The Watchers is an Irish horror novel created by A.M Shine. The forest in Galway is not seen on any map, and every car breaks down at its treeline. Mina is left stranded and is forced to walk through the dark, dreary forest. Mina finally finds a woman shouting, urging her to run to a bunker. As Mina arrives inside, the door slams behind her and the building becomes surrounded by unknown screams. Afraid and trapped, will Mina be able to escape this place?
Plot
The author creates a great reading experience by adding suspense to his plot. This is illustrated when the protagonist’s car breaks down, and she hears the first scream outside of her car. This element of suspense made me feel like the protagonist’s life was at stake but also left me wondering what and where the screams were coming from. “[…] When that shriek sounded through the night like a siren pinning Mina back into her seat […] Mina locked all the doors, feeling suddenly exposed. If there was something out there, then she sure as shit couldn’t see it. Her car was met on all sides by an impenetrable blackness, as though she had sunk to the ocean’s deepest trench, where old things live without time or light, in secrecy and in darkness.” (ch.1, p.77-79). After reading this part of the novel, I felt the suspense and fear Mina could have felt, hearing something unknown and strange. This element of suspense kept me engaged throughout the whole book.
Another element that made the plot more intriguing was the conflicts created by the author. This is seen when the author demonstrates the everyday obstacles the characters need to conquer to survive, such as getting water and trapping wildlife.
I didn’t particularly appreciate how there was a loophole in the plot. The loophole I found in this novel is when the protagonist reaches the bunker for the first time. I didn’t quite understand why the next day, the characters did not just follow the way Mina came from to escape. It took her half a day to reach the bunker, so logically if they just followed where she came from, they should have been able to escape the forest more quickly.
Also, I wouldn’t say I liked how the central part of the plot and story ended abruptly. I would have liked to have read more from the forest setting, and there could have been more opportunities for cliff-hangers and suspense within that setting.
Character development
There were not too many characters to remember, so that helped. The characters are entertaining, and the author did an excellent job of describing and revealing every character’s personality.
I enjoyed the overall character development. Mina was perceived as strong, independent, and intelligent. She was also seen as the second ringleader. Her intelligence is seen when she discovers the pattern of underground pits surrounding the bunker, created by The Watchers. Madeline’s character is perceived as bitter, unkind, and cruel. This is illustrated when she constantly insults Ciara and Daniel. This character often initiates conflict within the group, which gave the author opportunities to build suspense, resulting in climactic conflict resolutions. Furthermore, Madeline is perceived as the leader of the group making all the big decisions, and this is shown when Shine writes, “No one left the coop during the storm. Accidents and injury were too great a risk and Madeline wouldn’t allow it.” (ch 10, p.259-260)
Themes/Symbolism
I enjoyed discovering the theme of this novel. The theme of this novel is the fear of the unknown. This is demonstrated when Shine writes, “[…] ‘let’s go on an adventure!’ She looked to him, lips lolling open, sharing that beautifully bemused expression she always did when he surprised her. […] Her eyes glance back at the television, almost sadly. She didn’t want this. John knew that.” (Prologue, p.18-19). This quote describes when John convinces Ciara to go for an adventure on a drive. However, Ciara was delighted with sitting at home on her couch watching television on a Sunday. She was comfortable and safe. This safety she created in her home built a fear of doing actions outside of her routine. John feels guilty for pushing Ciara outside of her comfort zone; a push which led them to the pernicious situation that they find themselves in. He regrets taking that drive. John’s regret is illustrated when the author writes, “John wished he had just held Ciara a little longer. If only he had asked her what she really wanted to do, not that he didn’t already know.” (Prologue, p.21).
Another theme example is shown when Shine writes, “Madeline unlocked the door without hesitation. […] The light never lied to them. But Daniel wasn’t so eager to step out. It was, after all, not quite daylight. Not yet. […] Daniel imagined the watchers lingering close to the surface as the darkness dissipated, hoping for him to abandon the coop too soon and to step within reaching distance of them. How deep would they drag him? Would anyone hear his screams.” (ch 5, p.177-179). This quote shows how fearful Daniel is to go out of the coop/bunker. He fears the unknown that lurks outside the safety of those four walls. The bunker now symbolizes security and comfort for Daniel. The fear of the unknown is scarier than fears we can identify.
Writing Styles/Editing
I enjoyed how the author created a very descriptive setting for his novel. This is apparent when he describes for the first time the forest “The forest was dark on the brightest day. It was as though its ancient trees hid some terrible secret from the sun, and so weaved their branches together, casting a black gauze over the sky. The light broke through here and there in thin, hazy pillars but these were too rare to ever bring warmth.” (prologue, p.8-11)
I also appreciated how A.M Shine wrote each chapter from the point of view of the different characters. This is seen when the author describes the point of view of Daniel and how he feels towards another character. “Daniel has his head lowered, willing Madeline to stop; wishing that he had the courage to stand up to her. Maybe he was a coward after all. He had run away from his father and given half a chance he would run away from Madeline too, taking Ciara with him.” (ch.5 p.182). This quote demonstrates how Daniel feels about Madeline and how she reminds him of his father. This also shows the personality of Daniel and how he lacks the self-confidence to stand up for himself, but it also reveals his strong connection with Ciara. This type of writing style continues throughout the novel, creating deeper character connections and leading to more opportunities for character development.
Furthermore, I was pleased with the author’s use of specific literary techniques. For example, when the author used the simile describing one of the characters. This is seen when the author writes, “The bald head was rounder as the moon, and just as pale.” (Ch.18, p.448)
Entertainment
The entertainment within this novel was excellent. I really admired how the A.M Shine included Irish mythology. I enjoy how the novel consists of the mythology of fairies and monsters in the forest who were banished from society, and how he describes The Watchers as wicked. “These things are wicked. They toy with you. It’s like they enjoy it.” (ch.18 p.465). It left me on the edge of my chair. I also thought that the ending of this novel was masterful and opened up an opportunity for the author to write another book.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this book was deft for a debut horror novel. The plot was spine-chilling apart from the loophole discovered in the story, the rest of the book kept me engaged with the rising action, but I did find it ended too quickly. There was more potential for suspense with the setting, and I found the main plot ended too quickly. The author did a great job of describing each character, and when he wrote from their points of view, were privileged with a glimpse of the character’s different personalities. The descriptive writing style also kept me engaged throughout the novel, and I felt like I was in the bunker with the characters. I thought it was exceptionally compelling to incorporate Irish mythology, and no other novel that I have read has used it quite as effectively as Shine. Considering all the elements such as plot, character development, themes, writing styles, and entertainment, I give this novel a 4 out of a 5-star rating.
This book makes me excited to see the other writing pieces from A.M Shine.
Rating: 4.0/5
Written by: Elisabeth McGovern
Edited by: Alexandre McGovern
Beginning to End Table Books 