Wrecked

by Nick Stephens

Sam has been stuck on this deserted island for some time. How long? He has no idea. He was just about to give up on trying to survive when Desmond crashed ashore. Unfortunately, not only does Desmond not offer any hopes of rescue, he appears to be insane. Sam must survive the island and Desmond while he attempts to remember who he is and how he got there.

Desmond found himself stranded after his plan for murder goes awry. Perhaps Sam will learn more about himself as he uncovers the truth about Desmond. Perhaps he will find himself descending into madness. Wrecked is a thrilling novel full of suspense, twisting and churning like the rough tides of the open ocean.

Will Sam survive long enough to piece together his past, or will the island, and Desmond, destroy any shred of hope he has left?

Genres: Thriller

141 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2022

About the author

I am a writer, teacher, father, and husband. Wrecked is my first thriller novel and I am excited to enter into this arena. Feel free to ask me questions on my reviews, etc. I can't wait to connect with you all.

You can also find me on Instagram: @nick_stephens_novels

Reviews

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever looked at the page count of a book and thought to yourself, “I can get through this quickly” and then realized you wanted to savor it instead? That is what reading Wrecked by Nick Stephens was like for me.

An unassuming psychological thriller that will keep you on pins and needles as you try to decode the mystery along the way. The final twist, though I had suspected it, was absolute perfection.

The writing was well done, easy to follow and thoroughly edited. It didn’t feel too short or too bulky and I finished completely enthralled in the character of Desmond. If you enjoy reading a character who struggles with untreated and undiagnosed mental health issues, this is the book for you.

Great book!

Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy to review.

[Heena Rathore Rathore-Pardeshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrecked by Nick Stephens is a brilliantly written psychological thriller novel that I thoroughly enjoyed reading right from the very beginning until the last page!

This book had a really good concept and the execution was spot on. The characterisation was great and I was able to feel a connection with Sam, the main character, and wanted to see how things would turn out for him. And boy, I was not expecting the end to be the way it turned out to be! Absolutely loved the way the book ended. The tension and suspense ran tight and high throughout the book and I really appreciated it as it made the book an un-put-down-able read!

I would strongly recommend this book to all psychological thriller readers. This book has a great premise and an amazingly written plot that'll blow your mind!

You can also read this review on www.thereadingbud.com

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Page-turning thriller

This is one brilliantly written psychological thriller. The characters are splendid. I love how this was written. It griped me from the beginning. It's very suspenseful. I couldn't finish this fast enough because I needed to know how it ended. The ending is shocking and wonderful. I recommend this book for a quick, easy, and suspenseful read!


Thank you Reading Between the Lines for a free copy through Gooodreads Giveaway

[Joyous Cassidy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just couldn’t get into this one. There were many grammatical errors throughout that turned me off. I also felt like everything was OVER described with too many metaphors and similes. It seemed like the author used a thesaurus to change most every word to bigger and better words but it just made it over complicated. 2.5 stars.

[VDKeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally unexpected ending!

This book was something of a slow burn leading up to a grand finale. I highly recommend it for those wanting a gripping psychological thriller.

[Donna Mallery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Need a mystery/thriller that is quick and different than the average book of this genre? This book might be for you. It’s a quick read and not just because it’s a short book. There are two guys on a deserted island. One seems normal; the other is creepy and full of secrets. The book switches between timelines and POV. I don’t think there is more I should say without giving hints. I enjoyed the change from the normal thriller subjects!

[Brie Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good first novel! I enjoyed the plot and the authors ability to switch frequently between story lines while still keeping the reader engaged. I did get lost a few times with the POV changes and timeline changes, but was able to get back on track fairly quickly. Good twists and turns that kept you guessing and grasping for more each chapter. Nicely done.

[Lori Browning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in with no expectations for this book and was pleasantly surprised. It’s a quick read thriller loaded with vivid imagery and a twist I didn’t see coming. Looking forward to more from this author!

[Jessica Gleason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desmond, man, I tell ya. That guy is a doozy and I wouldn't want to hang out with him.

Wrecked, by Nick Stephens, is a short fast-paced thriller. Most of the chapters are short. So, it does progress at a nice brisk clip.

I enjoyed the twists and reveals. I definitely recommend checking this one out.

[Emily Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The twists got me! Wrecked is a psychological thriller that really makes you question everything and so much fun to follow! It was a quick read and easy to get into. I loved Desmond and Sam and the dual timelines to get to know the characters better. There were a couple times I got confused but it all paid off in the end, I really enjoyed this book from start to finish!

[Katey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when you think you guessed what is happening, you are wrong. Dead wrong ;), iykyk.

I highly recommend this book, what a fun twist and just an overall crazy ride! I loved Desmond's character and constantly wanted more of his story. This book is a quick and easy read but don't let that fool you because it is packed with punches.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick chilling read with killer twist

An easy to read, fast paced thriller. I heard about this author through Instagram and read this book across two sittings. While I guessed the ending almost immediately, this didn't take away from seeing it all unfold. I loved the island setting and the character of Desmond. I enjoyed most the chapters of Desmond's past. I'll be checking out more by this author.

[trisha Imbembo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the Story!!, ( I did audible) the Narrator was Great! makes ya think, perhaps learning some survival skills would be useful, albeit shipwrecked, or in the day to day!!
haha. I never give any of the story away, as it's always better to read/ listen for yourself.. I just simply recommend you do so!

[Buffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is typically one I wouldn’t finish but …. After a few pages when I wanted to quit I decided not to and I’m sooooo glad! A few times I was like wtf????? I was a little confused but determined . However at the end when it all made sense I finished and sat there . I was just sitting there processing…….wow!

[Katy Damron · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a little confused in different parts of the book between the characters at first. I kept going as I figured out early on who Sam was to Desmond and was eager to see how it would turn out. Definitely intrigued once we get to Desmond’s past and relationship with Sheryl. Then the ending was great! Love a great twist at the end!

[Nikki Kossaris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nick Stephens wrecked me with this story! It’s a quick and intense read that keeps you guessing! The ending made me a big fan!

[Aisling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put it down! I really enjoyed binge reading this because it was impossible to put down. The twist was excellent!!

[Ali R · Rating 4 out of 5]

This thriller was a quick, gripping read and jumped straight into the central conflict , using flashbacks to provide context . The island provided such an isolated and mysterious backdrop to the story and was almost like another character . Some descriptions of it were very reminiscent of the show “Lost,” which the author gives a quick nod to by mention of JJ Abrams himself. (There’s even a crazed character named Desmond who is shifting between flashbacks 😉. ) The setting and other dark elements of “Wrecked” weaved together to create an unsettling narrative. From the murderous plot fueled by jealousy, the hints of a traumatic childhood, plus the eerie dreams, delusions, and symbolism.

The initial twist —while clever— I admit to have seen coming due to noticing well-placed foreshadowing in some earlier passages . I loved the execution of Desmond’s last lines in the book though. They were simply chilling ! Then followed by that last reveal in the epilogue was perfect. Although I had suspected it early on, it didn’t take away from how satisfyingly, spine-tingling it was to see it played out in the final pages. Almost similar to the shocking ending of a nostalgic anthology series such as “The Twilight Zone” or perhaps Boris Karloff’s “Thriller.”

(Brief side-note: the Kindle version of this book could use a bit more proofreading/editing due to some spelling errors . )

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wrecked was a fast and easy read. I enjoyed the multiple POV that seemed to shift at unexpected times, this added to one of the main character’s mental instability. The only reason this book didn’t get 5 stars is because I felt the twists were predictable. I kept reading to see if I was right rather than having no clue what to expect. Overall I enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to reading more by this author.

[Ally C · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this book in one day. I probably could have finished it in one sitting but I have kids.

This book kept me guessing! I thought I had it figured out, then I didn’t, then I did again. I ended up halfway figuring it out but only when the story let me if that makes sense?

I am glad I downloaded this without reading the description and just dove right in. What a wild ride!

[SIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me island fever.

I was furious the entire time as i couldn’t work out how the plot would go and that I was being bested. I couldn’t tell if I was delulu or if they were.
A really fun quick read that kept me turning the pages just to find out what had happened, just when i thought i was rooting for someone suddenly i was not. A great free kindle edition find

[Sorell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant! Nick has mastered the art of storytelling in this book. His writing style is so eloquent and it draws you in. It’s a very quick read, but it accomplishes so much and will have you feeling all the feels. It was not at all what I expected, but I enjoyed every minute. My hat goes off to you Nick - well done!

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written psychological thriller with an explosive ending. I didn't expect the sensational brilliantly executed plot. I enjoyed the relatable characters and the build-up of the story. This is my first book by this author.

[kneecolereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Thoroughly enjoyed this read! It really kept me guessing the whole way through. Can’t wait to see what else this author puts out.

Also, love how it wasn’t too drawn out but descriptive enough to get you in the minds of the main characters

[Tania · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star short story

Although I guessed the ending from the start of the storyline there was one twist I was completely wrong about while reading it. A fun and quick read from Nick Stephens.

[Angie Cory · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not Everything Is As It Seems

A casual wink, a casual phrase, sitting too closely. All things mundane, until it is perceived as something else.

Loved this book. Looking forward to future material.

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this short psychological thriller - started and finished it in just a few hours, thus it was a page-turner. Wasn't sure at first why the author seemed to key in more on one of the two characters (Desmond). The surprise ending explained it all.

Kudos to the author!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Held my attention throughout

[Blake Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book turned out to be like a dark Vonnegut story!!! It totally reminds me of a real incident I heard about from my time enlisted! Definitely read this book if you like revealing endings. Nick Stephens is a great writer and did not rush the ending at all like plenty other writers do.

[Megan Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up to 4 because the ending made me audibly gasp.

A good quick read and unique thriller, I really enjoyed it.