what a cool premise but lackluster execution. the majority of this book had me hooked, i won't lie. mostly i had questions like, "how will this be resolved? what's the truth? are they going to survive?" as i read on, i started to get annoyed by the redundant, purple prose and the overuse of specific terms to describe the atmosphere. for example, "rot" is the first word to come to mind, overused in possibly every line it was in. the writing set the tone great initially but wore itself out quickly. some scenes were great, and the author is skilled in developing haunting imagery, but 300 pages of repetitive inner monologue, reactions, and dialogue overwhelm this imagery.

as for the characters, they were fine. the majority of the book is andrew and thomas together. therefore, it became andrew describing thomas in overused prose. the dialogue was melodramatic and awkward; inserted for the mere aesthetic of it. it could have been great if the book utilized creative fairytale lore, wrote about the clever ways andrew and thomas attempted to defeat the monsters, rather than relentlessly killing them.

andrew is an incredibly frustrating character, and i don't mean that interestingly. he is self-pitying and coddled to the max. to an extent is understandable; struggling with mental health in high school is a relatable experience. however, the author attempts to make the reader feel sympathy for andrew before writing him as a character and fleshing out his qualities, which makes me sympathize less. (that's how i am, at least)

now a common theme i find in YA books is the insertive, out-of-place therapy conversations. mental health or sexuality is never explored naturally or seems fitting for the context, but just... there. clearly set up for the mc's self-acceptance arc, and not a natural development. that's how i felt with andrew's anxiety and sexuality discussions. his eating disorder felt side-lined, something to layer on top of his miseries, a topic the author didn't want to fully commit to. a disorder to his degree should be all-consuming, yet it wasn't.

it seems im in the minority for hating the "plot twist". i'll be vague, but if this plot twist didn't exist, it would've made andrew's melodramatics much more bearable. instead, the twist came off as uninteresting and predictable.

Devastatingly gruesome as it is beautiful. Literally cut my heart out and give it to the forest so I can experience this for the first time again…because 🤯🤯🤯🤯


Thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an advanced copy!

Award for most unexpected book hangover goes to this bad boy right here.

I don’t expect to cry, or fall in love with the characters, as much as I did. It’s a beautifully realized cast of people that were fully fleshed out and who I wanted more time with.

The forest atmosphere was UNBEATABLE. If you liked Silver in the Wood, this is very much for you.

The ending left me REELING and I am still thinking about it days after. I can’t decide if it was abrupt or not? I didn’t hate it but it did dock it from a 5 star to a 4.5!

4.5⭐️

My favorite read of 2024. I don’t even know where to begin to review this book. Andrew was such a complex character and I felt everything as intensely as he did. Once I started I could not put this book down and looked forward to each time I could squeeze in a session of reading.

The ending confused me a bit, but I don’t think that is necessarily a bad thing. I had a few questions but I love that the book ended with many things unanswered. I was a sobbing mess when I finished and needed a day to recuperate. I’ve recommended this book to so many people already and cannot wait to read this again so soon!

Holy moly this was incredible. The writing was some of the most beautiful prose I’ve ever read. While I wasn’t totally surprised by the ending, it was extremely well done. This dealt with some really heavy topics in an artful way where they were still heavy but made palatable. I’m so mad at myself for not reading this sooner, as I was intimidated by it not being my typical genre. But I am so grateful that I had a chance to experience this beautiful book!!!

A Glimmer of Hope in the Darkest Woods: A Review of C.G. Drews' "Don't Let the Forest In"

C.G. Drews, known for her heartwarming contemporary novels, takes a thrilling detour into the dark fantasy genre with "Don't Let the Forest In," a prequel to her acclaimed The Boy Who Steals Houses. While the shift in genre is significant, Drews retains her signature ability to craft compelling characters and explore complex emotional landscapes. This book is a gripping, atmospheric tale of survival, loyalty, and the enduring power of found family.

Set in a world steeped in magic and danger, "Don't Let the Forest In" follows a group of children living in a hidden haven, seemingly the last survivors of a devastating magical war that wiped out most of humanity. Their fragile peace is shattered when their leader, Silvie, is captured by the enigmatic Wisp King, ruler of the encroaching forest. Now, it's up to the remaining children to venture into the perilous woods, confront the monsters within, and rescue their only hope for the future.

The novel's greatest strength lies in its characters. Drews excels at crafting flawed, relatable protagonists, and this book is no exception. Each child in the haven bears the scars of past trauma, yet they are bound together by fierce loyalty and a deep love for one another. Avery, the self-proclaimed coward, is particularly compelling. His journey to overcome his fear and step into a leadership role is both believable and inspiring. While the book has a focus on a younger audience, the story will grab the attention of readers, both young and old.

The world-building is another highlight. The forest is a character in itself, a living, breathing entity teeming with both wonder and terror. Drews vividly describes the eerie landscapes and menacing creatures, creating a palpable sense of dread that keeps the reader on edge. The lore surrounding the Wisp King and the fallen civilization is gradually unveiled, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative.

While the pacing is generally brisk and engaging, there are moments where the plot feels somewhat predictable, particularly in the earlier chapters. Some readers might also find the ending a bit abrupt, leaving certain threads unresolved.

What makes this book stand out:

Compelling Characters: Drews creates a cast of relatable and emotionally resonant characters, each grappling with their own inner demons.
Atmospheric World-Building: The forest is a vividly realized setting, full of danger and mystery.
Themes of Hope and Resilience: Despite the dark setting, the novel ultimately celebrates the power of friendship and the importance of fighting for what you believe in.
A strong focus on found family. The connection between the children is the book's emotional core.
Potential drawbacks:

Predictable plot points: Some readers may find the story's trajectory somewhat familiar.
Abrupt ending: Certain aspects of the plot are left open-ended.
Overall:

"Don't Let the Forest In" is a thrilling and atmospheric dark fantasy that will captivate readers of all ages. While it may not reinvent the genre, it offers a fresh and engaging take on classic fantasy tropes. C.G. Drews' talent for crafting compelling characters and exploring complex emotional themes shines through, making this a memorable and worthwhile read. It is a testament to the enduring power of hope, even in the darkest of times.

Highly recommended for fans of: Holly Black's The Cruel Prince, Neil Gaiman's Coraline, and readers looking for a dark fantasy adventure with heart. It's also a perfect entry point for those new to C.G. Drews' work.

An isolated setting, a slippery reality that may overlap with delusion, and the vulnerability of children to school administrators and teachers; absent or murdered parents; and a forest refuge turned predator. I was so creeped out I couldn't bring myself to read more than a few pages at a time. Really well done, and painfully sad in a way that adds to the horror.

One thing: it's not clear to me why the author made Andrew asexual. It doesn't have much to do with the story except to the extent that it gives him something else to be conflicted about.

This book was stunningly haunting and I could not put it down. This is the first time I've dipped my toes into the horror genre and I cannot wait to read more of CG Drews work. I am in love!!

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an ARC.

I have been following this author online for years now, and I am so glad to finally have read a book by them. Don't Let the Forest In is a dark, twisty tale of obsession and love. It was so atmospheric, and I loved the setting: a boarding school surrounded by a dark forest. It had all of the ingredients I love in a book: dark academia, tender and painful love, tortured artists, and mysterious monsters.

I was rooting (pun not intended) for the main characters and was sad to leave them when the book ended. Maybe one day we will get to see where their story goes after this?

CG Drews did not disappoint me, and I cannot wait to see what comes next for them! They are a new auto-buy author for me.

A teen with a head full of dark fairy tales struggles with his mental health and a crush on his best friend. But when danger encroaches from the forest, it's only the two of them against a never ending deluge of monsters. This was so wonderfully dark and twisty. Reminded me of Wilder Girls just a bit, and I think it may be the best asexual rep I've ever read! Wasn't totally taken with the ending, which felt abrupt, but it was still incredible.

“Don’t Let the Forest In” by CG Drews is utterly enchanting. One of my favorite reads of 2024. The story was exciting and heart wrenching! Full of moments of adventure and passion and gore. This story is a beautiful blend of fantasy, romance, and horror. It is simply heart wrenching. Have I used enough adjectives to describe how much I adored this novel?

Just read it! I doubt you will be disappointed!

Thank you to NetGallery and the Publisher for allowing me to read the ARC and the opportunity provide an unbiased and honest review.

I had mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, the writing was so much fun! On the other, I thought the LGBT rep/discussion was a bit heavy handed. Andrew as an MC was whiny, but the ending saved it. The twists, they’ll keep you up at night.

Highly recommended to fans of haunting young adult reads, with a bend towards monsters, mental health, and dark academia. It wasn't particularly my cup of tea, because it reads VERY teenager, but I could tell that if I were a teenager or had different tastes I would absolutely love this. It's eerie and dramatic with a lot going for it. I hope the people who need this book find it and love it.

Tragic and heart-wrenching but beautiful and a great exploration of mental health, growth, and love. The story pulls you in and refuses to let you go. The poetic prose will leave an imprint on your mind and soul:

The cover of this book drew me to wanting to read it. It was pretty good, it's a YA book, but I enjoyed it. I gave this book a 4 stars.

"Life didn't fit against his skin and it never had and sometimes everything was just too much."

YES!!! This is what I want to read when someone pitches me a "dark academia" book. I want the gruesome, I want the gory, I want the rich bullies, and the dismissive administration. Don't Let the Forest In is the story of Andrew, Thomas and Dove. Andrew and Dove are twin siblings and Thomas is their third. The three of them are best friends until they are not, and Andrew can't seem to remember why they broke up or why he smashed a mirror with his fist last year.

He only knows the forest has something to do with it.

Thomas and Andrew have been cowriting dark stories about forest monsters. Andrew writes them and Thomas illustrates them. Except their dark creations are now coming to life and Thomas is going into the forest each night to hunt them. When Andrew finds out what Thomas is doing, he helps him, except the darkness of the forest infects him, and the love he feels for Thomas seems like something he doesn't deserve and can't have.

This is an asexual love story that grips deep and hard with the all-consuming, almost destructive passion of wanting someone so completely. The purple prose and figurative language help carry this story almost like it is a macabre painting of its own. As a dark love story, this hits every single mark. As a monster mystery, there are a few plot holes that pulled me out of the story otherwise this would have been a solid 5 stars.

Beautiful and macabre. I loved the complexity of Don't Let the Forest In. Between the raw, unapologetic portrayal of mental health and personal growth, this story kept me rooting for the characters and their relationships—whether familial, romantic, or platonic.

Don’t Let the Forest In had some interesting ideas, but it didn’t completely work for me. The atmospheric, eerie tone and dark, lyrical writing were highlights, and I appreciated how the forest felt like a living, breathing character. Andrew’s love of writing and Thomas’s art brought an intriguing creative dynamic, but the story sometimes felt slow and overly introspective, which made it hard to stay fully engaged.

The themes of identity, grief, and co-dependency were handled thoughtfully, but the pacing dragged in places, and the characters didn’t always feel fully fleshed out. The twist near the end was surprising, but I wish the buildup had been a bit stronger to make the reveal feel more earned. Overall, this was a decent read with a haunting vibe that fans of dark YA might enjoy, but it didn’t quite pull me in as much as I’d hoped.

This book was CRAZY. Andrew, Thomas, Dove. Each of them had such different characteristics. The story was creepy but also beautiful. I loved the concept of drawings coming to life. Horror stories becoming real. The last 5 chapters had my heart RACING. I 100% did NOT see that coming. Completely caught me off guard. I want to experience this story for the first time all over again.

The premise of this book is really interesting. The writing is well done and there are some really interesting tonal shifts, as well as a significant twist that I did not see coming. The story and the love story was really interesting and unique, in my opinion. It also features an ace main character and the rep is well-presented.

That being said, this book is VERY angsty, to the point of melodrama. The boys are so in love with one another that they say things like they need to staple each other's lungs to one another in order to breathe, or they need to feed on one another to survive. And, because of the subject matter, that just all feels a little too intense, to the point of actually creating points of levity for me that were unintended.