The Beached Ones by Colleen M. Story delivers an eerily haunting story around Danny, a young man who grows up in a rundown Butte trailer park with his single mom and younger brother Tony. Danny is the responsible one in the family, doing his best to protect Tony from the dysfunctional consequences of a mother who drinks, works longs shifts, and entertains an endless line of no-good boyfriends at the expense of her children.
When Danny graduates from high school and can finally escape
the trailer they call hell-hole, he is torn about leaving Tony behind. But it is the only way things can change. Danny leaves
and achieves his dreams but then something happens. He wakes on a beach littered
with stranded whales and has no memory of how he got there. As he searches for answers
he runs into one strange occurrence after another. Clues are cleverly delivered
from Danny’s POV that take him on a bizarre trip as he pieces together his past
and present to figure out what is going on as he races against time to pick up
his brother from camp.
@donnasundblad Beached Ones #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #booktok #bookworm #booktour #paranormal #urbanfantasy #thebeachedones ♬ original sound - Donna Sundblad
Book review: The Beached Ones
The glue of this story is the unbreakable bond between Danny and his younger brother. Colleen Story’s masterful sensory details offer subtle clues to help figure things out, as she weaves Danny’s memories of the past with the present into the unpredictable with page-turning urgency as he meets up with his ex. A girl who see ghosts. Story delivers the coup de grâce as all the emotionally charged pieces come together with a clear resolution.
I award The Beached Ones with a strong 4 stars and recommend it for readers who enjoy paranormal, vampire, drama, and suspense. However, I do add a caveat for those who are sensitive to the topic of suicide. Those who have been touched by this tragedy may not enjoy this book, but others who have contemplated taking their lives may find it helpful. I can’t predict which for every individual. For me, it left me feeling melancholy but found it a very good read.
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I received a copy of this book through Black Phoenix Book Tours and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.
About the Author
Colleen M. Story is a novelist, freelance writer, writing coach, and speaker with over 20 years in the creative writing industry. Her latest novel, "The Beached Ones," released from CamCat Books on July 26th, 2022. Her previous novel, "Loreena's Gift," was a Foreword Reviews’ INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, among others.
Colleen has written three books to help writers succeed. "Your Writing Matters" was a bronze medal winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards (2022). "Writer Get Noticed!" was a gold-medal winner in the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards and a first-place winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards (2019). "Overwhelmed Writer Rescue" was named Book by Book Publicity’s Best Writing/Publishing Book in 2018.
With over 20 years as a professional in the creative industry, Colleen has authored thousands of articles for publications like “Healthline” and “Women’s Health;” worked with high-profile clients like Gerber Baby Products and Kellogg’s; and ghostwritten books on back pain, nutrition, and cancer recovery. She continues to work as a full-time freelance writer, helping clients create informative and inspiring communications in a variety of media formats.
Colleen frequently serves as a workshop leader, writing coach, and motivational speaker, where she helps attendees remove mental and emotional blocks and tap into their unique creative powers.
A lifelong musician, Colleen plays the French horn in her local symphony and pit orchestras. When not writing, she’s reading, practicing yoga, listening to music, exploring the beautiful Northwest, and making up more challenging games for her smart German Shepherd to play.
Find more at her author website (colleenmstory.com), motivational website (writingandwellness.com), and mystical blog (lifeandeverythingafter.com), or connect with her on Twitter (@colleen_m_story) and YouTube (youtube.com/c/ColleenStoryteller).