The Heart of the Thicket

by Kennedy Sutton

The woods were never something Odell Raleigh feared until her husband vanished in the Appalachian forest surrounding their home. With winter closing in, their young daughter to care for, and her savings running low, Odell’s struggle to keep destitution at bay consumes her every thought.

When their 4-year-old daughter, Anne, becomes stuck in a mysterious time loop in those same woods, Odell is dragged into a secret world known as The Thicket.

With the companionship of a wisp named Fallow, facing The Thicket’s mysterious and dangerous creatures is the most frightened Odell has ever been. That is, until she discovers they aren’t the most terrifying part. Every moment closer to her goal means a memory of her daughter vanishes from her mind.

Odell needs to get through The Thicket and win the race against her fading memories before Anne is lost forever, but time, and Odell’s mind, are running out.

Genres: Fantasy

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2024

Reviews

[Foxx Writer · Rating 5 out of 5]

what do you do, when you've lost everything? what do you do when all that you love has been ripped away from you? what do you do, when even your memories fail you? this is a book with it's thumb on the pulse of grief, loss, and despair. following the struggles of a mother who must face every fear, even the ones she never knew, in order to save her daughter from a fate far worse than death. there is nothing more potent than a mothers soul, it's need to protect, it's love for her child, it's never ending worry and unceasing faith. a mothers soul, never gives up, never gives in, never ceases even when it looks like there are no other choices, there is always a path foreword. this book is filled to the brim with terrifying monsters that a mother must face. hope and betrayal walk hand in hand in this horror filled thicket as one mother in particular races to find a way out of what cannot be escaped, to save a child she cannot remember.

[Samantha Moran · Rating 4 out of 5]

If ever there is one thing you need to know about Kennedy, it's that she will make you feel every emotion you possess. This book was a rollercoaster from page one. It reminds me of a crossover between Little House on the Prairie, Alice in Wonderland, and the Invisible Life of Addie Larue. If fantasy and historical fiction are your jam, this book will be for you. It borders on horror, but only in as much as it will make you uncomfortable. I suppose it would be cliche to say this is a book you could get lost in. I really enjoyed it. 🙂

[Holly Starkenburg · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It is Anne’s only chance, so I must take it.”

This one phrase shows how much mother’s are willing to risk just for the sake of their child(ren). This book put so perfectly into words what it can be like to feel helpless and lost in a mother’s mind when they are unable to protect their child from illness out of their control.

How I wish I never experienced my own thicket, but in the end I came out stronger on the other side.

[Zaylan Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I can ever describe how much I love this book. The chokehold it held on to me from beginning to the end…

[Megan Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Worth a read

[Shy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was objectively good. I did find a lot of the same things being repeated constantly throughout the book, and that sort of annoyed me and took me out of the story sometimes. I also find that I personally couldn't connect to the story/main character on an emotional level. Maybe it's because I don't have children or have any maternal instincts? I can see why many people could connect with her, though. Overall, it just wasn't for me personally, but I can definitely see many people loving this!

Thank you to the author for the ARC!

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An emotional fantasy novel. This book had so much imagination behind it and I could truly feel the emotion put in it. Kennedy Sutton's novels are always very thought out and interesting. If you like fantasy that has like an Alice in Wonderland feel or a dream state feel, you should check this book out.

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? This fantasy book was trippy as all get out. - The first few chapters of the book pulled me in because I adored the authors writing style (my first book by this author) and then we wound up getting to the main theme of the book… when all the wild and wacky things began to happen. Trippy I say! One part even gave me Alice in Wonderland vibes! - Odell has lost her husband, but has a hard time believing he’s dead. Now her little girl is caught in a time loop and she can’t reach her… the woods are not as they at first seemed and it appears as if no one can be trusted. At the same time, she finds things out little by little and knows she must get to the heart of the thicket where the keeper awaits… but her memories of her daughter, Anne, and her husband, Henry, keep vacating her mind. Does she have the strength to find a way out for not just herself, but most importantly her child? …. The creatures and events that happen throughout this book were weird and super cool in different ways. I felt like ending took place very suddenly and I feel like I kinda missed something…? But it had a happy ending, much happier than anything I expected, so I’m not complaining. - Good to book to read in the cooler months with some hot tea or cocoa, snuggled with a blanket or some kitties.

[Kelsey Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved Kennedy's writing since The Sneaky lass so I was so excited for her take on a fantasy theme.
The Heart of the Thicket was a perfect read for me. I love how it is told from Odell's POV and we only know what she knows and can try to figure out the mystery of what's happening along with her. Trying to figure out how she is in the Thicket in the first place and how she is to adventure through it. I can only imagine how mothers feel reading this story. The emotions that this made me feel were so intense so I know those with the true soul of a mother will be INVESTED. One sentence that stuck with me in this story is the character's realization "I must chose the next path, always without knowing where it leads." That is something I felt deeply. We are constantly making choices through our days, never truly knowing if they will hinder us or move us forward; we are just doing the best we know how. "There is always a choice." and we are powerful in our choices. This is a book I will highly recommend to those who enjoy a little bit of mystery, problem solving, and those who question everything for those they love.

[Keith LaSpaluto · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the burdens of being a parent is coping with things beyond your control that affect your life and directly threaten the life of your child. Fear, helplessness, anger, and exasperation can be caused by any number of things that a parent must deal with which nobody else ever sees. You feel all those anxieties and emotions in The Heart of the Thicket by Kennedy Sutton. It is a fantastically imaginative whirlwind of supernatural quagmires, relentless oppression, and resolve-whittling conundrums which are the nightmare of any parent trying to get through their most vulnerable moments, depicted through an impossible journey into a magical wilderness that only the most determined and selfless mother can survive.
I took it slow and related to the protagonist as she trudged her way through The Heart of the Thicket in the only manner she could - by just keeping going. At the end, both she and I experienced the horrors of Thicket and renewed our hopes that maybe, just maybe, we might make it through no matter what happens.
Highly recommended!

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I waited to write this review a few days so that I could really let the story settle with me. This book was incredible. Reading this mother’s story as a mother myself had me feeling things that I never would’ve dreamed. This book had my heart racing and my anxiety peaked. My heart aches constantly throughout the entire book for Odell.

Blessedly, I have never dealt with the possibility of child loss(knock on wood) but this book had me on the edge of my seat, constantly looking over at my child while she played to make sure she was really there and really okay. This story was an incredible peek into the lives of two people who would stop at nothing to get back to their family and their child and I have to say that that resonates with me because I would do the exact same thing there would be nothing out there that could stop me from getting back to my child and keep her safe and well.

[Mundy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was absolutely incredible! I loved the complexity of emotions the author put you through to really immerse the reader in the Odell's journey. This is an absolutely inspiring novel of a mother's perseverance and unconditional love for their children by going to any lengths to do what's best for them. I know the author based this book on their personal battle with child illness and this book did an amazing job at representing the struggles, the sacrifices, and the uncertainty of navigating life through illnesses and medical conflicts. I was astonished with the heavy symbolism that they put in this book with a bit of Appalachian lore in the mix! Kennedy Sutton has truly inspired and broadened my reading lists with their amazing and vivid storytelling.

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very different from the Silver Locket books and I absolutely loved it. The author created a beautiful, immersive world by blending lore and the fantastical. I was pulled into the story from the beginning.
We follow Odell, a young mother who has experienced grief and loss, on her journey to save her child from the claws of the Thicket. She faces monsters and creatures wanting to lure her off path and away from her goal, forcing her to trust in herself and in her love for her child.
This story is about a mother's devotion and how far she will go for her child. It is about the power of a mother's soul. An absolutely amazing read!

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this book. I couldn't put it down. Each chapter was its own little story, another adventure to start, a new creature to face, a new problem to overcome. It was all set to a mother's determination to save her family from a magical realm in the Tennessee woods.

This felt very much like Alice in Wonderland in the setting, but it was told through the lens of a mother willing to do anything to escape with her daughter.

The magic and emotions the author was able to create here in ~300 pages... just wow!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

This was certainly not a Silver Locket book, but it held all the same emotional pull I've come to expect from Kennedy Sutton. Odell's journey through the Thicket and how she learned to trust in her own battered soul was phenomenal and so much of the events in the story were immensely unique, unlike anything I've ever read before.

It felt personal and I often felt like I was reading a diary or something I shouldn't. It was an uncomfortable feeling, but in a good way. What an amazing thing to be able to invoke in readers.

[Haylee Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kennedy Sutton is one of my favorite authors for a reason! This book is captivating shift from her usual romantasy to historical fantasy, Sutton demonstrates her remarkable talent for storytelling. This is a wonderful transition into a darker, more intricate realm; a testament to her versatility and skill. The author’s adept world-building and character development shine brightly, weaving a tale that is immersive and emotional. This new direction highlights her creative range. I cannot wait to continue reading everything Sutton writes.

[Alexis Crotty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The emotional aspect in this book really hit home for me. If you are a mother in any aspect, I highly recommend reading this one. Odell's position and obstacles will make you feel seen with beautiful commentary on the experience and challenges of motherhood. The story moves quickly and it makes the reader start to lose track of time with Odell. I enjoyed the whimsical aspect of the book, and although it was predictable, I don't think that it took away from the message. If you want to cry more, read the afterward as well. The author really shared her whole heart and her fears in this one.

[Shavonne Belford · Rating 4 out of 5]

A unique story combining a story similar to Alice through the looking glass and the lore and wonder of Appalachia spirit this story at its core was a brilliantly complex story of a mother’s journey and determination and perseverance written at a time when the author was struggling with family troubles you can read in this fantasy story her own strength and determination to help her child and see better days

[Sefri Kuehn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m sad that this book took so long to read (10 days). But man, I l o v e d it. From the very beginning, the story had me hooked. Don’t follow the blue lights in the woods, and in theory you should be okay. Don’t trust anyone in The Thicket (at least in theory). This story shows a heart of a mother’s devotion to her child that she’s willing to do (and trust anyone) to make sure her husband is safe. I also loved the ending of this book (it was happy!) If you’re a fan of Kennedy’s other books, I definitely recommend it, it’s a lot different from her normal writing, but still just as good^^

[Distracted Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beautifully horrific journey of motherhood told in metaphors and fantasy, this puts the cascade of inner workings of a mother's brain on full display all the while being a spooky autumn fun fantasy read. Characters and settings filled with familiar whimsy catching you off guard while the narrative pummels you with the perception of mothers and fathers and life moving forever forward. I didn't expect to be so moved but here I am 😭✌️
Also the writing ✨👌

[Shannon Pacheco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, I received this book as an ARC, so thank you Kennedy Sutton for the opportunity to join you all.

Secondly, I loved this book. It held so many emotions for me as a mother and the reliability is true for so many I'm sure. I was truly captivated by the story-building and the endless adventures from chapter to chapter.

This was my first read from the author and certainly will not be the last.

[Rachel Kasparek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay. To be honest I DNF’d this book.
You’re probably wondering why I’m rating it 3 stars over 1.

I’m only DNFing because I’m not in the right head space. This book is a little too heavy for me right now.

The writing is beautiful. I love the vibes of the story, but I can’t do depressing things right now!

I struggle with depression, so having a heavy theme like this isn’t for me.

That’s no fault to the author in anyway! :)

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a mom of three little kids, I cried. This hit super close to home but in a strengthening, I can handle anything kind of way. I’ve never read anything like it, but I can say that about all of Kennedy’s books. I’ve loved every single one of them.

I received in ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Completely different vibe than the Silver Locket series however I enjoyed it just as much if not maybe a little more. I loved the tension it built with the Appalachian folklore regarding staying on the paths and incorporating the 'Over the Garden Wall' vibes.

Odell Raleigh is a mother who will do anything to get back to her daughter Anne. When she is asked to give up her soul to feed and fortify the Thicket, she embarks on a journey to solve the riddle of the Thicket and rescue her daughter from it's clutches. Sutton takes us along as Odell fights to remembers her daughter and her reason for survival. Truly showing us the lengths that mothers will go to in order to get back to her daughter and who knows, she may end up rescuing others along the way.

[Beth Tolhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

right in the feels

Every day mothers get up with their children. The loss of a child for any parent is devastating. Following mother Odell as she looses & finds herself over again is powerful with that message. She goes on a journey to save her child nearly losing herself in the process.
Excellent storytelling.

[iesha Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was my very first Kennedy book and it wont be my last. this book had me crying. as a mother myself it hit super close to home. its unlike any book I've read and it has me wanting to dive into all her collection. definitely recommend

[Audrey S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Spooky firest adventure centering around a mirgers love. Fin the get go it feels reminiscent of a dark fairy tale it takes place in a beautiful and eerie version of Appalachian forests. A great read for the beginning of fall.

[Daenerys Targaryen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a very memorable book. It mainly portrays a mother's love, guilt, hard work she needed to do when her husband went missing and everything she does to be re united with her little daughter. The book has a happy ending otherwise it will be too sad to read.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I got this as an ARC. I really like this book. I loved that Odell kept fighting to go back to her daughter Anne.

[Cass Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Kennedy Sutton writes it, I will read it.

I loved this take on the Appalachian lore and the idea of the woods being more sentient.