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On a Clear Day, You Can See Block Island
They left the island, but the island never left them. Four years after the Keating family endured the darkest experiences of their lives, the children are still fighting to move on. Charlie's anxiety has control of his life. Angela is afraid of the dark.Brian suffers from a drug addiction. Chrissy struggles to remember what happened to them, the details forever haunting the outskirts of her mind. But when new information comes to light about what they had witnessed, they make a plan to escape their problems once and for all.Sometimes, the only way to confront your demons is to face them head on, so the Keating siblings decide to go back to the island and call their monsters out of the darkness. They soon realize the terror awaiting is much more than they bargained for.On a Clear Day, You Can See Block Island is a coming of age horror novel about grief, PTSD, and how some horrors never end.
284 pages, ebook
First published February 10, 2024
232 people are currently reading
2526 people want to read
About the author
Gage Greenwood
25 books378 followersGage Greenwood is the best-selling author of the Winter's Myths Saga, and Bunker Dogs. He's a proud member of the Horror Writers Association and Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers association.He's been an actor, comedian, podcaster, and even the Vice President of an escape room company. Since childhood, he's been a big fan of comic books, horror movies, and depressing music that fills him with existential dread.He lives in New England with his girlfriend and son, and he spends his time writing, hiking, and decorating for various holidays
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
January 17, 2024
After an unexpected tragedy left the Keating children without a mother--and Jackson Keating without a wife--the Keating family settled on Block Island in the hopes to start their lives over.
And then tragedy struck again.
Four years after the terrifying ordeal on Block Island, the remaining Keating family members are still grappling with what really happened that fateful day. Their recollections are different, as are the ripple effects of their trauma; some of the Keatings turned to drugs and drinking to quiet the memories, while others cling to a near-manic vigilance in the hopes of evading whatever curse may have followed them from Block Island.
Because if the events of four years ago really did happen, that means that something is still out there. Something that could return for the rest of them.
"On a Clear Day, You Can See Block Island" boasted a vague--and for that reason, intriguing--summary about a family attempting to piece their lives back together after unthinkable tragedy. Having not read a horror novel since the fall, I was more than ready to dive into Greenwood's novel and had high hopes for it, mostly from early reviews.
What I found, unfortunately, was a haphazard story riddled with plot holes (and equal amounts of plot armor) that suffered most from Greenwood's underdeveloped writing. The story, in essence, felt like a rough draft of what could have eventually been a somewhat-decent horror plot that was rushed unfinished to publication. The characters lacked any semblance of development, the dialogue was odd at best and painful at worst, and the plot's only redeeming element was its explosive and surprising opening scene.
From early reviews it's clear that Greenwood has devoted readers who can appreciate his storytelling, but I regret to say I'm not one of them. Not an author I would return to.
*Many thanks to NetGalley & Gage Greenwood for the advanced review copy of this title*
And then tragedy struck again.
Four years after the terrifying ordeal on Block Island, the remaining Keating family members are still grappling with what really happened that fateful day. Their recollections are different, as are the ripple effects of their trauma; some of the Keatings turned to drugs and drinking to quiet the memories, while others cling to a near-manic vigilance in the hopes of evading whatever curse may have followed them from Block Island.
Because if the events of four years ago really did happen, that means that something is still out there. Something that could return for the rest of them.
"On a Clear Day, You Can See Block Island" boasted a vague--and for that reason, intriguing--summary about a family attempting to piece their lives back together after unthinkable tragedy. Having not read a horror novel since the fall, I was more than ready to dive into Greenwood's novel and had high hopes for it, mostly from early reviews.
What I found, unfortunately, was a haphazard story riddled with plot holes (and equal amounts of plot armor) that suffered most from Greenwood's underdeveloped writing. The story, in essence, felt like a rough draft of what could have eventually been a somewhat-decent horror plot that was rushed unfinished to publication. The characters lacked any semblance of development, the dialogue was odd at best and painful at worst, and the plot's only redeeming element was its explosive and surprising opening scene.
From early reviews it's clear that Greenwood has devoted readers who can appreciate his storytelling, but I regret to say I'm not one of them. Not an author I would return to.
*Many thanks to NetGalley & Gage Greenwood for the advanced review copy of this title*
February 16, 2024
Gage Greenwood mesmerized me first with Winter's Myths, and then with Winter's Legacy, which was actually even better, and the bare naked truth is, I don't know if he'll ever be able to top my love for that series. But he doesn't have to! I have room in my heart for all of his books, and if this one doesn't quite knock the the Winter's series off the mountain top, it very nearly matches it.
First of all, he is a total savage with about as much regard for sacred cows as has Game of Thrones. Don't pick favorites in this story unless you'd like your heart ripped out and handed to you. And then slapped out of your hand and stomped on. It starts with a hell of a bang. All I'm really going to say about that is 'crunch' is now right up there with 'moist' as my least favorite word.
He then scales the action back a notch to make room to unfold the super intriguing backstory, explore island lore, and build beautiful relationships, all of which just ratchets up the tension bit by slow torturous bit, while pushing onward toward the reappearance of mayhem. And once it hits, it never lets up again until the perfect circle of an ending. In the end, it left me a little traumatized and a little broken-hearted, and really moved by all of the very, very human moments in the midst of all the monstrous stuff. Greenwood goes painfully deep into themes of loss, grief, addiction, and the way trauma can break people. And bond them. It sounds strange to say on the back of all this darkness, but I also really appreciate an author who knows how to deploy genuinely funny moments into horror and heartbreak. It adds another dimension that really works for me when it's done well. And Gage Greenwood does it really well.
There were so many really beautiful, contemplative, philosophical, insightful, poetic moments throughout the book. He writes real people, and digs in there pretty deep while bringing them to life.
With this book, Greenwood unlocked at least one new fear that I was not previously aware was a thing for me. He also put a chilling voice (or duality of voices, to be more accurate) in my head I don't think I'll be able to unhear any time soon.
As always with his stuff, I LOVED all the Easter eggs and throw backs to his other stories, and the winks to his Patreon group. I do have a personal connection to this story that I won't elaborate on further, other than to say it's one of the highlights of my life.
And can I just take a moment to say that Dagan Legg Boyd's cover is stunning??!!
I think I've said enough, so that is all. Well, I LOVE it. And THAT is all.
First of all, he is a total savage with about as much regard for sacred cows as has Game of Thrones. Don't pick favorites in this story unless you'd like your heart ripped out and handed to you. And then slapped out of your hand and stomped on. It starts with a hell of a bang. All I'm really going to say about that is 'crunch' is now right up there with 'moist' as my least favorite word.
He then scales the action back a notch to make room to unfold the super intriguing backstory, explore island lore, and build beautiful relationships, all of which just ratchets up the tension bit by slow torturous bit, while pushing onward toward the reappearance of mayhem. And once it hits, it never lets up again until the perfect circle of an ending. In the end, it left me a little traumatized and a little broken-hearted, and really moved by all of the very, very human moments in the midst of all the monstrous stuff. Greenwood goes painfully deep into themes of loss, grief, addiction, and the way trauma can break people. And bond them. It sounds strange to say on the back of all this darkness, but I also really appreciate an author who knows how to deploy genuinely funny moments into horror and heartbreak. It adds another dimension that really works for me when it's done well. And Gage Greenwood does it really well.
There were so many really beautiful, contemplative, philosophical, insightful, poetic moments throughout the book. He writes real people, and digs in there pretty deep while bringing them to life.
With this book, Greenwood unlocked at least one new fear that I was not previously aware was a thing for me. He also put a chilling voice (or duality of voices, to be more accurate) in my head I don't think I'll be able to unhear any time soon.
As always with his stuff, I LOVED all the Easter eggs and throw backs to his other stories, and the winks to his Patreon group. I do have a personal connection to this story that I won't elaborate on further, other than to say it's one of the highlights of my life.
And can I just take a moment to say that Dagan Legg Boyd's cover is stunning??!!
I think I've said enough, so that is all. Well, I LOVE it. And THAT is all.
October 1, 2024
it lost my attention a few times in the last third of the book when it turned into basically The Mist by Stephen King, but I loved Chrissy and all her commentary about horror as a genre. The monsters in this book are so creepy, and the writing mixed with the short chapters made the story quite captivating.
March 3, 2024
This book was a blast! At this point I think anything Gage writes is just pure gold. I’m a huge creature feature fan, The Mist is one of my favorite King stories, and I love the in depth characters that Mike Flanagan creates in his work. Why do I say all this? Because this felt to me like a mashup of The Mist meets Fall of the House of Usher, where we get a flawed, well-developed family going up against some nasty beasts mixed in with some of Gage’s trademark humor. You will feel right at home while reading this. And the creatures will let you know. “Welcome home.”
February 13, 2024
I believe I devoured this book in two nights. And that, only because I had to work in the morning and sleep forced me to put it down at the halfway point.
The first half of this book quite literally had me sitting up in bed, with "holy shit!" expletives disturbing the slumber of my reading companions, the cat and the dog. The second half of the book, while not quite as disturbingly eye-popping or as well crafted as the first half, also had me on pins and needles, as I eagerly read to see which character Greenwood would throw to the beasties, quite literally. I learned early on that Greenwood the author was a bloodthirsty one.
I loved the chapter headings, and the cover art, and hell, the entire contents. I loved that I had to look up "langblass nebelbewohner" to see if this was a real beast from Germanic folklore or not. I loved the family dynamics.
Gage Greenwood, my hat is off to you. I will most definitely be tracking down your other fictional tales. Bravo!
The first half of this book quite literally had me sitting up in bed, with "holy shit!" expletives disturbing the slumber of my reading companions, the cat and the dog. The second half of the book, while not quite as disturbingly eye-popping or as well crafted as the first half, also had me on pins and needles, as I eagerly read to see which character Greenwood would throw to the beasties, quite literally. I learned early on that Greenwood the author was a bloodthirsty one.
I loved the chapter headings, and the cover art, and hell, the entire contents. I loved that I had to look up "langblass nebelbewohner" to see if this was a real beast from Germanic folklore or not. I loved the family dynamics.
Gage Greenwood, my hat is off to you. I will most definitely be tracking down your other fictional tales. Bravo!
February 5, 2024
Two words come to mind to describe this story: insanity & intensity.
The Keating family is stuck within their grief and trauma, and things are about to become much, much worse when a few of the remaining family members venture back to Block Island Sound.
Seeped in despair, drenched in the horrors of the human mind, drowned in blood spilled by monstrous creatures from distant lands, this tale will haunt you. This story will welcome all the dark literature readers home.
Gage Greenwood brings a devastated family’s nightmares to life in these pages. I am a huge fan of his prose and characters, the scary elements he brings to the table, and the splash of folklore added in as well! Definitely grab this story and check out his other work (you’ll find Easter Eggs in this book about Bunker Dogs, Winter’s Myths, and more), you won’t be disappointed.
The Keating family is stuck within their grief and trauma, and things are about to become much, much worse when a few of the remaining family members venture back to Block Island Sound.
Seeped in despair, drenched in the horrors of the human mind, drowned in blood spilled by monstrous creatures from distant lands, this tale will haunt you. This story will welcome all the dark literature readers home.
Gage Greenwood brings a devastated family’s nightmares to life in these pages. I am a huge fan of his prose and characters, the scary elements he brings to the table, and the splash of folklore added in as well! Definitely grab this story and check out his other work (you’ll find Easter Eggs in this book about Bunker Dogs, Winter’s Myths, and more), you won’t be disappointed.
February 22, 2024
Right out of the gate, this book punches you in the gut with horror and gore. It just keeps going and every time you think you are safe… nope. It was a fun and creepy read. The mystery was fun to figure out. I loved the lore behind everything.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gage Greenwood, Tanner’s Switch Publishing for providing me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Gage Greenwood, Tanner’s Switch Publishing for providing me with a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
July 25, 2024
Mr. Greenwood has worked his way up to my favorite author! This one has it all, it builds you up just to crush you! I loved all the characters in this book and just thought the whole story was great! Honestly had my heart racing a few times! I can’t say enough good things about this book, just make sure to go read it yourself!
February 10, 2024
𝗜 𝗴𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗔𝗥𝗖 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄. 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿, 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸!
4 years ago, tragedy struck family Keating as Jackson's wife Elaina died in a work related accident.
Together he and his children (Wreath, Brian, Charlie, Chrissy and Angela) tried to move past the Trauma. After moving to a big, old house on Block Island the father of the family feels as if they could try for a new start… but before Jackson knew it, his family faced the next massive tragedy.
This one even more monstrous, traumatising and shaking everyone to the core.
Today (4 years later) the Family is trying to come to terms with what happened on the Island, or rather they just try to forget because the reality is much worse than anything you could come up with in a horror movie… right!?
The 3 youngest siblings (Charlie, Chrissy and Angela) want to go back and find out what was real and what not. They want to lift that fog of this fateful night years ago.
On their way to seek the truth they will have to avoid many obstacles… question is is it really worth it?
¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦
I am not able to reveal too much about this Book, because the Mayhem starts after only two or thress pages.
Just one wrong word might mess up your reading experience, and that would just not be fair!
The Author did an outstanding job here. He didn't leave room for me, the Reader, or the characters in the Book to pause and take a breath for a second.
The Horror began almost instantly and pulled me in. All in all I read this Book in less than 12 hours.
The Author just piled it on me, bit by bit until I was in need of a whole Jar full of Fingernails to bite on!! The tnesion was almost unbearable at times.
What can I say except, this was f*cking amazing!!
This is what I need every now and then, pure Chaos and the prospect of an ending without a Happy Ending!
Was there a Happy End? I don't know how to answer that, after what happened.
Greenwood adhered to Stephen King's quote, "Kill your Darlings…"
And I am not sure if I can wholly forgive him, which is a good thing in my Book!
He get's 5 Stars from me.
(Btw, Block Island with its two Lighthouses? It is real, I googled it!)
The Book will be published on the 10'th of February 2024, btw.
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔! 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.
P.S.: Long live Vinx!
4 years ago, tragedy struck family Keating as Jackson's wife Elaina died in a work related accident.
Together he and his children (Wreath, Brian, Charlie, Chrissy and Angela) tried to move past the Trauma. After moving to a big, old house on Block Island the father of the family feels as if they could try for a new start… but before Jackson knew it, his family faced the next massive tragedy.
This one even more monstrous, traumatising and shaking everyone to the core.
Today (4 years later) the Family is trying to come to terms with what happened on the Island, or rather they just try to forget because the reality is much worse than anything you could come up with in a horror movie… right!?
The 3 youngest siblings (Charlie, Chrissy and Angela) want to go back and find out what was real and what not. They want to lift that fog of this fateful night years ago.
On their way to seek the truth they will have to avoid many obstacles… question is is it really worth it?
¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦ · ¦ ߹ ¦
I am not able to reveal too much about this Book, because the Mayhem starts after only two or thress pages.
Just one wrong word might mess up your reading experience, and that would just not be fair!
The Author did an outstanding job here. He didn't leave room for me, the Reader, or the characters in the Book to pause and take a breath for a second.
The Horror began almost instantly and pulled me in. All in all I read this Book in less than 12 hours.
The Author just piled it on me, bit by bit until I was in need of a whole Jar full of Fingernails to bite on!! The tnesion was almost unbearable at times.
What can I say except, this was f*cking amazing!!
This is what I need every now and then, pure Chaos and the prospect of an ending without a Happy Ending!
Was there a Happy End? I don't know how to answer that, after what happened.
Greenwood adhered to Stephen King's quote, "Kill your Darlings…"
And I am not sure if I can wholly forgive him, which is a good thing in my Book!
He get's 5 Stars from me.
(Btw, Block Island with its two Lighthouses? It is real, I googled it!)
The Book will be published on the 10'th of February 2024, btw.
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒕 𝑯𝒐𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓 𝒊𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒔𝒆𝒆𝒎𝒔 𝑯𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔! 𝑾𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝑫𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒘𝒉𝒐 𝒃𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆.
P.S.: Long live Vinx!
March 16, 2024
I wanted so badly to love this, as I’ve seen positive reviews from other NetGalley ARC readers. Unfortunately, this fell flat for me. While the plot was captivating and the first chapter hooked me into the narrative, the dialogue was my primary gripe with this story as a whole. I simply didn’t find the characters’ interactions believable, and their purported ages were laughable in the context of their speech. I love a creature feature as much as the next girl, and a folklore-driven mystery is right up my alley, but I can’t say I’d recommend this to discerning adult readers. Thanks to NetGalley for the review copy, and I’ll undoubtedly be picking up this author’s prior work Bunker Dogs (about which I’ve heard rave reviews)!
Some non-spoilery lines that had me rolling my eyes, replicated here for your viewing pleasure:
- "He wasn't even just an alcoholic, he was a frat boy dude bro alcoholic."
- "It's way too much. We shouldn't have to deal with all of this crap. Normal kids just worry about running out of vape juice."
- "Before you kill me, can you tell me your story? ... Can't you just feed my curiosity before you end this?"
- "Fuck you, how's your butt? Seriously, I'm concerned because you take a book into the bathroom and sit on the toilet for forty-five minutes. Do you really have that much poop?"
- "This dog has been with me for two seconds and he's already been nicer to me than any of you have. Ever. I'm keeping the fucking dog. I don't give a shit." (This line is allegedly uttered by a literal CHILD)
- "Hey fucker! You killed my daughter. You owe me a life."
- "The monster snarled in the doorway, and she never wanted to smash a head in as badly as she did now, which was saying something because she often wanted to smash people's heads in."
Some non-spoilery lines that had me rolling my eyes, replicated here for your viewing pleasure:
- "He wasn't even just an alcoholic, he was a frat boy dude bro alcoholic."
- "It's way too much. We shouldn't have to deal with all of this crap. Normal kids just worry about running out of vape juice."
- "Before you kill me, can you tell me your story? ... Can't you just feed my curiosity before you end this?"
- "Fuck you, how's your butt? Seriously, I'm concerned because you take a book into the bathroom and sit on the toilet for forty-five minutes. Do you really have that much poop?"
- "This dog has been with me for two seconds and he's already been nicer to me than any of you have. Ever. I'm keeping the fucking dog. I don't give a shit." (This line is allegedly uttered by a literal CHILD)
- "Hey fucker! You killed my daughter. You owe me a life."
- "The monster snarled in the doorway, and she never wanted to smash a head in as badly as she did now, which was saying something because she often wanted to smash people's heads in."
February 11, 2024
New favorite author right here!
This book snagged me from start. A family rocked by tragedy is barely surviving the ripple effects years later. And the horrors--oh, the jaw dropping horrors--that accompany all this will have you sleeping with the lights on.
This book snagged me from start. A family rocked by tragedy is barely surviving the ripple effects years later. And the horrors--oh, the jaw dropping horrors--that accompany all this will have you sleeping with the lights on.
December 4, 2023
Thank you to the author for the ARC!
This book is a lot, in the best way. Two of my favorite literary things--grief horror and messy sibling relationships--feature prominently here. This book also covers generational trauma and poverty, and wraps it all up with a mysterious creature feature bow. (None of this is a spoiler, this is all in the first couple of pages!)
Things hit the ground running in the first chapter with a thrilling and deeply creepy narrative flashback, then the book takes a tiny breather to set up our characters and their shared and separate tragedies, and then picks up swiftly and doesn't really stop for the second half.
And about those characters? Don't get too attached to any of them. The gore flows fast and easy on these pages! There are losses, but also a tricky and excellently paced multi-POV chase that veers between fight and flight at breakneck speed.
Without spoilers, I'll just say I wanted more lore. There's a promising scene with a town historian that I wished was a little meatier, but I can also see where that would mess with the story's momentum, which is picking up quickly at that point.
The prose throughout the book is beautiful and evocative. Greenwood uses succinct and elegant language to get at complicated situations: why we can treat the people we love with cruelty, why we love or don't love them in the first place, and why we can walk away from the people we should ostensibly be closest to. I'm mystified this is my first book by this author; it certainly won't be my last.
This book is a lot, in the best way. Two of my favorite literary things--grief horror and messy sibling relationships--feature prominently here. This book also covers generational trauma and poverty, and wraps it all up with a mysterious creature feature bow. (None of this is a spoiler, this is all in the first couple of pages!)
Things hit the ground running in the first chapter with a thrilling and deeply creepy narrative flashback, then the book takes a tiny breather to set up our characters and their shared and separate tragedies, and then picks up swiftly and doesn't really stop for the second half.
And about those characters? Don't get too attached to any of them. The gore flows fast and easy on these pages! There are losses, but also a tricky and excellently paced multi-POV chase that veers between fight and flight at breakneck speed.
Without spoilers, I'll just say I wanted more lore. There's a promising scene with a town historian that I wished was a little meatier, but I can also see where that would mess with the story's momentum, which is picking up quickly at that point.
The prose throughout the book is beautiful and evocative. Greenwood uses succinct and elegant language to get at complicated situations: why we can treat the people we love with cruelty, why we love or don't love them in the first place, and why we can walk away from the people we should ostensibly be closest to. I'm mystified this is my first book by this author; it certainly won't be my last.
December 7, 2023
There are many ways to praise a horror book: it's extraordinarily well-written, it has atmosphere, it's creepy, scary, disturbing, tightly plotted, its characters are realistically drawn, relatable, likeable, human. Gage Greenwood's 'On a Clear Day, You can See Block Island' is all of these things, yet even such praise won't be enough for this gem of a book. Perhaps what's lacking is a proper, clean word, to capture the most significant aspect of the novel, as far as I'm concerned: its wisdom. On its own, such a word says nothing; put in the context of this terrific story, where major family issues are brought up constantly and the plot is driven by the tension between siblings and their father, wisdom seems hard to achieve in any fruitful way. And yet, the book is brimming with it, with experience, with pain, trauma, and regret. One can learn from this book, especially if they've had to deal with loss and the promise of happy endings. Add to all this a rather complicated folklore background story, and a plotline with strong early Stephen King and Mike Flannagan's "Hill House" vibes, plus some visceral imagery not for the faint of heart, and something of the reading experience this book offers might come across. This is simply one of the best horror books I've ever read.
February 3, 2024
I've heard a lot about this author and was looking forward to reading this one. Unfortunately, I found it real work to finish. I found all the characters to be one dimensional with no real difference between them. It felt like there was a lot of "telling" me about them but not enough "showing". For me, sympathetic characters are important. No matter how good the plot may or not be. It's the characters that make the book for me. I also found the ending to be a bit predictable and lackluster.
I know many people enjoyed this book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I know many people enjoyed this book but unfortunately it just wasn't for me.
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2024
"Welcome home, you pains in the ass"
On a Clear Day, You Can See Block Island is a terrifying, tension filled, shiver inducing, creature feature that turns into an otherworldly nightmare. It was one of those books that you couldn't devour fast enough yet wanted to savor it and make the feelings last forever. I could only stretch it out for 4 days. If I wasn't reading the book, then I was thinking about it. I don't want to say too much because this tragically devastating book needs to be experienced.
I highlighted so many lines, mostly because they were either deep and heartfelt, or jaw droppingly unexpected. I live for books that make me feel this way. Not just because it was a suspenseful adrenaline ride, but because Gage's writing was engaging. There were so many quotes that express how I feel about different aspects of my life but could never put into words. Somehow Gage did that for me in seemingly off-the-cuff remarks, little "ta-da" moments that make you catch your breath and mumble "oh my god! exactly!"
This is also one of those books where you realize that sometimes the ones who die are the lucky ones.
"This would break her. Today ended her in some way. If she survived, she'd go on, but she'd never be the same ______ again."
On a Clear Day, You Can See Block Island is a terrifying, tension filled, shiver inducing, creature feature that turns into an otherworldly nightmare. It was one of those books that you couldn't devour fast enough yet wanted to savor it and make the feelings last forever. I could only stretch it out for 4 days. If I wasn't reading the book, then I was thinking about it. I don't want to say too much because this tragically devastating book needs to be experienced.
I highlighted so many lines, mostly because they were either deep and heartfelt, or jaw droppingly unexpected. I live for books that make me feel this way. Not just because it was a suspenseful adrenaline ride, but because Gage's writing was engaging. There were so many quotes that express how I feel about different aspects of my life but could never put into words. Somehow Gage did that for me in seemingly off-the-cuff remarks, little "ta-da" moments that make you catch your breath and mumble "oh my god! exactly!"
This is also one of those books where you realize that sometimes the ones who die are the lucky ones.
"This would break her. Today ended her in some way. If she survived, she'd go on, but she'd never be the same ______ again."
May 25, 2024
I had this book on my Kindle app for a while before reading it, and I’m sort of kicking myself for not reading it sooner, this book was the first from this author, but before I finished it, I already went and added a few more onto my kindle app.
I don’t know why, but I was expecting more of a gothic slow burn, but instead it is action packed right from the start and doesn’t let up, I loved it.
The writing is smooth and easy to read, and the characters were well developed and have depth, the monster is brutal and creepy, and I loved the little details with it’s behaviour, like when it tilts it’s head when you talk to it, added to the creepiness.
If you like your creature features a little on the dark and creepy side, then you will love this.
I don’t know why, but I was expecting more of a gothic slow burn, but instead it is action packed right from the start and doesn’t let up, I loved it.
The writing is smooth and easy to read, and the characters were well developed and have depth, the monster is brutal and creepy, and I loved the little details with it’s behaviour, like when it tilts it’s head when you talk to it, added to the creepiness.
If you like your creature features a little on the dark and creepy side, then you will love this.
April 26, 2025
2 stars, and that’s mostly because I own the gorgeous Twisted Retreat Edition of this book.
Didn’t find this scary at all. Too many characters who feel superficial and some absolutely unrealistic dialogue considering the age of the characters.
Does have some great insights every so often on Grief & how a family can become fragmented after a loss, but this fell short for me.
Didn’t find this scary at all. Too many characters who feel superficial and some absolutely unrealistic dialogue considering the age of the characters.
Does have some great insights every so often on Grief & how a family can become fragmented after a loss, but this fell short for me.
Read
February 7, 2025DNF @55%. Nothing objectively bad with it so left unrated, it just wasn't for me. Slow burn, rambly, quirky writing, lots of overexplaining of feelings by the narration instead of showing us them.
November 16, 2023
Once again I have no words. Gage’s mind creates such beautiful and terrifying worlds. He sends you to places you don’t want to go to, but then makes you never want to leave.
On a Clear Day You Can See Block Island is no exception. On a single page I went from laughing to crying and was so entranced from beginning to end I literally couldn’t put the book down.
For me, a book is powerful if it makes you FEEL something. This one takes hold of you in the first chapter and never lets go. Gage has written yet another masterpiece. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be here for it, and to read it in advance thanks to being a member of his Patreon.
Long live Vinx. ❤️
On a Clear Day You Can See Block Island is no exception. On a single page I went from laughing to crying and was so entranced from beginning to end I literally couldn’t put the book down.
For me, a book is powerful if it makes you FEEL something. This one takes hold of you in the first chapter and never lets go. Gage has written yet another masterpiece. I’m so thankful for the opportunity to be here for it, and to read it in advance thanks to being a member of his Patreon.
Long live Vinx. ❤️
February 11, 2024
The good thing about reading a book by Gage is that I know for a fact that I'm going to love it. I've read enough of his work at this point to know that no matter what the synopsis or plot is going to be, his writing, wit and charm is going to win me over and I will end up reading a five star book that becomes a new favorite. Every time, without fail! This book about Block Island is no different.
As always, reading Gage's work is a damn delight. Even during the bleakest moments, he has the ability to interject enough light through witty banter and Easter Eggs that it never seems that all hope is lost. I find Gage's attention to detail in all of his books absolutely magnificent. There are references to his other works, characters named after and based off of members of our indie horror community, and even private jokes meant only for his Patreon members. As a reader and a fan, I cannot tell you how special it makes me feel while reading a book to be privy to the inner workings of some of these moments.
This book hooks the reader immediately. A devastating loss followed by another devastating loss. It is completely unbelievable how much this poor family goes through in just the first few pages. After the first intense chapter, we cut to 4 years after the tragedy and are dropped into a beautifully written story of grief, a fucked up family all dealing with their past traumas, and a desire to gain closure and understanding about the remaining family member's tragic loss.
This book has twists and turns, and many moments where I wanted to throttle Gage because how dare he?! It was emotional and creepy, everything you want from a horror novel. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Be prepared, you will become emotional during this book, but the payoff of reading a spectacular story is worth the pain.
As always, reading Gage's work is a damn delight. Even during the bleakest moments, he has the ability to interject enough light through witty banter and Easter Eggs that it never seems that all hope is lost. I find Gage's attention to detail in all of his books absolutely magnificent. There are references to his other works, characters named after and based off of members of our indie horror community, and even private jokes meant only for his Patreon members. As a reader and a fan, I cannot tell you how special it makes me feel while reading a book to be privy to the inner workings of some of these moments.
This book hooks the reader immediately. A devastating loss followed by another devastating loss. It is completely unbelievable how much this poor family goes through in just the first few pages. After the first intense chapter, we cut to 4 years after the tragedy and are dropped into a beautifully written story of grief, a fucked up family all dealing with their past traumas, and a desire to gain closure and understanding about the remaining family member's tragic loss.
This book has twists and turns, and many moments where I wanted to throttle Gage because how dare he?! It was emotional and creepy, everything you want from a horror novel. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Be prepared, you will become emotional during this book, but the payoff of reading a spectacular story is worth the pain.
April 18, 2024
“Please,” he yelled into the hollow night air, and then whispered. “I finally have friends.”
If you're looking for a feel-good happy ending... then look elsewhere you won't find it here. Prepare to have your heart absolutely shattered with this one.
I'm honestly blown away by how fucking painful and yet beautiful this story is. I'm not sure which is worse, to be haunted by a monster or to be haunted by grief. The way that Gage wrote this story and the layers of trauma and emotion within the characters are absolutely visceral.... I literally felt like I was being gut punched multiple times and cried more than I would like to admit.
It's no secret that his 2023 release of Bunker Dogs was a great book. In fact, I considered it one of my top reads of the year. BUT..this book...absolutely blows it out of the water. No question, hands down, this is the best thing I feel that he has ever written. In "Block island,"Gage perfectly blended horror, folklore, and family drama into one unforgettable story.
"Horror wasn’t a spotlight on evil, it was control. If a person could create beautiful sentences from horrific events, then any person could weave their way through life’s trauma. You just had to make the grime shine."
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
If you're looking for a feel-good happy ending... then look elsewhere you won't find it here. Prepare to have your heart absolutely shattered with this one.
I'm honestly blown away by how fucking painful and yet beautiful this story is. I'm not sure which is worse, to be haunted by a monster or to be haunted by grief. The way that Gage wrote this story and the layers of trauma and emotion within the characters are absolutely visceral.... I literally felt like I was being gut punched multiple times and cried more than I would like to admit.
It's no secret that his 2023 release of Bunker Dogs was a great book. In fact, I considered it one of my top reads of the year. BUT..this book...absolutely blows it out of the water. No question, hands down, this is the best thing I feel that he has ever written. In "Block island,"Gage perfectly blended horror, folklore, and family drama into one unforgettable story.
"Horror wasn’t a spotlight on evil, it was control. If a person could create beautiful sentences from horrific events, then any person could weave their way through life’s trauma. You just had to make the grime shine."
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
March 13, 2024
2.5 stars rounded up. Things started off pretty strong (that first chapter!), but I struggled with the writing and dialogue. The story and characters felt underdeveloped. I was really looking forward to this one, but sadly, wouldn’t recommend it.
December 9, 2023
From the first chapter, after the initial, "Holy Crap!" this story takes off like some terrifying roller-coaster!! Full of horror, grief, and monsters that are the stuff of nightmares!!
September 1, 2024
Now this was the horror book I was looking for. Highly recommend
December 12, 2023
No spoilers, just what I thought! Shoot out to Gage for sending me an early copy!! 🖤🖤
Chapter one goes from zero to 60 and it stays there for the whole book! The whole atmosphere is heavy with this thick dread that seeps into every corner of this story and makes it impossible to put down. Gage has this way of writing that is so detailed and powerful, but is also SO easy to read that you’ll fly through it in an afternoon. The character’s relationships were so relatable, showing the realities of how relationships can crumble when grief hits and the various ways it presents itself. Sad, terrifying, exciting and explosive, this one needs to be on your radar for 2024!!
Chapter one goes from zero to 60 and it stays there for the whole book! The whole atmosphere is heavy with this thick dread that seeps into every corner of this story and makes it impossible to put down. Gage has this way of writing that is so detailed and powerful, but is also SO easy to read that you’ll fly through it in an afternoon. The character’s relationships were so relatable, showing the realities of how relationships can crumble when grief hits and the various ways it presents itself. Sad, terrifying, exciting and explosive, this one needs to be on your radar for 2024!!
April 2, 2024
I found this author on Facebook. He's hilarious, and very engaging.
This is a good horror story, feels very realistic, and well worth reading. I may never look in corners again.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
This is a good horror story, feels very realistic, and well worth reading. I may never look in corners again.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC
January 31, 2024
Gage Greenwood can do no wrong in my eyes. I loved this book. The first chapter hooked me, and then I read it every single moment I had, I was completely invested in the story.
The story is complex but easy to follow. Although fiction with a supernatural twist, it deals with a lot of real-life things, PTSD, generational trauma, addiction, childhood trauma, fear, love, and friendship. Gage just has a way with words.
Fast-paced, haunting, creepy, emotional, and at times funny. This was one hell of a read.
Thank you to Netgalley & Gage Greenwood for sharing a digital copy to read, as always opinions are my own.
The story is complex but easy to follow. Although fiction with a supernatural twist, it deals with a lot of real-life things, PTSD, generational trauma, addiction, childhood trauma, fear, love, and friendship. Gage just has a way with words.
Fast-paced, haunting, creepy, emotional, and at times funny. This was one hell of a read.
Thank you to Netgalley & Gage Greenwood for sharing a digital copy to read, as always opinions are my own.
March 26, 2024
Really liked it, but wasn’t a huge fan of the ending.
January 30, 2024
I have never wished for illustrations more, than with this book. I know graphic novels are the thing right now, but I don’t want one of those. I want this exact same book, but with black and white sketch illustrations. You know the kind, a little smudged, crazy lines and maybe some red for effect. The creatures, and terrifying moments in this book are so vividly written, and I know I didn’t do them justice in my mind. I demand a visual!
Grief and PTSD hand like a dark cloud through the whole book. It’s such a heavy topic, perfect for those that write horror. Atleast with horror, there is the chance for a bright ending. Maybe not always, but most of the time. Gage Greenwood did an excellent job with the deep sadness portrayed within the whole family, and still gave little peeks of hope and light. There were some incredibly shocking moments where I was like “ why did he go there?! “ but all the best books have those.
With out a doubt the scariest part, for me, was within the first few chapters. When the door is opened and we meet the monster. This usually is the most terrifying moment, but Gage Greenwood made it almost audible. I could hear the moment. I felt that moment, and I had a hard time forgetting it after. Truly terrifying.
Grief and PTSD hand like a dark cloud through the whole book. It’s such a heavy topic, perfect for those that write horror. Atleast with horror, there is the chance for a bright ending. Maybe not always, but most of the time. Gage Greenwood did an excellent job with the deep sadness portrayed within the whole family, and still gave little peeks of hope and light. There were some incredibly shocking moments where I was like “ why did he go there?! “ but all the best books have those.
With out a doubt the scariest part, for me, was within the first few chapters. When the door is opened and we meet the monster. This usually is the most terrifying moment, but Gage Greenwood made it almost audible. I could hear the moment. I felt that moment, and I had a hard time forgetting it after. Truly terrifying.
March 3, 2024
This was a great horror story based on old fashion lore and revenge for generations. The Keating family, dad and five kids, have faced a horrific tragedy. After losing their mother and being paid off with millions of dollars by a big corporation, they move to Block Island and sanctuary with million dollar homes. What happens two months later, goes beyond gruesome when a monster takes the oldest daughter from a bedroom and eviscerates her in front of the rest of the family. While dealing with loss, everyone becomes a shell of who they are suffering from grief, PTSD and anxiety. What happens next is a revenge tale and payback that engulfs the rest of the family.
Greenwood spins a really good tale here that includes monsters and in between worlds. I really wanted everyone to be ok at the end, but I think that it ended just the way it should have.
I’m looking forward to more of Greenwoods work.
Greenwood spins a really good tale here that includes monsters and in between worlds. I really wanted everyone to be ok at the end, but I think that it ended just the way it should have.
I’m looking forward to more of Greenwoods work.
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