Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam ♦ Mark Gulino | ARC Review

A Dark and Mysterious Journey — Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam by Mark Gulino

Mark Gulino’s Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam is a gripping trip into a world of darkness and mystery that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end. Set against the gloomy backdrop of a dark island, Gulino expertly creates a story that is both unsettling and intriguing.

Upon the Pale Ilse of Gloam by Mark Gulino
Published: 20. October 2023
Publisher: Independently Published
Pages: 227
Genre: Gothic, Horror, Novella, Paranormal, Suspense, Thriller
Audience: Adult
Shelve: Read 2024
Link to Goodreads

Upon a deserted shoreline, Rue wakes alone with no knowledge of her past. Decades of wreckage lay sprawled across the beach. The days are impossibly short, and the weather foreboding. Worse are the supernatural beings that stalk the landscape, littering it with corpses. Using only her instincts, Rue embarks on a journey to reclaim her truth and find a way home—all while unraveling the isle's dark secret.

A spooky weekend read brimming with gothic themes and atmospheric horror.

Buy the Book: Amazon*

Opinion

One of the novel’s most outstanding features is its atmosphere. From the moment the reader sets foot on this island, they are immersed in an atmosphere rich with tension and intrigue. The dark and mysterious atmosphere provides the ideal backdrop for the unfolding drama, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they eagerly turn the pages to discover the island’s secrets.

The plot of Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam is nothing short of exciting. It moves at breakneck speed from the first chapter on, immersing readers in a maelstrom of action and suspense. Gulino’s excellent pace ensures that there are no dull moments, with each twist and turn propelling the tale forward to its explosive finish.

Gulino’s writing style is outstanding, to say the least. His prose is rich and descriptive, creating vivid images that stay with the reader long after the book is done. His attention to detail is remarkable, drawing readers into the world of darkness and bringing its characters to life with depth and authenticity.

However, the novel’s strong use of Christian themes may not appeal to all readers. While it is good that Gulino uses these subjects to challenge Christian morals and reveal clergy fraudulent activities, some readers may find them overpowering. Indeed, the novel’s entire message — to tackle our hidden truths we don’t want to see — could have been expressed without relying so heavily on religion.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam is a riveting story of darkness and intrigue that will leave readers breathless. Fans of dark themes will like its mysterious and eerie atmosphere, fast-paced plot, superb writing style, and thought-provoking subjects. While the heavy theological themes may not appeal to everyone, they do not distract from the overall enjoyment of the story. Mark Gulino has created a genuinely remarkable story that will stay with readers long after they have turned the final page.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

About Mark Gulino

Mark Gulino is a fiction and non-fiction writer and author of Upon the Pale Isle of Gloam: A Gothic Horror Novella. He has worked as a top-rated Upwork freelancer and as an editor for the Forbes-featured online publication Gadget Flow. He also created and wrote the award-nominated science fiction podcast, A Journey Beyond the Skies, for which he won "Best Storyteller in a Storytelling Production (2020)."

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