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Fairbanks
Dystopian family drama
When a mysterious disaster strikes, a family of four in Fairbanks, Alaska must fight to survive as communication systems, transportation, and essential services disintegrate. With their world turned upside down, they're forced to make desperate choices and confront the harsh realities of their new existence.
Fairbanks is a haunting and intimate novella about human nature, fear, and survival, stripping away the comforts of modern life, leaving only the raw, primal struggle to stay alive and to protect your family at all costs.
When a mysterious disaster strikes, a family of four in Fairbanks, Alaska must fight to survive as communication systems, transportation, and essential services disintegrate. With their world turned upside down, they're forced to make desperate choices and confront the harsh realities of their new existence.
Fairbanks is a haunting and intimate novella about human nature, fear, and survival, stripping away the comforts of modern life, leaving only the raw, primal struggle to stay alive and to protect your family at all costs.
130 pages, Paperback
First published February 23, 2026
57 people want to read
About the author
D.G. Woods
2 books52 followersDG Woods has been haunted by nightmares and sleep paralysis since childhood. But instead of letting them scare her, she's turned them into stories. She writes what she calls "dark and just real enough for you to question — what if it's true?" tales, mixing her dreams, folklore, and real events in ways that make readers wonder about what's really out there in the dark.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 7, 2026
I read Fairbanks in one sitting! Honestly, I was blown away by how compelled I was to finish! It was like The Day After Tomorrow meets World War Z (sans zombies) with shitty but honest-to-life politics. Every character was well-rounded with their own intimate story, but nothing was overwhelming. Each word mattered.
A masterpiece of a novella!
A masterpiece of a novella!
February 28, 2026
4.8 ⭐️
I rarely read a book this quickly. It pulled me in from the very beginning. As they say, it was my cup of tea.
It feels as though life itself is slowly dying, followed by the illusion of temporary safety and then an ending that offers no heroic rescue.
The book tells a story of survival. Of endurance in a city called Fairbanks that suddenly turns into a ghost town and I mean that literally when everyone disappears without warning. No communication. No internet. Nothing. Even food begins to run out, little by little.
Every place becomes barren of people except for David and Clara’s family of four, with their son & daughter, Caleb and Sophie, and a few others who were left behind.. or perhaps abandoned. Or more precisely if you are considered useless, you are simply left behind.
The family tries desperately to reach the outside world, but to no avail. Even the airport is shut down. What is happening? Is it a coming war? A pandemic? Has the government abandoned them? And why was no one warned about this sudden evacuation?
The complexity of the father’s character felt painfully authentic.
“He’d never leave his family, no matter how much Clara and her mom got on his nerves, no matter how exhausting fatherhood had become.”
To me, David, in this story symbolizes an illusion of safety. When the father is the engine of life and without him, everything goes dark.
“The lights flickered again. The generator coughed a wet, hacking sound, like Sophie when she was sick, then died taking the light with it.”
A dystopian novella that keeps you tense the entire time, waiting for relief and nothing more.
I rarely read a book this quickly. It pulled me in from the very beginning. As they say, it was my cup of tea.
It feels as though life itself is slowly dying, followed by the illusion of temporary safety and then an ending that offers no heroic rescue.
The book tells a story of survival. Of endurance in a city called Fairbanks that suddenly turns into a ghost town and I mean that literally when everyone disappears without warning. No communication. No internet. Nothing. Even food begins to run out, little by little.
Every place becomes barren of people except for David and Clara’s family of four, with their son & daughter, Caleb and Sophie, and a few others who were left behind.. or perhaps abandoned. Or more precisely if you are considered useless, you are simply left behind.
The family tries desperately to reach the outside world, but to no avail. Even the airport is shut down. What is happening? Is it a coming war? A pandemic? Has the government abandoned them? And why was no one warned about this sudden evacuation?
The complexity of the father’s character felt painfully authentic.
“He’d never leave his family, no matter how much Clara and her mom got on his nerves, no matter how exhausting fatherhood had become.”
To me, David, in this story symbolizes an illusion of safety. When the father is the engine of life and without him, everything goes dark.
“The lights flickered again. The generator coughed a wet, hacking sound, like Sophie when she was sick, then died taking the light with it.”
A dystopian novella that keeps you tense the entire time, waiting for relief and nothing more.
February 16, 2026
4,5⭐️
I received an ARC of this novella and... it was absolutely breathtaking.
D. G. Woods has such a beautiful writing style, I'm completely in love. There's a quiet precision to the prose, yet it remains gripping, threaded with a subtle, persistent tension.
This story was deeply unsettling, not because it relied on the supernatural or folk horror, but because it felt disturbingly real.
It brought me back to the early days of lockdown we had in 2020. The empty streets. The silence. Everything shutting down. Those strange days when supermarkets were suddenly out of canned food and other necessities... and so on. Of course, what we had wasn't nearly as drastic and dramatic, but it made this novella feel not far removed from reality at all, and that closeness made it deeply unnerving.
I didn't particularly like any of the characters, but I don't think we were supposed to. Sympathy wasn't the point. They felt like real, flawed humans making morally questionable decisions, having uncomfortable thoughts.
And if we're honest, that's also very true to real life. And if we're being completely honest, morality would probably be the first thing people abandon during a blackout or some sort of evacuation.
People are messy. People are complicated and this book didn't try to soften that.
The ending was distressing in its own way because it was open. Normally, I struggle with open endings, I'm a very nosy person, I need to know what's happening. I want answers.
But here? It was perfectly fitting. I'm pretty sure that being left in the unknown was intentional.
It placed us right beside the characters, who also don't know what comes next. That lingering uncertainty wasn't frustrating but somehow powerful.
All in all, this was a fantastic short read, beautifully written and deeply atmospheric.
And if D. G. Woods hadn't already impressed me with Into the Woods We Go, this definitely would have.
I received an ARC of this novella and... it was absolutely breathtaking.
D. G. Woods has such a beautiful writing style, I'm completely in love. There's a quiet precision to the prose, yet it remains gripping, threaded with a subtle, persistent tension.
This story was deeply unsettling, not because it relied on the supernatural or folk horror, but because it felt disturbingly real.
It brought me back to the early days of lockdown we had in 2020. The empty streets. The silence. Everything shutting down. Those strange days when supermarkets were suddenly out of canned food and other necessities... and so on. Of course, what we had wasn't nearly as drastic and dramatic, but it made this novella feel not far removed from reality at all, and that closeness made it deeply unnerving.
I didn't particularly like any of the characters, but I don't think we were supposed to. Sympathy wasn't the point. They felt like real, flawed humans making morally questionable decisions, having uncomfortable thoughts.
And if we're honest, that's also very true to real life. And if we're being completely honest, morality would probably be the first thing people abandon during a blackout or some sort of evacuation.
People are messy. People are complicated and this book didn't try to soften that.
The ending was distressing in its own way because it was open. Normally, I struggle with open endings, I'm a very nosy person, I need to know what's happening. I want answers.
But here? It was perfectly fitting. I'm pretty sure that being left in the unknown was intentional.
It placed us right beside the characters, who also don't know what comes next. That lingering uncertainty wasn't frustrating but somehow powerful.
All in all, this was a fantastic short read, beautifully written and deeply atmospheric.
And if D. G. Woods hadn't already impressed me with Into the Woods We Go, this definitely would have.
Read
February 14, 2026Fairbanks starts with an apt comment on the current state of society--and its downfall.
"The world has already ended. You just haven’t noticed yet."
This was eerie and horrifying because it truly captures the some of the good of the world, but also the worst parts of humanity in a world that is seemingly like our own.
But, it is our own. And that's what makes it even more confronting.
Fairbanks is a novella following a dysfunctional family as society slowly starts to crumble. Tension within the family. Resentment. A sick child. Another misunderstood.
There were parts of this that made me incredibly uncomfortable, and I think that's the point? To highlight how horrific and harmful views can underpin and become this malignant essence that seeps into the world. Fairbanks is a criticism on society and the lack of empathy, the racism and xenophobia, the greed and egocentrism, are leading the world to ruin. Who can you count on if you do not care for those around you? In an ideal world, I think a stronger, a more explicit comment on the harmful views could have added depth to the criticism.
I am a lover of dystopian fiction something fiercely. But this, this captured a subtle eeriness that is even more frightening because (horrifically and terrifyingly), its not so far out of the realm of possibility anymore with the current trajectory of society.
"The world has already ended. You just haven’t noticed yet."
This was eerie and horrifying because it truly captures the some of the good of the world, but also the worst parts of humanity in a world that is seemingly like our own.
But, it is our own. And that's what makes it even more confronting.
Fairbanks is a novella following a dysfunctional family as society slowly starts to crumble. Tension within the family. Resentment. A sick child. Another misunderstood.
There were parts of this that made me incredibly uncomfortable, and I think that's the point? To highlight how horrific and harmful views can underpin and become this malignant essence that seeps into the world. Fairbanks is a criticism on society and the lack of empathy, the racism and xenophobia, the greed and egocentrism, are leading the world to ruin. Who can you count on if you do not care for those around you? In an ideal world, I think a stronger, a more explicit comment on the harmful views could have added depth to the criticism.
I am a lover of dystopian fiction something fiercely. But this, this captured a subtle eeriness that is even more frightening because (horrifically and terrifyingly), its not so far out of the realm of possibility anymore with the current trajectory of society.
February 23, 2026
Just finished reading this. Second book I've read from the author. As good as her debut novel was, she has gotten even better this time around.
Her ability to make you feel the emotions the characters are feeling in that moment is exquisite. You feel the anger, the stress, the fear. From the very beginning you start to feel the anxiety and it continues to build. It happens so naturally as you read that it doesn't really hit just how intense you're feeling their emotions until you look away from the page.
The characters have so much depth that you don't always get to see until you read their point of view. You see how each character views themselves and others. The depth of the characters and the story as a whole is incredible in the short amount of time we get to spend in their universe.
I was really not prepared for the ending. I sat for a full minute just staring at the last page with my mouth hanging open. I will absolutely be recommending this novella to absolutely every reader I know. It is a perfect story to read when you don't have a chance to work your way through a full novel but don't want to break away in the middle.
I am looking forward to reading D.G. Woods next project. She is an author you will want to keep an eye on in the future. She has the talent to be one of the greats.
Her ability to make you feel the emotions the characters are feeling in that moment is exquisite. You feel the anger, the stress, the fear. From the very beginning you start to feel the anxiety and it continues to build. It happens so naturally as you read that it doesn't really hit just how intense you're feeling their emotions until you look away from the page.
The characters have so much depth that you don't always get to see until you read their point of view. You see how each character views themselves and others. The depth of the characters and the story as a whole is incredible in the short amount of time we get to spend in their universe.
I was really not prepared for the ending. I sat for a full minute just staring at the last page with my mouth hanging open. I will absolutely be recommending this novella to absolutely every reader I know. It is a perfect story to read when you don't have a chance to work your way through a full novel but don't want to break away in the middle.
I am looking forward to reading D.G. Woods next project. She is an author you will want to keep an eye on in the future. She has the talent to be one of the greats.
February 19, 2026
I have no words 😶!
1. This is a short book. Ending… no comment. I am so angry that it finished like this. The book can’t finish on such a cliffhanger that just also happens to be a plot twist!!!
2. This book is wayyyy better than authors first book Into The Dark We Go! Period.
3. The realism and struggles hit home. I found it very relatable. It reminded me a lot of men’s psyche and controlling behaviour I recently ran away from due to its toxicity. The husband, David, in this book is not a likeable character. In fact he is very real and for this I thank the author for capturing something a lot of people fail to notice or are unable to walk away from.
4. This book has a lot of themes in a dystopian world. It literally combats politics of every man for himself. I mean in a world of apocalypse do you run and save yourself or do you stay and try to protect your family?
Amazing book! Very real, and needed for today’s age and the world.
1. This is a short book. Ending… no comment. I am so angry that it finished like this. The book can’t finish on such a cliffhanger that just also happens to be a plot twist!!!
2. This book is wayyyy better than authors first book Into The Dark We Go! Period.
3. The realism and struggles hit home. I found it very relatable. It reminded me a lot of men’s psyche and controlling behaviour I recently ran away from due to its toxicity. The husband, David, in this book is not a likeable character. In fact he is very real and for this I thank the author for capturing something a lot of people fail to notice or are unable to walk away from.
4. This book has a lot of themes in a dystopian world. It literally combats politics of every man for himself. I mean in a world of apocalypse do you run and save yourself or do you stay and try to protect your family?
Amazing book! Very real, and needed for today’s age and the world.
February 13, 2026
This book was eerie and unsettling, perfectly capturing a fear of isolation and being cut off from the rest of the world, being hopeless and unable to help your family. It makes you fear how likely this could happen in real life and how you would cope with it.
The characters were somehow really not likeable but also you feel sympathy, understanding and a connection with them showing just how much conflict there is in humanity and how we feel about things people do for their endangered loved ones. The ending left me with a lot of questions and wanting to know more but I also think it was an interesting ending to leave up to interpretation.
I enjoyed the book and I recommend it when it comes out, it is eerie, scary, isolating and brings about very conflicted feelings about their situation.
The characters were somehow really not likeable but also you feel sympathy, understanding and a connection with them showing just how much conflict there is in humanity and how we feel about things people do for their endangered loved ones. The ending left me with a lot of questions and wanting to know more but I also think it was an interesting ending to leave up to interpretation.
I enjoyed the book and I recommend it when it comes out, it is eerie, scary, isolating and brings about very conflicted feelings about their situation.
February 19, 2026
Dear Reader,
I’m D. G. Woods, the author of Fairbanks.
Since many of you know me from Into the Dark, We Go, my witchy Appalachian thriller, I want to offer a fair warning: Fairbanks is a different kind of beast.
I wrote this to bottle the feeling I lived with throughout 2025. My hope is that by articulating exactly what I'm afraid of, I can at least stop looking into the dark alone. Now you're here with me, hehe.
Please note the following content warnings before reading Fairbanks:
- Grief and loss
- Mentions of substance use
- Racism, xenophobia, and classism
- Ableism
- Suicide
- Emotional abuse
- Mentions of child abuse
- Societal collapse
I’m D. G. Woods, the author of Fairbanks.
Since many of you know me from Into the Dark, We Go, my witchy Appalachian thriller, I want to offer a fair warning: Fairbanks is a different kind of beast.
I wrote this to bottle the feeling I lived with throughout 2025. My hope is that by articulating exactly what I'm afraid of, I can at least stop looking into the dark alone. Now you're here with me, hehe.
Please note the following content warnings before reading Fairbanks:
- Grief and loss
- Mentions of substance use
- Racism, xenophobia, and classism
- Ableism
- Suicide
- Emotional abuse
- Mentions of child abuse
- Societal collapse
February 20, 2026
What happens when the apocalypse has begun, and you don't even know its arrival has come?
An all too real feeling of mutual resentment towards family members, mortal fear of being unable to provide — acting too late and too brash. The embodiment of human imperfections, desperation for survival, and the monsters that lie beneath our skin.
When I got to the end? I stared at the wall. I gazed unseeingly at the crackling embers of my wood stove, unable to move to replenish its hunger. I was numb for a few minutes. Processing what I read. Sitting with the vulnerability it left me with.
What an honor to have received an advanced copy of this brilliant novella.
An all too real feeling of mutual resentment towards family members, mortal fear of being unable to provide — acting too late and too brash. The embodiment of human imperfections, desperation for survival, and the monsters that lie beneath our skin.
When I got to the end? I stared at the wall. I gazed unseeingly at the crackling embers of my wood stove, unable to move to replenish its hunger. I was numb for a few minutes. Processing what I read. Sitting with the vulnerability it left me with.
What an honor to have received an advanced copy of this brilliant novella.
February 23, 2026
ARC review
Wow, dystopian family drama indeed! This novella packs a lot into it. I read this in one sitting, it was hard to look away from what was unfolding in the family and the world around them. It was so atmospheric, I felt cold, anxious and frustrated throughout the book. Fairbanks Alaska was the perfect setting for basically the end of the world and it allowed a lot of issues in the family to be brought to light, especially for the teenage son Caleb. I enjoyed the read, which sounds odd to say, but it is so well written, and that last chapter, yeah, that got me. Amazing work again!
Wow, dystopian family drama indeed! This novella packs a lot into it. I read this in one sitting, it was hard to look away from what was unfolding in the family and the world around them. It was so atmospheric, I felt cold, anxious and frustrated throughout the book. Fairbanks Alaska was the perfect setting for basically the end of the world and it allowed a lot of issues in the family to be brought to light, especially for the teenage son Caleb. I enjoyed the read, which sounds odd to say, but it is so well written, and that last chapter, yeah, that got me. Amazing work again!
February 14, 2026
Wow, I devoured this book in one sitting. Very well written, easy to follow and not at all overwhelming. I was engaged the entire time. It made me feel unsettled and scared as if I was the one living the story. I could feel the fear, panic and all the other emotions that come with the characters trying to survive but feeling completely helpless.
Truly fantastic!
Truly fantastic!
February 14, 2026
ARC REVIEW
I went into this knowing there was no HEA but I still have whiplash from that ending. That was RUDE. David is a b-tch and I’d love to get him in a room. Just to talk. 🤭 Clara needs therapy. Neither one of them have any business being parents. Caleb is my Shayla 🥺 As an intellectualizer…I want so much more information. This is a short read, but so captivating.
I went into this knowing there was no HEA but I still have whiplash from that ending. That was RUDE. David is a b-tch and I’d love to get him in a room. Just to talk. 🤭 Clara needs therapy. Neither one of them have any business being parents. Caleb is my Shayla 🥺 As an intellectualizer…I want so much more information. This is a short read, but so captivating.
February 15, 2026
My goodness, a book hasn’t made me feel that tense in a long time!
Very well-written and not overwhelming despite each family member having their own story. It explores the collapse of society without warning, leaving the reader wondering what happens to everyone.
D.G. Woods has done it again. She made me feel nervous and scared with every page.
Highly recommend!
Very well-written and not overwhelming despite each family member having their own story. It explores the collapse of society without warning, leaving the reader wondering what happens to everyone.
D.G. Woods has done it again. She made me feel nervous and scared with every page.
Highly recommend!
February 19, 2026
4.5 ⭐
I just finished reading this novella and it's brutal. The realism of how things come to an end is overwhelming, I think our civilization will collapse like in this book. The author managed to convey the anguish and uncertainty of the end of the world as we know it in just a few pages, and that makes it very powerful. I'll post my full review soon!
Thank you D. G. Woods for the ARC!
I just finished reading this novella and it's brutal. The realism of how things come to an end is overwhelming, I think our civilization will collapse like in this book. The author managed to convey the anguish and uncertainty of the end of the world as we know it in just a few pages, and that makes it very powerful. I'll post my full review soon!
Thank you D. G. Woods for the ARC!
March 4, 2026
📚✍️
Fairbanks by @pagesnshadows
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No Spoilers
Well, this was uncomfortable 😃
Society has collapsed, and it's every person for themselves. This was horrifying because it can happen any day at any time. If you want to feel complete and utter dread, this one is for you!
Thanks for the ARC!!
Fairbanks by @pagesnshadows
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
No Spoilers
Well, this was uncomfortable 😃
Society has collapsed, and it's every person for themselves. This was horrifying because it can happen any day at any time. If you want to feel complete and utter dread, this one is for you!
Thanks for the ARC!!
February 15, 2026
This book will be stuck in my brain for weeks- in the best way possible. I can’t stop thinking about the characters and the plot. This novella is so well-written and so haunting that it’s now in my top 10 favorite books of all time.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews