The Beached Ones

by Colleen M. Story

Overview

“Share with fans of atmospheric literary fiction in the vein of Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library or Kate Atkinson’s Life after Life.” —Library Journal

“A major achievement in fantasy and paranormal novel-writing.” —Nina Romano, Pushcart Prize nominee and author of The Secret Language of Women and The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley

He came back, determined to keep his promise.

Daniel and his younger brother grew up in an abusive home, but Daniel was the only one who escaped. Now an established stunt rider, he intends to go back to rescue his brother. But then one jump goes horribly wrong . . .

He recovers to find himself in Iowa, unscathed, yet his life falls has drastically changed. His best friend won’t answer his calls. Even his girlfriend is hiding something. Increasingly terrified, he clings to the one thing he knows: He must pick up his brother in San Francisco. In five days.

From the isolating fields of Iowa to the crowded streets of San Francisco, Daniel must fight his way through a fog of disjointed memories and supernatural encounters to pay a debt he didn’t know he owed.

For readers who enjoy Where the Forest Meets the Stars by Glendy Vanderah, The Secrets of Lost Stones by Melissa Payne, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, and The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780744305456
Publisher:	CamCat Publishing
Publication date:	06/28/2022
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	592
File size:	631 KB

About the Author

Colleen M. Story has worked in the creative writing industry for over 20 years. Her last novel, Loreena’s Gift, was a Foreword Reviews' INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, among others. She also writes nonfiction books for writers, including Writer Get Noticed!, a gold-medal winner in the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards, and Overwhelmed Writer Rescue, Book by Book Publicity’s Best Writing/Publishing Book of 2018.

As a full-time freelance health writer, Colleen has authored thousands of articles for publications like Healthline and Women’s Health, worked with high-profile clients in the healthcare industry, and ghostwritten wellness books. She frequently serves as a workshop leader 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 walking, reading, and exploring the beautiful Northwest. To learn more, see her website (colleenmstory.com), motivational blog (writingandwellness.com), and mystical blog (lifeandeverythingafter.com), and connect with her on Twitter (@colleen_m_story).

Editorial Reviews

A suspenseful ghost story that takes the reader on an existential tightrope walk to an emotionally charged ending.” —Lance Thompson, Ghostwriter and Script Doctor

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“Story has penned a work that is at once spellbinding, enigmatic, yet literary. It’s a book that mesmerizes—you won’t be able to cease following the emotional saga until the very end, despite feelings of anguish and enormous heartache.”—Nina Romano, Pushcart Prize Nominee and author of The Secret Language of Women and The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley

“[Colleen M. Story's] captivating prose successfully mixes an emotionally rich tale of love and forgiveness with supernatural twists that will keep you guessing to the very end. Part ghost story and part literary drama, the final chapters will leave you breathless.”—PJ Dempsey, Freelance Editor and former Senior Editor, Random House and John Wiley & Sons

“A fascinating journey that blurs the boundaries between fantasy and reality. Story deftly treads the razor’s edge between life and death and the in-between with sharply drawn characters and an ending that will touch your heart.” —Doug Copsey, Writer/Producer/Director; Founder, Idaho Writers Guild

“In my opinion, The Beached Ones is author Colleen M. Story's strongest work of fiction to date.”—Marilyn R. Wilson, Book Reviewer, Published Author and Speaker

“This profound and heart-rending novel satisfies on multiple levels. It’s an inspiring story of a brotherly bond that only strengthens when tested, a chilling glimpse into the heart of evil, and a riveting exploration of the mysteries and possibilities of the afterlife.”—Beth Castrodale, award-winning author of Marion Hatley, In This Ground, and I Mean You No Harm

"The Beached Ones by Colleen M. Story is a mystifying supernatural drama that will leave you breathless . . . This book crosses fantasy with drama in a story that you will not put down until you finish the last page."—Vincent Dublado, Readers’ Favorite

From the Publisher

10/01/2022

Story's (Loreena's Gift) latest, narrated by Rob Shapiro, immerses listeners in an unsettling world governed by dreams, ghosts, and memories. Daniel wakes up on a California beach, completely disoriented and surrounded by beached pilot whales; the next moment, he wakes again to find himself in Iowa. He has no wallet, no phone, and no idea of how he ended up there. All he knows is that he must go pick up his brother in San Francisco in five days. Daniel makes a harrowing journey to California, accompanied by ex-girlfriend Jolene and her mysterious friend, Brent. Jolene, whose calm and kindness are skillfully rendered by Shapiro, gently helps Daniel come to terms with his painful past, which includes abuse, mental illness, and substance use disorder. Shapiro's precise and composed presentation contributes to the otherworldly feel of the novel and perfectly matches the cadence of Story's writing. Shapiro's characterizations are superb, particularly for Brent, whose subdued menace is communicated with exquisite restraint. VERDICT This haunting audio deserves a wide audience. Share with fans of atmospheric literary fiction in the vein of Matt Haig's The Midnight Library or Kate Atkinson's Life after Life.—Sarah Hashimoto

Library Journal - Audio