Book Review: Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan
When I first heard about Remain, the collaboration between Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan, I was intrigued—and a little skeptical. Both authors have carved their own niche in literature and film, but together? It felt like a wild card, something unexpected for my 2025 reading list. However, from the moment I turned the first page, I was captivated by the breathtaking magic these two talented storytellers conjured.
At its core, Remain is not your typical Nicholas Sparks romance. Yes, it embodies his signature emotional depth, but it also ventures into the supernatural, weaving a tale that explores the complexities of human connection, grief, and the essence of life itself. The characters—Tate Donovan, a tormented architect haunted by the loss of his sister, and Wren Tobin, a spirited ghost stuck between two worlds—tangle in an eerie, powerful bond that defies time and death. Their journey is heart-wrenching yet undeniably beautiful, making it one of the best paranormal romances I’ve encountered.
Tate, with his wealth of emotional baggage, feels intricately real. Having recently emerged from a psychiatric facility after battling acute depression, he is lost and vulnerable. His feline companion, Paulie, adds a touch of warmth to his fractured reality. Wren’s story, meanwhile, is steeped in tragedy. Dying young under suspicious circumstances, her essence lingers on as she grapples with her past. The dynamic between these two wounded souls is breathtakingly poignant. Their shared vulnerability creates a space for healing, love, and unexpected connection.
The writing style strikes a delicate balance between lyrical and raw. There were moments when the pacing felt slightly repetitive, which is why I knocked off one star. Still, I found myself immersed in vibrant descriptions and powerful dialogue that resonated on a deeper level. Quotes like, “Sometimes it’s easier to talk about things with strangers than with someone you know,” lingered long after I’d put the book down, serving as gentle reminders of our shared human experience.
What truly stole my breath—and my tears—were the shared moments between Tate and Wren. Whether they were playing games like Charades or cooking together, these simple interactions were profoundly transformative. Tate’s journey to heal, while helping Wren confront her unresolved life, captured the essence of love and growth. The quote, “A thing of beauty is a joy forever: It’s loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness,” embodies the heart of this narrative.
If you are craving a story that goes beyond the bounds of traditional romance—one that delves into grief, love, and the supernatural—Remain is your next must-read. Mark your calendars for October 14, 2025! It’s a book that will resonate with both Nicholas Sparks aficionados and newcomers alike, and I truly believe it will leave its imprint on many hearts.
In reflecting on my reading experience, I found that Remain didn’t just entertain; it touched me deeply, reminding me of the beauty and fragility of life. Tate and Wren’s story is a testament to the connections we forge, even across the veil of death. I can’t recommend this book enough—it’s a journey worth taking, and I promise you won’t look at love, loss, and the afterlife the same way again.