4.5/5 stars
Recommended if you like: mystery, eco-horror, train murders, plant magic

This review has been posted to Goodreads as of 1/21 and will be posted to Instagram on 1/28 and to my review blog on 2/27.
TW past abuse
I came into this book mostly blind, so I was surprised that it was YA. For some reason I was expecting the characters to be early- to mid-20s and in an urban fantasy world, so imagine my surprise at the mention of frappuccinos and exams, lol. That being said, while it initially threw me off, I still enjoy YA so the age mix up didn't put me off the book.

The majority of the book takes place on the Banebury Express, a luxury trans-European line that goes from Cardiff (Wales) to Tallinn (Estonia). Each car is designed to be over-the-top, with natural wood and gold, velvet and leather. The world Goldsmith created within the confines of the Banebury seeps luxury, and I definitely felt drawn into that luxury throughout the book. It's definitely an elevated expereince compared to how most people travel by train, and the worldbuilding definitely adds to the atmosphere, especially as we get further into the book and the mystery.

Of course, the train ride starts normal enough, and we're introduced to a decently sized cast of characters. There's our FMC Lara, Lara's ex-friend Rhys, and three other crew members: the leader Shoshanna, chef Carlos, and Samira. Then there are the 13 passengers, who range from the relatively normal (Chao family and the Marriotts) to typical rich (Cass & co. and the Duchess) to the weird (Gwen and Gwydion). Since the Banebury goes across Europe, not everyone is along for the full ride, but the cast remains pretty big, which adds to some of the suspense and mystery.

Lara is looking to escape and the job on the Banebury, and the subsequent trip back to Wales, is the perfect opportunity for her to do so. At first we're not really sure why she wants to escape, but there's clearly tension between her and Rhys. Over the course of the book it comes out that she was in a toxic relationship that slowly took over her life and came to a peak during her senior end-of-year party. Lara clearly feels terrible about it, is isolated, and blames herself for everything that happened, which is why she needs this trip. It takes a while, but with the current and past events running parallel, Lara eventually comes to learn that none of it was her fault and is able to start healing. At the same time, there are all these weird goings-on on the train and the cars with the plants are both alluring and menacing. Lara wants to know more about the plants because of their draw, but as weirder and weirder things start happening, she also has a burning desire to solve their mystery.

Rhys was a somewhat confusing character for me. There were times when it felt like he blamed Lara for everything and then there were times when it just felt like he was a good friend. Toward the end he clarifies that he blames himself, which was a curveball (he and Lara were not dating, to be clear), and I kind of feel like the author maybe didn't totally know where she wanted to go with his character. That being said, I did overall enjoy Rhys' character. He's a solid presence and provides a nice sounding board once things start getting weird.

I really enjoyed getting to see more of what the plants were doing as the suspense ramped up. Being a luxury train line, the Banebury naturally has bouquets on tables and whatnot, and I really liked the juxtaposition of seeing or smelling flowers and having to wonder if it's just luxury or impinging terror. While the book is mainly eco horror, there are some mythological elements in the story as well, and I really like how it was built up.

One thing that I was a little confused on was the timeline. The end-year party happened, I thought, in May. This is supported by Lara and Rhys at different points alluding to the fact Lara hasn't talked to anyone in 8mos. But then in the first couple of chapters I thought Lara said she and Rhys hadn't talked/seen each other in 2mos and Rhys makes a comment about her 'healing nicely' (which also never comes back up and it doesn't sound like Lara was ever injured, and also wouldn't he already know that if he'd seen her recently?)...so I'm a little confused about that.

this book was interesting. the flashbacks threw me off a little bit, i am not sure how necessary they were? they also made out main character out to be a bit too weak (in my opinion). However, the book overall was interesting and i really liked the concept of the story

I was so excited for this one as the summary made it seem like it would be a wild ride. Parts of it were intriguing but when the flashbacks start the book immediately slows down and turns out MC into a damsel in distress. Somehow she becomes defined by a previous relationship but also she’s different and SPECIAL. Then the story proceeds to drag as people die and they find next to nothing about what is going on. At about 75% of the way through the book picks up and we see the villain but I’m just disappointed at how the MC’s past is woven into the story and how it plays out in solving their current problem. Seems like most people liked it but I wasn’t a fan. Yes to the out of control plant on a train. Complete no to the damsel in distress with power stemming from a previous painful situation.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc

I fell in love with the cover of this book. It’s absolutely beautiful!!

What a wild ride! A horror story with the best creepy vibes! Lara discovers a greenhouse being transported. Lara knows something is off about the strange blooms. Lara learns she can’t outrun her troubles, she must grab them by their roots. Such an interesting read with so much going on. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was a quick read for me. I didn’t want it to end.

Thank you NetGalley, Amy and Random House Children’s for the ARC!!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Publication Date: July 8 2025
#NetGalley #PredatoryNatures

Hop aboard the Banebury, a luxury passenger train as Lara discovers mysterious and dangerous botanicals aboard the carriages. Dual timelines give us a story of friendship, love, and self-acceptance as we learn the past between Lara and her ex-friend turned co-worker. At a train stop a peculiar pair of siblings bring with them strange and otherworldly greenhouse carriages. As the train approaches the destination, the circumstances become more and more deadly.

The writing throughout was descriptive and captivating. The plot kept me wanting to find out more about the present situation as well as the main characters strained past.

Wow. A suspenseful ride on a train straight out of Little Shop of Horrors. I loved how well thought out the main character was and how she grew over the course of the journey. I also liked the use of a Celtic legend and how it mirrored her experiences. I would recommended this book to YA readers who like face paced books with good description.

Solid four stars. This was a very good horror read. It wasn't too scary, but had very atmospheric creepy vibes. I love plant horror and the author did a great job of building up tension, both between characters and with the plants. There was plenty of suspense and I couldn't stop reading at about the 50% mark.
However, it did feel a little predictable at times, which is not necessarily a problem, but for a horror book I prefer more surprises.
One thing I especially enjoyed was the description sections. I think that can really make or break a horror book and the author did a great job building the atmosphere and making you feel like you're really there.
Overall, I would recommend this book. I think this could also be a great read for someone getting into horror but doesn't like gore or too much fear.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for sending me this ARC.

Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith is a thrilling tale of Lara, a young adult working on a luxury train. Things take a dark turn when two mysterious carriages are added to the train during the night. As the days pass, the staff and passengers become increasingly unsettled by the strange occurrences and hidden secrets within the carriages. Lara and her friend, Rhys, must work together to discover the truth and stay alive.

This book is a must-read for young adults and horror enthusiasts. The action packed plot keeps you on the edge of your seat. The descriptions of the rare plants are vivid and the psychological thrills are expertly crafted to create a sense of dread and creepy suspense. A luxury train traversing the European countryside provides the perfect backdrop for this spine-chilling adventure. The story is told with alternating scenes from Lara’s past that could have been condensed to provide more of the current story from the train. I found the backstories distracting from the main story.

Thank you Random House Children’s and Netgalley for the advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

This book was frustrating to read in a way I can't fully articulate. What should have been suspenseful and mysterious just felt incredibly frustrating, with characters to match that. The time jumps weren't really necessary, the relationships lacked any real depth, and I didn't end up caring about anyone. While the premise was really fascinating, the execution left a lo to be desired.

Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for allowing me to read and review Predatory Natures! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

"Wishing there was a way to forget all this, to rewind the past, erase the darkness, the memories that always seep back when the night is quiet."

Amy Goldsmith wrote two of my favorite YA spooky reads: Those We Drown and Our Wicked Histories. I had no doubt that she would continue to shine with Predatory Natures and she did just that.

Predatory Natures is set on a luxury train where Lara and her ex-friend Rhys take on a customer service job, serving the guests, fulfilling their needs, and cleaning their rooms etc. Two guests come aboard during the trip with an unexpected cargo full of exotic plants. Each night becomes stranger and stranger as the train inches closer to their destination. Something otherworldly is taking over the train and it's passengers, leaving Lara questioning if the train will make it and if everyone- or anyone will survive...

I absolutely loved this book! The writing is creepy, the characters are fleshed out, and the killer plants are my favorite part of this story. I enjoyed the imagery and horror elements. Predatory Natures is a thrilling and mysterious joyride. I did like the realistic undertones with Lara's ex-boyfriend and the build-up of what happened to her and Rhys' friendship, why it went sour, and trying to repair their relationship over the course of the train ride.

Amy Goldsmith is an author you should not underestimate. Her writing continues to evolve as she creates a cinematic experience with each new release. For horror lovers, pre-order Predatory Natures, and go read her backlog, you will not be disappointed!

4.75 stars

Another hit from Goldsmith! I think my favorite aspect of this novel is the dual timeline element. it was executed brilliantly and the two stories wove together in such a satisfying way at the end! wonderfully done!

I had enjoyed the previous book by Amy Goldsmith, it had that element that I was hoping for from the previous book I read, it had that fantastic element that I was looking for and was hooked from the first page. I was invested in what was going on and enjoyed getting to know the characters and how they worked in this. It was interesting to understand what was happening with the greenhouse. I'm excited to read more from Amy Goldsmith.

I LOVED THIS BOOK.
Books on trains, mystery, sentient plants, and the most well rounded YA protagonist I've seen in awhile. I don't want to spoil the book but this was fantastic.

Young Lara Williams, fleeing a high school scandal that tarnished her reputation and caused her to fail her classes, finds a job aboard the luxury train The Banebury during the off-season. The position offers her a chance to make the most of her gap year, leaving her trauma behind. However, she is shocked to discover that her ex-friend Rhys—someone she still has complicated feelings for—is also working alongside her. Determined to stick to her plan of keeping a low profile and doing her job until the train reaches its destination, Lara hopes to start backpacking across Europe and eventually rediscover her path.

But her plans begin to unravel when wealthy young twins Gwen and Gwydion, passengers on the train, draw both Lara and Rhys into their enigmatic world. Gwydion presents himself as a scientist working on a groundbreaking project involving special plants designed to rejuvenate drought-stricken areas. However, as Lara starts hearing strange voices summoning her in the dead of night and urging her to uncover the secrets hidden behind locked compartments, she begins to suspect that the plants Gwen is experimenting with might possess dangerous powers that could threaten everyone aboard.

Lara must uncover the true nature of these mysterious plants and why she feels an inexplicable connection to them. Can she trust Gwydion, the charismatic yet enigmatic brother of Gwen? Or should she rely on Rhys, her former best friend, despite the pain of past betrayals that taught her the dangers of misplaced trust?

Overall:
I’m rounding up my 3.5 stars to 4! While the flashbacks exploring the complex relationship between Rhys and Lara were somewhat predictable, I thoroughly enjoyed the train's mysterious setting. The story blends a Little Shop of Horrors-style horrific fantasy theme with a locked-room mystery and a touch of romance. The dynamic between Rhys and Lara adds depth, making this an engaging read.

I highly recommend this to YA fantasy lovers looking for a quick, exciting, and popcorn-worthy story!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s / Delacorte Press for providing a digital reviewer copy of this gripping mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This book is a wild, intoxicating ride through eerie luxury and creeping danger. It’s not just a story; it’s an experience, dripping with atmospheric tension and sharp emotional undercurrents. There’s a seductive edge to the mystery, It’s lush, menacing, and impossible to put down.

This book was unlike anything I’ve ever read, I’m not really sure how to explain it without spoilers. I did enjoy this story, I felt it was a little longer than necessary and it did take a bit to pick up but it was very readable.

What is it about trains that make them the perfect location for a good thriller novel? There’s an immediate sense of claustrophobia, lack of control, and no escape. Goldsmith uses this to her advantage in Predatory Natures, while adding her signature gothic horror full of deadly plants, secretive guests, and Celtic folklore.

I loved everything about this story - the vivid writing, the excellent character development, and the plant horror elements. Goldsmith successfully crafts a sense of unease throughout the novel, further portrayed by Lara’s lack of faith in what she is seeing and dreaming. The flashbacks to last school year were perfectly placed throughout the novel, and help the reader understand Lara’s state of mind and actions. I loved how the Celtic tale in the story mirrored Lara’s own experiences, empowering her to save herself and others.

This is the perfect addition to the YA horror genre! The fever-like atmosphere, unexpected twists, and secretive characters are sure to keep readers engaged from start to finish. Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley, Delacorte Press, and Random House for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

i love Predatory Natures! i love botanical horror! i love an isolated setting! and most importantly i love the Welsh! Amy Goldsmith is a genius and she is here to save the girlies (me) in 2025 🙂‍↕️

"Little Shop of Horrors" meets "Murder on the Orient Express" in this YA horror gem. "Predatory Natures" by Amy Goldsmith is a thrilling ride, chronicling a teen girl's odyssey to escape her past, only to discover that no one can truly outrun their history.

Lara Williams' dream job aboard a luxury train quickly turns into a nightmare when it’s overrun with botanical cargo. Taking a gap year from school, Lara hoped this job would be her chance to reinvent herself after a toxic relationship left her reeling. At first, she enjoys the escape—even when her ex-friend Rhys turns out to be one of her co-workers. With only a handful of passengers and crew, the job doesn’t seem too demanding. But things take a sinister turn when two mysterious passengers, Gwen and Gwydion, board the train with their peculiar botanical cargo, setting off a series of strange and deadly events.

I loved this book. As a YA horror, it isn’t overly scary, but it has its fair share of creepy moments, violent deaths, and angst. Amy Goldsmith’s writing is taut and suspenseful, expertly building tension and a chilling atmosphere throughout. The dark, gritty setting and the lore surrounding the predatory plants were especially captivating.

The storytelling instills unease, with a strong sense of claustrophobia and dread. The tense atmosphere and eerie occurrences linger, getting into the reader’s head. Goldsmith’s vivid descriptions make you feel like you’re right there on the train, hurtling toward an uncertain fate. The book features a solid cast of supporting characters, a relatable heroine, and a beautifully constructed setting that truly makes it shine.

Written in the first-person POV of Lara, interspersed with flashbacks to her past, we get a deep understanding of what drives her. Lara is a strong female heroine, and I loved watching her character grow. Her toxic relationship and the control her ex exerted over her were hard to read about, but her journey of self-discovery was incredibly satisfying. It took her far too long to realize that molding yourself into someone else’s idea of perfection brings nothing but unhappiness and prioritizing someone else’s needs at the expense of your own comes at too high a price. This is an important message for teenagers and adults alike.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. If you’re a fan of strong female protagonists, personal growth, gripping drama, intrigue, predatory plants, and even a touch of romance, this is the book for you. With themes of friendship, greed, toxic relationships, and flawed human nature, Amy Goldsmith has woven a tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Nature may be predatory, but some people are even more so.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.

Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith is a unique and gripping YA horror novel that delivers both chills and intrigue. Set aboard a luxury train, the claustrophobic setting adds to the suspense as mysterious, dangerous plants become an ever-growing threat. Goldsmith’s vivid descriptions and creative world-building pull readers into a tense and atmospheric story. The characters are engaging, though some could have used more depth to fully connect with the audience. The plot builds steadily, with enough twists to keep readers hooked, culminating in a thrilling finale. A must-read for fans of eerie, nature-based horror with a unique twist.