtf. STOP OPENING THE DAMN DOOR! The suspense was killing me.
I do feel like the epilogue wasn't needed. I liked the ending better without it. So I'm going to ignore what I just read, and stay content with the end. lol. yup.
Now that he has opened the door, David can't stop himself from entering it daily. Every time he does, he loses a little bit of himself in the real world. If he stays too long he might disappear. David might be OK with staying in the other dimension if it weren't for the creatures that come out at night.
The creatures want to go into David's real world. David has left his scent in their realm, and now they want more.
This book was terrifying. David doesn't open Pandora's Box or the door to Narnia, he opens the gates of hell. He calls it a "Bizzaro" world, which is exactly what it is but creepy as hell. Every time the door is opened, so is a new dimension. Kind of like time traveling in a black hole? Sure, but there are demon creatures that wait in the shadows to hunt you. So yeah, i would lock the damn door and bury the key.
David's family ticked me off. I felt so sorry for him. It made complete sense why he was ok with staying on the other side of the door. I did get a little bit of a suicide vibe in his actions, which broke my heart.
I felt anxious through the whole book. The jittery kind you get after too much coffee. He kept opening the damn door. Wtf. STOP OPENING THE DAMN DOOR! The suspense was killing me.
I do feel like the epilogue wasn't needed. I liked the ending better without it. So I'm going to ignore what I just read, and stay content with the end. lol. yup.
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