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The Forsaken Series #4
Secrets Beneath the Sea
A child goes missing, taken from her mother by a powerful family. Soon after, the father of the girl is banished for violating the code of the tiny Cornish hideaway.
Emma Thorne has come to the edge, not knowing if her daughter is alive or dead. The village offers no clues, and gives away no secrets. In desperation, she enlists the help of a local private investigator, holding out hope that Lauren can be found.
But the investigator, Jake Stevenson, knows how to find missing people. He’s done it before, travelling to places beyond our understanding. But where can he begin his search, and what clues can the village of Towan Point offer him?
In an ancient lighthouse, cut off from the outside world, a doorway pulses gently in the darkness. A doorway that no one comes out of.
What lurks on the other side, and can he discover the secrets beneath the sea?
Emma Thorne has come to the edge, not knowing if her daughter is alive or dead. The village offers no clues, and gives away no secrets. In desperation, she enlists the help of a local private investigator, holding out hope that Lauren can be found.
But the investigator, Jake Stevenson, knows how to find missing people. He’s done it before, travelling to places beyond our understanding. But where can he begin his search, and what clues can the village of Towan Point offer him?
In an ancient lighthouse, cut off from the outside world, a doorway pulses gently in the darkness. A doorway that no one comes out of.
What lurks on the other side, and can he discover the secrets beneath the sea?
251 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2020
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
About the author
Phil Price
36 books223 followersPhil Price was born in Sutton Coldfield in 1974. He lived in various places in the UK until his family settled in Rednal, a suburb on the outskirts of Birmingham in 1979. Growing up with an older brother and sister, he always flirted with reading, his home always littered with books. Then in 1997, Phil embarked on a travel expedition that took him from Greece to Thailand, via East and Southern Africa. Sitting in dusty bus stations in Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi with Wilbur Smith and James Herbert accompanying him, his imagination was sparked into life. Since those far-off days, he has never been without a book to read.
Phil started toying with the idea of writing a book in 2009. After writing a few short stories, he caught a whiff of an idea in his head. It started to evolve in 2010 until he had enough to begin his writing journey. Marriage and two children came along, with the story being moved to the back burner for periods of time. However, during those periods of writing inactivity, the story continued to manifest until it just needed one thing. To be written down.
The story was littered with places that had influenced Phil's life. From the Lickey Hills in Birmingham to the Amatola Mountains in South Africa, with other many other locations, in-between and far beyond.
The book was finished sometime in 2014, left on his computer until a chance conversation with an author friend made Phil take the bold step to publish his story, Unknown.
From there, Phil’s love for the first book spurred him on, creating The Forsaken Series. A vampire/paranormal/horror saga, set in our world, and others too. His love of horror and all things supernatural, inspired by authors such as King, Herbert and others, helped create the epic series.
After venturing into science fiction with his fourth title, Zoo, he turned to thrillers, with Ashes of Innocence being published in 2020 and His Dark Shadow expected early 2021 and The Retreat in 2023. Returning to his dark roots, Nobody's Son was released in 2025.
Aside from his writing, Phil lives on the edge of a small town in Worcestershire, UK. A wife and two sons keep Phil happily occupied as he steers his way through life, playing the husband, dad, and world creator in equal measure.
Phil started toying with the idea of writing a book in 2009. After writing a few short stories, he caught a whiff of an idea in his head. It started to evolve in 2010 until he had enough to begin his writing journey. Marriage and two children came along, with the story being moved to the back burner for periods of time. However, during those periods of writing inactivity, the story continued to manifest until it just needed one thing. To be written down.
The story was littered with places that had influenced Phil's life. From the Lickey Hills in Birmingham to the Amatola Mountains in South Africa, with other many other locations, in-between and far beyond.
The book was finished sometime in 2014, left on his computer until a chance conversation with an author friend made Phil take the bold step to publish his story, Unknown.
From there, Phil’s love for the first book spurred him on, creating The Forsaken Series. A vampire/paranormal/horror saga, set in our world, and others too. His love of horror and all things supernatural, inspired by authors such as King, Herbert and others, helped create the epic series.
After venturing into science fiction with his fourth title, Zoo, he turned to thrillers, with Ashes of Innocence being published in 2020 and His Dark Shadow expected early 2021 and The Retreat in 2023. Returning to his dark roots, Nobody's Son was released in 2025.
Aside from his writing, Phil lives on the edge of a small town in Worcestershire, UK. A wife and two sons keep Phil happily occupied as he steers his way through life, playing the husband, dad, and world creator in equal measure.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 1, 2020
A totally fabulous ending to an extraordinary, unputdownable series
I have been following the Forsaken series since I first discovered Unknown (book 1) in the series and I became hooked. The final book in this series, ‘Secrets Beneath the Sea’ was such an incredible, mind-blasting read I found it very difficult to do much of anything else apart from read. I am an avid reader, but books have to grab me. Unfortunately, due to my high pressure job, I don’t have the luxury of being able to read books when I want to, and they usually take me about two weeks on average, but this book had me galloping through the pages, unable to put it down, taking quick peaks to see what had happened. This book is the very definition of unputdownable.
The reason why this book (and the other three in the series) are so magnetizing and affecting for the reader, is down to the fact that Mr Price has created incredible storylines with characters that you care about, you love and you despise. The authors’ innate ability to breathe life into fantastical places but make them so real they could actually be somewhere that exists just down the road is a talent very few writers have, and is clearly the unpinning reason why these books are enthralling.
In this book, the hero, Jake Stevenson, faces more deadly foes when given a task to find a missing daughter of a client. From the moment the antagonist Lukash comes on to the scene with his powerful band of men you know that he’s being fuelled by something otherworldly. Mr Price drops the reader headlong into a maelstrom of emotional battles, where one salvo hits and you’ve barely time before another whacks you in the face. This is story-telling of epic proportions. Nothing is held back. There is no line that isn’t crossed, and in doing so, the reader knows anything is possible. This adds to the mesmerizing suspense and poignant plotlines that literally have the reader reeling with thoughts of , ‘I can’t believe this has happened’.
I love the constant theme of family in Mr Price’s books, and the power of love and hope that filters throughout the storylines. Secrets Beneath the Sea is a tale of the unfathomable made real. Jake, a man who has had more than his fair share of pain and misery, with his wife and daughter fatally killed in car accident, and his two partners, first Katherine, followed by Alana, both dying over the course of the series, still can find it in his heart to face the world with a sense of energy and positivity. Undoubtedly, the love of his daughter Alicia, and the friendship of Wilf and Jo fortify his strength, enabling him to tackle any situation with any monstrous enemy no matter how powerful. It is this acknowledgement that although Jake is just a man, he has the capability to do the extraordinary and win, as he is buoyed by true love.
Without dropping any indication of spoilers, it is obvious that the denouement pronounces in our life, family and the love of those around us whom we cherish and care for is infinitely more important than the materialistic things we think we need. This is a powerful and sobering message to those who may believe that the signature of love is wrapped up in getting the latest designer watch, diamond bracelet or high tech gadget, from their loved one, when really it is about having them close, showing understanding and giving support. Love is the essence of humanity, and this phenomenal book shows what that really means, even when all could be lost. An incredible read and one that I recommend completely.
I have been following the Forsaken series since I first discovered Unknown (book 1) in the series and I became hooked. The final book in this series, ‘Secrets Beneath the Sea’ was such an incredible, mind-blasting read I found it very difficult to do much of anything else apart from read. I am an avid reader, but books have to grab me. Unfortunately, due to my high pressure job, I don’t have the luxury of being able to read books when I want to, and they usually take me about two weeks on average, but this book had me galloping through the pages, unable to put it down, taking quick peaks to see what had happened. This book is the very definition of unputdownable.
The reason why this book (and the other three in the series) are so magnetizing and affecting for the reader, is down to the fact that Mr Price has created incredible storylines with characters that you care about, you love and you despise. The authors’ innate ability to breathe life into fantastical places but make them so real they could actually be somewhere that exists just down the road is a talent very few writers have, and is clearly the unpinning reason why these books are enthralling.
In this book, the hero, Jake Stevenson, faces more deadly foes when given a task to find a missing daughter of a client. From the moment the antagonist Lukash comes on to the scene with his powerful band of men you know that he’s being fuelled by something otherworldly. Mr Price drops the reader headlong into a maelstrom of emotional battles, where one salvo hits and you’ve barely time before another whacks you in the face. This is story-telling of epic proportions. Nothing is held back. There is no line that isn’t crossed, and in doing so, the reader knows anything is possible. This adds to the mesmerizing suspense and poignant plotlines that literally have the reader reeling with thoughts of , ‘I can’t believe this has happened’.
I love the constant theme of family in Mr Price’s books, and the power of love and hope that filters throughout the storylines. Secrets Beneath the Sea is a tale of the unfathomable made real. Jake, a man who has had more than his fair share of pain and misery, with his wife and daughter fatally killed in car accident, and his two partners, first Katherine, followed by Alana, both dying over the course of the series, still can find it in his heart to face the world with a sense of energy and positivity. Undoubtedly, the love of his daughter Alicia, and the friendship of Wilf and Jo fortify his strength, enabling him to tackle any situation with any monstrous enemy no matter how powerful. It is this acknowledgement that although Jake is just a man, he has the capability to do the extraordinary and win, as he is buoyed by true love.
Without dropping any indication of spoilers, it is obvious that the denouement pronounces in our life, family and the love of those around us whom we cherish and care for is infinitely more important than the materialistic things we think we need. This is a powerful and sobering message to those who may believe that the signature of love is wrapped up in getting the latest designer watch, diamond bracelet or high tech gadget, from their loved one, when really it is about having them close, showing understanding and giving support. Love is the essence of humanity, and this phenomenal book shows what that really means, even when all could be lost. An incredible read and one that I recommend completely.
September 30, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning finale, epic page turner.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 September 2020
Wow, the fourth and final book in the Forsaken Series, from the immensely talented Phil Price, is action packed, fast paced and gripping from the start. From the first book ‘Unknown’ I have been hooked, following Jake, Katherine, Wilf and all the amazing characters through their journey. Without spoiling the plot, this final journey sees Jake going through doorways old and new, to some dark places, to play the hero yet again. At times my heart was racing, devouring page after page as he met some unsavoury characters. All I could think was, “How on earth will he get through this?”. I was absorbed, as Price skilfully builds tension and suspense throughout an engaging plot. The level of detail really brings the book alive and I could picture the scenes in my mind as though I was there. Fantastic. What an amazing journey this has been.
I have loved every page of this series and this final book has been one of my favourites. I will miss Jake and especially Wilf, who I fell in love with throughout the story.
I will be waiting in anticipation for more exciting books from this fantastic author.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 September 2020
Wow, the fourth and final book in the Forsaken Series, from the immensely talented Phil Price, is action packed, fast paced and gripping from the start. From the first book ‘Unknown’ I have been hooked, following Jake, Katherine, Wilf and all the amazing characters through their journey. Without spoiling the plot, this final journey sees Jake going through doorways old and new, to some dark places, to play the hero yet again. At times my heart was racing, devouring page after page as he met some unsavoury characters. All I could think was, “How on earth will he get through this?”. I was absorbed, as Price skilfully builds tension and suspense throughout an engaging plot. The level of detail really brings the book alive and I could picture the scenes in my mind as though I was there. Fantastic. What an amazing journey this has been.
I have loved every page of this series and this final book has been one of my favourites. I will miss Jake and especially Wilf, who I fell in love with throughout the story.
I will be waiting in anticipation for more exciting books from this fantastic author.
October 11, 2020
Knowing that this was to be the last in Price’s brilliant series, I was filled with both expectation & disappointment, the former to see where Jake the hero would venture & the latter because the first three books were brilliant. Now relocated to Tintagel, private investigator Jake takes up the case of missing Lauren Thorne, a young girl whisked away to another realm by dark forces. Aided by allies Wilf & Tamatan, lands are crossed & doorways opened in their quest, although on finding the open grave of Jake’s late wife, the heartstrings are tugged as the tale comes to a surprising conclusion. Fast-paced, full of twists & superbly written, the grand finale is breathtakingly stunning.
January 29, 2021
Please don't be the end!
If you have never read this series, then you are missing out. If you are looking for a new series of books to read, then I can't recommend these books enough. It has everything you need from a great storyline that continues seamlessly between all books and characters that you will fall in love with and cry when one of them meets their end.
If this is the end of the series, (boo!) then you couldn't ask for a better end of the series than this with all the old crowd, and some new. A great book, well done Phil!
If you have never read this series, then you are missing out. If you are looking for a new series of books to read, then I can't recommend these books enough. It has everything you need from a great storyline that continues seamlessly between all books and characters that you will fall in love with and cry when one of them meets their end.
If this is the end of the series, (boo!) then you couldn't ask for a better end of the series than this with all the old crowd, and some new. A great book, well done Phil!
August 4, 2021
Note: This is Book 4 in the series and it does not work well as a stand alone story.
So I jumped right into the book thinking it would work as a stand alone novel. Audible only has book 2 and book 4 and book 2 is narrated by someone else. So I thought this indicated that this would work pretty well on it’s own but that was not the case. Because of this, I did have trouble connecting with the characters and caring about the plot.
I do like the main character Jake. He’s a PI who has the ability to dig into the supernatural side of things, if need be. That’s the case when a young girl (Lauren) goes missing and her mom (Emma) hires Jake to find her, since no one else has come up with anything.
I was intrigued by Jake’s daughter Alicia, but also a bit confused too. Sometimes the other characters treat her like a young kid, perhaps 7 or so, but sometimes her word choice and sentence structure makes me think she’s 12. I don’t recall the story telling me how old she is, so I was left guessing throughout the book. Her vampire blood is mentioned but I got the feeling that this had been thoroughly explored in an earlier book.
Wilf is another intriguing character. He’s come forward in time, and I think Jake had something to do with that, and he’s still learning how to read. I’d like to know his back story too, but once again, I feel like it was thoroughly explored in a previous story.
The plot moves a little slowly and then ramps up for the ending. I wanted to enjoy what might well be an epic ending, but because I wasn’t fully invested in the story, I had a hard time rooting for our heroes or booing down the bad guys. I do like the use of the lighthouse. All told, 3/5 stars, and yes, I am weighing in the fact that I jumped into book 4 and it would have probably been better if I had read the previous books.
The Narration: Kevin E. Green did a decent job. His voice for Jake is spot on but his female voices could use a bit more femininity. There was also some inconsistency for young Alicia’s voice, as she sometimes sounded like a little kid and sometimes like a teen. Green had good pacing and sounded totally interested in the story. There were no tech issues with this recording. 4/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.
So I jumped right into the book thinking it would work as a stand alone novel. Audible only has book 2 and book 4 and book 2 is narrated by someone else. So I thought this indicated that this would work pretty well on it’s own but that was not the case. Because of this, I did have trouble connecting with the characters and caring about the plot.
I do like the main character Jake. He’s a PI who has the ability to dig into the supernatural side of things, if need be. That’s the case when a young girl (Lauren) goes missing and her mom (Emma) hires Jake to find her, since no one else has come up with anything.
I was intrigued by Jake’s daughter Alicia, but also a bit confused too. Sometimes the other characters treat her like a young kid, perhaps 7 or so, but sometimes her word choice and sentence structure makes me think she’s 12. I don’t recall the story telling me how old she is, so I was left guessing throughout the book. Her vampire blood is mentioned but I got the feeling that this had been thoroughly explored in an earlier book.
Wilf is another intriguing character. He’s come forward in time, and I think Jake had something to do with that, and he’s still learning how to read. I’d like to know his back story too, but once again, I feel like it was thoroughly explored in a previous story.
The plot moves a little slowly and then ramps up for the ending. I wanted to enjoy what might well be an epic ending, but because I wasn’t fully invested in the story, I had a hard time rooting for our heroes or booing down the bad guys. I do like the use of the lighthouse. All told, 3/5 stars, and yes, I am weighing in the fact that I jumped into book 4 and it would have probably been better if I had read the previous books.
The Narration: Kevin E. Green did a decent job. His voice for Jake is spot on but his female voices could use a bit more femininity. There was also some inconsistency for young Alicia’s voice, as she sometimes sounded like a little kid and sometimes like a teen. Green had good pacing and sounded totally interested in the story. There were no tech issues with this recording. 4/5 stars.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are 100% my own.
October 19, 2020
Adventure on the seas!
This is the fourth and final book in the Foresaken series. We catch up with Jake and his friends on a voyage through another realm and across the seas, in search of a missing child. This book is packed full of action, with twists and turns in every chapter. There are witches and vampires, giants and demons, some are on Jake's side, but many are working against him. Phil Price does an excellent job combining horror, fantasy and adventure in a very well written narrative. Like all the other books in this series, it was a joy to read and would make an excellent film / T.V series. It reminded me of a mix between Pirates of the Caribbean and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Great ending to a great series. Well done Mr Price on a fabulous finale :-)
This is the fourth and final book in the Foresaken series. We catch up with Jake and his friends on a voyage through another realm and across the seas, in search of a missing child. This book is packed full of action, with twists and turns in every chapter. There are witches and vampires, giants and demons, some are on Jake's side, but many are working against him. Phil Price does an excellent job combining horror, fantasy and adventure in a very well written narrative. Like all the other books in this series, it was a joy to read and would make an excellent film / T.V series. It reminded me of a mix between Pirates of the Caribbean and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Great ending to a great series. Well done Mr Price on a fabulous finale :-)
June 5, 2021
Audiobook review
Sad as this is the last in a brilliant series. Over the moon as it was fab!
Jake is back out on the trail of a young girl who has disappeared. He’s off to the lands and the evils that wait there for him. But it’s not all bad and the whole world just gets me lost, in a good way.
The details as you move through the story is excellent.
The narrator was good, though I wasn’t expecting Jake to sound this way, in my head he was different, as he should be! But the flow was great and the menace was there as the characters appeared.
Sad as this is the last in a brilliant series. Over the moon as it was fab!
Jake is back out on the trail of a young girl who has disappeared. He’s off to the lands and the evils that wait there for him. But it’s not all bad and the whole world just gets me lost, in a good way.
The details as you move through the story is excellent.
The narrator was good, though I wasn’t expecting Jake to sound this way, in my head he was different, as he should be! But the flow was great and the menace was there as the characters appeared.
February 1, 2025
Excellent Series
Always find myself a tad on the sad side when a book meets its end. This is one of those times. Really enjoyed the adventures along the way and the characters well...over the top. You'll feel like you've met new friends. Truly didn't expect the ending which is a good thing I always enjoy a twist. Read this series I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Always find myself a tad on the sad side when a book meets its end. This is one of those times. Really enjoyed the adventures along the way and the characters well...over the top. You'll feel like you've met new friends. Truly didn't expect the ending which is a good thing I always enjoy a twist. Read this series I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews