Reviews: Grace (37)
“Ominous and well written”
(Hardback)
by Bena Murray
Wow. It’s been a while since a book has grabbed me by the collar and hauled me in like this. And Grace did just that, immediately hooking me with a prologue that left me asking questions from page one. Told from multiple POVs, the story slowly unfolds as each islanders personal story or viewpoint is added, giving details and building the dread and suspense. I gasped at multiple points whilst reading this book and the ending left me reeling. What really stands out for me though is the writing. It’s so emotive and descriptive without overwhelming the reader, I felt truly connected to the island and it’s characters and wanted more when it was finished. I always say you know the writing is good when you could happily read about a random day where nothing happens and I would definitely read anything A M Shine has to offer after reading this! A true gem of gothic folk horror, Grace is perfect for anyone looking for a dose of atmospheric dread and that “trapped with evil knocking at the door” vibes. Thank you to Aries&Aria and Netgalley for the ARC!!
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
“Island horrors”
(Hardback)
by K. Bickmore
After listening to this horrific (in a good way) audiobook that will definitely stay with me a good while as I keep looking over my shoulder at every crack I hear, wondering if the Bodach is creeping up behind me, I have only one issue. I think the book should be titled Robin instead of Grace. Yes, she is a part of the story and is the catalyst for the final showdown on Croaghnakeela but it ends up being due to her disappearance that Father O'Malley finally learns the truth of his parishioners and takes action to try and end the nightmare picking off all the people left on the island. That being said, this was a fantastically scary story to listen to all about old bad bargains, prices paid, and the cost of human greed looking to get rich quick while looking the other way at what may be happening to the children. The descriptions of the Bodach and what he does are fantastic! I could definitely hear all the cracks as he moves around looking for what is owed him. The jumping of viewpoints, especially during all the action at the end was a bit confusing but I could still follow the story though I liked Robin's viewpoint best. There is other supernatural bits and powers that come into play and I liked that (it jumps a bit in time too, to connect it all). Croaghnakeela, not an island I would want to visit but it is a great setting for this unsettling and scary tale and I enjoyed listening to it very much! The narrator, Deirdre O'Connell, did a great job in bringing this story to life with monsters both human and other.
“A gentle ease into the horror genre”
(Hardback)
by Jade Ford
Grace by A.M Shine is an engaging read, perfect for readers new to the horror genre who like a bit of fantasy mixed in. The author is great at descriptive suspense, and paints a beautiful gothic landscape which really adds to the tension build. I'm relatively new to the horror genre, but have read a lot of Gothic fantasy, and I really enjoyed this! I like the themes of isolation, and demon activity, and the complexity of working with people you don't trust. It moved at a gentle pace, so the tension was gradual which I think was perfect for an eerie gothic read. Would definately recommend to my fantasy friends wishing to dip over to the horror genre. Thank you to netgalley, the publisher and the author for the early read of this one!
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
“A.M. Shines best yet”
(Hardback)
by Yvonne Richardson
Ok. Wow. This is my favourite A.M. Shine book HANDS DOWN. From the first page I knew I was in for something special. Shine has such an incredible ability to develop atmosphere that surrounds you, I struggled to put the book down and found myself falling asleep with it in my hands (allowing the story to follow me into my dreams, which was not ideal but still impressive). The setting was stunning, with the islands off the west coast of Ireland being the perfect place for a community haunted by the remnants of a time forgotten. We need more tales bringing our past back to us, being reminded of who we were as a people and the stories that passed down through generations before our collective psyche was "washed clean" by the overbearing power of the Catholic church. A stunning read, I cannot wait to read it again.
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
“chilling, atmospheric”
(Hardback)
by Gavin Patterson
Grace is my first experience with A.M. Shine’s work—and it definitely won’t be my last. From the very first chapter, I was pulled into a chilling, atmospheric story that lingers in your thoughts long after the final page. What sets Grace apart from other horror thrillers is how well-rounded and realistic the characters are. They feel like people you know—or could know—which only heightens the tension as the story unfolds. Every decision, every bit of dialogue, feels grounded in the real world, which makes the eerie elements hit even harder. The Bodach is a frightening, and deranged creature that takes pleasure in its killing. It’s also one of those rare books that you can see playing out on screen. The pacing, setting, and suspenseful build-up feel tailor-made for a film adaptation. I can almost guarantee this will be a movie in the future—and if it is, I’ll be first in line.If you’re a fan of intelligent horror with sharp writing and deeply human characters, Grace is a must-read. A.M. Shine is clearly a rising star in the genre, and I’m already adding his other books to my list.4.5 /5 stars. Really entertaining read.
This reviewer received a free of charge product for review.
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Grace

Grace

Fiction, General Fiction, Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror , Horror & Ghost Stories
A.M. Shine (author)
Paperback Published on: 24/09/2026
Price: £9.99
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Published 24/09/2026
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