I’m so devastated. I wanted to like this book so badly but I just couldn’t.

Clara was by far my favorite perspective to read from. She’s mentally all over the place, and it made her chapters so fun and captivating. I never knew what she was going to do and say next.

Grayson was my second favorite. His obsession with Clara helped fuel so many unhinged thoughts while still having a very calm, serene facade.

That is where my like for this book ends.

I found myself confused, wanting more, having to go back and reread, and sitting to think for a moment to make sure I understood everything correctly.

Jasper’s pov took me so far out of the book. The constant use of super complex words separated me from it so thoroughly.

Thank you to NetGalley and 47North for an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

The Bleeding Woods by Brittany Amara was an intense and absorbing read that I found myself flying through. It’s rare to come across a book that blends so many elements—fantasy, horror, thriller, and even a hint of romance—and does it so seamlessly. This book pulled me in from the very beginning with its haunting atmosphere and unique premise, and it never let go.

One of the things I appreciated most was how unpredictable the story was. The twists and turns were genuinely surprising, and just when I thought I had things figured out, the plot would take another unexpected direction. The tension builds steadily throughout, keeping you on edge while still offering moments of emotional depth and connection between the characters.

The setting was richly imagined, eerie and strange in all the best ways. It felt like stepping into a nightmare forest that was somehow beautiful and terrifying all at once. The writing definitely helped bring that mood to life, though I will say that at times the style or writing made things feel a bit jumbled.

Despite that, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. This isn’t your typical horror novel, and I really appreciated how bold and different it felt. Brittany Amara has a unique voice and a talent for weaving genre elements together in a way that feels fresh and compelling. If you're looking for a dark, twisty, genre-blending story that keeps you guessing and leaves a lasting impression, The Bleeding Woods is definitely worth picking up.

It’s rare to find a book that weaves horror, fantasy, and emotional complexity so seamlessly. It’s chilling, tragic, and achingly human, with a romance that’s as beautiful as it is terrifying. I’m completely captivated.