What I'm Reading: Black Tide by K.C. Jones

I have a review in the March 1 issue of Booklist. The draft is reposted below with further appeal talking points, more readalikes, and my "three words."

Also, please note, I will be having at least 1 review in many of the upcoming issue of Booklist for the foreseeable future. There is so much good Horror coming out. Even titles like this one, which I did not give a star, will be VERY popular with a general library patron. This one in particular has a lot of overlap for SF readers and more than a touch of Lovecraftian influence. 

Black Tide
KC Jones

May 2022. 259p. Tor Nightfire, paper, $15.99  

(9781250792693); e-book, $9.99 (9781250792709). 
First published March 1, 2022 (Booklist).

Screenwriter Jones’ debut novel unfolds like a movie, a terrifying nightmare come to life, one that will keep readers alternating between urgently turning the pages and an overwhelming desire to hide from this intense, realistic portrayal of an alien invasion. Beth and Mike are flawed, lost souls, holed up in neighboring homes in an upscale, Oregon coastal development during the off season. When Beth ventures over the fence, the two have a one-night stand, a very personal experience that coincides with a tear between multiple universes, opening up a flood of angry, confused, and violent creatures to descend upon Earth and start destroying everything in their paths. The action oriented, blisteringly fast paced plot is authentically rendered. Beth and Mike take turns telling the story in an engaging conversational tone, a narrative choice which not only captures the chaos and disorientation of the action but also allows for necessary character development to flow naturally. A solid, harrowing, apocalypse as it unfolds, Horror-SF hybrid for fans of The Silence by Lebbon and Bird Box by Malerman with a dash of Lovecraftian sensibility in the vein of Kiernan's Tinfoil Dossier series, but beware, the dog dies in the end

Further Appeal: I cannot stress enough how much like a movie this book is. Also the narration is very conversational– especially Beth as she talks to the reader honestly– baring her soul. Yes, there is a lot of focus on action here, but the character development is solid because of the authentic narrative voice of Beth and Mike.

This is an apocalypse as it is happening book with all of the confusion, action, and dread. It will have wide appeal. Flawed character who must overcome their personal issues and demons as well as a VERY real alien threat that is destroying the earth and humanity.

Speaking of, these are not evil aliens. They are just as confused as us, an original detail I really liked. They don't want to be here, a space time rip has brought them to us, and they are confused and angry.

Here is a line I couldn't get into the review: With a strong band of survivors theme, readers will root for Beth and Mike to make it through the initial onslaught, cheering them on despite the violence and destruction that surrounds them.

And I am sorry but it is a small spoiler-- not a huge one-- but the dog dies in the end. They cut that from the published review, but I cannot in good faith not let people know. The dog is a major character here.

Three Words That Describe This Book: harrowing, cinematic, apocalypse in real time

Readalikes: There is clearly a War of the Worlds by Wells vibe here. And of course the Lovecraftian elements can lead you down a rabbit hole of titles. But any apocalypse as it is happening story will work as a readalike here.

Also movie wise, I would suggest The Quiet Place.