3.5 rounded up!
This was a nonstop action ride from start to finish. I loved the mythological horror so much and really enjoyed diving into the norse mythology and Native culture. While I loved the horror and native vibes mingling, I did think the pacing was a bit sporadic. I felt like it was either conversation or nonstop action and not a lot of build up or come down. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat though! Many thanks for this arc!

Thank you to NetGalley, S.T. Ashman, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for a digital copy of the book.

S.T. Ashman’s novel, “You Can’t Stay,” is a mashup of action horror movies, Norse mythology, and the lasting effects of white colonialism on Native American communities. With that being said, while there were some fun action scenes and witty one-liners, “You Can’t Stay” just isn’t for me.

The novel follows two main characters–Esther, a half-Native American woman who lost most of her family in a fire when she was a child; and Ryder, a man of Nordic descent who murdered a child predator in order to keep his son safe. These two start out at odds, with Esther pretending to be someone she isn’t in order to find her sister, and Ryder seeing through her act easily. The two, thrust into a military mission to deliver cargo to an outpost in the middle of nowhere, quickly learn to trust one another in order to keep living. The forest has teeth, after all, and there are all sorts of old Gods at play…

…and that’s what I really didn’t enjoy about the novel. There is a very large emphasis on the lasting impact of white colonialism on both the land and the Native People of the United States. We are shown the idea from two sides; Nordic settlers from long ago, and from the Abenaki people. However, the novel focuses far too much on the settlers. S.T. Ashman relied far too much on Norse mythology and not enough on the beliefs of the Pequawket people. Furthermore, the book comes across as presenting the Nordic beliefs as being just as powerful as the Pequawket people’s beliefs despite the novel taking place in America, on Native American land. If both beliefs pull from the land, trees, and spirits around them, then why are the white settlers so powerful in a land that is not theirs? This is something I am very passionate about, as I am a descendant of Native American People from the same area of the United States, but due to Residential Institutions, that was stripped away from my family–from me. I may be mixed blood but not knowing anything about my heritage is something that claws at me. I suppose that’s why “You Can’t Stay” just strikes me in the wrong manner.

That aside, none of the characters felt real. Other than Esther and Ryder, the rest of the cast were just cannon fodder. There were a few characters that are met about halfway through the book that seemed like they would be important later in the story, only to disappear completely. Most of the military characters had maybe one quirk about them that they were addressed by (“the engineer” or “the tracker”), rather than any sort of deeper backstory. They were simply there to die, and that made their deaths feel meaningless.

As for the overall plot, it was interesting. The idea of a group of military agents going into a spooky forest to deliver an unknown cargo, all the while being followed by creatures beyond their understanding? Sign me up! However, “You Can’t Stay” felt more like a long slog of nothing in between action scenes. When there was action, it was very well written, and I did like it a lot. However, the times in between these scenes were boring. Very little was done to move the plot along aside from describing walking, shouting orders, bathroom breaks, and whether the group should follow along a river or not. I feel like, had the pace been kicked up a bit, the novel would read far better than it did. The ending scenes felt too long winded as well, especially the very last one, which seemed to be sequel baiting. Count me out.

Would I recommend “You Can’t Stay?” Honestly, no. With that being said, I know there was a great attempt at the author doing research into the Pequawket Tribe and other tribes from the New England area. I believe this book could be a stepping stone into learning more about the Native People of that region of the United States. Otherwise, if you’re looking to turn your mind off for a bit and relax with some action horror, then maybe “You Can’t Stay” is just what you’re looking for.

tl;dr Don't read this expecting a serious horror. If you like military novels and the supernatural, then this is for you.

I wish S. T. Ashman would have led with "This book isn't a literary masterpiece. It's a wild, Hollywood-style fun ride that asks you to suspend belief and enjoy the chaos." Instead, she put that in the afterword.
Based on the description, especially since it mentioned, The Blair Witch Project and Annihilation, I was expecting a creepy horror novel with some similar themes to both of those. Some plot elements are the same but otherwise, it is completely different. The entire time it was reminding me of the cheesy military films and books that my father would watch or read when I was growing up.
It certainly wasn't boring, but it wasn't good either. I did finish it quickly, but the writing wasn't complex and it wasn't that bad. It was action packed, perhaps even a bit at the expense of the story as a whole.
All of that is to say that if Ashman would have led with the story being more of a Hollywood style military movie with supernatural elements, I wouldn't have been surprised at the vibes the book actually had. For a book where that was the goal, it does it well, which is the only reason this got 4 stars. As it is, I would have given it 3, but she meant it to be that way and I am certain there is an audience for this type of book. This review may change to 3 stars at some point as I mull it over (and possibly if the blurb doesn't change, though I do doubt this will be seen idk though!).
Overall, I didn't care about the characters too much and I am not really sure the significance of showing mainly two different points of view (with a few others sprinkled in) because unfortunately Esther was kinda eh and Erikson was where it was at. I was disappointed in that because Esther is native and I really wanted to like her but I didn't care much about her. I did like her drive to save her sister but that is about the only thing of note. Erikson was interesting and had a cool backstory, though, again back to cheesy Hollywood (ifykyk). I am being purposefully a bit vague, but there were two characters I liked a bit more later on and a few others that were so clearly just for developing other characters and weren't characters of their own.
The actual story was actually interesting and was why I kept reading. Besides one detail (won't be mentioning because spoilers) I really enjoyed the ending and I really liked the twists and turns the plot took as you learned more.
For anyone interested in reading but is a bit wary of native characters written by a nonnative, Ashman does it mostly respectfully HOWEVER that is based on my understanding of how to represent native characters in a positive way but I am not going to claim it was perfect. I am not native so if a native person (or someone else knowledgeable) tells me otherwise I will so gladly change this part of the review to reflect that.
Thanks NetGalley for providing this book.

This book I could not put down loved it from beginning to end. I would highly recommend!! This isn't like something ie read before.

An intriguing horror/mystery! I enjoyed the writing style, short chapters, and characterisation. It was a bit gory in places too!

There was a lot of talk relating to mythology, goddesses/gods, and vikings. I did have to skim read some of these parts unfortunately, as for me it did drag the pace of the book a little.

Not a bad read but not sure it was for me really.

I am grateful to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC copy.

Absolutely brilliant horror/suspense novel with fascinating native American and norse tidbits woven throughout. I didn't want to put it down to sleep. Can't wait to read more from this author!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and S. T. Ashman for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for You Can't Stay coming out April 30, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I read by this author. I really love horror movies and books. This story was right up my alley. I really enjoyed the characters. I thought the storyline was spooky and fun. I would definitely check out my books by the author.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys horror books!

This book was brilliant. Not my usual as it was very creepy and a little scary but a brilliant story with an absolutely beautiful setting. Although very creepy. Highly recommended

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — Haunting, Relentless, and Unlike Anything I’ve Read Before

You Can’t Stay Here by S.T. Ashman is a brutal, genre-bending descent into obsession, grief, and the horrors that lurk in the wild, both natural and unnatural.

Esther is a raw, gritty, and emotionally complex lead—a recovering addict driven to find her missing sister when no one else will. Her journey quickly spirals into a fever-dream of dread and violence as she uncovers a pattern of disappearances tied to a government operation in the remote White Mountains. From the first page, the story grabs you by the throat and doesn’t let go.

Absolutely devoured this book. Between the Native American and Norse elements woven into the story, I knew it would be good, but I had no idea it would be this gripping. I’ve never read anything quite like this, and I genuinely hope to see more in this vein from Ashman in the future. Ashman built a whole world within these woods—complete with well-researched characters, history, and lore. If you're looking for something different, this is the book for you.

Ashman’s writing is visceral, hallucinatory, and completely immersive. The setting becomes a character in itself—unforgiving, eerie, and steeped in ancient terror. The pacing is relentless, and the blend of horror, action, and conspiracy kept me flipping pages long into the night.

I will say that the book occasionally dips into chaos so deep that it can be disorienting. There were moments where I found myself needing to pause and re-center to keep track of what was real, what was imagined, and what was simply unknowable. But maybe that’s the point—You Can’t Stay Here doesn’t hold your hand. It drags you into the dark and dares you to make sense of it.

With its sharp edge, cinematic scope, and emotional depth, this is a standout read for fans of experimental horror, survival thrillers, or stories that aren’t afraid to get weird and wild. Esther is unforgettable, and the ending—without spoilers—will stick with me for a long time.

I absolutely loved diving into the mythology and historical references woven throughout this stellar horror/thriller. It added such a rich layer to the story and made the whole experience even more immersive. This book checked so many of my favorite trope boxes—creepy, mysterious forest? Check. A mission where no one really knows what's going on? Yes, please. Characters switching places? Love it.

The plot was gripping and full of twists, and the character development was surprisingly strong for a genre that sometimes skimps on depth. I found myself genuinely invested in what would happen next and in how the characters were evolving along the way.

If you're into atmospheric horror with a bit of a mythological edge and some seriously compelling storytelling, I can't recommend this one enough. So glad I picked it up!

Absolutely devoured this book. Between the Norse and Native American elements in this book I knew it would be good. I have never read anything like this and hope to see similar from the author in the future. This was a pulse pounding thriller from the very begining but not just your average thriller by any means. Ashman created a world of her own for this setting with well researched characters, history, lore, etc. If you are looking for something different this is the book for you.

Interesting mix of Norse mythology, Native American beliefs, and the secrecy and manipulations of the government and especially the military, where blind obedience can save lives or destroy them. It is fiction, so you really need to use "suspension of disbelief" - not so much for the supernatural, more for a vet tech pretending to be a special forces sniper, yea, I don't think so .... but, it's fiction.

A woman's hunt for answers about her sister's disappearance becomes her worst nightmare in this dread-inducing thriller.

Isolated in the middle of the woods with nowhere to go but forward, this kept me on my toes from beginning to end. The sense of loss is strong throughout, along with the protagonist's determination to find out what happened to her sister. This started off with a horror-like vibe and slowly worked its way towards science-fiction while still maintaining the eerie, haunting atmosphere. I wanted more development with some of the supporting characters in order to fully connect with them. The ending was satisfying and I wanted more after the Epilogue. Overall, this was a heart-pounding read that I finished within a day. Four stars.

Thank you, Netgalley and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op, for this ARC.

S.T. Ashman’s latest thriller, *You Can’t Stay*, is an electrifying exploration of obsession and the unknown, masterfully blending elements of horror, crime, and suspense. Following his earlier cult hit *I Kill Killers*, Ashman proves once again that he knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats with a story that is as haunting as it is addictive.

The narrative centers around Esther, a struggling addict who finds herself racing against time when her sister mysteriously vanishes. The stark reality of her life as a marginalized individual creates a poignant backdrop for her relentless search. Ashman’s characterization of Esther is raw and relatable; her determination to find her lost sibling in the shadow of societal indifference draws readers in, ensuring we root for her every step of the way.

Set against the chilling landscape of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the novel intricately weaves a tale reminiscent of *The Blair Witch Project* meeting *Vikings* and *Annihilation*. The atmosphere is thick with tension and fear as Esther discovers a chilling pattern of disappearances linked to the same cursed location where the government has inexplicably sent numerous groups, only for them to vanish without a trace.

Ashman expertly crafts an unsettling sense of dread throughout the novel. The blend of past secrets and present dangers is thoroughly engaging, prompting readers to question what horrors lie hidden within the wilderness. The sense of the uncanny is ever-present—the feeling that not only are the mountains alive with unseen terror, but that some truths are far too dangerous to be uncovered.

What sets *You Can’t Stay* apart is Ashman’s ability to not only tell a compelling story but also to delve deep into the human condition; Esther’s personal struggles with addiction and her fierce love for her sister highlight the lengths one will go to for family, even when the odds are stacked against them. The theme of searching for lost things—be it loved ones, truth, or even sanity—resonates powerfully, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and strength.

As the plot thickens and more layers of the mystery unfold, readers will find themselves frantically turning pages—each revelation more shocking than the last. The pacing is relentless, and just when you think you have a handle on the narrative, Ashman serves another twist that leaves you breathless.

*You Can’t Stay* is not just a story about disappearances and the secrets that lie in the woods; it is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding desire to seek answers, no matter the cost. S.T. Ashman has undoubtedly delivered another tour de force that will remain in the minds of readers long after they’ve turned the final page. For those who dare to venture into this harrowing tale, prepare for a journey that is equal parts terrifying and transformative. Just remember: some secrets are best left buried.

This was an excellent read and one I would heartily recommend. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this was a fast paced, gripping horror that I loved from beginning to end. I love the woods setting and the characters made me care what happened to them and especially what happened to the main character’s sister, which is at the crux of the plot. Be careful when you dive into this book, you may not find your way out.

This was creepy, eery and I couldn't put it down!! Id definitely recommend this book. I still think about it now

Thank you to S.T. Ashman and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this! It’s incredibly fast-paced - it reads like an action movie! At one point, a character says: “Not in a million years did I think I’d die in some Norse spin on The Blair Witch Project,” and isn’t that spot-on? This is pure action. It's fun, gory and packed with tons of fascinating mythology woven into a crazy story.

We follow the POV of two characters: Esther, a descendant of the Abenaki people, looking for her sister, who’s been missing for two years, and Ryder, an ex-military man and worshipper of Norse gods, trying to find his way back to his son. They join a mission in a strange forest, and things quickly go off the rails. Now the group must uncover a government conspiracy and fight their way through woods that will do anything to make sure they don't leave.

If you like supernatural horror and a story that keeps you turning the pages, this is a must-read!

While I did enjoy this, it wasn't as scary as I was hoping it would be. I was more intrigued by the story line than I was spooked out. It was still a very twisty and enjoyable read and recommend it to anyone who enjoys page turning thrillers.

Oh my goodness, I went into this book blind, so I didn't know what to expect! I don't even know how to classify this one as it combines elements of thriller, mythology, Nordic myth, Indigenous myth, and good old-fashioned horror!

Every year, a group of people are commissioned to go into a private forest in the woods of New Hampshire, with a tank of something top secret. Only a few people in the government know what the mission is about. Esther is only there because she's heard a rumor that her sister might be there somewhere. So she trades places with a soldier to insert herself on the trip. Big mistake. She gets so much more than she bargained for!

You'll fall in love with some of the characters, pity some, and just wait for some to disappear. You'll feel the cold, the terror, and the dark. But you won't be disappointed - this book will keep you engaged to the end!

Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for an advance reader's copy. This author was new-to-me, but I am definitely adding S. T. Ashman to my list of backtitles!

Much different than the IKK trilogy. I enjoy this writer’s writing style even if this topic wasn’t necessarily my cup of tea. Looking forward to seeing what she does in the future!