I love Darcy Coates but I can’t understand the label of “cozy horror” for her? Especially not in her books like this one. She takes the isolated island trope and gives you even more. This was like Fyre festival somehow being even worse than it really was…

A massive thank you to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I am a huge fan of Darcy Coates and can say without a doubt that she nailed this horror!!!
Its definitely one of the more gruesome novels, but i was 100% here for it.

The game show host kind of gives of Mr Beast vibes and that's ok.

As a Horror Genre I really liked that this book still had a solid storyline to go alongside it and allowed each character to have their rightful place.

Thank you, Darcy Coates NetGalley, for the ARC. I leave this review voluntarily and happily. Also, thank you publishers for your hard work!

This was such a great read. I love books about cults, and what's not to like about some gore and death too? Also, it's on an island with a bunch of people!? I certainly took my time to read the first bit of the book, but once it started to pick up, I certainly couldn't put this book down. I had to know what was going to happen next. It also had me wondering who you could really trust? I definitely loved the main character. You want so much for her and want her wrapped in bubble wrap. I also loved the myth/ legend they put in the book. Its kinda something to keep your mind occupied away from what's really happening in front of you. I tip my hat to the author. It seems I keep finding more books im adding to my favorite lust. This one will be added to it as well.

This was the first book I've read from this author, and I can definitely say they have me hooked. I'll definitely be looking forward to more of their work. This book definitely eared each of its stars.

I do have to say there is definitely a lot of death, gore, and just atmosphere. Not only that, you definitely feel unease the further you get into the book. You start to notice things aren't exactly as they should be, and you're wondering what's about to transpire. I went from zero to one hundred pretty quickly, and I enjoyed every messed-up moment. I really do love the book cover as well.

Wickedly disturbing, deliciously terrifying. Would read again and would recommend. I liked the “cheap” horror movie vibes. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised as a first time Darcy Coates reader.

4.25 Stars
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When a popular online influencer offers hundreds of his fans and fellow influencers a week on a remote tropical island, it is expected to be filled with relaxing time in the sun, plenty of delicious food and drinks, and even elaborate games with cash prizes for the winners.

Ruth, the sole survivor of an infamous cult, just wants to enjoy her vacation with her boyfriend and his friends without drawing too much attention to herself. However her nights have been riddled with nightmares about her past and potentially even her future. When guests become injured in the hosts games, and people start to go missing, this tropical getaway may not be what it seems.
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When I read my first Darcy Coates book earlier this year, I had been pretty disappointed. I remember loving the atmosphere, each haunted event pushing me to the edge of my seat, but the characters were so unbearable that I ended up giving that book a 2 star review. I am very glad I decided to give her books a second chance! How Bad Things Can Get pushed me to the edge and kept me there for the entire ride. It was a fun little thriller with a dash of the supernatural and I consumed the entire book in the span of a few days.

I had previously seen Darcy Coates described as a "cozy horror" author, where most people make it out of her stories and there is something of a happy ending. Imagine my surprise when Coates held back no punches and when the terrible events started happening to the guests of this island, it did not let up for even a second. I made the mistake of reading before bed and ended up staying awake far too late into the night because I just needed to know what happened next. There were a few things about the ending that I wasn't too sure I loved, but honestly I do feel like everything was wrapped up pretty nicely.

I feel like there is something that could be said about the book analyzing what happens when someone becomes obsessed with people they do not know, like online influencers or a cult that is long-dead, and the kinds of things those obsessions will make them do.

The Blair Witch Project meets Fyre Fest in this bloody new thriller from the queen of scares, It was supposed to be the party of the century: miles of idyllic white sand beaches, lush jungle foliage...and a dark legend nobody dreamed might be all too true. When an online influencer and several hundred of his most loyal fans land on Prosperity Island, the plan is simple: five days of elaborate games, drinking, and suntanned fun. A week in paradise should have been a welcome respite. The only survivor of an infamous cult, Ruth wants nothing more than to keep her head down and not draw attention. She's spent decades outrunning her blood-soaked childhood, and her identity is a closely held secret! Wow! What a wild thriller! It wasn’t one of my usual reads and I really enjoyed it! It had crazy suspense, mystery, gruesome murders, cult like characters, dark secrets and a few jaw dropping twists! The storyline was very different and interesting! I highly recommend reading this book if you’re in the mood for a very different experience! Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for sharing this book with me!

I never thought I would say this but this Darcy Coates book just wasn’t for me. On my page you can see I’m a huge fan of hers.

The main and only reason this book doesn’t work for me is the main premise. Island and game show contestant. Island horror/thriller is hit or miss for me but I absolutely can’t stand the contestant thing. I don’t know why but it seems like so many books came out with that plot and I never love it lol.

This is why I love to read Darcy’s books so much. They are intriguing, disturbing and scary in a best way! It is like a rollercoaster of horror, mystery and thriller.
The story follows Ruth, a survivor of an infamous cult, who now lives anonymously with her boyfriend. She's invited to an extravagant party hosted by an online influencer, which is set on an isolated island, where a lot of fans and an online influencer all end up being on. The online influencer is the one who invited all of their fans to this island! They were supposed to have endless drinks, games and fun! However, what they didn’t know is that this island has a history that is connected to a cult. As Ruth tries to blend in, she discovers a chilling connection between the island's history and her own past
From the beginning to the end, I read it in one sitting on the edge of my book nook. This book is atmospheric, came with a clear theme and had vivid imagery. It has a diverse cast of characters, which I really enjoyed in the book. I was very intrigued by the cult aspect of this book! Some of the themes explored in this book are the fight for survival and trust. Overall, this is a five star book for me because the plot was super entertaining for me.

A group of four friends hit the jackpot when they are randomly selected to attend a private event hosted by internet sensation Eton. Known for his "games", the four friends are looking forward to a week of fun in paradise on Prosperity Island, the private island Eton had purchased for a cool sum of $22 million dollars. Only one of the friends is hesitant to enjoy the island, bringing back memories of a time that she would rather forget. And rightfully so, as her past is coming back to bite her.

Darcy Coates strikes again with How Bad Things Can Get. It is as terrifying as it is riveting and I could not put down this book. Initially, our MFC, Ruth, got a bit on my nerves but when you learn the truth about her past, her hesitation and her inability to let it go, is understandable. To go from trusting someone wholeheartedly to having that trust ripped out from under them is almost as terrifying as the strange group of staff members in this novel.

This one will keep you on your toes for sure.

Thank you to Netgalley, Darcy Coates and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC of How Bad Things Can Get!

I’d describe this as Beast Games meets The Purge! Storyline comes full circle with a satisfying ending but getting there takes you through a twisted, chaotic, gory, fight for your life! Be warned, descriptions are deliciously graphic for the horror fans but can be much for those looking for the Darcy Coates typical haunt! Definitely a must read!

Thank you @PoisonedPenPress for the ARC copy through @NetGalley ❤️
Publication: August 25, 2025

A famous YouTube buys a private island to host a festival, inviting hundreds of fans and influencers. Ruth, a lucky fan, wins a chance to attend. However, the games go awry, and Ruth believes her disturbing past is connected to the island’s terror.

First of all I LOVE Darcy Coates and her writing style. This book wasn't bad, but was absolutely not my favorite book by her. Cult meets Scooby Doo. LOL. While I will read about anything from Miss D - I don't love cult books - The beginning drug on for me, but once it went on it was almost Hunger-Games(esque). I would however still recommend this book to friends, the writing style is good and does end up pulling you in - there is some gore - so if you aren't into that- then perhaps pass on this book.

Thank you Darcey & Poisoned Pen Press for the copy for my personal review <3

3.75⭐️
This is def not my FAVORITE Darcy book, but I’m not sure anything will ever beat Dead of Winter or Hunted for me! This was solid, though. Scooby Doo on Spooky Island meets a cult 😂 So many points of this book had me thoroughly creeped out and having to read a fluffy romance before bed lolol. The end did seem to lose the plot a little bit imo, but it worked.

TW: lots of gore (especially toward the end)

Thank you poisoned pen press & NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

This novel is both disturbing and terrifying, in the best way imaginable! It is a horror, mystery and thriller read that comes with a lot of suspense! Even though this book started off a bit slow for me, it built up quickly and became a fast, entertaining read! This was my first novel that was written by Darcy Coates, so I didn’t know what to expect from it. I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the quality of the writing! This book is atmospheric, came with a clear theme and had vivid imagery. It has a diverse cast of characters, which I really enjoyed in the book. I was very intrigued by the cult aspect of this book! Some of the themes explored in this book are the fight for survival and trust. Overall, I rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 stars!

“How Bad Things Can Get” takes the reader on an adventure! It is set on an isolated island, where a lot of fans and an online influencer all end up being on. The online influencer is the one who invited all of their fans to this island! They were supposed to have a five day getaway that consisted of drinking, games and having a lot of fun! However, what they didn’t know is that this island has a history that is connected to a cult. As the story unfolds, things become chaotic and sinister!

I think fans of the horror genre, that deals with a mysterious cult that was hidden in the past, would enjoy reading this! This book definitely gave me “The Blair Witch Project” movie vibes! Content warnings include violence, gore and body horror.

Thank you to NetGalley, author Darcy Coates and Poisoned Pen Press for this electronic arc of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

This book is expected to be published on August 26, 2025! The publication date can always change!

I’ve seen this book compared to Frye festival (this one explains itself with the book synopsis), Scooby do 😂😂 (based on the name of the island) and Fantasy Island vs survivor.. we all love Darcy Coates so I’ll never say no to an arc book of hers!

The cult reference was a put off for me because I really don’t enjoy that trope i find it’s rarely ever done well and usually copy and paste, however despite the mention in the synopsis and the main characters paranoia of being discovered, it really isn’t prevalent to the story, some will be disappointed by this but I for one was relieved!

I love a good locked room trapped on an island with a deadly killer trope. Like having no access to medical care and emergency services isn’t scary enough, add in an almost Guaranteed death count down and you’ve got yourself a palpable fear concoction.

This was a mid read for me, I enjoyed the island setting, the end for me was action packed and dramatic however the beginning was a but too slow burn and lacklustre.

Thank you for the gifted copy!

Publishes : august 26th

A well-paced tale, that isn't quite sure if it wants to be a thriller or a horror novel. I found myself gripped by the setting, and the back story of our main character, but I would have liked greater character development of the supporting cast - it was hard to keep them distinct from one another when I didn't have much sense of who they were. The atmosphere of the island and the games felt compelling, with the added interest of considering how events would be represented on social media. Yet, for all the talk of influencers and camera phones, why did not one person ever worry about charging their devices on this remote island?

For me, the book really changed its tone, pivoting to full on horror in the final 30 percent or so. This was fine, but I could have done with a few more breadcrumbs in the previous 70 percent to make it feel like a natural transition, and to make the action in the last section seem other than merely included for shock value.

4 stars

Coates always delivers a great read, however I would put this one at the top of her catalog. This had me hooked from the beginning, and contained all the elements of fiction and horror that I truly enjoy. The island retreat and CULTS!!

AMAZING BOOK!!!! I buy anything by Darcy Coates!!!!! I can’t recommend this enough ! Thank you thank you thank you!!!!

This book disturbed me in the best possible way.

Ruth was the only survivor of a cult 20 years ago, and it continues to haunt her. She frequently sees her past or her future, and it chills her to the bone. Luckily, she has found an amazing boyfriend to help her live an anonymous life.

That is until they get invited to a major influencer's party week. Joined by her boyfriend and their friends, Ruth embarks on a trip to a "haunted" island for a once in a lifetime chance to hang out with celebrities and win cash. It's supposed to be a fun, relaxing, exciting vacation.

Until weird things start happening. People are getting hurt and disappearing and no one seems to notice or care. The staff smile too broadly, and reports of a witch abound. Ruth's sightings show her death and destruction. Surely that's not actually going to happen, right?

Or has she been seeing the future clearly after all?

Haunting, shocking, told from different POVs, this book is gripping.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

I don't like it this much it's not make me captivating from the starting maybe it's not my type but I feel quite sleepy on it