Strange Animals: A Novel

by Jarod K. Anderson

An ordinary man discovers a hidden world of supernatural creatures—and an unexpected home—in this enchanting contemporary fantasy debut.

“Unique, haunting, riveting, and beautifully magical.”—Sarah Beth Durst, New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop

“Anderson has conceived of such a rich world, and such a textured mythology. I can’t remember a time when cryptids felt more . . . real.”—Justin McElroy, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Adventure Zone series

Green trips on the curb, falls flat into the street, and sees the city bus speeding toward him. And then . . . blink. He’s back on the curb, miraculously still alive. A five-foot-tall crow watches him from atop a nearby sign, somehow unseen by the rushing crowd of morning commuters.

Desperate for answers and beset by more visions of impossible creatures, Green finds his way to a remote campsite in the Appalachian Mountains, where he meets a centuries-old teacher and begins an apprenticeship unlike anything he could imagine.

Under his new mentor’s grouchy tutelage, Green studies the time-bending rag moth, the glass fawn, and the menacing horned wolf. He begins to see past hidden nature’s terrors and glimpse its beauty, all while befriending fellow misfits—and finding connection and community.

Along the way come clues about the forces that set him on this path—and, most incredibly, a sense of purpose and 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.

Creepy, cozy, and beautiful, Strange Animals is a fantasy about home, belonging, and the fearfully wonderous nature all around us.

Genres: Fantasy, Fiction, Adult, Contemporary, Cozy, Paranormal

309 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[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.

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!

[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.

[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.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[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.

[Ckelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jackie McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Alison C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[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

[WS_BOOKCLUB · Rating 5 out of 5]

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...

[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.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

“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.

[Nannette Demmler · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Beth | Bookwyrm.Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[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.

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"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.

[Amanda McGee · Rating 5 out of 5]

After encountering many things that he can’t explain, Green decides to remove himself from his old life to find one with more meaning. Now he’s in the Appalachian Mountains, alone, scared, and has zero idea what’s going on. He meets Valentina Blackwood, a cryptonaturalist and hermit that lives in the woods, and discovers that she studies some of the beings he’s beginning to see. As her new apprentice, Green learns about cyclops squirrels, huge moths, and doorways. The more he learns, the more he feels like he belongs there. The problem? The place and beings (powerful, captivating, human and not) he has begun to love are now under a deadly threat. Can Green and Valentina stop it before it’s too late?

This book was wonderful. It mostly is in the perspective of Green, a young man that removed himself from his life in the city with an acorn in his pocket and the desire to find meaning. Dancer is a hoot, and Valentina was wise, practical, and thought-provoking. The way that the author explored themes of loss, curiosity, and choice was captivating and well-written. I appreciated the distinction that he made throughout the book between unfamiliar, strange, and what does it mean to call something a monster. The story is thrilling while also feeling like after after being lost for so long that you are finally coming home. If you like reading stories that question your beliefs of normal vs strange, and fosters found family, wonder, and the power of choice, then I would highly recommend this book. I got a Net Galley copy. These opinions are my own.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This reminded me of a combo of Welcome to Night Vale and The Old Gods of Appalachia. Just slightly unhinged and a little terrifying. I thought the author did excellent world building, but I felt like the characters could have been fleshed out a little more. I didn't really have a sense of Green at all other than his life was mediocre before his not death. We know he was educated and had a job, but it never feels like any of that education or work experience helps him. It really just feels like the story is happening to him while he bumbles along. Some bumbling is fine, but I would have liked it more if Green felt like a more active participant.

The cryptids that are mentioned are fun (even the scary ones). The secondary characters also melded into the story so easily. Each one added to the story and felt multi-dimensional. It also felt like there was more story to be examined and I would easily read multiple books set in this universe. I would also love a prequel focusing on Valentina Blackwood and her adventures. I loved her as a no nonsense teacher and her relationship with Green was organic. Also super thank you to the author for no unnecessary love plots. There were no romantic storylines, and the book was a million percent better for it.

While I felt like Green could have been fleshed out more, the overall story was good. It was a little spooky and very adventurous.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[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.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just stayed up all night and finished this book, and I’m not even mad about it. When I picked up Strange Animals, I expected an entertaining read about cryptids, but what I didn’t expect was such a beautifully written, emotionally resonant story.

From the very beginning, I was completely immersed in the setting. The scenery is vivid and atmospheric, the tension genuinely unsettling, and the sense of fear exhilarating rather than gimmicky. What truly sets this book apart, though, is its heart. The characters are thoughtfully developed, emotionally grounded, and easy to become deeply invested in. By the end, I found myself changed, especially in the way I think about the unknown and the things we choose to fear.

As someone who grew up near ancient mountains, this story also deepened my reverence for landscapes that feel old, watchful, and alive with memory. There’s a quiet respect for nature running through the narrative that lingered with me long after I turned the last page. I now desperately need to read more from Jarod K. Anderson, but first, I need a nap.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[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.