Strange Animals

by Jarod K. Anderson

An 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.

Genres: Fantasy, Adult, Fiction, Contemporary

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 10, 2026

About the author

Jarod 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.

Reviews

[Monica Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really lovely and delightfully odd, this fantasy novel brings touches of enchantment to the very real magic of nature.

Full review to come closer to publication.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to come upon release

[Tre' · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Amanda]

review to come

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 :)

[Stacy Keene · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Hana · Rating 4 out of 5]

“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

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Willie Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

*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.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Green has surreal experience in which he falls in front of bus and dies, but somehow time rewinds and the fall never happens. Not entirely convinced of the reality of the experience, but nevertheless shaken, he is compelled to leave his old city life entirely behind. He is called to the Catskill mountains, despite having little to no experience in the wilderness. When he arrives, he is introduced quickly and terrifyingly to a world which exists parallel to ours, where he sees strange creatures (cryptids). He is taken on as an apprentice to Valentina and is quickly thrust into an astonishing new life of discovery as a cryptologist. However, a danger looms which threatens this world’s existence if he can’t quickly solve a puzzle regarding an old and mysterious cryptid. This is a fast-paced, layered read. Obviously, it’s fantasy, but the fantastical elements of the cryptids are examined by our future cryptologist critically, the same way a zoologist might observe “normal” species, with Valentina providing the dispassionate analysis to Green’s initial wonder and terror. There is gentle humor and oddly endearing relationships that form between Green and the locals, Green and Valentina, and finally between Green and the species he observes. As the novel progresses, the growing disquiet of Valentina, the mentor, over the appearance of multiple anomalies is more frightening than Green’s initial ignorant panic when introduced to some of the species. An entertaining read for fantasy and thriller readers alike. I was given an egalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Lia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for read full of magical realism set in Appalachia with a cast of oddball characters and even more bizarre creatures? Then look no further than Strange Animals by Jarod K. Anderson. I was given an advanced copy by the publisher, but all thoughts are my own.

Full transparency, I will say while I overall really enjoyed this book, my engagement with the story kept seesawing. At times I felt gripped by what was transpiring, and other times felt like a little more of a drag and it took me some focus to get through.

I enjoyed Green as our protagonist, just someone looking to start over and not having much to go off of but what they feel is calling to them down in their bones. The other side characters are enjoyable and I could appreciate their interactions with one another despite all their individual idiosyncrasies.

I think the star of the show, for me personally, was the wolf. I appreciated how a creature, or in this case a cryptid, that is classically painted as the villain in literature was actually an ally to Green and the forest they were trying to save.

The story wrapped up beautifully and I loved seeing the metamorphosis that Green underwent and finding his place.

[Jensen McCorkel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Green decides to move to the mountains in search of purpose and a new start but he soon discovers things are far from what they see. He meets a hermit who studies cryptids and has done so for far longer then is humanly possible and together they delve into the mysteries of the forest and alternate worlds.

A hidden world of supernatural creatures in the Appalachian mountains. Sounds like a magical cozy fantasy with found family and a magical mentor. Until things take a darker turn when danger threatens to take everything he has come to love from him. I truly was engrossed from the beginning and completed this read in less then 24 hours. I could not put it down. The plot was fascinating and the writing was well done. Though there were times where the information was so heavy it slowed a bit, for the most part it just flowed well. This story made me want to move to the Appalachian mountains, search for fantasy creatures and dedicate my life to becoming a student of supernatural history. Searching for a mentor now. Overall I really enjoyed this story. It’s part whimsical magic and part science fiction mystery.

[Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was invited by the publisher to review this book. Green is alone in the Appalachian Mountains, going through some type of change and seeing some type of creature. He meets Valentina, and determines that fate has led him to her as she knows about cryptids. It is through Valentina that Green learns of creatures that have powers, that there are doors to elsewhere, and more about himself and his purpose.

This was certainly a different book, and I much enjoyed the setting and world that the author created. This is certainly magical realism, but - bending different. There is equal attention to Green as he transitions from one reality to another, and the reader really gets a strong feel for the emotions Green goes through while trying to understand his new reality. There is a balance provided also in the mystery/thriller element of the book, so the reader does not get bogged down in details and scene setting. Overall, while never a book I would have selected on my own, this was an enjoyable read and I'm glad to have had the opportunity.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange Animals is a fast-paced and layered fantasy that blends mystery and nature. The story follows Green, whose life takes a strange turn when he begins seeing creatures others can’t. He has found himself deep into the Appalachian Mountains, where he meets Valentina a researcher of cryptids with centuries of experience. Under her guidance, Green is drawn into a hidden world and slowly uncovers the reasons behind his visions and what they mean for his future.

The novel leans heavily into the magic of nature. The Appalachian setting is a perfect backdrop, adding atmosphere that feels both wild and enchanted. The tone shifts between dark and spooky to whimsical and mysterious, which keeps the reading experience fresh and engaging.
The cast of characters, both human and cryptid, is imaginative, however, I found myself wishing for a bit more direction in the plot and a deeper connection to some of the quirkier characters. Despite that, the story builds to a strong ending, and the writing throughout is exceptional.

Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Green experiences a strange accident that somehow doesn’t kill him. Instead he wakes up feeling different and soon quits his job and drives until he ends up in the Appalachian Mountains, feeling like he has been led there. He is checks into a campground and starts having strange experiences. Soon he is taken in by a woman who also lives in the campground. Valentina agrees to take him in and teach him about this new life he has discovered, a life filled with what should be imaginary animals, but only a very small number of people can see them. Vanessa and Green are two of them and Green’s abilities are only beginning.

It was fascinating learning about this other world that most people were unaware of, and very stressful for Green. The characters in this book, both those who see the others and those who are unaware, were a wonderful group, and the incredible creatures were both frightening and intriguing.

Thank you Random House Publishing Group/Penguin Random House for an eARC of Strange Animals. This is my honest opinion.

[Annabelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many books about paranormal investigations that fall right into the horror genre that it is refreshing to find one that doesn't. There are some creepy moments in Strange Animals but at the heart of the story is a tale of forming friendships, found families, and finding where you belong. The protagonist, Green leaves his life in the city behind to head to the Appalachians trying to understand some dreams of Strange Animals. In the beginning, he is just as suspicious of the friendliness of the locals as he is of the curiosities in his dreams. He soon finds someone to help him in his quest. It is a heartwarming story of letting people in and becoming part of something as much as it is a tale of paranormal occurrences, but the supernatural mystery adds a different dimension to the story and leads to a gratifying ending.
I received access to this eARC thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Ballantine Books) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

[thereadingmarshmallow · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 Stars

I received this ARC from Penguin Random House and would like to leave my opinions on it.

I’ll admit I went into this book a bit blind as is my fatal flaw as a mood reader. I wasn’t quite sure what I had stumbled into for the first two chapters. That being said, I picked up quite fast and so did the book in explaining this world of cryptonature. This delightful book is out of my normal scope of reading subject matter. I was happily transported into a quirky world that explained in detail (in due time) an entire plethora of creatures I hadn’t even considered to imagine. The plot drew me in and held my attention throughout its intense moments. I quite enjoyed the characters and the world building as well. I would most certainly recommend this read for Green as well as Teacher. I found her just as delightful and entertaining. Honestly, I will be on the look out in case the author decides to expound upon Green’s adventures (no spoilers here) or Teacher’s life.

[Penny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m the happiest when reading when I find the ultimate, best, book that ticks all my boxes, but since that’s hard I request books that are at least adjacent to that. This is one of the books that I thought would be. We are immediately thrown in the action without much explanation but it’s on purpose, I think, to keep us reading to find out more. Well, it definitely worked with me. Green is a fascinating character in his willingness to give up everything to go to a place where he is not comfortable AT ALL, all on the behest of an acorn. Yes, an acorn. No spoilers from me, but this book is oddly quirky with its characters, setting, and the way it draws a line between the “real” world and the fantastical world so much so that you aren’t quite sure where you are. While this isn’t exactly for me, I really enjoyed its uniqueness, fascinating creatures, and its fun characters. Recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.

[Noelle Toon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️
Plot 5/5
Writing 5/5
Characters 5/5

I was lucky enough to receive this ebook from NetGalley. Went in blind and enjoyed every second of it. A unique plot, relatable characters, and lots of deep underlying messages throughout the book. Some quotes that seemed to hit home for me:
“One of these things is the thing that's been missing.
One of these things will fix me.
One of these things will tell me who I am in a way I can finally trust.”

“It is not always in our power to decide what a thing is ...
But what a thing means? That power may often be claimed.”

"Death may be a loss of humanness, of the ways of knowing to which you are accustomed. But I feel certain that human ways of knowing are not the only ways. And nothing, not death nor loss of mind nor memory, can remove us from nature."

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover totally pulled me in, and I’m glad to say the story lived up to it.

We follow Green as his life suddenly veers away from city comforts and into the strange, mysterious Catskill Mountains. There he meets a hermit who’s been studying cryptids for far longer than seems possible, and together they tumble into the secrets of the forest and glimpses of alternate worlds.

The Appalachian wilderness is brought to life in such a vivid, eerie way—it feels both magical and unsettling at the same time. I especially loved the atmosphere and the weird little details that made the world feel so alive.

This was definitely a different kind of read for me, but I really enjoyed the ride and the world Anderson built.

Big thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for letting me dive into this one early!

[Amira_saliwa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, so like.....is there going to be a second book for this??? BECAUSE I NEED MORE.

When I started this book I was a bit apprehensive about whether or not I was going to like it. But, I stuck with it and gave it a try and WOW, I am not disappointed. Jarod K. Anderson, I need to try some more of your books.

I love the relationship between Green and Valentina. Valentina was so mysterious, and I kept wanting more and more. I also really like how Green's development progressed, especially as he began to learn more and more about cryptids and the hidden world that surrounded him. The description of the cryptids themselves was also excellent. What haunting, alluring, deceptive creatures.

This story was full of plot twists and turns, and that ending? SUPERB.

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for a copy of this free e-arc!!

5/5 stars.

[jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Strange Animals” by Jarod Anderson is a wonderfully quirky, unique, and sweet but spooky tale about the people, and things(?), lurking in the woods. If you’re confused at first, yeah, so is our main character Green, but the story unfolds beautifully with a satisfying climax and ending. The cast of characters is very endearing, and their arcs are sweet, funny, and pack a lot of meaning about what is life, friendship, and our role in nature. I was seriously addicted to the story from start to finish. Be sure to check this out if you’re a fan of found family, soul searching stories, and cryptids!

Thank to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the eArc!

[QueenRelan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange Animals is a quiet, offbeat fantasy about finding meaning in unexpected places. Green’s life falls apart in the most surreal way possible, and instead of answers, he finds himself deep in the Appalachian wilderness surrounded by creatures no one else seems to see.
The cryptids are weird and memorable—giant moths, one-eyed squirrels, strange doorways—and the whole book leans into that sense of wonder without getting too whimsical.
The story moves slowly and sometimes holds back when I wanted it to dig in, especially with Green’s emotional arc. But the world is well-drawn, the tone is consistently delightful, and it stuck with me after I finished. It’s not a flashy book, but it’s a satisfying and unusual one.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Liz Fully Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Strange Animals is a delightfully odd and strange story. This paranormal fantasy was fast paced and definitely interesting. The relationship between Valentina and Green was fun to read, I loved their interactions. I can honestly say I’m not entirely sure I know what was actually happening in this story, but it was still entertaining, and the author was a great storyteller.

I would definitely read more of this series, if the author should continue to write more books about these characters.

Thank you to Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.

[Brinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I truly had no expectations for this, but it was so fun!! Was I kind of freaked out for quite a bit of it? Yep! Because some of these critters were freaky! But that was so fun. I loved meeting all of the cryptids. And Green and Valentina had a silly dynamic that I ate right up. Me when mentor and mentee and they're both grumpy <3 Everything about this was entertaining, and it was the perfect book for a draining college semester. I'm excited to see what Anderson puts out next!

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

[Giniro · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cryptids, the strange and bizzare creatures. Pseudo science that grows and grows because imagination is neverending! These creatures and strange phenomenon have been the focus of some of my favorite media like stranger things, Dnd, Welcome to Nightvale, and so many other works!

This story in the smokey and mysterious mountains is perfect for looking for the supernatural. Surellistic writing in the campgrounds makes a really atmospheric read.

[Jeremy Reppy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Strange Animals” was a strange story but also a very imaginative story. The notion of cryptids and crypto naturalists was an interesting one. Even considering the intentionally strange nature of the story, there were some surprising twists. The story is also very thought provoking as to what we think we know, the assumptions we make about the worth of animals compared to humans, what we label monsters and why, etc.

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange Animals is a unique tale of the paranormal and unknown. While the main character starts from a place of fear, he learns, with the help of his mentor, to find his way in this new world, and grows to accept and appreciate it. The tale is filled with strange adventures and unexpected turns. I would recommend this for those with a taste for the unusual [both in the creatures and in the storytelling].