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Today’s a very exciting day, Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan is finally out in the world, and honestly, I’m still not over it.

I read this one as an ARC back in September, and it completely blew me away. It was an instant five-star read for me and I’ve been (not so patiently) waiting for release day so I can finally shout about it properly.

My Thoughts on Remain

I rated this novel 5 out of 5 stars, and here’s why:

• Atmosphere: Cape Cod has never felt so alive, or so eerie. You’ve got the moody coastal skies, creaking inns, salt in the air… the whole thing feels cinematic. You can practically hear the waves crashing while you read. It’s got that classic Nicholas Sparks warmth, but then Shyamalan swoops in with just enough unease to make you glance over your shoulder. Autumnal perfection.
• World-building: The supernatural bits? Chef’s kiss. They’re handled so subtly that half the time you’re questioning what’s real and what’s not. It never goes full ghost story, just this gentle hum of something otherworldly. It’s eerie but believable, like the kind of thing you’d swear you imagined but secretly know you didn’t.
• Characters: Oh, Tate and Wren. I adored them. Their connection is electric but fragile and messy. Both are carrying so much grief and guilt, yet there’s this spark (no pun intended… okay, maybe a little). And the side characters? I loved them all – Well, maybe not all (no spoilers here!). They add so much texture and heart, like the gossiping background characters in a small-town movie you secretly want spin-offs for.
• Pacing: Slow burn, but absolutely 100% worth it. There’s space to breathe, but you still get those little moments that make you sit up straighter. The reveals are timed perfectly. No rushed twists, no dragging sections. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to take your time, maybe with a blanket and a mug of tea.

Overall: Remain is such a gorgeous mix of heart and suspense. Sparks brings the feels, Shyamalan brings the goosebumps, and somehow it all blends into this perfect, emotional rollercoaster. It’s part love story, part ghost story, and somehow still feels totally real. It left me a very weepy, a little spooked, but most of all completely obsessed.

Should You Read Remain?

If you’re on the fence, here’s why Remain deserves a spot on your TBR (and honestly, why you should read it today):

• If you love character-driven stories with a twist, this is your moment. It’s not horror or heavy fantasy. It’s just the right amount of supernatural sparkle.
• It will make you feel all the things. Love, grief, hope, heartbreak… you name it, it’s got it all.
• The vibes are immaculate. Moody seaside setting, emotional writing, and a ghostly edge? Perfect autumn read.
• The collaboration actually works. Sparks and Shyamalan together sounded wild at first, but somehow it’s magic.
• It stays with you. Weeks later, I’m still thinking about that ending (and not entirely sure I’ve recovered).

Final Thoughts

Remain is easily one of my top reads of 2025 so far. It’s emotional, eerie, and beautifully written. The kind of story that wraps around your heart and doesn’t let go. I know I’ll reread it when I’m craving something that makes me cry and question reality a little bit.

If you pick it up, let me know what you think in the comments.

Remain by Nicholas Sparks & M. Night Shyamalan is available now from Amazon UK, or even better grab it from your local bookshop (support your bookish community!).

Want to know more, you can read my full blog and book synopsis here.

Until next time… 🖤📖