Don't Let the Forest In
By CG Drews

Summary:
At Wickwood Academy, Andrew found comfort in crafting grim fairytales for Thomas. With his twin sister Dove growing distant, Andrew leaned heavily on Thomas for connection. But Thomas's behavior grows odd: his abusive parents disappeared, blood stained his sleeves, and his sketches of Andrew's fairytales have soured. Thomas faced off against terrifying creatures from his drawings in the forbidden forest. Desperate for answers, Andrew followed, witnessing their nightly battles. As their connection deepened, Andrew realized that to stop the terror, he might have to confront Thomas's monsters.

Review:
If you are a fan of Wilder Girls, you will love this book. The storyline creates anticipation and an eerie dread, which is haunting and creates an emotional love between the main characters. It resonated with me on several levels. The bonds that can be created when you feel lost can ground you, and for Thomas, Andrew is his only connection
to another person. Their relationship grows more for both of them, and you can feel their uncertainty and anxiety about their feelings for each other. As a mother of teenagers, they are terrible about talking about their feelings, as if the feelings might kill you if you acknowledge them. The characters in this book are well-written and pull your emotions in many different directions.

The story was beautiful, with excellent pacing. I was never bored or jumped around and felt lost—a solid piece of writing. The dark writing and horror aspects were appropriate for a YA book; not too grotesque, but there is some body horror. Always check trigger warnings. I don't think you will be able to stop reading, and the cover art of this book is gorgeous. Don't sleep on this book.

In exchange for my honest review, I received an ARC copy of the ebook from Netgalley and McMillin Children's Publishing Group. Thank you for the opportunity.

Have you ever read a book where you were so blessed to have experienced this story? This is exactly how I felt after finishing this story. I adored everything about it. I still cannot believe I got an ARC for this because this was one of my most anticipated reads of this year and now that I got to read this early, I am for sure going to preorder myself a copy. Okay anyway, enough of the gushing.... listen.... I need everyone to read this book when it comes out on October. Please just do yourself a favor and read this beautiful piece of work.

I loved pretty much everything about this book, but where the book really shines is Drews' writing style. Every single detail of the forest horror imagery, to the gruesome monsters, to the external crisis of what our characters were facing is meticulously calculated with how Drews decides where to put their words. It's truly poetry on paper weaved into a beautiful and cruel fairy tale. Which is another aspect I loved, I loved how the tone was immediately set that this was supposed to be akin to the gruesome fairy tales that we grew up reading but in the mind of one disturbed boy. Yes there were parts where it felt more like a dark academia drama (which some of it I'll get to it in a sec), but the setting really enhanced the story.

Drews does a fantastic job of having you immersed in the world itself , whether it's through the school or the forest or the fantasy elements in itself. I really did feel like while I was getting to know the school I knew who these characters were and how each of them were so distinctive in their voice. However I was getting really annoyed about Dove how she barely appeared until the last 90% of the book and it's absolutely just !!!! Ngl I was going to rate this book lower because I was getting annoyed with her but until you find out what her role is... it hits you even harder. So probably my biggest criticism is I want more scenes with Dove to show how much her bond with Andrew and Thomas meant to them.

Speaking of characters... oh god Andrew and Thomas... ANDREW AND THOMAS!!! LISTEN THEY ARE SO FUCKING GOOD I LOVE THEM SO SO MUCH!!! As an ace I totally get what Andrew was going through and how uneasy he felt with accepting himself (which is another negative but I'll also get there) but oh my god Thomas... he is definitely the golden boy that everyone will fall in love with. I totally get why Andrew fell for him too, he's quite charming but with a wild sense to his side. But the way they were so obsessed with each other and yet they had that toxicity to them but when you realized why they felt the way they did... the ending hits you even harder. They are going on my list as my favorite book couples/doomed yaoi couples now alongside Will and James from the Dark Rising series.

Now the negative parts as I mentioned before.... I get that I am not the target audience but I was trying to steel myself when I was reading through a lot of the representation that came off as kind of preachy in this book. Don't get me wrong, I love seeing this kind of LGBT representation but it sometimes comes off as shoving down your throat. But I guess I kind of get why it's there especially if this is for young people who aren't sure about their sexuality yet, maybe I'm just old idk. And also Lana.... idk she gives me that stereotypical trope of the cool Asian girl with the hair streak (I don't think she has one but she probably did), but that's just my own personal gripe. It's a very minor detail but I get that it was a way to paint the inclusivity of the book.

Anyway, again as I have said, I want everyone to read this book. This is definitely my top favorite books of the year. I don't think you will ever find a beautifully written book with gnarly forestcore horror intertwined with a heartbreaking relationship drama that deals with both what the meaning of love is. I adore Andrew, Thomas and Dove (if she stuck to her potential). I adore the world Drews created. I adore the lyrical writing prose. I ADORE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORY I CANNOT WAIT TO HAVE ITS PHYSICAL COPY IN MY HANDS!!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

4.75 stars.

Don't Let the Forest In by @paperfury is one of the creepiest, most unsettling, & most beautifully written books I've read this year. I was so lucky to receive an ARC from #netgalley in exchange for an honest review!

It's a YA horror novel. The main character, Andrew, is an asexual senior high school student at an elite boarding school who writes dark horror fairytales. Since he was 12, he's been best friends with his twin sister, Dove; and his crush, Thomas- a talented artist who illustrates Andrew's stories.

Unfortunately, after an incident before the group's senior year, the friend group falls apart. Andrew's drawings begin coming to life in the forest surrounding the school and attacking them and their classmates, and Andrew and Thomas work together to fight them off.

What I liked:

-The prose was gorgeous and eerie.

-Lots of queer representation. Andrew and Thomas' relationship is deeply unhealthy, as is Andrew's view of his asexuality. But this is a horror book & I don't think there's anyone who would walk out of this book thinking "Relationship goals!" or "Andrew's view of himself is because of his sexuality" or "Andrew's views about asexuality are healthy!" The straight relationships in the book are also messed up. There's also well-adjusted bi and lesbian characters with several positive discussions around their identities and a GSA.

-The story viscerally conveys an unhealthy codependency: Andrew and Thomas hate themselves, depend on each other completely, love each other, and feed into each other's worst qualities. There's recurring imagery in the book where Andrew imagines removing parts of his body to gift Thomas, and stitching them to the other. Andrew at least, has some other, healthier relationships, but chooses Thomas.

-The horror: This book was very tense and creepy, it's very palpable through everything I mentioned above.

What I didn't like: I found one of the tropes used in this book isn't my cup of tea & a bit predictable.

What I wish there was more of: There were some details about Dove's backstory that I wish we got.

Trigger warnings for this book include: disordered eating, internalised acephobia, body horror, unhealthy relationships

Highly recommend this queer, codependent, forestcore, dark academia horror!
#dontlettheforestin

(review will be posted to my website on May 10, 2024)

"Don't Let the Forest In" by C. G. Drews is a hauntingly beautiful tale that grips you from the very first page and refuses to let go. Set in the eerie backdrop of Wickwood Academy, the story follows high school senior Andrew Perrault as he navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and the supernatural.
At the heart of the narrative is Andrew's bond with Thomas Rye, a boy with an enigmatic allure and a troubled past. Drews expertly weaves together elements of dark fairy tales and psychological thrillers, creating a narrative that is as captivating as it is chilling. Andrew's devotion to Thomas, despite the darkness that surrounds him, forms the core of the story, drawing readers into a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur.
The character development in "Don't Let the Forest In" is superb, with Andrew emerging as a protagonist whose vulnerabilities and strengths are equally compelling. Thomas, with his ink-stained hands and haunted demeanor, is a captivating enigma, and their relationship is both tender and tumultuous.
As the mystery surrounding Thomas deepens, Drews masterfully builds tension, leading to a climax that is both shocking and satisfying. The exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the power of love against all odds is poignant and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.
The prose itself is lyrical and evocative, immersing the reader in the atmospheric setting of Wickwood Academy and the foreboding forest beyond its walls. Drews' writing is as mesmerizing as it is chilling, perfectly capturing the dark beauty of the story.
In conclusion, "Don't Let the Forest In" is a captivating read that will linger in your thoughts long after you turn the final page. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and haunting prose, this book is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and psychological thrillers. Highly recommended.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advance copy of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion. Gorgeous cover, gorgeous characters, gorgeous story.....I could go on and on about all of the beautiful, terrible, horrific things that this story is. Everything is so vivid, so heart-wrenching in every single way. Who amongst us hasn't fallen in love with their best friend as a teenager and torn their own heart out in an effort to have them truly see us? Every five star review of this novel has been earned and then some!! Thank you to CG Drews for a truly wonderful YA Horror novel with no "bury your gays" trope!!

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.