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Briardark #2
Waywarden
In the thrilling second installment of the Briardark series, three paths diverge, uncovering revelations buried within an impossible wilderness.
Separated from her team and haunted by grief, Siena Dupont claws her way through the lightless Briardark in search of an escape. The final threads of her sanity unravel when she realizes The Shadow isn’t the only thing stalking her through the forest’s darkest depths.
Cameron Yarrow has long abandoned her team in pursuit of a ghost from her past. Desperation drives her to the depraved settlement of The Tooth, where a terrifying ritual ensnares her. To survive, she must place her trust in a stranger and embrace the trail of clues to Avery Mathis, the crux of her obsession.
Holden Sharpe refuses to let Siena vanish, even if it means embarrassing himself as a rescue mission amateur. But when a raging wildfire derails the search, he must find another path to the missing researchers—even if it means confronting the boundaries of reality itself.
Separated from her team and haunted by grief, Siena Dupont claws her way through the lightless Briardark in search of an escape. The final threads of her sanity unravel when she realizes The Shadow isn’t the only thing stalking her through the forest’s darkest depths.
Cameron Yarrow has long abandoned her team in pursuit of a ghost from her past. Desperation drives her to the depraved settlement of The Tooth, where a terrifying ritual ensnares her. To survive, she must place her trust in a stranger and embrace the trail of clues to Avery Mathis, the crux of her obsession.
Holden Sharpe refuses to let Siena vanish, even if it means embarrassing himself as a rescue mission amateur. But when a raging wildfire derails the search, he must find another path to the missing researchers—even if it means confronting the boundaries of reality itself.
Unknown Binding
First published July 15, 2024
69 people are currently reading
841 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Harian
3 books254 followersS.A. Harian grew up near Yosemite and now lives in Portland, Oregon with her partner and dog. She’s been writing since she was eight, around the time she became obsessed with Nancy Drew. Now she writes stories that are much scarier.
While she loves reading, most of her inspiration comes from video games. You can find her survival and horror gameplays on YouTube.
Sometimes, she even hikes, which in her opinion is very, very brave.
While she loves reading, most of her inspiration comes from video games. You can find her survival and horror gameplays on YouTube.
Sometimes, she even hikes, which in her opinion is very, very brave.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
July 10, 2024
I've been waiting for this novel ever since reading Briardak (the first in the series). I strongly encourage you to read Briardak, of course, but the author does a great job in this one of catching you up to speed with events from that book so you won't be lost. But, really, READ BRIARDAK!
Anyway, the stakes are even higher in this book. This epic horror novel (part three coming also) is about two worlds set in the same woods, a missing research team, and the people trying to find them.
The "other" world in this vast forest is dark, murky, and twisted. Infection will kill you quickly with just a scratch, strange creatures lurk in the swampy muddy terrain, and a cult of people lost to normal time and space worship The Mother, an entity meant to protect them from The Shadow.
Time means nothing here. A month could be years or decades in the "real" world. And death isn't certain as we'll find out with some twists concerning returning characters who were definitely dead at the end of Briardak!
This all makes for a truly terrifying novel, full of dark secrets, horrifying monstrosities, and a breath taking narrative where survival is not assured.
This book takes the amazing Briardak and cranks it up to eleven and I HIGHLY recommend it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
Anyway, the stakes are even higher in this book. This epic horror novel (part three coming also) is about two worlds set in the same woods, a missing research team, and the people trying to find them.
The "other" world in this vast forest is dark, murky, and twisted. Infection will kill you quickly with just a scratch, strange creatures lurk in the swampy muddy terrain, and a cult of people lost to normal time and space worship The Mother, an entity meant to protect them from The Shadow.
Time means nothing here. A month could be years or decades in the "real" world. And death isn't certain as we'll find out with some twists concerning returning characters who were definitely dead at the end of Briardak!
This all makes for a truly terrifying novel, full of dark secrets, horrifying monstrosities, and a breath taking narrative where survival is not assured.
This book takes the amazing Briardak and cranks it up to eleven and I HIGHLY recommend it.
Thank you to the author for the ARC. This review is voluntary and is my own personal opinion.
November 29, 2024
Honestly though, I want to like this. The plot should be so interesting but for the life of me just like the first book. I have such a hard time caring about anyone, so listening to them whine is just bleh. When things finally start to get going, I'm already on the verge of falling asleep, that all I really want is for the book to end. 🫠
November 21, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Waywarden completely delivered for me. Briardark has been a favorite for so long that I was honestly nervous to continue the series. I did not want to ruin something I loved, which is probably why it took me forever to finally pick this up. But I am so glad I did because this sequel pulled me right back into everything I adored about the first book and somehow managed to raise the stakes even higher.
Finding out there will be a third book made me ridiculously happy, even if the wait might crush me. There is a tiny part of me that wishes I had discovered this series after all the books were out, but the larger part is thrilled to have something this gripping to look forward to.
In Waywarden we follow Siena, Cameron, and Holden as their paths twist deeper into the Briardark, and this time we fully plunge into the heart of that multidimensional nightmare. The forest is terrifying in a way that feels both otherworldly and completely unpredictable. It breaks logic, it bends space, and it refuses to behave in any way that makes sense. That disorientation is exactly what makes the horror so effective.
Some answers from book one finally come to light, but the new questions easily outweigh them. There are so many threads dangling now and I am dying to see how book three pulls them together. Readers who compared this series to Lost were absolutely right. If you are someone who needs everything neatly spelled out, this might drive you a little wild. But if you love stories that lean into uncertainty and cosmic weirdness, this is such a rewarding ride.
I am genuinely shocked at how underappreciated this series is. Once it is complete I am going to be insufferable in how often I recommend it. Five stars and so much excitement for what comes next!
Waywarden completely delivered for me. Briardark has been a favorite for so long that I was honestly nervous to continue the series. I did not want to ruin something I loved, which is probably why it took me forever to finally pick this up. But I am so glad I did because this sequel pulled me right back into everything I adored about the first book and somehow managed to raise the stakes even higher.
Finding out there will be a third book made me ridiculously happy, even if the wait might crush me. There is a tiny part of me that wishes I had discovered this series after all the books were out, but the larger part is thrilled to have something this gripping to look forward to.
In Waywarden we follow Siena, Cameron, and Holden as their paths twist deeper into the Briardark, and this time we fully plunge into the heart of that multidimensional nightmare. The forest is terrifying in a way that feels both otherworldly and completely unpredictable. It breaks logic, it bends space, and it refuses to behave in any way that makes sense. That disorientation is exactly what makes the horror so effective.
Some answers from book one finally come to light, but the new questions easily outweigh them. There are so many threads dangling now and I am dying to see how book three pulls them together. Readers who compared this series to Lost were absolutely right. If you are someone who needs everything neatly spelled out, this might drive you a little wild. But if you love stories that lean into uncertainty and cosmic weirdness, this is such a rewarding ride.
I am genuinely shocked at how underappreciated this series is. Once it is complete I am going to be insufferable in how often I recommend it. Five stars and so much excitement for what comes next!
July 24, 2024
Loved! It was good and I found some answers to my questions. Like “Where and How?” It started at a slow pace just like the first book but really packs a punch as it nears the end. Great writing with cleverly executed world building and mysterious, interesting characters. I didn’t want to put it down. This is book 2 and not really a stand-alone. You’ll have to read book 1 to know what’s going on. And there will be a 3rd book! Yay!
Thanks Sara, it was amazing!
Thanks Sara, it was amazing!
June 23, 2025
Oh you're fucking kidding me. A cliffhanger and no news on book 3 😭💀
This was so juicy. I now have more questions than answers.
This was so juicy. I now have more questions than answers.
November 14, 2024
2.5
I really didn’t love this one, felt sooooo slow. The end was interesting but overall not as fun of a read.
I really didn’t love this one, felt sooooo slow. The end was interesting but overall not as fun of a read.
October 26, 2024
Another really fun read. I wanted more The Mother/The Shadow lore, and this book delivered. I reread Briardark immediately before starting this (so everything was fresh) but the events of book 1 are recapped pretty well. I read this in two sittings, because it was very engrossing.
After not really enjoying her story in book 1, I surprisingly found myself enjoying Cam’s plotline the most, but the Ren plot was really satisfying! Can’t wait to see how everything is resolved in book 3. The Briardark plot/conspiracy is just as extensive and insidious as the wilderness!
After not really enjoying her story in book 1, I surprisingly found myself enjoying Cam’s plotline the most, but the Ren plot was really satisfying! Can’t wait to see how everything is resolved in book 3. The Briardark plot/conspiracy is just as extensive and insidious as the wilderness!
January 5, 2025
"There are folks with the power to do whatever the hell they want to the rest of us. And then there's the rest of us."
4.75☆
Waywarden has a slightly slower start and somehow manages to be even more confusing and unnerving than Briardark. It also frustratingly introduces way more questions than it answers. But, I'll be dammed if I didn't say I had a really great time from start to finish (particularly after the halfway point). This series so far has been my absolute cosmic horror cup of tea with its weird Sci Fi elements and wibbly, wobbly, timey, whimey, dimension warpy stuff that keeps frying my brain. But, as much as I loved it, I have docked 1/4☆ as I found Waywarden marginally harder to get into than Briardark (I think because it was less atmospherically creepy and more on the outright disturbing side of the vibe check).
I really hope book three doesn't take too long to come out. I need answers so badly!!
"At the end of the world, reality cannibalised itself. And she would witness it with her own eyes."
March 30, 2025
I probably would have rated a 3.5 rounded if the last several chapters hadn’t ended so strong - just when you start to feel like you too are trapped in the Briardark and losing hope that it’s gonna give you any satisfying narrative in this installment, BAM! The pacing is a little harder to parse than in Book 1 but stick it out, the last quarter is worth it.
I really love most of these characters and I’m excited to see where this goes.
I really love most of these characters and I’m excited to see where this goes.
January 5, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ somewhat predictable but still fun. Miss the spooky vibes of book one but interested in the sci fi plotline they were replaced by.
February 20, 2025
These books have been such a fun surprise. I’ve loved the adventure!
July 15, 2024
Welcome back to the world of the Briardark, where nothing is what it seems. Not the wildlife, not the trees, and especially not time itself. Rot seeps into every surface and escape feels as far away as the sunshine that hides behind the rain soaked canopy. For in the Briardark you must never stray from the path as truth and reality diverge.
This book has been one of my most anticipated reads since I had the pleasure of reading Waywarden’s predecessor and honestly I haven’t stopped thinking about this series since then. I can officially say the obsession is still standing and will forever be full-blown and all consuming. S. A. Harin wastes no time with Waywarden picking up right where Briardark left off. The haunted nature of the world that Harin depicts is something straight from my nightmares and I just couldn’t help but consume this forest science fiction horror filled read in one sitting. The sequel ventures even deeper into the unknown horrors of the woods surrounding Deadswitch. Without giving too much away I can say that the concept of time means little in this world filled with horrifying turns at every corner. Surviving this world is a luxury that does not come freely or often without sacrifices. Dark secrets begin to unravel and reveal themselves while also creating new ones. Many times I found my heart racing throughout this read as the frightening tension crescendos, leaving you screaming and turning to the next page. Bottom line I’m going to need everyone to read this sequel and series so you can join me in this dark world that has no rules except to haunt your every being.
Thank you S. A. Harin for a copy of your amazing novel! I truly cannot wait to read more of this interdimensional horror filled forest nightmare world you have created!
Waywarden releases today July 15th, 2024!
This book has been one of my most anticipated reads since I had the pleasure of reading Waywarden’s predecessor and honestly I haven’t stopped thinking about this series since then. I can officially say the obsession is still standing and will forever be full-blown and all consuming. S. A. Harin wastes no time with Waywarden picking up right where Briardark left off. The haunted nature of the world that Harin depicts is something straight from my nightmares and I just couldn’t help but consume this forest science fiction horror filled read in one sitting. The sequel ventures even deeper into the unknown horrors of the woods surrounding Deadswitch. Without giving too much away I can say that the concept of time means little in this world filled with horrifying turns at every corner. Surviving this world is a luxury that does not come freely or often without sacrifices. Dark secrets begin to unravel and reveal themselves while also creating new ones. Many times I found my heart racing throughout this read as the frightening tension crescendos, leaving you screaming and turning to the next page. Bottom line I’m going to need everyone to read this sequel and series so you can join me in this dark world that has no rules except to haunt your every being.
Thank you S. A. Harin for a copy of your amazing novel! I truly cannot wait to read more of this interdimensional horror filled forest nightmare world you have created!
Waywarden releases today July 15th, 2024!
July 14, 2024
Where do I even begin with this review??
If you are like me, and fell into a deep obsessive hole with Briardark, then you probably had high hopes for Waywarden. It’s a rare thing when a sequel is just as equally good as the first book…they usually take a disappointing turn in order to heighten the stakes for a conclusive third book (or more)….
Not this sequel, though. The momentum was consistent the entire way through. All the same feelings from book 1 came right back: the curiosity, the thirst for more knowledge, the suspense, the wonder…the addiction to turning the next page.
It has a Yellowjacket’s vibe meets Lost meets Midsummer meets a Cabin in the Woods meets Dreamcatcher meets Dollhouse meets Dante’s Inferno. That sounds like a lot of chaotic vibes, but with all the different perspectives and journeys we are privy to, it works and it works so seamlessly. I still maintain my original thoughts of this being the perfect story to adapt for tv or film.
I’m the type of person who hates surprises and needs to know from the get go what I’m getting myself into. You know the read-the-last-page-first type of reader? Or the run-to-wiki-to-spoil-the-plot type of viewer? That’s me. S.A Harian has the ability to quiet that part of me though, and allow me the joy of fully submersing myself in the moment.
This took all my expectations and blew them out of the water.
If you are like me, and fell into a deep obsessive hole with Briardark, then you probably had high hopes for Waywarden. It’s a rare thing when a sequel is just as equally good as the first book…they usually take a disappointing turn in order to heighten the stakes for a conclusive third book (or more)….
Not this sequel, though. The momentum was consistent the entire way through. All the same feelings from book 1 came right back: the curiosity, the thirst for more knowledge, the suspense, the wonder…the addiction to turning the next page.
It has a Yellowjacket’s vibe meets Lost meets Midsummer meets a Cabin in the Woods meets Dreamcatcher meets Dollhouse meets Dante’s Inferno. That sounds like a lot of chaotic vibes, but with all the different perspectives and journeys we are privy to, it works and it works so seamlessly. I still maintain my original thoughts of this being the perfect story to adapt for tv or film.
I’m the type of person who hates surprises and needs to know from the get go what I’m getting myself into. You know the read-the-last-page-first type of reader? Or the run-to-wiki-to-spoil-the-plot type of viewer? That’s me. S.A Harian has the ability to quiet that part of me though, and allow me the joy of fully submersing myself in the moment.
This took all my expectations and blew them out of the water.
September 17, 2024
I’m giving this book four stars for its Oxenfree-like setting and originality.
I just wish that either book one or book two had more than one thing happen to each character. The pace is very slow. I’m glad the premise is interesting enough to keep me coming back. However, having just one thing of importance happen to each character is making it drag so much. Holden spent the entire time feeling useless at the ranger station.
It would be wrong to say nothing happened in this book, but I do find myself reaching to answer what it was.
I’ll be back for book three with higher hopes for the plot than a vague tendril, unwinding too luxuriantly.
I just wish that either book one or book two had more than one thing happen to each character. The pace is very slow. I’m glad the premise is interesting enough to keep me coming back. However, having just one thing of importance happen to each character is making it drag so much. Holden spent the entire time feeling useless at the ranger station.
It would be wrong to say nothing happened in this book, but I do find myself reaching to answer what it was.
I’ll be back for book three with higher hopes for the plot than a vague tendril, unwinding too luxuriantly.
April 21, 2025
Okay, so while I love the premise of this book - the execution is failing. I don't like any of the characters, and the story is.... all over with no resolution? I feel no sympathy for Cam. She dug her own grave this entire time. Emmett is still a turd. Sienna is a whiny idiot and I just don't understand why everyone is dying to save a chick who consistently decides to do the dumb thing. The science in this just pops up randomly and then disappears. I keep thinking this is just a group of horrible hikers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2024
After a light recap of the first book, this one jumps right back into the eerie action with Siena and her teammates lost (or dead) and separated within what had been Deadswitch Wilderness in California. Meanwhile, the strange lore surrounding the area seems to be catching up to them in the form of the Shadow, the Warden, the Mother, and other mysterious figures. And they aren't the only humans trapped. A search and rescue team along with Holden and others try to find the lost research team before it's too late.
I devoured this book. It's so creepy with the body horror, "Annihilation"-like flora and fauna, and trippy timelines. I had no idea what was happening but loved every minute of it. And, holy shit, I knew Ren would end up being... well. Yeah. Favorite character! He better not let me down in the next book.
I am very curious as to what the twist will be concerning these Briardark entities. Because it was mentioned in the first book that the video game Avery played was pretty much just the lore surrounding this wilderness. And that the game allegedly had a twist at the ending. I need to know! Is the Mother actually evil? I am so curious.
Verdict
Perfect spooky season book where characters encounter Tarot-like cards, unsettling woods, and just a sense of dread that can't be escaped. I need the third book immediately.
Others in series
Book 1: Briardark ★★★★☆
I devoured this book. It's so creepy with the body horror, "Annihilation"-like flora and fauna, and trippy timelines. I had no idea what was happening but loved every minute of it. And, holy shit, I knew Ren would end up being... well. Yeah. Favorite character! He better not let me down in the next book.
I am very curious as to what the twist will be concerning these Briardark entities. Because it was mentioned in the first book that the video game Avery played was pretty much just the lore surrounding this wilderness. And that the game allegedly had a twist at the ending. I need to know! Is the Mother actually evil? I am so curious.
Verdict
Perfect spooky season book where characters encounter Tarot-like cards, unsettling woods, and just a sense of dread that can't be escaped. I need the third book immediately.
Others in series
Book 1: Briardark ★★★★☆
October 21, 2024
As the middle book in a trilogy, Waywarden answers some questions and creates new ones.
Harian has clearly grown as a writer between the two books. Two of my greatest gripes with the first book - the endless cursing and all the characters' voices sounding the same - are much improved in this installment. I'm not foolish enough to think that Harian read our (my) reviews and took them to heart, but I'm glad to see the growth all the same.
The nature of the Briardark is clarified here, to my great gratitude. We also cover more ground, as the characters split up, each having their own unique experiences within and without the Briardark. There are still a lot of questions left unanswered, and I'm a little nervous as to how Harian is going to wrap this up considering there are still so many seemingly unrelated factors unresolved, but I'm going to hope that she hasn't pulled a George RR Martin and will look forward to the conclusion of the series.
Harian has clearly grown as a writer between the two books. Two of my greatest gripes with the first book - the endless cursing and all the characters' voices sounding the same - are much improved in this installment. I'm not foolish enough to think that Harian read our (my) reviews and took them to heart, but I'm glad to see the growth all the same.
The nature of the Briardark is clarified here, to my great gratitude. We also cover more ground, as the characters split up, each having their own unique experiences within and without the Briardark. There are still a lot of questions left unanswered, and I'm a little nervous as to how Harian is going to wrap this up considering there are still so many seemingly unrelated factors unresolved, but I'm going to hope that she hasn't pulled a George RR Martin and will look forward to the conclusion of the series.
August 5, 2024
This is book 2, follow up to Briardark.
The story continues to follow Dr. Siena Dupont and some of her team members through through the Deadswitch Wilderness and even more CRAZY things happen. We also got more information from Holden and got some answers we were dying to find out from book one.
Waywarden continues the multiple POV format, which I absolutely love for this particular story.
Also, after finishing Waywarden, go check out briardark.com. There's some additional digital content.
if you enjoyed the shows "LOST" and "DARK" then you're likely to really enjoy this book.
The story continues to follow Dr. Siena Dupont and some of her team members through through the Deadswitch Wilderness and even more CRAZY things happen. We also got more information from Holden and got some answers we were dying to find out from book one.
Waywarden continues the multiple POV format, which I absolutely love for this particular story.
Also, after finishing Waywarden, go check out briardark.com. There's some additional digital content.
if you enjoyed the shows "LOST" and "DARK" then you're likely to really enjoy this book.
November 23, 2024
'Everything about this place was physically and biologically impossible.'
A wilderness area that is filled with disturbing impossibilities. That is basically my favorite book premise, and this author does it so well! This second book immediately immersed me back into the creepy Briardark, where time seems to move differently, and the smallest scratch could be deadly.This fantastic dark mystery is chilling and unsettling in the best way!
'Maybe she was supposed to remain here, in this horrifying, deadly, wondrous place. Make discoveries. Help the right people.'
A wilderness area that is filled with disturbing impossibilities. That is basically my favorite book premise, and this author does it so well! This second book immediately immersed me back into the creepy Briardark, where time seems to move differently, and the smallest scratch could be deadly.This fantastic dark mystery is chilling and unsettling in the best way!
'Maybe she was supposed to remain here, in this horrifying, deadly, wondrous place. Make discoveries. Help the right people.'
February 20, 2025
Oh, hell yeah. I was really impressed with the first book in this series and only thrown off by the ending because I hadn’t realize it wasn’t a standalone novel. I feel like trilogies and more extended series are much less common in horror and not always super well executed, but this one felt like a breath of fresh air because the longer format is obviously intentional and well thought out. I can’t wait for Broodmother and will definitely plan a re-read of Briardark and Waywarden before it comes out to see what puzzle pieces I can put together!!
February 22, 2025
Umm, the level of absolute mind boggling in this book is unmatched 😂 it's was so good, though! I'm so into this series! I need the next book RIGHT NOWWWW! Especially because I thought this was gonna be the end of it...
genuinely this is a wiiiiiild ride! So much is happening at all times and trying to connect this to that is basically impossible imo. & I'm living for it! Absolutely horror filled in my personal opinion. I very highly recommend 🙌🏼
genuinely this is a wiiiiiild ride! So much is happening at all times and trying to connect this to that is basically impossible imo. & I'm living for it! Absolutely horror filled in my personal opinion. I very highly recommend 🙌🏼
April 18, 2025
I enjoyed getting to see more of the world and the absolute chaos in it. I’m loving the connections being made around the people. However. I don’t like Cam. This book has made me strongly dislike her as a character which is unfortunate because she plays a big part in this book. And will most likely in the next one.
That ending though. Had me staring and rereading it ‘thinking holy crap did that just happen?’
I’m very excited for the next one.
That ending though. Had me staring and rereading it ‘thinking holy crap did that just happen?’
I’m very excited for the next one.
July 31, 2024
Oh this was SO GOOD. jaw dropping ending with the Holden/Ren reveal. I can’t wait for the third book 😭❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2024
Incredibly exciting and bingeable, and something so incredibly satisfying happens to a certain character. However, ENOUGH QUESTIONS! I WANT ANSWERS IN THE NEXT VOLUME.
October 1, 2024
5 ⭐️ | A perfect continuation of book one that dives into the folklore behind the evil forces lurking in the shadows. The world building is beautifully layered and complex and I can’t wait until book three cones out!!
June 26, 2025
Hmm maybe better than the first one? It’s interesting how engaged I’ve been with these books even though I think they’re just okay (characters, writing, etc.) and I’ll be reading the next one because this book, like the first, ends on a very unsatisfying cliffhanger. My hot take is that I think each book in a series should have SOME sense of resolution even if it’s setting up the next one. These just end suddenly and are unsatisfying as narratives on their own.
February 18, 2025
If Lost & The Blair Witch Project had a baby in book form.
I'm frothing at the mouth for the next one.
I'm frothing at the mouth for the next one.
December 11, 2025
This gets 4 stars instead of 5 not bc it's less well written but because there's SO much going on and I'm not sure I understand it to the degree the author expects the reader to-- I think I'll need to read Broodmother to know whether this is a fault of my understanding/comprehension, or of the writing.
Some first impressions / thoughts :
If you're interested in adventure horror, haunted forests, alternate universes, and flawed people trying to survive horrible shit even when they're not sure they deserve to, this series is for you.
Some first impressions / thoughts :
If you're interested in adventure horror, haunted forests, alternate universes, and flawed people trying to survive horrible shit even when they're not sure they deserve to, this series is for you.
July 22, 2024
Unveiling the Labyrinthine Depths of Waywarden
S.A. Harian solidifies her position as a master storyteller in Waywarden, the enthralling sequel to Briardark. Her prose weaves a captivating tapestry, seamlessly picking up the narrative threads left dangling at the conclusion of the first novel. The story flows like a rushing river, pulling the reader headlong into the heart of the Deadswitch Wilderness once more. While attending to real-world obligations forced me to consume Waywarden in two sittings, I readily admit the temptation to devour it in a single, uninterrupted session.
S.A. Harian's characters continue to be a major strength. Their journeys in Waywarden feel organic and believable. We see them grapple with the psychological fallout of the events in Briardark, showcasing genuine growth and development. Their struggles resonate deeply, due in part to S.A. Harian's subtle portrayal of their vulnerabilities. The narrative voice hints at the author's own open-mindedness and inclusivity, a refreshing quality that breathes life into the characters and fosters a sense of connection with the reader enriching the overall narrative tapestry.
The atmosphere in Waywarden is as masterfully crafted as in its predecessor. Ominous shadows lurk around every corner, and a pervasive sense of mystery hangs heavy in the air. Harlan masterfully ratchets up the suspense, keeping the reader guessing at every turn. The world-building in Waywarden transcends anything I've encountered before. Compared to television's LOST or Dark, S.A. Harian's creation boasts a depth and complexity that is truly captivating. Her meticulously crafted universe practically begs for adaptation, be it a sprawling television series spanning multiple seasons or an immersive video game – a medium perfectly suited to this gripping story.
Waywarden is a novel that defies being put down. The narrative is tightly woven, the pacing never falters, and the plot twists keep you guessing until the very end. It masterfully builds upon the foundation laid in Briardark, offering a deeply satisfying continuation that brings much-needed clarity to the lingering questions from the first book. Unlike many sequels that fall prey to predictability or uneven pacing, Waywarden excels in both regards.
An Unequivocal Recommendation: For horror aficionados who crave intricate mysteries and mind-bending plot twists that leave you teetering on the edge of your seat, Waywarden is a must-read. It delivers a chilling and suspenseful experience that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. This novel is a testament to S.A. Harian's exceptional talent, and I eagerly await her next foray into the fantastical and terrifying.
S.A. Harian solidifies her position as a master storyteller in Waywarden, the enthralling sequel to Briardark. Her prose weaves a captivating tapestry, seamlessly picking up the narrative threads left dangling at the conclusion of the first novel. The story flows like a rushing river, pulling the reader headlong into the heart of the Deadswitch Wilderness once more. While attending to real-world obligations forced me to consume Waywarden in two sittings, I readily admit the temptation to devour it in a single, uninterrupted session.
S.A. Harian's characters continue to be a major strength. Their journeys in Waywarden feel organic and believable. We see them grapple with the psychological fallout of the events in Briardark, showcasing genuine growth and development. Their struggles resonate deeply, due in part to S.A. Harian's subtle portrayal of their vulnerabilities. The narrative voice hints at the author's own open-mindedness and inclusivity, a refreshing quality that breathes life into the characters and fosters a sense of connection with the reader enriching the overall narrative tapestry.
The atmosphere in Waywarden is as masterfully crafted as in its predecessor. Ominous shadows lurk around every corner, and a pervasive sense of mystery hangs heavy in the air. Harlan masterfully ratchets up the suspense, keeping the reader guessing at every turn. The world-building in Waywarden transcends anything I've encountered before. Compared to television's LOST or Dark, S.A. Harian's creation boasts a depth and complexity that is truly captivating. Her meticulously crafted universe practically begs for adaptation, be it a sprawling television series spanning multiple seasons or an immersive video game – a medium perfectly suited to this gripping story.
Waywarden is a novel that defies being put down. The narrative is tightly woven, the pacing never falters, and the plot twists keep you guessing until the very end. It masterfully builds upon the foundation laid in Briardark, offering a deeply satisfying continuation that brings much-needed clarity to the lingering questions from the first book. Unlike many sequels that fall prey to predictability or uneven pacing, Waywarden excels in both regards.
An Unequivocal Recommendation: For horror aficionados who crave intricate mysteries and mind-bending plot twists that leave you teetering on the edge of your seat, Waywarden is a must-read. It delivers a chilling and suspenseful experience that will stay with you long after you turn the final page. This novel is a testament to S.A. Harian's exceptional talent, and I eagerly await her next foray into the fantastical and terrifying.
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