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Iomante : A Japanese Folk Horror Series
It moves in the frozen forests. The taker of children. Its jaws are ever open. Ever hungry.Deep in the snowbound wilderness of Hokkaido, an ancient evil stalks the forests.
Anastasia "Ashiya" Ivanovna has come to Japan to hunt deer, but she carries a secret burden—one that keeps her from ever pulling the trigger. A tragic mistake in her past has left her haunted, unable to kill. But when a brutal blizzard approaches and the mutilated corpses of deer begin appearing in the trees, something far more terrifying than guilt takes hold.
When a local child vanishes, suspicion falls on Ashiya, the lone foreigner in a town gripped by fear. Yet as she joins the search party, it becomes clear the true predator is no man—it’s a beast beyond reason, a massive, impossible creature that leaves no tracks in the snow.
As the truth unravels, Ashiya must confront not only the horror lurking in the frozen woods but the ghosts of her own past. Because if she cannot, the darkness of the north will consume her, body and soul.
A chilling blend of folklore and survival horror, this gripping thriller will keep you breathless until the final page. Perfect for fans of eerie, atmospheric horror with a psychological edge.
🔥 Dare to face the beast? Grab your copy today.
Anastasia "Ashiya" Ivanovna has come to Japan to hunt deer, but she carries a secret burden—one that keeps her from ever pulling the trigger. A tragic mistake in her past has left her haunted, unable to kill. But when a brutal blizzard approaches and the mutilated corpses of deer begin appearing in the trees, something far more terrifying than guilt takes hold.
When a local child vanishes, suspicion falls on Ashiya, the lone foreigner in a town gripped by fear. Yet as she joins the search party, it becomes clear the true predator is no man—it’s a beast beyond reason, a massive, impossible creature that leaves no tracks in the snow.
As the truth unravels, Ashiya must confront not only the horror lurking in the frozen woods but the ghosts of her own past. Because if she cannot, the darkness of the north will consume her, body and soul.
A chilling blend of folklore and survival horror, this gripping thriller will keep you breathless until the final page. Perfect for fans of eerie, atmospheric horror with a psychological edge.
🔥 Dare to face the beast? Grab your copy today.
- GenresHorror
341 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Shawn Brooks
7 books29 followersSHAWN BROOKS loves the dark. He was born in the mountains of Lake Tahoe. After traveling the world he washed ashore in his current home near Kyoto, Japan. He writes horror fiction and non-fiction travel memoirs. His work has been published in the Japan Times. He enjoys hiking with his Siberian husky and paddle boarding serene lakes with unknown terrors below.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
June 20, 2025
4.25 ⭐
Okaaaay, I wish I would have read this in the winter!
Iomante is a very atmospheric and eerie read. The descriptions of the scenes and creatures were top notch. I could easily picture the terrifying beast that terrorized this little snowy village. Aaaand, fun fact, this book was inspired by the Sankebetsu Brown Bear Incident.
It includes a good amount of Japanese folklore and I was living for it. I'm a sucker for a good creepy folklore book and this delivered.
The pacing is kind of a medium pace. It did get a little repetitive but wasn't horrible. It still kept me interested.
Thank you Shawn Brooks for providing an advance review copy of this book via BookSirens!
Okaaaay, I wish I would have read this in the winter!
Iomante is a very atmospheric and eerie read. The descriptions of the scenes and creatures were top notch. I could easily picture the terrifying beast that terrorized this little snowy village. Aaaand, fun fact, this book was inspired by the Sankebetsu Brown Bear Incident.
It includes a good amount of Japanese folklore and I was living for it. I'm a sucker for a good creepy folklore book and this delivered.
The pacing is kind of a medium pace. It did get a little repetitive but wasn't horrible. It still kept me interested.
Thank you Shawn Brooks for providing an advance review copy of this book via BookSirens!
July 29, 2025
Oof.
Yep. Oof.
This book hit hard but in all the right ways.
Atmospheric and yet terrifyingly isolated? Yep.
Creepy, overwhelming sense of dread? Mhmm.
Psychological terror and horror? Oh, yes.
The monster? Psychotic nightmare fuel.
The author brought this story of Japanese folklore, a strong female lead character with just enough trauma to make her interesting and make it horrifying at the same time to life in ways I have not seen in a long time.
Keep it up, Shawn Brooks, soon you will be crowned King of Horror.
I received a copy of this ARC from Book Sirens, my review is entirely voluntary.
Yep. Oof.
This book hit hard but in all the right ways.
Atmospheric and yet terrifyingly isolated? Yep.
Creepy, overwhelming sense of dread? Mhmm.
Psychological terror and horror? Oh, yes.
The monster? Psychotic nightmare fuel.
The author brought this story of Japanese folklore, a strong female lead character with just enough trauma to make her interesting and make it horrifying at the same time to life in ways I have not seen in a long time.
Keep it up, Shawn Brooks, soon you will be crowned King of Horror.
I received a copy of this ARC from Book Sirens, my review is entirely voluntary.
March 26, 2025
I had the chance to read Iomante by Shawn Brooks as a beta reader, and I was hooked from the very beginning. This book opens with a strong sense of dread and never lets go. The pacing is excellent, keeping the tension high without ever feeling overwhelming. I flew through it because I genuinely could not put it down.
The setting is cold, eerie, and incredibly vivid. I could practically feel the snow crunching underfoot and the chill sinking into my bones. The remote wilderness of Hokkaido made the perfect backdrop for this terrifying story, adding to the isolation and intensity as things quickly spiraled.
Ashiya is a fantastic main character. She is layered and flawed in a way that made her easy to connect with. Her past trauma and emotional conflict felt believable, and her growth throughout the story felt earned. I was rooting for her every step of the way. The supporting characters also stood out, each bringing something to the table and helping flesh out the world and the stakes.
And the monster? Absolutely terrifying. It is not just a creature lurking in the dark. It feels ancient and evil in a way that made my skin crawl. Every time it appeared or was even hinted at, I was completely locked in. It gave the story a true sense of danger and mystery.
I loved how folklore, survival, and psychological horror were woven together. There is something deeply haunting about the blend of external and internal threats, and this book handled both so well. The final act was intense, emotional, and incredibly satisfying.
This is the kind of horror story that makes you want more. Atmospheric, scary, and filled with heart, Iomante is one of the most memorable reads I have picked up in a while. I truly loved every bit of it.
The setting is cold, eerie, and incredibly vivid. I could practically feel the snow crunching underfoot and the chill sinking into my bones. The remote wilderness of Hokkaido made the perfect backdrop for this terrifying story, adding to the isolation and intensity as things quickly spiraled.
Ashiya is a fantastic main character. She is layered and flawed in a way that made her easy to connect with. Her past trauma and emotional conflict felt believable, and her growth throughout the story felt earned. I was rooting for her every step of the way. The supporting characters also stood out, each bringing something to the table and helping flesh out the world and the stakes.
And the monster? Absolutely terrifying. It is not just a creature lurking in the dark. It feels ancient and evil in a way that made my skin crawl. Every time it appeared or was even hinted at, I was completely locked in. It gave the story a true sense of danger and mystery.
I loved how folklore, survival, and psychological horror were woven together. There is something deeply haunting about the blend of external and internal threats, and this book handled both so well. The final act was intense, emotional, and incredibly satisfying.
This is the kind of horror story that makes you want more. Atmospheric, scary, and filled with heart, Iomante is one of the most memorable reads I have picked up in a while. I truly loved every bit of it.
July 5, 2025
First off - kudos to the author for getting the russian name right. I mean, I feel it shouldn't be that hard because it can be googled but lots of times all sorts of nationalities get mixed up into one pot and suddenly serbian last names become russian for example.
Another thing I would love to point out - I was very happy to see a character who is both russian and not a Slav! Lot of ethnicities in Central Asia seems to be just forgotten, and I see this quite often that Westerners don't realize just how many indigenous peoples live in russia, or that they exist at all.
On the same note, kudos to the author for including an Ainu character.
Honestly, this was an overall very enjoyable read, at the very least for all the reasons mentioned above.
Now as for the plot and the horror part - very entertaining and captivating, which was a common thread throughout the series.
On another personal note - you might think as a vegan I might not wanna read a book about hunting, however, something the Ainu hunter says definitely aligned with my values. Honestly, I just got lots of positive surprised all throughout the book.
I will be definitely reading further.
Another thing I would love to point out - I was very happy to see a character who is both russian and not a Slav! Lot of ethnicities in Central Asia seems to be just forgotten, and I see this quite often that Westerners don't realize just how many indigenous peoples live in russia, or that they exist at all.
On the same note, kudos to the author for including an Ainu character.
Honestly, this was an overall very enjoyable read, at the very least for all the reasons mentioned above.
Now as for the plot and the horror part - very entertaining and captivating, which was a common thread throughout the series.
On another personal note - you might think as a vegan I might not wanna read a book about hunting, however, something the Ainu hunter says definitely aligned with my values. Honestly, I just got lots of positive surprised all throughout the book.
I will be definitely reading further.
July 16, 2025
Japanese folk horror has become a bit of a draw for me recently. Shawn’s Black Sun series (all books published so far can be read as standalones) hits the mark every time.
Ashiya has run away to Japan to hunt deer and to try to escape her own demons. Haunted by the death of her brother, she’s left unable to pull the trigger and take the life of any creature. A blizzard blows into the area and in its aftermath, the mutliated bodies of deer are found in the area. So when a child disappears without a trace, Ashiya as the foreigner is the prime suspect. Joining the search party to help find the boy, she finds herself face to face with a truly terrifying predator. It leaves behind absolute devastation but no tracks in the snow. Ashiya must confront the thing lurking in the woods and also the ghosts that haunt her.
Shawn’s stories suck you into them kicking and screaming. The reader is pulled into the middle of the story where you genuinely experience the terror and fear that the characters are feeling. The tension and creepiness within the story is relentless. You don’t know when the predator will appear and what it’s going to do.
There are characters within this story that you will instantly feel a connection with - a strength that Shawn brings to his writing- as well as others who you will instantly detest. Shawn plays with morally grey situations and decisions throughout this story, his characters in many ways relatable, their actions realistic and understandable. Ashiya’s need to do something, to find the boy, a way of looking for forgiveness for her inactions years before.
Then there is the predator - a truly terrifying creature who inflicts horrific deaths on its victims. But the folk story that is associated with this tale will make you look at the creature in another light. I love how Shawn brings the traditional stories together with the modern horror tale.
Be prepared for some gory, bloody scenes, extreme terror which pulsates from the pages. The atmosphere of the blizzard and the cold heightens the intensity of the tension and fear felt by the characters.
One of my favourite reads so far this year, Iomante shows that Shawn is an author to watch out for. His new short story collection Pine Haven has just been released, another book I’m excited to delve into.
4 ⭐️
Ashiya has run away to Japan to hunt deer and to try to escape her own demons. Haunted by the death of her brother, she’s left unable to pull the trigger and take the life of any creature. A blizzard blows into the area and in its aftermath, the mutliated bodies of deer are found in the area. So when a child disappears without a trace, Ashiya as the foreigner is the prime suspect. Joining the search party to help find the boy, she finds herself face to face with a truly terrifying predator. It leaves behind absolute devastation but no tracks in the snow. Ashiya must confront the thing lurking in the woods and also the ghosts that haunt her.
Shawn’s stories suck you into them kicking and screaming. The reader is pulled into the middle of the story where you genuinely experience the terror and fear that the characters are feeling. The tension and creepiness within the story is relentless. You don’t know when the predator will appear and what it’s going to do.
There are characters within this story that you will instantly feel a connection with - a strength that Shawn brings to his writing- as well as others who you will instantly detest. Shawn plays with morally grey situations and decisions throughout this story, his characters in many ways relatable, their actions realistic and understandable. Ashiya’s need to do something, to find the boy, a way of looking for forgiveness for her inactions years before.
Then there is the predator - a truly terrifying creature who inflicts horrific deaths on its victims. But the folk story that is associated with this tale will make you look at the creature in another light. I love how Shawn brings the traditional stories together with the modern horror tale.
Be prepared for some gory, bloody scenes, extreme terror which pulsates from the pages. The atmosphere of the blizzard and the cold heightens the intensity of the tension and fear felt by the characters.
One of my favourite reads so far this year, Iomante shows that Shawn is an author to watch out for. His new short story collection Pine Haven has just been released, another book I’m excited to delve into.
4 ⭐️
November 27, 2025
This book, the third book in the Black Sun series, delves deep into themes of loss, grief, and self-redemption, anchoring its horror elements within a narrative that is as emotional as it is chilling. Compared to the previous installments in the Black Sun series, this story adopts a slower pace and a broader cast of POVs. This multi-perspective approach works in its favor which offers greater insight, emotional weight, and context as the mystery unfolds. It adds thoughtful depth to both the characters and the unfolding horror, enriching the overall experience.
While the novel hints at the supernatural early on, it remains largely ambiguous and circumstantial until the third act. Instead, much of the story leans heavily into wilderness survival horror: isolation, unforgiving landscapes, and the terror of the unknown. When the supernatural finally reveals itself, it does so through a clever blend of undead horror and Japanese folklore, grounding familiar horror tropes in culturally resonant elements. Unlike the first two stories, which gesture toward a looming, large-scale ominous force, Iomante closes on a more uplifting and personal note. This shift is refreshing and underscores the book’s core theme of emotional and spiritual healing.
The snowy wilderness of Hokkaido forms a stunning and isolating backdrop, almost acting as its own character. Brooks excels at crafting vivid landscapes, making the reader feel the cold bite of the wind, the vast emptiness of the wild, and the beauty that persists even in desolation. His ability to juxtapose natural beauty with horrifying events heightens both elements, making the horror more visceral and the setting more immersive.
The characters are one of the novel’s strengths. They’re distinct, nuanced, and engaging, even within the grim context of horror. Some are genuinely likeable and easy to root for, while others fit perfectly into the “love to hate” category. Brooks’ attention to their dialogue and internal thought processes is especially effective; it not only makes their motivations believable but also enhances tension during pivotal horror moments. Their choices (wise, flawed, or fear-driven) feel grounded and understandable. The character development, while following some expected genre patterns, is executed with care. Combined with the atmospheric writing and vivid horror imagery, it makes the story both emotionally compelling and narratively satisfying.
As with his previous works, I strongly recommend reading the author’s afterword. Brooks consistently uses these sections to offer insight into his writing choices, inspirations, and the cultural or social elements woven into the story. It adds another layer of appreciation for the world he’s building within the Black Sun series. Iomante is a thoughtful, atmospheric addition to the series, balancing horror, folklore, and human emotion in a uniquely compelling way. So far this one has been my favorite in the series.
While the novel hints at the supernatural early on, it remains largely ambiguous and circumstantial until the third act. Instead, much of the story leans heavily into wilderness survival horror: isolation, unforgiving landscapes, and the terror of the unknown. When the supernatural finally reveals itself, it does so through a clever blend of undead horror and Japanese folklore, grounding familiar horror tropes in culturally resonant elements. Unlike the first two stories, which gesture toward a looming, large-scale ominous force, Iomante closes on a more uplifting and personal note. This shift is refreshing and underscores the book’s core theme of emotional and spiritual healing.
The snowy wilderness of Hokkaido forms a stunning and isolating backdrop, almost acting as its own character. Brooks excels at crafting vivid landscapes, making the reader feel the cold bite of the wind, the vast emptiness of the wild, and the beauty that persists even in desolation. His ability to juxtapose natural beauty with horrifying events heightens both elements, making the horror more visceral and the setting more immersive.
The characters are one of the novel’s strengths. They’re distinct, nuanced, and engaging, even within the grim context of horror. Some are genuinely likeable and easy to root for, while others fit perfectly into the “love to hate” category. Brooks’ attention to their dialogue and internal thought processes is especially effective; it not only makes their motivations believable but also enhances tension during pivotal horror moments. Their choices (wise, flawed, or fear-driven) feel grounded and understandable. The character development, while following some expected genre patterns, is executed with care. Combined with the atmospheric writing and vivid horror imagery, it makes the story both emotionally compelling and narratively satisfying.
As with his previous works, I strongly recommend reading the author’s afterword. Brooks consistently uses these sections to offer insight into his writing choices, inspirations, and the cultural or social elements woven into the story. It adds another layer of appreciation for the world he’s building within the Black Sun series. Iomante is a thoughtful, atmospheric addition to the series, balancing horror, folklore, and human emotion in a uniquely compelling way. So far this one has been my favorite in the series.
April 24, 2025
** No Spoilers **
"Bear-trap smiles of sharp teeth clenched shut with their lips curled back."
This is my first Shawn Brooks outing and it's a welcome one. Short punchy chapters with welcome imagery wrapped in Japanese lore and legend. However, despite the background, it's an accessible tome and certainly doesn't require a specific fandom of Japanese culture to appreciate.
Brooks regularly leans into imagery, but keeps the action fairly fast paced. If anything, a little more experimentation with snow and teeth might have been welcome. Though the story respects the reader's time.
Part of the appeal is the quick pace, though I could have dwelled more in the theme and imagery. The story lives in that space between minute 1 and 8 of an X-Files episode; except with a satisfying ending with the full veil of the story revealed. The mystery swells a little wider than the characters, but it has a satisfying arc and the lore will keep you trotting along to the end.
Editing and structure is solid. There are some repetitive themes or metaphors, but I felt that the intention of these mostly landed.
What I was a big fan of:
* The mythos actually has a conclusion. No Stephen King sudden stop here.
* I was in a rush to learn more about the lore and mythos of the thing.
* The pacing somewhat reminded me of Scott Stigler, though I felt the characters here were stronger. (No offense Scott)
What I would have liked more of:
* I wouldn't have minded if Brooks had leaned into having a little more indulgence in the later chapters. He had certainly earned my investment with more imagery and a little more dialogue if he had wanted it. Personal preference.
* The pacing somewhat reminded me of Scott Stigler in the later chapters. It never quite gets to the same pace, and there are some moments to breath in the mythos, but I was enjoying those moments even without the action.
Disclosure: I'm a big horror fan, and I love lore. I'm not Japanese, and can't really evaluate those parts of the story. If you like moderately to fairly fast paced mythos stories, this is a solid one. It isn't particularly gore laden, and doesn't come with the discomfort of say Thomas Harris. It respects your time, and is a great "waiting room" read; you can easily fit some of this in between other activities.
My final advice would be to avoid spoilers. It isn't a particularly mystery laden tale exactly but, like some of King and Lovecraft's work, the ride is the fun here.
"Bear-trap smiles of sharp teeth clenched shut with their lips curled back."
This is my first Shawn Brooks outing and it's a welcome one. Short punchy chapters with welcome imagery wrapped in Japanese lore and legend. However, despite the background, it's an accessible tome and certainly doesn't require a specific fandom of Japanese culture to appreciate.
Brooks regularly leans into imagery, but keeps the action fairly fast paced. If anything, a little more experimentation with snow and teeth might have been welcome. Though the story respects the reader's time.
Part of the appeal is the quick pace, though I could have dwelled more in the theme and imagery. The story lives in that space between minute 1 and 8 of an X-Files episode; except with a satisfying ending with the full veil of the story revealed. The mystery swells a little wider than the characters, but it has a satisfying arc and the lore will keep you trotting along to the end.
Editing and structure is solid. There are some repetitive themes or metaphors, but I felt that the intention of these mostly landed.
What I was a big fan of:
* The mythos actually has a conclusion. No Stephen King sudden stop here.
* I was in a rush to learn more about the lore and mythos of the thing.
* The pacing somewhat reminded me of Scott Stigler, though I felt the characters here were stronger. (No offense Scott)
What I would have liked more of:
* I wouldn't have minded if Brooks had leaned into having a little more indulgence in the later chapters. He had certainly earned my investment with more imagery and a little more dialogue if he had wanted it. Personal preference.
* The pacing somewhat reminded me of Scott Stigler in the later chapters. It never quite gets to the same pace, and there are some moments to breath in the mythos, but I was enjoying those moments even without the action.
Disclosure: I'm a big horror fan, and I love lore. I'm not Japanese, and can't really evaluate those parts of the story. If you like moderately to fairly fast paced mythos stories, this is a solid one. It isn't particularly gore laden, and doesn't come with the discomfort of say Thomas Harris. It respects your time, and is a great "waiting room" read; you can easily fit some of this in between other activities.
My final advice would be to avoid spoilers. It isn't a particularly mystery laden tale exactly but, like some of King and Lovecraft's work, the ride is the fun here.
July 3, 2025
Thank you for the opportunity to read this book as an advance review copy for free, I am writing this as an honest and voluntary review of this amazing book.
Firstly, I want to say that the world building in this and description of everything within the world is both immersive and well written. The eye for detail in each description is amazing and it paints a really clear image of what is going on throughout the book.
The characters all had a lot of depth and I felt like they were consistent throughout with personalities that held a good amount of complex emotions and background to make them believable.
The pacing was fantastic, mixing atmospheric suspense with lots of action to maintain an unsettling feeling throughout, making this engaging and I was genuinely struggling to put the book down.
As a horror novel, there was plenty of macabre and gruesome details that made the story even more unnerving when combined with the already unsettling atmosphere.
I genuinely struggled with knowing what was fact and fiction with the story which I am usually good at predicting and sorting and the twists were good as they came. I would say some things were slightly predictable but this may be from my own knowledge of similar folklore and knowing how creatures within behave so for this I must commend Shawn for accuracies whilst drawing inspiration but even then not everything was fully predictable and there were plenty of occasions where I questioned myself and my own sanity which I think shows excellent writing for the genre.
For me I feel like there isn't really anything negative to say, I felt like the story continued a bit longer than maybe necessary and felt slightly repetitive at the end however with this bought more background and information into the kind of folklore this was based on and I feel for readers who are unfamiliar would likely not have the same thoughts here. This is in no way meant as a negative, I still enjoyed it none the less and felt like the last parts were fitting and ended well, it did not have a cliché ending which I appreciated.
Finally, I appreciate the genuine dedication to the historical research from Shawn to write this novel as it made it even more enjoyable, especially reading about his experiences he went through to write this book in the Afterword.
Highly recommend to any lover of horror and/or folklore.
After note- this is possibly the longest review I have ever written but I feel this is well deserving of it. I look forward to more👏
Firstly, I want to say that the world building in this and description of everything within the world is both immersive and well written. The eye for detail in each description is amazing and it paints a really clear image of what is going on throughout the book.
The characters all had a lot of depth and I felt like they were consistent throughout with personalities that held a good amount of complex emotions and background to make them believable.
The pacing was fantastic, mixing atmospheric suspense with lots of action to maintain an unsettling feeling throughout, making this engaging and I was genuinely struggling to put the book down.
As a horror novel, there was plenty of macabre and gruesome details that made the story even more unnerving when combined with the already unsettling atmosphere.
I genuinely struggled with knowing what was fact and fiction with the story which I am usually good at predicting and sorting and the twists were good as they came. I would say some things were slightly predictable but this may be from my own knowledge of similar folklore and knowing how creatures within behave so for this I must commend Shawn for accuracies whilst drawing inspiration but even then not everything was fully predictable and there were plenty of occasions where I questioned myself and my own sanity which I think shows excellent writing for the genre.
For me I feel like there isn't really anything negative to say, I felt like the story continued a bit longer than maybe necessary and felt slightly repetitive at the end however with this bought more background and information into the kind of folklore this was based on and I feel for readers who are unfamiliar would likely not have the same thoughts here. This is in no way meant as a negative, I still enjoyed it none the less and felt like the last parts were fitting and ended well, it did not have a cliché ending which I appreciated.
Finally, I appreciate the genuine dedication to the historical research from Shawn to write this novel as it made it even more enjoyable, especially reading about his experiences he went through to write this book in the Afterword.
Highly recommend to any lover of horror and/or folklore.
After note- this is possibly the longest review I have ever written but I feel this is well deserving of it. I look forward to more👏
May 11, 2025
🔥 BRO vs. IOMANTE 🔥
🥊 The Book: A haunting trek into the icy heart of Hokkaido, where the snow hides more than just bones. A hunter with a haunted past. And a beast that doesn’t leave tracks. What’s stalking these woods ain’t just folklore. It’s fangs, fear, and existential dread.
💪 The Bro: This ain’t my first rodeo with Shawn Brooks. I showed up for the snow-soaked setting and monster mayhem, but I stuck around for the layered character work and creeping psychological terror.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• The setting? Elite. Frozen forests, creeping dread, and isolation so thick you’ll feel the frostbite.
• Ashiya’s intro hits hard. It’s trauma without melodrama, and enough grit to carry the weight of the whole story.
• Brooks doesn’t waste time—within a few pages, you’re knee-deep in mystery and half-expecting to be dragged into the woods.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: In the Thick of It
• The folklore influence is strong but never showy. Feels like it’s been there for centuries—just waiting.
• The creature is nightmare fuel. Not just scary, but wrong in a way that crawls under your skin.
• Ashiya’s arc builds beautifully. You feel her shame, her struggle, and that flicker of resolve as things go from bad to blizzard.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: Final Verdict
• There are some bumps—a few pacing issues, some scenes that feel a little too far drawn out, and maybe one or two times where a character’s adrenaline carries them a little too far.
• The blend of horror and humanity lands harder than I expected.
• It left me wanting more, in the best way. Brooks is talented, and I’m all in.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Unanimous Decision – Iomante is atmospheric, eerie, and emotionally grounded. Shawn Brooks delivers again with a chilling blend of survival horror and folklore dread.
I received this ARC for free, and these words are my own.
🥊 The Book: A haunting trek into the icy heart of Hokkaido, where the snow hides more than just bones. A hunter with a haunted past. And a beast that doesn’t leave tracks. What’s stalking these woods ain’t just folklore. It’s fangs, fear, and existential dread.
💪 The Bro: This ain’t my first rodeo with Shawn Brooks. I showed up for the snow-soaked setting and monster mayhem, but I stuck around for the layered character work and creeping psychological terror.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 1: First Impressions
• The setting? Elite. Frozen forests, creeping dread, and isolation so thick you’ll feel the frostbite.
• Ashiya’s intro hits hard. It’s trauma without melodrama, and enough grit to carry the weight of the whole story.
• Brooks doesn’t waste time—within a few pages, you’re knee-deep in mystery and half-expecting to be dragged into the woods.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 2: In the Thick of It
• The folklore influence is strong but never showy. Feels like it’s been there for centuries—just waiting.
• The creature is nightmare fuel. Not just scary, but wrong in a way that crawls under your skin.
• Ashiya’s arc builds beautifully. You feel her shame, her struggle, and that flicker of resolve as things go from bad to blizzard.
⸻
🥊 ROUND 3: Final Verdict
• There are some bumps—a few pacing issues, some scenes that feel a little too far drawn out, and maybe one or two times where a character’s adrenaline carries them a little too far.
• The blend of horror and humanity lands harder than I expected.
• It left me wanting more, in the best way. Brooks is talented, and I’m all in.
⸻
🔥 FINAL BELL: The ARC Bro Scorecard 🔥
🥊 Unanimous Decision – Iomante is atmospheric, eerie, and emotionally grounded. Shawn Brooks delivers again with a chilling blend of survival horror and folklore dread.
I received this ARC for free, and these words are my own.
March 30, 2025
I liked this very much.
A very intriguing story involving Japanese folk mythology and a true story basis.
The characters were well-written and had some depth. It was easy to connect with the main character and many others. I enjoyed the author including some ethnic history in some of the characters, and wish there could have been more understanding of this area of Japan. Not having read the previous 2 books by this author, maybe reading them would add to the local history/mythology. Also, the author has some notes at the end explaining how the story materialized, which was great.
The monster and mythology were excellent. The mystery surrounding it and its abilities and weaknesses was kept until almost the end. This worked well to continue to build a sense of fear and dread. As with most creature horror, the hard part is making it believable enough to feel real fear. The author did very well with this, but there were a few moments where what was going on felt too drawn out or the injuries sustained by characters that had an aftereffect of adrenaline happened too many times. It is very difficult to write a supernatural-terrestrial horror story and make it believable enough to scare without seeming abstract or mundane.
For the most part, the writing was excellent, with only a few points or pieces of dialogue I felt could have been better. Grief was as real as it could be in most spots, however a few felt passed over. This seems to be typical of most creature horror stories where a significant amount of death takes place.
This is my first read of this author and look forward to reading his other stories in the future. Solid 3.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A very intriguing story involving Japanese folk mythology and a true story basis.
The characters were well-written and had some depth. It was easy to connect with the main character and many others. I enjoyed the author including some ethnic history in some of the characters, and wish there could have been more understanding of this area of Japan. Not having read the previous 2 books by this author, maybe reading them would add to the local history/mythology. Also, the author has some notes at the end explaining how the story materialized, which was great.
The monster and mythology were excellent. The mystery surrounding it and its abilities and weaknesses was kept until almost the end. This worked well to continue to build a sense of fear and dread. As with most creature horror, the hard part is making it believable enough to feel real fear. The author did very well with this, but there were a few moments where what was going on felt too drawn out or the injuries sustained by characters that had an aftereffect of adrenaline happened too many times. It is very difficult to write a supernatural-terrestrial horror story and make it believable enough to scare without seeming abstract or mundane.
For the most part, the writing was excellent, with only a few points or pieces of dialogue I felt could have been better. Grief was as real as it could be in most spots, however a few felt passed over. This seems to be typical of most creature horror stories where a significant amount of death takes place.
This is my first read of this author and look forward to reading his other stories in the future. Solid 3.5 stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 27, 2025
"It moves in the frozen forests. The taker of children. Its jaws are ever open. Ever hungry."
"All snow now covered anew in blood. All good things buried under death. Something is coming."
I enjoyed reading this book — a Japanese death bear folk horror that felt unique. I can't say I have read a book like this before! I loved that it’s rooted in regional lore, particularly Ainu beliefs. That alone will send me down a research rabbit hole, and I’m excited to learn more! I love a Kaiju moment.
This reads like a true winter horrorscape — cold, creeping, undead folk horror, and it delivers. I felt like it took a little while for the story to really take off. The early pacing was slow, I get that the author was building suspense and that eerie atmosphere that totally delivered. Still, at the time I was just being greedy for some ASAP violence (sometimes it be like that). Around 60% in, I found myself really hoping a certain character would die — and when it happened? Chef’s kiss. Good riddance.
Overall, this book was unique and enjoyable, and I’m always a fan of discovering new folklore. It definitely enriched the story. I'm looking forward to seeing what Shawn Brooks releases next and how the books in the Black Sun series will connect.
I received a copy of this eARC from BookSirens and Shawn Brooks and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.
"All snow now covered anew in blood. All good things buried under death. Something is coming."
I enjoyed reading this book — a Japanese death bear folk horror that felt unique. I can't say I have read a book like this before! I loved that it’s rooted in regional lore, particularly Ainu beliefs. That alone will send me down a research rabbit hole, and I’m excited to learn more! I love a Kaiju moment.
This reads like a true winter horrorscape — cold, creeping, undead folk horror, and it delivers. I felt like it took a little while for the story to really take off. The early pacing was slow, I get that the author was building suspense and that eerie atmosphere that totally delivered. Still, at the time I was just being greedy for some ASAP violence (sometimes it be like that). Around 60% in, I found myself really hoping a certain character would die — and when it happened? Chef’s kiss. Good riddance.
Overall, this book was unique and enjoyable, and I’m always a fan of discovering new folklore. It definitely enriched the story. I'm looking forward to seeing what Shawn Brooks releases next and how the books in the Black Sun series will connect.
I received a copy of this eARC from BookSirens and Shawn Brooks and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts.
January 8, 2026
Just finished Iomante by @shawnbroookswrites and, as someone who devours folklore-rich, creature-feature horror, this one was a hell of a ride. Set deep in the snowbound wilderness of Hokkaido, the story follows Anastasia “Ashiya” Ivanovna, a hunter haunted by her past who finds herself dragged into a small town’s terror when mutilated deer corpses start showing up in the trees and a local child vanishes. What she and the community discover isn’t just another wild animal, it’s something ancient, massive, and utterly unreal, a predator that leaves no tracks and whose hunger feels supernatural.
The creature in this novel was awesome and terrifying in its mystery, brutal in its attacks, and infused with a primal dread that kept me turning pages long into the night. The gore is satisfyingly visceral without being gratuitous, and Brooks does a great job of balancing psychological fear with outright horror.
My one critique is that the pacing wavered in places; certain lulls slowed the momentum just when the tension was building. Thank you @shelf_control_issues for buddy reading this awesome book with me. If you’re into folklore-tinged monsters and chilling survival tales, Iomante deserves a spot on your shelf.
The creature in this novel was awesome and terrifying in its mystery, brutal in its attacks, and infused with a primal dread that kept me turning pages long into the night. The gore is satisfyingly visceral without being gratuitous, and Brooks does a great job of balancing psychological fear with outright horror.
My one critique is that the pacing wavered in places; certain lulls slowed the momentum just when the tension was building. Thank you @shelf_control_issues for buddy reading this awesome book with me. If you’re into folklore-tinged monsters and chilling survival tales, Iomante deserves a spot on your shelf.
May 8, 2025
The way Shawn Brooks blended grief and folk horror and then wrapped them up in a setting that was incredibly beautiful, haunting, both isolated and lived in, was nothing short of perfection. The Japanese lore felt both realistic and creative. I was fully invested following our MC as she wrestled with the monsters in her mind and the quite literal monster outside her door.
The pacing was perfect, enough detail to really feel like you could see and feel what was happening, but never felt like it was drawn out and dragging. Each character felt solid and thought out. Showing an excellent range of human nature from the best (yet humanly flawed) of us to the worst.
The way everything wrapped up was really just the icing on an already incredible cake. This was my first Shawn Brooks offering, but a million percent won't be my last. Absolutely deserving of a solid five stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
The pacing was perfect, enough detail to really feel like you could see and feel what was happening, but never felt like it was drawn out and dragging. Each character felt solid and thought out. Showing an excellent range of human nature from the best (yet humanly flawed) of us to the worst.
The way everything wrapped up was really just the icing on an already incredible cake. This was my first Shawn Brooks offering, but a million percent won't be my last. Absolutely deserving of a solid five stars.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 21, 2025
4.25 stars!
Iomante is a beautifully bleak, psychologically driven horror tale with TEETH. If you like horror that respects your intelligence, builds dread, and has such strong imagery it disturbs you at times, this book delivers.
This is my fourth read of Shawn’s work, and I’ll keep saying it every time I pick up another of his books, his writing is so immersive and so, so GOOD. I will never stop reading what he writes!
What really stood out to me was how seamlessly it blends folklore, psychological horror, and survival drama into something that feels both fresh and gripping.
Along the way, I found myself quickly attached to the main characters, especially Taro. I loved that man so much 😭
Oh, and have I mentioned a big part of the book is based on real life events?
Huge props to the author for the amount of research and realness he weaves into every detail, it's that commitment that makes his work feel so special to me.
Thanks again for choosing me for the ARC! I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, and I’m so glad I got to experience this one early.
Iomante is a beautifully bleak, psychologically driven horror tale with TEETH. If you like horror that respects your intelligence, builds dread, and has such strong imagery it disturbs you at times, this book delivers.
This is my fourth read of Shawn’s work, and I’ll keep saying it every time I pick up another of his books, his writing is so immersive and so, so GOOD. I will never stop reading what he writes!
What really stood out to me was how seamlessly it blends folklore, psychological horror, and survival drama into something that feels both fresh and gripping.
Along the way, I found myself quickly attached to the main characters, especially Taro. I loved that man so much 😭
Oh, and have I mentioned a big part of the book is based on real life events?
Huge props to the author for the amount of research and realness he weaves into every detail, it's that commitment that makes his work feel so special to me.
Thanks again for choosing me for the ARC! I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review, and I’m so glad I got to experience this one early.
May 27, 2025
❤️ Iomante ❤️
What a book! Shawn Brooks has masterly woven grief horror, psychological horror and folk horror into one thrilling package. The setting is bleak and eerie, remote and isolated and all these elements combined make for a horror that keeps you on your toes. Folk horror isn’t my favourite trope but Iomante worked incredibly well and this is definitely my favourite in this trope.
Mutilated deer corpses are being found amongst the trees, then it’s a missing child. Is it Ashiya, the outsider who has come to Japan to hunt? Is it the bear everyone is keen that catch? Or is it something more sinister? Despite Ashiya being the number one suspect of the locals she still joins the search party. What they find is truly terrifying.
I really enjoyed everything about this book, the characters were well developed and Brooks lays the tension on thick throughout. This is a book I really recommend.
What a book! Shawn Brooks has masterly woven grief horror, psychological horror and folk horror into one thrilling package. The setting is bleak and eerie, remote and isolated and all these elements combined make for a horror that keeps you on your toes. Folk horror isn’t my favourite trope but Iomante worked incredibly well and this is definitely my favourite in this trope.
Mutilated deer corpses are being found amongst the trees, then it’s a missing child. Is it Ashiya, the outsider who has come to Japan to hunt? Is it the bear everyone is keen that catch? Or is it something more sinister? Despite Ashiya being the number one suspect of the locals she still joins the search party. What they find is truly terrifying.
I really enjoyed everything about this book, the characters were well developed and Brooks lays the tension on thick throughout. This is a book I really recommend.
April 6, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Publication date : 04/25/25
Rating : 5⭐️ but I want to give it 10⭐️
Alright that book was something else ! One word : outstanding.
The fact that this series is based on actual legends and more specifically Japan legend made it amazing, I love myths and legends it puts something else in the story for me. Make it belief or loving a good scare.
Iomante has it all : a gripping good story, a amazing legend based of actual facts, and an author who knows how to give his best on his books.
That story was one of the best horror story I’ve read ever ! It’s become one of my favorite story.
That said, the story holds you to the beginning to the end, I couldn’t put it down, and reluctantly have to stop reading in order to sleep!
Hands down to Shawn Brooks for giving us this amazing book.
Publication date : 04/25/25
Rating : 5⭐️ but I want to give it 10⭐️
Alright that book was something else ! One word : outstanding.
The fact that this series is based on actual legends and more specifically Japan legend made it amazing, I love myths and legends it puts something else in the story for me. Make it belief or loving a good scare.
Iomante has it all : a gripping good story, a amazing legend based of actual facts, and an author who knows how to give his best on his books.
That story was one of the best horror story I’ve read ever ! It’s become one of my favorite story.
That said, the story holds you to the beginning to the end, I couldn’t put it down, and reluctantly have to stop reading in order to sleep!
Hands down to Shawn Brooks for giving us this amazing book.
April 30, 2025
Shawn Brooks's latest horror novel is a wild ride, fast-paced and thrilling, with a setting that practically begs for a horror treatment. Brooks makes the Japanese countryside seem both beautiful and deadly, a place where the power of the old gods rests just below the snow, ready and waiting.
When that power is unleashed, the consequences are swift and terror-inducing. If the giant otherworldly bear doesn’t get to you, then the undead with bear trap jaws certainly will.
I do like my horror to be rooted in real life, and beyond the demons and monsters, Brooks paints a picture of grief, guilt, and suffering that was genuinely moving. That emotional depth gave this dark and wintry tale a warm and beating heart. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
When that power is unleashed, the consequences are swift and terror-inducing. If the giant otherworldly bear doesn’t get to you, then the undead with bear trap jaws certainly will.
I do like my horror to be rooted in real life, and beyond the demons and monsters, Brooks paints a picture of grief, guilt, and suffering that was genuinely moving. That emotional depth gave this dark and wintry tale a warm and beating heart. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2025
5🌟
Iomante is the 3rd of the Black Sun series by Shawn Brooks. I've read the 2nd one as well, and now I clearly need to go back and read the 1st one. These can be read out of order but there are small tie-ins here and there.
I really love the Japanese folklore tied into these novels. I was blown away to find out that the prologue is even based on a true story. Sometimes horror can be so cheesy but that is not the case here. This book had me sucked in from the get-go and was fast-paced. I appreciated the variety of characters in this one, and especially loved the friendship between Ogoto and Ashiya. Ashiya is an absolute badass in this.
Recommended for readers who love horror with some paranormal/folklore aspects thrown in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Iomante is the 3rd of the Black Sun series by Shawn Brooks. I've read the 2nd one as well, and now I clearly need to go back and read the 1st one. These can be read out of order but there are small tie-ins here and there.
I really love the Japanese folklore tied into these novels. I was blown away to find out that the prologue is even based on a true story. Sometimes horror can be so cheesy but that is not the case here. This book had me sucked in from the get-go and was fast-paced. I appreciated the variety of characters in this one, and especially loved the friendship between Ogoto and Ashiya. Ashiya is an absolute badass in this.
Recommended for readers who love horror with some paranormal/folklore aspects thrown in.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 15, 2025
Iomante is the third book in the Black Sun series, which will consist of five books. Books 1-4 can be read in any order but the last book must be read last. For whatever reason, this flexibility in reading order makes me SO excited.
From the beginning we're drawn into the dangers of living in an area with bears and the mysteries of Ashyia. I would call this a slow burn book that is worth it. I came to really love (or despise!) the characters, with Ogoto and Taro having special places in my heart.
Brooks's descriptions of the bear and etc (shhh!) are so vivid I was able to picture everything clearly in my mind. The moment when our group first encounter the bear properly was deliciously tense!
Yes, the demon bear god is a focus of this book, but there is so much more to it. The ending in particular makes me desperate to read the rest of the series and find connections.
From the beginning we're drawn into the dangers of living in an area with bears and the mysteries of Ashyia. I would call this a slow burn book that is worth it. I came to really love (or despise!) the characters, with Ogoto and Taro having special places in my heart.
Brooks's descriptions of the bear and etc (shhh!) are so vivid I was able to picture everything clearly in my mind. The moment when our group first encounter the bear properly was deliciously tense!
Yes, the demon bear god is a focus of this book, but there is so much more to it. The ending in particular makes me desperate to read the rest of the series and find connections.
June 11, 2025
Alright, I'll admit that it was the cover that drew me in and yes I did judge a book by its cover in hope that it would be good. Thankfully, my gut was correct.
This story was fast paced, didnt slow down, and just when you think its all over - you realise you still have another 60 pages to go.
I would recommend this book, it was easy to read and follow, the story was interesting and the visual descriptions were spot on. I do sometimes find it difficult to stick with this authors writing style - i find that a lot of the book it single sentences which are short, or that the full stops cold be replaced with commas. Thats my only issue but thats something im trying to get used to. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This story was fast paced, didnt slow down, and just when you think its all over - you realise you still have another 60 pages to go.
I would recommend this book, it was easy to read and follow, the story was interesting and the visual descriptions were spot on. I do sometimes find it difficult to stick with this authors writing style - i find that a lot of the book it single sentences which are short, or that the full stops cold be replaced with commas. Thats my only issue but thats something im trying to get used to. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 26, 2025
Thank you @shawnbroookswrites for my #gifted copy of Iomante. I'm sorry it took me so long to finally read it. However, I’m glad I waited until winter to do so. I read it over one weekend, in the middle of a snowstorm—it was perfect! ❄️🌨️
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but I was hooked from the very beginning. The tension remained high from start to finish.
The setting is cold, eerie, and perfectly atmospheric. It was incredibly easy to visualize this book in my mind, as everything was vividly described. The depiction of the monster was so detailed that it made the story even more unsettling. The characters were well-developed, and the story was both creepy and suspenseful—I really enjoyed this one!
I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book, but I was hooked from the very beginning. The tension remained high from start to finish.
The setting is cold, eerie, and perfectly atmospheric. It was incredibly easy to visualize this book in my mind, as everything was vividly described. The depiction of the monster was so detailed that it made the story even more unsettling. The characters were well-developed, and the story was both creepy and suspenseful—I really enjoyed this one!
March 30, 2025
I was invested in this world and have been since the Endless is the Night, each book works in continuing the story and had that element that I was looking for in this fantasy horror world. The characters had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed getting into this world. It had that psychological element that I wanted and was invested in what was going on. The characters were so well written and I cared about what was happening. Shawn Brooks does a great job in writing this and the rest of the Black Sun series and can't wait to read more from Shawn Brooks.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 2, 2025
I love anything set in an Asian setting. This is set in Japan and soothed not only my love of everything horror and thriller but it combined folklore and I loved that . The main character Ashiya was relatable in all the complexities that make her who she is. Shawn Brooks writing style gave me Stephen King and Deen Koontz vibes and I loved every second of it. Having never heard of this author before this book, I want to read more from him because this ignited my hunger for psychological thrillers. Mark your calendars for April 25th and get a copy of Iomante. Now I just need to add a physical copy to my bookshelf.
April 22, 2025
I was hooked from the first page ! I love a book with a snowy setting.
All the characters in this book are so interesting and written very well ! Shawn does an amazing job of describing everything, to the point at times I felt I was watching a movie. I could envision everything so easily.
The twists and turns in this book are amazing !
Tense, atmospheric, and disturbing!
Saho 😭😭 she is so cute and precious 💕
Again another big thank you for Shawn sending me a pre-release copy of the book ! me and Shawn have similar tastes in books so I just knew this book would be a new favorite!
Iomante is definitely one of my favourites of 2025!
All the characters in this book are so interesting and written very well ! Shawn does an amazing job of describing everything, to the point at times I felt I was watching a movie. I could envision everything so easily.
The twists and turns in this book are amazing !
Tense, atmospheric, and disturbing!
Saho 😭😭 she is so cute and precious 💕
Again another big thank you for Shawn sending me a pre-release copy of the book ! me and Shawn have similar tastes in books so I just knew this book would be a new favorite!
Iomante is definitely one of my favourites of 2025!
May 23, 2025
Just when I think I can get away from Shaun, he pulls you back in with another thrilling and great read.
Now we are in Hokkaido - I read and read. Without spoiling anything I knew I had to sink my teeth into this, the way the story unfolds the way we are left wanting more but are pulled in.
It challenged me, but kept me wanting more every time I had to put it down.
Finally, in true Shaun Brooks fashion - there is more…
While I did receive an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this voluntarily - I want to make it clear. I recommend the book for those seeking something thrilling but willing to make you squirm
Now we are in Hokkaido - I read and read. Without spoiling anything I knew I had to sink my teeth into this, the way the story unfolds the way we are left wanting more but are pulled in.
It challenged me, but kept me wanting more every time I had to put it down.
Finally, in true Shaun Brooks fashion - there is more…
While I did receive an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this voluntarily - I want to make it clear. I recommend the book for those seeking something thrilling but willing to make you squirm
April 2, 2025
Wow. Just wow. So different than any supernatural story I’ve read and so incredibly well written and detailed. Had me captured from the very beginning. Wide variety of characters kept the story interesting. I can’t wait to read more! Spine chilling read! Zombies meet giant bear meet the supernatural.
April 2, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Since i read the books that came before this one i was already positive that i would also enjoy Iomante. And i was right.
This is a great Horror book with great characters and i really enjoyed reading this. It might even be my favourite from the three books.
Since i read the books that came before this one i was already positive that i would also enjoy Iomante. And i was right.
This is a great Horror book with great characters and i really enjoyed reading this. It might even be my favourite from the three books.
April 18, 2025
I don’t often find that monster stories work as well in books as they do in movies, but Iomante was an exception. This is a great blending of Japanese legend and horror, and the monster feels real and believable enough to be extremely effective. This was the best monster book I’ve read since The Terror—go pick it up!
May 28, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I can't stress highly enough just how good the Black sun series has been so far. Shawn has a fantastic way for translating Japanese folklore to the western market and since reading the Black sun series I have taken a greater interest in the topic.
Iomante is a tale of small town paranoia and childhood ghosts
I can't stress highly enough just how good the Black sun series has been so far. Shawn has a fantastic way for translating Japanese folklore to the western market and since reading the Black sun series I have taken a greater interest in the topic.
Iomante is a tale of small town paranoia and childhood ghosts
May 27, 2025
Each book in the series was better than the last.
Really enjoyed it.
Really enjoyed it.
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