I received a free eBook ARC from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine, Del Rey via NetGalley.
OMG! I had no clue a story about an apple orchard could be so creepy! This is the kind of horror thriller I love to read. It is long, it successfully alternates well-developed characters, and it is very atmospheric.

Dan has always wanted to have an apple orchard and sell his apples and he has the most perfect apple everyone will want. The thing is once everyone tries the apple, they are enraptured by it and need more – but there is darkness in consuming the apples. There are some people like Dan’s daughter Calla, Emily (a new town resident), John Compass (an apple hunter), and Joanie (a rich BDSM local) who aren’t swayed by the apple. Can they figure out the origins of this unsettling infatuation that is embedding itself in the town?

This is fabulous horror that even gets a little gross at times – but if you liked Chuck Wendig’s Wanderers or you like Stephen King – this is a must read. Good stuff here.

FIVE STAR READ

I loved #thebookofaccidents so I was crazy excited to start reading Wendig’s latest book. Even though this book is about 600 pages, I binged it over the course of 3 days.

This is such a unique #horror — you’re first introduced to a nice farmer named Dan and his daughter who dreams of being an influencer. Dan wants to achieve his father’s lifelong dream of owning a family apple orchard. Turns out the Apple varietal he creates is a major hit around town. But before long people start acting a bit off. Let’s just say the apples have some #supernatural effects of sorts.

I loved the plot because it was completely weird and new and disturbing. The chapter titles were hilarious. The characters were extremely likable and well developed.

I can’t really ask for more in a horror story than this provided. The ending was gruesome and again just truly unique. I’m just sad it’s over.

Now can someone please make this a @netflix series and cast @leahmlewis as Emily (the town newcomer who finds the first body)

I'll be honest, although I'm a fan of Wendig's previous works (particularly 'the book of accidents'), I was unsure of this going in... I mean, apples, really? However, after a slow burn start I was really quite engaged with the strong POV characters and very much didn't want it to end!

Disclosure: Received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Del Rey/Penguin Random House LLC (Thank you!) in exchange for an honest review.

If you are a fan of supernatural horror and a story told from multiple POVs, or if you are a hardcore Stephen King fan like me, this is a book worthy of your time.

Maybe this is a tad macabre but whenever I read a new Stephen King book, in the back of my mind I worry if it will be the last one and I feel a deep sadness for the huge, gapping, suck-hole of a void that will be left once he departs this realm. I love everything about his writing and am always on the lookout for authors that have his special sumthin' sumthin'. I thought at one time maybe his kid, Joe Hill, might carry that mantle but then he fell down the graphic novel hole, so nope on that front. Then I read The Book of Accidents and thought hmm, perhaps, must read some more by this Chuck Wendig...

I just finished Black River Orchard and while the story itself is simple (good vs. evil, eat a poison apple, suffer the consequences) Wendig takes it and, being a masterful storyteller, manages to flesh it out in a way that draws you in and, just like a good ole King tome, keeps you at the edge of your seat as you wonder which side will prevail, the good or the evil (no spoilers here!).

I liked the story using apples as the main thing that changes people. It is original and interesting, and I may avoid apples for a while. The length of the book was my only complaint.

Black River Orchard embodies all that's trademark Chuck Wendig: cutting wit, dynamic characters, and an eerily unsettling premise, this time centered on a very peculiar apple tree. Wendig excels in weaving a tapestry of horror and fantasy, plunging us into the foreboding heart of the small town of Harrow

The story dives deep into the shadowy corners of the townsfolk’s transformations as they consume the enchanting yet nefarious apples, creating a chilling atmosphere that Wendig fans will find all too familiar (some easter eggs for fans of his other works) and eerily satisfying.

His knack for exploiting our deepest fears and desires is on full display, morphing a tale of simple ambition into a full-blown, relentless nightmare. The narrative threads bind us to an escalating horror that makes the town of Harrow a memorable stop in the annals of macabre fiction.

My only gripe would be that the story occasionally extends beyond what feels necessary. A modest trim (50 or so pages) could have heightened its already potent impact.

Regardless, the narrative's draw remains unforgettable. The combination of Wendig's snappy dialogue, atmospheric horror, and unique story spinning keeps the pages turning late into the night. If you are on the lookout for a twisted tale that haunts your thoughts long after the final page, Black River Orchard awaits your visit.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, Del Rey, and the author for the advance copy.

A masterclass in horror story-telling. Black River Orchard is a compelling, fun, genuinely scary novel with characters I fell in love with. I'm not sure if I never want to eat another apple again or if I want to EAT ALL THE APPLES. This was an absolute blast to read, but also connected on an emotional level. I truly cared about the characters and was on the edge of my seat for the entire last 1/3 of the book. Wendig continues to be one of the best and most original genre writers working today.

Well. Where to begin? This was my first foray into the works of Wendig. And oh my goodness, what an excursion it was! This is a massive horror tome that delves into the likes of good vs. evil, the eating of the forbidden fruit, and the bad blood that runs through both time and earth. A man obsessed. An orchard grown in the most terrifying of ways. And the few strong enough to stand against it all.

I was impressed with the originality of this book. I loved how Wendig slowly brings you along, leading and giving only bits of answers as you go. Each revelation is more horrifying than the last. Horror done just the way I like it. Bravo to the one who can make me cringe and wince without throwing shock gore in my face. He fabulously sets the scene and allows your mind to fashion the holy terror of it.

The only con I encountered is that there are huge amounts of characters, back-stories, and interconnected happenings. I kept looking at my percentage read and wondering, "How can there still be that much left?" There is a lot happening here, but it really doesn't detract from the worth of the read.

Final thoughts? A narrative to sink your teeth into: flavorful, juicy, crisp. Well done, sir. I will be reading more!

An apple that can make you better, stronger, and something more than you are. What can possibly go wrong?... everything.
This was my first read by Chuck wendig and it will most definitely not be my last. I was hooked from being to end. I loved it.... even if I won't be eating apples for awhile.

With a satisfying crunch, Chuck Wendig makes this story his own. A twisted Johnny Appleseed with shades of Joe Hill and a whiff of Ray Bradbury. Impending doom and the fate of the world rests in the hands of the aptly named John Compass, who leads the ragtag band of characters to the frightening climax.

This is a wild ride that gets weirder as you go. The build-up is delicious and the reveal is thoroughly revolting. But so much fun.

I'm still creeped out, weeks after finishing the book. The kind of creepy that sticks to you. Makes you wanna put on a sweater and take a shower.

Who woulda thought apples could cause so much trouble? Oh wait - Adam and Eve.

Clear a big bite of your life. Give yourself to the story. Let its juices run down your chin. Get covered in its gooey sweet rot. You'll feel so much better.

Apples will never be the same again.

Thanks Chuck.

10 Stars for creepiness! Vibes of "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "Harvest Home" visiting "Little Shop of Horrors" - claustrophobic and horrifying. I just couldn't stop - had to read just one more page - until the end. Hard to find scary horror these days - but this is it - really - a horror masterpiece. Start it early, and keep the lights on.

Chuck Wendig held the place in the heart last year for my favorite read with his release of Tje Book of Accidents. I was so excited to dig into Black River Orchard, and it did not disappoint. It was for sure another 5-star read, and all 500+ pages just flew by.

Chuck Wendig is a must-read author for me, so when I was offered the opportunity to read Black River Orchard as an ARC, I let out an audible squeal. This book DID NOT disappoint. Wow. There are so many layers to this story and so MUCH character development, I was hooked from the very beginning. It's very gothic horror-y in that the conflict starts out almost insignificant, just below the surface, but then it builds, and it builds, and I'm not sure I'm ever going to have the ability to look at apples the same way again. Black River Orchard will be available Sept 26, 2023 and I highly recommend reading this one if you enjoy beautiful prose mixed with a terrifying tale!!

5 stars on Goodreads. And as soon as I am able I will be sharing my review on Amazon as well.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sabrina Shen at Del Rey/Random House for the invitation to read this ARC!! This story will be living rent-free in my head for quite some time!!

Well, another great book by Chuck Wendig!
And this was one is very creepy! Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read an ARC.
The story revolves around a man and his teenaged daughter. They are not well off but seem relatively happy. The father, Dan, has his heart set on starting an apple orchard with a very special apple. The apple is something special alright and soon the people who eat the apple are not their normal selves. Those in town who don’t eat the apple definitely see a difference in the people who do.
The story has an interesting cast of characters. There are those characters who I was rooting for , those I most definitely was not rooting for, and a small group that were a mixture of good and bad. Pretty realistic there , I guess.
I really enjoyed the story. Mysterious, fun and creepy, too. If the synopsis sounds like it might be in your wheelhouse, give it a try! I’m glad I did. Happy reading!

Blurb, due by June 15th, already emailed to publicists. Full review to come soon.

"The horror of Black River Orchard is the existence of an insidious, dormant catalyst for evil that exists inside of us. All that has to happen is for humankind to discover that one thing that will universally divide us all. Wendig’s wheelhouse is knowing exactly how to pluck heartstrings and prey on fears at the same time; high stakes horror meets peak emotional investment means Total. Reader. Devastation.”
-Sadie Hartmann, author of 101 Horror Books to Read Before You’re Murdered

A masterpiece of horror and social commentary from one of the best in the business. You could have slapped Stephen King’s name on this and I would never have doubted for one second that he wrote it. Chuck Wendig is on that level. With “Wanderers” and “Book of Accidents” and now “Black River Orchard” he is reminiscent of King at his peak. This tale of an apple that causes people in a town to change and lose themselves to a cult like mentality was terrifying and powerful in the age of MAGA. It will rock you to your core. I’m going to have so many of these horrifying images locked in my brain forever. Compelling characters, an awesome and well crafted mythology, and psychological and body horrors that will make your head spin all add up to the one of the best books of the year! Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC.

Just imagine if Snow White's evil stepmother had an orchard full of poison apples. Except...what if the apples aren't really "poisonous", but instead make you feel better, stronger, the full "you"? What price would you be willing to pay, with your soul?

This book was super-creepy from the get go. Loved that it was set in a fictionalized version of Bucks County along the Delaware River, because I live on the other side of the river (but who really wants to admit that they live in Jersey, right?). I also loved that despite being super-creepy, it was also a sort of history lesson in apples: the wide varieties, textures and tastes, and how they came to the colonies. Creepy but Educational!

If you read and liked Book of Accidents by Chuck Wendig, then you'll also love Black River Orchard. If you haven't read it, then what are you waiting for?

Bottom line: go read this book!

A super fun, fast-paced, eminently readable horror novel! I always like Wendig's work; his premises are fun, and his writing goes down smooth. This book, like THE BOOK OF ACCIDENTS, also feels very much grounded in place; I'm from Philadelphia myself, and I love all the Bucks County details. The horror bits were genuinely spooky and squidgy, especially some of the apple-related body horror (what a phrase) later in the book. I also liked the characters, especially Emily, a lesbian who's been dragged from the city and out to Bucks by her wife; John, an Army vet turned Quaker; and Marco, a secondary character who rather to my surprise stole my heart. I'd recommend this book for anyone who's looking for a fun read, who likes Philly-based novels, or who likes a strong dash of body horror mixed in with their suspense.

I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Much like the eaters of the apple in this book should have done, I'm spitting this review out rather than letting it sit and digest. Black River Orchard is so good that I'm struggling with where to start. Packed full of riveting info about the history of apples and the shoddy offerings we apparently have at the grocery (I really have to find a local orchard), suffused with compelling dread and a sense of impending catastrophe, I raced through this book, "rooting" for the heroes to overcome a population gone all spooky-magic apple culty. The characters were nuanced and flawed, a not so simple fruit bringing out the best and worst in all of them. Wendig didn't skimp on the horror with this one either. In particular, I have a thing about teeth, and this book pushed all my ick buttons. Absolutely fantastic story!

WOW! Another runaway hit from Chuck Wendig. This was a great character building, world building novel.

It was so good. I loved the way that the author incorporated the forgotten apple varieties, the evil man in white, the collision of the characters.

It took a bit to get into, I would say the first 50 pages or so, then I could not put it down.

This book is a wonderful exploration of wants, desires, and doing whatever it takes to get ahead in life. It was brutal, gross, and I could not put it down.

overall a definitive read for any horror fan.