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What the Woods Took
Yellowjackets meets Girl, Interrupted when a group of troubled teens in a wilderness therapy program find themselves stranded in a forest full of monsters eager to take their place.
Devin Green wakes in the middle of the night to find two men in her bedroom. No stranger to a fight, she calls to her foster parents for help, but it soon becomes clear this is a planned abduction—one everyone but Devin signed up for. She’s shoved in a van and driven deep into the Idaho woods, where she’s dropped off with a cohort of equally confused teens. Finally, two camp counselors inform them that they've all been enrolled in an experimental therapy program. If the campers can learn to change their self-destructive ways—and survive a fifty-days hike through the wilderness—they’ll come out the other side as better versions of themselves. Or so the counselors say.
Devin is immediately determined to escape. She’s also determined to ignore Sheridan, the cruel-mouthed, lavender-haired bully who mocks every group exercise. But there’s something strange about these woods—inhuman faces appearing between the trees, visions of people who shouldn't be there flashing in the leaves—and when the campers wake up to find both counselors missing, therapy becomes the least of their problems. Stranded and left to fend for themselves, the teens quickly realize they’ll have to trust each other if they want to survive. But what lies in the woods may not be as dangerous as what the campers are hiding from each other—and if the monsters have their way, no one will leave the woods alive.
Atmospheric and sharp, What the Woods Took is a poignant story of transformation that explores the price of becoming someone—or something—new.
Devin Green wakes in the middle of the night to find two men in her bedroom. No stranger to a fight, she calls to her foster parents for help, but it soon becomes clear this is a planned abduction—one everyone but Devin signed up for. She’s shoved in a van and driven deep into the Idaho woods, where she’s dropped off with a cohort of equally confused teens. Finally, two camp counselors inform them that they've all been enrolled in an experimental therapy program. If the campers can learn to change their self-destructive ways—and survive a fifty-days hike through the wilderness—they’ll come out the other side as better versions of themselves. Or so the counselors say.
Devin is immediately determined to escape. She’s also determined to ignore Sheridan, the cruel-mouthed, lavender-haired bully who mocks every group exercise. But there’s something strange about these woods—inhuman faces appearing between the trees, visions of people who shouldn't be there flashing in the leaves—and when the campers wake up to find both counselors missing, therapy becomes the least of their problems. Stranded and left to fend for themselves, the teens quickly realize they’ll have to trust each other if they want to survive. But what lies in the woods may not be as dangerous as what the campers are hiding from each other—and if the monsters have their way, no one will leave the woods alive.
Atmospheric and sharp, What the Woods Took is a poignant story of transformation that explores the price of becoming someone—or something—new.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published December 10, 2024
292 people are currently reading
48021 people want to read
About the author
Courtney Gould
6 books921 followersCourtney Gould is the author of The Dead and the Dark, Where Echoes Die, and the forthcoming What the Woods Took. She writes books about queer girls, ghosts, and things that go bump in the night. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in Creative Writing and Publishing and now lives in Salem, OR where she continues to write love letters to small towns and haunted places.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,376 reviews
October 29, 2024
WOWZA!
Gripping, tense, dark, horrific and hard to put down! Like two of the main characters, I was instantly grabbed from the very beginning of What the Woods Took! This book had me turning the pages, not wanting to put it down as I was fully invested in what was going to happen next in this coming-of-age tale of survival!
Devin Green, asleep at her foster home, is taken from her bed in the middle of the night and thrown in a van. In the van she meets Oliver, a teen who was also grabbed at his home as he slept as well. Initially, they are given very little information, which ramps up their anxiety and unease. What they do know is that they are being taken to an experimental therapy program where they will hike, camp, and survive in the woods with two camp counselors and other teens for 50 days. The intended result of the therapy program is that the teens will emerge from the woods changed for the better! When they wake up and their two camp counselors are missing, the teens find themselves faced with the unimaginable!
I enjoyed the mixing of personalities and backgrounds of the teens in this book. I also enjoyed their dynamics with each other and their reactions after being thrust into a situation beyond their control. Can you imagine strangers waking you up and taking you by force with little to no explanation. That you are a minor and have no say in what is happening to you? I thought Courtney Gould did a fantastic job of depicting this. I enjoyed how Devin fought and tried to escape while Olive, who did not like the situation, was more accepting of what was happening. Their reactions alone in the beginning of the book show their personalities. Then they meet the other teens who are distinct and add so much to the plot.
What the Woods Took has that trapped feeling that I enjoy in books. While they are not physically locked into any room or house, the group of teens do have the task of finding their way out of the woods - woods that they are unfamiliar with. Survival is the name of the game for them. This book was oozing with atmosphere. I also enjoyed the sense of unease, tension and mounting danger. I enjoyed the sense of something-isn't-quite-right that morphed into full on fear! When they learned that they were not alone in the woods, the creepy factor went off the charts. Their therapy adventure in the woods morphed into a horrific nightmare! What the Woods Took also morphed into a great story about friendship, romance, survival, trust, and battling your own demons.
Creepy, scary, tense, well thought out, spooky!
I had both the book and the audiobook versions of this book which made for an enjoyable reading experience. I found the narration of the audiobook to be wonderful.
Thank you to Wednesday Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Gripping, tense, dark, horrific and hard to put down! Like two of the main characters, I was instantly grabbed from the very beginning of What the Woods Took! This book had me turning the pages, not wanting to put it down as I was fully invested in what was going to happen next in this coming-of-age tale of survival!
Devin Green, asleep at her foster home, is taken from her bed in the middle of the night and thrown in a van. In the van she meets Oliver, a teen who was also grabbed at his home as he slept as well. Initially, they are given very little information, which ramps up their anxiety and unease. What they do know is that they are being taken to an experimental therapy program where they will hike, camp, and survive in the woods with two camp counselors and other teens for 50 days. The intended result of the therapy program is that the teens will emerge from the woods changed for the better! When they wake up and their two camp counselors are missing, the teens find themselves faced with the unimaginable!
I enjoyed the mixing of personalities and backgrounds of the teens in this book. I also enjoyed their dynamics with each other and their reactions after being thrust into a situation beyond their control. Can you imagine strangers waking you up and taking you by force with little to no explanation. That you are a minor and have no say in what is happening to you? I thought Courtney Gould did a fantastic job of depicting this. I enjoyed how Devin fought and tried to escape while Olive, who did not like the situation, was more accepting of what was happening. Their reactions alone in the beginning of the book show their personalities. Then they meet the other teens who are distinct and add so much to the plot.
What the Woods Took has that trapped feeling that I enjoy in books. While they are not physically locked into any room or house, the group of teens do have the task of finding their way out of the woods - woods that they are unfamiliar with. Survival is the name of the game for them. This book was oozing with atmosphere. I also enjoyed the sense of unease, tension and mounting danger. I enjoyed the sense of something-isn't-quite-right that morphed into full on fear! When they learned that they were not alone in the woods, the creepy factor went off the charts. Their therapy adventure in the woods morphed into a horrific nightmare! What the Woods Took also morphed into a great story about friendship, romance, survival, trust, and battling your own demons.
Creepy, scary, tense, well thought out, spooky!
I had both the book and the audiobook versions of this book which made for an enjoyable reading experience. I found the narration of the audiobook to be wonderful.
Thank you to Wednesday Books, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
May 20, 2025
3.25 stars – 🌲👀
Ngl, What The Woods Took was interesting and definitely kept me hooked! 🙂↕️ The beginning pulled me in right away 💚 — it had that eerie, mysterious vibe that made me want to keep turning the pages.
One of my favorite parts was the friendship between Devin and Ollie. The way it all started from that van scene and developed through the story? So good 🥹 I was rooting for them the whole time.
Now, Devin and Sheridan… 👀 whew. That was a wild ride. From hate and disgust to obsession and love?? Yeah, it gave enemies to lovers with a dark twist and I was here for it.
The story’s main theme felt beautiful but also emotionally challenging. There were moments that had me genuinely worried for the characters — and honestly? I kept doubting things right up until the end. The plot twist was solid and added a great layer to the mystery. 😌
So why 3.25 stars? 🤷♀️
Even though I enjoyed it, and it did deliver on the suspense and vibes, something just felt… slightly missing. Not enough to ruin it, but just enough to keep it from hitting that 4-star mark. Still, it was a good read overall!
Would I recommend it?
If you’re into mystery or thrillers, I’d say yes — give it a shot. I can’t promise you’ll love it, but you might enjoy the ride 👀
———————————————
Pre-Read
The blurb is interesting 👀💚 let’s see…
Ngl, What The Woods Took was interesting and definitely kept me hooked! 🙂↕️ The beginning pulled me in right away 💚 — it had that eerie, mysterious vibe that made me want to keep turning the pages.
One of my favorite parts was the friendship between Devin and Ollie. The way it all started from that van scene and developed through the story? So good 🥹 I was rooting for them the whole time.
Now, Devin and Sheridan… 👀 whew. That was a wild ride. From hate and disgust to obsession and love?? Yeah, it gave enemies to lovers with a dark twist and I was here for it.
The story’s main theme felt beautiful but also emotionally challenging. There were moments that had me genuinely worried for the characters — and honestly? I kept doubting things right up until the end. The plot twist was solid and added a great layer to the mystery. 😌
So why 3.25 stars? 🤷♀️
Even though I enjoyed it, and it did deliver on the suspense and vibes, something just felt… slightly missing. Not enough to ruin it, but just enough to keep it from hitting that 4-star mark. Still, it was a good read overall!
Would I recommend it?
If you’re into mystery or thrillers, I’d say yes — give it a shot. I can’t promise you’ll love it, but you might enjoy the ride 👀
———————————————
Pre-Read
The blurb is interesting 👀💚 let’s see…
July 14, 2025
What the Woods Took follows a group of troubled teens during their time in a wilderness therapy program.
This set-up has been popping-up quite a bit in various iterations over the past few years, but for me, this is the best I've seen it executed. I was fully-engrossed in this story.
Devin is our MC. We meet her when she is awakened one night by two strange men in her room; essentially kidnapping her into a program known as Revive.
She finds herself shoved into a van and driven deep into the woods of Idaho. She meets a group of equally confused teens and it's at that point, she discovers the true depth of the unsettling situation she finds herself in.
There are two counselors/guides for the program, and the other teens include Ollie, Aidan, Hannah and Sheridan. They're told they will be hiking for 50-days.
Each teen is coming from vastly different circumstances, of which we learn over the course of the story. They're each battling their own inner demons, but what they'll face in the woods will be unlike anything they've ever battled before.
I went into this one not knowing a lot about it. I've read two previous novels from Gould, and enjoyed them, but this one is definitely my favorite of her work.
I was captivated from the start. It kicks off immediately and drops us into the heart of the action. I really appreciated the character work that Gould displayed here.
It wasn't just Devin that you got to know well, all of the characters were fully fleshed out. IMO, for Younger Readers, or Teens, picking this up, everyone should be able to find an aspect to this story that will resonate with them.
There was a real cathartic feel about these teens experiences in the program initially. As mentioned above, they were all struggling with some serious issues, and had been acting out in their home life as a way to deal to it.
The more time they spent together, under the uncomfortable conditions, the more they began to open up to one another. There was some serious growth.
Then the crazy stuff starts to happen. There's something strange in the woods and the pace really picks up after all of that starts to be exposed.
I thought Gould paced this perfectly. I enjoyed how the strangeness unfolded. It felt hypnotic and darkly-enticing. I needed to know what the heck was going to happen here. How were these teens actually going to survive this?
It was eerie and intense. I was rooting for these characters, even the ones that drove me batty at first. The growth they displayed and the horrifying situation they were in, made me root for them all by the end.
I would recommend this to YA Horror, or YA Survival Thriller, Readers. I feel like the character work and atmosphere are reason enough to pick it up, but if you need more, add in a convincing sapphic romance. Additionally, I would recommend the audiobook for the engaging narration.
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to whatever Gould releases next!
This set-up has been popping-up quite a bit in various iterations over the past few years, but for me, this is the best I've seen it executed. I was fully-engrossed in this story.
Devin is our MC. We meet her when she is awakened one night by two strange men in her room; essentially kidnapping her into a program known as Revive.
She finds herself shoved into a van and driven deep into the woods of Idaho. She meets a group of equally confused teens and it's at that point, she discovers the true depth of the unsettling situation she finds herself in.
There are two counselors/guides for the program, and the other teens include Ollie, Aidan, Hannah and Sheridan. They're told they will be hiking for 50-days.
Each teen is coming from vastly different circumstances, of which we learn over the course of the story. They're each battling their own inner demons, but what they'll face in the woods will be unlike anything they've ever battled before.
I went into this one not knowing a lot about it. I've read two previous novels from Gould, and enjoyed them, but this one is definitely my favorite of her work.
I was captivated from the start. It kicks off immediately and drops us into the heart of the action. I really appreciated the character work that Gould displayed here.
It wasn't just Devin that you got to know well, all of the characters were fully fleshed out. IMO, for Younger Readers, or Teens, picking this up, everyone should be able to find an aspect to this story that will resonate with them.
There was a real cathartic feel about these teens experiences in the program initially. As mentioned above, they were all struggling with some serious issues, and had been acting out in their home life as a way to deal to it.
The more time they spent together, under the uncomfortable conditions, the more they began to open up to one another. There was some serious growth.
Then the crazy stuff starts to happen. There's something strange in the woods and the pace really picks up after all of that starts to be exposed.
I thought Gould paced this perfectly. I enjoyed how the strangeness unfolded. It felt hypnotic and darkly-enticing. I needed to know what the heck was going to happen here. How were these teens actually going to survive this?
It was eerie and intense. I was rooting for these characters, even the ones that drove me batty at first. The growth they displayed and the horrifying situation they were in, made me root for them all by the end.
I would recommend this to YA Horror, or YA Survival Thriller, Readers. I feel like the character work and atmosphere are reason enough to pick it up, but if you need more, add in a convincing sapphic romance. Additionally, I would recommend the audiobook for the engaging narration.
Thank you to the publisher, Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm looking forward to whatever Gould releases next!
Read
January 6, 2024UPDATE 1.3.24:
The cover has been revealed! What the Woods Took is the story of five teens enrolled in a wilderness therapy program who find themselves in danger when their camp counselors mysteriously disappear and they begin to suspect there's something wrong with the titular woods around them. It's my absolute favorite thing I've ever written, and I hope you enjoy reading it half as much as I enjoyed piecing it together. It is also available for preorder from most stores, and the full summary will be uploaded soon! Thank you all SO much for the enthusiasm, and I'll see you in December 2024 for a spooky, scary good time.
For CWs, check gouldbooks.com/wtwt
________________________________________________
Thank you so much to everyone who has shown enthusiasm for WTWT! As you know, I try to avoid being on Goodreads, so I'll just give a quick synopsis and retreat back into my cave. WHAT THE WOODS TOOK is a queer survival horror with a paranormal twist, very Yellowjackets/The Wilds with a healthy dose of horror! What you can expect from WTWT:
- lesbian enemies-to-lovers
- a punch-first-think-later heroine
- a skater with a heart of gold
- uncanny monsters with a horrifying agenda (have I mentioned this is my scariest book yet?)
- an ensemble cast with complicated dynamics
- twists, turns, and mistrust abound!
For more info and content warnings, hit gouldbooks.com/wtwt
Thank you so much, and I'll see you in 2024!
The cover has been revealed! What the Woods Took is the story of five teens enrolled in a wilderness therapy program who find themselves in danger when their camp counselors mysteriously disappear and they begin to suspect there's something wrong with the titular woods around them. It's my absolute favorite thing I've ever written, and I hope you enjoy reading it half as much as I enjoyed piecing it together. It is also available for preorder from most stores, and the full summary will be uploaded soon! Thank you all SO much for the enthusiasm, and I'll see you in December 2024 for a spooky, scary good time.
For CWs, check gouldbooks.com/wtwt
________________________________________________
Thank you so much to everyone who has shown enthusiasm for WTWT! As you know, I try to avoid being on Goodreads, so I'll just give a quick synopsis and retreat back into my cave. WHAT THE WOODS TOOK is a queer survival horror with a paranormal twist, very Yellowjackets/The Wilds with a healthy dose of horror! What you can expect from WTWT:
- lesbian enemies-to-lovers
- a punch-first-think-later heroine
- a skater with a heart of gold
- uncanny monsters with a horrifying agenda (have I mentioned this is my scariest book yet?)
- an ensemble cast with complicated dynamics
- twists, turns, and mistrust abound!
For more info and content warnings, hit gouldbooks.com/wtwt
Thank you so much, and I'll see you in 2024!
November 25, 2024
Hey Siri- Please play Teenagers by My Chemical Romance
3.85 Stars
What the Woods Took is a powerful narrative about survival, friendship, and confronting personal trauma. Gould handles sensitive topics with a remarkable amount of care and nuance, and it’s evident that a great deal of research went into crafting this story. The way the author explores the psychological and emotional layers of the characters’ experiences, especially in the face of trauma, is both thoughtful and poignant.
The author's writing is masterful, creating an intensely atmospheric experience that pulls the reader deep into the heart of the forest. As a group of teens ventures further into the woods, the tension is palpable—I could almost feel the dense, claustrophobic forest closing in around them, amplifying the sense of danger and uncertainty. Every twist and turn in the narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, with suspense hanging over every page, as I never quite knew what to expect next.
The character development is truly exceptional. As the layers of each camper’s backstory and inner struggles are gradually revealed, I found myself deeply invested in their individual journeys. Each character felt fully realized and complex, and I couldn't help but root for them as they navigated the harrowing challenges they faced. Devin and Sheridan were especially compelling, their personalities jumping off the page with raw emotion and authenticity. But what truly impressed me was the growth of Ollie—this character's arc was a standout for me. Watching Ollie evolve over the course of the story added an emotional depth that made the experience even more impactful.
This is a story of survival and monsters, but at its heart, it’s a poignant tale of found family—one that reminds us that the most unexpected bonds can be forged in the most unlikely of place.
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & St. Martins Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
3.85 Stars
What the Woods Took is a powerful narrative about survival, friendship, and confronting personal trauma. Gould handles sensitive topics with a remarkable amount of care and nuance, and it’s evident that a great deal of research went into crafting this story. The way the author explores the psychological and emotional layers of the characters’ experiences, especially in the face of trauma, is both thoughtful and poignant.
The author's writing is masterful, creating an intensely atmospheric experience that pulls the reader deep into the heart of the forest. As a group of teens ventures further into the woods, the tension is palpable—I could almost feel the dense, claustrophobic forest closing in around them, amplifying the sense of danger and uncertainty. Every twist and turn in the narrative kept me on the edge of my seat, with suspense hanging over every page, as I never quite knew what to expect next.
The character development is truly exceptional. As the layers of each camper’s backstory and inner struggles are gradually revealed, I found myself deeply invested in their individual journeys. Each character felt fully realized and complex, and I couldn't help but root for them as they navigated the harrowing challenges they faced. Devin and Sheridan were especially compelling, their personalities jumping off the page with raw emotion and authenticity. But what truly impressed me was the growth of Ollie—this character's arc was a standout for me. Watching Ollie evolve over the course of the story added an emotional depth that made the experience even more impactful.
This is a story of survival and monsters, but at its heart, it’s a poignant tale of found family—one that reminds us that the most unexpected bonds can be forged in the most unlikely of place.
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & St. Martins Press for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review✨
January 6, 2024
courtney gould said we will need therapy so i'm hyped
edit: she was right. jesus christ i’m unstable.
edit: she was right. jesus christ i’m unstable.
December 10, 2024
a tense and eye opening read that follows a group of troubled teens that all get sent to a wilderness camp by their families due to issues with their behavior. the topic of trauma is a strong motivator for the characters actions and later development in this story. the main cast: Devin, Ollie, Sheridan, Aidan and Hannah all grow so much throughout this experience and form bonds with each other as they feel a sense of kinship and understanding of one another’s situations. i think this book opens up conversations on the dark things teens have gone through and how they can feel isolated from their family due to the immense amount of pressure.
”But just like every fight, every loss, every night spent lying awake in the dark, every half-baked escape plan, none of it ever leaves.
She’s made of every bad thing that has happened to her, just like she’s made of every good thing.”
the horror elements where interwoven well, with these shapeshifting beings called “mimics” who feed on anyone who’s on the edge of giving up. they take over that person’s whole persona, until nothing is left of the original. i liked seeing how the characters worked through their own feelings and Hannah specifically had a really intriguing arc towards the end. all the characters are great though tbh and the romance between Devin and Sheridan was handled in a way that felt organic. i had a good time reading this and thought it felt so real and intentional with everything it set out to portray. i just love when authors use horror in this kind of way.
↠ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the arc, all opinions are my own.
”But just like every fight, every loss, every night spent lying awake in the dark, every half-baked escape plan, none of it ever leaves.
She’s made of every bad thing that has happened to her, just like she’s made of every good thing.”
the horror elements where interwoven well, with these shapeshifting beings called “mimics” who feed on anyone who’s on the edge of giving up. they take over that person’s whole persona, until nothing is left of the original. i liked seeing how the characters worked through their own feelings and Hannah specifically had a really intriguing arc towards the end. all the characters are great though tbh and the romance between Devin and Sheridan was handled in a way that felt organic. i had a good time reading this and thought it felt so real and intentional with everything it set out to portray. i just love when authors use horror in this kind of way.
↠ many thanks to NetGalley, the author and St. Martin’s Press for the arc, all opinions are my own.
June 1, 2025
If you're a fan of survival based horror, I would definitely recommend checking this one out. I've been meaning to read Courtney Gould for a while and this did not disappoint. While there are some strange things that happen to these teens in the woods, I do believe that it is also a close look at the horror of their personal lives. While I won't disclose much about about what they do find in the woods, it does feel deeply connected to their personal experiences. If you're interested in hearing more about what I thought about this book, be sure to check out this vlog: https://youtu.be/tsLTSPur8Bg
October 14, 2024
I was hooked by chapter 3. It's just so creepy!
Rating: 4.25 ⭐️
What the Woods Took follows Devin as she is taken from her bed in the middle of the night to go to a wilderness therapy program. She and four other "troubled teens" are dropped off in the Idaho woods with two counselors set on changing their destructive ways. However, everything is not as it seems as they slowly become aware of inhuman faces peering out at them from between the trees...
I wish this book came out this month, because it's the perfect spooky season read! 🎃
What The Woods Took is very uncanny valley. And I loved it. For me, nothing scares me or creeps me out more than something that almost looks human. And an inhuman SMILE? I never recover from that.
One aspect I didn't like for a majority of the book, however, was Sheridan, one of the other "troubled teens." I could not stand her. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say I begrudgingly grew to tolerate her and that the characters' arcs and interactions with one another are never anything less than complex.
Overall, I very much recommend this book if you're in the mood for something spooky. Keep an eye out for when it releases December 10th!
Rating: 4.25 ⭐️
"She knows she's a problem the way she knows her hair is brown and the sky is blue. She knows that she's a problem, but for once in her life, she wants to be her own problem."
What the Woods Took follows Devin as she is taken from her bed in the middle of the night to go to a wilderness therapy program. She and four other "troubled teens" are dropped off in the Idaho woods with two counselors set on changing their destructive ways. However, everything is not as it seems as they slowly become aware of inhuman faces peering out at them from between the trees...
I wish this book came out this month, because it's the perfect spooky season read! 🎃
What The Woods Took is very uncanny valley. And I loved it. For me, nothing scares me or creeps me out more than something that almost looks human. And an inhuman SMILE? I never recover from that.
One aspect I didn't like for a majority of the book, however, was Sheridan, one of the other "troubled teens." I could not stand her. I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say I begrudgingly grew to tolerate her and that the characters' arcs and interactions with one another are never anything less than complex.
Overall, I very much recommend this book if you're in the mood for something spooky. Keep an eye out for when it releases December 10th!
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me early access to What The Woods Took in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 31, 2024
The Sisters are at it again, rambling and swapping thoughts on What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould. Equal parts chilling and heart-wrenching, leaving us captivated by what the woods took from its characters—and, perhaps more importantly, what it gave back to them.
My Take:A Dark and Twisty YA Thriller Full of Drama, Terror, and Transformation
There is something about creepy things happening in the woods that gives me those perfect eerie, spooky vibes. And this book? It delivers all that and more with a side of teenage drama and raw emotional chaos.
So, we’ve got a group of teenagers dropped into a wilderness therapy program, and let’s just say things go way off the rails. Suddenly, they’re left to fend for themselves in the woods, where some truly terrifying and unsettling things start happening. The atmosphere in this book is spot on as Gould builds tension, crafting a forest that feels alive—teeming with unknown monsters, both lurking in the shadows and the ones buried deep within us. It’s a place where their darkest fears and trauma collide with real threats, and every shadow feels far too real to ignore.
There is so much heart to the story, packed into all that terror. Beneath the monsters and the survival story, there is plenty of depth to delve into. It’s about trauma and transformation, about those bonds that form when people are thrown into life-or-death situations. When they need protection from the outside world and themselves.
Now, I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest fan of teenagers and their endless drama—but their pain, their struggles, and raw emotions. That stuff gets me every time. I can’t help but have a soft spot for them, and Gould nails that vulnerability perfectly in this story.
Talking about that drama there is plenty of it when exploring the dynamics between the characters and it does get to be a bit much at times. It is a YA so it’s to be expected. Gould does weave in enemies-to-lovers tropes that feels fresh and different with those horror elements.
And let’s talk about the themes! Gould layers trauma, survival, and self-discovery beautifully. These kids are broken in different ways, but there’s a powerful message here about how connection and love can help us piece ourselves back together, even when the world (or the woods) is out to get us.
The Sister’s Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a YA novel that blends eerie supernatural elements with raw emotional depth, What the Woods Took is a must-read. We both agree: Gould has crafted a story that’s as chilling as it is heartfelt, packed with tension, trauma, and the transformative power of connection. Just be ready for a little teenage drama along the way.
Check out Norma's Take:Eerie, slow-burning, and transformative!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
My Take:A Dark and Twisty YA Thriller Full of Drama, Terror, and Transformation
There is something about creepy things happening in the woods that gives me those perfect eerie, spooky vibes. And this book? It delivers all that and more with a side of teenage drama and raw emotional chaos.
So, we’ve got a group of teenagers dropped into a wilderness therapy program, and let’s just say things go way off the rails. Suddenly, they’re left to fend for themselves in the woods, where some truly terrifying and unsettling things start happening. The atmosphere in this book is spot on as Gould builds tension, crafting a forest that feels alive—teeming with unknown monsters, both lurking in the shadows and the ones buried deep within us. It’s a place where their darkest fears and trauma collide with real threats, and every shadow feels far too real to ignore.
There is so much heart to the story, packed into all that terror. Beneath the monsters and the survival story, there is plenty of depth to delve into. It’s about trauma and transformation, about those bonds that form when people are thrown into life-or-death situations. When they need protection from the outside world and themselves.
Now, I’ll admit, I’m not the biggest fan of teenagers and their endless drama—but their pain, their struggles, and raw emotions. That stuff gets me every time. I can’t help but have a soft spot for them, and Gould nails that vulnerability perfectly in this story.
Talking about that drama there is plenty of it when exploring the dynamics between the characters and it does get to be a bit much at times. It is a YA so it’s to be expected. Gould does weave in enemies-to-lovers tropes that feels fresh and different with those horror elements.
And let’s talk about the themes! Gould layers trauma, survival, and self-discovery beautifully. These kids are broken in different ways, but there’s a powerful message here about how connection and love can help us piece ourselves back together, even when the world (or the woods) is out to get us.
The Sister’s Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a YA novel that blends eerie supernatural elements with raw emotional depth, What the Woods Took is a must-read. We both agree: Gould has crafted a story that’s as chilling as it is heartfelt, packed with tension, trauma, and the transformative power of connection. Just be ready for a little teenage drama along the way.
Check out Norma's Take:Eerie, slow-burning, and transformative!
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
December 31, 2024
The Sisters are at it again, rambling and swapping thoughts on What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould. Equal parts chilling and heart-wrenching, leaving us captivated by what the woods took from its characters—and, perhaps more importantly, what it gave back to them.
3.5 ⭐️ My take: Eerie, slow-burning, and transformative!
What the Woods Took felt like stepping into a foggy forest where every hidden path led deeper into mystery. The premise instantly grabbed me—troubled teens sent into the wilderness for therapy, each carrying their own burdens, only to confront something far darker than they imagined.
The group dynamics were fascinating—alliances constantly shifting, secrets coming to light, and tension rising with each passing moment. Devin Green was a standout character for me—raw, resilient, and impossible not to root for.
The woods themselves held a presence that felt far more than just a setting—they were a constant, unsettling force throughout the story, drawing the characters deeper into their fears. The supernatural elements were chilling, perfectly mirroring the trauma the teens were experiencing. The atmosphere was so thick and vivid, I couldn’t shake it even when I wasn’t reading.
What stayed with me most, though, was how the story explored survival and transformation. The teens had to face the darkest parts of themselves in order to survive—not just physically, but emotionally. The found family dynamic was also a powerful addition, showing how love and connection can give us the strength to fight through the darkest times.
The ending was heartfelt and touching, tying everything together beautifully with the story’s themes of survival, transformation, and the importance of connection. It left me reflecting long after the last page. That said, there were parts of the story where I felt a bit disconnected—perhaps due to pacing or a lack of deeper attachment to certain YA drama from the characters. Even so, the haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking themes stayed with me, making it a story that lingered long after I finished.
If you enjoy slow-burn supernatural tales that are as chilling as they are emotional, What the Woods Took is definitely worth exploring.
Brenda’s Take: A Dark and Twisty YA Thriller Full of Drama, Terror, and Transformation
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Sister’s Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a YA novel that blends eerie supernatural elements with raw emotional depth, What the Woods Took is a must-read. We both agree: Gould has crafted a story that’s as chilling as it is heartfelt, packed with tension, trauma, and the transformative power of connection. Just be ready for a little teenage drama along the way.
3.5 ⭐️ My take: Eerie, slow-burning, and transformative!
What the Woods Took felt like stepping into a foggy forest where every hidden path led deeper into mystery. The premise instantly grabbed me—troubled teens sent into the wilderness for therapy, each carrying their own burdens, only to confront something far darker than they imagined.
The group dynamics were fascinating—alliances constantly shifting, secrets coming to light, and tension rising with each passing moment. Devin Green was a standout character for me—raw, resilient, and impossible not to root for.
The woods themselves held a presence that felt far more than just a setting—they were a constant, unsettling force throughout the story, drawing the characters deeper into their fears. The supernatural elements were chilling, perfectly mirroring the trauma the teens were experiencing. The atmosphere was so thick and vivid, I couldn’t shake it even when I wasn’t reading.
What stayed with me most, though, was how the story explored survival and transformation. The teens had to face the darkest parts of themselves in order to survive—not just physically, but emotionally. The found family dynamic was also a powerful addition, showing how love and connection can give us the strength to fight through the darkest times.
The ending was heartfelt and touching, tying everything together beautifully with the story’s themes of survival, transformation, and the importance of connection. It left me reflecting long after the last page. That said, there were parts of the story where I felt a bit disconnected—perhaps due to pacing or a lack of deeper attachment to certain YA drama from the characters. Even so, the haunting atmosphere and thought-provoking themes stayed with me, making it a story that lingered long after I finished.
If you enjoy slow-burn supernatural tales that are as chilling as they are emotional, What the Woods Took is definitely worth exploring.
Brenda’s Take: A Dark and Twisty YA Thriller Full of Drama, Terror, and Transformation
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
The Sister’s Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a YA novel that blends eerie supernatural elements with raw emotional depth, What the Woods Took is a must-read. We both agree: Gould has crafted a story that’s as chilling as it is heartfelt, packed with tension, trauma, and the transformative power of connection. Just be ready for a little teenage drama along the way.
February 7, 2025
somehow this is the second book i've read so far this year that features a gay makeout in a cold lake/stream deep in the forest? hopefully that bodes well for the year ahead...
oddly, this feels more YA than either of gould's prior novels. and compared to a typical YA horror/thriller, it's absolutely stellar, but compared to gould's other works, it's not the greatest. nevertheless, it has all of the excellent hallmarks of her writing - gritty emotions, parental trauma, sinister and mysterious landscape, supernatural terror, and a messy fledgling gay romance.
this is a story of troubled teens forced to embark on a multiweek hike as part of "wilderness therapy." the first act feels foremost like a survival story, which is marred by how unrealistic and vague the survival elements are. there's no detail about the logistics of the backpacking trek, and there's a total lack of concern about wildlife or obtaining resources, let alone the endurance of a group of so many young and inexperienced hikers. i get that this part of the story is setting the scene for when things kick into gear, but the unrealistic elements were very distracting.
but then, the creatures emerge, things get scary and surreal and brutally life-or-death, and this is where the book shines. the mimics seriously creeped me out! and monsters that imitate people from your real life, and use words to break you down until you surrender to death - what a terrifying way to explore past traumas. since the mimics can transform into anyone, there's also a super juicy "impostor among us" element.
gould is a master at maintaining tension over the course of a novel, and once it kicks in, it doesn't let up. i love the landscape and the creeping darkness of the forest. i also love the way that the monsters make trust an impossibility, yet this is a story about learning to rely on your allies, to have faith that you're going to save each other again and again.
oddly, this feels more YA than either of gould's prior novels. and compared to a typical YA horror/thriller, it's absolutely stellar, but compared to gould's other works, it's not the greatest. nevertheless, it has all of the excellent hallmarks of her writing - gritty emotions, parental trauma, sinister and mysterious landscape, supernatural terror, and a messy fledgling gay romance.
this is a story of troubled teens forced to embark on a multiweek hike as part of "wilderness therapy." the first act feels foremost like a survival story, which is marred by how unrealistic and vague the survival elements are. there's no detail about the logistics of the backpacking trek, and there's a total lack of concern about wildlife or obtaining resources, let alone the endurance of a group of so many young and inexperienced hikers. i get that this part of the story is setting the scene for when things kick into gear, but the unrealistic elements were very distracting.
but then, the creatures emerge, things get scary and surreal and brutally life-or-death, and this is where the book shines. the mimics seriously creeped me out! and monsters that imitate people from your real life, and use words to break you down until you surrender to death - what a terrifying way to explore past traumas. since the mimics can transform into anyone, there's also a super juicy "impostor among us" element.
gould is a master at maintaining tension over the course of a novel, and once it kicks in, it doesn't let up. i love the landscape and the creeping darkness of the forest. i also love the way that the monsters make trust an impossibility, yet this is a story about learning to rely on your allies, to have faith that you're going to save each other again and again.
December 13, 2024
Devin’s story begins with a literal bang as she wakes up to find strangers in her bedroom, only to be dragged off to the middle of the Idaho woods. It’s such a jarring, unsettling beginning that had me immediately wondering what was going on and who I could trust.
What really stood out for me was the atmosphere. The author’s description of the remote forest setting made it easy to feel just as lost and isolated as the teens. I could almost hear the rustling of leaves and feel the unease creeping in as the group realized they were on their own. And the strange visions in the trees? That was a beautifully creepy touch that made me want to keep reading to see what was real and what was just in their heads.
The characters were definitely a highlight. Devin’s determination and courage made her an easy protagonist to root for, and I loved Ollie’s quieter strength and introspection. Both had distinct voices, and I felt deeply connected to their struggles. The way they clashed and came together with the other teens—especially with the abrasive, tough-as-nails Sheridan—felt authentic. Watching them try to figure out who they could trust and who was hiding secrets was so satisfying.
This book isn’t just a survival story; it’s also about growth, friendship, and overcoming trauma. The author handled those tough themes with so much care, and I could feel the raw emotions through the pages. By the end, I was so invested that I found myself wanting more. I’m really looking forward to whatever the author has in store next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
What really stood out for me was the atmosphere. The author’s description of the remote forest setting made it easy to feel just as lost and isolated as the teens. I could almost hear the rustling of leaves and feel the unease creeping in as the group realized they were on their own. And the strange visions in the trees? That was a beautifully creepy touch that made me want to keep reading to see what was real and what was just in their heads.
The characters were definitely a highlight. Devin’s determination and courage made her an easy protagonist to root for, and I loved Ollie’s quieter strength and introspection. Both had distinct voices, and I felt deeply connected to their struggles. The way they clashed and came together with the other teens—especially with the abrasive, tough-as-nails Sheridan—felt authentic. Watching them try to figure out who they could trust and who was hiding secrets was so satisfying.
This book isn’t just a survival story; it’s also about growth, friendship, and overcoming trauma. The author handled those tough themes with so much care, and I could feel the raw emotions through the pages. By the end, I was so invested that I found myself wanting more. I’m really looking forward to whatever the author has in store next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
February 24, 2026
Yellowjackets but it's Van, Nat, Laura Lee, Javi and Travis in a wilderness therapy program full of monsters .
December 4, 2024
It’s the middle of the night, and Devin Green is fast asleep when it happens - she wakes up to two strange men in her room, abducting her. When she screams for her foster parents, they just watch her leave, telling her this is for the best. She’s being sent to the REVIVE Teen Rehabilitation Journey after fighting in school, and she’ll spend the next 50 days hiking through the wilderness in the hopes of, well, rehabilitation.
She arrives at a forest in Idaho with Ollie, another teenager abducted from his home. They soon meet Aidan, Hannah and Sheridan, along with their psycho counselors, Coach Ethan and Coach Liv. These young strangers have no choice but to play along; there is nowhere to escape to and nowhere to hide. They begin their hike and start to form tentative friendships, definite rivalries, and a disdain for sleeping outdoors and talking about their feelings. Then one morning, they wake up to find the coaches gone. What do they do now?
That’s when we switch from a young adult book into more of a horror novel. Yes, this book is YA, something I don’t usually read, but this sounded good so I took a chance, and thankfully it wasn’t too immature. These teenagers aren’t alone in the woods, they are surrounding by monsters…and not just the ones they are escaping in their minds. The end of this started to drag a bit, and I’m normally not into monster horror because it can be cheesy, but at least this was slightly different. Overall, I enjoyed this creepy and atmospheric tale! 3.5 stars, rounded up.
(Thank you to Wednesday Books, Courtney Gould and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on December 10, 2024.)
She arrives at a forest in Idaho with Ollie, another teenager abducted from his home. They soon meet Aidan, Hannah and Sheridan, along with their psycho counselors, Coach Ethan and Coach Liv. These young strangers have no choice but to play along; there is nowhere to escape to and nowhere to hide. They begin their hike and start to form tentative friendships, definite rivalries, and a disdain for sleeping outdoors and talking about their feelings. Then one morning, they wake up to find the coaches gone. What do they do now?
That’s when we switch from a young adult book into more of a horror novel. Yes, this book is YA, something I don’t usually read, but this sounded good so I took a chance, and thankfully it wasn’t too immature. These teenagers aren’t alone in the woods, they are surrounding by monsters…and not just the ones they are escaping in their minds. The end of this started to drag a bit, and I’m normally not into monster horror because it can be cheesy, but at least this was slightly different. Overall, I enjoyed this creepy and atmospheric tale! 3.5 stars, rounded up.
(Thank you to Wednesday Books, Courtney Gould and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my review. This book is slated to be released on December 10, 2024.)
December 17, 2024
I will start out by saying that I adore Courtney Gould and will read anything she writes. Her writing is beautiful, original, and a gift for the queer community. Even WOODS, which is not my favorite of hers, is well-done.
Devin has spent just a short time in her latest foster home when she's awakened in the night and taken away. She soon learns that her foster parents have sent her to the Revive Wilderness program, a program for troubled youth where a small group of teens spends 50 days in the woods with two counselors. You know, the teens are there against their will, but whatever, right?
Devin clashes immediately with Sheridan, another strong-willed female in the group, but has better luck with Ollie, a lost and troubled soul; the younger Aiden; and religious Hannah. It doesn't take Devin long to realize that things seem off (beyond the forced kidnapping) and soon counselors disappear, the woods seem extra eerie, and more.
This isn't true horror, I don't think, but it sure is creepy and certainly sinister. Gould does a wonderful job of building up the tension. Unfortunately, it takes a while to get to a lot of the scary parts, and they sometimes fizzle out. A huge part of the novel's beginning is spent on the discord between Devin and Sheridan, to the point of repetition and frustration. There's far more focus on interpersonal relationships and the camper's backgrounds than the horror vibes. What does show up is unique and intriguing and often quite spooky.
I especially loved the focus on these wilderness camps, which really do exist, and how they can affect the psyche of already fragile young teens. Also important is Gould's emphasis on queer relationships and her consistently strong portrayal of teens overall. This is a bit of a slow burn, plot-wise, but there's a lot to love here too. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.
Devin has spent just a short time in her latest foster home when she's awakened in the night and taken away. She soon learns that her foster parents have sent her to the Revive Wilderness program, a program for troubled youth where a small group of teens spends 50 days in the woods with two counselors. You know, the teens are there against their will, but whatever, right?
Devin clashes immediately with Sheridan, another strong-willed female in the group, but has better luck with Ollie, a lost and troubled soul; the younger Aiden; and religious Hannah. It doesn't take Devin long to realize that things seem off (beyond the forced kidnapping) and soon counselors disappear, the woods seem extra eerie, and more.
This isn't true horror, I don't think, but it sure is creepy and certainly sinister. Gould does a wonderful job of building up the tension. Unfortunately, it takes a while to get to a lot of the scary parts, and they sometimes fizzle out. A huge part of the novel's beginning is spent on the discord between Devin and Sheridan, to the point of repetition and frustration. There's far more focus on interpersonal relationships and the camper's backgrounds than the horror vibes. What does show up is unique and intriguing and often quite spooky.
I especially loved the focus on these wilderness camps, which really do exist, and how they can affect the psyche of already fragile young teens. Also important is Gould's emphasis on queer relationships and her consistently strong portrayal of teens overall. This is a bit of a slow burn, plot-wise, but there's a lot to love here too. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.
May 1, 2025
If you hike, live near the woods and/or godforbid camp in the woods (ugh,no thank you) it'll likely spook you. It has some genuine creep you out moments, but it falters mid-way and starts to drag as the kids stumble around trying to figure things out. It has fantastic characterization for some of its characters and I very much appreciated that, but a few of them get the short shrift which was a little disappointing. It's probably a 3.5 read for me but I'm a grumpy reader because it took me an entire month to finish this one book, so I'll bump it up to a 4 for GR.
February 3, 2025
« This book is an ode to those who are lost and those who take the time to pull them back from the edge. »
« Seventeen years of jumping from house to house teaches you that what should happen rarely ever does. »
I have to admit that I wasn’t super happy that this was my YA fantasy book from Owlcrate in December. It’s beautiful, but it’s more horror than fantasy.
Well, let me just say that this was a pleasant spooky surprise for me! My heart was constantly in my throat from 30% in. I was spooked and creeped out. To the point my cat threw something on the floor and I literally jumped and had to close the book for a few minutes lol.
The found family was perfect 💗. I highly recommend this if you’re into fantasy horror.
« Seventeen years of jumping from house to house teaches you that what should happen rarely ever does. »
I have to admit that I wasn’t super happy that this was my YA fantasy book from Owlcrate in December. It’s beautiful, but it’s more horror than fantasy.
Well, let me just say that this was a pleasant spooky surprise for me! My heart was constantly in my throat from 30% in. I was spooked and creeped out. To the point my cat threw something on the floor and I literally jumped and had to close the book for a few minutes lol.
The found family was perfect 💗. I highly recommend this if you’re into fantasy horror.
Want to read
April 12, 2024GIVEAWAY WINNER AGAIN!! WE ARE SO BACK!
October 29, 2024
4.5 stars
Going into What the Woods Took, I had never read anything by Courtney Gould, although The Dead and the Dark has been on my radar for quite some time. However, the second I heard that a horror novel about wilderness therapy was being released, I knew I needed to get my hands on it. And while I went into this story with no expectations, I truly believe that even if I went into it expecting greatness, I'd still come out of it fulfilled. Throughout this book, I was continually impressed by Courtney Gould's writing. The premise of this story is great and the plot moves at the perfect speed. The characters are real and grounded, and the relationships they form feel intimate. Overall I was really impressed by this book. The themes are nuanced, but the horror elements are still fun and spooky. I love a good "creature in the woods" story.
Thank you to the publisher and Macmillan Audio for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!
Going into What the Woods Took, I had never read anything by Courtney Gould, although The Dead and the Dark has been on my radar for quite some time. However, the second I heard that a horror novel about wilderness therapy was being released, I knew I needed to get my hands on it. And while I went into this story with no expectations, I truly believe that even if I went into it expecting greatness, I'd still come out of it fulfilled. Throughout this book, I was continually impressed by Courtney Gould's writing. The premise of this story is great and the plot moves at the perfect speed. The characters are real and grounded, and the relationships they form feel intimate. Overall I was really impressed by this book. The themes are nuanced, but the horror elements are still fun and spooky. I love a good "creature in the woods" story.
Thank you to the publisher and Macmillan Audio for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review!
December 10, 2024
This one scared me (in the very best way) but YMMV because I am basically scared of air. :)
A group of teens involuntarily sent to a wilderness therapy program are forced to quickly reconcile their differences and gather any strength they have when they find themselves with no adults to guide them through a forest full of monsters.
I loved this one primarily for the deep character development. We get to know the history of each teen, how they ended up in this situation, what their struggles are. Each one is so complex; we don't know who we can trust or who can pull it together enough to help them all escape. The monsters also terrified me. Seriously, what could be more scary than an entity that can read your memories and take on the shape and sound of the person who most emotionally destroyed you?
I rounded this one up to 5 stars; it was paced so well, just an overall beautifully done horror novel with some complex characters.
Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for this ARC!
A group of teens involuntarily sent to a wilderness therapy program are forced to quickly reconcile their differences and gather any strength they have when they find themselves with no adults to guide them through a forest full of monsters.
I loved this one primarily for the deep character development. We get to know the history of each teen, how they ended up in this situation, what their struggles are. Each one is so complex; we don't know who we can trust or who can pull it together enough to help them all escape. The monsters also terrified me. Seriously, what could be more scary than an entity that can read your memories and take on the shape and sound of the person who most emotionally destroyed you?
I rounded this one up to 5 stars; it was paced so well, just an overall beautifully done horror novel with some complex characters.
Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for this ARC!
December 2, 2024
Devin Green is abducted by 2 men in the middle of the night from her foster home. They throw her in a van and take her to the woods in the middle of nowhere. Her and a group of troubled teens are part of an experiment. They have to hike the creepy woods and camp for 50 days along with several counselors. Instead of problems getting better they just get worse as problems arise and they fight for their lives.
This was an eerie story that had me glued to the pages. It was full of interesting characters.
Thanks NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this eARC that will be released December 10, 2024!
This was an eerie story that had me glued to the pages. It was full of interesting characters.
Thanks NetGalley and St. Martins Press for this eARC that will be released December 10, 2024!
June 28, 2024
2.5 rounded up.
It’s an interesting idea for a story, and had a lot of potential.
I’ve been slowly realizing that maybe YA thriller isn’t for me anymore. Being in Devin’s teenager head was very frustrating, personally.
Writing is very accessible and flows well. It just wasn’t scary/creepy enough for me… but again, that could be because this is YA!
Thank you for the ARC!
It’s an interesting idea for a story, and had a lot of potential.
I’ve been slowly realizing that maybe YA thriller isn’t for me anymore. Being in Devin’s teenager head was very frustrating, personally.
Writing is very accessible and flows well. It just wasn’t scary/creepy enough for me… but again, that could be because this is YA!
Thank you for the ARC!
February 1, 2025
Five troubled teens are sent to a wilderness retreat. They wake one morning to find both their counselors have mysteriously disappeared. They are left on their own in the middle of a secluded forest, and some weird stuff begins to go down.
I think this was a really well done YA. I didn't find it particularly creepy, but I'm not the target audience. I think the feel of the woods was ominous, and this would be great for an atmospheric summer/fall read. I appreciated the back stories of the teens, though I wish we got a bit more character development for all of them. Their traumatic backgrounds were not as fully explored as I think they could have been, but they were more relatable to me because of what we know as the reader, and I was less annoyed by teen angst.
I think this was a really well done YA. I didn't find it particularly creepy, but I'm not the target audience. I think the feel of the woods was ominous, and this would be great for an atmospheric summer/fall read. I appreciated the back stories of the teens, though I wish we got a bit more character development for all of them. Their traumatic backgrounds were not as fully explored as I think they could have been, but they were more relatable to me because of what we know as the reader, and I was less annoyed by teen angst.
December 13, 2024
Thanks to Netgalley and Wednesday Books for the pre-release copy of this book. Below is my honest review.
I really enjoyed What the Woods Took. It had a really good premise, had a real message, and had some really creepy baddies. The character development was on point, and it had a little bit of everything. My favorite part was the baddies though. I need more books with these things, so maybe we will get lucky and Gould will bring them back some day!!! Fingers crossed.
Highly recommended for fans of creature features, thrillers, YA, and creepy horror-lite stories. My only complaint was that I guessed one of the twists, but it was still done really well.
I really enjoyed What the Woods Took. It had a really good premise, had a real message, and had some really creepy baddies. The character development was on point, and it had a little bit of everything. My favorite part was the baddies though. I need more books with these things, so maybe we will get lucky and Gould will bring them back some day!!! Fingers crossed.
Highly recommended for fans of creature features, thrillers, YA, and creepy horror-lite stories. My only complaint was that I guessed one of the twists, but it was still done really well.
October 19, 2025
I just can’t help but love a story that takes place in the forest.
It just adds so much vibe.
I think young adult horror is a hard one to get right.
Navigating between making things scary, but not overly gruesome is challenging. I think this one did a decent job.
Not my absolute favorite, but it was worth the read.
I like the monsters.
There’s a big psychological element to them. And this causes one of my favorite themes ever: Where the entire group gets suspicious of each other, and all trust is broken.
Give me more of that.
The characters here are kinda just okay.
I didn’t really connect with them that much. But if you’re particularly into the troubled, misbehaved teen backstory thing- you might like them more.
Though, bonus points for the little sapphic element that came through. I had no idea that was going to be there.
But I’m never complaining.
Overall good, maybe could have been better, but I don’t really have any hard criticisms.
It just adds so much vibe.
I think young adult horror is a hard one to get right.
Navigating between making things scary, but not overly gruesome is challenging. I think this one did a decent job.
Not my absolute favorite, but it was worth the read.
I like the monsters.
There’s a big psychological element to them. And this causes one of my favorite themes ever: Where the entire group gets suspicious of each other, and all trust is broken.
Give me more of that.
The characters here are kinda just okay.
I didn’t really connect with them that much. But if you’re particularly into the troubled, misbehaved teen backstory thing- you might like them more.
Though, bonus points for the little sapphic element that came through. I had no idea that was going to be there.
But I’m never complaining.
Overall good, maybe could have been better, but I don’t really have any hard criticisms.
January 4, 2025
FIRST READ OF THE YEARRR and courtney gould truly did not disappoint
December 21, 2024
This book was good, and I loved all the characters a lot, especially Devin, Sheridan, and Ollie. I loved the journey they all went through.
I will note though that while this book is spooky, it didn’t unsettle me in the way Courtney Gould’s previous two books did. Though that might just be a personal taste thing as the previous two hit on my brand of religious upbringing and religious trauma whereas this is a monster story of sorts.
But I did enjoy this, the character work is wonderful and vivid. Gould is really a fantastic queer horror writer.
I will note though that while this book is spooky, it didn’t unsettle me in the way Courtney Gould’s previous two books did. Though that might just be a personal taste thing as the previous two hit on my brand of religious upbringing and religious trauma whereas this is a monster story of sorts.
But I did enjoy this, the character work is wonderful and vivid. Gould is really a fantastic queer horror writer.
October 27, 2024
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: Dec. 10, 2024
If you are looking for a deliciously spooky read for the season, “What the Woods Took” by Courtney Gould is the perfect, spine-tingling choice!
Devin Green is taken from her foster home in the middle of the night and thrown into the back of a van, where she meets Oliver, who was taken from his house the same way. Next thing they know, they are joining a group of teenagers at a recreational therapy camp, an outdoor camping experience for “troubled teens”. As they are led through the woods with their camp counselors, Devin quickly learns that something is very, very wrong. Devin and her friends are being watched- and Devin is convinced that whatever is watching is not human.
Courtney Gould’s newest YA horror novel will make you think twice about things that go bump in the night (and maybe canceling that upcoming camping trip)? “Woods” is told from multiple perspectives, both Devin and Ollie, as they navigate the woods and try to stay alive. It is terrifying, literally and figuratively, and once I opened the book, there was no way I was going back.
Gould writes her teenage characters with honesty and naiveté, connecting with modern audiences. The trauma suffered by these children, only to have it exacerbated by their grueling wilderness camp experience (which is only the beginning) is heart-wrenching and horrifying in equal measure. And Gould’s “mimic” monsters? Holy cow. Talk about a heart-stopping thrill ride of terror.
Gould is creative with her plot and frighteningly descriptive with her scenery and her horror monsters. With relatable, honest characters and a non-stop, well-flowing storyline, “Woods” is the perfect book to read under the covers on a dark and stormy night.
I am familiar with Gould but haven’t gotten around to reading her novels before (as a YA author, I am not exactly her target audience), however I am a huge fan of horror novels, so the premise of this novel alone hooked me. Gould is talented and her writing is refreshing, and I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye out for any more of her spooky stories!
Expected publication date: Dec. 10, 2024
If you are looking for a deliciously spooky read for the season, “What the Woods Took” by Courtney Gould is the perfect, spine-tingling choice!
Devin Green is taken from her foster home in the middle of the night and thrown into the back of a van, where she meets Oliver, who was taken from his house the same way. Next thing they know, they are joining a group of teenagers at a recreational therapy camp, an outdoor camping experience for “troubled teens”. As they are led through the woods with their camp counselors, Devin quickly learns that something is very, very wrong. Devin and her friends are being watched- and Devin is convinced that whatever is watching is not human.
Courtney Gould’s newest YA horror novel will make you think twice about things that go bump in the night (and maybe canceling that upcoming camping trip)? “Woods” is told from multiple perspectives, both Devin and Ollie, as they navigate the woods and try to stay alive. It is terrifying, literally and figuratively, and once I opened the book, there was no way I was going back.
Gould writes her teenage characters with honesty and naiveté, connecting with modern audiences. The trauma suffered by these children, only to have it exacerbated by their grueling wilderness camp experience (which is only the beginning) is heart-wrenching and horrifying in equal measure. And Gould’s “mimic” monsters? Holy cow. Talk about a heart-stopping thrill ride of terror.
Gould is creative with her plot and frighteningly descriptive with her scenery and her horror monsters. With relatable, honest characters and a non-stop, well-flowing storyline, “Woods” is the perfect book to read under the covers on a dark and stormy night.
I am familiar with Gould but haven’t gotten around to reading her novels before (as a YA author, I am not exactly her target audience), however I am a huge fan of horror novels, so the premise of this novel alone hooked me. Gould is talented and her writing is refreshing, and I’m definitely going to be keeping an eye out for any more of her spooky stories!
July 9, 2025
✨️3.5
as someone who spends every waking hour thinking about yellowjackets i naturally really vibed w this !! i kinda wanted it to go way harder on the horror tho, because even for YA standards this was still pretty tame. and i gotta say the whole romance aspect went way over my head because it was just so sudden lmao, but then again that's also very on brand i guess ?? (looking at you yellowjackets season 3) anyways this was still a very engaging read !! also i love ollie, he deserves every single good thing in the entire world < 3
🌿 soundtrack 🌿
pj harvey - rid of me
soccer mommy - still clean
big thief - simulation swarm
veruca salt - volcano girls
kiki rockwell - left for dead
deftones - change (in the house of flies)
soccer mommy - cool
adrianne lenker - zombie girl
mitski - i bet on losing dogs
khatumu - hunting days
skullcrusher - storm in summer
hole - violet
lemon demon - a mask of my own face
samantha joffe - die your daughter
annie dirusso - hungry
boygenius - bite the hand
sharon van etten - seventeen
as someone who spends every waking hour thinking about yellowjackets i naturally really vibed w this !! i kinda wanted it to go way harder on the horror tho, because even for YA standards this was still pretty tame. and i gotta say the whole romance aspect went way over my head because it was just so sudden lmao, but then again that's also very on brand i guess ?? (looking at you yellowjackets season 3) anyways this was still a very engaging read !! also i love ollie, he deserves every single good thing in the entire world < 3
🌿 soundtrack 🌿
pj harvey - rid of me
soccer mommy - still clean
big thief - simulation swarm
veruca salt - volcano girls
kiki rockwell - left for dead
deftones - change (in the house of flies)
soccer mommy - cool
adrianne lenker - zombie girl
mitski - i bet on losing dogs
khatumu - hunting days
skullcrusher - storm in summer
hole - violet
lemon demon - a mask of my own face
samantha joffe - die your daughter
annie dirusso - hungry
boygenius - bite the hand
sharon van etten - seventeen
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