The Unseen

By Ania Ahlborn

Book Overview

A terrifying new novel from bestselling #HorrorBookTok sensation Ania Ahlborn--the acclaimed author of the modern classic Brother.

Hailed as a writer of "some of the most promising horror I've encountered in years" (Seanan McGuire, author of the Ghost Roads series), Ania Ahlborn delivers a novel that pushes the boundaries of horror into a new realm.

Isla Hansen, a mother reeling from a devastating loss, is beside herself when a mysteriously orphaned child appears on the outskirts of the Hansens' secluded Colorado property. Although strange and unexplainable, the child's presence breathes new life into Isla. But as the child settles in, Isla's husband, Luke, and their five children notice peculiarities that hint at something far beyond the ordinary--anomalies that challenge the very fabric of reality itself. The tension within the Hansen household grows, and with it, the sense that there is something very wrong with the new kid in the house.

The Unseen is a haunting tale that walks the line between the familiar and the unknown, drawing us into a chilling narrative where reality itself feels just out of reach.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1668057662
• ISBN13: 9781668057667
• Release Date: August 2025
• Publisher: Gallery Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

3.5 stars

THE UNSEEN by Ania Ahlborn What a ride this was! Isla and Luke Hansen (and their five children) are dealing with a recent pregnancy loss. One day Isla comes across a child at the edge of their property. This creepy little boy doesn’t speak, can barely walk, and is emaciated. Naturally Isla is convinced she needs to take him in. Strange things begin to happen as soon as the boy sets foot inside their home because of course it does! When two normally friendly dogs don’t like the new kid, there’s something amiss! Shouldn’t that make you think twice? Nope, not for Isla! Let’s just banish the dogs to Uncle Brian’s. Who cares if that breaks your only son’s heart? Your youngest child temporarily looses her hearing? Pfft! Let’s not jump to conclusions and blame the creepy kid that definitely caused it. Can you tell I didn’t care for Isla? Or lukewarm Luke for that matter. They were the *worst* and had no sense of self preservation! The kids were the stand out characters for me, especially Gus. I liked their chapter POVs. Normally I don’t mind a slow burn story if it has meaningful scenes that add to the tension and dread. However, this one took too long to get to the point. Then the ending was so… meh. Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️ **ARC courtesy of Goodreads giveaway.