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Strange Animals
Not yet published
Expected 10 Feb 26An ordinary man discovers a hidden world of wondrous supernatural creatures—and an unexpected home—in this enchanting contemporary fantasy debut.
one who studies cryptids; an expert in or student of supernatural history.
After a series of inexplicable encounters upends his life, Green finds himself alone and terrified in the Appalachian mountains, full of questions about the transformation he’s undergoing and the impossible creatures he’s starting to see.
When he meets a hermit named Valentina, he realizes that something more than chance has brought him to her door. For she has devoted centuries to researching the hidden world of cryptids that Green is only now beginning to perceive.
As Green begins his studies beneath her watchful eye, he comes face to face with time-stopping giant moths, cyclops squirrels, and doorways to elsewhere. Along the way come clues about his own nature and the powerful beings who led him here—and, most wondrous of all, a sense of fulfillment like nothing he’s felt before.
But Green’s new happiness promises to be short-lived, because alongside these marvels lurks a deadly threat to this place he’s already come to love.
Featuring incredible creatures and an unforgettable cast of characters, Strange Animals is a charming, addictive fantasy about the magic all around us.
one who studies cryptids; an expert in or student of supernatural history.
After a series of inexplicable encounters upends his life, Green finds himself alone and terrified in the Appalachian mountains, full of questions about the transformation he’s undergoing and the impossible creatures he’s starting to see.
When he meets a hermit named Valentina, he realizes that something more than chance has brought him to her door. For she has devoted centuries to researching the hidden world of cryptids that Green is only now beginning to perceive.
As Green begins his studies beneath her watchful eye, he comes face to face with time-stopping giant moths, cyclops squirrels, and doorways to elsewhere. Along the way come clues about his own nature and the powerful beings who led him here—and, most wondrous of all, a sense of fulfillment like nothing he’s felt before.
But Green’s new happiness promises to be short-lived, because alongside these marvels lurks a deadly threat to this place he’s already come to love.
Featuring incredible creatures and an unforgettable cast of characters, Strange Animals is a charming, addictive fantasy about the magic all around us.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 10, 2026
9869 people want to read
About the author
Jarod K. Anderson
24 books431 followersJarod K. Anderson is a strange mix of fantasy nerd, nature writer, podcaster, poet, and erstwhile academic. He once accidentally picked up a rattlesnake and has slept in the branches of a maple tree more than most writers. He created and voices The CryptoNaturalist podcast, a show about real love for imaginary nature, and he regularly shares his poems and prose on social media. He has published three books of poetry as well as the memoir Something in the Woods Loves You, about his lifelong struggle with depression and the healing power of the natural world. His new contemporary fantasy novel Strange Animals will be published in February 2026 by Ballantine Books. He has an MA in early modern English literature and insists he’s more fun than that makes him sound. He lives with his wife and son in a little white house tucked between a park and a cemetery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
November 24, 2025
4.5 Stars- There was so much to love about this novel. From the odd creatures, the quirky characters, the mystery surrounding Green, and the setting in the Catskills Mountains, I did not want this novel to end. I really hope that there is a follow up novel because I want more to the story.
Green has a near death experience and finds himself drawn to nature. He leaves everything behind to go to the Catskill Mountains. Once there he rents a campground plot but really has no idea how to camp. While sleeping in his car the first night he encounters two strange creatures. He ends up finding out that he has an unusual ability to see cryptids. He becomes an apprentice to his neighbor who is a cyrptonaturalist and his world is turned upside down.
There was mystery, action, strange animals, and quirky but lovable characters. I enjoyed the fantasy elements and all of the different animals. There were some interesting twists as well. I loved the uniqueness of this novel and highly recommend it. If you are looking for a great story and something a little different you will want to read this novel.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
Green has a near death experience and finds himself drawn to nature. He leaves everything behind to go to the Catskill Mountains. Once there he rents a campground plot but really has no idea how to camp. While sleeping in his car the first night he encounters two strange creatures. He ends up finding out that he has an unusual ability to see cryptids. He becomes an apprentice to his neighbor who is a cyrptonaturalist and his world is turned upside down.
There was mystery, action, strange animals, and quirky but lovable characters. I enjoyed the fantasy elements and all of the different animals. There were some interesting twists as well. I loved the uniqueness of this novel and highly recommend it. If you are looking for a great story and something a little different you will want to read this novel.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC.
January 10, 2026
Really lovely and delightfully odd, this fantasy novel brings touches of enchantment to the very real magic of nature.
Green died, but then he didn't. With no way of explaining what happened and possessing a seemingly magical acorn, Green takes off to the wild to find answers where he instead finds mysterious creatures, a wise mentor, and more than he could have ever imagined.
Something about the writing in this book immediately feels unique to me. It is at points unapologetically strange but also deeply heartfelt. Some of the other reviews I've seen described it as eerie or spooky but I didn't feel that way at all. Like Valentina says monster is a word of our creation arbitrarily applied to things that feel threatening or unusual. Their pursuit in understanding these creatures feels driven by curiosity and respect in a way that I really love and admire in academics.
It's a strange book, but it's a world that welcomes you in to see the beauty of these cryptids and the people who study them.
Thank you to Jarod K Anderson and Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
Green died, but then he didn't. With no way of explaining what happened and possessing a seemingly magical acorn, Green takes off to the wild to find answers where he instead finds mysterious creatures, a wise mentor, and more than he could have ever imagined.
Something about the writing in this book immediately feels unique to me. It is at points unapologetically strange but also deeply heartfelt. Some of the other reviews I've seen described it as eerie or spooky but I didn't feel that way at all. Like Valentina says monster is a word of our creation arbitrarily applied to things that feel threatening or unusual. Their pursuit in understanding these creatures feels driven by curiosity and respect in a way that I really love and admire in academics.
It's a strange book, but it's a world that welcomes you in to see the beauty of these cryptids and the people who study them.
Thank you to Jarod K Anderson and Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my full, honest review!
Happy reading!
December 12, 2025
It is not always in our power to decide what a thing is...But what a thing means? That power may often be claimed.
What a surprising little gem of a novel!
The main character, Green, has a very strange (near?) death experience, after which he feels called to reconnect with nature, to rediscover his true self and the things in life that actually matter. He finds himself staying at a campsite in the Catskills, an area populated with some colorful characters.
"I got blood on your coat."
"It'll wipe off. Or add character. Whichever."
On his first night there, Green encounters a glowing deer and a horned wolf with mutable shadowy flesh. Is one of these creatures dangerous? Are they both? Not everyone can see these beasts, and this is how Green learns he is a born cryptonaturalist. Thankfully, one of his new neighbors can teach him just what that means. Together, they work to try to protect the mountains and their inhabitants from preternatural dangers.
The characters in this book are interesting, and the dynamic between teacher and pupil is amusing at times. The details of the plot are rather original, and I enjoyed the fanciful elements of "cryptonature". There is a sort of found family piece of the story that I very much appreciated as well. The author's love for nature is on clear display in this tale.
How humbling is nature? How many lives could you spend studying a single tree and still feel yourself a neophyte in the school of its character? What a gift it is to know that the ship of our curiosity will never run aground in the seas of Earth's mysteries.
This book seems to be a standalone, but I would gladly read any sequels further detailing Green's adventures. If you find yourself drawn to the idea of a contemporary "urban" fantasy (but that takes place in the wilderness!) with engaging characters and a lot of heart, I definitely recommend picking this one up.
Many thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my unbiased review.
December 14, 2025
Review to come upon release
September 14, 2025
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of Strange Animals from Ballantine Books and NetGalley in return for an honest review.
From the first page, Strange Animals sinks its claws into you with a uniquely eerie and captivating premise. When Green narrowly escapes death only to find himself face-to-face with a reality-bending giant crow and an oddly menacing acorn, it's clear this isn’t your typical wilderness adventure. Jarod K. Anderson masterfully crafts a fresh twist on magical realism that truly deserves that elusive descriptor, "fresh."
The plot revolves around Green's sudden, bewildering journey away from city comforts into the heart of the mysterious Catskill Mountains, specifically the bizarre yet intriguing Candle-Fly Camp. This isn't just another "escape the city and find yourself" narrative; it explores the thin veil between ordinary life and something unsettling lurking in the wild.
The characters Anderson introduces along the way add rich layers to the story. Green, anxious, and relatable, makes for an authentic protagonist whose struggle with the surreal makes every strange encounter feel immediate and personal. Dancer, the delightfully odd camp owner, Alf and Jerome, the enigmatic duo at the gas station, and Valentina, a mysterious neighbor with her own intriguing presence, help balance the narrative with warmth, eccentric humor, and quiet intensity.
My only critique is that some readers might initially find surrealism a bit overwhelming. The narrative throws you straight into deep, strange waters and takes a moment to acclimate. However, once you're immersed, the storytelling becomes thoroughly engaging.
Anderson skillfully weaves suspense, mystery, and a dash of humor, maintaining a delicate balance that never lets the reader feel at ease. Perfect for those who love their fantasy tinged with a hint of the uncanny. Every twist feels earned and impactful, making the reading experience truly gripping.
Strange Animals is a fantastic pick for anyone seeking a unique, atmospheric tale that blurs the lines between horror, magical realism, and self-discovery. If you're a fan of Dan Simmons or Stephen King, this will feel like familiar territory, but with an entirely fresh perspective. Anderson has delivered something strange and wonderful, making me eager to see where his imagination will take us next.
From the first page, Strange Animals sinks its claws into you with a uniquely eerie and captivating premise. When Green narrowly escapes death only to find himself face-to-face with a reality-bending giant crow and an oddly menacing acorn, it's clear this isn’t your typical wilderness adventure. Jarod K. Anderson masterfully crafts a fresh twist on magical realism that truly deserves that elusive descriptor, "fresh."
The plot revolves around Green's sudden, bewildering journey away from city comforts into the heart of the mysterious Catskill Mountains, specifically the bizarre yet intriguing Candle-Fly Camp. This isn't just another "escape the city and find yourself" narrative; it explores the thin veil between ordinary life and something unsettling lurking in the wild.
The characters Anderson introduces along the way add rich layers to the story. Green, anxious, and relatable, makes for an authentic protagonist whose struggle with the surreal makes every strange encounter feel immediate and personal. Dancer, the delightfully odd camp owner, Alf and Jerome, the enigmatic duo at the gas station, and Valentina, a mysterious neighbor with her own intriguing presence, help balance the narrative with warmth, eccentric humor, and quiet intensity.
My only critique is that some readers might initially find surrealism a bit overwhelming. The narrative throws you straight into deep, strange waters and takes a moment to acclimate. However, once you're immersed, the storytelling becomes thoroughly engaging.
Anderson skillfully weaves suspense, mystery, and a dash of humor, maintaining a delicate balance that never lets the reader feel at ease. Perfect for those who love their fantasy tinged with a hint of the uncanny. Every twist feels earned and impactful, making the reading experience truly gripping.
Strange Animals is a fantastic pick for anyone seeking a unique, atmospheric tale that blurs the lines between horror, magical realism, and self-discovery. If you're a fan of Dan Simmons or Stephen King, this will feel like familiar territory, but with an entirely fresh perspective. Anderson has delivered something strange and wonderful, making me eager to see where his imagination will take us next.
January 22, 2026
4.0 - Delightful and uplifting!
I struggle putting this in a genre box. Is it fantasy? Is it nature fiction with some magical realism? I really don’t know how to categorize it other than I think cozy works and it’s fantasy-esque. If you like hiking, being outdoors, nature, nature writing and found family I’d safely say this book is for you. I’d even throw in “if you ever thought about just unplugging completely, selling everything you own and moving into the woods” vibe. My only caution is that for me, this took a bit to get going and also to feel like I understood what was going on. Once I felt comfortable, I immensely enjoyed this book. It was a very touching and important reminder of what truly matters, how nature is sacred and that there is more to life than our every day 9 to 5. I would really love to read another book by this author so I hope he decides to do so. Highly recommend.
If you’re looking for a format recommendation, either will do, but the audio narration was my favorite here. Jay Myers was the narrator and he did an awesome job. It was my first listen of his, but it looks like he has done a number of books we all know and love. I think he voiced multiple characters very well.
Thank you to Ballantine Book and Netgalley for the gifted e-arc. Thank you to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook. #prhaudiopartner
I struggle putting this in a genre box. Is it fantasy? Is it nature fiction with some magical realism? I really don’t know how to categorize it other than I think cozy works and it’s fantasy-esque. If you like hiking, being outdoors, nature, nature writing and found family I’d safely say this book is for you. I’d even throw in “if you ever thought about just unplugging completely, selling everything you own and moving into the woods” vibe. My only caution is that for me, this took a bit to get going and also to feel like I understood what was going on. Once I felt comfortable, I immensely enjoyed this book. It was a very touching and important reminder of what truly matters, how nature is sacred and that there is more to life than our every day 9 to 5. I would really love to read another book by this author so I hope he decides to do so. Highly recommend.
If you’re looking for a format recommendation, either will do, but the audio narration was my favorite here. Jay Myers was the narrator and he did an awesome job. It was my first listen of his, but it looks like he has done a number of books we all know and love. I think he voiced multiple characters very well.
Thank you to Ballantine Book and Netgalley for the gifted e-arc. Thank you to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook. #prhaudiopartner
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Green, following a near death experience, abandons his modern life and moves to the Catskill Mountains. At Candle-Fly Camp he meets many strange creatures, human and cryptid alike! What follows is a journey not only of self-discovery but also of the mysteries of our universe and of the natural world (whether they can be seen or not!).
Thank you NetGalley and Ballentine Books for the ARC.
What I really liked about this book was the interplay between nature and the fantastical. Having the story take place in the Appalachian Mountains grounded this story about supernatural creatures and set the perfect mood; the atmosphere is a mix of humor, terror, wonder, suspense, and hope. The story is a perfect blend of so many genres. I think fans of fantasy, science fiction, folklore, contemporary fiction, and even horror would find something to love in this book.
The colorful cast of characters is where this book shines. All of the human characters are delightfully eccentric but they all are written with a unique voice. I love how they all came together in Green and Valentina's (Green's misanthropic tutor of cryptozoology) time of need. Then you have the giant cryptid, horned shadow wolf that is particularly drawn to Green. I very much enjoyed seeing how their journeys converged.
If you love books featuring found families then this will not disappoint.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballentine Books for the ARC.
What I really liked about this book was the interplay between nature and the fantastical. Having the story take place in the Appalachian Mountains grounded this story about supernatural creatures and set the perfect mood; the atmosphere is a mix of humor, terror, wonder, suspense, and hope. The story is a perfect blend of so many genres. I think fans of fantasy, science fiction, folklore, contemporary fiction, and even horror would find something to love in this book.
The colorful cast of characters is where this book shines. All of the human characters are delightfully eccentric but they all are written with a unique voice. I love how they all came together in Green and Valentina's (Green's misanthropic tutor of cryptozoology) time of need. Then you have the giant cryptid, horned shadow wolf that is particularly drawn to Green. I very much enjoyed seeing how their journeys converged.
If you love books featuring found families then this will not disappoint.
September 22, 2025
A fantasy set in the Appalachians? Count me in!! Green finds himself searching for a fresh start in the woods—and suddenly able to see cryptids. While many of the creatures in this story are fictional, it still had me thinking and daydreaming about how truly magical nature is. It even made me eager for my next camping trip (though I’m very content not running into any of *these* creatures out there).
As a fantasy and nature lover, this book was right up my alley. I especially loved the setting, since I grew up hiking at the Delaware Water Gap, part of the Appalachians.
What didn’t work as well was the story’s shifting tone. At times, it felt like it wasn’t quite sure what it wanted to be. The beginning was eerie and spooky, the middle whimsical and mysterious, and the ending seemed to reach for something profound—but it didn’t quite land for me (and is why I gave it 4 stars).
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves both fantasy and adventuring in the great outdoors.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review :)
As a fantasy and nature lover, this book was right up my alley. I especially loved the setting, since I grew up hiking at the Delaware Water Gap, part of the Appalachians.
What didn’t work as well was the story’s shifting tone. At times, it felt like it wasn’t quite sure what it wanted to be. The beginning was eerie and spooky, the middle whimsical and mysterious, and the ending seemed to reach for something profound—but it didn’t quite land for me (and is why I gave it 4 stars).
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves both fantasy and adventuring in the great outdoors.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review :)
February 6, 2026
This book is an absolute must read gem!
Green avoids death and decides to go off into the woods to find himself. What he finds is far from what he could have expected! This was a 6/5 for me. It’s so good, that I had to read it twice! I am looking forward to reading it again when it publishes on February 10th!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Publisher, and Author, Jarod K Anderson for this Arc.
Green avoids death and decides to go off into the woods to find himself. What he finds is far from what he could have expected! This was a 6/5 for me. It’s so good, that I had to read it twice! I am looking forward to reading it again when it publishes on February 10th!
Thank you to NetGalley, Ballantine Publisher, and Author, Jarod K Anderson for this Arc.
January 29, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is by far my favorite book I’ve read in recent memory. It’s such a beautiful combination of cryptids and local folklore meets one man’s need to find meaning in life. It’s fantastical in new beautiful ways that still feel very honest to old folktales. Is the ending my favorite? Not necessarily due to the use of a trope I don’t personally like that I won’t spoil here. But it still wrapped up beautifully and satisfyingly. I highlighted so many more poignant quotes than I normally do in a fiction. Will absolutely be hoping for more from Anderson!
This is by far my favorite book I’ve read in recent memory. It’s such a beautiful combination of cryptids and local folklore meets one man’s need to find meaning in life. It’s fantastical in new beautiful ways that still feel very honest to old folktales. Is the ending my favorite? Not necessarily due to the use of a trope I don’t personally like that I won’t spoil here. But it still wrapped up beautifully and satisfyingly. I highlighted so many more poignant quotes than I normally do in a fiction. Will absolutely be hoping for more from Anderson!
February 1, 2026
Come for the spooky Appalachian cryptid storyline, stay for the love letter to nature & wonder.
I couldn’t put this book down! I desperately wanted to know what happened next. I was terrified of the first few cryptids Green meets. I utter fell in love with all of these characters, though Dancer has a special place in my heart. And Green is so relatable yet wise because of how fully he trusts his intuition. And him accidentally and on purpose provoking Valentina is hilarious!
Thank you to NetGalley and to Ballantine Books for an eARC of this book! This is my honest review.
I couldn’t put this book down! I desperately wanted to know what happened next. I was terrified of the first few cryptids Green meets. I utter fell in love with all of these characters, though Dancer has a special place in my heart. And Green is so relatable yet wise because of how fully he trusts his intuition. And him accidentally and on purpose provoking Valentina is hilarious!
Thank you to NetGalley and to Ballantine Books for an eARC of this book! This is my honest review.
December 13, 2025
I just stayed up all night and finished this outstanding book! I did not expect to find such a well written and moving book when I chose a book about Cryptids. I would have, had I googled the author, but I'm glad it was a surprise. All I can say is I found myself fully immersed in the beautiful scenery, entirely gripped by exhilarating fear, emotionally invested in all of the well developed characters, and am forever changed by a different perspective regarding the unknown. And, as if that's not enough, the story deepened the reverence I feel for the ancient mountains I grew up on. And now I MUST read more from this author. But first, a nap. Thanks to NetGalley, Ballentine Books, and author Jarod K. Anderson for this ARC to review. All opinions are my own.
January 3, 2026
First and foremost this book is weird. Like crazy cryptid weird. And it’s amazing.
Green, our protagonist dies, but then doesn’t die? And the oddity begins. His non-death triggers him to uproot his life and run to the mountains. He stumbles upon a collection of quirky but lovable locals and finds out he’s a natural cryptonaturalist (aka someone who can see various types of cryptids). Well as you might guess, not all of them are harmless so it’s mystery solving time. The old lady in the woods takes him under her wing to teach him the ways of a cryptonaturalist and help out a stop to a bunch of mysterious deaths.
Weird enough for you?
Here’s the thing though; yes, it’s super weird. And initially I was trying to figure out if this was also a horror genre book (it’s not). But it’s so beautiful. I’m not usually a person who highlights passages in a book but this one I did. This book is a story about nature and our place in it. A story to challenge us to slow down a just be. Some of my favorite s:
“Drink in the stars. Feel the familiar pull of gravity on your bones. Smell the living trees. Nature is a thing of unity and renewal, change and cycles. You were a part of that before you were born and will remain a part of it eons after your death. And if ever these ideas become too distant or abstract, just pause and look around. You know what nature is and you know that it feels like home. When you feel that instinctual love of nature, your senses are trying to tell you something. They are telling you that human existence is not the only worthy kind of existence.” - Chapter 12
“Fact may be a found thing, but meaning is a crafted thing. It requires your participation, your choice.” - Chapter 15
So yes. Beautiful and weird in the most incredible way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the arc and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
Green, our protagonist dies, but then doesn’t die? And the oddity begins. His non-death triggers him to uproot his life and run to the mountains. He stumbles upon a collection of quirky but lovable locals and finds out he’s a natural cryptonaturalist (aka someone who can see various types of cryptids). Well as you might guess, not all of them are harmless so it’s mystery solving time. The old lady in the woods takes him under her wing to teach him the ways of a cryptonaturalist and help out a stop to a bunch of mysterious deaths.
Weird enough for you?
Here’s the thing though; yes, it’s super weird. And initially I was trying to figure out if this was also a horror genre book (it’s not). But it’s so beautiful. I’m not usually a person who highlights passages in a book but this one I did. This book is a story about nature and our place in it. A story to challenge us to slow down a just be. Some of my favorite s:
“Drink in the stars. Feel the familiar pull of gravity on your bones. Smell the living trees. Nature is a thing of unity and renewal, change and cycles. You were a part of that before you were born and will remain a part of it eons after your death. And if ever these ideas become too distant or abstract, just pause and look around. You know what nature is and you know that it feels like home. When you feel that instinctual love of nature, your senses are trying to tell you something. They are telling you that human existence is not the only worthy kind of existence.” - Chapter 12
“Fact may be a found thing, but meaning is a crafted thing. It requires your participation, your choice.” - Chapter 15
So yes. Beautiful and weird in the most incredible way.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the arc and the opportunity to provide an honest review.
December 27, 2025
This book is WEIRD and I loved it! Strange Animals is the whimsical novel you get when a nature writer ventures into fantasy and writes about imaginary/supernatural nature. This is an absolutely trippy cryptid tale that follows Mr. Green, who finds himself at a place many of us may understand in the modern world: we have to get out of the city and into nature. Modern life has perhaps worn Mr. Green down more than most of us, and the place he finds in Appalachia is certainly far more outside the realm of reality than any of us would ever experience. The people and creatures he meets are exquisite. The adventure he has is suspenseful and unique. Cryptonature may not be real, but there is magic in nature, and it comes through in Anderson’s writing.
I loved Strange Animals and am so glad I picked it up! Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
I loved Strange Animals and am so glad I picked it up! Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book centered around a budding cryptonaturalist, Green, who moves from the city to the Catskills without exactly understanding why. He then discovers he has the ability to see "hidden creatures". Hence his career change. He meets a more established cryptonaturalist, Valentina, who agrees to take him on as an apprentice. The world building here was spectacular. The descriptions of the creatures (and there are a lot of them) are mesmerizing. I kind of wish the book had been longer. This type of descriptive storytelling needs more pages so that the other elements do not suffer. Green remained flat to me because we got almost no backstory and he exists in a state of fear for most of the novel. Valentina was richer and I hope we get more of her backstory in the future. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC of this novel.
January 12, 2026
I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting with this book, but it wasn’t what it delivered. It was actually quite good, even though it does take a bit to pick up speed. The magic is different and really fascinating. You really don’t know what to make of Green, the main character, initially. But he grows on you. The themes end up being much deeper than “supernatural creatures.”
C/o Netgalley
C/o Netgalley
October 25, 2025
“Fact may be a found thing, but meaning is a crafted thing. It requires your participation, your choice.”
my ARC review of Strange Animals by Jarod K Anderson. thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, & the author for the ebook copy!
though it is being marketed as “cozy,” Strange Animals has some elements of a cozy read, but I wouldn’t classify it as cozy. it’s too dark, too full of dread, & there isn’t enough found family/healing vibes.
that being said, this book was very near to perfect. it was spooky when it needed to be, had awesome Appalachian vibes/storytelling/lore, & was wonderfully well written.
my complaints with it were its lack of found family & character focus. it grasped at those, & was ALMOST there, but just not, not quite. it had lots of quirky characters, & the world building was top tier, but the characters weren’t focused on enough imo. so that left it a little dry in places. I wanted the boys & Catskill & Dancer to have MORE, to FEEL more from them & I just… didn’t. if this was a first in a series, with more to come to delve into those relationships, maybe that would be one thing… but it just felt a little rushed, & more than a little disappointing because it COULD HAVE had that. it had all the elements, they just weren’t brought together as well as they could’ve been.
Catskill is one of my new favorite characters & the lack of page time he got is a crime, istg. & something else about him was not delved into deep enough (spoilers so I can’t say more) & it broke my heart because it was such an intriguing element but it just… ugh.
I also really, really loved the ending. it was so so perfect.
all in all, this one was sooooooo good, but just didn’t QUITE do enough with all the good bits it had, didn’t quite pull them together well enough, didn’t give the quirky side characters enough heart & page time that it could have to push this up into a 5 star read.
side note: don’t expect an exact replica, but if you, like me, are a fan of The Nightmare from One Dark Window, there is a character in this book that brings him to mind.
Strange Animals releases February 10, 2026. definitely check it out!
“Grow to honor the world that made you.”
🦋third person, limited POV
🦌interesting writing style— quick, patchy, unique word usage
🐺poetic but also dark, haunting, & vivid storytelling
🦋dark humor
🦌Appalachian mountain dread
🐺Blobert
🦋cryptids? cryptids.
🦌tree fort libraries
🐺kind of like The X-Files meets The Twisted Ones
🦋ever wonder what’s in the woods in the Appalachian range? here ya go.
🦌this book is so weird 🤔
🐺elements of dark academia but like… in the woods
🦋finding home & meaning & choosing your destiny
my ARC review of Strange Animals by Jarod K Anderson. thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, & the author for the ebook copy!
though it is being marketed as “cozy,” Strange Animals has some elements of a cozy read, but I wouldn’t classify it as cozy. it’s too dark, too full of dread, & there isn’t enough found family/healing vibes.
that being said, this book was very near to perfect. it was spooky when it needed to be, had awesome Appalachian vibes/storytelling/lore, & was wonderfully well written.
my complaints with it were its lack of found family & character focus. it grasped at those, & was ALMOST there, but just not, not quite. it had lots of quirky characters, & the world building was top tier, but the characters weren’t focused on enough imo. so that left it a little dry in places. I wanted the boys & Catskill & Dancer to have MORE, to FEEL more from them & I just… didn’t. if this was a first in a series, with more to come to delve into those relationships, maybe that would be one thing… but it just felt a little rushed, & more than a little disappointing because it COULD HAVE had that. it had all the elements, they just weren’t brought together as well as they could’ve been.
Catskill is one of my new favorite characters & the lack of page time he got is a crime, istg. & something else about him was not delved into deep enough (spoilers so I can’t say more) & it broke my heart because it was such an intriguing element but it just… ugh.
I also really, really loved the ending. it was so so perfect.
all in all, this one was sooooooo good, but just didn’t QUITE do enough with all the good bits it had, didn’t quite pull them together well enough, didn’t give the quirky side characters enough heart & page time that it could have to push this up into a 5 star read.
side note: don’t expect an exact replica, but if you, like me, are a fan of The Nightmare from One Dark Window, there is a character in this book that brings him to mind.
Strange Animals releases February 10, 2026. definitely check it out!
“Grow to honor the world that made you.”
🦋third person, limited POV
🦌interesting writing style— quick, patchy, unique word usage
🐺poetic but also dark, haunting, & vivid storytelling
🦋dark humor
🦌Appalachian mountain dread
🐺Blobert
🦋cryptids? cryptids.
🦌tree fort libraries
🐺kind of like The X-Files meets The Twisted Ones
🦋ever wonder what’s in the woods in the Appalachian range? here ya go.
🦌this book is so weird 🤔
🐺elements of dark academia but like… in the woods
🦋finding home & meaning & choosing your destiny
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader. If you like this post, you might like others on that site. Consider checking it out!
---
WHAT'S STRANGE ANIMALS ABOUT?
Following a strange near-death experience, Green feels a compulsion to get back to nature. Well, maybe not "back," he seems like someone very comfortable in the city. But you get what I mean.
So he sells his home, quits his job, puts everything in storage, and heads out. He's drawn to Appalachia and sets out to find a long-term campsite to start whatever this next stage of life is.
Along the way, Green meets some delightfully odd characters—and I wish I had the room to talk about them, but you want Anderson to introduce you to them anyway.
His first night in his campsite he sees animals that can't exist. He'd be tempted to think he had a hallucination or two if it weren't for some evidence that people who weren't around can also see.
From there, Green starts to learn about strange creatures all around him—and learns not to call them strange. They're not strange, they're not monsters (despite what some appear to be) or anything else derogatory. They're simply uncommon—so uncommon that very few can see them. But Earth is just as much their home as it is to mice, giraffes, or emus. Of course, not every common animal should be around people, and that applies to some of these uncommon creatures, too.
Can Green and his new friends stop one who seems to be hunting humans?
WHY DID I PICK THIS UP? WHY DID I KEEP READING?
I can't tell you specifically what it was that appealed to me in the NetGalley advertisement I got for this book, but it intrigued me. Lightly skimming Witty & Sarcastic Book Club's post about it intensified that (I only read deep enough to pick up her tone, so I didn't inadvertently steal any of her points).
What kept me reading? There was something about Chapter 0 that got me. It didn't matter what happened for the rest of the book—I was sold, and the rest of the book was going to have to be really lousy to get the hook that it put in me dislodged. At the end of Chapter 1, my notes read, "I think I might be falling in love with this book."
And yes, I said Chapter 0—that wasn't a typo. Anyone who numbers chapters like that has to intrigue a reader, right?
WHAT DOES THIS BOOK TELL US ABOUT HUMANITY?
I walked away with two things on this front.
First, humans need nature. Plants, animals, sunsets/rises—the works. When we shut up and pay attention to it—better if we can get further away from population centers (as nice as they and their technologies and comforts may be) to focus on it—there's a benefit to our health. At least mental. Probably physical—and spiritual (depending on how you want to define that). This is the central drive for Green—and while it ends up not being what he expected, it's this that fulfills him. As he connects with both the common and uncommon around him, he's renewed and bettered.
Second, and it's hard to say which is more important, is that people need—and will find—community. In this case, Green finds a few groups of people and brings a couple together (or at least is a bridge between them). He's an outsider to this area, but finds himself befriending these groups almost instantly. These two—and one much larger—converge on the area (more precisely, Green and his teacher) when the chips are down, and people need help. Somewhat to protect people in general, but largely to protect "their people" (for lack of a better term). The communities step up in a way that we all want to see—and frequently do. It's rather encouraging.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT STRANGE ANIMALS?
Anderson checks all the boxes here—he can put together a sentence just right, if this wasn't an ARC, I'd be struggling to keep my quotations to a reasonable limit; he creates fantastic characters and gets the reader to invest in them with very few words (and rewards that investment); the imagination demonstrated in this world and the uncommon animals—and the depiction of the common flora and fauna—makes you want to see more from him; and he can tell a pretty engaging story. Check, check, check, and check. If there are problems with this book, they're minor.
Okay, there's something toward the end that I'm rabidly curious about and want to know so much more about what happens. But I'm really glad Anderson just elides past it.
Still, if he wants to give me a call and describe it to me, I'll give him my number.
This is not your typical Fantasy novel, for sure. It captures an Appalachian area in a similar way (though in different states) that Alex Bledsoe's Tufa series did, which really makes me want to visit the real world version. Actually, as I say that, I realize that this book left me feeling the same way that the first Tufa novel, The Hum and the Shiver did. There are few books that I can say that about.
There's something special going on in these pages. I encourage you to look into them yourself and see if you agree.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Ballantine Books via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.
---
WHAT'S STRANGE ANIMALS ABOUT?
Following a strange near-death experience, Green feels a compulsion to get back to nature. Well, maybe not "back," he seems like someone very comfortable in the city. But you get what I mean.
So he sells his home, quits his job, puts everything in storage, and heads out. He's drawn to Appalachia and sets out to find a long-term campsite to start whatever this next stage of life is.
Along the way, Green meets some delightfully odd characters—and I wish I had the room to talk about them, but you want Anderson to introduce you to them anyway.
His first night in his campsite he sees animals that can't exist. He'd be tempted to think he had a hallucination or two if it weren't for some evidence that people who weren't around can also see.
From there, Green starts to learn about strange creatures all around him—and learns not to call them strange. They're not strange, they're not monsters (despite what some appear to be) or anything else derogatory. They're simply uncommon—so uncommon that very few can see them. But Earth is just as much their home as it is to mice, giraffes, or emus. Of course, not every common animal should be around people, and that applies to some of these uncommon creatures, too.
Can Green and his new friends stop one who seems to be hunting humans?
WHY DID I PICK THIS UP? WHY DID I KEEP READING?
I can't tell you specifically what it was that appealed to me in the NetGalley advertisement I got for this book, but it intrigued me. Lightly skimming Witty & Sarcastic Book Club's post about it intensified that (I only read deep enough to pick up her tone, so I didn't inadvertently steal any of her points).
What kept me reading? There was something about Chapter 0 that got me. It didn't matter what happened for the rest of the book—I was sold, and the rest of the book was going to have to be really lousy to get the hook that it put in me dislodged. At the end of Chapter 1, my notes read, "I think I might be falling in love with this book."
And yes, I said Chapter 0—that wasn't a typo. Anyone who numbers chapters like that has to intrigue a reader, right?
WHAT DOES THIS BOOK TELL US ABOUT HUMANITY?
I walked away with two things on this front.
First, humans need nature. Plants, animals, sunsets/rises—the works. When we shut up and pay attention to it—better if we can get further away from population centers (as nice as they and their technologies and comforts may be) to focus on it—there's a benefit to our health. At least mental. Probably physical—and spiritual (depending on how you want to define that). This is the central drive for Green—and while it ends up not being what he expected, it's this that fulfills him. As he connects with both the common and uncommon around him, he's renewed and bettered.
Second, and it's hard to say which is more important, is that people need—and will find—community. In this case, Green finds a few groups of people and brings a couple together (or at least is a bridge between them). He's an outsider to this area, but finds himself befriending these groups almost instantly. These two—and one much larger—converge on the area (more precisely, Green and his teacher) when the chips are down, and people need help. Somewhat to protect people in general, but largely to protect "their people" (for lack of a better term). The communities step up in a way that we all want to see—and frequently do. It's rather encouraging.
SO, WHAT DID I THINK ABOUT STRANGE ANIMALS?
Anderson checks all the boxes here—he can put together a sentence just right, if this wasn't an ARC, I'd be struggling to keep my quotations to a reasonable limit; he creates fantastic characters and gets the reader to invest in them with very few words (and rewards that investment); the imagination demonstrated in this world and the uncommon animals—and the depiction of the common flora and fauna—makes you want to see more from him; and he can tell a pretty engaging story. Check, check, check, and check. If there are problems with this book, they're minor.
Okay, there's something toward the end that I'm rabidly curious about and want to know so much more about what happens. But I'm really glad Anderson just elides past it.
Still, if he wants to give me a call and describe it to me, I'll give him my number.
This is not your typical Fantasy novel, for sure. It captures an Appalachian area in a similar way (though in different states) that Alex Bledsoe's Tufa series did, which really makes me want to visit the real world version. Actually, as I say that, I realize that this book left me feeling the same way that the first Tufa novel, The Hum and the Shiver did. There are few books that I can say that about.
There's something special going on in these pages. I encourage you to look into them yourself and see if you agree.
Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Ballantine Books via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
*I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.*
Highlights
~original-to-the-book cryptids!
~check your biases
~the best toasted cheese
~pretty doesn’t mean safe
~terrifying doesn’t mean evil
Strange Animals is a book I picked up because I’ve been a fan of Anderson’s CryptoNature tumblr, which is all musings and poetry on how wonderfully strange nature is, for years and years. I didn’t see how a book from him about cryptids could go wrong!
Unfortunately, for me it did.
The opening pages are a bit wobbly, but quickly strengthen; the first quarter or third is great. The introduction of Dancer, a ridiculously amazing secondary character, had me convinced this was going to be a new favourite book. But around the halfway point, Strange Animals starts to wobble again, and the last third is a slog to read while being a narrative rush. The message of the book – that nature is big and strange and beautiful, and humans are far from the pinnacle of it – is wonderful, but got more and more heavy-handed as the story went on, shifted more and more to telling-not-showing. And I was so, so frustrated with the ending!
After an unambiguously supernatural near-death experience, Green abandons his unfulfilling ‘normal’ life and heads off to the Appalachian mountains, without much of a plan but with a lot of passion and hope. A terrifying encounter with some cryptids leads him to becoming the apprentice of a cryptonaturalist, the fantastic Valentina, and the two of them investigate a spate of suspicious deaths while Green tries to figure out who on earth he is now and adjust to his new reality.
I really appreciated Anderson’s decision to create entirely new cryptids for this book, rather than pulling from extant lore – you won’t find Bigfoot or the Mothman here, but there’s a bunch of new beasties to be fascinated by. This part of the worldbuilding is fantastic: all the cryptids feel unique and interesting, and Anderson strikes a great balance between making them eerie or frightening, and making them feel part of an unfamiliar eco-system. The cryptonaturalist culture, as well, was wonderful; I loved the sense of community, the ethos of the cryptonaturalists, how much they valued the sharing of information. Even though we didn’t get to meet many cryptonaturalists beyond Valentina, the community/culture felt vivid, something I’d love to be a part of!
But the story itself was pretty weak. A big part of it was Green having to unlearn his assumptions and biases, how to separate his reflexive fears from the available data in front of him, and I can see this being a galaxy-brain read for people who haven’t already done this kind of work on themselves, but if you have already done it, then it’s pretty dull. The book telegraphs this kind of thing in eye-rollingly obvious strokes: Green is convinced that the horned wolf, a cryptid he’s the first human to encounter, is monstrous and evil and the one behind all the killings, when it very clearly isn’t; he’s just scared of it because it looks scary.
But the story itself was pretty weak. A big part of it was Green having to unlearn his assumptions and biases, how to separate his reflexive fears from the available data in front of him, and I can see this being a galaxy-brain read for people who haven’t already done this kind of work on themselves, but if you have already done it, then it’s pretty dull. The book telegraphs this kind of thing in eye-rollingly obvious strokes: Green is convinced that the horned wolf, a cryptid he’s the first human to encounter, is monstrous and evil and the one behind all the killings, when it very clearly isn’t; he’s just scared of it because it looks scary. The cryptid he initially thinks is beautiful is, of course, the ‘bad’ one – and counter to Valentina’s insistence that cryptids are not monsters and Green is not allowed to think of them that way, it’s fine to think of this cryptid as bad because The whole deal with the mysterious acorn Green received from his near-death experience ultimately fizzles out into nothing; after all the build-up, all the hints that Green is a ‘not-man’ and maybe-immortal and something very strange and special indeed, his transformation into this legendary figure happens off-page and is time-skipped. The climax/confrontation with the cryptid causing all the deaths happens all in a rush; the only attempt at tension is that the prose gets choppier and choppier (this book is very fond of sentences being their own paragraph, which is fine until we have five or six in a row).
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
Highlights
~original-to-the-book cryptids!
~check your biases
~the best toasted cheese
~pretty doesn’t mean safe
~terrifying doesn’t mean evil
Strange Animals is a book I picked up because I’ve been a fan of Anderson’s CryptoNature tumblr, which is all musings and poetry on how wonderfully strange nature is, for years and years. I didn’t see how a book from him about cryptids could go wrong!
Unfortunately, for me it did.
The opening pages are a bit wobbly, but quickly strengthen; the first quarter or third is great. The introduction of Dancer, a ridiculously amazing secondary character, had me convinced this was going to be a new favourite book. But around the halfway point, Strange Animals starts to wobble again, and the last third is a slog to read while being a narrative rush. The message of the book – that nature is big and strange and beautiful, and humans are far from the pinnacle of it – is wonderful, but got more and more heavy-handed as the story went on, shifted more and more to telling-not-showing. And I was so, so frustrated with the ending!
After an unambiguously supernatural near-death experience, Green abandons his unfulfilling ‘normal’ life and heads off to the Appalachian mountains, without much of a plan but with a lot of passion and hope. A terrifying encounter with some cryptids leads him to becoming the apprentice of a cryptonaturalist, the fantastic Valentina, and the two of them investigate a spate of suspicious deaths while Green tries to figure out who on earth he is now and adjust to his new reality.
I really appreciated Anderson’s decision to create entirely new cryptids for this book, rather than pulling from extant lore – you won’t find Bigfoot or the Mothman here, but there’s a bunch of new beasties to be fascinated by. This part of the worldbuilding is fantastic: all the cryptids feel unique and interesting, and Anderson strikes a great balance between making them eerie or frightening, and making them feel part of an unfamiliar eco-system. The cryptonaturalist culture, as well, was wonderful; I loved the sense of community, the ethos of the cryptonaturalists, how much they valued the sharing of information. Even though we didn’t get to meet many cryptonaturalists beyond Valentina, the community/culture felt vivid, something I’d love to be a part of!
But the story itself was pretty weak. A big part of it was Green having to unlearn his assumptions and biases, how to separate his reflexive fears from the available data in front of him, and I can see this being a galaxy-brain read for people who haven’t already done this kind of work on themselves, but if you have already done it, then it’s pretty dull. The book telegraphs this kind of thing in eye-rollingly obvious strokes: Green is convinced that the horned wolf, a cryptid he’s the first human to encounter, is monstrous and evil and the one behind all the killings, when it very clearly isn’t; he’s just scared of it because it looks scary.
But the story itself was pretty weak. A big part of it was Green having to unlearn his assumptions and biases, how to separate his reflexive fears from the available data in front of him, and I can see this being a galaxy-brain read for people who haven’t already done this kind of work on themselves, but if you have already done it, then it’s pretty dull. The book telegraphs this kind of thing in eye-rollingly obvious strokes: Green is convinced that the horned wolf, a cryptid he’s the first human to encounter, is monstrous and evil and the one behind all the killings, when it very clearly isn’t; he’s just scared of it because it looks scary. The cryptid he initially thinks is beautiful is, of course, the ‘bad’ one – and counter to Valentina’s insistence that cryptids are not monsters and Green is not allowed to think of them that way, it’s fine to think of this cryptid as bad because The whole deal with the mysterious acorn Green received from his near-death experience ultimately fizzles out into nothing; after all the build-up, all the hints that Green is a ‘not-man’ and maybe-immortal and something very strange and special indeed, his transformation into this legendary figure happens off-page and is time-skipped. The climax/confrontation with the cryptid causing all the deaths happens all in a rush; the only attempt at tension is that the prose gets choppier and choppier (this book is very fond of sentences being their own paragraph, which is fine until we have five or six in a row).
Read the rest at Every Book a Doorway!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Kinda like a fever dream
Green miraculously escapes death when he trips on the curb and almost gets hit by a city bus. As he sees some strange visions of impossible creatures (like a five-foot crow), Green goes to a remote campsite in the Appalachian Mountains to apprentice under an old teacher. Here, he meets more strange animals and finds himself happy. However, something threatens to destroy everything that now means the world to him!
The story comes in Green’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts
Okay… so I requested this for that terrific cover and the premise that spoke of forests, hills, and mysterious creatures. In that sense, the book delivers.
Even if you read the blurb, I’d say just go with the flow without having any expectations. Things strangely make sense, but you will have to be patient. The pacing is uneven, which can be an issue, especially if you also don’t prefer too much philosophy.
There really isn’t any foundation, so it might feel like you are missing important information. That’s okay. The MC doesn’t know anything, so we learn as he does.
I love the setting (any atmospheric forest gets points from me) and its wilderness. The idea of mysterious creatures, cryptids, and selected people studying them appeals a lot to me.
At the same time, I totally empathize with the MC’s struggle to come to terms with things. As much as I loveeee forests, I will scream at the top of my lungs if I see what he saw. Heck. I’d even win a World Record for the loudest scream.
That said, the narration meanders at random. Some of the quotes are terrific, especially those about nature being eternal and about human thought, action, and presence not being the focal point of the earth. But the philosophic musings and borderline gyan are not my thing. I had to skim those parts when it got too much.
While this might be the story of a man’s growth and finding himself, his purpose, etc., for me, it is a story of learning to become a humble part of nature. There are so many fascinating, marvelous, and highly terrifying creatures we know nothing about, and we have no right to want to harm/destroy any of them because we consider ourselves superior.
The last 15% or so picks up pace due to the shift in narrative. Since I was ready for the book to end by then, it didn’t feel odd. The ending is complete and positive, though it is also open, leaving a few questions unanswered. It may seem a bit tame, but I like it.
Oh, by the way, the author seems to be like me in titling his book. Strange Animals, though apt for the story, doesn’t really do justice to it. But then, I called one of my stories The Silver Beast (no points for guessing what it had), so who am I to point fingers?
To summarize, Strange Animals is an interesting read that is best enjoyed by going with the flow and being patient, as the pace wavers. Those who like forests and mysterious creatures should like it more.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #StrangeAnimals
One Liner: Kinda like a fever dream
Green miraculously escapes death when he trips on the curb and almost gets hit by a city bus. As he sees some strange visions of impossible creatures (like a five-foot crow), Green goes to a remote campsite in the Appalachian Mountains to apprentice under an old teacher. Here, he meets more strange animals and finds himself happy. However, something threatens to destroy everything that now means the world to him!
The story comes in Green’s third-person POV.
My Thoughts
Okay… so I requested this for that terrific cover and the premise that spoke of forests, hills, and mysterious creatures. In that sense, the book delivers.
Even if you read the blurb, I’d say just go with the flow without having any expectations. Things strangely make sense, but you will have to be patient. The pacing is uneven, which can be an issue, especially if you also don’t prefer too much philosophy.
There really isn’t any foundation, so it might feel like you are missing important information. That’s okay. The MC doesn’t know anything, so we learn as he does.
I love the setting (any atmospheric forest gets points from me) and its wilderness. The idea of mysterious creatures, cryptids, and selected people studying them appeals a lot to me.
At the same time, I totally empathize with the MC’s struggle to come to terms with things. As much as I loveeee forests, I will scream at the top of my lungs if I see what he saw. Heck. I’d even win a World Record for the loudest scream.
That said, the narration meanders at random. Some of the quotes are terrific, especially those about nature being eternal and about human thought, action, and presence not being the focal point of the earth. But the philosophic musings and borderline gyan are not my thing. I had to skim those parts when it got too much.
While this might be the story of a man’s growth and finding himself, his purpose, etc., for me, it is a story of learning to become a humble part of nature. There are so many fascinating, marvelous, and highly terrifying creatures we know nothing about, and we have no right to want to harm/destroy any of them because we consider ourselves superior.
The last 15% or so picks up pace due to the shift in narrative. Since I was ready for the book to end by then, it didn’t feel odd. The ending is complete and positive, though it is also open, leaving a few questions unanswered. It may seem a bit tame, but I like it.
Oh, by the way, the author seems to be like me in titling his book. Strange Animals, though apt for the story, doesn’t really do justice to it. But then, I called one of my stories The Silver Beast (no points for guessing what it had), so who am I to point fingers?
To summarize, Strange Animals is an interesting read that is best enjoyed by going with the flow and being patient, as the pace wavers. Those who like forests and mysterious creatures should like it more.
Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #StrangeAnimals
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The premise of Strange Animals sounded intriguing. After Green survived something he truly shouldn’t have, he finds himself drawn to the dark and lonely places. Giving up everything he’s known, he ventures into the Appalachian Mountains in search of answers and peace. What he finds is far outside the realm of what should be possible.
This book is absolutely amazing. It seemed like it should have been a straightforward story, but instead it felt…large and complicated in the very best way. The Appalachian Mountains in this book are home to more than the usual wildlife. Instead, there are otherworldly creatures existing just out of sight for most people, with only a lucky few seeing this unique world. It turns out that the main character, Green, is one of those people.
I had a feeling that I’d love it about a chapter in. Green is a likable fish out of water, someone who is clearly outside his comfort zone (to be fair, the things he sees would be outside anyone’s comfort zone). Instead of spending time in disbelief or self-pity, he accepts that he stepped into a whole new world and does his best to adjust. Due to this acceptance, as well as his sense of wonder, the reader is treated to the majesty of both the creatures created for the book and the real magic that waits in the wild places.
Green is joined by a great cast of characters. Most importantly is Valentina, a cryptidologist who becomes his mentor. She’s clearly out of practice with human interaction, but she does her best. Her normal curriculum is thrown out the window when a cryptid that only Green can see starts killing people in the vicinity. I loved the interaction between her world and Green’s. She was a fascinating person, with bits and pieces of her past scattered throughout the book like breadcrumbs.
Other characters filled out this microworld, and they really reminded me of the oddball characters found in Twin Peaks (although the book itself is nothing like that show). They were memorable and so much fun, especially the two who frequented the only gas station in the area. They were what immediately solidified the charm to be found within the pages.
And there is so much charm! I think Strange Animals is billed as “cozy”, but that’s not how I would describe it. It leans heavily on the already wondrous feel of real nature, with the fictional creatures fitting in almost naturally, creating a weird yet almost believable ecosystem. The threat is truly creepy and I loved the way that all played out.
The writing itself is beautiful and introspective, which surprised me in the best way. There’s so much to love about Strange Animals, a book that is in a class all its own. It’s different and magical and truly something special.
I can’t recommend this book enough.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy of this book. My opinions are completely my own.
Review published on: https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
This book is absolutely amazing. It seemed like it should have been a straightforward story, but instead it felt…large and complicated in the very best way. The Appalachian Mountains in this book are home to more than the usual wildlife. Instead, there are otherworldly creatures existing just out of sight for most people, with only a lucky few seeing this unique world. It turns out that the main character, Green, is one of those people.
I had a feeling that I’d love it about a chapter in. Green is a likable fish out of water, someone who is clearly outside his comfort zone (to be fair, the things he sees would be outside anyone’s comfort zone). Instead of spending time in disbelief or self-pity, he accepts that he stepped into a whole new world and does his best to adjust. Due to this acceptance, as well as his sense of wonder, the reader is treated to the majesty of both the creatures created for the book and the real magic that waits in the wild places.
Green is joined by a great cast of characters. Most importantly is Valentina, a cryptidologist who becomes his mentor. She’s clearly out of practice with human interaction, but she does her best. Her normal curriculum is thrown out the window when a cryptid that only Green can see starts killing people in the vicinity. I loved the interaction between her world and Green’s. She was a fascinating person, with bits and pieces of her past scattered throughout the book like breadcrumbs.
Other characters filled out this microworld, and they really reminded me of the oddball characters found in Twin Peaks (although the book itself is nothing like that show). They were memorable and so much fun, especially the two who frequented the only gas station in the area. They were what immediately solidified the charm to be found within the pages.
And there is so much charm! I think Strange Animals is billed as “cozy”, but that’s not how I would describe it. It leans heavily on the already wondrous feel of real nature, with the fictional creatures fitting in almost naturally, creating a weird yet almost believable ecosystem. The threat is truly creepy and I loved the way that all played out.
The writing itself is beautiful and introspective, which surprised me in the best way. There’s so much to love about Strange Animals, a book that is in a class all its own. It’s different and magical and truly something special.
I can’t recommend this book enough.
Thank you to Ballantine Books and Netgalley for providing me with a review copy of this book. My opinions are completely my own.
Review published on: https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Strange Animals
A Novel
by Jarod K. Anderson
Pub date: 2/10/2026
Publisher: Ballentine
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine/Ballentine Books for an ecopy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Cryptozoology wasn’t a term I was familiar with when I started this book. Neither was Green, the main character in Jarod K. Anderson’s debut novel, Strange Animals. We both learned together, but I had the advantage of not facing any glass fawns or horned wolves.
When Strange Animals opens, Green died, but then didn’t, under the wheels of a city bus. When he finds himself back on the sidewalk, there’s an enormous crow perched on a “No Parking” sign, and an acorn in his pocket. Next thing Green knows, he’s left his urban life behind and is heading to the Catskill mountains. He’s going to a place he’s never been, for reasons he can’t understand. He’s going because that acorn compels him to go. He sets off on a life-changing journey full of discovery, and ultimately, purpose.
Anderson’s debut novel is fantastic and fantastical. His interweaving of the ordinary and supernatural elements allows a reader to enter this world he’s constructed, without hesitation. In other words, it’s easy to suspend disbelief when confronted with the knowledge that our world is populated by things only a few people can actually see, even though these other beings live alongside all of us.
Setting the book in Appalachia adds to the reality of this world. These ancient mountains, populated with dark forests, few people, and folklore of its own fits this world of cryptozoology. It’s a perfect mood.
I also fell in love with the characters. Dancer is the woman in charge of the campground where Green intends to camp. Valentina Blackwood becomes his prickly mentor in this strange new world. Jerome and Alf, two kids that work at the local gas station accept this stranger without questions of judgement. All of the characters become Green’s new community.
Strange Animals is a mix of magical realism with horror elements (in my mind) sprinkled in. It is also a funny book, but one that makes you think about how interconnected life is on this planet. The funny parts balance out the darker parts of the novel. There are a few places where I wasn’t clear on how this world worked, and sometimes Valentina’s lectures got a bit dense, but overall, I really enjoyed this novel. I found it hard to put down once I started it because I wanted to see what happened to Green.
5/5
A Novel
by Jarod K. Anderson
Pub date: 2/10/2026
Publisher: Ballentine
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballentine/Ballentine Books for an ecopy of the book. All opinions are my own.
Cryptozoology wasn’t a term I was familiar with when I started this book. Neither was Green, the main character in Jarod K. Anderson’s debut novel, Strange Animals. We both learned together, but I had the advantage of not facing any glass fawns or horned wolves.
When Strange Animals opens, Green died, but then didn’t, under the wheels of a city bus. When he finds himself back on the sidewalk, there’s an enormous crow perched on a “No Parking” sign, and an acorn in his pocket. Next thing Green knows, he’s left his urban life behind and is heading to the Catskill mountains. He’s going to a place he’s never been, for reasons he can’t understand. He’s going because that acorn compels him to go. He sets off on a life-changing journey full of discovery, and ultimately, purpose.
Anderson’s debut novel is fantastic and fantastical. His interweaving of the ordinary and supernatural elements allows a reader to enter this world he’s constructed, without hesitation. In other words, it’s easy to suspend disbelief when confronted with the knowledge that our world is populated by things only a few people can actually see, even though these other beings live alongside all of us.
Setting the book in Appalachia adds to the reality of this world. These ancient mountains, populated with dark forests, few people, and folklore of its own fits this world of cryptozoology. It’s a perfect mood.
I also fell in love with the characters. Dancer is the woman in charge of the campground where Green intends to camp. Valentina Blackwood becomes his prickly mentor in this strange new world. Jerome and Alf, two kids that work at the local gas station accept this stranger without questions of judgement. All of the characters become Green’s new community.
Strange Animals is a mix of magical realism with horror elements (in my mind) sprinkled in. It is also a funny book, but one that makes you think about how interconnected life is on this planet. The funny parts balance out the darker parts of the novel. There are a few places where I wasn’t clear on how this world worked, and sometimes Valentina’s lectures got a bit dense, but overall, I really enjoyed this novel. I found it hard to put down once I started it because I wanted to see what happened to Green.
5/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A strange twist of fate draws a man from his ordinary life into a bizarrely extraordinary one filled with supernatural creatures and a new community in which to belong in Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
After an incident with a bus that should have meant his demise, Green finds himself inexplicably alive, watched by a massive crow that’s somehow unseen by other commuters, and with an acorn in his pocket that he cannot stop his hand from gravitating toward. Compelled to leave the trappings of his current life behind, Green uproots himself and heads into the Appalachian Mountains, where he has encounters with other strange creatures that lead him to an apprenticeship with a centuries-old cryptonaturalist, who might just be able to set him on the path toward answers he seeks while also providing a new community in which to find company. While investigating the reason for some mysterious deaths, Green and his mentor realize that they’re facing a deadly force from beyond their reality; the means to stop it will require a hefty sacrifice, but for the sake of protecting those he’s come to care about, it’s not that high a price to do what feels right and comes naturally.
Incorporating fantastic cryptid creatures with a touch of investigative mystery and building a new sense of identity and community while starting a fresh chapter in life, the story offers an intriguing glimpse into a weird and wonder-filled world that could easily be lurking beneath the surface of the ordinary of everyday life. Through nearly every action and interaction of Green’s, there’s an emphasis on acknowledging and embracing the weird of the world where and when you find it, which in and of itself can be a form of wonder and beauty, even if what’s being looked upon might be deemed traditionally unsightly. The creatures that were depicted were fascinating and described in great detail, and the limited cast of characters were generally well-developed, though it would be interesting to have more time with some of them, with aspects of their respective tales playing a role in the larger narrative, with the vital elements revealed at opportune moments to pick up the pacing that slows down at times.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
After an incident with a bus that should have meant his demise, Green finds himself inexplicably alive, watched by a massive crow that’s somehow unseen by other commuters, and with an acorn in his pocket that he cannot stop his hand from gravitating toward. Compelled to leave the trappings of his current life behind, Green uproots himself and heads into the Appalachian Mountains, where he has encounters with other strange creatures that lead him to an apprenticeship with a centuries-old cryptonaturalist, who might just be able to set him on the path toward answers he seeks while also providing a new community in which to find company. While investigating the reason for some mysterious deaths, Green and his mentor realize that they’re facing a deadly force from beyond their reality; the means to stop it will require a hefty sacrifice, but for the sake of protecting those he’s come to care about, it’s not that high a price to do what feels right and comes naturally.
Incorporating fantastic cryptid creatures with a touch of investigative mystery and building a new sense of identity and community while starting a fresh chapter in life, the story offers an intriguing glimpse into a weird and wonder-filled world that could easily be lurking beneath the surface of the ordinary of everyday life. Through nearly every action and interaction of Green’s, there’s an emphasis on acknowledging and embracing the weird of the world where and when you find it, which in and of itself can be a form of wonder and beauty, even if what’s being looked upon might be deemed traditionally unsightly. The creatures that were depicted were fascinating and described in great detail, and the limited cast of characters were generally well-developed, though it would be interesting to have more time with some of them, with aspects of their respective tales playing a role in the larger narrative, with the vital elements revealed at opportune moments to pick up the pacing that slows down at times.
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I absolutely loved my time with Strange Animals.
The book follows Green, starting on the day he dies—or, perhaps, the day his past life dies. Green gets hit by a bus, and then he does not. Time rewinds and he finds himself with a mysterious acorn in his pocket and the deep need to leave his life behind and journey into the woods, where he begins to see inexplicable and otherworldly creatures. The book follows Green as he becomes an apprentice to a cryponaturalist and finds himself caught amidst strange forces. The book centers around the relationship between humans and nature, of the sheer might and beauty of nature, and the meaning of significance.
I loved this, though I also do think that my experiences with the book are strongly biased by my own background. I am a biologist with a focus on mammalogy and entomology. I became a biologist in part because, when I looked at a moth under a microscope in my entomology class, I realized that it was beautiful. That a common moth was a stunning work of art penned by a power so much greater than humanity; and that evolution and nature and everything outside of human power over nature was stunning in a way that I never would have seen if I hadn’t put it under a microscope and been made by a class to stop and look. Strange Animals captured that emotion in a way I have never really seen described before. I was absolutely enamored by the way the book envisioned the place of humans amidst nature. The book felt like it captured the magic that has driven my life and career and folded it into a story full of heart and wisdom.
I really enjoyed the story of this book. It’s not a long book, but it is a very full book. The story was deeply compelling even if some plot points were very predictable. The narrative was satisfying even if it left me wanting more, if only to see what happened next and to keep living in the world of the story. Valentina, Green’s mentor, is written with incredible wisdom that left me with a lot to think about.
Overall, I really recommend this book to anyone who has ever found themselves astounded by the sheer beauty of the natural world. I felt that this book captured that emotion with incredible poignance. This is an easy five-star book for me, and I look forward to seeing what else the author writes.
Thank you to Ballantine Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Green, starting on the day he dies—or, perhaps, the day his past life dies. Green gets hit by a bus, and then he does not. Time rewinds and he finds himself with a mysterious acorn in his pocket and the deep need to leave his life behind and journey into the woods, where he begins to see inexplicable and otherworldly creatures. The book follows Green as he becomes an apprentice to a cryponaturalist and finds himself caught amidst strange forces. The book centers around the relationship between humans and nature, of the sheer might and beauty of nature, and the meaning of significance.
I loved this, though I also do think that my experiences with the book are strongly biased by my own background. I am a biologist with a focus on mammalogy and entomology. I became a biologist in part because, when I looked at a moth under a microscope in my entomology class, I realized that it was beautiful. That a common moth was a stunning work of art penned by a power so much greater than humanity; and that evolution and nature and everything outside of human power over nature was stunning in a way that I never would have seen if I hadn’t put it under a microscope and been made by a class to stop and look. Strange Animals captured that emotion in a way I have never really seen described before. I was absolutely enamored by the way the book envisioned the place of humans amidst nature. The book felt like it captured the magic that has driven my life and career and folded it into a story full of heart and wisdom.
I really enjoyed the story of this book. It’s not a long book, but it is a very full book. The story was deeply compelling even if some plot points were very predictable. The narrative was satisfying even if it left me wanting more, if only to see what happened next and to keep living in the world of the story. Valentina, Green’s mentor, is written with incredible wisdom that left me with a lot to think about.
Overall, I really recommend this book to anyone who has ever found themselves astounded by the sheer beauty of the natural world. I felt that this book captured that emotion with incredible poignance. This is an easy five-star book for me, and I look forward to seeing what else the author writes.
Thank you to Ballantine Books for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I LOVED Strange Animals! Having finished it, I now have massive book hangover. I've tried to start three other books and just can't. I'm still clinging to the feelings that this strange, wonderful, heartwarming fantasy has given me. The characters are just amazingly quirky and perfect for this book. Though they have barely known each other, they all are like a found family. Alf, Jerome, Dancer, Valentina, and Green were a perfect combination of strangely lovable folks, and you don't even know why you love them so much. You just do. At least I did, and I think other cozy fantasy readers will too.
This wild and wonderful story begins with Green’s not-death which leads him to upend his life and head to the Catskills in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s here he meets the wonderful characters and unbelievable creatures. There is so much I adored about this book. The author uses such descriptive language that it’s hard not to imagine yourself inside of it. An example of this is when Green drives past a stump known as the moss man.
And the author shares wisdom through his characters.
Anderson also uses complex vocabulary. I’m a voracious reader, but there were even words for which I had to check the definition. I’m 55, got all As, had a teacher who gave us vocab every week, so I feel like I know lots of word meanings. I mean I am getting old, so there’s that. But, I digress. THIS, this complex vocabulary, picturesque descriptions, characters who share wise words…this is why reading is so important. I can’t believe how many people don’t read! How are they going to discover the magic of words? If I taught high school, I’d assign this book as a mandatory reading assignment. Sure, 90% of them wouldn’t bother because they don’t bother now, but that 10%...they’d get to discover this cozy, beautiful, wonderful world that is Strange Animals.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
This wild and wonderful story begins with Green’s not-death which leads him to upend his life and head to the Catskills in the Appalachian Mountains. It’s here he meets the wonderful characters and unbelievable creatures. There is so much I adored about this book. The author uses such descriptive language that it’s hard not to imagine yourself inside of it. An example of this is when Green drives past a stump known as the moss man.
“They reached the moss man. The big stump was shaggy with growth and spotted with lichens. Huge bracket fungi, like tawny dinner plates embedded in the rotting wood, shadowed glimmering crescents of frost from the wan sunlight.”
And the author shares wisdom through his characters.
“I travel widely. I read widely. I work to maintain active curiosity and humility in the face of new information. I don’t let my vanity insist that I cannot be improved upon. It is not a comfortable worldview, but it is worthwhile. It keeps me young.”
Anderson also uses complex vocabulary. I’m a voracious reader, but there were even words for which I had to check the definition. I’m 55, got all As, had a teacher who gave us vocab every week, so I feel like I know lots of word meanings. I mean I am getting old, so there’s that. But, I digress. THIS, this complex vocabulary, picturesque descriptions, characters who share wise words…this is why reading is so important. I can’t believe how many people don’t read! How are they going to discover the magic of words? If I taught high school, I’d assign this book as a mandatory reading assignment. Sure, 90% of them wouldn’t bother because they don’t bother now, but that 10%...they’d get to discover this cozy, beautiful, wonderful world that is Strange Animals.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ARC provided by Ballantine Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
Strange Animals is a quiet and cozy tale full of hidden wonders in the natural world. I just loved the eerie happenings throughout the story and the many creatures that the characters encounter. The story does start off a bit on the horror side of things, but soon settles into a cozy story about loss, curiosity and choice.
I loved all of the characters in this story. Green is such a lost young man, who is desperate to understand why he didn’t die, and what has happened to him. His new ability to see what others can’t is terrifying to him, but at the same time incites a sense of wonder as well. His character goes through so much and we see quite a bit of growth in him. He is very brave when facing some of the creatures, remaining calm even will he is petrified on the inside.
Valentina is also a great character. She is very wise and I loved how she recognized that something was different about Green immediately and took him under her wing. She is a very organic and natural teacher, but I think she should have maybe explained a bit more to Green than she did. Like why he shouldn’t go some places.
The setting of this story was perfect. The Appalachian mountains are vast, and many parts of it are totally removed from civilization. Who knows what might lurk in those hidden corners of the forest. The poetic writing certainly helped set the mood and created a sense of eeriness that I always feel in the woods.
The story itself was very well done. It does start off a bit on the horror side, but soon levels off into a sense of wonder at the creatures that Green encounters. The creatures themselves were fascinating. I don’t know if any of them are true cryptids, or are based on local folklore, but I found them as fascinating as Green did. The ending was a bit on the bittersweet side, but fit well with the rest of the story. This is a standalone, but I certainly hope to see more books featuring these characters and this wonderful world.
Highly recommend this to those of you who like your stories on the eerie side of cozy. This debut is certainly worth it and I look forward to the next book this author writes.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
Strange Animals is a quiet and cozy tale full of hidden wonders in the natural world. I just loved the eerie happenings throughout the story and the many creatures that the characters encounter. The story does start off a bit on the horror side of things, but soon settles into a cozy story about loss, curiosity and choice.
I loved all of the characters in this story. Green is such a lost young man, who is desperate to understand why he didn’t die, and what has happened to him. His new ability to see what others can’t is terrifying to him, but at the same time incites a sense of wonder as well. His character goes through so much and we see quite a bit of growth in him. He is very brave when facing some of the creatures, remaining calm even will he is petrified on the inside.
Valentina is also a great character. She is very wise and I loved how she recognized that something was different about Green immediately and took him under her wing. She is a very organic and natural teacher, but I think she should have maybe explained a bit more to Green than she did. Like why he shouldn’t go some places.
The setting of this story was perfect. The Appalachian mountains are vast, and many parts of it are totally removed from civilization. Who knows what might lurk in those hidden corners of the forest. The poetic writing certainly helped set the mood and created a sense of eeriness that I always feel in the woods.
The story itself was very well done. It does start off a bit on the horror side, but soon levels off into a sense of wonder at the creatures that Green encounters. The creatures themselves were fascinating. I don’t know if any of them are true cryptids, or are based on local folklore, but I found them as fascinating as Green did. The ending was a bit on the bittersweet side, but fit well with the rest of the story. This is a standalone, but I certainly hope to see more books featuring these characters and this wonderful world.
Highly recommend this to those of you who like your stories on the eerie side of cozy. This debut is certainly worth it and I look forward to the next book this author writes.
https://elnadesbookchat.com
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you Ballantine Books and PRH Audio for the ARC!
Rating: 4.5 Stars rounded up
Genre: Fantasy
Format Read: ALC Audio
Narrator: Single; Jay Myers
Standalone
Add to the top of your TBR if you love:
- Fantastical, cozy fantasy that’s just a little creepy
- Hidden magic and beasts
- Imaginative story telling
- Found Family and finding a sense of belonging
- The rural outdoors
This was a fever dream of a book and I loved every second of it.
Unique and full of heart, Strange Animals is a richly imaginative, transformative journey of self discovery. Set in the Appalachian wilderness, “Candle-Fly Camp” acts as a character in itself. I loved how the author created an equally beautiful and eerie atmosphere to match the supernatural creatures we discover in this book. The pacing is a little mixed between fast and medium, which fits the narrative.
The characters (both human and cryptid) were fully developed, eccentric and so interesting to follow. We follow the understandably anxious protagonist, Green: an outwardly ordinary man from the city whose life is saved by supernatural intervention. He is called to the Appalachian Mountains, where he meets Dancer: the charmingly odd and hilarious caretaker of Candle-Fly Camp, and Valentina: a grouchy, reclusive cryptonaturalist. Valentina takes Green on as an apprentice, and their dynamic is an absolute delight. I loved how their personalities complimented each other and their dialogue was so charming. The characters worked together so well, and I found myself wishing they each had their own book by the end.
Overall, this was an unexpected hit. I think that if the idea of a nature focused, magical exploration of a found family gets you excited, you should definitely pick this one up.
Audio Notes: This was one of the greatest vocal performances I have experienced with an audiobook. Jay Myers portrays each character with expert care and impeccable accent work. His pacing was excellent, and he brought so much emotion to this story. I highly recommend the audio for this!
Rating: 4.5 Stars rounded up
Genre: Fantasy
Format Read: ALC Audio
Narrator: Single; Jay Myers
Standalone
Add to the top of your TBR if you love:
- Fantastical, cozy fantasy that’s just a little creepy
- Hidden magic and beasts
- Imaginative story telling
- Found Family and finding a sense of belonging
- The rural outdoors
This was a fever dream of a book and I loved every second of it.
Unique and full of heart, Strange Animals is a richly imaginative, transformative journey of self discovery. Set in the Appalachian wilderness, “Candle-Fly Camp” acts as a character in itself. I loved how the author created an equally beautiful and eerie atmosphere to match the supernatural creatures we discover in this book. The pacing is a little mixed between fast and medium, which fits the narrative.
The characters (both human and cryptid) were fully developed, eccentric and so interesting to follow. We follow the understandably anxious protagonist, Green: an outwardly ordinary man from the city whose life is saved by supernatural intervention. He is called to the Appalachian Mountains, where he meets Dancer: the charmingly odd and hilarious caretaker of Candle-Fly Camp, and Valentina: a grouchy, reclusive cryptonaturalist. Valentina takes Green on as an apprentice, and their dynamic is an absolute delight. I loved how their personalities complimented each other and their dialogue was so charming. The characters worked together so well, and I found myself wishing they each had their own book by the end.
Overall, this was an unexpected hit. I think that if the idea of a nature focused, magical exploration of a found family gets you excited, you should definitely pick this one up.
Audio Notes: This was one of the greatest vocal performances I have experienced with an audiobook. Jay Myers portrays each character with expert care and impeccable accent work. His pacing was excellent, and he brought so much emotion to this story. I highly recommend the audio for this!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75 Stars rounded up to 4/5 Stars
Strange Animals is one of those books I didn’t dislike, but also didn’t fully love—it sits right in that “interesting but uneven” middle ground for me.
The story is intriguing with a strong imaginative concept. The author paints a vivid picture of the world that feels incredibly unsettling - so much so that some of the imagery really sticks with you and the animals that you see in your mind's eye invade your actual dreams! I especially appreciated the atmosphere and the underlying themes, which hint at something deeper than the surface-level story. The connection to Appalachian folklore landed squarely in my youth bringing me back to scary stories told around the campfire (and maybe that's where my love/hate relationship with this book is rooted - who wants to unpack all that!?)
While there were some great things about this book, the authors imaginative descriptions, and the character development; the execution didn’t always land for me. The pacing felt choppy at times. Some parts dragged while others rushed past moments that deserved more space. I also struggled to connect with the characters on an emotional level. They weren’t bad, just somewhat distant, which made it harder to feel fully invested in what was happening to them.
Overall, Strange Animals is a solid read with a unique premise and brief flashes of brilliance, but it didn’t quite come together as strongly as I would have liked. That said - this is a book outside my normal genre and I struggled to find the cadence to totally immerse myself in the story like I do with other books (romances). I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy experimental or slightly offbeat stories with unique characters and storylines, especially if you’re more interested in mood and ideas rather than deep character development. It’s a good book, just not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read this eARC early in exchange for my honest review.
Strange Animals is one of those books I didn’t dislike, but also didn’t fully love—it sits right in that “interesting but uneven” middle ground for me.
The story is intriguing with a strong imaginative concept. The author paints a vivid picture of the world that feels incredibly unsettling - so much so that some of the imagery really sticks with you and the animals that you see in your mind's eye invade your actual dreams! I especially appreciated the atmosphere and the underlying themes, which hint at something deeper than the surface-level story. The connection to Appalachian folklore landed squarely in my youth bringing me back to scary stories told around the campfire (and maybe that's where my love/hate relationship with this book is rooted - who wants to unpack all that!?)
While there were some great things about this book, the authors imaginative descriptions, and the character development; the execution didn’t always land for me. The pacing felt choppy at times. Some parts dragged while others rushed past moments that deserved more space. I also struggled to connect with the characters on an emotional level. They weren’t bad, just somewhat distant, which made it harder to feel fully invested in what was happening to them.
Overall, Strange Animals is a solid read with a unique premise and brief flashes of brilliance, but it didn’t quite come together as strongly as I would have liked. That said - this is a book outside my normal genre and I struggled to find the cadence to totally immerse myself in the story like I do with other books (romances). I’d recommend it to readers who enjoy experimental or slightly offbeat stories with unique characters and storylines, especially if you’re more interested in mood and ideas rather than deep character development. It’s a good book, just not for me.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the opportunity to read this eARC early in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2025
*Blurb:
After a near-death experience, Green feels a calling to nature. He leaves his life in the city behind and heads to the Catskills for an indefinite camping trip. One he quickly realizes he is ill-prepared for.
He meets some interesting people along his journey, his new neighbor the most peculiar of them all, and experiences strange and terrifying encounters with the oddest creatures. Creatures he soon realizes only few people can see.
The neighbor, Valentina, the cryptonaturalist, becomes his teacher and enlightens him on the strange happenings going on and what else is out there. But all is not as it seems; to teacher or student.
There is a deadly threat to the land and its inhabitants.
-----------------
"Strange Animals", so aptly named, is an adventure into the mysterious world of nature unknown.
Anderson drops us right into the crypto world from the start. No education before exposure. And while that seems a bit unbalancing at first, it serves well for the reader because the story gets off to an exciting start. It hooks you with intrigue. Keeps you turning the pages. At first, anyway.
My engagement teetered shortly thereafter. The pacing felt patchy. I was interested, but not invested. Because of this, I felt like there was some context and connections I missed along the way.
I didn't mind setting the book down for a day or so before coming back to it.
Nothing really hooked me enough to keep the book in my hands. But I was curious enough to finish the book. And I’m really glad I did.
All things considered, this was a fascinating and beguiling read, full of mystery and suspense and quirky, lovable characters that I would absolutely recommend. But with caution: Trust the process. The end result is worth it.
🤩This was a Solid 3.5 ⭐ read for me. But not quite enough to bump it to 4⭐
🥰 Note to Publisher: A Creature Companion Novel, or Creature Encyclopedia would be the bees' knees.
🙏Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the eARC gift.
After a near-death experience, Green feels a calling to nature. He leaves his life in the city behind and heads to the Catskills for an indefinite camping trip. One he quickly realizes he is ill-prepared for.
He meets some interesting people along his journey, his new neighbor the most peculiar of them all, and experiences strange and terrifying encounters with the oddest creatures. Creatures he soon realizes only few people can see.
The neighbor, Valentina, the cryptonaturalist, becomes his teacher and enlightens him on the strange happenings going on and what else is out there. But all is not as it seems; to teacher or student.
There is a deadly threat to the land and its inhabitants.
-----------------
"Strange Animals", so aptly named, is an adventure into the mysterious world of nature unknown.
Anderson drops us right into the crypto world from the start. No education before exposure. And while that seems a bit unbalancing at first, it serves well for the reader because the story gets off to an exciting start. It hooks you with intrigue. Keeps you turning the pages. At first, anyway.
My engagement teetered shortly thereafter. The pacing felt patchy. I was interested, but not invested. Because of this, I felt like there was some context and connections I missed along the way.
I didn't mind setting the book down for a day or so before coming back to it.
Nothing really hooked me enough to keep the book in my hands. But I was curious enough to finish the book. And I’m really glad I did.
All things considered, this was a fascinating and beguiling read, full of mystery and suspense and quirky, lovable characters that I would absolutely recommend. But with caution: Trust the process. The end result is worth it.
🤩This was a Solid 3.5 ⭐ read for me. But not quite enough to bump it to 4⭐
🥰 Note to Publisher: A Creature Companion Novel, or Creature Encyclopedia would be the bees' knees.
🙏Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the eARC gift.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What an odd little book this is.
Strange Animals is not what I expected it to be. It focused on social relationships between our human characters (with one or two exceptions) rather than the creatures of namesake. Unfortunately, I had a hard time sitting down and just reading Strange Animals. It's like I could only process it in a few short stints at a time. It felt too dense and too sparse all at once.
A genuine thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review :) All opinions are my own.
Strange Animals is not what I expected it to be. It focused on social relationships between our human characters (with one or two exceptions) rather than the creatures of namesake. Unfortunately, I had a hard time sitting down and just reading Strange Animals. It's like I could only process it in a few short stints at a time. It felt too dense and too sparse all at once.
A genuine thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-Arc in exchange for an honest review :) All opinions are my own.
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