Soren Chase’s life was shattered eight years ago after an encounter with a supernatural being left three friends dead and him branded as a murderer. Since then, he’s become a paranormal investigator, facing off against a host of deadly creatures. But his investigation into the haunted Reapoke woods may be his most dangerous case yet. Something evil is lurking in the forest. Some say it’s the ghost of a preacher who vanished two centuries ago; others claim the woods are the site of sinister experiments by a shadowy organization. Hired to find a missing girl, Soren is determined to learn the truth. But what he discovers is far darker than he imagines—and it may force him to confront his own tragic past.From the author of the bestselling Sanheim Chronicles, The Forest of Forever is the start of a new series that mixes urban fantasy, mystery, and suspense into a novel that you can’t put down. Because nothing is what it seems in The Forest of Forever, and once you enter, you may never leave . . .
Rob is an award-winning journalist with 17 years' experience, and the author of The Sanheim Chronicles and The Soren Chase novels, two series that combine urban fantasy, mystery and suspense.
His first novel, A Soul to Steal, was featured on USA Today and praised by book bloggers and readers alike for its great plot and "fantastic ending." Many of his other books have been Kindle bestsellers.
As a journalist, Rob has won several Virginia Press Association awards and has been the co-winner of two Jesse H. Neal awards for business journalism. In 2017, he was awarded the prestigious Tim White Award for Editorial Integrity, which recognizes a journalist “whose work demonstrates extraordinary courage, integrity and passion.”
He has appeared several times on various media outlets, including NPR, BBC, Fox Business, CNBC and C-Span.
Rob lives in Virginia with his wife and two children.
The Forest of Forever (Soren Chase #1) by Rob Blackwell is a super awesome supernatural novel! This is a book that grabs you and takes you for a wild ride. If you like evil around each corner, the paranormal, deadly creatures sneaking up on you, well this is for you! Don't go into the forest alone!
I wasn't exposed to much horror as a kid so the few times something leaked through my parent's protective sheltering bubble, it made a serious impact. For example, I'm 31 years old and I still won't go into the ocean past my ankles because of Jaws.
Then there's "Are You Afraid of the Dark," a show my sisters and I occasionally managed to see at my grandparent's house. (Grandma and Grandpa had both cable and a basement where we could be much less supervised.) One of the episodes I saw was called "The Tale of Watcher's Woods," and people, in the words of Moe Willems, it scared the tuna salad out of me. A haunted forest, evil witches, kids who were lost and alone...you get the idea. That one episode left a deep psychic scar that contributed to my nightmares for, oh, twenty years or so.
Anyway, I mention all that because you should know I didn't exactly go into "The Forest of Forever" objectively, but with a serious interest/fear in the classic haunted forest tale. (You should also know that Rob is a friend, but if I hated my friend's book I just wouldn't review it here.) And man, on the haunted forest front, FoF delivers. And then twists around awhile. One of the things I like about Rob's books is their unpredictability: just when I think I've got all the tropes figured out, he takes a sharp left that I didn't see coming. It's not a perfect book --the middle slows down a little from the breakneck pace of the first and last thirds, and it takes a while to develop the characters past the stereotypes they appear to inhabit at first glance. But there's such a nice blend of urban fantasy and (for me, the emotionally scarred AYAOTD viewer) very real scares, I can't wait to get the next book in what's sure to be a promising series.
By the way, if anyone wants to actually see "The Tale of Watcher's Woods," you can apparently now see it for free here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L0k6...
Let me know if it's as terrifying as I remember, because you couldn't pay me to watch it again.
Wow, this book was a surprise. I love a good ghost story, but they're not easy to find. Here we have Soren Chase who has taken over a paranormal investigation service, but NOTHING is as it seems. Soren has a dark past of murdered friends, in which he was the suspected murderer. Only he knows that the paranormal was involved (this world is like ours where most are unaware of and don't really believe in the paranormal), and it has driven him to be a ghost-hunter, literally seeking out and fighting the dangerous supernatural entities that he studies and desires to rid from the world.
When students vanish and are found murdered in the mysterious and remote Reapoke forest, he's called to investigate. And this is some dark, dark stuff! Like way worse than Blair Witch creepy! Not just demons that need exorcising or angry ghosts... This is a huge, horrific, complex, supernatural deep dark hole involving crazy cults, SO many murders and missing people, going back centuries into the Civil War and to early colonists and Native peoples. It seems impossible that anyone can do anything about this, and truly, no one comes out unscathed.
I haven't seen this much Horror mixed with a supernatural tale in ages. Really... dark, creepy stuff! But... fascinating! There is just so much going on! I was glued to the page all the way through and I wanted MORE!!! Luckily, the sequel was out, but now I want EVEN MORE!!! I read all the extra freebie shorts and loved them, but I STILL WANT MORE!!!!
I have set myself in front of my computer a few times now to write a review of Rob Blackwell’s newest offering, THE FOREST of FOREVER, and I’m at a complete loss for how to describe it. So far I have rejected a quantum chess game, and Harry Potter for adults where we get to see an auror at work, amongst others. I simply don't have the words to do this work justice, and I’m left with a few expletives about my mind being blown.
Blackwell has an engaging writing style that winds you into the story just like a trail into the woods. At first, I jauntily walked along with the quick stride of his writing. But as I moved further in – as the story darkened – I found myself slowing down my pace, treading with tentative steps forward. It was important that I take in all of the details of Blackwell’s carefully crafted plotting. Just like the dappled, eeriness as one moves farther from the car, cell towers, and help into the natural world, Blackwell’s words made me hover and question before I placed the next foot down and turned the page. By the end of the book, Blackwell had my mind racing full forward along the trail to the edge of the woods where I thought I saw light and safety when Boom! That’s when my mind was blown.
As a fan of supernatural stories, history; Virginia (where I’ve set down roots) especially Rt 5, Williamsburg area which is full of legends and mysteries; and the first nations people who live here, I felt personally connected to this story and the importance of the outcome from the first page to the last. An engrossing, intelligent, must-tell-all-my friends-about-this-one novel, I’m looking forward to reading the rest of Blackwell’s works.
I've read Blackwell's other books that were in the Horseman series and this book didn't disappoint. In the start of it, it took a little getting used to the story because it seemed to go through a couple of different eras so quickly but then things moved fluidly when I realized how the story was being written and at first, i rolled my eyes at doeppelgaengers being mentioned but because I loved the authors other books I kept going. I'm glad I did. The story was full of a lot of intrigue and mystery and just when you thought you knew what'd happen next, bam! another twist to the story that kept it going forward. The ending was every bit as mysterious as the beginning and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
All I can say is that Rob Blackwell has outdone himself with this story. I thought I knew what was going on and then he threw me a curve ball which I loved. This book will scare you, surprise you and make you laugh out loud. I especially loved the verbal badinage between Kael & Soren throughout the book. Now all I can say is "Rob hurry up and get the next book published, I for one can hardly wait.".
This novel draws you in and doesn't let go! I couldn't put it down! Soren comes up against true evil on all sides and battles for the good very valiantly. He also learns some terrible truths about himself in this novel. He battles monsters and even some areas where he comes up against time itself. This is a very suspenseful novel and I would recommend it to anyone. I received a free copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a fantastic story. Mr. Blackwell just keeps on getting better and better. I can't wait for the next one. Love the characters, and this story had so many twist and turns, and the ending, wow. If you loved his other books you'll love this one and if you've not read his other books, give this a try.
This book belongs in a class of its own. it's a one of a kind read. beyond amazing. the writing style entrapped me from the first page until the last. Well done. such a pleasant surprise.
Excellently written paranormal mystery with Soren Chase investigating mysterious sightings and disappearances in a forest that is reputedly haunted. This is a real page turner with a heck of a twist at the end. Minus half a point for the romance aspect which I didn't think was needed. Rating: 4.5 stars
This was quite a surprise! I couldn't help but think of John Constantine in my head while reading this but it is so not the same story. I admit when I first started it, it thought the beginning was a little cheesy but kept going and so glad I did. Super fun paranormal themed read and I will be checking out the rest of this author's works.
The first thing that got me into the book was the blurb when I started reading it I knew it just had to be a good one. And I was right. This book had something a bit fresh for me and that the fact there are "pretenders" which are monster who take on the lives of others you have seen them in Supernatural. Soren his life was turned upside down eight years ago and he doesn't really remember much of what happened, but he has vowed to find the person who has killed his friends. This leads us to now where he hunts the paranormal. During one of his hunts he meets a girl named Annika who has a job offering for him from her boss. He wants him to go into this forest that has claimed so many lives for a missing girl, but this case is a big one. It is much more than he is expecting it to be. In this forest things are not what they appear. With a lot of researching from not only Soren but from his assistant as well he learns what the treasure is that is out there. He finally understands why people are searching for it. But has Soren's future already been written by the past? There is action through out the book, there are other paranormal creatures besides the "pretenders." What is out there seems a whole lot more scarier than people that look like ghost. I have to say the ending was a TWIST that I didn't see coming and I want to read more of Soren's adventures I want to know who else knows about him.
One of the best-plotted books I've read in a long time.
In the somewhat-crowded market of supernatural detective noir, Blackwell’s work stands out for its deft plotting, full of twists and turns and subtle clues that played out in ways I never expected. Soren Chase, freelance paranormal detective, has been tangled up with the beasties that go bump in the night ever since a tragic night of violence that cost the lives of three of his friends and left him alive, but with gaps in his memory and a shadow of suspicion over his name. Chase is hired by a mysterious organization to investigate disappearances and murders in a legendary, haunted forest. Many have vanished beneath its leaves over the centuries, and ghosts have been witnessed wandering among the trees, but more dangerous forces have their eye on these woods. More is going on that Soren can imagine, and a deadly killer is close at hand.
A highly recommended book, and while I found some of the writing clumsy at times, the story captivates with its fast pace and surprises at every turn, and a hook for future stories I can’t resist. I’ll be reading the other installments in this series soon.
First off - Wow. I was so sure this was going to be a straight forward investigative detective novel that I never even imagined this amount of twists and turns. I didn’t imagine being blindsided by the revealing details of Soren’s life, however, I was suspicious of a couple of characters that were introduced to the series.
Soren Chase is a good guy. He’s out to rid the world of nasty monsters because of a nasty monster destroying his life. What is revealed toward the end is exactly how ruined his life really is. Soren is depressed and guilt ridden for things that really happened out of his control. I know we’ve all felt that way at some point in time.
I can’t say with absolute authority that I understand the whole time/pocket dimension that is in the forest of the story, but the author’s writing was descriptive and very well thought out. After the end battle, I actually stopped and had to think about how all of it fit together. It was awesome!
First of all, there are two novellas that are prequels to Forest of Forever. This page hasn't been updated since they were released, to reflect that Closed at Dark and Carnival of Stone (in that order) are in the Soren Chase series. They are both excellent novellas that have cool, offbeat plots and provide a richer backdrop to Soren's life (past & present) and the people in it.
Forest of Forever is a fabulous read. It's twisty and twisted and mindbending; but not in that "Holy crap, give me back that slice of my life, because that ending was self-indulgent shite." kinda way. This story is beautifully constructed. Hints are doled out sparingly, creating a niggling suspicion about intent and motivations from the beginning. It could have been a stand alone book, but we're lucky enough to be getting a sequel soon.
I can't recommend it enough. Give it a few pages and you'll be hooked.
The characters and story arc are not to be missed. I have seldom read a book with such an unusual set of main characters with such interesting back stories. I gave this book my highest personal compliments: I lost sleep to finish it, and I lost yet more sleep while I rushed to download the next book in the series.
Four stars only because five stars are reserved for books on my "Tell friends they must read this before they die" and/or "Schedule a re-read every two years" lists.
Although, knowing me, I probably will re-read this at some point. Yep, it is that interesting and well-done. 4.5 stars, maybe?
If you like urban fantasy/horror, the supernatural really does exist, silly humans, and intelligent plot twists that do anything but drag, it's all right here.
This book by Rob Blackwell was recommended to me so I wasn't sure what to expect when I started reading it. I must say I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the book and am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. A slightly different take on the urban fantasy that I am used to reading, and it had enough twists that I didn't see coming which kept me engaged. The ending for me was great and left me ready to start the next book in the series.
The story will draw you in and make it hard to put down. Once you start reading you don't want to stop. The fight between good and evil. The findings of ones own truth. Excellent. You will have action through out the entire story. Lots of paranormal creatures and the ending has quite a twist to it. I can't wait to read more on what happens with Soren and his adventures.
A very great book. I was pleased with the plot and development of characters.
I figured things out along with the main character. This shows the talent of the author. You certainly do not want to find out you were either a dunce for not getting it or the author thought the reader was a stupid.
I will most certainly read the next book in the series.
What an imagination. It's hard to believe someone actually could think this up. Lots of amazing twists and turns...and even blindside. Don't even try to guess what's coming, you will be wrong.
I really liked this book. Lots of twists that kept my interest throughout. I found myself wanting to know how all these disparate characters were going to be pulled together. Very creative tale.
The Forest of Forever (Soren Chase #1) by Rob Blackwell is exceedingly impactful. Earlier I read Closed at Dark (Soren Chase Series #0). Soren Chase is a PI - paranormal investigator. Couldn't put this book down - read it straight through. Pretty darn exciting! So I knew I had to jump into the next book. Incredible! I was absolutely loving the excitement of the story until Blackwell threw in a major twist I wasn't expecting. I was blown away and had to absorb it before I could continue. You simply must read this book and probably the entire series! What a story! What a writer! What a ride!!
I was a little guarded at the beginning because it looked like it was was taking a devil or demon turn. I believe in that and don't want to go there. Fortunately it steered past that and I was enthralled with the story, so much so, I read this book in record time (for me). I think it took a week. I like how it came together at the end, shocker. If you like Koontz's paranormal books, you will like this one.
This was a Thriller/Mystery book with hints of Horror and Urban Fantasy. I wanted this to be more Urban Fantasy. It is a well written, interesting story, but is a tad too slow and dry for my taste. I did dislike the ending as it did not fall into my definition of Happy Ever After, but it was a total surprise and did add to the depth of the story, and certainly makes future books something different.
When I started reading this book, I thought it was going to be a graphic horror story, but it was so much better. Mixed in with the mystery of the forest where people are murdered, while others disappear, are various ancient mythologies. A well-thought-out story with many twists. Once I started reading, I didn't want to stop until I finished.
Just can't miss, with a Soren Chase book! I have to say, that I actually haven't read these books in order, but it really doesn't matter at all. Each book will draw you in, as Soren tries to save people from the horror around them. A fantastic series!! And don't forget to read the Sanheim Chronicles too!!!
I loved this book. It was a easy,fast read that kept me engaged right until the end. Full of fast action and suspense. I will definitely read the next one in the series.