Picture yourself stranded on a remote island, where the rising sea is gradually engulfing the land, and your only companions are the wildlife and a few family members. One day, a woman, barely alive, washes up on the shore, leaving behind no clues about her identity, origin, or purpose. This is the gripping premise of Wild Dark Shore, which instantly draws you in.

Dominic has spent eight years on Shearwater Island, home to a global seed vault and research base, along with his three children. However, due to the devastating effects of climate change, the seeds are now at risk as the permafrost thaws and sea levels rise, threatening to inundate the vault. With all the researchers having abandoned the base, Dominic’s family is preparing to leave as well, but first, they must carefully pack up the selected seeds for preservation. The arrival of Rowan, the mysterious woman, sets off a chain of events, revealing that secrets are being harbored by both parties.

As I read through the pages, I couldn’t help but draw parallels with The Lighthouse, as the characters struggled to cope with the harsh environment, isolation, suspicion, and their complex emotions towards each other, all while navigating the aftermath of personal losses. The narrative is both haunting and deeply moving, and I anticipate it will secure a place among my top favorite novels of the year.