5 ⭐️
Thank you soooo much Netgalley for getting to read an ARC from my favorite author. This man knows how to shock me to every part of my body. The insatiable energy and twists in these characters. John Marrs just always delivers. I cannot not binge this in 2 days despite by sleep schedule being lessened. People who have read some of his books will enjoy this one. I am absolutely speechless and need more from him. Couldn’t have loved Damon more he is everything you didn’t know you were being delivered by John. I am just going to take at least 3 weeks to process this one. Please read this IMMEDIATELY.

Pub date: Jan 13 2026.

They need to create a new genre to describe John Marrs’ books - psychological thriller is no longer enough after reading this terrifying book. There is so much to it, not the least of which are the nightmares I expect to have for the next month! The most thrilling experience as a reader is to find yourself rethinking your own perception of and relationship with a fictional character and, in Damon, Marrs has created something really unusual. The plot itself takes so many unexpected turns that you can’t stop reading until it all becomes clear, and that takes you to literally the last page of the book. As always with this author, there are also many philosophical questions which remain after you have finished the book. In this case, nature versus nurture and how much we can change what we are born to be are ideas which will linger.

This book drew me in with its layers of secrets, family tensions, and unexpected turns. Kathryn Sharman delivers a story that feels grounded and real, with relationships that are complicated in all the right ways.

I enjoyed how the perspectives shifted between characters, giving just enough insight to keep me turning the pages while still leaving room for surprise. The plot is full of subtle clues and well timed reveals, and the way past and present connect kept me invested throughout.

The characters are complex and believable, with moments of vulnerability that made me care about their outcomes, even when I didn’t agree with their choices. While I would have liked a slightly sharper build-up toward the ending, the journey there was engaging and satisfying.

Overall, a well-written and absorbing read😍