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Yōkai Island
Vincent is an online English teacher looking for something to distract him from the recent breakup with his girlfriend. When his brother Brent, and Brent's girlfriend Amira, invite him on a boat trip to an isolated island, he agrees to come. Yōkai Island is believed to be haunted, and that's exactly why so many young people want to visit it. Everyone wants to see the ghost of Junko Isaka - a young Japanese woman roaming the island and whistling.
The boatman getting Vincent's group across the lake warns that the island is dangerous, and threatens to leave without them if they don't come back before nightfall. What starts off as harmless exploration of an abandoned island turns into a struggle for survival as the group soon realizes that the boatman was right. By then, they no longer have any means of escaping Yōkai Island.
Their only hope for survival is waiting until dawn - and hoping the whistling doesn't find them in the meantime.
The boatman getting Vincent's group across the lake warns that the island is dangerous, and threatens to leave without them if they don't come back before nightfall. What starts off as harmless exploration of an abandoned island turns into a struggle for survival as the group soon realizes that the boatman was right. By then, they no longer have any means of escaping Yōkai Island.
Their only hope for survival is waiting until dawn - and hoping the whistling doesn't find them in the meantime.
375 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2021
About the author
Boris Bacic
57 books510 followers"Boris is my favorite author on Nosleep, he's always killing it with his stories!"
"The security guard series is the best one ever!!"
"I love the subtle connection between each story."
"Like R.L. Stine, but better."
"I want to see this book as a Netflix mini-series!"
"No one can scare me like Boris."
Both traditionally and self-published, Boris is a prolific writer whose horror novels often find themselves on the #1 bestselling ranks. With the books he has published, he is quickly becoming a big name in the horror community.
His stories have been narrated by famous YouTube and podcast narrators, including MrCreepypasta, CreepsMcPasta, DrCreepen, etc. His book, Tales of a Security Guard, is currently in the works to become a short film.
"The security guard series is the best one ever!!"
"I love the subtle connection between each story."
"Like R.L. Stine, but better."
"I want to see this book as a Netflix mini-series!"
"No one can scare me like Boris."
Both traditionally and self-published, Boris is a prolific writer whose horror novels often find themselves on the #1 bestselling ranks. With the books he has published, he is quickly becoming a big name in the horror community.
His stories have been narrated by famous YouTube and podcast narrators, including MrCreepypasta, CreepsMcPasta, DrCreepen, etc. His book, Tales of a Security Guard, is currently in the works to become a short film.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 13, 2021
An exceptional horror story!
Four, rather shallow, individuals take a secret trip to a supposedly haunted island. Booze and drugs muddle their minds and they miss their return boat journey. That means they have to spend the night on the island. They meet a strange homeless man who lives on the island and he warns them of the dangers they face. A mythical and murderous Japanese demon then begins to decimate the party before the final, and totally unexpected, twist occurs towards the end. A well written and totally absorbing story that I am happy to recommend.
Four, rather shallow, individuals take a secret trip to a supposedly haunted island. Booze and drugs muddle their minds and they miss their return boat journey. That means they have to spend the night on the island. They meet a strange homeless man who lives on the island and he warns them of the dangers they face. A mythical and murderous Japanese demon then begins to decimate the party before the final, and totally unexpected, twist occurs towards the end. A well written and totally absorbing story that I am happy to recommend.
June 21, 2022
This was a fun read :)
September 2, 2026
Pulled me in immediately. It was exactly what I was looking for. Ill be looking at more from this author.
July 22, 2025
Interesting haunted story. Love a haunting story about a place that could and possibly is real.
October 12, 2021
Vincent is having a really tough time. He just went through a terrible breakup with his girlfriend, He works as an online English teacher. He is feeling really alone, sad, depressed. His brother and Brent and Brent’s girlfriend Amira invited him to go with them on a boat trip. The trip was to Yokai Island. The island was believed to be haunted and it was very isolated. Vincent thought this might just be what I need, to get out, be around other people, do something fun and exciting! Young people especially liked to go to the island, They wanted to find the ghost. . Everyone wants to see the ghost of Junko Isaka - a young Japanese woman who was said to roam the island and whistling.
When they arrive at the island the owner of the boat tells them that this island is very dangerous, he actually threatens that if they are not back to the dock before sunset he will leave them. Wow what an act! I thought this guy is really laying it on thick – making the legend seem real. Little did Vincent know the legend was real, and they were left alone! How will they survive? Will the boat owner ever come back? And the whistling began……………………the only thing they knew was that If you hear whistling, stop moving immediately.! Once again Boris has written a story that sets you on edge. The writing is perfect. He is gifted and talented! Somehow, he captures the reader from the first sentence, and does not let go until the last work of the last sentence. His words are so captivating you begin to believe that you are in the story, you are watching Vincent and his friends. Is there away to get them out? How can they get away from the whistling? If she finds them, will she kill them? Will they disappear? Will anyone every find them? I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel.
When they arrive at the island the owner of the boat tells them that this island is very dangerous, he actually threatens that if they are not back to the dock before sunset he will leave them. Wow what an act! I thought this guy is really laying it on thick – making the legend seem real. Little did Vincent know the legend was real, and they were left alone! How will they survive? Will the boat owner ever come back? And the whistling began……………………the only thing they knew was that If you hear whistling, stop moving immediately.! Once again Boris has written a story that sets you on edge. The writing is perfect. He is gifted and talented! Somehow, he captures the reader from the first sentence, and does not let go until the last work of the last sentence. His words are so captivating you begin to believe that you are in the story, you are watching Vincent and his friends. Is there away to get them out? How can they get away from the whistling? If she finds them, will she kill them? Will they disappear? Will anyone every find them? I gave this honest, voluntary review after being given a free copy of the novel.
November 6, 2021
Worth it (no spoilers)
I have read just about every book this author has put out. This book in particular… the plot twists, the way the author is able to perfectly describe the different ways humans react in different situations… the detail alone makes you feel like you’re right there on the island trying to survive as well. Read this one in under 12 hours and I’ll be scrolling through to find more. 100% worth every second.
I have read just about every book this author has put out. This book in particular… the plot twists, the way the author is able to perfectly describe the different ways humans react in different situations… the detail alone makes you feel like you’re right there on the island trying to survive as well. Read this one in under 12 hours and I’ll be scrolling through to find more. 100% worth every second.
June 28, 2022
All throughout the story I kept thinking that huh, this reads like creepypasta at times. Lo and behold, the writer is well known for his work on creepypastas and even has a big hit on r/NoSleep! Guess that so many years lurking around that sub have given me some sort of sixth sense.
No wonder it had such a miserable ending, too.
It wasn't bad per se, but I do prefer happy endings when reading horror stories.
Now, on the brighter side? This was pure, unadultered horror. I feel like it's been so long since a story didn't hit me with "humans are the real monsters" trope outta nowhere. It was refreshing.
Sometimes all a girl wants is to read monsters and ghosts just being themselves, you know?
So thank you, Boris.
Also, I learnt what "alacrity" means, so jot that down.
No wonder it had such a miserable ending, too.
It wasn't bad per se, but I do prefer happy endings when reading horror stories.
Now, on the brighter side? This was pure, unadultered horror. I feel like it's been so long since a story didn't hit me with "humans are the real monsters" trope outta nowhere. It was refreshing.
Sometimes all a girl wants is to read monsters and ghosts just being themselves, you know?
So thank you, Boris.
Also, I learnt what "alacrity" means, so jot that down.
February 19, 2025
3.8/5⭐️
Fue muy divertido de leer. Me la pasé súper bien leyéndolo y tuvo un par de giros que me sorprendieron
Fue muy divertido de leer. Me la pasé súper bien leyéndolo y tuvo un par de giros que me sorprendieron
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October 13, 2021Whistling Wraith
Four people visit Yokai Island as a fun venture. The boatman is reluctant to stay on the island after sundown. Unfortunately the four are stranded on the island when the boatman leaves. Who is the whistling wraith? Are they really in danger or is it only a tale to keep people away from the island? This is a story which is haunting and terrifying. The eerie atmosphere and the sequence of events had me hooked. Some places are best left alone and some people are not to be trusted. Another gripping book which is a must have for horror fans.
Four people visit Yokai Island as a fun venture. The boatman is reluctant to stay on the island after sundown. Unfortunately the four are stranded on the island when the boatman leaves. Who is the whistling wraith? Are they really in danger or is it only a tale to keep people away from the island? This is a story which is haunting and terrifying. The eerie atmosphere and the sequence of events had me hooked. Some places are best left alone and some people are not to be trusted. Another gripping book which is a must have for horror fans.
August 16, 2024
3.5 stars
Summary
Four friends visit to an haunted island but things take ugly turn when they miss their boat back and are left with evil force in the forest.
Conclusion
Its a well paced book but the ending could have been better.
Summary
Four friends visit to an haunted island but things take ugly turn when they miss their boat back and are left with evil force in the forest.
Conclusion
Its a well paced book but the ending could have been better.
June 17, 2022
4 friends get stuck on a deserted island which is rumoured to be haunted. Will they survive?
This was hard for me to get through. I didn’t like any of the characters by the end of it and didn’t care that they all died. The twist was a surprise but it just made me dislike the brother even more. The ending felt a bit rushed. The ghost was not scary once she was described because it seemed almost comedic. I don’t know if this was the right urban legend to use.
This was hard for me to get through. I didn’t like any of the characters by the end of it and didn’t care that they all died. The twist was a surprise but it just made me dislike the brother even more. The ending felt a bit rushed. The ghost was not scary once she was described because it seemed almost comedic. I don’t know if this was the right urban legend to use.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2023
Needs work
The idea for this story is good but it just didn't satisfy. For one thing, there are a lot of words used incorrectly and once or twice a totally made up work. It distracted a lot from the story.
The characters actions didn't always make sense and were irritating. And repetition doesn't make something more true.
Normally I really like this author's books but not this one.
The idea for this story is good but it just didn't satisfy. For one thing, there are a lot of words used incorrectly and once or twice a totally made up work. It distracted a lot from the story.
The characters actions didn't always make sense and were irritating. And repetition doesn't make something more true.
Normally I really like this author's books but not this one.
September 15, 2023
"You go on now; have fun with the island. [...] But if you stay when night falls, it will have its fun with you."
This had soo much potential! It started off as creepy. I even stopped reading at night because of it. I thought it would only get better, creepier. Nope. I could have read at any point right after that part in the house. Super disappointing.
The writing was okay, except things like this: The door creaked and squeaked loudly, producing high-pitched noise that even a deaf person would hear. A deaf person can't hear. Period. They can feel things, like vibration to know there was a sound but that is not hearing. Thankfully, there wasn't too much of that.
The characters were rather stereotypical of the genre so nothing much to say there. Except towards the end. It was like Vincent had forgotten everything he had learned and kept doing and saying things that made no sense. Which, I guess, it typical as well...
Speaking of the ending, I really liked it. Was very fitting. I had a suspicion but was glad I was right instead of thinking it was cliche or too obvious. Most of the epilogue was pointless, however. It went into too much background story; even if the information was interesting, it was just unnecessary.
Brent. He was annoying and made very little sense.
I would check out this author again but probably not any time soon. I am intrigued by his short stories.
Junko turned around and sauntered back into the woods, all the while whistling her tune.
May 22, 2022
Boris Bacic has written another truly horrifying and creepy book! A group of four young people decide to visit a possibly haunted island that was once owned by a Japanese family. During WWII, the family was sent to an internment camp, except the young daughter of the family is left behind. The story is that she haunts the island, looking for her family.
This book is so much more than just a horror story. The parts about the Yokai (which are truly terrifying!) are great, but the author has also thrown in human horrors to make the book even more intense. The many aspects of the story will keep you guessing about what is real and what is a hallucination.
If you love tension filled horror with plenty of unexpected plot twists, you can't go wrong with this book (or any others written by Mr. Bacic). I hope that Boris continues to entertain his readers with unique horror for a long, long time!
This book is so much more than just a horror story. The parts about the Yokai (which are truly terrifying!) are great, but the author has also thrown in human horrors to make the book even more intense. The many aspects of the story will keep you guessing about what is real and what is a hallucination.
If you love tension filled horror with plenty of unexpected plot twists, you can't go wrong with this book (or any others written by Mr. Bacic). I hope that Boris continues to entertain his readers with unique horror for a long, long time!
February 22, 2022
Movie directors want to remake movies and don't have any ideas for movies. If they paid attention, especially towards this author, I suggest they do something because this author's books from what I'm reading deserves movie deals. It will be epic.
Reading this one had me with the light on because for starters, I'm a scaredy cat when it comes to horror based on Japanese. Japanese horror stories freaks me out. I own tons of horror movies of that culture and everytime, it has me screaming out. LoL. This book freaked me the heck out. I was sad on one particular character, I will just say 'V' because I didn't want that to happen in the end. Thus, being tricked on one character that I didn't expect 'H' to be any part of the whole thing. Wow, just mind-blowing.
Everyone, get his books! He writes like Stephen King and he deserves loads of attention. He's a fantastic author! ❤️
Reading this one had me with the light on because for starters, I'm a scaredy cat when it comes to horror based on Japanese. Japanese horror stories freaks me out. I own tons of horror movies of that culture and everytime, it has me screaming out. LoL. This book freaked me the heck out. I was sad on one particular character, I will just say 'V' because I didn't want that to happen in the end. Thus, being tricked on one character that I didn't expect 'H' to be any part of the whole thing. Wow, just mind-blowing.
Everyone, get his books! He writes like Stephen King and he deserves loads of attention. He's a fantastic author! ❤️
October 17, 2021
Yōkai Island - 5/5
By Boris Bacic
WHAT A BOOK. I loved this so much. It was perfectly creepy and one of the most perfect books for Halloween I have ever come across. This book had me turning all the lights on in my house, jumping at all sorts of noises and do not even get me started on the whistling!
As always the description in this book is absolutely spot on. From the description of car/boat sickness, to the fear of the dark, to the claustrophobic feelings within enclosed spaces - I felt like I was along for the ride!
This is a must for any horror fan who loves legends, ghosts and abandoned islands. I can’t wait to read what else this author has to offer!
By Boris Bacic
WHAT A BOOK. I loved this so much. It was perfectly creepy and one of the most perfect books for Halloween I have ever come across. This book had me turning all the lights on in my house, jumping at all sorts of noises and do not even get me started on the whistling!
As always the description in this book is absolutely spot on. From the description of car/boat sickness, to the fear of the dark, to the claustrophobic feelings within enclosed spaces - I felt like I was along for the ride!
This is a must for any horror fan who loves legends, ghosts and abandoned islands. I can’t wait to read what else this author has to offer!
December 30, 2021
Can I please give this more than 5 stars?
At first I wasn't convinced I wanted to finish this book. It took a while for it to get going, but I looked at how many stars it had and stuck with it...WOW, just wow, outstanding book! Sooo... worth the read! Truly unique story with amazing twists and turns and things I just did not see coming. Very neatly wrapped up in a most unusual way! One of those books I'd like to go back and read again in the future knowing what I know now. Are you thinking about reading this ? DO IT you won't be sorry!
At first I wasn't convinced I wanted to finish this book. It took a while for it to get going, but I looked at how many stars it had and stuck with it...WOW, just wow, outstanding book! Sooo... worth the read! Truly unique story with amazing twists and turns and things I just did not see coming. Very neatly wrapped up in a most unusual way! One of those books I'd like to go back and read again in the future knowing what I know now. Are you thinking about reading this ? DO IT you won't be sorry!
March 26, 2023
Okay, so I originally rated this 4 stars, but have thought about it the last few days and re-rated it down to 2 stars. I love Boris Bacic and especially his Haunted Places series, but this one had so much promise, and failed to deliver.
A few plot holes (I won't give things away) characters that I couldn't really love, and a storyline with fantastic elements, but that finished in an instant.
I truly hope this ending gets explained in another as I was left confused.
A few plot holes (I won't give things away) characters that I couldn't really love, and a storyline with fantastic elements, but that finished in an instant.
I truly hope this ending gets explained in another as I was left confused.
October 22, 2021
Bittersweet
This book was amazing as his others.I thought his book would-be just another kindle mainstream basic story but I got hooked and read everyone of his books and now it'd bittersweet as this is the last one.It has a bit of something for everyone and you will not be disappointed.Hoping there will be New titles to come.
This book was amazing as his others.I thought his book would-be just another kindle mainstream basic story but I got hooked and read everyone of his books and now it'd bittersweet as this is the last one.It has a bit of something for everyone and you will not be disappointed.Hoping there will be New titles to come.
January 1, 2022
Great story
This story had a nice twist near the end with I enjoyed, and another twist on the last page. He is good at keeping his characters acting in character if that makes sense. There were clues sprinkled throughout the book which I enjoyed reflecting on once the first twist was revealed.
This story had a nice twist near the end with I enjoyed, and another twist on the last page. He is good at keeping his characters acting in character if that makes sense. There were clues sprinkled throughout the book which I enjoyed reflecting on once the first twist was revealed.
February 3, 2022
This was intriguing and well written. Very different from my usual dark romance genre but I’m glad I picked it up on a whim. I enjoyed the plot and the history of the Yōkai that was woven into the story. I have never heard of this spirit until this book and now I’m hooked! I recommend this book to all my ghost story and things that go bump in the night lovers.
March 29, 2022
Въпреки заричанията си за почивка от творчеството на сръбския хорър автор Борис Бачич, не можах да се спра и стигнах до романа му Yokai Island. В тази книга той създава слашър сюжет, повлиян частично от японската митология, но напомнящ силен епизод от поредицата “Петък 13-ти”.
Прочетете ревюто в Цитаделата:
https://citadelata.com/yokai-island/
Прочетете ревюто в Цитаделата:
https://citadelata.com/yokai-island/
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July 1, 2022I totally forgot I was reading this. So that tells you how much I enjoyed it. I was at about 30% before I just gave up and deleted it from my Kindle. I was bored; the characters were uninteresting, the setting wasn't as cool as it could have been and it was taking too long to get on with the scary.
May 15, 2023
Fast paced but slow burn
This story captures you from beginning!. The paced is fast but the burn is a steady. You will not be bored. Yokai Island has a secret or does it. Just when you figure it out; it turns slightly but then turns again. Who will survive? Read and find out. You won't know until very end
This story captures you from beginning!. The paced is fast but the burn is a steady. You will not be bored. Yokai Island has a secret or does it. Just when you figure it out; it turns slightly but then turns again. Who will survive? Read and find out. You won't know until very end
September 18, 2025
Oh my god I am so mad I did not see that final ass twist coming.
I’m glad I found none of the characters very likable. In a sense they were very real, people in stressful situations probably act like assholes, especially if they were already an asshole to begin with.
Anyway, another fun quick read from the twist master Boris.
I’m glad I found none of the characters very likable. In a sense they were very real, people in stressful situations probably act like assholes, especially if they were already an asshole to begin with.
Anyway, another fun quick read from the twist master Boris.
December 12, 2021
Overall a good book.
Althought some parts of the book were predictable (one in particular was obvious) I still liked the book. Some parts of the book I found genuinely scary. It made up for the predictable parts. Overall a good book.
Althought some parts of the book were predictable (one in particular was obvious) I still liked the book. Some parts of the book I found genuinely scary. It made up for the predictable parts. Overall a good book.
January 30, 2022
Outstanding read
Boris Basic is an outstanding horror writer. Each of his books that I have read has kept me on the edge if my seat. Then the ending knocks you off your seat.
I love this author!
Boris Basic is an outstanding horror writer. Each of his books that I have read has kept me on the edge if my seat. Then the ending knocks you off your seat.
I love this author!
January 5, 2024
Having a fascination with Japanese culture (particularly the weird stuff), I was excited to read this. Although not set in Japan, it does feature a Japanese creature. Most of the book I thought was fine, but that ending was terrific.
3 1/2 stars.
3 1/2 stars.
October 16, 2024
This is a great spooky season read from start to finish.
I also appreciate the twist at the end. Junko makes a good horror villain. But she's not the only villain.
The characters are pretty cut and dry. They're not fleshed out. But they don't have to be.
I think I've enjoyed everything I've read by this author.
So you can't go wrong.
I also appreciate the twist at the end. Junko makes a good horror villain. But she's not the only villain.
The characters are pretty cut and dry. They're not fleshed out. But they don't have to be.
I think I've enjoyed everything I've read by this author.
So you can't go wrong.
August 20, 2026
Scary with well done writing!
This book was very good. The plot was interesting, the writing was well done and the pace made it where I didn't want to put it down. I will be reading more of his books!
This book was very good. The plot was interesting, the writing was well done and the pace made it where I didn't want to put it down. I will be reading more of his books!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews