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

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5



Do Not Let the Forest In is a beautifully unsettling novel that weaves psychological horror with quiet, creeping dread. From the first chapter, there’s a sense that something is deeply wrong—not just in the eerie village that borders the forest, but in the very fabric of reality.

The forest isn’t just a backdrop here; it feels alive, almost sentient. The way it influences time, memory, and perception is handled with haunting subtlety. The book masterfully blurs the line between the real and the unreal, leaving you constantly questioning what’s actually happening.

The prose is striking—lyrical without being overindulgent, with moments that genuinely gave me chills. It’s a slow burn, but once it gets into your head, it doesn’t let go. This isn’t jump-scare horror; it’s something deeper, more existential.

My only reason for not giving it a full five stars is that the ambiguity, while powerful, occasionally borders on frustrating. Some plot threads are left deliberately vague, which adds to the atmosphere but may leave a few readers wanting a bit more resolution, especially with how the book itself ends. While I personally loved the ending I'm sure it's definitely not for everyone!

Still, this book is a gem. Atmospheric, eerie, and emotionally resonant. If you enjoy horror that whispers instead of screams, Do Not Let the Forest In is well worth your time.
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