Got this ARC from Netgalley, and was very excited to jump into it. I loved Old Country, and was looking foward to this one for sure.
It was a SLOW burn for sure, but picked up at the very end making it worth it.
This book centers in a wilderness reform camp, where at risk teens (barely teenagers) go. There is some Aztec mythology in there l, which made it very interesting.
Although I don't think it lived up to Old Country, it was atompsheric and creepy. Makes you second guess sending kids to summer camp 🤣

In their latest collaboration, Matt Query and Harrison Query have crafted a gripping and suspenseful thriller with "Wilderness Reform." Set in the remote wilderness of northwestern Montana, the novel follows the story of 13-year-old Ben, who is sent to a reform program for troubled teens, only to discover that there is something sinister lurking beneath the camp's surface.
The authors skillfully weave together a narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking. The setting of the remote wilderness camp adds an extra layer of tension and isolation, as the characters are cut off from the outside world and forced to rely on their own wits and resources to uncover the truth.
One of the standout elements of the book is the well-developed cast of characters. Ben is a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, and the supporting characters, each with their own unique skills and backstories, add depth and complexity to the story. The authors' ability to create a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the troubled teens is particularly impressive, as they navigate the challenges of the camp and work together to uncover the hidden evil that threatens them.
The pacing of the novel is impeccable, with the tension building steadily as the characters inch closer to the truth. The authors' use of suspense and mystery keeps the reader engaged and guessing until the very end, with several unexpected twists and turns that will leave you reeling.
Overall, "Wilderness Reform" is a must-read for fans of thrillers and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted, character-driven narrative. Matt Query and Harrison Query have delivered a gripping and thought-provoking tale that will linger in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

I really enjoyed this book overall, i thought the story was good, the writing is great. I had originally thought it would be a scarier book than it was. The middle is a bit slow/drawn out but the ending is fantastic. I would recommend this book to my friends and family. In fact, now i am reading Old Country bec i like this writing style.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

Wilderness Reform is the dark and dangerous adventure you NEED to read!

Matt & Harrison Query have teamed back up to bring another terrifying adventure to the page. Wilderness Reform follows Ben, a troubled teen, who is dealing with his abusive Aunt and trying to take care of his brother. However, when he is sent away to a Wilderness Camp for Trouble Teens, everything takes a dangerous turn.

I enjoyed this story. Not only was the writing style detailed and fleshed out, I felt like the characters were dynamic and had so many facets to them that it made them realistic in my mind. Even now, I am genuinely curious about how everyone is doing. I absolutely must know how the characters are (at least those that are still around......)

This was more of a slower pace when it came to the writing. The authors take their time when building up this suspense and getting ready for the reveals that come later in the novel. Each piece of the puzzle is slowly but surely unveiled until it creates the entire big picture and what a shocking revelation that was! I was hooked in the last several chapters because I had to know exactly how everything was going to play out. And what a BLOODY good time that was!

Check this book out because just like in Old Country, the ending will take you by STORM!

Wilderness Reform has an interesting and attention-grabbing prologue that prompts you to keep reading, although as the story continues the element of surprise and horror fades away. We follow 13-year-old Ben and readers get a glimpse into the way he thinks -- he's an odd kid with certain capabilities that portrays him as advanced mentally and physically when compared to other teens. Although Ben is "smarter" and has higher emotional intelligence compared to other teens, his thoughts don't reflect a child's but more of an adult.
This book is targeted toward adults but follows a 13-year-old teen which is unusual and doesn't make sense for the plot.

Matt and Harrison Query's last novel outshines Wilderness Reform.

Wilderness Reform opens with a riveting prologue that immediately pulled me in and teased at the horrors yet to come. For those readers who can be patient with the slow build of this story, there's a spectacular payoff at the end when the story returns to the tension and intensity of that opening chapter..


Ben is sent to an adventure camp in the wilderness of Montana as an alternative type of juvenile detention. Bear Springs Academy offers a 2nd chance program for troubled boys to learn discipline and respect. It provides them with time and the mental tools to rethink their past choices and start on a new, more positive path. The young attendees of Bear Springs Academy quickly learn there's danger lurking within the wilderness, and they have nobody to depend upon but each other. 


What I liked -

I loved the secluded wilderness setting with its sense of approaching menace and dark, unknown things lurking just out of sight. 

I enjoyed the insidious progression of the story and the slowly growing sense of dread and bad things creeping ever closer, set to jump out and unexpectedly change the tone of the story at any moment.  

The ending is flat-out awesome. Seriously, I loved the direction the story went in the last third of the book. That final portion of the story was a 5-star reading experience. 


What didn't work quite as well for me -

I struggled with Ben. His thoughts were very descriptive and became tedious at times. There were moments when trying to untangle his long-winded thoughts was a struggle and slowed down my reading pace. His superior insight into human nature and ability to manipulate others was a point often mentioned, yet it was a hard sell for me, especially given Ben's age. He was a character I never connected with, which was a problem given he's the main character. 

The first half of the book was more coming of age fiction than horror. It was a slow burn, which isn't necessarily a bad thing since I normally love coming of age stories, but the slow pacing combined with my struggle to warm up to the main character caused the first half of the book to drag in places.


The authors first book, Old Country, is one of my favorite horror books and though Wilderness Reform didn't reach that level for me it still had some genuinely creepy moments, a unique horror element, and a thrilling ending that I adored. Readers who enjoy a remote, creepy woods setting and a slow burn coming of age horror story mashup will want to check this one out.


Thank you, Atria Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of this book

The thing that drew me into this book was the cover!!!! It is an amazing one!!! The story itself was a slow burn and tons of detailed descriptions on all things outdoors. It didn't bother me much as I love the outdoors, but I can see how some may end up finding that boring. There was some mythology thrown in there as well that I found super interesting. All I can say to anyone reading this, is to keep pushing through and the ending is well worth it. Thanks Netgalley.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

In the chilling expanse of northwestern Montana's wilderness, "Wilderness Reform" unfolds as a harrowing tale of survival, discipline, and the dark undercurrents that run through a seemingly idyllic setting. The Query brothers, Matt and Harrison, return with a novel that grips the reader with its intense atmosphere and a plot that twists through the dense forests of human psyche and natural world alike.

The story centers around thirteen-year-old Ben, a troubled teen sent to Bear Springs Academy, a remote reform program designed to rehabilitate wayward youths. But as Ben settles into the routine, he senses a disquieting air among the overly cheerful counselors and the camp's too-perfect facade. The authors masterfully weave a sense of creeping dread that permeates the camp's every corner, hinting at the hidden evils lurking beneath the surface.

Each character is meticulously crafted, with backstories that add depth and complexity to their personalities. The boys in Ben's cabin are not mere delinquents; they are individuals with unique talents and troubled pasts, all skillfully revealed by the authors as the narrative progresses. The camaraderie that develops among them is one of the novel's strengths, providing a glimmer of hope in the encroaching darkness.

The Query brothers' prose is sharp and evocative, painting the rugged Montana landscape with a vivid brush that brings the setting to life. Their descriptions of the wilderness are so potent that the reader can almost feel the chill of the mountain air and the oppressive isolation of the camp.

The pacing, is deliberate, a slow burn that requires investment, but for those willing to traverse its winding paths, the payoff is immensely satisfying.

The novel's climax is a crescendo of terror and revelation, delivering on the promise of its build-up with a finale that is both shocking and thought-provoking. It leaves the reader pondering the true nature of reform and the lengths to which one must go to survive the wilds—both within and without.

I loved this book, and found it personally a flawless modernized "Stand by Me" type of novel that can withstand the test of time.

In conclusion, "Wilderness Reform" is a testament to the Query brothers' ability to craft a suspenseful and atmospheric thriller. It's a story that lingers, like the echo of a distant howl in the mountains, long after the last page is turned.

A solid read for those who appreciate a story that joins psychological depth with the raw intensity of nature's untamed spirit (and interesting unworldly beings).

I think the characters in this book really made it special for me.. particularly Ben and Billy. I do wish there was a bit more horror scenes earlier on to build some additional suspense, but I really enjoyed it overall. It was a quick read because there was plenty of action once the premise is set up. I enjoyed this and would recommend to other horror readers, fans of wilderness expedition stories, and supernatural fans.

This book exceeded my expectations. The way they meshed thriller and horror and paranormal was perfectly done! It was a little slow but something about Ben's character kept me reading. Not to mention the wilderness camp!!

Ben, an adolescent on the fringe of legal disaster, is removed from his abusive aunt's home and placed into a wilderness reform program set in a secluded area of Montana. Smarter than the average early teen, his crimes usually were in an attempt to provide for his younger brother and himself in-between serious abuse from his guardian.
Soon after reaching his court-ordered behavioral rehabilitation compound, Ben finds a note exhorting the reader to get out while they can. While participating in actual wilderness activities, Ben starts to realize something is wrong and that he will need the help of some of his bunkmates to find out what exactly is happening out in the middle of nowhere.
Descriptions of the terrain and outdoor activities bring a reality to the reform camp while the paranormal lurks in the background bringing the creepy vibe. The fights among the boys over nothing and everything ring true. Noted also is the depth of abuse many of the campers received that one has to consider played a big part in their delinquency. All the boys have strengths and if they can get past their distrust for people, they can find community with one another and be their own heroes.
The horror in this story is both of the supernatural and human variety. The damage inflicted on the young by adults meant to love and care for a child is as horrifying as having one's soul removed by a demon.

4.25 stars

Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books and Netgalley for an early e-copy. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars rounded up.
I loved how the authors created the early relationship with Ben and his little brother. I honestly thought this was going to be the emotional anchor, which I thought would be very powerful. The authors also did a great job of teasing out the developing tension at the beginning of the book, but for me it went a little overboard.

I had trouble grounding when moving from the prologue to the main story regarding who and when. But then the story finds it's feet again. Like other reviewers, I found the story far too slow until just before the midpoint. Then it gets going and is a quick read past that point.

I'm not a huge fan of the writing style, finding it more wordy, but not in a lyrical way, than I enjoy. Perhaps there's still some editing to be done, as this was an advanced copy. I hope so, as there were some typos as well.

I think readers longing for an outdoor experience that really immerses them in survival skills might enjoy the first part of the book more than I did. And, even with the style, I'm sure this story will appeal to many.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the chance to read this advance copy.

After just reading a celeb memoir about a similar scenario, I was intrigued to read about this from a fictional point of view and see where it could be taken. This didn’t disappoint.

I just could not keep myself interested in this book. It's a slow burn and it's too slow for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for an honest review!

In the book Wilderness Reform by Matt query and Harrison query we meet Benjamin Thibodeau who lives Southern Louisiana I want to say he lives in Lafitte but it was also spelled as Lafayette which is also a place in Louisiana so I DK. Just know Ben is a coon ass and has the accent to prove it in an attempt to get him and his eight-year-old brother weighed out of the abusive trailer of his aunt Roxy he breaks into camps and eventually gets arrested for robbing a convenience store with the air gun and this is how he comes to meet Reed and finds himself at the reform camp in Montana. Ben he has a high aptitude for reading people and despite being 13 has a good grasp on human behavior but the guy Reed Whose positivity seems authentic still gives been mixed emotions. When he arrives at Bear Springs Academy in the big hall he sees a bunch of boys his age from seemingly every walk of life but little does Ben know by the time it’s over some will be as close as brothers and some will be deadly enemies. Ben has no idea that he would have to go all the way to Montana to come in contact with a Ruger Rue. Unfortunately the story is much more complex and deadlier and it’s one that started long ago in the wild west. This book was so good I do wish we would’ve had more of Ben’s backstory but that isn’t something that ruins the story I found the characters were flushed out enough to get a good grasp on everything that happened and that was happening. If you are into adventure horror the new found the perfect book it really was an awesome awesome read the summary is way more than I can put in this review just know if you like isolated locations a great group of guys to root for then you definitely need to read this book. I absolutely loved it! I enjoyed it so much I went and downloaded their other book old country and cannot wait to read it. I want to thank atria books for my free Ark copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

Really enjoyed this one! I was worried it would be more of a human horrors book with the setting of the reform camp. But luckily while child abuse is absolutely mentioned, there’s not a ton of graphic abuse or anything.

It’s a slow burn but I felt the pacing was well done and the buildup to the end really allowed the tension to grow. I enjoyed all the main boys and found the story to be well written and enjoyable. I do wish the folklore aspect had been delved into a bit more, but that’s more because it caught my interest more than anything else.

Thank you Netgalley & Atria Books for the preview read.

Wilderness Reform was Dark and Evil.

Ben, a troubled teen is sent to a reform camp as opposed to juvi. There he bonds with his cabin mates, who are there for similar reasons. They discover that the camp counsellors are something other than counsellors.

Love the cover of this book.
And think it would make a good movie.

This was an okay read. Took for ever to actually get good. Slow start, slow middle, then the climax of the story happened quick and ended quick too. There was too much unnecessary story line that made the book really hard to get into. This was one where I truly wanted to skip to the end just to get it over with. Im sure many people out there love the kind ofslow burn build up of books, but thats just not for me. Once I got to the end, the book got really good! Just hoped there would have been more of the end throughout the book.

Ben is from a troubled family and lands himself in a reform program that promises to set boys right. At 13, he has an uncanny sense of people and begins to network with other kids that have been sent by judges and fed up family members to the camp. All the while, Ben is realizing that there is much more to the camp and potentially a paranormal/evil presence.

Ben will need his witts and the help of the boys he has befriended to make it out alive because the alternative is truly hell.

It's a slow burn, but the last quarter makes it all worth it!
#atria #wildernessreform #mattquery #harrisonquery

Wilderness Reform by Matt Query and Harrison Query
Pub date: July 2, 2024

I love a good survival story and this, a coming-of-age survival horror, hit home for me. There’s something about the unlikeliest of kids bravely pulling together in the face of the unthinkable that just pulls at my heart and keeps me invested.

Ben is 13 years old and along with his little brother, he’s in the care of his abusive aunt. He’s caught stealing in an attempt to get enough money to get himself and his brother away from her but instead finds himself at a wilderness camp for troubled boys. Ben is intuitive, he’s had to be to survive his childhood, and what he intuits from the counselors there is a whole lot of bad and he’s not far off. There’s something deeply wrong with the counselors there but just how wrong will open up a nightmare of horror for Ben and his bunkmates.

This is an adventure filled escapade that I sped through! Again, I love the survival adventure but the addition of hidden evil lying under the surface of the story was the cat nip that kept me going.

This is the perfect blend of thrilling terror combined with a paranormal element and an absolutely fantastic cast of characters! Loved it!

My thanks to Atria books for this gifted DRC!