Read 11/29/24

Sadly, I have to give this book 3 stars. It was 2 stars, but the ending improved. This is a case of had I physically read the book I might have liked it more. The narrator, Michael Crouch, made it very hard to differentiate between whether it was Andrew or Thomas speaking. I have come to realize I do not enjoy this narrator, I've given every book I've listened to that was narrated by him 3 stars or less. Maybe one day I'll reread this physically and hopefully enjoy it more.

Obsessed doesn’t cover it! I can’t wait to read more from this author. The dread and psychological horror was chefs kiss and this will be one of my new favorites.

Overall enjoyed this! I’m a massive horror fan, so I’ve been highly anticipating this one for a long time. I do think I’d enjoy it more as an audiobook though

This one started a little slow for me; although the writing was excellent, I had some difficulty getting engrossed in the story. Thankfully that quickly changed.
This book is filled with lines that read like poetry.
Angsty and beautiful, pain ridden odes to love and finding yourself so consumed by another person that it's terrifying. It's gorgeous...
I honestly don't want to give too much away because this book is a carefully curated experience that I think readers should just dive into. That being said, I really loved this line: "People didn't just kiss and continue on with their lives. They undid buttons and touched mouths to hot skin and lost themselves within each other."
Kudos to author C.G. Drews. Thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Content warning: Blood/gore, body horror, panic attacks, grief, eating disorder, bullying, and self-harm.

I requested the ARC through NetGalley because I was intrigued by the cover design (gorgeous!), the title, and that it was labeled as LGBTQIA+.

The language and writing style immediately drew me in. As the book went on, the plot moved a lot slower than I intended with some side plots sprinkled throughout the middle section of the book. I didn't want to feel like I wanted to ditch it, but that is how I was feeling about midway through.

For me, it wasn't because it was YA or poorly written. It was just moving slower than I hoped it would. I didn't feel connected to the characters for their personalities or the plot, I truly just enjoyed the words C.G. Drews used together to describe things. The drama of the atmosphere and the overall stakes of the story kept me going through to the end (although much faster than I was at the first part of the book).

I would read another C.G. Drews book! This would have hit the mark for me if it had a tight, intense plot without the added characters or subplots.

I absolutely lost my mind over this book!! The dark vibes and amazing imagery gave me goosebumps. The cover is beautiful and pulls you in and the story keeps you guessing until the end. Andrew is beautifully tragic and I yearned for him and Thomas for them to be more and more. I could not get them out of my head and my heart. Please read this!!

Okay I have to be open honest and for real. I’m not finishing this. I’m a quarter through and I’m bored. I know I’m supposed to be wondering ~*whats going on*~ with the love interest and the parents and the forest. But I’m not. The writing is pretty but when it’s coupled with barely any action it ends up feeling overwritten and long winded. I also don’t care about the manic pixie dream kids at school. They don’t feel mysterious to me. I’m just bored bc they don’t do anything apart from think big emotional thoughts about each other 😬 I am bummed that I didn’t end up liking this though!

Don't Let the Forest In by CG Drews is the story of two boys at Wickwood Academy. Something strange is happening to Thomas, and Andrew is very worried about him. So one night, Andrew follows Thomas into the woods and realizes that Thomas's drawings have come to life and are trying to kill anyone close to him. This story is so beautifully written, and I highlighted so many lines. "'I think someday you'll hate me.' Thomas's voice stretched with a loneliness Andrew had never heard before. 'You'll cut me open and find a garden of rot where my heart should be.' Andrew let the silence sharpen between them, waited until Thomas's breath caught in quiet anguish from being made to wait. 'When I cut you open,' Andrew finally said, 'all I'll find is that we match.'" Drews is such a talented write; I can't wait to read more of her books. Thanks to NetGalley for the free digital review copy. All opinions are my own.

This book was unbelievably good! Going into this blind made all the twists and dark but beautiful writing so much more surprising. The two main characters were so beautifully written in all their haunted and twisted glory. Their love was intense, overpowering, and poetic. I would definitely recommend!

3.5 Stars rounded up

Thank you to NetGalley, CG Drews, and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This creepy, atmospheric, YA horror fantasy would have been the book of my dreams in middle school/early high school. It's the perfect book for dark, angsty teens and my younger emo-self would have devoured this. It's dark, poetic, and atmospheric. Drews leaves the reader wondering what just happened in this absolute mind-bender. I love a good plot twist and this sucker twisted. As an adult, I felt like I wanted just a little more out of this, but I'm also not the target audience. I think this was worth the read, and would recommend trying it out if you're interested in a dark YA with plant-based horror.

what a cool premise but lackluster execution. the majority of this book had me hooked, i won't lie. mostly i had questions like, "how will this be resolved? what's the truth? are they going to survive?" as i read on, i started to get annoyed by the redundant, purple prose and the overuse of specific terms to describe the atmosphere. for example, "rot" is the first word to come to mind, overused in possibly every line it was in. the writing set the tone great initially but wore itself out quickly. some scenes were great, and the author is skilled in developing haunting imagery, but 300 pages of repetitive inner monologue, reactions, and dialogue overwhelm this imagery.

as for the characters, they were fine. the majority of the book is andrew and thomas together. therefore, it became andrew describing thomas in overused prose. the dialogue was melodramatic and awkward; inserted for the mere aesthetic of it. it could have been great if the book utilized creative fairytale lore, wrote about the clever ways andrew and thomas attempted to defeat the monsters, rather than relentlessly killing them.

andrew is an incredibly frustrating character, and i don't mean that interestingly. he is self-pitying and coddled to the max. to an extent is understandable; struggling with mental health in high school is a relatable experience. however, the author attempts to make the reader feel sympathy for andrew before writing him as a character and fleshing out his qualities, which makes me sympathize less. (that's how i am, at least)

now a common theme i find in YA books is the insertive, out-of-place therapy conversations. mental health or sexuality is never explored naturally or seems fitting for the context, but just... there. clearly set up for the mc's self-acceptance arc, and not a natural development. that's how i felt with andrew's anxiety and sexuality discussions. his eating disorder felt side-lined, something to layer on top of his miseries, a topic the author didn't want to fully commit to. a disorder to his degree should be all-consuming, yet it wasn't.

it seems im in the minority for hating the "plot twist". i'll be vague, but if this plot twist didn't exist, it would've made andrew's melodramatics much more bearable. instead, the twist came off as uninteresting and predictable.

Devastatingly gruesome as it is beautiful. Literally cut my heart out and give it to the forest so I can experience this for the first time again…because 🤯🤯🤯🤯


Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced copy!

Award for most unexpected book hangover goes to this bad boy right here.

I don’t expect to cry, or fall in love with the characters, as much as I did. It’s a beautifully realized cast of people that were fully fleshed out and who I wanted more time with.

The forest atmosphere was UNBEATABLE. If you liked Silver in the Wood, this is very much for you.

The ending left me REELING and I am still thinking about it days after. I can’t decide if it was abrupt or not? I didn’t hate it but it did dock it from a 5 star to a 4.5!

4.5⭐️

My favorite read of 2024. I don’t even know where to begin to review this book. Andrew was such a complex character and I felt everything as intensely as he did. Once I started I could not put this book down and looked forward to each time I could squeeze in a session of reading.

The ending confused me a bit, but I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing. I had a few questions but I love that the book ended with many things unanswered. I was a sobbing mess when I finished and needed a day to recuperate. I’ve recommended this book to so many people already and cannot wait to read this again so soon!

Holy moly this was incredible. The writing was some of the most beautiful prose I’ve ever read. While I wasn’t totally surprised by the ending, it was extremely well done. This dealt with some really heavy topics in an artful way where they were still heavy but made palatable. I’m so mad at myself for not reading this sooner, as I was intimidated by it not being my typical genre. But I am so grateful that I had a chance to experience this beautiful book!!!

A Glimmer of Hope in the Darkest Woods: A Review of C.G. Drews' "Don't Let the Forest In"

C.G. Drews, known for her heartwarming contemporary novels, takes a thrilling detour into the dark fantasy genre with "Don't Let the Forest In," a prequel to her acclaimed The Boy Who Steals Houses. While the shift in genre is significant, Drews retains her signature ability to craft compelling characters and explore complex emotional landscapes. This book is a gripping, atmospheric tale of survival, loyalty, and the enduring power of found family.

Set in a world steeped in magic and danger, "Don't Let the Forest In" follows a group of children living in a hidden haven, seemingly the last survivors of a devastating magical war that wiped out most of humanity. Their fragile peace is shattered when their leader, Silvie, is captured by the enigmatic Wisp King, ruler of the encroaching forest. Now, it's up to the remaining children to venture into the perilous woods, confront the monsters within, and rescue their only hope for the future.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its characters. Drews excels at crafting flawed, relatable protagonists, and this book is no exception. Each child in the haven bears the scars of past trauma, yet they are bound together by fierce loyalty and a deep love for one another. Avery, the self-proclaimed coward, is particularly compelling. His journey to overcome his fear and step into a leadership role is both believable and inspiring. While the book has a focus on a younger audience, the story will grab the attention of readers, both young and old.

The world-building is another highlight. The forest is a character in itself, a living, breathing entity teeming with both wonder and terror. Drews vividly describes the eerie landscapes and menacing creatures, creating a palpable sense of dread that keeps the reader on edge. The lore surrounding the Wisp King and the fallen civilization is gradually unveiled, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

While the pacing is generally brisk and engaging, there are moments where the plot feels somewhat predictable, particularly in the earlier chapters. Some readers might also find the ending a bit abrupt, leaving certain threads unresolved.

What makes this book stand out:

Compelling Characters: Drews creates a cast of relatable and emotionally resonant characters, each grappling with their own inner demons.
Atmospheric World-Building: The forest is a vividly realized setting, full of danger and mystery.
Themes of Hope and Resilience: Despite the dark setting, the novel ultimately celebrates the power of friendship and the importance of fighting for what you believe in.
A strong focus on found family. The connection between the children is the book's emotional core.
Potential drawbacks:

Predictable plot points: Some readers may find the story's trajectory somewhat familiar.
Abrupt ending: Certain aspects of the plot are left open-ended.
Overall:

"Don't Let the Forest In" is a thrilling and atmospheric dark fantasy that will captivate readers of all ages. While it may not reinvent the genre, it offers a fresh and engaging take on classic fantasy tropes. C.G. Drews' talent for crafting compelling characters and exploring complex emotional themes shines through, making this a memorable and worthwhile read. It is a testament to the enduring power of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Highly recommended for fans of: Holly Black's The Cruel Prince, Neil Gaiman's Coraline, and readers looking for a dark fantasy adventure with heart. It's also a perfect entry point for those new to C.G. Drews' work.

An isolated setting, a slippery reality that may overlap with delusion, and the vulnerability of children to school administrators and teachers; absent or murdered parents; and a forest refuge turned predator. I was so creeped out I couldn't bring myself to read more than a few pages at a time. Really well done, and painfully sad in a way that adds to the horror.

One thing: it's not clear to me why the author made Andrew asexual. It doesn't have much to do with the story except to the extent that it gives him something else to be conflicted about.

This book was stunningly haunting and I could not put it down. This is the first time I've dipped my toes into the horror genre and I cannot wait to read more of CG Drews work. I am in love!!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC.

I have been following this author online for years now, and I am so glad to finally have read a book by them. Don't Let the Forest In is a dark, twisty tale of obsession and love. It was so atmospheric, and I loved the setting: a boarding school surrounded by a dark forest. It had all of the ingredients I love in a book: dark academia, tender and painful love, tortured artists, and mysterious monsters.

I was rooting (pun not intended) for the main characters and was sad to leave them when the book ended. Maybe one day we will get to see where their story goes after this?

CG Drews did not disappoint me, and I cannot wait to see what comes next for them! They are a new auto-buy author for me.

A teen with a head full of dark fairy tales struggles with his mental health and a crush on his best friend. But when danger encroaches from the forest, it's only the two of them against a never ending deluge of monsters. This was so wonderfully dark and twisty. Reminded me of Wilder Girls just a bit, and I think it may be the best asexual rep I've ever read! Wasn't totally taken with the ending, which felt abrupt, but it was still incredible.