A review by booktribe
Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Before I started this book I said to myself “I can tell this book is gonna become my whole personality”, and my prediction was correct! This book was perfection from beginning to end and I loved every moment!

The writing was ADDICTING! I could’ve highlighted the entire book because the prose was so beautiful. The writing was so descriptive without feeling long winded. I got so lost in the story and in the writing that I flew through this novel and didn’t want to read anything else.

This book was highly creepy! The descriptiveness of the writing added so much atmosphere to the story. I loved the descriptions of all the monsters. And apparently, I am a huge fan of botanical body horror! It will become my new obsession. The forest horror was definitely my favorite part, but every aspect of the story was so creepy and mysterious!

Andrew was such a great main character to follow. I absolutely loved being in his head hearing his chaotic thoughts and feeling his intense emotions. His endless frustration with dealing with other people was very me. And the asexual representation was amazing! He said several things that resonated with my experience. I also want to mention how much I loved Lana and Chloe as side characters! They must be protected at all costs!

I also LOVED the way this book ended! It was the perfect ending to a beautifully heartbreaking story.

This is definitely one of my favorite books I’ve read this year, and possibly one of my favorite books of all time! It’s a story that you can really just get lost in. The writing, the characters, the creepy body horror, just everything was perfection. I need everyone to pick this book up when it comes out in October!

TW: Blood/gore, body horror, panic attacks, grief, eating disorder, bullying, self-harm, child abuse