I really enjoyed this creepy and atmospheric book! This was a great way to give personification to the horrors of wilderness therapy.

This was hands down amazing and had me on the edge of my seat the while time i read it. I never knew i would like camping/getting lost in the woods type book but now its my favorite type of theme in books. The characters were a bit annoying but of course they were teenagers. But thr monster in the woods creeped me out . This book i read in one sitting it was that good. Favorite book of 2024

This book was very creepy for a YA. It kept me intrigued from the first few chapters. A sapphic enemies to lover's trope is the books subplot. I think this would be and excellent fall, spooky season read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this EARC.
4/5 Stars

First of all, I received this as an e-ARC so thank you NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Courtney Gould.

I was so excited to read this book. The premise sounds so interesting. A troubled-teen industry turns horror story, and I was not disappointed. I was enraged from the start, following Devin and Ollie and the other kids as they tried to cope with kidnapping, dangerous situations, and being forced to talk about their past trauma. My rage soon turned to absolute terror as I pictured the uncanny valley that was the first appearance of the monster in the woods.

The story was thrilling. I never knew who to trust, including the pov character at times. There were some elements of an unreliable narrator, or at least certain things that made me question the reliability of the narrator.

The one surprising thing to me was the lack of direct commentary on the troubled industry as being the culprit of the horror itself. The monsters and the “wilderness therapy” company were separate entities. REVIVE was definitely the reason for what happened indirectly because of their fraudulent practices but I would have liked to see a more direct connection to REVIVE and the malevolent presence.

Overall, it was a great book and well worth the hype. It even warrants more hype in my opinion.

This is my second Courtney Gould book. When I tell you this book gave me the ick (in a good way) . The descriptions of flesh and the thought of (SPOILER )mimics. It all just gave me the heebie jeebies. I did enjoy the friendship/budding relationship between the two girls it was suspenful and kept me entertained.

Get in, losers (affectionately) we're going camping, with Courtney Gould's best book yet! I've had the privilege of reading all three of Gould's published works, and witnessing the evolution of her writing has been an honor. And this one might be my favorite!

Feeling angry, abandoned, and unwanted, Devin is constantly looking for an escape route that never comes, even when she finally arrives at the REVIVE teen rehab program, in the middle of nowhere. She's stuck with four other troubled teens, Olly, Hannah, Aidan, and the bane of her wilderness experience, Sheridan. The challenges that are initially presented to them have nothing to do with the dark things that live in the shadows of the trees the deeper they hike into the woods. Their heightened emotions only continue to blaze on their trail and adds heated distrust and confusion to the truly terrifying situation they end up in.

Gould does an fantastic job laying the emotional groundwork for each character. Their struggles, their traumas and pains, seep into the horrors of this book seamlessly. When their pasts begin to haunt them it feels just as jarring for the reader as it does for the characters.

Reading along as they change in the midst of danger, with breakneck pacing, kept me eagerly turning the page. Gould managed to balance edge-of-your-seat thrills with gut-wrenching revelations. What The Woods Took was an addictive read. I HIGHLY recommend!

What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould is a breathtakingly atmospheric and emotionally charged novel that will captivate readers from start to finish. A stunning blend of mystery, horror, and coming-of-age storytelling, Gould crafts a deeply immersive experience that explores grief, family secrets, and the power of the past. Set in the hauntingly eerie town of Sallow Ridge, where the woods seem to have a life of their own, the story follows the two sisters, Ivy and Nora, as they confront their tangled family history and the darkness that lurks in the forest.

Gould's writing is lush and vivid, perfectly capturing the eerie beauty of the setting while also delving into the emotional depth of the characters. The bond between Ivy and Nora is complex and full of heart, and their individual journeys of self-discovery are compelling and layered. Ivy’s internal struggles with guilt, loss, and the weight of family expectations create a character who is both relatable and unforgettable. The tension in the book builds steadily as Ivy unravels the town’s dark secrets, and the eerie presence of the woods adds a constant, palpable sense of dread.

The plot is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, with each revelation more chilling than the last. Gould expertly weaves elements of horror and suspense into a story that is also deeply emotional and rich in character development. The themes of grief, trauma, and the things we carry with us are explored beautifully, making this more than just a typical thriller—it’s a poignant exploration of family, love, and the things that haunt us, both literally and metaphorically.

What truly makes What the Woods Took stand out is its ability to balance the eerie with the emotional, creating a narrative that feels both unnervingly tense and profoundly moving. The atmospheric tension, combined with the rich character arcs, makes for a truly compelling read.

What the Woods Took is a five-star triumph. It’s dark, haunting, and beautifully written—perfect for readers who love atmospheric thrillers that blend mystery with emotional depth. Courtney Gould has delivered a novel that will linger in your mind long after the final page. Highly recommended! I was given an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.

Welp, that's 3 for 3! Courtney Gould has again knocked the wind out off me with her remarkable storytelling talent and skill.

This is a phenomenal story of overcoming trauma and survival. The character development? Beyond reproach. I dont even want to give a synopsis because I kind of feel prior knowledge would damage the power of this book.

Its beautiful and power and you need ro read it.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own

Wonderful book about an important subject. I loved how the author took the time to create, expand and build on each campers story and mental trauma. Although the Devan is our narrator this is not just her story.

Nicely written and heartbreaking at times, What the Woods Took tackles a sensitive subject with respect.

Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the EARC and opportunity to read this book. Premise wise, I loved the idea, but it was the execution that did not work for me. The horror element was not believable, and it was another recent book for me that had an inherent issue for me with connection to the characters. Devin's story should have captivated me from the get go, and it just didn't. Too much angst, but still a slow plodding plot.

This book was WILD. I LOVED IT. The plot is unexpected and interesting. The sequence of events kept me interested. Only recommendation would be more background on why the different characters were sent to this in the first place.

In the haunting depths of Idaho's woods, five troubled teens find themselves trapped in a harrowing 50-day wilderness therapy program, overseen by two counselors and armed only with scant supplies. With trust all but extinguished and a simmering resentment toward their fate, the determined FMC hatches a desperate plan to escape. But when the counselors vanish without a trace overnight, the atmosphere shifts, plunging into a chilling abyss.

Left to fend for themselves, the teens must dismantle their barriers and forge an uneasy alliance, all while a sinister darkness stirs around them. As they struggle to find their way back home, the forest reveals its malevolence. Disturbing shapes materialize from the shadows—inhuman faces haunting their visions and sinister figures that should not exist. The woods pulse with life as horrific creatures that feed on their darkest nightmares, stalk their every step, ready to seize control of their bodies at the very moment they consider surrendering to despair.

This gripping and unnerving novel delves into the devastating threads of trauma, weaving a tale steeped in paranormal horrors that echo through the chilling silence of the wilderness.

A gripping, atmospheric horror novel with complex characters and a haunting wilderness setting. The tension between survival and self-transformation creates a compelling narrative, though the emotional weight may feel overwhelming at times. Fans of psychological horror and survival stories will appreciate the layered storytelling.

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4.75⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: YA thriller/ horror 📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
OKAYY BUT THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD! It’s not perfect but I ate this one up! I love a good survival horror and with a side of sapphic romance?!? I. AM. HERE. FOR. IT.

𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎:
Troubled teens sent to a wilderness program
Creepy and suspenseful thrillers
Supernatural monsters that will give you nightmares
A side of romance (enemies to lovers)
Survival stories
Horror that has depth
Teenage drama

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚍:
the ending was wrapped up great
It was more than just a thriller it has a power message and emotional moments
Right from the start this one was action packed

𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗’𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚏𝚘𝚛:
since this is a YA you can expect some teenage drama

As always when it comes to a Courtney Gould book, I loved it. There's just something about Courtney's writing that makes me feel like all my sense are apart of the experience. The way things are described, it's like I'm there. I loved it

I hope you find home, whatever that looks like.
Wilderness Therapy for troubled teenagers. A terrifying story of a group of unwilling and unknowing teens being forcibly taken to a wildernesss retreat as a last resort. This unhinged tale of isolation “wellness” quickly goes off the rails. I couldn’t put this book down. A kind of coming of age story about troubled teens and the controversial wilderness therapy that was all the rage In the 90’s. I’m not sure if it’s because I have personal experience so close to this subject matter but I absolutely loved this book. It was terrifying and heartbreakingly beautiful. But SOOOO creepy! ( trust me I DO NOT DO ROMANCE). I cannot recommend this book enough!

**3.5 stars**

This was a decent YA horror/thriller read. I loved the setting and the creatures were great, would have loved more info about what they are and where they come from.

It’s been a while since I was teen but I felt the kids in this book were well written and fully realized.

My only complaint is the book could have been a little shorter with better pacing, it lagged in some areas.

**Thanks to the author and publisher for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.**

**Review of *What the Woods Took* by Courtney Gould**

Courtney Gould’s *What the Woods Took* is a chilling, atmospheric novel that masterfully blends horror and psychological suspense. Set in a remote town surrounded by an ominous forest, the story follows teenager Wren as she searches for her sister, Evie, who disappeared without a trace. What begins as a straightforward missing-person case spirals into a haunting exploration of grief, family secrets, and the unsettling power of the unknown.

Gould excels at creating an oppressive, eerie mood that draws readers into the heart of the mystery. The woods are almost a character in their own right—alive, menacing, and deeply connected to the town’s secrets. Wren’s voice is raw and authentic, capturing the desperation and determination of someone grappling with loss and unanswered questions.

The novel’s pacing is deliberate, building suspense while allowing space to explore Wren’s relationships and the impact of trauma. The supernatural elements are subtle yet effective, blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. While the ending provides closure, it leaves enough ambiguity to linger in the reader’s mind long after the final page.

*What the Woods Took* is an evocative and unsettling read, perfect for fans of atmospheric horror and emotional, character-driven mysteries. Gould’s storytelling leaves a lasting impression.

First.....I don't know how anyone browsing for something to read could see this cover and NOT pick it up! It's beautiful but still conveys there is a story to be told here.
WHAT THE WOODS TOOK is amazing. Mixing pieces and parts of several genre, it will appeal to most readers. But the story......and how Courtney Gold brings the characters to life while bringing readers right into the middle of one of the srariest plot lines I've read in awhile.....will lock you into your chair while these 5 young men and women try to find a way through a wilderness filled with their worst fears. Strangers before but circumstances will bring them together into a solid team. As they learn each other's strengths and weaknesses, this experience will bring out the best in all of them.
This is the first book written by Gold that I have read. Now I have to check out her back library, my TBR is growing.

This YA horror book will keep you on the edge of your seat.I was interested in this book because I have recently watched a documentary on a wilderness camp for teenagers that uses “wilderness skills and survival” to mask abuse as a way to reform teens. I also know a family who secretly sent their son to one of these. And they were very cryptic about it, so this is the perfect setting for a horror story. It starts out with conflict and angry teenagers. After two people go missing and weird stuff starts happening that is when the real horror begins.

Thank you to Wednesday Books for a Net Galley copy of this book!