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You Can't Stay
S.T. Ashman, author of I Kill Killers, returns with a
horror thriller
that tightens its grip with every page. Once you start, there’s no turning back.
The Ritual meets True Detective meets Vikings—a hauntingly original knockout.
Not everything lost should be found.
When Esther’s sister vanishes without a trace, no one cares—not for a struggling addict.
But Esther refuses to let the only family she has left slip away. Her search becomes an obsession, uncovering whispers of a dark secret others have died to keep buried.
Dozens of disappearances.
The same location.
The same lie.
Every year, the government sends a group of people deep into New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
And every year, they don’t return.
Soon, another group of people will be sent into the woods. And this time, Esther will be among them.
But not everything lost should be found. In the heart of the wilderness, some secrets are meant to die.
From the
If you found me through I Kill Killers, thank you. That kind of support means more than you know. I always write dark stories—but the flavors shift. One book might drag you into gritty crime like IKK, another into modern fantasy horror like You Can’t Stay. Not every genre will be your thing, and that’s okay. Catch me on the next ride.
When you buy an Ashman, you’re not just supporting an author—you’re backing a mom, a small business, a dreamer, and someone hellbent on telling bold, original stories.
Thanks for being here.
This book includes some dark scenes. It's a horror thriller with Norse mythology, Native cultures, and lots of action.
This is a new story and not a continuation of the IKK series.
Other Books by S. T.
I Kill Killers
We Kill Killers
Final Kill
The Ritual meets True Detective meets Vikings—a hauntingly original knockout.
Not everything lost should be found.
When Esther’s sister vanishes without a trace, no one cares—not for a struggling addict.
But Esther refuses to let the only family she has left slip away. Her search becomes an obsession, uncovering whispers of a dark secret others have died to keep buried.
Dozens of disappearances.
The same location.
The same lie.
Every year, the government sends a group of people deep into New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
And every year, they don’t return.
Soon, another group of people will be sent into the woods. And this time, Esther will be among them.
But not everything lost should be found. In the heart of the wilderness, some secrets are meant to die.
From the
If you found me through I Kill Killers, thank you. That kind of support means more than you know. I always write dark stories—but the flavors shift. One book might drag you into gritty crime like IKK, another into modern fantasy horror like You Can’t Stay. Not every genre will be your thing, and that’s okay. Catch me on the next ride.
When you buy an Ashman, you’re not just supporting an author—you’re backing a mom, a small business, a dreamer, and someone hellbent on telling bold, original stories.
Thanks for being here.
This book includes some dark scenes. It's a horror thriller with Norse mythology, Native cultures, and lots of action.
This is a new story and not a continuation of the IKK series.
Other Books by S. T.
I Kill Killers
We Kill Killers
Final Kill
280 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 10, 2025
727 people are currently reading
1157 people want to read
About the author
S.T. Ashman
7 books625 followersS. T. Ashman is a German-American writer born and raised in Germany, now calling the beautiful U.S. Seacoast home. She once delved into the criminal justice system as a psychotherapist, a role that gifted her with a unique insight into the human psyche—both the beautiful and the deeply shadowed. In another life, she’d be a trench coat-wearing, mystery-solving female Columbo. Her mother’s lineage traces back thousands of years to the Frisians, a fierce Germanic tribe from the north. A history lover to the core, she explores not only her own ancestry but also Indigenous cultures around the world. She weaves history and cultural awareness into action-packed fiction that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
April 2, 2025
S.T. Ashman doesn’t just write a thriller with You Can't Stay, they drag you into the darkness, bolt the door behind you, and throw away the key. This book doesn’t just grip you; it clutches like a cold hand in the dark, refusing to let go. Once you start, you can’t stay away.
At the core of the story is Esther, a woman on a desperate mission to find her missing sister, a mission that quickly spirals into an obsession. Her search leads her straight into the jaws of a chilling government conspiracy, every year, a group of people is sent deep into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and every year, they vanish without a trace. Determined to uncover the truth, Esther ventures into the wilderness, only to find that some secrets are best left buried.
Ashman masterfully blends psychological horror with thriller elements, crafting a narrative that is fast-paced, suspenseful, and laced with an eerie sense of foreboding. The setting itself, a vast, isolated wilderness, feels alive, its shadows watching, its silence whispering. The infusion of Norse mythology adds an unexpected and haunting depth, as if fate itself is woven into the story’s fabric.
This book is not just about survival, it’s about the lengths we go to for family, the horrors lurking in the unknown, and the gut-wrenching realization that not everything lost should be found. The twists come fast and sharp, the atmosphere is thick with dread, and the storytelling is exceptional. Fans of adventure-driven thrillers with a side of existential dread, think The Ritual meets Annihilation, will find You Can't Stay impossible to resist.
Final Verdict: 5 out of 5 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲 woods, A thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t loosen its grip. If you’re looking for a book that will haunt you long after the final page, you have to read this. But fair warning: once you step into these woods, there’s no turning back. I honestly, couldn’t put this novel down.
At the core of the story is Esther, a woman on a desperate mission to find her missing sister, a mission that quickly spirals into an obsession. Her search leads her straight into the jaws of a chilling government conspiracy, every year, a group of people is sent deep into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and every year, they vanish without a trace. Determined to uncover the truth, Esther ventures into the wilderness, only to find that some secrets are best left buried.
Ashman masterfully blends psychological horror with thriller elements, crafting a narrative that is fast-paced, suspenseful, and laced with an eerie sense of foreboding. The setting itself, a vast, isolated wilderness, feels alive, its shadows watching, its silence whispering. The infusion of Norse mythology adds an unexpected and haunting depth, as if fate itself is woven into the story’s fabric.
This book is not just about survival, it’s about the lengths we go to for family, the horrors lurking in the unknown, and the gut-wrenching realization that not everything lost should be found. The twists come fast and sharp, the atmosphere is thick with dread, and the storytelling is exceptional. Fans of adventure-driven thrillers with a side of existential dread, think The Ritual meets Annihilation, will find You Can't Stay impossible to resist.
Final Verdict: 5 out of 5 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲 woods, A thriller that grabs you by the throat and doesn’t loosen its grip. If you’re looking for a book that will haunt you long after the final page, you have to read this. But fair warning: once you step into these woods, there’s no turning back. I honestly, couldn’t put this novel down.
April 13, 2025
Fast paced, action packed, dark, deadly, gripping and bloody entertaining! You Can't Stay: A Dark Thriller is a book that kept me on my toes and turning the pages! I enjoyed the mingling of genres such as horror, supernatural, fantasy, and mystery mixed with Norse mythology and Native folklore in this book. I also enjoyed the twists, turns, and shocking moments which had my pulse pounding and my fingers turning the pages! This book was like Predator meets Annihilation, meets The Blair Witch Project, meets The Hunger games, meets.... you get the picture. I found this book to be entertaining, atmospheric, and hard to put down. I won't want to take a stroll through the woods anytime soon after reading this book!
Esther, who is just shy of becoming a veterinarian. is desperate to find her sister, Jasmine who disappeared without a trace two years ago. Esther has been desperately searching for Jasmine, but it is Esther who has been found by a woman in the military. The woman asks Esther to take her place on a mission into New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Woods that people enter and are never seen again. Desperate to find her sister, Esther agrees to take the female soldier's place.
Ryder is a tough as nails character who has led his teams through many harrowing and dangerous situations. He is in prison at the beginning of this book, but the government needs him and his unique skills to deliver cargo into the White Mountains. He has a keen eye and strong ties to his heritage.
Esther and Ryder are in the same military group which enters the woods and things get interesting fast! Once the action starts, it never gives up. There are things that go bump in the night and then there are well.... you will need to read this book to find out!
I enjoyed the use of Norse mythology and Native lure. (At the end of the book the author gives further detail into what is shown in this book.) This book is oozing with atmosphere and vivid descriptions. Have you ever gotten turned around or lost in the woods? Then you know the feeling that the characters begin to feel in this book. I loved the chilling and eerie vibe that permeated the pages. I also loved the growing tension, the sense of dread, and the mounting danger which leapt from the pages! Like the characters in the book, I never knew what was going to happen next and that is one of the things that I enjoyed most about the book. It's unsettling and adds to the unease felt by the characters. Do things get OTT? Sure, but that just adds to the drama, the danger, the threat, and the unrelenting sinister feel of the woods. Whew!
Entertaining, fast paced, eerie, dark, dangerous, and hard to put down.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op 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 📖
Esther, who is just shy of becoming a veterinarian. is desperate to find her sister, Jasmine who disappeared without a trace two years ago. Esther has been desperately searching for Jasmine, but it is Esther who has been found by a woman in the military. The woman asks Esther to take her place on a mission into New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Woods that people enter and are never seen again. Desperate to find her sister, Esther agrees to take the female soldier's place.
Ryder is a tough as nails character who has led his teams through many harrowing and dangerous situations. He is in prison at the beginning of this book, but the government needs him and his unique skills to deliver cargo into the White Mountains. He has a keen eye and strong ties to his heritage.
Esther and Ryder are in the same military group which enters the woods and things get interesting fast! Once the action starts, it never gives up. There are things that go bump in the night and then there are well.... you will need to read this book to find out!
I enjoyed the use of Norse mythology and Native lure. (At the end of the book the author gives further detail into what is shown in this book.) This book is oozing with atmosphere and vivid descriptions. Have you ever gotten turned around or lost in the woods? Then you know the feeling that the characters begin to feel in this book. I loved the chilling and eerie vibe that permeated the pages. I also loved the growing tension, the sense of dread, and the mounting danger which leapt from the pages! Like the characters in the book, I never knew what was going to happen next and that is one of the things that I enjoyed most about the book. It's unsettling and adds to the unease felt by the characters. Do things get OTT? Sure, but that just adds to the drama, the danger, the threat, and the unrelenting sinister feel of the woods. Whew!
Entertaining, fast paced, eerie, dark, dangerous, and hard to put down.
Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op 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 📖
March 29, 2025
ARC for review. To be published April 30, 2025.
1.4 stars
This was described as “True Detective” meets “Vikings” and clearly my brain turned off after I saw “True Detective” because “Vikings?!?!?” Why would I have requested this?
Esther’s sister disappeared two years ago and she is desperate to find her. I’m telling you, I don’t think anyone in any book I read grows up with a sibling who doesn’t go missing. If you aren’t the MC, you are in bad, bad trouble. But I digress.
Someone finds out about Esther’s sister being gone, maybe someone in the military (this is never explained) and a woman in the military offers her place there to Esther so she can go on a super secret mission into New Hampshire (site of so many secret missions) where her sister might be located. Please note that the military member Esther will be replacing is a SNIPER and I don’t think that Esther knows how to fire a gun. So this seems well planned.
Oh, and it matters that Esther is part Native American, and there’s also a murderer with a heart of gold in there named Ryder (of course,) and a Viking (here he is,) oh, and multiple terribly scary things, plus a big bad, and I won’t spoil any of that because….well, in case you decide to read this rather convoluted mess.
I will admit, there’s a lot going on here. Plus, the books I read hardly ever have snipers in them.
1.4 stars
This was described as “True Detective” meets “Vikings” and clearly my brain turned off after I saw “True Detective” because “Vikings?!?!?” Why would I have requested this?
Esther’s sister disappeared two years ago and she is desperate to find her. I’m telling you, I don’t think anyone in any book I read grows up with a sibling who doesn’t go missing. If you aren’t the MC, you are in bad, bad trouble. But I digress.
Someone finds out about Esther’s sister being gone, maybe someone in the military (this is never explained) and a woman in the military offers her place there to Esther so she can go on a super secret mission into New Hampshire (site of so many secret missions) where her sister might be located. Please note that the military member Esther will be replacing is a SNIPER and I don’t think that Esther knows how to fire a gun. So this seems well planned.
Oh, and it matters that Esther is part Native American, and there’s also a murderer with a heart of gold in there named Ryder (of course,) and a Viking (here he is,) oh, and multiple terribly scary things, plus a big bad, and I won’t spoil any of that because….well, in case you decide to read this rather convoluted mess.
I will admit, there’s a lot going on here. Plus, the books I read hardly ever have snipers in them.
April 11, 2025
If you’ve read I Kill Killers, you already know S.T. Ashman doesn’t do “mild.” But You Can’t Stay isn’t just a new chapter in her bibliography—it’s a whole new direction. Still razor-sharp, still dark at the core, but this one veers wildly into horror-fantasy territory with Norse gods, ancient rage, government secrets, and something monstrous crouched in the woods of New Hampshire.
At the center of the story is Esther, whose sister—a struggling addict—disappears. Everyone else has already written her off. Esther doesn't. She refuses to move on, and instead barrels straight into large scale conspiracy. Think: dozens of missing people, a national forest with secrets, and some kind of government-sanctioned activity that smells simultaneously like folklore, rot, and cover-ups.
The pacing is relentless. The woods are terrifying. And the stakes are higher than an Odin fever dream.
Ashman threads real historical details into the story, weaving in Viking mythology and Native American perspectives with surprising nuance. It’s not just monsters and myths—it’s about the legacy of colonization, erasure, and the brutal things that get buried, both literally and not.
Esther is the kind of protagonist you sweat for. Her search for her sister isn’t just emotional; it’s existential. Every chapter feels like a countdown to something worse. And when she finally walks into the heart of the woods, the tagline—“Not everything lost should be found”—starts to feel less like a warning and more like a scream.
This book is like a genre blender set on high—producing Norse mythology, backwoods horror, deep-state paranoia, and just the right dose of odd. It’s strange. It’s smart. It’s a lot of fun. You’ll laugh nervously. You’ll Google weird stuff at 2 a.m. And you’ll wonder what exactly is watching from the trees. If The Blair Witch had an axe and a government clearance badge, she’d live in these pages. Highly recommended.
At the center of the story is Esther, whose sister—a struggling addict—disappears. Everyone else has already written her off. Esther doesn't. She refuses to move on, and instead barrels straight into large scale conspiracy. Think: dozens of missing people, a national forest with secrets, and some kind of government-sanctioned activity that smells simultaneously like folklore, rot, and cover-ups.
The pacing is relentless. The woods are terrifying. And the stakes are higher than an Odin fever dream.
Ashman threads real historical details into the story, weaving in Viking mythology and Native American perspectives with surprising nuance. It’s not just monsters and myths—it’s about the legacy of colonization, erasure, and the brutal things that get buried, both literally and not.
Esther is the kind of protagonist you sweat for. Her search for her sister isn’t just emotional; it’s existential. Every chapter feels like a countdown to something worse. And when she finally walks into the heart of the woods, the tagline—“Not everything lost should be found”—starts to feel less like a warning and more like a scream.
This book is like a genre blender set on high—producing Norse mythology, backwoods horror, deep-state paranoia, and just the right dose of odd. It’s strange. It’s smart. It’s a lot of fun. You’ll laugh nervously. You’ll Google weird stuff at 2 a.m. And you’ll wonder what exactly is watching from the trees. If The Blair Witch had an axe and a government clearance badge, she’d live in these pages. Highly recommended.
May 2, 2025
Told through a dual POV, you can’t stay follows Esther’s desperate search for her missing sister - one that quickly spirals into something far more sinister. As Esther’s dig deeper, she uncovered a disturbing pattern of disappearances in New Hampshire white mountains, all seemingly buried by government secrets. When she joins a group sent into the wilderness, determined to find answers, she soon learns that some truths were never meant to surface.
The story is a thrilling blend of who, supernatural suspense, fantasy, mystery, all infused with Rich, mythology, and folklore. The pacing had me fully hooked – I couldn’t put it down and found myself constantly wondering what twist would come next. A huge thank you to NetGalley, S.T. Ashman, and Timeless Papers for the ARC. This was a wild ride, and I highly recommend it to fans of dark, genre-bending fiction.
The story is a thrilling blend of who, supernatural suspense, fantasy, mystery, all infused with Rich, mythology, and folklore. The pacing had me fully hooked – I couldn’t put it down and found myself constantly wondering what twist would come next. A huge thank you to NetGalley, S.T. Ashman, and Timeless Papers for the ARC. This was a wild ride, and I highly recommend it to fans of dark, genre-bending fiction.
April 28, 2025
Wow! The amazing mind and pen of S.T. Ashman has blown me away again. I devoured this novel. Utterly spellbinding. Storytelling at its very best.
Already a fan I was one of the first to rave about her debut dark crime novel I Kill Killers, then blessed and honoured to be chosen as a beta reader on the sequel so when I spotted this on Amazon I just had to read it.
Sometimes when an Author wanders from a genre they’ve done well in - in this case dark crime, it doesn’t work out. Well this detour did. It really did. In fact I’m damn excited of more like this and even beyond.
I could not get enough of this. The plot and storyline is fascinating. We have an elite unit of special forces sent on a mission to deliver unknown classified cargo deep into the woods. A mission surrounded in more questions than answers. A woman seeking her lost sister joins the mission, not meant to be there yet SO needed to be there.
I refuse to spoil this plot. We have beautiful Native American tribal history and traditions blending with Norse and Viking mythology and history. These woods are like no normal place on Earth. They live, they breathe.
Darkness fights the light. Tree bows to Earth. Ancient creatures are stirred and ancient enemy battle lines are drawn. It’s magical. It’s genre-bending. Action, thriller, history, fantasy/mythology and folk horror elements all blend into one amazing book. And work so well.
I thought of Adam Nevill’s folk horror novel The Ritual (I am official his number one fan) with parts of this. Then I read that in the blurb AFTER reading the book. I love that!
Each character - human and otherwise are unique and have their own distinct voice and place in the story. Some more than others as with any novel. This is so brilliantly written.
It’s one of those books I’d recommend to people to read and say “don’t read the blurb” “don’t expect a thing” and certainly recommend for those needing a book to break a reading freeze when nothing holds your attention.
As always, S.T. Ashman did deep dive research into the Native tribes, the Viking and Norse history and mythology and gives us details of much of this at the end of the book for those keen to know more and delve deeper. Maybe this book resonated with me as my DNA profile has me pretty much all Scandinavian, Scottish and Northern English and I think the Viking warrior in me was stirred up.
It’s a brilliant read. Totally different from the I Kill Killers crime books and I LOVE this divert! Please! More like this, more folk horror even as a special request if I can? You know I’m a big fan of your work and your journey, and it can never be TOO dark for me.
5 huge stars for this book that had me utterly hooked from early on to the very last word. Nothing this Author does is without putting her all into it. Highly recommended. Get this in your Amazon basket for sure! This will appeal to readers of many different genres. In fact I just recommend it to people that like a good novel. Full stop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks so much for taking some time and reading my review!
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments, let’s talk books!
If you’d like to connect with me you can follow me or please do send me a friend request. I love to see what others are reading and reviewing too! Feel free to browse my shelves for your next great read!
You can also find me on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
Already a fan I was one of the first to rave about her debut dark crime novel I Kill Killers, then blessed and honoured to be chosen as a beta reader on the sequel so when I spotted this on Amazon I just had to read it.
Sometimes when an Author wanders from a genre they’ve done well in - in this case dark crime, it doesn’t work out. Well this detour did. It really did. In fact I’m damn excited of more like this and even beyond.
I could not get enough of this. The plot and storyline is fascinating. We have an elite unit of special forces sent on a mission to deliver unknown classified cargo deep into the woods. A mission surrounded in more questions than answers. A woman seeking her lost sister joins the mission, not meant to be there yet SO needed to be there.
I refuse to spoil this plot. We have beautiful Native American tribal history and traditions blending with Norse and Viking mythology and history. These woods are like no normal place on Earth. They live, they breathe.
Darkness fights the light. Tree bows to Earth. Ancient creatures are stirred and ancient enemy battle lines are drawn. It’s magical. It’s genre-bending. Action, thriller, history, fantasy/mythology and folk horror elements all blend into one amazing book. And work so well.
I thought of Adam Nevill’s folk horror novel The Ritual (I am official his number one fan) with parts of this. Then I read that in the blurb AFTER reading the book. I love that!
Each character - human and otherwise are unique and have their own distinct voice and place in the story. Some more than others as with any novel. This is so brilliantly written.
It’s one of those books I’d recommend to people to read and say “don’t read the blurb” “don’t expect a thing” and certainly recommend for those needing a book to break a reading freeze when nothing holds your attention.
As always, S.T. Ashman did deep dive research into the Native tribes, the Viking and Norse history and mythology and gives us details of much of this at the end of the book for those keen to know more and delve deeper. Maybe this book resonated with me as my DNA profile has me pretty much all Scandinavian, Scottish and Northern English and I think the Viking warrior in me was stirred up.
It’s a brilliant read. Totally different from the I Kill Killers crime books and I LOVE this divert! Please! More like this, more folk horror even as a special request if I can? You know I’m a big fan of your work and your journey, and it can never be TOO dark for me.
5 huge stars for this book that had me utterly hooked from early on to the very last word. Nothing this Author does is without putting her all into it. Highly recommended. Get this in your Amazon basket for sure! This will appeal to readers of many different genres. In fact I just recommend it to people that like a good novel. Full stop.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks so much for taking some time and reading my review!
I hope you enjoyed it, if you did I’d be delighted if you leave me a “like” and I love to read your comments, let’s talk books!
If you’d like to connect with me you can follow me or please do send me a friend request. I love to see what others are reading and reviewing too! Feel free to browse my shelves for your next great read!
You can also find me on Amazon U.K. where I am a Top 500 Reviewer.
If you are an Author or Publisher and you’d like me to consider reading and reviewing your book(s) please just message me.
June 26, 2025
Rounded up from a 3.5 - without any spoilers, I could not figure out where this book was going or what kind of story it would be, but I’m not mad about it. I was a little disappointed only because I was expecting a crime thriller and that’s DEFINITELY not what I got. Still a fun read though, and I appreciate the author providing additional historical context and research about some topics mentions.
March 24, 2025
First book of the year since I've been so busy and I'm not disappointed. I absolutely love her writing style and the book has gripped me since the first page !! I'm impatient to read more of this gem of an author !
April 30, 2025
S.T. Ashman's "You Can't Stay" is an utterly original take on the "evil witch in the woods" horror trope, or to put it in the book's own words about what's going on inside, a "Norse spin on The Blair Witch Project"... with soldiers! Genre-wise, it's a very clever mash up of horror and fantasy, as it pits the American Army against a witch-like figure lurking deep in the woods of New Hampshire - a place, apparently, where both Norse mythology and Native American lore vie for dominance against nature itself. It's fast-paced, with brilliant characterization and extraordinarily detailed; the author even hired appropriate experts to check everything's been respected properly, since a lot hangs on the faithful representation of the Pequqwket Tribe and the Abenaki People, on the one hand, and Vikings, on the other. The result is an amazing tale of government cover-ups, human sacrifices, monster attacks, and the meaning of sisterhood. (And is that terrific ending the promise of a sequel or what?) A must-read for everyone who enjoys backwoods horror, conspiracies, and Viking mythology!
March 31, 2025
I don't know...
As I was reading this, I kept hoping that our author had some indigenous culture beyond a 1% Ancestry.com DNA test, but...I don't think so. They may have some Scandinavian background or just a deep and abiding love of Vikings, though.
Our indigenous character is pretty thinly drawn. Our Viking convict is sort of...Thor.
There are logic issues here - the main one being every little thing about our female MC. I need someone to sit me down and very slowly explain to me how anyone on earth would think girlypop is a sniper. (Sorry - I have a teen and Gen Z slang is living wildly in my brain today.)
The truth behind everything is certainly surprising and would likely be far more logical after consuming vast quantities of mead.
The book does move quickly and I think the author had fun writing it. I just expected something else.
* ARC via Publisher
As I was reading this, I kept hoping that our author had some indigenous culture beyond a 1% Ancestry.com DNA test, but...I don't think so. They may have some Scandinavian background or just a deep and abiding love of Vikings, though.
Our indigenous character is pretty thinly drawn. Our Viking convict is sort of...Thor.
There are logic issues here - the main one being every little thing about our female MC. I need someone to sit me down and very slowly explain to me how anyone on earth would think girlypop is a sniper. (Sorry - I have a teen and Gen Z slang is living wildly in my brain today.)
The truth behind everything is certainly surprising and would likely be far more logical after consuming vast quantities of mead.
The book does move quickly and I think the author had fun writing it. I just expected something else.
* ARC via Publisher
July 11, 2025
This book is a fast-paced, suspenseful psychological horror-thriller. A little out of my norm, but I definitely was captivated by the story within the first few pages. The twists come fast, the atmosphere is dard and electrifying, and the storytelling, as always with this author, is exceptional. There was a mingling of genres -- horror, supernatural, fantasy, and mystery mixed with Norse mythology and Native folklore. It definitely keeps you wondering what will come next.
I highly recommend this author aqnd this book to any thriller horror fan.
4 stars
I highly recommend this author aqnd this book to any thriller horror fan.
4 stars
April 22, 2025
This was such an amazing read. The way I learned so much about Norse mythology while still being engrossed in the book was awesome. my favorite character was Jensen with all his funny side comments including "Dying by a shield maiden's hand-kinda kinky. And I like kinky." Im so happy i got to read this before it was published because now i cannot wait to see what else you as a author will come up in the future.
June 22, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! I will be reading more from this author.
March 27, 2025
Wow, wow, wow. This has got to be the best book I have read this year. I literally could not put this one down. I don't even know what genre to fit this one into because it has a few mixed in. This one is a thriller mixed with so much more! I don't want to give anything away. I went in blindly to this one and was so glad I didn't know what to expect. It starts as a mystery to figure out where groups of missing people are disappearing to...is it a serial killer or much worse? The main character is an amazing woman who has overcome so much only to keep getting stuck having to fight to just be content in life. Very relatable! She is looking for her sister and will do any and everything to find her...at first I thought, ok, this is going to be like every other missing person read. Same basic concepts. NOPE!! This book had me Googling so much during the read and I learned a lot about ancient and native cultures, it was fascinating! The main man in this one has also had to overcome his own demons, and I felt for both main characters during this adventure. This is definitely the sort of read I dream of when I start a new book! I cannot wait to read more from this author now and I am SO grateful for the publisher for allowing me this ARC read. It was a thrilling ride! :)
April 10, 2025
You Can't Stay by S.T. Ashman is an engaging horror thriller with elements of Norse mythology and Native cultures.
Esther is a nearly qualified vet tech and she is haunted by a tragedy that happened when she was younger. Her sister Jasmine had pulled her out of an arson attack on their home but their parents and grandmother did not survive. Last year, Jasmine disappeared. She was an addict so the local cops figure that she just took off. But Esther is determined to find her. When a soldier contacts Esther and tells her about a secret mission to deliver cargo to the White Mountains, Esther thinks that this mission just might lead her to clues to Jasmine whereabouts. Taking places with the soldier, Esther impersonates a top sniper to be able to attend the op meeting. Joined by a group of the best of the best, Esther begins a terrifying journey into the forest of the White mountains. But will she be able to find Jasmine? And what else is lurking in the woods?
This was such a unique plot! You Can't Stay blends horror, thriller, and supernatural while delving deep into North mythology and native lore! I really liked Esther's determination, no matter what happens or what she sees in the forest, she will not stop her hunt for her sister. This novel is written in such a way that you are engaged throughout and can't wait to see what happens next. This is definitely different from S.T. Ashman's I Kill Killers series but I definitely recommend giving it a try!!
Thank you to NetGalley and S.T Ashman for this Arc!! Publication date is April 10th 2025.
Esther is a nearly qualified vet tech and she is haunted by a tragedy that happened when she was younger. Her sister Jasmine had pulled her out of an arson attack on their home but their parents and grandmother did not survive. Last year, Jasmine disappeared. She was an addict so the local cops figure that she just took off. But Esther is determined to find her. When a soldier contacts Esther and tells her about a secret mission to deliver cargo to the White Mountains, Esther thinks that this mission just might lead her to clues to Jasmine whereabouts. Taking places with the soldier, Esther impersonates a top sniper to be able to attend the op meeting. Joined by a group of the best of the best, Esther begins a terrifying journey into the forest of the White mountains. But will she be able to find Jasmine? And what else is lurking in the woods?
This was such a unique plot! You Can't Stay blends horror, thriller, and supernatural while delving deep into North mythology and native lore! I really liked Esther's determination, no matter what happens or what she sees in the forest, she will not stop her hunt for her sister. This novel is written in such a way that you are engaged throughout and can't wait to see what happens next. This is definitely different from S.T. Ashman's I Kill Killers series but I definitely recommend giving it a try!!
Thank you to NetGalley and S.T Ashman for this Arc!! Publication date is April 10th 2025.
June 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley, S.T. Ashman, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for a digital copy of the book.
S.T. Ashman's novel, "You Can't Stay," is a mashup of action horror movies, Norse mythology, and the lasting effects of white colonialism on Native American communities. With that being said, while there were some fun action scenes and witty one-liners, "You Can't Stay" just isn't for me.
The novel follows two main characters--Esther, a half-Native American woman who lost most of her family in a fire when she was a child; and Ryder, a man of Nordic descent who murdered a child predator in order to keep his son safe. These two start out at odds, with Esther pretending to be someone she isn't in order to find her sister, and Ryder seeing through her act easily. The two, thrust into a military mission to deliver cargo to an outpost in the middle of nowhere, quickly learn to trust one another in order to keep living. The forest has teeth, after all, and there are all sorts of old Gods at play...
...and that's what I really didn't enjoy about the novel. There is a very large emphasis on the lasting impact of white colonialism on both the land and the Native People of the United States. We are shown the idea from two sides; Nordic settlers from long ago, and from the Abenaki people. However, the novel focuses far too much on the settlers. S.T. Ashman relied far too much on Norse mythology and not enough on the beliefs of the Pequawket people. Furthermore, the book comes across as presenting the Nordic beliefs as being just as powerful as the Pequawket people's beliefs despite the novel taking place in America, on Native American land. If both beliefs pull from the land, trees, and spirits around them, then why are the white settlers so powerful in a land that is not theirs? This is something I am very passionate about, as I am a descendant of Native American People from the same area of the United States, but due to Residential Institutions, that was stripped away from my family--from me. I may be mixed blood but not knowing anything about my heritage is something that claws at me. I suppose that's why "You Can't Stay" just strikes me in the wrong manner.
That aside, none of the characters felt real. Other than Esther and Ryder, the rest of the cast were just cannon fodder. There were a few characters that are met about halfway through the book that seemed like they would be important later in the story, only to disappear completely. Most of the military characters had maybe one quirk about them that they were addressed by ("the engineer" or "the tracker"), rather than any sort of deeper backstory. They were simply there to die, and that made their deaths feel meaningless.
As for the overall plot, it was interesting. The idea of a group of military agents going into a spooky forest to deliver an unknown cargo, all the while being followed by creatures beyond their understanding? Sign me up! However, "You Can't Stay" felt more like a long slog of nothing in between action scenes. When there was action, it was very well written, and I did like it a lot. However, the times in between these scenes were boring. Very little was done to move the plot along aside from describing walking, shouting orders, bathroom breaks, and whether the group should follow along a river or not. I feel like, had the pace been kicked up a bit, the novel would read far better than it did. The ending scenes felt too long winded as well, especially the very last one, which seemed to be sequel baiting. Count me out.
Would I recommend "You Can't Stay?" Honestly, no. With that being said, I know there was a great attempt at the author doing research into the Pequawket Tribe and other tribes from the New England area. I believe this book could be a stepping stone into learning more about the Native People of that region of the United States. Otherwise, if you're looking to turn your mind off for a bit and relax with some action horror, then maybe "You Can't Stay" is just what you're looking for.
S.T. Ashman's novel, "You Can't Stay," is a mashup of action horror movies, Norse mythology, and the lasting effects of white colonialism on Native American communities. With that being said, while there were some fun action scenes and witty one-liners, "You Can't Stay" just isn't for me.
The novel follows two main characters--Esther, a half-Native American woman who lost most of her family in a fire when she was a child; and Ryder, a man of Nordic descent who murdered a child predator in order to keep his son safe. These two start out at odds, with Esther pretending to be someone she isn't in order to find her sister, and Ryder seeing through her act easily. The two, thrust into a military mission to deliver cargo to an outpost in the middle of nowhere, quickly learn to trust one another in order to keep living. The forest has teeth, after all, and there are all sorts of old Gods at play...
...and that's what I really didn't enjoy about the novel. There is a very large emphasis on the lasting impact of white colonialism on both the land and the Native People of the United States. We are shown the idea from two sides; Nordic settlers from long ago, and from the Abenaki people. However, the novel focuses far too much on the settlers. S.T. Ashman relied far too much on Norse mythology and not enough on the beliefs of the Pequawket people. Furthermore, the book comes across as presenting the Nordic beliefs as being just as powerful as the Pequawket people's beliefs despite the novel taking place in America, on Native American land. If both beliefs pull from the land, trees, and spirits around them, then why are the white settlers so powerful in a land that is not theirs? This is something I am very passionate about, as I am a descendant of Native American People from the same area of the United States, but due to Residential Institutions, that was stripped away from my family--from me. I may be mixed blood but not knowing anything about my heritage is something that claws at me. I suppose that's why "You Can't Stay" just strikes me in the wrong manner.
That aside, none of the characters felt real. Other than Esther and Ryder, the rest of the cast were just cannon fodder. There were a few characters that are met about halfway through the book that seemed like they would be important later in the story, only to disappear completely. Most of the military characters had maybe one quirk about them that they were addressed by ("the engineer" or "the tracker"), rather than any sort of deeper backstory. They were simply there to die, and that made their deaths feel meaningless.
As for the overall plot, it was interesting. The idea of a group of military agents going into a spooky forest to deliver an unknown cargo, all the while being followed by creatures beyond their understanding? Sign me up! However, "You Can't Stay" felt more like a long slog of nothing in between action scenes. When there was action, it was very well written, and I did like it a lot. However, the times in between these scenes were boring. Very little was done to move the plot along aside from describing walking, shouting orders, bathroom breaks, and whether the group should follow along a river or not. I feel like, had the pace been kicked up a bit, the novel would read far better than it did. The ending scenes felt too long winded as well, especially the very last one, which seemed to be sequel baiting. Count me out.
Would I recommend "You Can't Stay?" Honestly, no. With that being said, I know there was a great attempt at the author doing research into the Pequawket Tribe and other tribes from the New England area. I believe this book could be a stepping stone into learning more about the Native People of that region of the United States. Otherwise, if you're looking to turn your mind off for a bit and relax with some action horror, then maybe "You Can't Stay" is just what you're looking for.
April 6, 2025
I read this because I loved Ashman's I Kill Killers. This book was quite different!
I think if this book finds the right person, they would likely enjoy it, but best to know what you're getting into. First: you will need to suspend disbelief. (A vet tech impersonates a Navy Seal sniper...a prisoner (murderer) is released for the purpose of leading a super secret mission).
So already we're not terribly grounded in reality. And then there are mystical/supernatural things going on, maybe from Norse gods and goddesses? Indigenous spirits? There's a lot going on here.
All that said, I did like the two main characters and their relationship. But magical mysticism is not my preferred cup of tea. Readable, though!
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Publishes April 30, 2025.
I think if this book finds the right person, they would likely enjoy it, but best to know what you're getting into. First: you will need to suspend disbelief. (A vet tech impersonates a Navy Seal sniper...a prisoner (murderer) is released for the purpose of leading a super secret mission).
So already we're not terribly grounded in reality. And then there are mystical/supernatural things going on, maybe from Norse gods and goddesses? Indigenous spirits? There's a lot going on here.
All that said, I did like the two main characters and their relationship. But magical mysticism is not my preferred cup of tea. Readable, though!
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing me with an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
Publishes April 30, 2025.
April 10, 2025
This book tried to be Dan Brown meets fantasy meets military thriller meets mythology primer… and honestly? It lost the plot. Quite literally. I went in expecting a dark, suspenseful ride, and instead got a fever dream full of mythology deep-dives and highly questionable plot decisions. A veterinary technician somehow manages to convince the world she’s a Navy SEAL sniper, while tangled in a convoluted web of Norse and Native Abenaki mythology. Toss in some secret societies, magical creatures, intense action scenes, and 20 pages of end-of-book mythology cliff notes, and you've got You Can’t Stay. And I, frankly, wish I didn’t.
Technically, it's a mythology-fueled fantasy thriller, but it felt more like an overambitious first draft of several books smushed into one. Esther was supposed to be a badass, but I couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough to buy into the premise. A vet tech posing successfully as a Navy SEAL sniper?? No. Just no. Ryder was interesting, but even his storyline just seemed like a plot device. The side characters, some of which even got their own randomly thrown in POV chapters, were forgettable or used as props to fill out the story. The whole thing was over-stuffed with mythological references that never fully clicked into place. The plot was disjointed, and there was just too much going on. Instead of building intrigue, it drowned the story in random lore and confusing logic gaps. I believe it was intended to explore themes of self-discovery, identity, and maybe power through deception, but it was hard to tell because those main ideas were overshadowed by all the chaos.
The pace was inconsistent. Some scenes dragged, while other jumped wildly with little setup. It felt like I was constantly trying to catch up to a story that didn’t know where it was going. The writing was serviceable, albeit repetitive in parts, and the storytelling needed serious tightening. And then, the author plugged another of her books inside this one! That broke the immersion completely and honestly felt random, if not a little self-indulgent. I was more frustrated than anything while reading. I kept hoping it would redeem itself or wrap up with clarity, but even the ending was more confusing than cathartic. Are we seriously trying to set up a sequel? Gods I hope not. It didn’t land for me, and by the time I finished, I was just relieved to be done.
This was a hard pass for me. Between the unrealistic character dynamics, the mythology overload, and the plot that required a guidebook to understand, You Can’t Stay just did too much and not well. I love when authors weave in cultural and mythological depth, but this felt more like an info-dump than an immersive experience. I would only recommend this for readers with extensive mythology backgrounds who enjoy deciphering layered references, anyone who wants a wildly unrealistic thriller with a heavy fantasy twist and doesn’t mind suspending disbelief to the max, or people looking for something… very, very different.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the opportunity to review this title in advance!
Technically, it's a mythology-fueled fantasy thriller, but it felt more like an overambitious first draft of several books smushed into one. Esther was supposed to be a badass, but I couldn’t suspend my disbelief enough to buy into the premise. A vet tech posing successfully as a Navy SEAL sniper?? No. Just no. Ryder was interesting, but even his storyline just seemed like a plot device. The side characters, some of which even got their own randomly thrown in POV chapters, were forgettable or used as props to fill out the story. The whole thing was over-stuffed with mythological references that never fully clicked into place. The plot was disjointed, and there was just too much going on. Instead of building intrigue, it drowned the story in random lore and confusing logic gaps. I believe it was intended to explore themes of self-discovery, identity, and maybe power through deception, but it was hard to tell because those main ideas were overshadowed by all the chaos.
The pace was inconsistent. Some scenes dragged, while other jumped wildly with little setup. It felt like I was constantly trying to catch up to a story that didn’t know where it was going. The writing was serviceable, albeit repetitive in parts, and the storytelling needed serious tightening. And then, the author plugged another of her books inside this one! That broke the immersion completely and honestly felt random, if not a little self-indulgent. I was more frustrated than anything while reading. I kept hoping it would redeem itself or wrap up with clarity, but even the ending was more confusing than cathartic. Are we seriously trying to set up a sequel? Gods I hope not. It didn’t land for me, and by the time I finished, I was just relieved to be done.
This was a hard pass for me. Between the unrealistic character dynamics, the mythology overload, and the plot that required a guidebook to understand, You Can’t Stay just did too much and not well. I love when authors weave in cultural and mythological depth, but this felt more like an info-dump than an immersive experience. I would only recommend this for readers with extensive mythology backgrounds who enjoy deciphering layered references, anyone who wants a wildly unrealistic thriller with a heavy fantasy twist and doesn’t mind suspending disbelief to the max, or people looking for something… very, very different.
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the opportunity to review this title in advance!
December 28, 2025
What a book! S.T Ashman did it again! I loved the whole folklore horror story with lots of paranormal elements and different mythologies woven together. I liked the plot, the characters and the sub characters. It was a tense book, full of mystery and
I adored the FMC. Strong, literally nothing stopped her from finding the truth.
I adored the MMC. His background story, his skills, his sharpness and protectiveness.
Also, I felt like there was an underlying slow burn romance...? The one that doesn't have to shout it from the rooftops but it's still there, going strong. Maybe the dark forest got me and I imagined it😏
And the IKK reference? I know what you did there😂
Finally, I loved the ending. I can't wait for more books like this one.
I adored the FMC. Strong, literally nothing stopped her from finding the truth.
I adored the MMC. His background story, his skills, his sharpness and protectiveness.
Also, I felt like there was an underlying slow burn romance...? The one that doesn't have to shout it from the rooftops but it's still there, going strong. Maybe the dark forest got me and I imagined it😏
And the IKK reference? I know what you did there😂
Finally, I loved the ending. I can't wait for more books like this one.
May 14, 2025
3.5 stars
I was a big fan of Ashman’s IKK series so I was excited when she announced she was writing a mythological horror novel. The book dives right into Esther’s life post losing her sister and her investigation into her sister’s disappearance. She’s immediately thrown into the area her sister was apparently taken into and she soon learns nothing is as it seems. Ashman doesn’t hold back on the horror and gore in this story. I felt she mixed genres well with this one. At times it was a little slow for me but overall it was a decent read. The ending felt set up for another book, so I’m anticipating her writing a sequel!
I was a big fan of Ashman’s IKK series so I was excited when she announced she was writing a mythological horror novel. The book dives right into Esther’s life post losing her sister and her investigation into her sister’s disappearance. She’s immediately thrown into the area her sister was apparently taken into and she soon learns nothing is as it seems. Ashman doesn’t hold back on the horror and gore in this story. I felt she mixed genres well with this one. At times it was a little slow for me but overall it was a decent read. The ending felt set up for another book, so I’m anticipating her writing a sequel!
June 15, 2025
3.5 rounded up!
This was a nonstop action ride from start to finish. I loved the mythological horror so much and really enjoyed diving into the norse mythology and Native culture. While I loved the horror and native vibes mingling, I did think the pacing was a bit sporadic. I felt like it was either conversation or nonstop action and not a lot of build up or come down. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat though! Many thanks for this arc!
This was a nonstop action ride from start to finish. I loved the mythological horror so much and really enjoyed diving into the norse mythology and Native culture. While I loved the horror and native vibes mingling, I did think the pacing was a bit sporadic. I felt like it was either conversation or nonstop action and not a lot of build up or come down. It definitely kept me on the edge of my seat though! Many thanks for this arc!
April 21, 2025
In this dual POV, Esther's sister disappears and she's driven to uncover the truth. Her search reveals a shocking pattern: dozens of people have vanished in New Hampshire's White Mountains, and the government is involved. Esther joins a group sent into the mountains, determined to expose the secrets. But as she delves deeper, she realizes some secrets are meant to die. Will Esther survive to uncover the truth? You Can't Stay is a wild ride! It's got a little bit of everything - horror, supernatural stuff, fantasy, mystery... and it's all mixed together with some really cool mythology and folklore. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, wondering what would happen next. Definitely recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley, S. T. Ashman, & Timeless Papers for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to Netgalley, S. T. Ashman, & Timeless Papers for an early copy in exchange for an honest review!
January 4, 2026
This wasn't at all what I expected. I thought it would be a typical thriller. I had already read the author's "I Kill Killers" trilogy, and expected similar. What I got, instead, was a thriller with a sorta sci-fi twist, playing on Native and Norse religious beliefs. Though not my usual genre, I found myself really enjoying this book.
May 5, 2025
This book was written for me. ha, seriously, I inhaled this book.. could not get enough.
May 22, 2025
unexpected
I read this because it is based in New Hampshire but it was not what I expected. Definitely has a thriller component but strong mythology and fantasy vibes too. Not sure that I would call it a dark horror thriller. Kept me entertained and was a quick read.
I read this because it is based in New Hampshire but it was not what I expected. Definitely has a thriller component but strong mythology and fantasy vibes too. Not sure that I would call it a dark horror thriller. Kept me entertained and was a quick read.
October 2, 2025
I just wasn’t expecting witches, vikings, wolves and giants to be involved when I read the blurb…
April 27, 2025
DNF @ 12%.
April 11, 2025
Release: April 30, 2025
Author: S T Ashman
Publisher: Victory editing
Rating: 4 ★
You Can’t Stay by S.T. Ashman is an intriguing blend of horror, thriller, and supernatural elements that takes you on a wild ride through mythology and mystery. The plot follows Esther, a nearly qualified vet tech haunted by the loss of her family in an arson attack, and her missing sister, Jasmine. When a mysterious soldier reaches out, offering a mission into the White Mountains that could hold clues to Jasmine’s disappearance, Esther takes matters into her own hands. She impersonates a sniper to infiltrate a high-risk operation and joins a team of elite individuals on a treacherous journey into the forest, where danger, secrets, and nightmares await.
At first, the story seems like it could be a slow burn, with Esther’s tragic backstory and determination to find her sister taking center stage. However, once the action picks up, the plot takes a thrilling turn, introducing brutal and gruesome scenes, terrifying creatures, and plenty of suspense. The incorporation of Norse mythology and Native American lore adds a unique layer, creating a captivating and unpredictable narrative that you won’t want to put down.
One of the most compelling aspects of the story is Esther's unwavering determination, which keeps you hooked as she faces unimaginable challenges. Although the idea of her impersonating a sniper is a bit far-fetched, it’s still a fun and engaging premise. The story keeps the tension high, and the characters, including Ryder, the soldier, are well-developed and interesting.
However, it’s not without its flaws. Some readers might find the shift into science fiction and Viking lore jarring, and the blending of cultures, particularly the Native American elements, may feel somewhat out of place for some. While I personally found it intriguing, it’s a sensitive area, and I can understand why others might question whether the story was told in the right way by the author.
Overall, You Can’t Stay is a unique and fast-paced read that blends elements of horror, fantasy, and thriller into a captivating adventure. It might be a little outside the box for some, but for fans of gripping, action-packed stories, it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s a fun and unpredictable ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s lurking next in the forest.
Esther’s world is shattered when her sister, Jasmine, disappears without a trace. As a struggling addict, Jasmine's disappearance is dismissed by everyone, but Esther refuses to give up. Determined to find her sister, Esther’s search uncovers disturbing secrets about a string of other disappearances, all linked to the same eerie location. Each year, the government sends a group of people into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and every year, none of them return. When another group is sent into the woods, Esther joins them, hoping it will lead her to answers. But some secrets, buried deep in the wilderness, are far too dangerous to uncover—and not everything lost should be found.
Favorite Quote:
"the journey inward is the most profound one we will ever take, and yet it often requires the courage to face the things we fear the most."
Author: S T Ashman
Publisher: Victory editing
Rating: 4 ★
You Can’t Stay by S.T. Ashman is an intriguing blend of horror, thriller, and supernatural elements that takes you on a wild ride through mythology and mystery. The plot follows Esther, a nearly qualified vet tech haunted by the loss of her family in an arson attack, and her missing sister, Jasmine. When a mysterious soldier reaches out, offering a mission into the White Mountains that could hold clues to Jasmine’s disappearance, Esther takes matters into her own hands. She impersonates a sniper to infiltrate a high-risk operation and joins a team of elite individuals on a treacherous journey into the forest, where danger, secrets, and nightmares await.
At first, the story seems like it could be a slow burn, with Esther’s tragic backstory and determination to find her sister taking center stage. However, once the action picks up, the plot takes a thrilling turn, introducing brutal and gruesome scenes, terrifying creatures, and plenty of suspense. The incorporation of Norse mythology and Native American lore adds a unique layer, creating a captivating and unpredictable narrative that you won’t want to put down.
One of the most compelling aspects of the story is Esther's unwavering determination, which keeps you hooked as she faces unimaginable challenges. Although the idea of her impersonating a sniper is a bit far-fetched, it’s still a fun and engaging premise. The story keeps the tension high, and the characters, including Ryder, the soldier, are well-developed and interesting.
However, it’s not without its flaws. Some readers might find the shift into science fiction and Viking lore jarring, and the blending of cultures, particularly the Native American elements, may feel somewhat out of place for some. While I personally found it intriguing, it’s a sensitive area, and I can understand why others might question whether the story was told in the right way by the author.
Overall, You Can’t Stay is a unique and fast-paced read that blends elements of horror, fantasy, and thriller into a captivating adventure. It might be a little outside the box for some, but for fans of gripping, action-packed stories, it’s definitely worth checking out. It’s a fun and unpredictable ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat, wondering what’s lurking next in the forest.
Esther’s world is shattered when her sister, Jasmine, disappears without a trace. As a struggling addict, Jasmine's disappearance is dismissed by everyone, but Esther refuses to give up. Determined to find her sister, Esther’s search uncovers disturbing secrets about a string of other disappearances, all linked to the same eerie location. Each year, the government sends a group of people into the White Mountains of New Hampshire, and every year, none of them return. When another group is sent into the woods, Esther joins them, hoping it will lead her to answers. But some secrets, buried deep in the wilderness, are far too dangerous to uncover—and not everything lost should be found.
Favorite Quote:
"the journey inward is the most profound one we will ever take, and yet it often requires the courage to face the things we fear the most."
June 6, 2025
tl;dr Don't read this expecting a serious horror. If you like military novels and the supernatural, then this is for you.
I wish S. T. Ashman would have led with "This book isn't a literary masterpiece. It's a wild, Hollywood-style fun ride that asks you to suspend belief and enjoy the chaos." Instead, she put that in the afterword.
Based on the description, especially since it mentioned, The Blair Witch Project and Annihilation, I was expecting a creepy horror novel with some similar themes to both of those. Some plot elements are the same but otherwise, it is completely different. The entire time it was reminding me of the cheesy military films and books that my father would watch or read when I was growing up.
It certainly wasn't boring, but it wasn't good either. I did finish it quickly, but the writing wasn't complex and it wasn't that bad. It was action packed, perhaps even a bit at the expense of the story as a whole.
All of that is to say that if Ashman would have led with the story being more of a Hollywood style military movie with supernatural elements, I wouldn't have been surprised at the vibes the book actually had. For a book where that was the goal, it does it well, which is the only reason this got 4 stars. As it is, I would have given it 3, but she meant it to be that way and I am certain there is an audience for this type of book. This review may change to 3 stars at some point as I mull it over (and possibly if the blurb doesn't change, though I do doubt this will be seen idk though!).
Overall, I didn't care about the characters too much and I am not really sure the significance of showing mainly two different points of view (with a few others sprinkled in) because unfortunately Esther was kinda eh and Erikson was where it was at. I was disappointed in that because Esther is native and I really wanted to like her but I didn't care much about her. I did like her drive to save her sister but that is about the only thing of note. Erikson was interesting and had a cool backstory, though, again back to cheesy Hollywood (ifykyk). I am being purposefully a bit vague, but there were two characters I liked a bit more later on and a few others that were so clearly just for developing other characters and weren't characters of their own.
The actual story was actually interesting and was why I kept reading. Besides one detail (won't be mentioning because spoilers) I really enjoyed the ending and I really liked the twists and turns the plot took as you learned more.
For anyone interested in reading but is a bit wary of native characters written by a nonnative, Ashman does it mostly respectfully HOWEVER that is based on my understanding of how to represent native characters in a positive way but I am not going to claim it was perfect. I am not native so if a native person (or someone else knowledgeable) tells me otherwise I will so gladly change this part of the review to reflect that.
Thanks NetGalley for providing this book.
I wish S. T. Ashman would have led with "This book isn't a literary masterpiece. It's a wild, Hollywood-style fun ride that asks you to suspend belief and enjoy the chaos." Instead, she put that in the afterword.
Based on the description, especially since it mentioned, The Blair Witch Project and Annihilation, I was expecting a creepy horror novel with some similar themes to both of those. Some plot elements are the same but otherwise, it is completely different. The entire time it was reminding me of the cheesy military films and books that my father would watch or read when I was growing up.
It certainly wasn't boring, but it wasn't good either. I did finish it quickly, but the writing wasn't complex and it wasn't that bad. It was action packed, perhaps even a bit at the expense of the story as a whole.
All of that is to say that if Ashman would have led with the story being more of a Hollywood style military movie with supernatural elements, I wouldn't have been surprised at the vibes the book actually had. For a book where that was the goal, it does it well, which is the only reason this got 4 stars. As it is, I would have given it 3, but she meant it to be that way and I am certain there is an audience for this type of book. This review may change to 3 stars at some point as I mull it over (and possibly if the blurb doesn't change, though I do doubt this will be seen idk though!).
Overall, I didn't care about the characters too much and I am not really sure the significance of showing mainly two different points of view (with a few others sprinkled in) because unfortunately Esther was kinda eh and Erikson was where it was at. I was disappointed in that because Esther is native and I really wanted to like her but I didn't care much about her. I did like her drive to save her sister but that is about the only thing of note. Erikson was interesting and had a cool backstory, though, again back to cheesy Hollywood (ifykyk). I am being purposefully a bit vague, but there were two characters I liked a bit more later on and a few others that were so clearly just for developing other characters and weren't characters of their own.
The actual story was actually interesting and was why I kept reading. Besides one detail (won't be mentioning because spoilers) I really enjoyed the ending and I really liked the twists and turns the plot took as you learned more.
For anyone interested in reading but is a bit wary of native characters written by a nonnative, Ashman does it mostly respectfully HOWEVER that is based on my understanding of how to represent native characters in a positive way but I am not going to claim it was perfect. I am not native so if a native person (or someone else knowledgeable) tells me otherwise I will so gladly change this part of the review to reflect that.
Thanks NetGalley for providing this book.
May 16, 2025
S.T. Ashman’s latest thriller, *You Can’t Stay*, is an electrifying exploration of obsession and the unknown, masterfully blending elements of horror, crime, and suspense. Following his earlier cult hit *I Kill Killers*, Ashman proves once again that he knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats with a story that is as haunting as it is addictive.
The narrative centers around Esther, a struggling addict who finds herself racing against time when her sister mysteriously vanishes. The stark reality of her life as a marginalized individual creates a poignant backdrop for her relentless search. Ashman’s characterization of Esther is raw and relatable; her determination to find her lost sibling in the shadow of societal indifference draws readers in, ensuring we root for her every step of the way.
Set against the chilling landscape of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the novel intricately weaves a tale reminiscent of *The Blair Witch Project* meeting *Vikings* and *Annihilation*. The atmosphere is thick with tension and fear as Esther discovers a chilling pattern of disappearances linked to the same cursed location where the government has inexplicably sent numerous groups, only for them to vanish without a trace.
Ashman expertly crafts an unsettling sense of dread throughout the novel. The blend of past secrets and present dangers is thoroughly engaging, prompting readers to question what horrors lie hidden within the wilderness. The sense of the uncanny is ever-present—the feeling that not only are the mountains alive with unseen terror, but that some truths are far too dangerous to be uncovered.
What sets *You Can’t Stay* apart is Ashman’s ability to not only tell a compelling story but also to delve deep into the human condition; Esther’s personal struggles with addiction and her fierce love for her sister highlight the lengths one will go to for family, even when the odds are stacked against them. The theme of searching for lost things—be it loved ones, truth, or even sanity—resonates powerfully, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and strength.
As the plot thickens and more layers of the mystery unfold, readers will find themselves frantically turning pages—each revelation more shocking than the last. The pacing is relentless, and just when you think you have a handle on the narrative, Ashman serves another twist that leaves you breathless.
*You Can’t Stay* is not just a story about disappearances and the secrets that lie in the woods; it is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding desire to seek answers, no matter the cost. S.T. Ashman has undoubtedly delivered another tour de force that will remain in the minds of readers long after they’ve turned the final page. For those who dare to venture into this harrowing tale, prepare for a journey that is equal parts terrifying and transformative. Just remember: some secrets are best left buried.
The narrative centers around Esther, a struggling addict who finds herself racing against time when her sister mysteriously vanishes. The stark reality of her life as a marginalized individual creates a poignant backdrop for her relentless search. Ashman’s characterization of Esther is raw and relatable; her determination to find her lost sibling in the shadow of societal indifference draws readers in, ensuring we root for her every step of the way.
Set against the chilling landscape of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the novel intricately weaves a tale reminiscent of *The Blair Witch Project* meeting *Vikings* and *Annihilation*. The atmosphere is thick with tension and fear as Esther discovers a chilling pattern of disappearances linked to the same cursed location where the government has inexplicably sent numerous groups, only for them to vanish without a trace.
Ashman expertly crafts an unsettling sense of dread throughout the novel. The blend of past secrets and present dangers is thoroughly engaging, prompting readers to question what horrors lie hidden within the wilderness. The sense of the uncanny is ever-present—the feeling that not only are the mountains alive with unseen terror, but that some truths are far too dangerous to be uncovered.
What sets *You Can’t Stay* apart is Ashman’s ability to not only tell a compelling story but also to delve deep into the human condition; Esther’s personal struggles with addiction and her fierce love for her sister highlight the lengths one will go to for family, even when the odds are stacked against them. The theme of searching for lost things—be it loved ones, truth, or even sanity—resonates powerfully, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and strength.
As the plot thickens and more layers of the mystery unfold, readers will find themselves frantically turning pages—each revelation more shocking than the last. The pacing is relentless, and just when you think you have a handle on the narrative, Ashman serves another twist that leaves you breathless.
*You Can’t Stay* is not just a story about disappearances and the secrets that lie in the woods; it is a testament to the human spirit’s unyielding desire to seek answers, no matter the cost. S.T. Ashman has undoubtedly delivered another tour de force that will remain in the minds of readers long after they’ve turned the final page. For those who dare to venture into this harrowing tale, prepare for a journey that is equal parts terrifying and transformative. Just remember: some secrets are best left buried.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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