Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this alc.

You can’t imagine my excitement when I was invited to review this audiobook. I’ve never read McConaghy before but everything I read about her previous books was only compliments. The story is set on a remote island, somewhere between Australia and Antarctica, that is vanishing under the rising of sea levels.

There is only one family living on this island and they are getting ready to leave when a body of a woman is washed up on shore. They nurse her back to health but there is something about her and the circumstances that made her appear on that island that are completely mysterious.

The writing is gorgeous, I really liked the twists, and I didn’t see the ending coming. The audiobook has a full cast narration: Cooper Mortlock; Katherine Littrell; Saskia Maarleveld, and Steve West. The full cast made the story dynamic, revealing character nuances, and providing a more immersive listening experience.

This book comes out March 4th, 2025.

Wild Dark Shore
Charlotte McConaghy
Narrated by Cooper Mortlock, Katherine Littrell, Saskia Maarleveld, Steve West

ALC courtesy of MacMillan Audio and NetGalley.

Dominic Salt and his three children, Raff, Fen and Orly, live on Shearwater, a remote island near the Antarctic, caretakers for a research facility and home of the world’s largest seed bank. Due to rising waters threatening to reclaim the island, the facility has been shut down and the seeds relocated. During one of the island’s worst storms, a mysterious woman is shipwrecked and washed ashore. From here on in, Charlotte McConaghy elegantly weaves a web of mystery and intrigue, with a luscious, complex plot that will just suck you in. A slow burn at first, it gradually builds tempo, with unexpected turns that will keep you interested, with a building sense of doom, leading to a brooding, stormy crescendo. The characters, too, are multilayered, gradually and deftly developed by the author.

Nature is, in a way, another “character” in this novel – from encounters with seal families, to close calls with gigantic whales, to the tiny, humble dandelion seed. Climate change and the environment are tackled, reminiscent of a Richard Powers novel. In this novel, we see that nature is not only beautiful, but can be brooding and ruthless as well. In the wilds of nature, survival of man and beast is tenuous. <i>Wild Dark Shore</i> is also about love and family, trust and secrets, and the choices we unavoidably have to make.

A work of literary fiction, McConaghy’s sentences are lovely but to the point, not overly contrived. So is the excellent narration in this audiobook – particularly the voices of Dom and Rowan, which lend a further air of mystery to the narration. And of course, the dark, atmospheric setting of Shearwater, surrounded by petulant, stormy seas completes it.

5 stars for the novel and narration.

Wild Dark Shore is a compelling, character focused climate change novel that is told from numerous perspectives of people living on and associated with Shearwater, a small island that is home to an incredibly important seed bank.

This is a story about isolation, dysfunctional relationships, and how women are judged for the decision not to become mothers. I felt that climate change was less a focus of this novel that past books by McConaghy, so this might appeal to you if you are looking for a balanced, compelling literary fiction novel.

The audiobook was read by a full cast and exceptionally well produced. I recommend that format if you enjoy audiobooks.

What an incredible story and reflection on life. The narrators were amazing to listen to, especially Dom’s narrator. Great voices and accents. I became very emotional during parts of this story. Without giving too much away it’s about deep love, loss, grief, and the will to live on. It’s a story that will be with me for a a long time.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to sharing with my peers.

This was a slow burn and a VERY atmospheric novel. You definitely need to be in the mood for this one, but luckily, I was and I devoured this in just a few days. It was a unique premise in a unique setting with flawed characters making flawed decisions based on flawed pasts. If you enjoyed Once There Were Wolves, I'd recommend adding this to your TBR. I loved listening to this one and kept finding more chores around the house to do so I could keep listening.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advancing listening copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

It’s official - Charlotte McConaghy does it again! I’ve been obsessed with her high stakes, slow-burn ecological thrillers since Migrations, and Wild Dark Shore is the perfect addition to this bestselling throughline.

Told from multiple perspectives, this story delves into the real-life consequences of climate change coming ashore (literally) as a mysterious woman does too. The two-timeline pressure of the island sinking & a family falling apart is just what McConaghy does best - nature will always take its course.

I had the pleasure of listening to the advance Audiobook copy - shoutout & thank you to Macmillan Audio & NetGalley! Each character had their own voice actor which made the multiple perspectives much more digestible. The spoken word prose is just fantastical and exemplifies the talents of McConaghy’s work. I re-listened to the last couple chapters at least 3 times because it was so beautifully spoken - a few tears were shed!

Highly recommend this book to anyone who is environmentally conscious and enjoys thrillers. The research McConaghy does for each book really shines through - this one being based on the real-life seed bank and isolated research labs. If you’re new to McConaghy’s works, I whole-heartedly recommend dipping your toe into Wild Dark Shore.

Dominic and his three children are the caretakers of this island however their time there is coming to an end. The last thing they need is a woman washing up ashore but this is exactly what happens. As they look after her and nurse her back to life, they can't help but get close to her. But Rowan has come to the island for a reason. Will they all still be able to get along when they find out what is behind her visit?

Oh my, what a beautiful book this was! I have enjoyed this author's previous work so I knew this one was going to be special too. Like her other books, this one has you feeling every emotion imaginable. The audiobook was expertly narrated with different narrators for each POV, with each character having their own story to tell. This is definitely one I will remember for a long time.

Wild Dark Shore is a captivating read!

The setting is very reminiscent of Migrations. I think the setting being a remote island (Shearwater) off the coast of Antarctica allows Charlotte McConaghy to do what she does best: create breathtaking scenery filled with wonder. All of the wildlife and vegetation descriptors help reel in the reader. I love all of the little facts that we get from Orly. It builds his character of a future botanist. It encourages the reader that maybe the next generation will treat our planet kinder.

The story is centered around the Salt family that are on Shearwater to preserve the island. Dominic is the strong and tender father, who is haunted by the ghost of his wife that drove them to the island 9 years prior. There’s the two eldest siblings that are only ten months a part, Raff and Fen. Both are traumatized by events on the island leading to more isolation (Fen) and relatability (Raff). I think the youngest brother, Orly, is the sweetest character. He cares so much for the plants. Fen cares for the animals. Raff cares for the island and responsibilities for survival, much like Dom.

Following a terrible storm a woman is washed to shore and rescued by Fen to the island. Rowan enters the scene. We learn more of her history along with the real reason she came to Shearwater. Rowan’s character is wonderful!

I laughed, I cried, and I fell in love with these characters. Such a beautiful story! I loved the mystery and literary elements of this one.

Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC!

Let me start off by saying: this is my first Charlotte McConaghy novel, this was on my most anticipated books of March 2025 list and I've had this pre-ordered for months.

I was recently approved for the audiobook arc via Netgalley & Macmillan Audio (thank you so much!) and I jumped into this as soon as I saw that approval come through.

I finished it in less than 2 days.

This book is about the human race overcoming the losses of dramatic climate change and the repercussions that have sent ripples through the Earth's many ecosystems.

It's about a family going through trauma, self-doubt and grief. How each person in the family unit comes to terms with events that have happened and how each of them reacts to it so differently. How communication, or lack thereof, puts strain on their relationships. How understanding heals deep wounds.

It's a story of one woman's world being turned @ss-over-tea-kettle. We follow her as she unravels the many mysteries in her marriage, identity and cosmic place in the cruel environment she has trapped herself in. We see her stripped down to the most vulnerable places one can find themselves. We see her reluctant acceptance, resilient persistence and primal fear when faced with life-changing decisions, day-after-day, constantly and relentlessly.

I fell in love with this family. Their flaws. Their human-ness. I fell in love with our FMC. I saw so much of the female experience, MY experience, in her.

In a world being washed away by rising tides and drowning in impossible decisions, this story took me to the coldest coastline there is and on a journey of whalesong, heartache and unimaginable terror.

It's early to say it, but I'm gonna say it: this may be my favorite read of 2025 and I can't imagine another book taking that title (at the moment).

Last but not least, the audiobook is PHENOMENAL. The cast made the entire reading experience so immersive, so thrilling, I was hanging onto every word. I truly hope people give the audiobook a listen, as it's a masterpiece.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for giving me the opportunity to read/listen to this book early and share my honest review. All reviews will be posted to my socials (Netgalley, Goodreads, Fable, IG).

Wild Dark Shore is a gripping, immersive, atmospheric novel. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook and it did not disappoint. The cast of narrators brings the beautiful writing to life, and the tone adds to the tension that's already evident in the words.

I was very impressed by McConaghy's ability to write a story that could fall into so many different genre categories. It pulled me in from page one and my mind never drifted from the story. It was suspenseful, mysterious, and tense, but also somehow tender. It was dystopian with a love story seamlessly blended in and not at all forced.

The story progresses at a pace that causes the tension to build quickly, which makes you desperate to find out how everything comes together. I was trying to piece the story together while I was listening and I was wrong about so many things - which I appreciate so much in a novel. I cared about the characters and though it was difficult to figure out who you could trust, I liked them all and the progression held my interest. The island felt like a character in and of itself, which made the story feel much more eerie and immersive.

I really enjoyed this audiobook and will be checking out others this author has written.

4.5 Stars.

Thanks to NetGalley and MacMillian Audio for the ALC of this novel!

Oof, McConaghy really knows how to write a story that rips my heart to pieces. Not just with the characters storylines but with the places she writes about and the dystopian, yet real, world she creates. In the author notes at the end she states that she wanted to really share how it felt to step foot on this island and how it was a character in its own right. She succeeded. It really did feel like a character unto itself and a stunning one at that.

While this didn’t end as I’d hoped her beautifully and emotive writing was exactly as excellent as I remembered. I like that this felt like a mashup of a mystery, a romance, a family drama, and a dystopian novel. That may not work for everyone but all those elements created more connection for me and kept me engaged throughout.

The audiobook was also phenomenally well done with multicast narration by Cooper Mortlock; Katherine Littrell; Saskia Maarleveld; Steve West.

4.25

A haunting tale that blends tension, mystery, and ecological reflection.
The island is more than just a backdrop; it is a character in itself, shaping the narrative and drawing the characters deeper into a web of psychological tension. The novel balances a gripping thriller elememengs with reflections on the environment, human nature, and the consequences of our actions on the planet. Great narrators

Not what I was expecting, but an interesting read that I finished in the afternoon because I had to know what happened! Every chapter has action and the pages ALMOST turn themselves because you are so engrossed in the story! Raff washes up on the shore and Dominic and his children take care of her, originally Dominic thought that she was going to die from her injuries but she pulls through! (Our girl is a fighter!) She remains guarded with her heart and feelings while living on the island and while everyone cares for her. While the island is falling apart, Dominic is a single father and his children are his world, but they have fallen apart in the past years and he is struggling to help bring them together again. Raff slowly starts to suspect that they know what happened to her estranged husband working on the island on a job, but everyone is tight-lipped about the secrets.
This is one of those books that you have to check out the audiobook! The audiobook was thrilling and kept me on the edge of my seat! The narrators were perfect for this story as they really brought the story to life and I could visualize the atmosphere and all of the tension and the love as well! This is one of those stories that doesn't sound like it will grab your attention, but it will! You will be on the edge of your seat wondering what the next action will be! However, be warned: This story will keep you on the edge of your seat, but it will also make you angry enough to want to erase a character, and it will make you cry! Not just a few tears but big tears.
Thank you, Netgalley and Macmillan Audio, for the emotional rollercoaster listen and for allowing me to do so! I went on a wild ride and experienced so many emotions in one afternoon!

This is a book that lingers. The setting was immersive, the writing stunning, and the characters fully realized. It was a mix of thriller, family drama, dystopian, romance, and tragedy, and somehow it balanced them all beautifully.

The plot was just far-fetched enough to require some suspension of disbelief, but the author earned my trust and delivered. Some moments were so tender they genuinely brought me to tears. The ending provided exactly the closure I needed to balance the story.

That said, there were moments that felt unclear, almost like plot holes. Maybe the author intended for readers to piece things together, but at times, it felt more inconclusive than purposeful. There was also a POV I thought was not needed. Still, this book will stay with me.

The audiobook quality was exceptional, as is often the case with Macmillan Audio. The narrators did a great job adding to the realism of the characters.

Charlotte McConaghy is an auto-read for me, and this book did not disappoint! I listened to the Audio book and loved the different narrators. They really captured each character and their points of view. The book is set on a remote island near Tasmania & Antarctica. The threat of rising sea levels pushes the Salt family (father & three children) out of their home and jobs of caring for the seed bank. This content was pretty new to me, and I appreciated the subject and how it related to climate change concerns. The setting and the descriptions of their work was written so clearly and vividly, I felt completely immersed in their world as I was listening. Out of nowhere, a woman washes up on their shores, and the story takes off from there. This book has a bit of everything; romance, mystery, death, loss, grief, and family - beautifully written, deep characters, and a book that will sit with me for a long time. 4.5/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Macmillan Audio, and Charlotte McConaghy for an advance copy for honest review.

Unfortunately, i find myself on a desolate outlier island. With multiple shifts in narrators and timelines, I struggled to keep my head above water. The novel succeeds at being deeply introspective and highly atmospheric, but I didn’t attach to any of the characters.

Fans of climate change novels will probably enjoy this novel more than I did. I knew it was going to be a cautionary tale, but my mindset wasn’t prepared for the overall icy bleakness.

I was gifted the audiobook in exchange for my honest review. While I listen to a lot of audiobooks, this is one where I wish I had a copy of the ebook as well. Several times, I found myself confused, and if I could have pulled up a character by name or a previous scene, it would have added clarity to my reading experience.

Whoa, what did I just read?!😮
Wild Dark Shore is a total vibe. It’s moody and atmospheric. It’s dark and twisty. It’s so darn clever! This book just made my top 10 list for 2025.

Thank you to @macmillan.audio for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻

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This book already has a ton of 5-star reviews, so there is me. I throw wrenches in. I rarely rate a book at 5 stars…is there something wrong with me? Probably, but here we are being different. This book follows a family temporarily stuck on a remote research island located between Tasmania and Antarctica. The island has been abandoned by everyone except the Salt family, who are packing up the remaining supplies before a ship arrives to take them away. The island is quickly being reclaimed by the ocean, with increasing storms and rising waters. The Salts must decide which seeds they can save to take with them.

During one of the violent storms, a shipwreck occurs, and the daughter, Finn, discovers the body of a badly storm-battered woman who has made her way to the island. As we explore life on the island, we learn that not everyone is honest.

This story serves as both a commentary on the evolving world and an exploration of humanity in isolation. We delve into the perspectives of the five characters on the island, which is being overtaken by the ocean. They must not only choose which seeds to save but also consider the animals they have bonded with and the life they are reluctant to leave behind. While Rowan is only briefly on the island compared to the Salts' eight-year stay, she too begins to feel the weight of isolation.

The narrative shifts among all these characters, presenting different viewpoints on similar events while also revealing Rowan's backstory. At times, this can feel overwhelming and slow down the pacing. However, the ending delivers a fast-paced ride that is quite sad in many ways.

The story is interesting overall, and I appreciated the afterward where the author shares her inspiration from real-life places, including the island and the seed vault that the characters are emptying. There is an underlying mystery that we try to solve throughout the book, but the reasoning behind the madness is never clearly explained—it feels more like a "just because" situation.

The narration is excellent, featuring four narrators and five points of view, with each perspective feeling unique and distinct. They all contribute a great tone to the story and embody their respective characters well. Overall, the story is engaging and different, with enough mystery to keep the reader guessing, but the numerous perspectives and variable pacing sometimes hindered my engagement.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 Absolutely incredible. That last quarter had my heart racing! While the novel is rich in character development, it’s also packed with intricate plot layers that kept me hooked. The writing is stunning, the setting feels vivid and alive, and I was emotionally invested from the very first page. This is undoubtedly a future bestseller and a story that will stay with me for a long time. Now, I finally need to pick up Once There Were Wolves, which has been sitting on my shelf for far too long! Thank you so much to the publisher for gifting me this advanced copy.

Riveting and powerful story. This book has mystery, romance, exploration of grief and lots of interesting animal factoids that my ever-curious 5-year-old would appreciate.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

((I listened to ALC via NetGalley.))

I fell in love with each character through the eyes of other characters — their vulnerabilities and their kindness and strength. While falling in love, I was also on get edge of my seat to learn more about the mysterious events. I even fell for a CLASSIC red herring because I was so immersed in the story.

I think this book perfectly captures the complicated emotions of human existence. To love is to eventually lose. Fire destroys as a way of cleansing and preparing the area for a fresh start.

The only thing I have mixed feelings about is the ending. It felt abrupt, but maybe that’s the point? I would love to discuss / analyze the logic behind the ending before I decide whether I appreciated it.