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Predatory Natures
A teen girl’s dream job aboard a luxury train derails when she discovers the strange cargo being transported—a mysterious and beautiful greenhouse—but its flowering façade may hide deadly thorns beneath, in this atmospheric and lush novel from the author of Those We Drown.
When Lara Williams gets a summer job aboard the luxury train the Banebury, she thinks she’s landed a five-star escape from her past. Even after she learns that her ex-friend Rhys, who she definitely did not have feelings for before their relationship imploded, is one of her coworkers, she’s determined to make things work.
But on the first day of their journey, the trip takes a strange turn. Two mysterious carriages filled with an array of beautiful and rare plants are attached to the Banebury in the middle of the night.
And with them comes a pair of siblings. Wealthy, mysterious, and charismatic, Gwen and Gwydion claim the plants they’re transporting are for research, but Lara can’t shake the feeling that there’s something . . . otherworldly about the strange blooms. Something that will stop at nothing to ensure the Banebury never reaches its destination.
Soon Lara will learn: You can’t outrun your troubles. You have to grab them by their roots. And if she can’t unearth the secrets of the Banebury, they might drag her down for good. . . .
When Lara Williams gets a summer job aboard the luxury train the Banebury, she thinks she’s landed a five-star escape from her past. Even after she learns that her ex-friend Rhys, who she definitely did not have feelings for before their relationship imploded, is one of her coworkers, she’s determined to make things work.
But on the first day of their journey, the trip takes a strange turn. Two mysterious carriages filled with an array of beautiful and rare plants are attached to the Banebury in the middle of the night.
And with them comes a pair of siblings. Wealthy, mysterious, and charismatic, Gwen and Gwydion claim the plants they’re transporting are for research, but Lara can’t shake the feeling that there’s something . . . otherworldly about the strange blooms. Something that will stop at nothing to ensure the Banebury never reaches its destination.
Soon Lara will learn: You can’t outrun your troubles. You have to grab them by their roots. And if she can’t unearth the secrets of the Banebury, they might drag her down for good. . . .
432 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2025
53 people are currently reading
9204 people want to read
About the author
Amy Goldsmith
4 books191 followersAmy Goldsmith is the author of THOSE WE DROWN, which was a Barnes & Noble YA Book Club selection, OUR WICKED HISTORIES, and the forthcoming PREDATORY NATURES. She has a lifelong love of all things spooky and lives on the Sussex coast with her family and beloved whippet.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
July 23, 2025
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.
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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.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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March 20, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for sending me an eARC!
After reading the synopsis, I realized I needed this! The plot takes place on a train (Amy, thank you).
It was incredibly atmospheric, vividly described, and easy to read.
The story is told from the perspective of the FMC and has two timelines: the present and the past, which explores the heroine's history and why she stopped communicating with her friend.
💬 She needs a job, and she becomes a stewardess on a luxurious train, but it's not that simple, as at one point they add cars filled with plants, and the new passengers bring an air of mystery...
I found more of a thriller with secrets and a dark atmosphere, rather than romance between the characters, so if you're looking for romance, this book isn't for you! But I recommend it to fans of dark themes and plants! It would be great to read on a train.
The heroine annoyed me so much 😭 At times I understood her, sometimes I didn't; I felt her pain, but I didn't get attached...
The MMC was more likable, but not very undisclosed (for me), wanted him more🤭
The ending came so quickly that I didn't even realize it was the end of the book...
I wasn't shocked by the plot; everything was pretty clear from the start.
Overall, I liked it; I love stories like this, and I'm grateful to the author for combining trains and plants.
• From friends to lovers
• Second chance
• Train conductors
• Killer plants
• Confined space
❗️Warning: Toxic relationships
After reading the synopsis, I realized I needed this! The plot takes place on a train (Amy, thank you).
It was incredibly atmospheric, vividly described, and easy to read.
The story is told from the perspective of the FMC and has two timelines: the present and the past, which explores the heroine's history and why she stopped communicating with her friend.
💬 She needs a job, and she becomes a stewardess on a luxurious train, but it's not that simple, as at one point they add cars filled with plants, and the new passengers bring an air of mystery...
I found more of a thriller with secrets and a dark atmosphere, rather than romance between the characters, so if you're looking for romance, this book isn't for you! But I recommend it to fans of dark themes and plants! It would be great to read on a train.
The heroine annoyed me so much 😭 At times I understood her, sometimes I didn't; I felt her pain, but I didn't get attached...
The MMC was more likable, but not very undisclosed (for me), wanted him more🤭
The ending came so quickly that I didn't even realize it was the end of the book...
I wasn't shocked by the plot; everything was pretty clear from the start.
Overall, I liked it; I love stories like this, and I'm grateful to the author for combining trains and plants.
• From friends to lovers
• Second chance
• Train conductors
• Killer plants
• Confined space
❗️Warning: Toxic relationships
July 8, 2025
The plot, setting, and characters are intriguing, but please note that this is an extremely slow burn. The constant flipping back and forth between timelines drove me a little crazy…I felt like the author held back TOO much of the backstory, and I was constantly jarred out of the much more interesting present.
The plot revolves around Welsh folklore, which is always my favorite, and throughout the book, we’re trying to figure out what a pair of Welsh twins have brought with them (in three added, locked train carriages).
Lara is fleeing from something that happened back home in Wales that made her persona non grata to her friends, so she takes a new job aboard a luxury train in the off-season. To her surprise and dismay, her friend (and unrequited crush) Rhys has also been hired, and things are really awkward at first.
Add some filthy-rich passengers, other staff members, and a LOT of mysterious organic material that keeps escaping from its designated area, and 💩 starts to get real for everyone aboard.
For me, the big reveal didn’t work or make sense. I would love other thoughts on what transpired at the end, because I’m honestly confused. I’m ultimately rating this a 3.5, rounded up, because it maintained my interest, but my progress was rather plodding. I’m currently reading another book that is fascinating and reads fast, and this one wasn’t like that for me. There’s a good story here, but I think it needs some trimming to be more cohesive. Still, the author is very talented, and I look forward to whatever she comes up with next!
Trigger warnings: extreme botanical horror, abusive relationships, gore, medical horror, violence, claustrophobic situations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an early copy! All opinions are mine alone.
The plot revolves around Welsh folklore, which is always my favorite, and throughout the book, we’re trying to figure out what a pair of Welsh twins have brought with them (in three added, locked train carriages).
Lara is fleeing from something that happened back home in Wales that made her persona non grata to her friends, so she takes a new job aboard a luxury train in the off-season. To her surprise and dismay, her friend (and unrequited crush) Rhys has also been hired, and things are really awkward at first.
Add some filthy-rich passengers, other staff members, and a LOT of mysterious organic material that keeps escaping from its designated area, and 💩 starts to get real for everyone aboard.
For me, the big reveal didn’t work or make sense. I would love other thoughts on what transpired at the end, because I’m honestly confused. I’m ultimately rating this a 3.5, rounded up, because it maintained my interest, but my progress was rather plodding. I’m currently reading another book that is fascinating and reads fast, and this one wasn’t like that for me. There’s a good story here, but I think it needs some trimming to be more cohesive. Still, the author is very talented, and I look forward to whatever she comes up with next!
Trigger warnings: extreme botanical horror, abusive relationships, gore, medical horror, violence, claustrophobic situations.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for an early copy! All opinions are mine alone.
April 25, 2025
✧₊‧˚⁀➷ 2.04/5 .ᐟ
much like lara's character, predatory natures is a "butterfly entering a cocoon and emerging as a caterpillar." there was so much potential—both after reading the blurb and the first few chapters, i was sure this would be one of my favorite reads—but as you continue with the story, it progressively gets more and more juvenile. rife with miscommunication, childish characters, and ridiculous romantic subplots. the tone, lara's narration, the plot progression, the utter naivete of the characters, everything was very middle grade coded. not really a fan, but i suppose this is the type of ya that's exclusively geared towards 12 - 16-year-olds and not anyone a day older.
also didn't really like the way the flashbacks were incorporated into the story. they cut in at random times and prevented the current, actually important, timeline from flowing nicely. i understand it was to provide glimpses of lara's character, her motivations, and her relationship with rhys. the thing is, i really did not care about her, or her past, and reading the flashbacks did nothing to make her more interesting. they were just roadblocks impeding my enjoyment of the flower horror storyline.
thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
much like lara's character, predatory natures is a "butterfly entering a cocoon and emerging as a caterpillar." there was so much potential—both after reading the blurb and the first few chapters, i was sure this would be one of my favorite reads—but as you continue with the story, it progressively gets more and more juvenile. rife with miscommunication, childish characters, and ridiculous romantic subplots. the tone, lara's narration, the plot progression, the utter naivete of the characters, everything was very middle grade coded. not really a fan, but i suppose this is the type of ya that's exclusively geared towards 12 - 16-year-olds and not anyone a day older.
also didn't really like the way the flashbacks were incorporated into the story. they cut in at random times and prevented the current, actually important, timeline from flowing nicely. i understand it was to provide glimpses of lara's character, her motivations, and her relationship with rhys. the thing is, i really did not care about her, or her past, and reading the flashbacks did nothing to make her more interesting. they were just roadblocks impeding my enjoyment of the flower horror storyline.
thank you to netgalley for the advanced copy.
August 10, 2025
Predatory Natures hooked me right away with its set-up: five staff members, thirteen guests, and a luxury sleeper train that's impossible to escape.
Add in a touch of botanical horror and a dual timeline that hints at past secrets, and you have a premise that's hard to resist!
The train setting is definitely one of the book’s strongest elements. The narrow carriages create a constant sense of confinement, and the contrast between luxury and danger works well to heighten the tension. The folklore elements and plant horror imagery were equally well done and added a creepy vibe to the story.
The dual timeline kept me turning pages. I was curious about the past, about what Lara (our protagonist) was running from, and how everything would tie into the present. While some of the reveals were predictable and the dialogue occasionally felt a little forced, the pacing and atmosphere carried the story forward.
This definitely has a YA feel, with young characters, high stakes, and enough romance to add a softer note to the tension. (This one is for fans of second chance and slowburn friends-to-lovers) While the mystery itself isn’t especially complex and there were moments where I had to suspend disbelief, the overall reading experience was engaging and fun.
If you enjoy claustrophobic settings, locked-room mysteries, and botanical horror, I recommend checking this one out!
Add in a touch of botanical horror and a dual timeline that hints at past secrets, and you have a premise that's hard to resist!
The train setting is definitely one of the book’s strongest elements. The narrow carriages create a constant sense of confinement, and the contrast between luxury and danger works well to heighten the tension. The folklore elements and plant horror imagery were equally well done and added a creepy vibe to the story.
The dual timeline kept me turning pages. I was curious about the past, about what Lara (our protagonist) was running from, and how everything would tie into the present. While some of the reveals were predictable and the dialogue occasionally felt a little forced, the pacing and atmosphere carried the story forward.
This definitely has a YA feel, with young characters, high stakes, and enough romance to add a softer note to the tension. (This one is for fans of second chance and slowburn friends-to-lovers) While the mystery itself isn’t especially complex and there were moments where I had to suspend disbelief, the overall reading experience was engaging and fun.
If you enjoy claustrophobic settings, locked-room mysteries, and botanical horror, I recommend checking this one out!
July 16, 2025
I’m a sucker for books about killer plants, and this is a really fun and creative spin built around some very sinister flora.
I’m also big on train books, and that aspect of this story was also well rendered and l loved the way the author blended the two.
The mystery itself is just ok and there really isn’t a lot to figure out that is of consequence that doesn’t make itself obvious pretty quickly, but that didn’t really take away from the reader experience given that the setting was so well drawn and the action also very well done.
But it’s the creepiness of the plants that really makes this one a winner. I didn’t actually care that much about the folktale backstory that supports how the plants operate, and I didn’t like the protagonist’s supernatural link to it. That said, these things felt minor when weighed against the delightful eeriness of a bunch of menacing plants slowly taking over a moving train with nefarious intent.
In all, an original story and a fun one. Highly recommend reading if you’re big on atmosphere and how sinister nature can be.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I’m also big on train books, and that aspect of this story was also well rendered and l loved the way the author blended the two.
The mystery itself is just ok and there really isn’t a lot to figure out that is of consequence that doesn’t make itself obvious pretty quickly, but that didn’t really take away from the reader experience given that the setting was so well drawn and the action also very well done.
But it’s the creepiness of the plants that really makes this one a winner. I didn’t actually care that much about the folktale backstory that supports how the plants operate, and I didn’t like the protagonist’s supernatural link to it. That said, these things felt minor when weighed against the delightful eeriness of a bunch of menacing plants slowly taking over a moving train with nefarious intent.
In all, an original story and a fun one. Highly recommend reading if you’re big on atmosphere and how sinister nature can be.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
January 5, 2025
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 🙂↕️
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review
dnf
July 23, 2025DNF @ I forgot to record where I read til cause it couldn't even hold that much of my attention
This is aggressively YA, incongruously set in the present day, and beyond mid. Nothing happens. Not a damn thing. The characters are concerned enough to talk about shit, but not enough to do anything about it. Finding themselves locked in their rooms in the middle of the night? Better do absolutely nothing to find out more or prevent it from happening! Think there's a woman creeping around, watering plants with blood? Eh, seems like normal non-sus stuff! Definitely shouldn't investigate further, if only to sate their curiosity.
I read some reviews about confusing/non-sensical plot reveals that seem off the walls bonkers, but I just can't push myself to make it that for. I think I got to around 12ish chapters in, then skipped ahead to 20ish chapters in to see if it picks up, then gave up because god even Contemporary is more appealing than reading this book further (and as someone who generally shies away from and dislikes Contemp, that's saying something!)
So sorry. I'm so entirely the wrong reader for this that I can't even tell who the right reader is.
This is aggressively YA, incongruously set in the present day, and beyond mid. Nothing happens. Not a damn thing. The characters are concerned enough to talk about shit, but not enough to do anything about it. Finding themselves locked in their rooms in the middle of the night? Better do absolutely nothing to find out more or prevent it from happening! Think there's a woman creeping around, watering plants with blood? Eh, seems like normal non-sus stuff! Definitely shouldn't investigate further, if only to sate their curiosity.
I read some reviews about confusing/non-sensical plot reveals that seem off the walls bonkers, but I just can't push myself to make it that for. I think I got to around 12ish chapters in, then skipped ahead to 20ish chapters in to see if it picks up, then gave up because god even Contemporary is more appealing than reading this book further (and as someone who generally shies away from and dislikes Contemp, that's saying something!)
So sorry. I'm so entirely the wrong reader for this that I can't even tell who the right reader is.
December 13, 2024
Mysterious train and chilly atmosphere. Sleuthing and investigation, angst and drama... and all the horrific details. I really enjoyed this chilly ride on The Banebury! Lara is a strong lead, recovering and discovering herself after a toxic relationship. Rhys is a dear. Gwydion is smoking hot but as the my fav quote from this book goes...
"I was slow to learn that beautiful things keep their dangers well hidden."
"I was slow to learn that beautiful things keep their dangers well hidden."
January 6, 2025
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
***
Initial review;
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for allowing me to read and review Predatory Natures!
I'll be posting a full review soon on Netgalley and then here.
For now, just know that you should not underestimate Amy Goldsmith's storytelling. She continues to shine with each spooky release. I loved the mystery, the train setting, and the sneaky killer plants.
I can't wait for more readers to enjoy Predatory Natures as much as I just did.
4.75 stars
"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
***
Initial review;
Thank you so much to Netgalley and Delacorte Press for allowing me to read and review Predatory Natures!
I'll be posting a full review soon on Netgalley and then here.
For now, just know that you should not underestimate Amy Goldsmith's storytelling. She continues to shine with each spooky release. I loved the mystery, the train setting, and the sneaky killer plants.
I can't wait for more readers to enjoy Predatory Natures as much as I just did.
4.75 stars
April 11, 2025
Though I don’t read a ton of horror, sometimes I feel the urge to pick one up - especially if the premise sounds interesting as this one did.
The train setting was perfect for a horror story. It let a claustrophobic feel to the plot and made the horror elements inescapable.
Some reviewers have said that they enjoyed the horror story in the present but not the flashbacks, but I would disagree. I loved them both. Lara was very much shaped by her experiences in the past and the past events definitely affected how she interpreted events in the present.
This book was definitely creepy and unsettling, but I wouldn’t call it scary, and between the subject matter and setting it definitely felt unique.
This would be a good read for someone who doesn’t read a lot of horror but wants to explore the genre more. I really enjoyed it!
The train setting was perfect for a horror story. It let a claustrophobic feel to the plot and made the horror elements inescapable.
Some reviewers have said that they enjoyed the horror story in the present but not the flashbacks, but I would disagree. I loved them both. Lara was very much shaped by her experiences in the past and the past events definitely affected how she interpreted events in the present.
This book was definitely creepy and unsettling, but I wouldn’t call it scary, and between the subject matter and setting it definitely felt unique.
This would be a good read for someone who doesn’t read a lot of horror but wants to explore the genre more. I really enjoyed it!
September 25, 2025
The premise of this book and its cover caught my attention. I enjoyed the story and character development overall, but the story felt way too long and I started to lose interest about half way through.
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November 11, 2025
The definition of madness is visiting a creepy murder plant carriage every single day and then carrying on with your day job
August 10, 2025
Choo, choo! All aboard this bad vibes, murder train.
Lol. Anyway.
I liked a lot about this story.
I appreciate how it revolves around a young woman—Lara—trying to recover after getting out of an abusive relationship. Coercive control is an abusive tactic more people are becoming aware of—but it’s still something new for many folk. This story highlights how an abusive relationship doesn’t have to be physically violent to still be violent.
To me, Lara’s character is very sympathetic and demonstrates that abuse is complex, especially if you are on the outside of the relationship. There’s so much you may not understand going on beneath the surface. That’s an important lesson for all readers—but young readers especially—to understand.
Beyond that, I also liked the use of Welsh mythology here.
The story of Blodeuwedd connects with the overarching themes of this book and the author expands upon the mythology in interesting ways, using it to provide commentary on how abuse victims are treated and perceived.
Also, killer flowers are just always cool.
I love it when a hanahaki-esque trope is taken to it it’s horrible extremes.
Anyway, anyway.
I do think this story could’ve been “tightened up” in spots. The dialogue was a little stilted too—particularly Gwydion’s. He veered from being an abusive asshole into cartoon villain towards the end.
But, other than that, I did enjoy this book.
Would definitely recommend for readers who enjoy creepy plant/forest stories and/or readers who wished “Murder on the Orient Express” had more killer plants~
Lol. Anyway.
I liked a lot about this story.
I appreciate how it revolves around a young woman—Lara—trying to recover after getting out of an abusive relationship. Coercive control is an abusive tactic more people are becoming aware of—but it’s still something new for many folk. This story highlights how an abusive relationship doesn’t have to be physically violent to still be violent.
To me, Lara’s character is very sympathetic and demonstrates that abuse is complex, especially if you are on the outside of the relationship. There’s so much you may not understand going on beneath the surface. That’s an important lesson for all readers—but young readers especially—to understand.
Beyond that, I also liked the use of Welsh mythology here.
The story of Blodeuwedd connects with the overarching themes of this book and the author expands upon the mythology in interesting ways, using it to provide commentary on how abuse victims are treated and perceived.
Also, killer flowers are just always cool.
I love it when a hanahaki-esque trope is taken to it it’s horrible extremes.
Anyway, anyway.
I do think this story could’ve been “tightened up” in spots. The dialogue was a little stilted too—particularly Gwydion’s. He veered from being an abusive asshole into cartoon villain towards the end.
But, other than that, I did enjoy this book.
Would definitely recommend for readers who enjoy creepy plant/forest stories and/or readers who wished “Murder on the Orient Express” had more killer plants~
January 9, 2025
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.
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.
April 8, 2025
Hello! Just jumping in here for a sec -- as ARCs are now floating around (ahhhh!)-- to say a huge thank you to anyone who takes the time to read/rate or review my creepy little train book <3!
Of all my books, this is my most personal, as the past that haunts Lara is based on my own lived experience. Content warnings below:
Happy reading!
Of all my books, this is my most personal, as the past that haunts Lara is based on my own lived experience. Content warnings below:
Happy reading!
June 1, 2025
3 Stars
Who need snakes on a plane when you can have plants on a train? But really you'll just be bogged down by an uninteresting backstory that takes a long, long time to unfold in flashbacks and doesn't lead to anything at all. So forget about the plants on the train, too.
I don't know. The ideas were there, but the execution wasn't great. Too bad, because the cover's pretty. Anyway, my full review will be available at Gateway Reviews on July 7, 2025. Swing by to see where this book actually did stick the landing. Because it did. Sometimes. I guess.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
Who need snakes on a plane when you can have plants on a train? But really you'll just be bogged down by an uninteresting backstory that takes a long, long time to unfold in flashbacks and doesn't lead to anything at all. So forget about the plants on the train, too.
I don't know. The ideas were there, but the execution wasn't great. Too bad, because the cover's pretty. Anyway, my full review will be available at Gateway Reviews on July 7, 2025. Swing by to see where this book actually did stick the landing. Because it did. Sometimes. I guess.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
October 15, 2025
Check out my full thoughts on this book and more here: booktube reviews :)
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review: I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. Lately, it's been more difficult for me to get into YA books but this was easy to enjoy. Predatory Natures gives you so much more than what's described in the synopsis and does it in a thoughtful way. The story goes back and forth in time and kind of tells two different stories in one. In one part, we are getting to know about what happened with the MC and the another guy who is working on the train, so they have an interpersonal conflict happening. Then, we get the story of this odd plant cargo, the people who are transporting it, as others are suffering from being around the plants. The author intricately weaves together these plot lines in an interesting way. I can't say much more about this but this is a great book for young adults/ new adults to read about unhealthy romantic relationships and was written with care. If I had a young adult/ new adult in my life I would highly recommend this book. This story is imaginative, creative, suspenseful, and thought provoking. It's a locked room mystery with plant horror, folklore, and young people navigating difficult situations.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an early copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review: I did not expect to love this book as much as I did. Lately, it's been more difficult for me to get into YA books but this was easy to enjoy. Predatory Natures gives you so much more than what's described in the synopsis and does it in a thoughtful way. The story goes back and forth in time and kind of tells two different stories in one. In one part, we are getting to know about what happened with the MC and the another guy who is working on the train, so they have an interpersonal conflict happening. Then, we get the story of this odd plant cargo, the people who are transporting it, as others are suffering from being around the plants. The author intricately weaves together these plot lines in an interesting way. I can't say much more about this but this is a great book for young adults/ new adults to read about unhealthy romantic relationships and was written with care. If I had a young adult/ new adult in my life I would highly recommend this book. This story is imaginative, creative, suspenseful, and thought provoking. It's a locked room mystery with plant horror, folklore, and young people navigating difficult situations.
December 28, 2024
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 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.
August 12, 2025
There’s something exquisitely unsettling about Amy Goldsmith’s latest YA horror, Predatory Natures. It’s not just the creeping vines or the claustrophobic luxury—it’s the sense that something ancient, feral, and furious is waiting just beneath the surface, watching.
Set aboard The Banebury, a decadent train meant to offer two weeks of calm before picking up its true guests, the story follows Lara, a girl cracked open by grief and guilt, desperate for something resembling escape. She takes a temporary staff position—simple work: serve the elite, clean their cabins, stay out of trouble.
But trouble boards early, in the form of Rhys—someone who knows exactly what Lara’s running from—and two unnervingly serene siblings who arrive with an entire cargo of exotic flora. The crew is forbidden from entering their private train cars, allegedly due to “organic matter.” But the train itself seems to disagree. The greenery grows. It spreads. It listens.
The atmosphere is breath-taking and rotting in equal measure: velvet seats gone damp with spores, golden fixtures overtaken by tendrils, the slow crawl of something unnatural taking hold. The further the train travels, the more it feels less like a journey and more like a transformation—of space, of mind, of body.
What Goldsmith does so well here is marry visceral horror with emotional depth. Lara’s story isn’t just about survival; it’s about reckoning—with trauma, with rage, with everything buried beneath a polished surface. The tension between her and Rhys adds a grounded, human dimension to the surreal horror, as they navigate their broken friendship and shared past amid the rising dread.
Gwydion, one of the guests, was a standout. Slippery, fascinating, and impossible to read, he brought an uncanny energy to the story that kept me constantly questioning motives and alliances.
This isn’t just a creepy train ride—it’s a pressure cooker. Each chapter builds toward a fever pitch of unease, and once it boils over, there’s no going back. Goldsmith doesn’t shy away from horror or psychological torment, and the result is a story that feels cinematic in scope but deeply personal in its themes.
Predatory Natures is for fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror, and stories where the setting becomes a character in its own right. Amy Goldsmith is an author who continues to evolve and impress—her prose is rich, eerie, and unforgettable.
A surreal, haunting descent into beauty, rot, and feminine fury. I devoured this, and it devoured me right back.
4.5/stars!
Big thanks to Insta Book Tours and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Set aboard The Banebury, a decadent train meant to offer two weeks of calm before picking up its true guests, the story follows Lara, a girl cracked open by grief and guilt, desperate for something resembling escape. She takes a temporary staff position—simple work: serve the elite, clean their cabins, stay out of trouble.
But trouble boards early, in the form of Rhys—someone who knows exactly what Lara’s running from—and two unnervingly serene siblings who arrive with an entire cargo of exotic flora. The crew is forbidden from entering their private train cars, allegedly due to “organic matter.” But the train itself seems to disagree. The greenery grows. It spreads. It listens.
The atmosphere is breath-taking and rotting in equal measure: velvet seats gone damp with spores, golden fixtures overtaken by tendrils, the slow crawl of something unnatural taking hold. The further the train travels, the more it feels less like a journey and more like a transformation—of space, of mind, of body.
What Goldsmith does so well here is marry visceral horror with emotional depth. Lara’s story isn’t just about survival; it’s about reckoning—with trauma, with rage, with everything buried beneath a polished surface. The tension between her and Rhys adds a grounded, human dimension to the surreal horror, as they navigate their broken friendship and shared past amid the rising dread.
Gwydion, one of the guests, was a standout. Slippery, fascinating, and impossible to read, he brought an uncanny energy to the story that kept me constantly questioning motives and alliances.
This isn’t just a creepy train ride—it’s a pressure cooker. Each chapter builds toward a fever pitch of unease, and once it boils over, there’s no going back. Goldsmith doesn’t shy away from horror or psychological torment, and the result is a story that feels cinematic in scope but deeply personal in its themes.
Predatory Natures is for fans of slow-burn, atmospheric horror, and stories where the setting becomes a character in its own right. Amy Goldsmith is an author who continues to evolve and impress—her prose is rich, eerie, and unforgettable.
A surreal, haunting descent into beauty, rot, and feminine fury. I devoured this, and it devoured me right back.
4.5/stars!
Big thanks to Insta Book Tours and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
August 17, 2025
Predatory Natures is the first book I’ve read by Amy Goldsmith, and I was really impressed. As someone who is massively into horror whether it be movies or books, this was right up my street and was actually the first YA horror I have ever read. The setting being an elegant train with the twist of this eerie jungle created an intense, immersive atmosphere that pulled me in right away. I especially enjoyed the supernatural elements in the horror they added a unique and chilling layer to the story which really kept me hooked. It's an unsettling read that blends psychological tension with a twist of plant matter horror, think the little shop of horrors but worse! I’ll definitely be reading more from her.
Thanks to Amy and Insta Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Amy and Insta Book Tours for sending me a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
August 11, 2025
The pacing was very slow on this. There was a lot of flipping back and forth between different timelines. Usually I’m fine with that but there was way too much flipping throughout this book and bogged it down the story. The plot was definitely interesting but also frustrating at times…Illogical decisions were made. The wrap up was also unsatisfying with how quickly things were brushed over. I think after all the drama, we deserved more of a conclusion.
November 10, 2025
3.5 stars. Trains + plant magic + Welsh mythology + a mystery element = a combination bound to please me. I don't think the romance moved me much and the end reveal of the villain's motivations felt a bit cartoonish, but the idea of using the myth of Bloedeuwedd to explore an abusive relationship was interesting to me.
August 12, 2025
3.75⭐️ what a blast,, she’s an auto-buy author for a reason!
Read
December 18, 2024this isn't bad but it's so much longer than it needs to be
January 13, 2026
January Fiction Book Club pick!
3.5 my first horror/thriller! Great intro due to the fantastical nature of this - didn’t throw this romance/fantasy only reader into the deep end, more like a slippery slide into the waters.
Imagery was insane in this book- I could picture all the plants and atmosphere of this train.
Genuinely had no idea what was going on but got kinda scared at parts- especially when Lara decided to go exploring the greenhouse carriages by herself.
Look I don’t watch or read a lot of horror but I feel like going off by yourself is like a big no no,
I digress but also appreciated the little bit of romance I guess more of a YA style but still had me interested.
Felt like the flashbacks were slightly redundant? Like yes we need to understand Lara as a person and her relationship with Rhys. But I just personally could have had that had a quick recap and expanded on the present time instead? I don’t know- still pondering on this thoughts as the dual timeline did I suppose present ideas and emotions that were explored in the main plot at the end?
3.5 my first horror/thriller! Great intro due to the fantastical nature of this - didn’t throw this romance/fantasy only reader into the deep end, more like a slippery slide into the waters.
Imagery was insane in this book- I could picture all the plants and atmosphere of this train.
Genuinely had no idea what was going on but got kinda scared at parts- especially when Lara decided to go exploring the greenhouse carriages by herself.
Look I don’t watch or read a lot of horror but I feel like going off by yourself is like a big no no,
I digress but also appreciated the little bit of romance I guess more of a YA style but still had me interested.
Felt like the flashbacks were slightly redundant? Like yes we need to understand Lara as a person and her relationship with Rhys. But I just personally could have had that had a quick recap and expanded on the present time instead? I don’t know- still pondering on this thoughts as the dual timeline did I suppose present ideas and emotions that were explored in the main plot at the end?
October 28, 2025
Very atmospheric botany horror, tied with the welsh folklore of Blodeuweed and the nature of an abusive relationship.
October 24, 2025
This one was a little slow paced for me but it was interesting. Mysterious plants and friendship drama is always fun. The prose was really well done in some parts. This one just didn't captivate me but it was still a fun story.
May 8, 2025
Predatory Natures follows Lara Williams on her summer job aboard a luxury train in an attempt to escape her past for a while. But when she boards, her old friend Rhys is working on the train as well. As Lara struggles with being back around Rhys—someone she used to have a crush on before her life imploded—things take a strange turn when two carriages full of plants are attached to their train in the middle of the night. When the odd occurrences start piling up, and someone gets hurt, Lara must figure out what’s going on before it’s too late.
This was a lot of fun! The author created such an eerie, haunting, and spooky environment. From the second the carriages were attached, I knew I’d be in for a wild, terrifying ride and I was right. I loved how isolated the setting was and the smaller cast of characters. It made for a very twisty, gripping read. The twist was so good! And the mysterious plants were so creepy!!
I really enjoyed Lara as a main character. She was very determined and headstrong. I enjoyed the slow reveal of her past and what made her and Rhys stop being friends. There was great tension between the two. I also loved Lara’s arc of growth and finding herself again. And the relationship between Rhys and Lara was rekindled was really well done and believable. Rhys is such a sweetheart and I was rooting so hard for both of them. I loved where their story ended.
Overall, if you love creepy, atmospheric stories with isolated settings and mysterious plants, I’d highly recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to PenguinTeenCA and Netgalley for the arc!
This was a lot of fun! The author created such an eerie, haunting, and spooky environment. From the second the carriages were attached, I knew I’d be in for a wild, terrifying ride and I was right. I loved how isolated the setting was and the smaller cast of characters. It made for a very twisty, gripping read. The twist was so good! And the mysterious plants were so creepy!!
I really enjoyed Lara as a main character. She was very determined and headstrong. I enjoyed the slow reveal of her past and what made her and Rhys stop being friends. There was great tension between the two. I also loved Lara’s arc of growth and finding herself again. And the relationship between Rhys and Lara was rekindled was really well done and believable. Rhys is such a sweetheart and I was rooting so hard for both of them. I loved where their story ended.
Overall, if you love creepy, atmospheric stories with isolated settings and mysterious plants, I’d highly recommend checking this one out!
Thank you to PenguinTeenCA and Netgalley for the arc!
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