Another brilliant offering from Chuck Wendig, who somehow continues to get better with each outing. Following his growth as an artist since the Miriam Black series has been delightful, and with each new novel he not only earns the comparisons to author like Stephen King, he continues to demonstrate his ability to deftly blend multiple genres into a single, powerful reading experience.

You may think apples are ordinary, innocent fruit – good as a snack, in pies, candied or dipped in caramel. Think again. Seven trees in a small orchard in Harrow, Pennsylvania produce unusual, addictive apples. The kind that mend bones, cure cancer, and correct eyesight among other things. Those who consume them become obsessed with the flavor and everything they offer. But there’s always a price in the end.

The history of these apples, the town, and its citizens is revealed through flashback chapters and showcases the uglier characteristics of mankind – racism, sexism, and casteism to name a few. But not everyone drinks the Kool-Aid, and these characters are the primary focus of the story. The character development is off-the-charts magnificent – a teen girl whose father owns the orchard, a newly arrived lesbian couple from the city, a man investigating the death of his friend, and a couple with a hate-filled neighbor. Love them or hate them – all are shades of gray – they all felt real to me and helped immerse me into this bizarre story.

At over 600 pages, this is a long novel, but I honestly don’t know where it could have been cut. With its peculiar premise, it reminded me of early King novels. I also learned a heck of a lot of fascinating details about apples. Make sure to read the author notes at the end that give insight to the origin of this story. Highly recommend to horror fans.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Chuck Wendig is in the midst of a period of mind-blowing productivity, releasing his third 500+ page book in three years. More impressively, his batting average remains high, and Black River Orchard is not just great Stephen King pastiche (small town, cursed apple, the dark side of wishes), it’s the work of an author stepping out from the shadow of King and establishing his own voice. Some day soon horror fans (myself included) are going to have to drop the comparisons.

It’s good to see Chuck Wendig getting more love and attention on Goodreads and in bookstores both online and in person stores. I fell in love with his style back in the Miriam Black days and have enjoyed each book he’s put out since. Orchard is no different, and the world he builds is fascinating and written in the way only he can develop. Loved the plot and story, five horrific stars!

Chuck Wendig is such an underrated horror author. I've loved his work since Blackbirds and was SO excited to finally get approved for one of his books on here. Black River Orchard is rich in character, plot, and genuine creepiness. It also got me craving apples like no other when I was reading this. (Probably ate more apples while I read this book than I've eaten in my entire life...) The way Wendig writes creeping dread is just amazing, and he reaches the peak of some of his best writing with this novel. I highly recommend and can't wait to read more of his work!

Black River Orchard was a miss for me though I appear to be in the minority because it’s highly rated on goodreads. This is my second Wendig book - I really enjoyed Wanderers and was excited by the premise of this one. I felt like he walked a razor’s edge with Wanderers with the nods/homage to Stephen King and that continues here but more awkwardly. The thing is, this is simply not a completed book. This is a draft. The middle section is so repetitive that I stopped in the middle of a chapter to ensure that I hadn’t somehow backed my Kindle up and was rereading a previous chapter. Wendig’s attempts to write from a female perspective are cringe, specifically from the teen girl. I would imagine even the people that liked it would tell you that it could lose 200 of the 640 pages without missing a single story. Nothing would be lost. Many of the bad reviews are about how “woke” the book is and IDGAF about that (or those reviews) - this is an excellent story idea that is simply not finished. It’s really too bad because there were some moments and scenes in this book that show you not only that he has great ideas but that he could deliver on them. I think a serious hatcheting by a competent editor could remove 5-6 characters and 300 pages and turn this book into a thrill ride and amp up the horror by creating better pacing and more dread. There is a villain within the story (think Randall Flagg but dressed in white) but as the Big Bad he is barely in the story and … it could’ve used him. I can understand why people enjoyed this one and why they could look past the warts because the high points are very high and the idea is outstanding but for me the execution is just not worth the 640 pages. Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Pub. for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback.

I read about 40 pages in and loved it instantly. I stopped and wanted to purchase it. All I can say is I'm excited to finish, Chuck Wendig never let's me down. I frequently purchase a book that I want to have in my collection and this one of them.

Who knew a horror book centered around an apple could be so good! I loved this one.

Dan wants to fulfill his father's dream of having an orchard. The apple growing in his orchard, though, is a variety that's been unseen for years and has sinister side effects when eaten.

This book really surprised me with the depth of the characters, the social commentary, and the creepy vibes throughout.

Apples now scare me. I’d say that’s a win for the author! I’m surprised this isn’t getting more buzz. Thought it was really well
Done! Creepy, and kept me wanting more!

Thank you NetGalley for an arc of this book I heard lots of my book friends talking about...something strange is happening in the town of Harrow. The trees are not only changing leaves but their apples are having magical powers. When people bite into them, they get more powerful and can't stop eating the apples. Then things really get dark...I should have read this book in the fall when I first got it, the timing would have been better but this was a scary and imaginative book unlike any Ive ever read. Its very dark and twisted and I was speechless but I also loved that about it!

I’m giving up. I want so badly to like Chuck Wendig’s books. He seems like such a fun person and he makes stories sound so fun. But every time I try to read them, I just can’t seem to get into them.

I doubt I will ever look at apples the same way again. Holy smokes this was incredible. I cannot wait to get into more of his books!

Unique, fresh horror, as only Chuck Wendig can dish out. I've will never look at apples in the same light and will forever read anything he writes.

This was great,

I can't believe how many feelings this book made me have, I kept thinking and feeling such contradictory things, my opinions kept changing, I switched sides multiple times, it was such a fun read. I was sp heavily invested, I read thru this in two sittings it was absolutely absorbing unputdownable.

The subject matter was so unique, and that's not easy to do in a world full of unoriginality, where everything is only bits and pieces of other things that are also bits and pieces of other things, and I'm sure this is no different, but at least it's something that I've never come across, and I've read a lot of books.

I don't consider myself someone that loves horror but I find myself reading a lot of it between T.Kingfisher, Grady Hendrix, and Stephen King, it's books like these that are the reason I keep turning back to them.

This was the kind of horror that works for true horror lovers, and the casual horror reader alike. There is depth and intense characterization and the best kind of suspense, and none of those things came at the cost of the writing. Wendig could write a lot of Booker winners under the table. A strong solid 5 stars, this book alone is enough to make Wendig a must read author for me,

Black River Orchard: Where Delicious Terror Takes Root

Chuck Wendig's Black River Orchard isn't just a horror novel; it's a creeping vine of dread that slowly wraps around your mind and squeezes the life out of complacency. Set against the backdrop of the idyllic yet troubled town of Harrow, Pennsylvania, the story unfolds like a slow-burning nightmare, drawing you deeper into its web with each page.

A Forbidden Feast for the Senses

The catalyst for Harrow's descent into madness is the arrival of seven strange trees in the abandoned Paxson orchard. These aren't your average apple trees; they bear fruit of an intoxicating crimson, promising an otherworldly taste that's both addictive and deadly. As the townsfolk succumb to the fruit's allure, their darkest desires and primal instincts come to the fore, painting a grotesque portrait of human nature's corruptibility.

Wendig's masterful storytelling shines in his vivid descriptions. He crafts a sensory feast of both beauty and horror, making the orchard feel like a living entity with a malevolent hunger. The scent of the forbidden apples, the chilling whispers in the wind, the grotesque mutations inflicted by the fruit – all these elements combine to create a truly immersive and unsettling atmosphere.

Characters You Can't Help But Love (and Fear)

Black River Orchard isn't just about the creeping horror; it's also about the flawed and desperate individuals caught in its grip. We have the struggling single father, Dan Paxson, haunted by the ghosts of his past and torn between protecting his daughter and succumbing to the orchard's dark temptations. Then there's the enigmatic Edward Naberius, a figure shrouded in mystery who seems to hold the key to both the orchard's origins and its potential undoing.

Each character, from the naive teenagers to the grizzled town elders, is meticulously crafted, their motivations and fears laid bare with brutal honesty. You find yourself rooting for them, even as they make questionable choices, because their desperation feels all too real.

A Harvest of Unnerving Truths

Black River Orchard is more than just a chilling tale of supernatural terror. It's a scathing commentary on human nature, our insatiable desire for pleasure and power, and the lengths we'll go to for survival. It delves into themes of addiction, family dysfunction, and the struggle between good and evil, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease long after you've finished the last page.

A Must-Read for Horror Aficionados and Beyond

If you're looking for a horror novel that will stay with you long after the final scream, Black River Orchard is a must-read. It's a masterclass in suspense, character development, and world-building, guaranteed to send shivers down your spine and leave you questioning the darkness that lurks within both the orchard and ourselves.

Chuck Wendig does it again. He has rapidly become one of my must-read authors, and Black Orchard just continues a long line of great horror reads. Heirloom apples, folk horror and biting social commentary. What more could you want from a book?

Loved this book but probably won't be eating any apples any time soon! This is one of my favorite authors and this book is one of the reasons why! A cult built around apples with a lot of crazy towns people! I would highly recommend this book!

Chuck Wendig is a force, and I'm terribly grateful that he has moved further into the horror genre. His stories are always entertaining, quick, and fun.

This was such a fun time! A horror novel set in a small town with evil apples. It felt original. I loved the small town aspect and it reminded me a lot of a Stephen King novel. Dan does not have it easy and he is determined to show others who he can really be. There are some interesting characters in this town, and they are not always kind. A fun, enjoyable read that is great for Autumn and Halloween time!

A decadent, dreadful decent into an archaic evil that's as addictive as it is fruitful. Dan unwittingly unleashes this darkness upon almost everyone around him, planting seeds of pure hellishness along the way as he tries to get his family orchard off the ground. Each and every character has such an emersive storyline that you can't help but be chewed up and swallowed like the apples in the book. Crisp, cold, and undoubtedly one of the best horror books of 2023. Wendig knows how to spin a tale that is so good it will become an instant classic.