You ever go out into nature to get rid of your demons but end up finding more?

This was a fantastic wilderness horror! A bunch of delinquent teens get taken away to wilderness therapy where they are going to spend the next 50 days roughing it in the woods and fending for themselves. Of course, they find a lot more in the woods than friendship and critical thinking skills.

I loved the idea that we never knew who was who in this book, an extra layer of creepy to an already unsettling concept. This is a story of survival and trust at its core and I could hardly put it down! The characters are all super engaging and the plot moved so quickly!

Courtney Gould never misses. I always enjoy her books. This one kept me up all night.
This was a 10/10, I need this made into a movie asap.

Thank you Wednesday Books for the ARC and Macmillan audio for the complementary audiobook.

What the Woods Took is horror that reaches you in many ways. The "troubled" teens in the this very problematic wilderness therapy program are simultaneously fighting their trauma and in real life monsters. To survive they have to face their own demons. The atmosphere of the book is creepy and pulls you in. Devin, Sheridan and the other characters are well-developed and grow in their own ways throughout the books. Their stories were hard to read at times but I found myself rooting for them all to survive and thrive.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was a dark, creepy and intense YA book. It grabbed me right from the very beginning and held me until the end. I thought the character development was great and I liked all the different personalities and individual stories of the teens and how they ended up in this wilderness program. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.

I can definitely say I wasn’t expecting this book to take a paranormal turn.

Sometimes, it was really hard to get past how hard everyone was pushing each other away. But they’re all going through things in their lives, and it’s completely normal. Gould writes unlikable characters so well. It’s what keeps you reading the book.

I liked the alternating perspectives between Ollie and Devin. Though I find it odd, we had an update with Ollie and his dad, and one with Sheridan and her parents. But not one with Devin and her foster parents. I would have liked to have seen how that worked out.

While this program was on the milder end of the spectrum of how devastating these camps can get, it’s good to draw attention to just how traumatizing these programs are. Gould wrapped it up into an exciting story that’s hard to put down.

One thing that stands out to me about Courtney Gould’s storytelling is that she does that adolescent transition into adulthood journey so well. I saw it first in The Dead and the Dark, and I see it now with her latest work, What the Woods Took.
With Devin, we are not met with a teenager who lacks responsibility and must learn the burden of wielding it, but rather a psychology that has been shaped by mistrust and total self-reliance, to the point where it becomes self-centred and self-destructive. As with every character in this book there is a distinct theming around hyper-focus—both on internal and external factors—and the necessity to communicate your feelings and fears before they destroy your ability to connect with others.
Since this is a horror novel, the catalyst for those lessons is so much more exaggerated and the timelines of their retention far quicker than they would be organically. This combined with the isolation of their environment forces all the characters to recognize their own limitations when they remain withdrawn from one another.
All of this complex character interaction prevents what could have been a very afterschool special message—That trust, friendship, and teamwork are important—from feeling corny or juvenile.
Overall, I really liked this book. It was creepy, engaging, the characters were diverse and interesting, and it also portrayed that diversity in a way that didn’t feel like it was tacking on labels. There was inference as opposed to someone outright discussing their sexuality or mental disorders right off the bat. I appreciated that, and it made the characters feel so much more real as a result.
I would 100% recommend this if you’re on the hunt for a diverse horror with a psychological element.

Title: What the Woods Took
Author:  Courtney Gould    
Genre: YA   
Rating:  4 out of 5

Devin Green wakes in the middle of the night to find two men in her bedroom. No stranger to a fight, she calls to her foster parents for help, but it soon becomes clear this is a planned abduction—one everyone but Devin signed up for. She’s shoved in a van and driven deep into the Idaho woods, where she’s dropped off with a cohort of equally confused teens. Finally, two camp counselors inform them that they've all been enrolled in an experimental therapy program. If the campers can learn to change their self-destructive ways—and survive a fifty-days hike through the wilderness—they’ll come out the other side as better versions of themselves. Or so the counselors say.

Devin is immediately determined to escape. She’s also determined to ignore Sheridan, the cruel-mouthed, lavender-haired bully who mocks every group exercise. But there’s something strange about these woods—inhuman faces appearing between the trees, visions of people who shouldn't be there flashing in the leaves—and when the campers wake up to find both counselors missing, therapy becomes the least of their problems. Stranded and left to fend for themselves, the teens quickly realize they’ll have to trust each other if they want to survive. But what lies in the woods may not be as dangerous as what the campers are hiding from each other—and if the monsters have their way, no one will leave the woods alive.

There’s a solid level of creepiness going on here. Like, I won’t be walking in the woods with my overactive imagination anytime soon. Solid writing and descriptions, and I enjoyed the relationships between the characters, who had all just met, so the growing camaraderie and trust was done well. Devin was a bit too…pushy and brash for me, but I did enjoy this read and thought the secondary characters were great.

Courtney Gould lives in Salem, Oregon. What the Woods Took is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link live 12/4).

4.5 Stars

This book sucked me right in and was gripping that I couldn’t stop reading, despite the horrific circumstances playing out in the story.

I love a good “lost in the woods” trope and throwing in “troubled teens” who have been sent to YET ANOTHER toxic “wilderness program” made it exceptional and multidimensional. This reference might show my age, but this gave me all the nostalgic feels that Higher Ground did (it’s a teen show from the early 00s that had a similar vibe, just not the horror).

How Courtney wrote this book really has you feeling like you are slipping into madness with the characters because the reality of their situation CANNOT BE REAL….RIGHT? Except it is, and it’s terrifying and paranormal and honestly, will make me think twice before I go into the woods.

If you want a horror book full of unsettling moments that will fly by, look no farther. It had incredible depth to the character storylines and genuinely tackled abuse, PTSD, depression and anxiety in such authentic ways.

5 stars
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I haven’t been able to get this book out of my head since I finished it. Amazing doesn’t even cover this one.

The plot of this book is unique and well executed. Playing into real life experiences and activities, this book spins these ideas around and turns them into a horror story I never saw coming. I loved the idea of five teens surviving the woods with something out to get them. The suspense was really well written. The setting was immaculate, completely atmospheric. One thing I always love about Courtney Gould’s writing is how engrossing it is. I felt like I was in that forest, surviving with Devon and Ollie. I never expected the twist until it happened, but you can tie everything back through the story and wonder why you didn’t see it coming. It was really well written in that way. I loved the entirety of the plot and the setting really enhanced it.

I loved the use of dual POV in this. It helped see the story from dual perspectives of two very different characters. Devon and Ollie are perfect contrasts to each other. I loved the amount of time put into the side characters, too. Each one has depth, despite playing small parts in the overall story. I originally thought I would enjoy seeing Sheridan’s POV, too, but I like that her’s wasn’t included because it would have been too much. Overall, I’m really impressed with the depth and growth of these characters.

Emotional, tense, scary, claustrophobic.

Another knock out of the park by Courtney Gould! I wish I could erase this book from my memory just to read it again for the first time.

This book is so many things I shouldn't like: paranormal, YA, romance. But somehow it really comes together and works! All the kids are troubled in a variety of ways and have been sent to one of those wilderness therapy programs. Hiking and camping for 51 days. Sure glad it wasn't me! Even before the paranormal stuff starts happening, the kids start learning about each other and themselves. I love the character development! And then once the weird stuff starts happening, the true test of character and relationships begins! It was a thrilling story to follow with a satisfying ending.

Hey Siri- Please play Teenagers by My Chemical Romance

What the Woods Took is a powerful narrative about survival, friendship, and confronting personal trauma. Gould handles sensitive topics with a remarkable amount of care and nuance, and it’s evident that a great deal of research went into crafting this story. The way the author explores the psychological and emotional layers of the characters’ experiences, especially in the face of trauma, is both thoughtful and poignant.

The author's writing is masterful, creating an intensely atmospheric experience that pulls the reader deep into the heart of the forest. As a group of teens ventures further into the woods, the tension is palpable—I could almost feel the dense, claustrophobic forest closing in around them, amplifying the sense of danger and uncertainty. Every twist and turn in the narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, with suspense hanging over every page, as I never quite knew what to expect next.

The character development is truly exceptional. As the layers of each camper’s backstory and inner struggles are gradually revealed, I found myself deeply invested in their individual journeys. Each character felt fully realized and complex, and I couldn't help but root for them as they navigated the harrowing challenges they faced. Devin and Sheridan were especially compelling, their personalities jumping off the page with raw emotion and authenticity. But what truly impressed me was the growth of Ollie—this character's arc was a standout for me. Watching Ollie evolve over the course of the story added an emotional depth that made the experience even more impactful.

This is a story of survival and monsters, but at its heart, it’s a poignant tale of found family—one that reminds us that the most unexpected bonds can be forged in the most unlikely of place.

✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & St. Martins Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨

4.5 stars

Going into this book, I had no idea what it was about. Having read this author's books before and enjoyed her work, I didn't read the synopsis, and I'm glad I didn't because this story is so much bigger than an extreme version of group therapy.

The story kicks off with a bang, as the main protagonist, Devin, is taken away in the night from her foster home. She quickly learns that she is now part of the REVIVE Teen Rehabilitation Journey, set in remote woods for 50 days. Camping and therapy? I can't think of a worse combination, although I get the reasons behind it (no distractions, focused healing time). However, the lack of food and shelter, and the fact that the group almost had casualties early on, didn't bode well. Just how experimental was this program?

The teens in this group have been sent away, as their parents/caregivers last resort. As such, there's early tension in the group, particularly between Devin and Sheridan. However, when things begin to go South, the group, which also includes Ollie, Aiden and Hannah, begin to come together.

As a reader, I knew the precise moment that something wasn't right. The woods became quiet. Too quiet. I won't get into why, but there's a definite creepy factor, and it made trusting one another that much more difficult.

I loved the growth of each character in this story, particularly Sheridan, who was unbearable at the beginning. And I liked how the author took the idea of therapy, turned it upside down, making each teen take on their inner demons and fight for their own survival.

This was an intense and emotional read, with an entity so creatively disturbing, I had my concerns how the story would play out. If you are looking for an imaginative story, this one is a MUST!!

This was a fantastic read. First time reading this author. Amazing. Can’t wait to read more
Thank you NetGalley for letting me read this one

Devin Green wakes in the middle of the night to find two men in her bedroom. No stranger to a fight, she calls to her foster parents for help, but it soon becomes clear this is a planned abduction—one everyone but Devin signed up for. She’s shoved in a van and driven deep into the Idaho woods, where she’s dropped off with a cohort of equally confused teens. Finally, two camp counselors inform them that they've all been enrolled in an experimental therapy program. If the campers can learn to change their self-destructive ways—and survive a fifty-days hike through the wilderness—they’ll come out the other side as better versions of themselves. Or so the counselors say.

Devin is immediately determined to escape. She’s also determined to ignore Sheridan, the cruel-mouthed, lavender-haired bully who mocks every group exercise. But there’s something strange about these woods—inhuman faces appearing between the trees, visions of people who shouldn't be there flashing in the leaves—and when the campers wake up to find both counselors missing, therapy becomes the least of their problems. Stranded and left to fend for themselves, the teens quickly realize they’ll have to trust each other if they want to survive. But what lies in the woods may not be as dangerous as what the campers are hiding from each other—and if the monsters have their way, no one will leave the woods alive.

This was a fascinating read. I don't read a lot of YA or horror, but this piqued my interest, and I'm glad I picked it up. On its face, it's an entertaining horror story. If you dig deeper, it's a reflection on the horror of how wild and deep trauma is. Emotional and visceral. Highly recommend! 4.5⭐

I received an advanced complimentary digital copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions expressed are my own.

What started out as wilderness therapy for troubled teens ends up a horror in the woods, with no but themselves to rely on. It takes an introspective look at these types of therapy/camps and what they are ultimately trying to accomplish under the guise of a horror story that worked really well for me.

The reader is thrust into the story much like Devin, who is “kidnapped” from her foster home and transferred to this wilderness camp. Along with Ollie, Hannah, Aidan, and Sheridan, they are to spend the next 50 days in the woods, hiking and working together, with the help of two camp leaders. But one morning the leaders, and only adults, are gone. Is this a test or has something terrible happened to them?

I found parts of this to be genuinely scary, and the story propelled me to keep reading because I needed answers. I enjoyed the different characters, and what brought each of them to this place. Overall a good YA thriller/horror that deals with social issues.

I've read two other books by this author, so when I received a NetGalley widget to download her newest release, I jumped at the chance.

Experimental therapy programs were new to me, but apparently they're real. And that's exactly where Devin finds herself after being taken by two men from her bed, shoved in a van, and transported deep into the Idaho woods where she's dumped along with four other "troubled" teens. Along with two counselors, they'll hike and camp for fifty-two days. But they soon discover they're not alone in the woods.

What a setting - a remote forest that feels contained, almost like a locked room mystery. As inexperienced campers, the teens are less than thrilled about being there, and Devin hopes to escape ASAP. The woods are dark and eerie and grow more threatening when inhuman faces and visions of people who couldn't possibly be there appear. When their counselors go missing, it becomes not only a quest to survive what's in the forest, but also their personal demons.

The beginning is riveting as Devin is taken from her foster home, immediately pulling the reader into the story. Coming from a variety of backgrounds and circumstances and with mixed personalities, the teens are a nice blend. Each is very distinct with different voices. One of them is a horrible person from the start, but I'll grudgingly admit they underwent a redemption - although that didn't sway my opinion very much. During their struggle to survive, this group undergoes tremendous growth and form strong friendships that endure when all is said and done. But don't expect all of them to make it.

With monsters that can appear both human and inhuman, this book is sure to send tingles down your spine. Recommended for readers who enjoy survival stories, well-executed character arcs, and spooky tales bordering on horror.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This story took so many turns I wasn’t expecting or at all prepared for—it was a wild, spooky, heart-wrenching ride and I loved it. Highly recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, and Courtney Gould for an ARC of this book.

A fun, queer YA survival thriller in a spooky forest! I enjoyed this a lot - it was fast paced, the characters felt distinct, and there's a fun creepy supernatural element (though that doesn't really happen until about halfway through). Would recommend for any fans of the genre, and for those looking for more queer representation.

I am, as always, a big fan of Courtney Gould's work and What the Woods Took is no exception. Equal parts gritty, real-life scary, and spooky scary, I could not put this book down. I have said this before and I'll say it again that her writing encapsulates the small town, claustrophobic feel of a Stephen King. There are parts of this book where I needed to take a walk after reading. She's incredible at atmospheric horror and her talent shines throughout this story. I will definitely be recommending it to anyone who will listen.

🌲Book Review🌲
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Summary- Devin Green wakes in the middle of the night to find two men in her bedroom. No stranger to a fight, she calls to her foster parents for help, but it soon becomes clear this is a planned abduction―one everyone but Devin signed up for. She’s shoved in a van and driven deep into the Idaho woods, where she’s dropped off with a cohort of equally confused teens. Finally, two camp counselors inform them that they've all been enrolled in an experimental therapy program. If the campers can learn to change their self-destructive ways―and survive a fifty-days hike through the wilderness―they’ll come out the other side as better versions of themselves. Or so the counselors say.

Devin is immediately determined to escape. She’s also determined to ignore Sheridan, the cruel-mouthed, lavender-haired bully who mocks every group exercise. But there’s something strange about these woods―inhuman faces appearing between the trees, visions of people who shouldn't be there flashing in the leaves―and when the campers wake up to find both counselors missing, therapy becomes the least of their problems. Stranded and left to fend for themselves, the teens quickly realize they’ll have to trust each other if they want to survive. But what lies in the woods may not be as dangerous as what the campers are hiding from each other―and if the monsters have their way, no one will leave the woods alive.
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Rating- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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My thoughts- this was a super solid supernatural YA thriller (rare I know!). Thank you so much @netgalley and @wednesdaybooks this one comes out December 10th, so keep your eyes peeled for it in bookstores soon! I loved the premise of a children reform camp in haunted woods. There’s a little bit of romance, a whole lot of drama, and a ton of spooky supernatural vibes. I highly recommend this one but would recommend going in kind of blind. It’s a fun ride, try not so spoil it for yourself !
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QOTD- what are you looking forward to this weekend ?! I’m going Christmas shopping with my bestie and seeing gladiator 2 with my husband !
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