Devin Green thinks she is being abducted in the middle of the night only to learn her foster parents are a part of this plan. She is being sent to a so called wilderness therapy program for troubled young people in the middle of the Idaho wilderness. When plans to escape don't come to fruition she begrudgingly settles into the fifty day hike with the other campers with the exception the beautiful but cruel Sheridan. Devin soon realizes there is something strange going on with the woods. One morning the campers wake to find the counselors missing. They are alone in the terrifying woods but realize they must work together to save themselves.

Courtney Gould is an auto buy author for me so requesting this was a must and I was thrilled to be approved to review this book. I absolutely loved this book. It was scary and challenging. I was on the edge of my seat and completely creeped out at points. Devin really crawled into my heart, she was such a great character. I also really loved Sheridan and all of the other teens in the group. I haven't been able to stop thinking about this one. Courtney really knocked it out of the park with this one and I can't wait to see what she does next!

Lindsey Dorcus did a wonderful job with the audiobook narration!

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC in exchange for the honest review.

The audio for this book was great! The narrator did a great job of balancing the voices. The story was interesting and kept my attention perfectly. I very much enjoyed this!

What the Woods Took is a gripping survival story with unique horror elements and a complex protagonist. Devin is kidnapped late one night by people who her foster parents sanctioned to take her to a wilderness therapy program. Unceremoniously left in the woods, Devin meets the rest of the group of troubled teens and the chipper counselors there to keep them alive for 50 days. Devin immediately begins to plot her escape, until one morning the teens wake up to discover that the two counselors are missing, The inexperienced group must survive several weeks before anyone will suspect they are missing... and something is lurking amidst the trees.
What I most enjoyed about this book was the horror ingrained in both the premise of the wilderness therapy camp--many people who experience those camps in real life report coming out traumatized--and the monstrous creatures that reside in the woods, There is a sapphic romantic subplot that delivered good banter and raised the stakes with the inclusion of more characters the reader becomes attached to. Overall, a very solid YA thriller/horror that will keep readers of many ages engaged.

This gripping YA thriller/horror takes place deep in the wilderness in a program that rehabilitates difficult teens. It's creepy, suspenseful, and mysterious, which is how I like books. The characters were also wonderful and distinctive. Sheridan and Devin were my favorites, and I enjoyed their struggle to coexist while also trying to survive the terrifying horrors in the forest. The audiobook was great. I enjoyed the narration by Lindsey Dorcus. I think fans of Stephen Graham Jones would enjoy this book.

What a fantastic spooky read. This is perfect for the next time you want a YA horror that moves fast while covering weighty subject matter.
I loved the inclusion of characters with different backgrounds and socioeconomic upbringings, but I do think there was room for that to have been explored more thoroughly. My favorite element was the conclusion. Both the story and character arcs were well executed and meaningful.
I highly recommend What the Woods took to both fans of YA thrillers and non-slasher (mostly) horror.

Thank you Courtney Gould, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for my advanced review audiobook!

Out December 10th, 2024!

Plot - 5
Writing and Editing - 4
Character Development - 4
Narration - 5
Personal Bias - 5
Final Score - 4.6

"What the Woods Took" is a YA eldritch horror novel following Devin and 4 other teens that have been enrolled in a wilderness therapy program. Devin, Ollie, Sheridan, Aiden, and Hannah each have a troubled past that their guardians wanted to fix by sending them to his program. While the teens explore what things they have done and why, the forest seems to also be listening. After completing their first milestone, they become separated from their counselors, Liv and Ethan, and find themselves stranded in a strange forest. All five have to face their own fears, pasts, doubts, and nightmares as they fight to trust each other and stay alive against the horrors in the wood.

This audiobook was narrated by Lindsey Dorcus. She did a really good job with infusing the story with emotion. Her cadence was well timed and didn't feel choppy or disjointed. Each character had a distinct voice and I knew who was speaking only partway through the book without needing the prompts (i.e. "said Ethan" or "Devin answered" etc.). Her voice didn't get carried away during the hectic scenes, she was always steady throughout without sounding disinterested. I am curious to know which other books she has narrated.

I'm in a cottage-core horror era and I have loved finding books that fit this niche. "What the Woods Took" is an eldritch horror that checked all of these boxes. Seeing these creatures bring up the people and things the teens feared most triggered my empathy and had me curious as to what the monsters would show me if I had been in this same situation. Each of the teens were unique and the author took the time to give each of them a distinct personality and flaws that could be slowly worked on throughout the novel. I really liked what each brought to the table and felt they were well written and not two dimensional.

One thing I was a bit sad that it didn't talk much about was how detrimental wilderness therapy was/is to those that do go through it. Obviously, these teens were put to the test with all that they faced. However, real teens have truly suffered in these programs and this instead was just a unique setting to get them all out into the woods.

Anyone that loves a solid YA horror novel surrounding unique creatures in a wood should absolutely read this book. It has LGBTQ+ representation, enemies-to-lovers slow burn, eldritch horrors, and an intense survival scenario.

Thank you to NetGalley and MacMillan Audio for allowing me to read/listen to this novel early!

I enjoyed the audio much more than I think I would have enjoyed reading it myself. I gave it three stars, it wasn't bad, it wasn't amazing, it was just okay.

I enjoyed the narrator a lot, she did a great job immersing herself into the characters to bring them to life, without her ability to do that I don't think I would've kept listening to the book.

It's about 5 troubled teenagers who get sent to wilderness therapy with the hopes it'll help them improve on themselves. However, while on this journey they encounter something sinister in the woods that changes everything for them and they now have to figure out how they can work together to get themselves out of the forest alive.

This causes the kids to learn more about each other and begin to trust each other and in a way help heal their traumas.

You don't find out much about the monsters till l 60% of the way through the book which was frustrating for me, because it was expecting more action with them.

"What the Woods Took" is like if "Where the Wild Things Are" was a nightmare. Devin is a foster kid who is used to fending for herself. She has spent her entire life acting out and being sent from broken home to broken home, but when she is stolen from her bed and thrust into a Wilderness Explorer program for troubled teens, she's sure she has hit rock bottom. Armed with nothing, but her vicious words and a powerful right hook, she is determined to survive this program if only in spite of the system that chewed her up and spat her out, even if she has to suffer through horrible group mates, non-stop hiking, and gross food options. However, Devin soon finds that there is something about the forest that feels inexplicably strange. When the group leaders go missing Devin discovers that the forest is more dangerous than she ever could have imagined.

This book includes:
- troubled teens in a behavioral wilderness program
- nightmares come to life
- generational curses and broken spirits
- camaraderie
- LGBT protagonist
- TW mentioned but not on page: child abuse, drug abuse, depression, suicide

This book is WOW. I typically don't reach for thrillers or horror, but I am so glad I took a chance on "What the Woods Took." This book dives into nightmares both real and imagined. It has a compelling atmosphere of paranoia, dread, and anguish that entranced me and had me staying up late just to keep reading. The story has so much depth, to a degree I don't often expect from YA. The narrator is fantastic as well, very emotive and engaging. If you're the type of reader who loves to be surprised and appreciates a good amount of suspense, I can't recommend this book enough.

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Courtney Gould, and Macmillan Audio for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted to GoodReads check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863 and it will be posted to my bookstagram account https://www.instagram.com/tinynightingales/ and booktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tinynightingales?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

This audiobook started out strong, but sadly, I quickly found myself loosing interest. I never found a connection to the characters. The writing is done well and very immersive. I think I will be in the minority with my opinions. It wasn’t bad by any means, but it just wasn’t for me. I think I might be in a slump.

If YA horror has no fans, I’ve died. I will NEVER pass up the opportunity to read a YA horror novel and let me tell you - What the Woods Took was no exception to greatness I’ve come to know from the genre. 🤩

These teens were troubled, emotional, and - at times - absolutely batshit. 😅 I spent equal time rooting for this little gang of misfits and wishing they would just chill the heck out and actually think about what was happening (and what was happening was BONKERS!) I don’t want to get too deep into the plot because it’s worth diving into the mystery of it all on your own but trust me - this is a goodie!

Thank you NetGalley and MacMillan Young Listeners for the advanced copy of the audiobook (Lindsey Dorcus did a phenomenal job!) What the Woods Took drops December 10!

This book was not for me. I had high hopes for it, but unfortunately it fell flat.

I was intrigued by the synopsis and the cover, unfortunately it wasn’t what I expected.


The constant use of simple subject-verb sentences was also a bit annoying to me.

I did not mind this read, was a bit confused for who was talking but also some of the storyline, I loved the atmosphere of the forest and learning about each character. with the life issues they were dealing with before going to this "camp" and Courtney can indeed write good LGBT characters always love them.

3.5

Wow! I went into this book blind, and I was not disappointed. Devin, the first teen we meet, is taken from her foster home by two men. She is confused as to why she is being taken somewhere and why her foster parents aren't saying anything. She ends up at a camp with a few other teens and two counselors who are just as young as they are. This is a new form of therapy for difficult teenagers. You can feel something strange about this program from the beginning, and the counselors seem way over their heads. When it comes to dealing with teenagers, there are, of course, going to be issues, and that is true with this group. While most want to complete the program, one teen named Sheridan has difficulty following the rules and getting along with the others. I don't want to reveal too much, but they must all work together to leave the woods alive after they find themselves alone. There's also something strange about the woods; it feels like they are being watched.

Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for the advanced e-arc and ALC!!
The narrator did a great job giving each character their own feel and made story enjoyable.

What the Woods Took is a psychological thriller and horror blend with social commentary about the dangers of teen wilderness therapy. Devin, Hannah, Aidan, Ollie, and Sheridan embark on a journey that will indeed change them for the rest of their lives. There is a subtle start, slowly setting the stage for the horror to come, building relationships and background. There are a few lingering logistical questions I have after finishing, but the story itself is interesting and engaging. The sapphic enemies to lovers romance had some concerning toxic relationship formed through trauma bond vibes, but the found family trope was very well done. Overall reminiscent of a YA version of Yellowjackets.
Thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for this ARC to review!

This is my first time reading Courtney Gould, and wow!! I really enjoyed What the Woods Took.

We first meet our protagonist Devin while she is being ripped out of her bed in the middle of the night. Her foster parents are sending Devin to a Teen Wilderness Rehabilitation Camp.

When she finally gets there, she is introduced to other teens in a similar situation as Devin. The counselors, that are not much older than the teens, explain that they will be leaving in the morning to hike and camp in the woods for the next six weeks. It’s such a jarring, unsettling beginning that had me immediately wondering what was going on and who I could trust.

When the group must cross a river, chaos ensues, and the campers become separated from the others. When the teens finally make camp to get some well needed rest, Devin wakes and looks out to the woods to see a strange visions in the trees? That was a beautifully creepy touch that made me want to keep reading to see what was real and what was just in their heads.

The characters were a highlight. Devin’s determination and courage made her an easy protagonist to root for, and I loved Ollie’s quieter strength and introspection. Both had distinct voices, and you could feel deeply connected to their struggles. The way they clashed and came together with the other teens, especially with the tough and straight shooter Sheridan felt authentic. Watching the teens try to figure out who they could trust and who was hiding secrets was so satisfying.

The author did a phenomenal job with making the scenes so atmospheric. You truly feel just as lost and isolated as the teens did in the Idaho forest.
This book isn’t just a survival story; it’s also about growth, friendship, finding your true self and overcoming trauma. The author handled those tough themes with so much care, and I could feel the raw emotions through the pages. By the end, I was so invested that I found myself wanting more.

Thank you to Netgalley and McMillian Audio for the advanced audio copy for my honest review as well as Courtney Gould for a great story. I would also like to thank the narrator, Lindsey Dorcus.

The atmosphere is unmatched! Absolutely stunningly done. I wanted to hug all five of these kids and have some strong words with all their parents. The narration is also truly excellent.

5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Stranded in the Idaho woods, a group of troubled teens must face both external horrors and their own inner demons in this haunting survival story. What the Woods Took hooked me from the start and didn’t let go. This is survival horror at its best, with high stakes, deep emotions, and a touch of romance.

✨ Young Adult
✨ Survival Horror
✨ Third-Person POV
✨ Enemies to Lovers
✨ LGBTQ+
✨ Locked Room (Wilderness)

The story begins with Devin being abducted from her foster home in the middle of the night and transported to a wilderness therapy program. Alongside four others, they must survive a 50-day trek through the forest. But when their counselors go missing, the group is left stranded, fighting for survival.

Devin’s fierce determination made her a standout protagonist, while the other teens, especially Ollie, whose quiet strength perfectly balanced Devin’s fire, added depth to the story. The enemies to lovers dynamic with Sheridan was natural and compelling, layered with tension and growth.

The atmosphere was perfect. Claustrophobic, eerie, and immersive. The creatures, known as mimics, were terrifying and I strongly believe them to be representing the campers’ unresolved traumas and inner demons. I do wish the mimics had been explored a bit more.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Lindsey Dorcus, who masterfully captured the characters’ emotions and the creeping dread of the woods.

What the Woods Took is a powerful story of survival, growth, and facing your demons. If you’re a fan of locked room mysteries, survival horror, and stories with complex characters, this is a must read!

Many thanks to NetGalley for the ALC of What the Woods Took in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for an advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review!

I’m maybe a little sensitive to stories about sketchy wilderness therapy camps for troubled teens (my sibling went to something similar and had a Terrible Time) so while I love creepy forests and ya horror I was… nervous, you know? And I think maybe I was a little angrier with the camp counselors than most readers will be, but at the end of the day I thought Devin’s story was well done and compelling (I do think she’s the stronger POV character and her voice is stronger). The horror elements were fun and the supernatural bits were really interesting, and I think this was a very good YA horror with distinct characters and a fun, fast-paced plot. The audiobook was very well done, and I appreciated that the narrator did such a good job at having separate voices for each of the characters.

I was immediately drawn to this book by its cover but was easily sucker into the story. It was hard not to listen to this in one sitting. I think the narration was done well.

What the woods took is a gripping and haunting story that definitely gave off yellowjacket vibes.

Unfortunately, I never really felt pulled into this story. I never felt connected to the characters, or the storyline.

The pacing was also a bit off for me. It definitely started off feeling more like a story about teens in a wilderness therapy/scared straight program, until the 22% mark, when we finally got to the “oh no…” (/promised “thriller”) aspect.

But even then, it never felt like there was much tension or danger, just a very low hum of uncertainty in the background, until the very end.

I can definitely see others enjoying this one more than me. But for me, it was just “ok”.

As for the audiobook narration: I actually thought she did a great job, with all the POVs.