Paradise- Blog Tour

 

Author: Ben Tufnell 

Publisher: Influx Press 

Publishing Date: 5th March 2026

Many thanks to the publishing team and Random Things Tours for my physical copy of the book and a spot on the tour

Blurb 

A world on the brink of collapse. Dense woods, mountains, a standing stone, a barrow, and a very old house. But if you've only ever known concrete and glass, how do you live in a place like this? Recruited by a mysterious organisation, Nash thinks things are finally going his way. 

But when a job goes badly wrong, he is taken to an isolated location to await a decision on his fate. Paradise is a crumbling cottage deep in a forest; Nash is free to leave the house but must not leave the woods. It is winter, and this wild and remote place is unknowable and terrifying. He attempts to map his surroundings to find a way out, but they resist him, the land seemingly shifting and changing. 

Moreover, he begins to suspect that his employers' intentions may be much darker than anticipated. Forming an unlikely friendship, Nash finally begins to understand the consoling power of the place that has become his home. Brigid is sure of herself and at home in the natural world, while he is urban, lost. But she longs for his world, and he longs for hers. Now the wheel of the year is turning. 

As winter gives way to spring Nash's fate has been decided, and they are coming to deliver their verdict... 

My Thoughts 

This was a suspenseful and gripping read, and the cover alone immediately sets an eerie tone that carries throughout the story. I also think the blurb does a great job of giving just enough insight into the plot without revealing too much, which made going into the book even more intriguing.

I found the opening of the book particularly interesting. It draws you in quickly and creates an immediate sense of curiosity about what’s going on and where the story is heading. There’s a subtle tension right from the start that builds steadily as the narrative unfolds.

A big part of the story is getting to know Nash. The author uses shifts back in time to gradually build a clearer picture of who he is. These glimpses into his past help explain his mindset, his motivations, and the reasons behind the decisions he makes in the present. I thought this was an effective way to develop his character, as it adds depth and makes his actions feel more grounded and believable.

In the present timeline, Nash seems to find himself pulled deeper and deeper into troubling situations. As the jobs he takes on become darker and more morally complex, you start to see him question his own choices. There’s an internal conflict that grows throughout the story, which adds an extra layer of tension and keeps you invested in what will happen to him next.

The pacing worked well for me overall. It keeps things moving while still allowing enough time to build suspense and develop the character. The darker tone of the plot is consistent, and there’s an underlying sense of unease that carries through to the end.

This was a gripping read that kept me engaged, and I found myself wanting to keep turning the pages to see how everything would unfold. If you enjoy suspenseful stories with a darker edge and a character-driven narrative, this is definitely one I would recommend.