Before the Devil Knows You’re Here by Autumn Krause (she/her)
Genre: folklore retelling, ya, fantasy, gothic
Rating: 3.5 stars
ARC Review

“She was a child of the wilderness and though it was a brutal mother, it taught her well.”

Thank you NetGalley for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Let’s start with the things I loved about this book:
-The tone. Oh my GOD, the tone of this novel is just perfection. The dark corners and shadows of this book had a GRIP on me.
-The family dynamic. It has been a while since I have read a book with a sister willing to do anything for her family and it delivered.
-The apple imagery and metaphors. Hello? As a baker who goes FERAL when I make apple pie, I was frothing at the mouth during the descriptions.

Things I didn’t like/could have been done better:
-I had no connection to the characters. I felt like we jumped into Catalina’s story and narrative so quick that I could never understand her. I could never connect with her dynamics or ways of thinking because they were never really explained in her narration if that makes sense.
-Catalina and Paul’s love story. The author definitely had something there but I thought it was too rushed. The desperation and trauma of both characters definitely brought the two of them together more than either of the expected. I would have liked to get more of Paul’s story. I wanted to connect to all of these characters but I just couldn’t.
-I felt like this book could have been 75 pages longer. Which I normally never say, but we needed more info and more character connection time.

Unfortunately, I DNF'd this book. The writing style is very good and Krause shows lots of promise as a writer, but I simply could not stick to the story after a while.

An intriguing gothic retelling of Johnny Appleseed that unfortunately due to the pacing didn't manage to hold my attention at all times. I can definitely see the promise of this story, it touches on some important issues with regards to rascism and the treatment of Mexicans and Indigenous peoples, but the story as a whole sometimes fell flat due to the pacing.

All in all I do think people will enjoy this story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This cover is beautiful. This is also a beautifully haunting story. I love the twist on folk horror but make it gothic. A unique and amazing premise.

A retelling of Johnny Appleseed & Paul Bunyan but make it a dark fairytale? Say less. We also deal with grief, loss, and the love of family. Dark and hopeful and loving. I recommend highly!

The story for this book was a super interesting concept, but I think the writing style and the pacing didn’t do it justice. For the most part, the writing fell flat and it wasn’t built up as much as I would have wanted for a book this length. Both Catalina and Paul barely had enough personality for the reader to connect with. Their voices were just too similar for me to really get a sense of them as people.

The dual point of view being written in both first and third person really threw me off especially since there was no formatting indicating that John’s point of view was him writing letters or anything like that. It felt out of place and threw off the story for me.

The banker was just sort of your run of the mill villain. He was kind of boring to be honest. He was given all of these small quirks like being neat and orderly or being frustrated that his creations never turned out quite right but we never found out his motivations or anything about him really. Many of the characters felt underdeveloped and that made it difficult to get drawn into their story.

I didn’t really understand the point of filling the forest with monsters if we weren’t ever going to learn about how they were created or whether they were released from their curses when John died. It just felt like a lazy way to create conflict for the characters on their journey and all of the encounters were left open ended. None of the creatures were ever mentioned again.

The last 10% of the book felt really out of place. It was like reading a completely different story and it ruined the ending for me. This book was like multiple different puzzled pieces stuck together in a way that didn’t quite fit. I was left with more questions than answers.

I was so excited to read this book when I first heard about it, because a gothic horror johnny Appleseed story sounds SO COOL, and while it had its moments I think it fell a little flat. First off Catalina, while she had her strengths, bugged me somewhat. I appreciate how much she loved her brother and she had a fierce desire to just have a normal life, but her anger at our love interest bothered me because it didn't seem to make a lot of sense. Or, it just felt too forced. I understand she didn't want help and didn't think his motives were as pure as hers, but she was kind of terrible about it, and god knows she wouldn't have gotten even half as far as she did if it wasn't for him. On the flip side getting John's story was interesting, and the idea that he made a deal with the devil and that's why he's so well known is an interesting one. I'll certainly give Krause an A+ for originality, but I think there were just too many plot threads in this story. It almost seemed like two, maybe even three or four separate books. I do have to admit that I enjoyed the last 20% or so of Catalina's story, and would have happily read an entire book of that. Now characters aside I think Krause can write, she has some excellent prose here, and it's obvious she feels very strongly about the story and even the characters, I just think for me they fell a little short. I don't really see myself recommending this one unless asked for something that fits it too a T, but I'll certainly keep an eye out for Krause's next works, and I am also aware that I seem to be in the minority here in not loving this book, so please take my review with a grain of salt.

I tried to read and enjoy this book for a really long time, but I couldn't get through it no matter how hard I tired. I loved the premise, and the use of nature and mythology\folklore, but I didn't manage to care enough for the characters.

I dnfed this at 23%. I thought the story had some potential and that the premise was interesting but I just got kinda bored by the time she was supposed to be starting her journey.

This book was so weird, outright strange and beyond creepy… and I was HERE FOR IT ALL. Like holy twists batman, this one had me hyped.

**Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an opportunity to read a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review**

I generally had a good time with this book. I enjoyed the dark, creepy forest vibes and I’m a sucker for a stories that weave in folklore, plus Faustian bargains. This book gave me all the fall vibes I wanted. The horror elements were just enough to be unsettling but not so much that it kept me up at night so that was perfect!

I did have a few issues:
-the heroine: Catalina is supposed to be Mexican American (her late mother was Mexican) but there wasn’t enough characterization to show the reader that. Her characterization in general could have been stronger, I just wasn’t connected to her at all sadly. It felt like we got no insight in to her emotions and she quickly moves on from everything that happens on the journey over an over again which was frustrating.
-the romance felt like an afterthought, there were a few cute exchanges but there could have been way more development or the relationship could have been kept platonic.
-I liked the mythological creatures that made an appearance but it seemed like they were thrown in conveniently to either help the characters or harm them and the they were never addressed again? It just felt a bit random.
-the ending was far too rushed for me and <spoiler>I was so disappointed by the way Johns storyline ended. The banker kills him very anticlimactically, Catalina reads the letters he wrote, finds out he was her GRANDFATHER, and then just drops the whole issue? It also seemed like she got out of hell way too quickly.</spoiler>

Overall I would recommend this if you’re looking for a relatively fast read that is very atmospheric, dark, lush and perfect for fall.

3.75 stars, rounded up to 4

This novel is an interesting blend of almost-disparate elements coming together in a blend of historical fiction and magic realism. The Green Man, or Johnny Appleseed, the Man of Sap as a doomed man who trades his soul to a vile banker for the success of his orchards. But like all such bargains, this one turns and twists the man into a monster wanting only to be set free. The Latina poet, Catalina is forced to go on a long journey when her brother is kidnapped by the Man of Sap and the journey turns into a metamorphosis when she meets the vile banker (aka the devil).
I chose this book to review because of this blend of elements and the heroine’s journey it portrays. I wasn’t in love with the writing style. However, it didn’t stop me from enjoying and recommending the novel. It’s got heart and soul and an original blend of story and folklore.

Thanks, NetGalley, for a copy to review

If you like gothic novels, folk horror, dark forests and beautiful poetic writing, you might like:

🍎 Before the Devil Knows You're Here by Autumn Krause 🍎

In this young adult gothic horror novel set in 1863 Wisconsin we follow Mexican-American poet Catalina who lives in a ramshackle cabin in the woods ever since her Mamá died. One day her Pa suddenly becomes very ill, and when he draws his last breath a strange man made of bark, leaves and sap enters their cabin - taking Catalina's brother with him. Desperate to get Jose Luis back Catalina must travel through dark forests with strange creatures to reckon with the Man of Sap who tore her family apart.

🪵

What a beautiful book. Krause's poetic, philosophical, atmospheric writing completely transported me to this unique dark world drenched in folktales. It was as if I was there myself among the apple trees and dark forests with their peculiar creatures, and I could almost smell the leaves, rain and rotting apples. It doesn't happen often that I'm this immersed in a book. The gothic and horror elements were very unique and refreshing: most of them were based on folklore, and the nature horror elements at the heart of the book were some of the best I've ever seen.

The story itself was beautiful too, but also very heavy and often gruesome. Catalina went through many traumatic, life-altering events in a short period of time, and a large part of the book deals with her emotional journey, which was done very well. I also loved the characterisation of The Man of Sap. His tragic backstory was alternated with Catalina's story, which made the pacing really great. Only the ending felt a bit rushed to me: I would have loved to see the ending of Catalina's journey more in detail - but maybe that's just because I didn't want the book to end, haha.

Horror novels with nature elements are definitely becoming a new favourite subgenre thanks to this book! And I can't wait to delve into more of Autumn Krause's work!

My rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for the eARC! The book is available now!

Catalina has lost everyone and when the Sap Man kidnaps her brother, she goes on an adventure to find him and to kill the Sap Man. Along the way, Catalina meets Paul - who is a logger also trying to find John for killing all of his friends. A horror/thriller about Johnny Appleseed and how his deal with the devil went bad. And how he needs someone to help him break the curse!

I’m not usually a horror reader but I actually really enjoyed this and it gave good spooky vibe!

I didn't know that I needed a Paul Bunyon and Johnny Appleseed retelling before reading this. You could say the apple trees ensnared me.

I especially loved the chapters from John’s point of view - raising the questions of when does desire turn into greed, and where does that leave room for love?

Haunting, atmospheric, and surreal. Still swooning over the cover.

Thank you to NetGalley, Peachtree Teen, and Autumn Krause for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was a book I wanted to love, and on the surface, I did enjoy the story. The writing was a struggle to get through. The beginning was a bit slow and I wasn't really sure where the plot was going, but it did eventually pick up. However, there was barely any world building which made it hard to connect with the story and the romance between Paul and Catalina felt forced.
I just wanted so much more.

idl why but this one wasn't for me, it felt too dragged and I forced myself to finish it
thank you netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review

This book made me distrust apples for a solid week after I finished it.

I adored this story and couldn’t put it down. When my eyes were bleary from reading all night, I kept reading because it was that good.

It follows a girl and her quest to save her family. Her father and her brother are the most important things to her. He’s younger than her and her father seems to be kind of floaty. What I mean by that is that he moves them around often and instead of helping her out in the garden, will find flowers.

But he’s anti-apple. That could be a weird premise if it wasn’t written well enough. But this book was so fantastically written. It was atmospheric, creepy, weird. I loved it all. Also, it was interesting to see something so seemingly innocuous as apples turned into a harbinger of fear and haunting.

Catalina is a powerful character. A girl who is willing to march into the mouth of hell to save her family. And I loved that, especially as a big sister myself.

I absolutely recommend this book, seriously. It was a great read. I’m giving it 5 stars. A great spooky read for this time of year.

I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to them and the publisher.

happy release day!!

Before the Devil Knows You’re There is such a unique story with elements of horror, folklore, a bit of romance, and magic all intricately woven together into one fascinating book.

it is a gothic horror fantasy reimagining of the Johnny Appleseed. the author creates such a dark eerie world of tainted apples, death, and creatures of the forest (whether evil or helpful). I absolutely loved it.

this book was a little slow for me at the beginning but once I started learning about the characters and atmosphere, I really enjoyed it! I most definitely ate some apples while reading this book and I highly recommend doing so to make the reading experience all the more immersive😂

I really really really wanted to give Catalina a hug throughout this book, a hot meal, and maybe a heated blanket or something. the persistence and determination she has despite her grief and pain is so moving. also Paul is such an incredible character and I desperately need some chapters from his POV. I loved seeing the two of them grow and begin to trust each other despite living is such a tumultuous world.

and THE ENDING. I cried many happy tears. happy endings in the horror genre aren’t always guaranteed but I was so happy to see that despite all the suffering, it was a beautiful satisfying ending.

I would have loved more from Catalina’s perspective. the narration alternates from John’s POV to Catalina’s POV throughout the book but I connected so much more to Catalina. it made the story fill a big disjointed in a few places. I know John’s is necessary for the story, I just would have preferred his portions to be a bit shorter. the pacing felt off in some areas and was a little slow before the plot got moving.

overall, this was such an amazing book and I highly recommend if you are into gothic horror and folklore!

Thank you Netgalley, Holiday House, and PeachTree Teen for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Without saying too much about it, but saying just enough...
What an astonishing and intriguing story. Loved the way this author's mind works. It's fascinating what she did, I would've never guessed all those twists and turns. I was left with a constant edge of your seat feeling.
Every character has so much depth and many layers, it leaves you with such a satisfying feeling to the very last page.

I came across this book on Autumn Krause (the author)'s Instagram a few weeks ago and immediately knew I wanted to read it. Before the Devil Knows You're Here follows Catalina's journey to saving her brother, the only family she has left, and defeating an evil that she has never faced before.
This was such a fast-paced intriguing read that incorporates found family elements, a slow burn romance (not a main focus), and folklore. I've never read a Johnny Appleseed retelling so I had no idea what to expect with this but it blew away my expectations. I loved the inclusion of Paul Bunyan and Faustian elements PLUS a Mexican-American main character (that is a girlboss in the best possible way).
Krause incorporates the POV of both our main character and our perceived villain in a way that weaves such a compelling story that makes you grieve for both characters. The writing is beautiful and poetic but it doesn't take away from the horror and fantasy elements. If anything it only adds to the gothic atmosphere. Catalina's character was so layered and honest and I wish this was longer simply so I could spend more time with her (and Paul ig). The slow burn romance between Catalina and Paul did not take away from the main focus (saving Catalina's brother and stopping John) but instead showed growth for both characters. Overall, I really enjoyed this and can definitely see my self picking up more from Autumn in the future!

Favorite Quote:
"...and I don't fear the dark
because I've learned it is me."

ALSO the cover is BEAUTIFUL and I'm beyond excited for my physical copy to come in.

Mini Playlist:
Daffodil - Florence + The Machine
It Will Come Back - Hozier
Devil Like Me - RKS

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC. And HAPPY PUB DAY AUTUMN!!!