In her latest young adult novel, C.G. Drews weaves a haunting tale of love, loss, and the monsters we create—both metaphorical and literal. Don’t Let the Forest In is a masterfully crafted gothic horror that explores themes of grief, identity, and the sometimes destructive nature of deep bonds, all while sending shivers down readers’ spines with its atmospheric prose and psychological depth.
Dark Beauty in the Writing
Drews’ writing style is nothing short of enchanting. Her prose flows like dark honey, rich with metaphors and vivid imagery that brings the eerie world of Wickwood Academy to life. The author has a particular talent for crafting fairy tale-within-story narratives that punctuate the main plot, each one adding layers of meaning and foreshadowing to the central narrative.
Consider this haunting passage:
“Once upon a time, there lived a prince who wore a crown of rowan to protect him from woe, but a sweet willow maiden asked him to take it off in return for a kiss. After the kiss, she cut out his eyes.”
Character Complexity
The heart of the story lies in its beautifully flawed characters:
- Andrew Perrault: A fragile yet resilient protagonist whose love of writing dark fairy tales masks deeper wounds. His struggle with anxiety and identity is portrayed with remarkable sensitivity and authenticity.
- Thomas Rye: The artistic soul with freckles and autumn-leaf hair, whose ability to bring drawings to life becomes both gift and curse. His complexity lies in his fierce loyalty and the darkness he carries.
- Dove Perrault: Andrew’s twin sister, whose presence (and absence) drives much of the story’s emotional weight.
Atmospheric Excellence
The setting of Wickwood Academy deserves special mention. Drews creates an atmosphere that feels like a character itself—the ivy-covered walls, the forbidden forest, the shadowy corridors. The author’s talent for building tension through environment is remarkable, making readers feel the creeping dread of what lurks in the darkness.
Queer Representation
The romantic elements between Andrew and Thomas are handled with exceptional care and authenticity. Drews portrays Andrew’s asexuality with nuance and respect, while building a touching romance that never feels forced or tokenistic. The story presents their relationship as natural and profound, focusing on emotional intimacy rather than physical attraction.
Critical Analysis
While the novel excels in many areas, there are aspects that might challenge some readers:
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows, particularly during the repetitive monster-fighting sequences.
- Some secondary characters could have been more fully developed, especially given their importance to the plot’s resolution.
- The complex narrative structure, while innovative, might confuse readers who prefer more linear storytelling.
Comparison to Other Works
Fans of The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater or Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas will find familiar elements in Drews’ work, though she brings her own unique voice to the genre. The book also shares DNA with classic gothic narratives while maintaining a thoroughly modern sensibility.
Technical Execution
The novel’s structural elements deserve praise:
- The alternating timelines are skillfully managed
- The unreliable narrator device is expertly handled
- The integration of fairy tales enhances rather than interrupts the main narrative
- The horror elements are psychologically effective without relying on gore
Impact and Themes
Don’t Let the Forest In tackles several profound themes:
- The destructive power of unprocessed grief
- The fine line between love and obsession
- The way trauma shapes our perception of reality
- The importance of accepting oneself, monsters and all
Investment in World-Building
Drews excels at creating a world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The rules of the supernatural elements are consistent and well-thought-out, making the fantastic elements feel credible within the story’s context.
Final Thoughts
Despite its few shortcomings, Don’t Let the Forest In is a remarkable achievement in young adult horror/fantasy. It’s a book that will haunt readers long after they turn the final page, in the best possible way. The novel earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars, with its strongest elements being the atmospheric writing, complex character dynamics, and innovative approach to supernatural horror.
Recommendation
This book is ideal for readers who:
- Enjoy psychological horror with supernatural elements
- Appreciate complex, character-driven narratives
- Are looking for thoughtful LGBTQ+ representation
- Love dark fairy tales and gothic aesthetics
Author Background
C.G. Drews, known for her previous works A Thousand Perfect Notes and The Boy Who Steals Houses, continues to demonstrate her growth as an author. Her signature style of blending emotional depth with dark fantasy elements reaches new heights in this novel.
Conclusion
Don’t Let the Forest In is a masterclass in atmospheric horror that doesn’t sacrifice emotional depth for scares. While it may not be perfect, its ambitious scope and creative execution make it a standout entry in the young adult horror genre. It’s a story about the monsters we create, the ones we become, and the powerful truth that sometimes the most terrifying things aren’t in the forest at all—they’re within ourselves.