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A review by zaiphon
Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I didn’t anticipate loving this as much as I did. "Don't Let the Forest In" is a beautifully poetic written YA horror that’s also includes so much more. It explores themes of grief, internal battles, struggles with accepting sexual identity, and asexual romance—all woven together seamlessly. The vivid, descriptive writing brings these themes to life. Quite literally in some cases within this story.
We follow Andrew as he returns to Wickwood Academy and navigates his feelings for his best friend, Thomas, while also working through his identity as asexual. As the school year trudges on, we’re introduced to new characters and friendships that deepen the emotional connections of the MMC. Through these relationships, we get a window into Andrew’s thought patterns and psyche—which directly catapults the horror element of the story.
Thomas and Andrew team up to fight the monsters lurking within the forest—monsters that seem to be conjured from Thomas's creations based upon Andrew’s gothic fairy tales, now come to life and seeking blood. The body horror and gore are written with vivid, unsettling detail, creating a constant eerie atmosphere. I especially appreciated how these literal monsters mirrored the metaphorical ones rooted in Andrew’s mental health struggles—adding an uniquely powerful and deep layer to the story.
I often enjoy YA, but this one is a stand out read. The writing style is immersive and deliberate, drawing you in and turning each chapter into a page-turner.
The ending left me staring at the wall—in the best way possible. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.
We follow Andrew as he returns to Wickwood Academy and navigates his feelings for his best friend, Thomas, while also working through his identity as asexual. As the school year trudges on, we’re introduced to new characters and friendships that deepen the emotional connections of the MMC. Through these relationships, we get a window into Andrew’s thought patterns and psyche—which directly catapults the horror element of the story.
Thomas and Andrew team up to fight the monsters lurking within the forest—monsters that seem to be conjured from Thomas's creations based upon Andrew’s gothic fairy tales, now come to life and seeking blood. The body horror and gore are written with vivid, unsettling detail, creating a constant eerie atmosphere. I especially appreciated how these literal monsters mirrored the metaphorical ones rooted in Andrew’s mental health struggles—adding an uniquely powerful and deep layer to the story.
I often enjoy YA, but this one is a stand out read. The writing style is immersive and deliberate, drawing you in and turning each chapter into a page-turner.
The ending left me staring at the wall—in the best way possible. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author.