What the Woods Took is Courtney Gould’s third novel, following The Dead and the Dark and Where Echoes Die. In this ambitious psychological horror, Gould weaves together elements of survival horror, body horror, and coming-of-age narrative to create a story that’s equal parts terrifying and tender. The novel follows five troubled teens forced into a wilderness therapy program, only to find themselves fighting for survival against shape-shifting creatures that want to take their place in the world.
Setting and Atmosphere
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its atmospheric writing. Gould masterfully crafts a setting that feels both expansive and claustrophobic. The Idaho wilderness becomes a character in itself – beautiful yet menacing, with its “trees pressed so close together their roots twine like knotted fingers.” The author’s descriptive prowess shines particularly bright in scenes where the natural and supernatural blur, creating an unsettling sense of unreality that perfectly mirrors the characters’ psychological states.
Character Development
The protagonist, Devin Green, is a compelling and complex character whose journey from anger to understanding forms the emotional core of the story. Her initial characterization as the stereotypical “troubled teen” evolves into something far more nuanced as we learn about her past trauma and witness her growth. The relationship between Devin and Sheridan, while sometimes predictable, offers some of the book’s most genuine moments.
However, some secondary characters feel underdeveloped:
- Aidan’s storyline, while touching, never quite reaches its full potential
- Hannah’s character serves more as a plot device than a fully realized person
- The adult characters, particularly the counselors, could have been better fleshed out
Strengths
- Atmospheric Writing: Gould excels at creating a palpable sense of dread and unease
- LGBTQ+ Representation: The queer romance is naturally integrated into the story
- Psychological Horror: The mimics serve as effective metaphors for identity and self-acceptance
- Pacing: The story maintains tension while allowing for character development
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot points feel contrived or insufficiently explained
- The ending, while emotionally satisfying, leaves several logical questions unanswered
- The “mimic” mythology could have been better developed
- Certain character decisions strain credibility
Themes and Symbolism
What the Woods Took effectively explores several interconnected themes:
- Identity and authenticity in the face of societal pressure
- The complex nature of trauma and recovery
- The power dynamics in therapeutic relationships
- The fine line between transformation and destruction
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Gould’s prose is sharp and evocative, though occasionally prone to repetition. The dual narrative structure works well, building tension while allowing for deeper character exploration. However, some dialogue feels stilted, particularly in early chapters.
The Horror Elements
The horror in What the Woods Took operates on multiple levels. The physical threat of the mimics is well-executed, but the psychological horror – the fear of being replaced, of losing oneself – proves even more compelling. The body horror elements are handled with restraint, making their impact more powerful when they do appear.
Comparative Analysis
While the novel invites comparisons to works like The Thing and Girl, Interrupted, it carves out its own unique space in the YA horror landscape. Unlike Gould’s previous works, which leaned more heavily on supernatural elements, What the Woods Took feels more grounded in psychological horror.
Impact and Relevance
The book’s examination of identity and mental health resonates strongly in today’s context. Its critique of wilderness therapy programs adds a layer of real-world relevance to the supernatural horror.
Final Thoughts
What the Woods Took is an ambitious novel that largely succeeds in its goals, despite some shortcomings. It will particularly appeal to fans of psychological horror and LGBTQ+ fiction.
Recommendations for Readers
What the Woods Took is recommended for:
- Fans of YA psychological horror
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ themes
- Those who enjoy character-driven narratives
- Fans of wilderness survival stories
Not recommended for:
- Readers seeking pure action/horror
- Those uncomfortable with body horror
- Readers looking for light content
Similar Books Worth Exploring
- The Grace Year by Kim Liggett
- Wilder Girls by Rory Power
- Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth