This story is not going to be for everyone…but, man, I. Loved. This. Book. From the very first line I was hooked into this story of a tortured young man dealing with so much anguish but who loved so fiercely.

The MC, Andrew, is returning from summer break to his boarding school as a senior with his twin sister. He’s desperate to see Thomas, his best friend and the object of his obsession. Something obviously has happened that has made this year different but that is revealed as the story goes on.

The prose in this books is gripping and almost poetry. Dark, dark poetry, but poetry nonetheless. Drews’ use of metaphors was fantastic. I was blown away again and again by her writing. It was dark and horrifying, intense and suspenseful. I did figure out some of the ending ahead of time, but not all of it and I loved it. C.G. Drews could have easily destroyed this book if she took it in a different direction, but she absolutely slayed it.

By the end, I was completely invested in Andrew and Thomas and their relationship. I loved and hated them, was irritated by them yet empathized so much. They were so perfectly flawed. I know this was young adult and it has parts that make that very obvious because of the setting. Yet this felt like a very mature young adult novel.

I am blown away by this book and I will be thinking about this story and the characters for a long time. I absolutely will be getting the physical copy as soon as it comes out. By far the best young adult book I have read in a while. I would absolutely recommend this, especially to horror fans. I look forward to grabbing her next book in 2025 and I will definitely be looking into her other books.

***Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and CG Drews for giving me an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review***

★★★★☆Characters
★★★☆☆ Character Development
☆☆☆☆☆ Spicy
★★★★★Plot/Storyline
★★☆☆☆ Ending
★★★☆☆ Writing


What Kept/Didn’t Keep Me Reading:

Firstly, I want to extend my gratitude to NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to preview this book prior to its official release – thank you, NetGalley!
Upon glimpsing the cover, reminiscent of Skyla Arndt's "Together We Rot," I was immediately drawn to request this read, marking my inaugural encounter with the works of CG Drews.
Initially, the story's outset posed a challenge, failing to instantly captivate me. However, as the narrative delved deeper into the enigmatic allure of the forest and its formidable inhabitants, I found myself utterly engrossed, unable to tear myself away. Each attempt at unraveling the mysteries within proved futile as the plot persistently defied my expectations, leading to a series of thrilling twists and turns.
Yet, despite the mounting tension and intricate character dynamics meticulously woven throughout the narrative, I found myself somewhat underwhelmed by the resolution. Without divulging spoilers, it felt as though the author hastily tied loose ends, opting for a simplistic, almost contrived conclusion.
Nevertheless, the overarching storyline succeeded in ensnaring my interest, leaving me thoroughly invested from start to finish.

What Would I Read Next from This Author:
I’ll consider reading more of CG Drew’s works; unsure of which though, willing to take recommendations!

Thanks to Macmillian publishing and Netgalley for this book in exchange for a fair review. I saw this book originally because of the cover. My own child is always drawing creepy art with roses and I clicked on the description. High school senior, Andrew is returning to School with his sister, Dove who is keeping keeping her distance. Her and their best friend, Thomas seem to have gotten in an argument, and Thomas returned to school with missing parents and blood on his sleeve. Andrew writes dark and creepy fairy tales, Thomas illustrates them. But it seems like Thomas' drawings are coming to life and they have to battle them each night.

My child is 14, loves to write creepy stories and illustrate them, so I thought maybe this was a book we could buddy read and discuss. My child began reading a couple chapters each day, and then suddenly but chapter 14 went into a reading frenzy and devoured the rest of the book. I have NEVER seen them read like that before. And they were DESPERATE to discuss the book. So of course I did what any book-nerd parent would do, and I stayed up until 5am reading the entire book so that after school we could discuss. And DISCUSS we did. My Kid loved the flowery descriptions and creepy vibes, they had a lot of thoughts on what things meant, on what actually happened (and honestly IT IS NOT CLEAR) so it takes a lot of personal opinion to decide what you think happened.

Personally I think this book was a little more about beautiful writing and setting the scene with eerie vibes than I normally like. I found myself skimming some paragraphs, but for a teen who's interested in writing, and creepy stories, I think the extra detailed descriptions were fantastic. I think some parents might find this book a little disturbing, and there is some self harm in various ways happening which might also concern parents. And 14 might be too young for many kids. But I think there is SO MUCH to discuss. Symbolism, asexuality, trauma and how it affects different people, COMMUNICATION and how a different way of communication could change the results of the story, bullying.... What is real? what is symbolism? I think this is a fantastic book to make you think.

Thanks to NetGalley & Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the e-ARC!

**2.5 stars** I was really excited to read this book. The cover is absolutely stunning and the story resembles the gore and gothic elements of T. Kingfisher’s work–a YA version of it at least. But I was sadly let down by this one.

Fraternal twins, Andrew and Dove attend a boarding school with their best friend, Thomas, returning from their summer to start the new year. We follow Andrew’s pov and internal struggle with his sexuality. Shortly after the reunion we see a frazzled Thomas who is suddenly suspected of the gruesome disappearance of his parents, be questioned by a detective. Off the bat, we are suspicious of Thomas and if he’s responsible for this but we quickly realise there’s more to the story. Thomas discovers that his monstrous sketches come to life and resides in the forest, endangering the school. He teams up with Andrew to defeat this monstrosity.

Starting with the things I did like about this book, CG Drews is a great author. Writing was super atmospheric and the fairytale-esque elements were told beautifully. I appreciated the lgbt+ representation as well. And of course, the setting. I LOVE dark academia and I don’t recall reading a YA DA novel. Again, the cover? Stunning.

What I didn’t like was that I could not properly invest in any of the characters. They were very flat, not much character development as the story progresses. While I also appreciate the lgbt+ representation, it felt like a missed opportunity. It only scratched the surface and honestly wouldn’t have made an impact on the plot.

In addition, when the big reveal happened, I wasn’t at the edge of my seat. This could have perhaps been better as a short story because at around the 55% mark, it just became so stagnant. Especially because this seemed like it happened within a week, it didn’t need to be dragged out. It’s sad, I really wish I liked this more!

Where do I begin with this book?

Don't Let The Forest In follows Andrew and Thomas, who along with Andrew's twin sister Dove, make up a group friendship. However, this school year is different. Dove is not speaking to Andrew or Thomas after a big argument the previous year, Thomas is lying to Andrew, and Andrew himself is coming apart of the seams. Andrew plays our narrator, often unreliable and skewed but exactly as I would expect a teenage boy to be. His love for Thomas is unhealthy, reckless, and brash. But at the same time innocent and made of that awestruck naivete one would expect.

With rich, delicious prose and violent, downright horrifying imagery, CG Drews paints a story that is simultaneously beautiful, heartbreaking, and unsettling. The story winds us through dark forests, darker fairy tales, and the unrestrained and codependent love so often seen in youth. The twists and turns in the plot keep you guessing until the last few chapters, and the ending left me numb and staring at my reader in disbelief.

This hit my craving for horror perfectly, and is a dark fantasy fairy tale at heart, both grim and beautiful. The cast is diverse and portrays mental illness so well. At some points, the reader has to suspend belief a bit, but let's be honest, most horror and dark fantasy are similar in that way. Overall, this has been one of my favorite books this year, and I am so eager to see what else CG Drews puts out.

ARC review
“When I cut you open, all I find is that we match.”
👏obsessive👏all-consuming👏relationships👏. With asexual representation?! Absolutely stunning.
This book gave me similar vibes to “If We Were Villains”! I love an academic setting with a side of unsettling horror.
The plot twists had me reeling and so heartbroken. The characters' emotions are so completely visceral, the atmosphere is dark, and the story as a whole is utterly haunting.

This was fantastic! It is fast paced, suspenseful, devastating… haunting!! A must read! A YA horror, LGTBQIAP+ that had me hooked from the very first sentence. The writing style is fantastic! AND THAT COVER! A fast read full of suspense, plot twist, creatures, action -and a lot of tension. Three friends, an artist, his muse (the writer) and a studious / aloof twin sister whose lives are altered when their stories and art leap from the pages. Together these two have created an unsettling world they must destroy before it destroys everyone around them. You will not be able to put this one down. Thank you NetGalley for sending me this arc read. I’m sure it will haunt me for a long while. I can’t wait to read more by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!

The novel features two outcast boys with artistic inclinations of a darker nature, a boarding school of the wealthy elite, and a plethora of secrets. A delicate balance is set between Dark Academia and Gothic Horror in this new queer novel. One doesn't need to typically read YA to enjoy the tale found within, yet definitely be prepared for teenage angst and mellodrama.

Love to the point of madness. Of creation. Of destruction.

Loneliness and mental illness play a large role in the terror and unreality of this book. The protagonist Andrew isn't the most reliable of narrators, yet not from any act of outward maliciousness. He merely struggles to make sense of the seemingly senseless. This is a surreal and sweeping horror full of lush descriptions and mounting dread.

TW: body horror, bullying, child abuse (mentioned), eating disorder, grief, gore, homophobia, mental illness, panic attacks, self-harm

"Don't Let the Forest In" by CG Drews is a poignant and immersive exploration of grief, family, and the healing power of connection. With her signature blend of lyrical prose and raw emotion, Drews crafts a story that captivates from the very first page and lingers in the heart long after the final chapter.

At the center of the novel is protagonist Ingrid, a young woman grappling with the loss of her brother and the weight of her family's expectations. Haunted by memories of the past and struggling to find her place in a world that feels suffocatingly unfamiliar, Ingrid embarks on a journey of self-discovery that takes her deep into the heart of the forest and even deeper into the recesses of her own soul.

Drews' portrayal of grief is achingly authentic, capturing the tumultuous emotions and tangled thoughts that accompany loss with a rawness that is both heartbreaking and cathartic. Yet, amidst the pain, there is also hope—hope found in the friendships that Ingrid forges along the way, hope found in the beauty of the natural world, and hope found in the resilience of the human spirit.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly drawn characters, each one as flawed and complex as they are compelling. From Ingrid's fiercely loyal best friend, Jo, to the enigmatic and mysterious Elias, every character feels like a fully realized individual, each with their own scars and secrets. It is through these characters that Drews explores themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of finding light in the darkness.

In addition to its emotionally resonant narrative, "Don't Let the Forest In" also boasts lush and atmospheric worldbuilding that transports readers to a world both familiar and fantastical. Drews' prose is imbued with a sense of magic and wonder, evoking the beauty and danger of the forest in equal measure.

Ultimately, "Don't Let the Forest In" is a spellbinding tale of love, loss, and the redemptive power of forgiveness. With its richly drawn characters, lyrical prose, and immersive worldbuilding, CG Drews has crafted a story that will linger in the mind long after the final page is turned. This is a book to be savored, cherished, and shared—a true gem of contemporary fiction.

Thank you to Netgalley for giving me an ARC of Don't Let the Forest In.

I don't know. It was a dark, twisted story. However, I found the characters not super likable, and some of the plot points didn't make much sense. I wish we, as readers, got to see more of the side characters such as Dove, Chloe, and Lana.

With that being said, I did enjoy the plotline. It had lots of twists and turns, and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Thank you Feiwell & Friends for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

This story was morbidly beautiful. The characters were engaging throughout the story. It was unique and the twist was unexpected. I already pre-ordered the book because I need it in my collection. Absolutely loved it.

This took me a month to read. I think that in April, just about every one of my booktwt mutuals (with the exception of my best friend, apparently) was suffering through a pretty severe reading slump. Anyway, it’s April 30th at 10:11 pm, and I’ve just finished my ARC of C.G. Drews’ Don’t Let the Forest In, and I keep saying, “C.G. Drews when I get my hands on you… when I get my hands on you, C.G. Drews.”

What I mean by that is: what the FUCK. I say this for many reasons.

One. Why I didn’t finish this book sooner is beyond me. I remember early in April, when I started reading this, I told a few friends that I was pretty positive I had found another 5-star read of the year. I wasn’t entirely sure because, like, things can change based on whatever the hell happens in the rest of the book, right? I was almost expecting it to because I’ve been let down before, but… holy shit. Hooooly shit.

Two. Drews. Why would you do this to me? The last time I felt this violently autistic about a book was when I read Lucien Burr’s The Teras Trials and felt like I needed to be sedated. This book felt like a fever dream and I just need to know: how do you feel about me chewing on your brain? Because I feel like I need to. Strange, yes, but Christ alive; I think that this book is going to be engraved into my brain for the rest of my life.

Anyway, there are more reasons for my what the fuck moment, but you’ll have to read the book to find out. Drews has written an incredible book that is perfect for anyone who loved Lee Mandelo’s Summer Sons, Micah Nemerever’s These Violent Delights, and even K. Ancrum’s The Wicker King. The diversity in this novel was beautiful, featuring characters of color, asexual representation, bisexual representation, and a lot of mental health rep.

Drews has the sort of writing style that makes a book feel “unputdownable” (I hate that word, but I don’t know what else to use, man), and I can understand entirely why this was so easy for me to devour. The characters are beautiful, the prose is out of this world stunning, and it really did become something I felt myself ready to scream (/pos) over the entirety of this novel. It’s going to be all I think about for the next month.

C.G. Drews… when I get my hands on you… when I get my hands on you, C.G. Drews…

Thank you to NetGalley & Macmillan Children's Publishing Group (Feiwel & Friends) for this ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Chilling and brilliant! Life-like, well-crafted characters, and a compelling story. I will definitely pick this one up when it comes out!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC! The cover for this book is amazing!! This book was creepy throughout, and I loved the characters. The writing was beautiful and poetic and really captured the MCs mental state. It was not a happy read, but was haunting and captivating.

This book had me hooked from the start. It was dark and twisty and atmospheric, and I loved the characters as well! The plot twists were crazy and I didn't see most of them coming! Such an incredibly written story.

Content warning: Blood/gore, horror, panic attacks, grief, eating disorder, bullying, and self-harm.

The cover instantly captivated me with its dark, enticing artwork and vintage tones. It's perfect for grabbing attention. The psychological horror promises to leave readers “breathless and hesitant to delve deeper into the woods” and I agree. It is beautifully creepy but it is not going to give you nightmares. The story takes a while to build, with scene setting dominating until about 52% of the book, when the real action begins. The theme explores the power of writing, suggesting that the pen is mightier than the sword. Overall, it's a poetic journey.

A little bit about the book potential spoilers:

Andrew communicates through storytelling instead of expressing his feelings directly. He finds solace in school rather than at home. He specifically writes dark fairy tales. Andrew has a twin sister named Dove and a best friend named Thomas. His best friend starts to act strangely, hiding something, and lying to Andrew which is where our journey begins. There's high school drama and bullying and the mystery of why strange things keep happening.

4.25 stars

Don’t Let The Forest In is a YA horror novel about two teenage boys and the monsters in the forest. Andrew, who feels too much and too deeply, struggles to cope with his feelings for his best friend Thomas. While also trying to fix the fissure between Thomas and his twin sister Dove.

This book is beautifully written. The gorgeous cover is what drew me in and the storytelling is just as beautiful. While this is a YA horror, don’t think just because it’s YA that it’s not deeply unsettling. I had to put this book down multiple times because it was giving me anxiety. If you’re a fan of the Honeys you will love this! It has a similar creepy and unsettling vibe!

The big was a little drawn out, some of the fight scenes could have been shortened. I loved the imagery but after awhile it started to feel a little repetitive. But overall I definitely recommend it!

Side note, I like the Superman reference with the character named Lana Lang!

Don't Let the Forest In by CG Drews is an incredibly dark, gritty story that follows a fairy tale prince and his poet as they try to navigate their senior year of high school amidst bullies, growing tension between them, and monsters on the school campus. The story is a heart-pounding thriller that does feature body horror, so I would be careful too look at trigger warnings before diving in.

That said, I highly recommend this story, especially for people who like stories about obsession, boys who ruin each other, and a school overrun by the forest. The writing in this story is incredibly lush and vivid, with prose that is evocative and truly brings the forest and the school to life. This book absolutely left me haunted in the best way and I have not been able to stop thinking about it since I read it. Unfortunately there is not much more I can say about it but please, read this book!!

I received an ARC copy of this book via NetGalley but all opinions expressed are my own.

If you enjoy horror/thrillers and mystery novels you will LOVE Drews' novel. There's horror, there's suspense, there's queer love, I couldn't get enough of this book.

I usually am not a fan of books set in a school but the gothic/horror vibes from the cover intrigued me and I ended up loving it. Andrew and Thomas' will they-won't they relationship, that starts out as a friendship that blossoms through Andrew's twisted tales and Thomas' ability to see Andrew for who he is while creating art to go along with the stories, pulls you in and really makes you feel for the characters.

The book is beautifully heart wrenching and eerie and I cannot wait to be able to order it for work so I can recommend it to my teens.

Wow. What a wild ride. The author said he wanted to leave us haunted with this one and he did. I get nervous when upcoming releases get lots of hype. I worry I will get to them and they will end up not reaching my expectations. This one definitely doesn’t suffer from that, it is truly perfect. The atmospheric horror was masterful. The author truly had me unsettled and alarmed even when reading this from the comfort of my blankets. Not to mention this novel is a love story for the ages. Books about true love are great and all, but when one writes about a ravenous, destructive love, I am just a mess on the floor. I loved this book so much. This is truly an upcoming release that I think people should fight over in the bookstore.