Eye of the Ouroboros is an intriguing tale, as it feel very much like the story pulls us through a few genres. At first we have a sort of isolated horror "what's in the woods" vibe. As the story progressing a more X-files / almost espionage style and then as the story concludes more of a sci-fi horror finale.

While they may sound confusing at best, Bontrager really pulls it off - in fact I'd say its one of the highlights of this story is that is goes different places, and isn't afraid to mix tropes up a little. Overall the story is creepy as hell and Bontrager does a great job at not only suspending our disbelief at the supernatural elements, but also having a touching human side to the story. This is harder that it seems to make happen, especially with horror as a genre often lamented for its lack of significant characterisation and motivation.

This is the first story I've read in ages that actually gave me goosebumps and the ending most definitely will stick with you! Most highly recommended.

Theo's sister went into the woods one day and did not come out. Theo has dedicated her life and career as a park ranger to finding her. What Theo finds is a supernatural conspiracy, and only she can stop it.

This was such an atmospheric read. The woods, and later the Bureau, were well described. The tension and mystery was maintained well. I found myself really caught up in the action. The emotion, especially Theo's, was quite raw.
That being said, I struggled to connect with the characters. Theo was standoffish for most of the book. While I totally get how her past affected her present, I just personally didn't like her a lot. I did like Quinn as a character, but he didn't get a lot of page time. I didn't feel that I had time to get to know any of the other characters.

This is a fantastic novel that mixes cosmic horror with conspiracy theories, secret government agencies, and inter-dimensional portals to a bizarre and terrifying alternate reality.

A young woman named Theo is a park ranger who has a passion for search and rescue operations. Her younger sister disappeared into these woods years ago and Theo is obsessed with finding her. She's a bit of a mess as well. Her mentally unhealthy obsession leads her to over drinking, barely being able to have friends or a social life, and blames herself for her sister's disappearance. Her mother is overbearing and there's an active hostility between them.

We're going to find out that disappearances in this area are common place and pretty soon, Theo is going to experience some creepy things in those woods. Upon a little digging around, she's going to meet some conspiracy theorists who might not be as crazy as the seem. And there are some very dark, fantastical, and horrifying secrets going on.

This novel blends the best of cosmic horrors with the mysteries of a secretive government agency who she must now escape. It's full of emotionally impactful grief and it's written so well it's easy to believe and suspend your disbelief. I highly recommend it.

A girl walks into a door in the woods...

There's no punchline, just r/nosleep and those YouTube videos about backrooms that are equal parts harrowing and goofy getting married and having a baby named EYE OF THE OUROBOROS.

The GOOD:

- our wayward Park Ranger narrator, Theo, who some might be inclined to love to hate but I will defend until my dying breath (she's my daughter now btw) who is angry but so full of heart (reminiscent of a Grady Hendrix heroine, tbh, mostly Kris from We Sold Our Souls). I knew I would love her from the opening scene, even with how she fumbles and falters 😭
- found family when your real family sucks and your sister got gobbled up by the woods; they're a group of weirdos who have so much trust in Theo 🥹
- smart story telling with a ton of care and nuance on Difficult Subjects like grief, and abuse, and GUILT (o, the guilt)
- the platonic love story of my dreams (QUINN!!) that runs parallel to an actual (queer) love story that doesn't take up all the breathing room
- pulls no punches and begs to be read in the dark so you freak yourself out about what's looking at you from the shadows; the descriptions are visceral and cinematic and *gripping.*

THE BAD

- there's not MORE? I need a prequel about [REDACTED] and [REDACTED] and the FBR!! PLEASE.

Genuinely can't wait for more from this author after such a stellar debut.

One of the best books I've ever had the pleasure of reading, Eye of the Ouroboros injects pure chills into your veins, with a happy helping of fantastic side characters, queerness and incredible storytelling that made me want to keep coming back for more. Bontrager has expertly woven an intriguing plot with characters that you root for (Quinn my beloved!!) and a host of topics that are near and dear to my heart. This is a book I will continually recommend to friends and family alike, and I can't wait to see more from this author.