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The Forest of the Forsaken
In the seemingly picture-perfect town of Glory, sixteen-year-old Megan arrives desperate to fit in. But beneath the town's sunny exterior, a darkness marked by betrayal and envy quickly surfaces. As chilling visions and nightmarish dreams begin to haunt her, the line between reality and hallucination blurs, hinting at something far more sinister than high school drama.
With the help of her new friend Aiden, Megan discovers the town’s devout community harbors a terrifying secret. Rituals cloaked in tradition bind them to an ancient malevolence lurking in the forest at Glory’s edge. Every passing day sinks Megan deeper into a web of mystery, and the threats shift from psychological terror to a very real danger.
Determined to uncover the horrifying truth, they delve into the heart of Glory’s past. But the secrets buried there are guarded by unspeakable horrors that threaten not only their lives but the very fabric of their souls.
Will Megan uncover the town's horrifying secrets before it’s too late? Or will the place she yearns to call home become her grave?
With the help of her new friend Aiden, Megan discovers the town’s devout community harbors a terrifying secret. Rituals cloaked in tradition bind them to an ancient malevolence lurking in the forest at Glory’s edge. Every passing day sinks Megan deeper into a web of mystery, and the threats shift from psychological terror to a very real danger.
Determined to uncover the horrifying truth, they delve into the heart of Glory’s past. But the secrets buried there are guarded by unspeakable horrors that threaten not only their lives but the very fabric of their souls.
Will Megan uncover the town's horrifying secrets before it’s too late? Or will the place she yearns to call home become her grave?
468 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 18, 2026
I won this book in a Goodreads Giveaway for my honest opinion. This was a very good horror/paranormal story. Very well written and full of action. Megan and her mom move to the town of Glory. But something is very off in the town. Megan and her friend start doing research on the towns history. They dig up some very disturbing findings. One of those is of several children disappearing into thin air and never found. What makes it worse is no one even speaks of the missing children including those children's parents. There also is a spooky weird creepy forest in town that every is warned to stay away from. When Megan starts having crazy spooky dreams about the town and of the forest, it makes her more determined to find out the truth about the town and the forest. She finds out something dangerous and unbelievable. The battles she's about to fight will put her and her classmates in severe danger. Will she uncover the truth or die trying. A must read.
March 21, 2026
What a journey! This haunting tale quickly spirals into a nightmare that pulled me in and refused to let go. I found myself becoming fiercely protective of Megan and Aiden more than once, I was practically yelling at the pages. The deceit, the secrets, the cruelty, the heartbreak, and even the moments of courage I felt every bit of it. Page by page, I was completely immersed.
The story is vividly written, with an intensity that lingers long after the final chapter. And was that a hint of a sequel? If so, I’m ready. Bravo to Joseph Lee on an impressive debut! I can’t wait to see what he writes next.
The story is vividly written, with an intensity that lingers long after the final chapter. And was that a hint of a sequel? If so, I’m ready. Bravo to Joseph Lee on an impressive debut! I can’t wait to see what he writes next.
May 25, 2026
This was an awesome fusion of psychological horror and small folk town mystery. It's a long one, but the descriptions are vivid and you'll grow to enjoy the characters. I have to say the secrets revealed in this one are pretty dark and heartbreaking. However, the ending has a light at the end of the tunnel. The long length of the book allows dread to be built over time, which I enjoyed. Be warned, this is a slow burn read, but the reward is well worth the price of admission.
If you enjoy mystery based stories, this one will be right up your alley. This was my first read from Joseph Lee and it won't be the last.
If you enjoy mystery based stories, this one will be right up your alley. This was my first read from Joseph Lee and it won't be the last.
September 30, 2026
The Forest of the Forsaken — Joseph Lee
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
The Forest of the Forsaken grabbed me by the throat and dragged me straight into the woods. 🌲🩸 This is exactly the kind of horror I want when I’m looking for something dark, creepy, and deeply unsettling. The seemingly perfect town of Glory has secrets rotting underneath the surface, and once Megan starts uncovering what’s really happening, there’s no going back. Missing children, disturbing visions, twisted rituals, ancient evil, and a forest that feels like it’s watching you—it all comes together into one seriously nasty horror experience.
What really got me was the atmosphere. The forest isn’t just a location; it feels alive, hostile, and completely wrong. The story knows how to build dread before unleashing the uglier side of the horror, and when things finally start going off the rails, it gets DARK. The combination of psychological horror, supernatural terror, folklore, and occult elements kept me locked in. I constantly had that feeling of “Megan, for the love of everything, GET OUT OF THOSE WOODS!” 😂 And naturally, that only made me want to see what nightmare was waiting around the next corner.
For me, this earns a straight-up 5⭐️. It has the mystery, the creeping paranoia, the disturbing imagery, and that delicious feeling that something ancient and completely evil is hiding just beneath the surface. If you’re into cursed forests, creepy small towns, occult horror, missing people, supernatural evil, and stories that make you question what the hell is actually happening, put this one on your list. READERSBEWARE says enter the forest if you dare—but don’t expect to come back out the same. 🌲💀🩸
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
The Forest of the Forsaken grabbed me by the throat and dragged me straight into the woods. 🌲🩸 This is exactly the kind of horror I want when I’m looking for something dark, creepy, and deeply unsettling. The seemingly perfect town of Glory has secrets rotting underneath the surface, and once Megan starts uncovering what’s really happening, there’s no going back. Missing children, disturbing visions, twisted rituals, ancient evil, and a forest that feels like it’s watching you—it all comes together into one seriously nasty horror experience.
What really got me was the atmosphere. The forest isn’t just a location; it feels alive, hostile, and completely wrong. The story knows how to build dread before unleashing the uglier side of the horror, and when things finally start going off the rails, it gets DARK. The combination of psychological horror, supernatural terror, folklore, and occult elements kept me locked in. I constantly had that feeling of “Megan, for the love of everything, GET OUT OF THOSE WOODS!” 😂 And naturally, that only made me want to see what nightmare was waiting around the next corner.
For me, this earns a straight-up 5⭐️. It has the mystery, the creeping paranoia, the disturbing imagery, and that delicious feeling that something ancient and completely evil is hiding just beneath the surface. If you’re into cursed forests, creepy small towns, occult horror, missing people, supernatural evil, and stories that make you question what the hell is actually happening, put this one on your list. READERSBEWARE says enter the forest if you dare—but don’t expect to come back out the same. 🌲💀🩸
April 11, 2026
Joseph Lee delivers a tense and atmospheric blend of psychological horror and small town mystery in The Forest of the Forsaken. The novel follows sixteen year old Megan as she arrives in the seemingly idyllic town of Glory, only to uncover a growing sense of unease beneath its polished exterior. Lee skillfully builds suspense through unsettling visions, creeping paranoia, and a gradual unraveling of reality that keeps both protagonist and reader off balance.
As Megan and her friend Aiden dig deeper, the story shifts from subtle psychological tension to full-scale horror rooted in hidden rituals and an ancient, malevolent presence tied to the nearby forest. The pacing is deliberate, allowing dread to accumulate steadily while the town itself becomes an increasingly oppressive character. The Forest of the Forsaken is a gripping and eerie read that will appeal to fans of slow burn horror and dark, atmospheric fiction.
As Megan and her friend Aiden dig deeper, the story shifts from subtle psychological tension to full-scale horror rooted in hidden rituals and an ancient, malevolent presence tied to the nearby forest. The pacing is deliberate, allowing dread to accumulate steadily while the town itself becomes an increasingly oppressive character. The Forest of the Forsaken is a gripping and eerie read that will appeal to fans of slow burn horror and dark, atmospheric fiction.
October 4, 2026
The small town of Glory isn't as welcoming as you might think it is. It hold secrets. Deep, dark secrets. When Megan moves there because of her mom's job, she slowly starts seeing the town for what it is. Befriended by Aiden, the set out on a journey to unravel those secrets.
I was worried when I first started this as the book is long and I was afraid there would be a lot of filler. Yet, the book kept its flow and had me curious for what is next to come. The atmosphere was what really sold me on this story. I could just feel the chills run over my skin as I read it. The second thing that stood out to me were the main characters. I really felt an attachment to Megan and Aiden.
Great, spooky story to start off the season.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway for my honest review.
I was worried when I first started this as the book is long and I was afraid there would be a lot of filler. Yet, the book kept its flow and had me curious for what is next to come. The atmosphere was what really sold me on this story. I could just feel the chills run over my skin as I read it. The second thing that stood out to me were the main characters. I really felt an attachment to Megan and Aiden.
Great, spooky story to start off the season.
I won this book from a Goodreads giveaway for my honest review.
April 28, 2026
immersive
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forest of the Forsaken was an easy, fast-paced read that kept me engaged the whole time. The level of detail really helped bring the story to life and made the setting feel vivid and immersive.
It moved quickly without feeling rushed, and I appreciated how smoothly everything flowed. Overall, a solid read with strong atmosphere and storytelling.
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forest of the Forsaken was an easy, fast-paced read that kept me engaged the whole time. The level of detail really helped bring the story to life and made the setting feel vivid and immersive.
It moved quickly without feeling rushed, and I appreciated how smoothly everything flowed. Overall, a solid read with strong atmosphere and storytelling.
January 2, 2026
If you like your forests cursed, your towns judgmental, and your atmosphere thick enough to trip over—welcome to The Forest of the Forsaken. This gothic little nightmare drops us into the late 1600s, where superstition runs wild, fear rules the streets, and being “different” might just get you condemned… or worse.
We follow Hank, a rugged woodsman with secrets, and Sarah, a woman society has already decided to fear. Together, they wander into the forest everyone whispers about but pretends doesn’t exist—because clearly that’s where all the bad things happen. And surprise… they’re right.
The forest isn’t just a setting—it’s a character. Creepy, suffocating, and dripping with dread. You can practically hear the branches whispering your name.
Hank and Sarah aren’t perfect heroes—they’re layered, conflicted, and painfully human. Their emotional struggles hit almost as hard as the supernatural ones.
This book doesn’t just scare you—it side-eyes humanity. Fear, ignorance, and mob mentality take center stage, making the story feel uncomfortably relevant.
The Forest of the Forsaken is eerie, emotional, and dripping with gothic tension. It’s the kind of story that creeps under your skin and whispers, “What would you do if they turned on you?” If you love dark folklore vibes, morally gray characters, and stories that make you uneasy in the best way—this one belongs on your shelf.
We follow Hank, a rugged woodsman with secrets, and Sarah, a woman society has already decided to fear. Together, they wander into the forest everyone whispers about but pretends doesn’t exist—because clearly that’s where all the bad things happen. And surprise… they’re right.
The forest isn’t just a setting—it’s a character. Creepy, suffocating, and dripping with dread. You can practically hear the branches whispering your name.
Hank and Sarah aren’t perfect heroes—they’re layered, conflicted, and painfully human. Their emotional struggles hit almost as hard as the supernatural ones.
This book doesn’t just scare you—it side-eyes humanity. Fear, ignorance, and mob mentality take center stage, making the story feel uncomfortably relevant.
The Forest of the Forsaken is eerie, emotional, and dripping with gothic tension. It’s the kind of story that creeps under your skin and whispers, “What would you do if they turned on you?” If you love dark folklore vibes, morally gray characters, and stories that make you uneasy in the best way—this one belongs on your shelf.
March 20, 2026
This is my first time reading this author and it definitely won’t be my last. Immediately pulled me in. Like from the first chapter I had that uneasy, something-is-not-right feeling and it never let up.
The story follows Megan, who moves to this quiet small town that feels normal on the surface… but quickly turns unsettling. There’s this creepy forest tied to the town and as she starts experiencing disturbing visions and things stop making sense, you realize there are some seriously dark secrets buried there.
Megan’s story was so easy to fall into, and the whole small town + creepy forest vibe was done SO well. The atmosphere was tense, eerie and honestly had me side-eyeing every character because no one felt fully trustworthy.
The author’s writing was extraordinary. It was immersive in a way where you don’t just read it .. you feel it. The pacing, the buildup, the way the unease just keeps creeping in… I flew through this but also had moments where I had to pause and just sit with what was happening.
It’s more psychological than action-heavy, but that worked so well here. The tension, the mystery, the “what is actually real” feeling… sooo good.
If you love creepy small towns, eerie, almost alive settings, psychological tension, dark secrets + unsettling vibes then this is 100% one to pick up. Definitely one of those reads that sticks with you after you finish.
The story follows Megan, who moves to this quiet small town that feels normal on the surface… but quickly turns unsettling. There’s this creepy forest tied to the town and as she starts experiencing disturbing visions and things stop making sense, you realize there are some seriously dark secrets buried there.
Megan’s story was so easy to fall into, and the whole small town + creepy forest vibe was done SO well. The atmosphere was tense, eerie and honestly had me side-eyeing every character because no one felt fully trustworthy.
The author’s writing was extraordinary. It was immersive in a way where you don’t just read it .. you feel it. The pacing, the buildup, the way the unease just keeps creeping in… I flew through this but also had moments where I had to pause and just sit with what was happening.
It’s more psychological than action-heavy, but that worked so well here. The tension, the mystery, the “what is actually real” feeling… sooo good.
If you love creepy small towns, eerie, almost alive settings, psychological tension, dark secrets + unsettling vibes then this is 100% one to pick up. Definitely one of those reads that sticks with you after you finish.
March 11, 2026
Absolutely gripping! I am such a huge fan of small town haunts I can’t explain why but something about smaller communities experiencing some crazy bs really gets me freaking excited… and boy did this story do just that! The witchcraft and lore is so well written that when the gore hits the atmosphere just fully comes together, it’s so beautifully written that you feel immersed into the dark story. Megan is a goddamn star and her unraveling is equally parts exciting and heartbreaking. If you’re looking for a book that makes you question everything you know, a gothic feel, a freaking haunted forest with an evil entity? Then please give this story a read it absolutely will not disappoint.
May 10, 2026
I won this from a Goodreads giveaway and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This book hooked me pretty quick with that eerie small town atmosphere where everything looks peaceful on the outside, but you can feel something ugly breathing underneath it all. Glory is one of those towns that feels too perfect, and the story does a real good job slowly peeling back all the darkness hiding behind the smiles and church doors.
Megan was easy to root for because she just wanted a fresh start and a place where she finally fit in. Instead, she ends up tangled in nightmares, visions, secrets, and a whole mess of disturbing truths that just keep getting worse the deeper she digs. I liked how the story slowly blurred the line between what was real and what might have been in her head because it kept that uneasy feeling hanging over everything.
Aiden ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. The friendship between him and Megan felt natural, and together they worked well uncovering all the twisted history tied to the town. The creepy forest, the rituals, and the hidden evil surrounding Glory gave this story that old school supernatural thriller feeling that reminded me of the kind of books you stay up too late reading because you keep saying just one more chapter.
The pacing slowed down a little here and there, but honestly the atmosphere and mystery carried it through for me. Once the story really starts exposing what is happening in Glory, it becomes hard to put down. The author did a solid job building tension while mixing psychological horror with supernatural dread. It had enough creepy moments and emotional weight to keep me invested all the way through.
If you enjoy small town horror, cult secrets, creepy woods, visions, dark history, and young characters trying to survive something way bigger than themselves, this one is definitely worth checking out. It has that haunting young adult supernatural thriller energy that feels both nostalgic and unsettling at the same time.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
This book hooked me pretty quick with that eerie small town atmosphere where everything looks peaceful on the outside, but you can feel something ugly breathing underneath it all. Glory is one of those towns that feels too perfect, and the story does a real good job slowly peeling back all the darkness hiding behind the smiles and church doors.
Megan was easy to root for because she just wanted a fresh start and a place where she finally fit in. Instead, she ends up tangled in nightmares, visions, secrets, and a whole mess of disturbing truths that just keep getting worse the deeper she digs. I liked how the story slowly blurred the line between what was real and what might have been in her head because it kept that uneasy feeling hanging over everything.
Aiden ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book. The friendship between him and Megan felt natural, and together they worked well uncovering all the twisted history tied to the town. The creepy forest, the rituals, and the hidden evil surrounding Glory gave this story that old school supernatural thriller feeling that reminded me of the kind of books you stay up too late reading because you keep saying just one more chapter.
The pacing slowed down a little here and there, but honestly the atmosphere and mystery carried it through for me. Once the story really starts exposing what is happening in Glory, it becomes hard to put down. The author did a solid job building tension while mixing psychological horror with supernatural dread. It had enough creepy moments and emotional weight to keep me invested all the way through.
If you enjoy small town horror, cult secrets, creepy woods, visions, dark history, and young characters trying to survive something way bigger than themselves, this one is definitely worth checking out. It has that haunting young adult supernatural thriller energy that feels both nostalgic and unsettling at the same time.
I give it a 4 outta 5 catfish!
July 8, 2026
In The Forest of the Forsaken, we follow Megan as she relocates to the small town of Glory due to her mother’s job. In this unfamiliar environment, she meets Aiden, a fellow outcast who, like her, faces bullying and mockery at school. As Megan begins to experience unsettling nightmares, she starts to question her own sanity.
Despite her fears, she finds solace in Aiden, confiding in him about her dreams and the secrets they hold. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, diving deep into the town’s history at the local library. What they uncover reveals dark truths about Glory, particularly concerning the eerie forest that looms over the town.
As they unravel the forest’s mysteries, they grow increasingly uneasy, suspecting that the reverend might be connected to the sinister occurrences. Megan grapples with her visions, worried that if she shares them, she’ll be labeled a witch and ostracized. Yet, her determination to uncover the truth about the disappearing children in the haunting forest drives her forward.
Despite their efforts, they are scared no one will believe them as Megan and Aiden heighten the tension in this gripping thriller. The narrative had me on the edge of my seat, eager to discover what would happen next. And the ending wow what a cliffhanger I’m left in despair because of turn in events I need book 2 like yesterday.
Despite her fears, she finds solace in Aiden, confiding in him about her dreams and the secrets they hold. Together, they embark on a perilous journey, diving deep into the town’s history at the local library. What they uncover reveals dark truths about Glory, particularly concerning the eerie forest that looms over the town.
As they unravel the forest’s mysteries, they grow increasingly uneasy, suspecting that the reverend might be connected to the sinister occurrences. Megan grapples with her visions, worried that if she shares them, she’ll be labeled a witch and ostracized. Yet, her determination to uncover the truth about the disappearing children in the haunting forest drives her forward.
Despite their efforts, they are scared no one will believe them as Megan and Aiden heighten the tension in this gripping thriller. The narrative had me on the edge of my seat, eager to discover what would happen next. And the ending wow what a cliffhanger I’m left in despair because of turn in events I need book 2 like yesterday.
May 6, 2026
The Forest of the Forsaken grabbed me immediately. What starts as a familiar coming-of-age story quickly turns dark as the seemingly perfect town of Glory reveals its disturbing secrets. Megan is a strong, believable lead, and as her visions blur the line between reality and something far more sinister, the tension never lets up. The slow uncovering of the town’s rituals and the ominous presence in the forest is deeply unsettling and impossible to put down. Dark, atmospheric, and tightly paced, this story lingers long after the final page.
August 16, 2026
I won this version from a Goodreads giveaway.
Whew! What a ride that turned out to be!
Absolutely dripping with horrific atmosphere, although it did manage to go on longer than I thought necessary. There are some errors that better editing can fix, but those didn’t take away from the story.
Whew! What a ride that turned out to be!
Absolutely dripping with horrific atmosphere, although it did manage to go on longer than I thought necessary. There are some errors that better editing can fix, but those didn’t take away from the story.
August 12, 2026
Whewww. This had so many plots and twist! It gave me goose bumps! The forest, the cottage, the things that was happening with in the shadows I was paranoid. This a very good book! Bravo Joseph !!
August 5, 2026
Haunting. Atmospheric. Unsettling in all the right ways. Joe writes with a beauty that sneaks up on you-lyrical, eerie, and grounded in the kind of folklore that feels a little too real.
The forest isnt just a setting, it's a presence. It watches. It whispered. And it remembers.
Dark rituals, ancient curses, and secrets that claw their way out of the earth. This one gets under your skin and stays there.
Some horror books rely on gore.
Others rely on jump scares.
The Forest of The Forsaken doesnt need either to leave a mark.
The forest isnt just a setting, it's a presence. It watches. It whispered. And it remembers.
Dark rituals, ancient curses, and secrets that claw their way out of the earth. This one gets under your skin and stays there.
Some horror books rely on gore.
Others rely on jump scares.
The Forest of The Forsaken doesnt need either to leave a mark.
July 21, 2026
5/5 🌟
The Forest of the Forsaken is the kind of book that gets under your skin and stays there.
From the beginning, there was this feeling that something wasn’t quite right, and the deeper I got into the story, the more I needed to know what was hiding beneath everything. The dark folklore, witchcraft, forbidden love, secrets from the past, and the way it all begins bleeding into the present completely pulled me in.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. You don’t just read about the forest—you can almost feel it around you. There were moments when I genuinely didn’t know what to believe or who to trust, and I LOVE when a book can do that to me.
Joseph J. Lee has a way of taking something that feels like an old legend and making you wonder how much of it could actually be true. The past and present come together so well, and once the pieces started falling into place, I couldn't stop reading.
Dark. Haunting. Emotional. Full of secrets and old folklore.
This is exactly the kind of book I love. An easy 5/5 stars, and one I won't forget anytime soon.
The Forest of the Forsaken is the kind of book that gets under your skin and stays there.
From the beginning, there was this feeling that something wasn’t quite right, and the deeper I got into the story, the more I needed to know what was hiding beneath everything. The dark folklore, witchcraft, forbidden love, secrets from the past, and the way it all begins bleeding into the present completely pulled me in.
What I loved most was the atmosphere. You don’t just read about the forest—you can almost feel it around you. There were moments when I genuinely didn’t know what to believe or who to trust, and I LOVE when a book can do that to me.
Joseph J. Lee has a way of taking something that feels like an old legend and making you wonder how much of it could actually be true. The past and present come together so well, and once the pieces started falling into place, I couldn't stop reading.
Dark. Haunting. Emotional. Full of secrets and old folklore.
This is exactly the kind of book I love. An easy 5/5 stars, and one I won't forget anytime soon.
July 12, 2026
To start off with, I found out about this book because I happened to meet the author in a Barnes & Noble one day while he was promoting it so of course I had to buy it!
The book follows Megan, a teenager who has been having nightmares about the town and the forest within the town and she can’t explain why. She teams up with her friend Aiden to uncover the town of Glory’s horrifying past.
Horror is not my typical genre but I found this book to be thrilling and captivating, and really held my attention the entire time.
The visualization is written well, and you can see the image is being depicted which adds to the horror piece.
If you are needing a little scary in your life, this is an excellent book! I can’t wait for the next one!
The book follows Megan, a teenager who has been having nightmares about the town and the forest within the town and she can’t explain why. She teams up with her friend Aiden to uncover the town of Glory’s horrifying past.
Horror is not my typical genre but I found this book to be thrilling and captivating, and really held my attention the entire time.
The visualization is written well, and you can see the image is being depicted which adds to the horror piece.
If you are needing a little scary in your life, this is an excellent book! I can’t wait for the next one!
July 20, 2026
The details in this book are amazing. I have never felt so immersed in the scenes. The writing kept me on the edge of my seat with intrigue and horror. Looking forward to the author's other works ahead.
May 25, 2026
Loved this book! This was my first book that I’ve read from this author and I will definitely read more. This book took my emotions on a journey. I felt every emotion from crying with the characters to yelling at the actual pages in frustration. This book definitely keeps you interested from the first chapter and will not let you go. This is definitely a must read book!
July 18, 2026
3.5. The story was good but the author tended to repeat certain descriptions and phrases too much. I felt it took something away from the story.
October 11, 2026
The Forest of the Forsaken by Joseph Lee
⭐ 4.5/5 Stars
Dark, disturbing, atmospheric, and absolutely packed with sinister secrets! This is exactly the kind of psychological and supernatural horror that I love sinking my teeth into!
What really drew me into The Forest of the Forsaken was how something so seemingly innocent could hide something so incredibly twisted. The town of Glory appears to be the perfect place to start over, but beneath its welcoming exterior lies a darkness that is anything but ordinary.
Megan is only sixteen, trying to find somewhere she belongs, and instead finds herself caught in a terrifying web of disturbing dreams, chilling visions, betrayal, and secrets that should have stayed buried.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is the psychological horror. I absolutely love when a book makes you question what's real, who can be trusted, and whether the greatest danger is something supernatural or the people standing right in front of you. That uncertainty creates such an unsettling atmosphere!
And the forest itself? Absolutely creepy! There's something about an ancient evil lurking among the trees, combined with mysterious rituals and a community hiding horrifying secrets, that makes my horror-loving heart ridiculously happy.
I also appreciated Megan's determination. She's young, frightened, and surrounded by people who may not be what they seem, yet she's determined to uncover the truth. The combination of her vulnerability and courage adds another layer to the story.
What I found especially disturbing was the idea that evil doesn't always look like a monster. Sometimes it hides behind friendly smiles, deeply rooted traditions, and the illusion of a perfect community. That kind of horror gets under my skin far more than any jump scare ever could.
My favorite kind of horror doesn't just frighten me. It makes me uncomfortable, gets inside my head, and leaves me questioning everything. That's what I enjoyed about the darkness surrounding Glory.
Overall, The Forest of the Forsaken is a chilling blend of occult horror, psychological suspense, supernatural mystery, and deeply unsettling secrets. It's the kind of story that reminds me exactly why I love exploring the darker side of fiction.
If you enjoy creepy small towns, sinister forests, ancient evil, disturbing dreams, and mysteries where absolutely nobody feels trustworthy, I definitely recommend giving this one a read!
Because sometimes the scariest monsters aren't hiding in the woods. They're the ones welcoming you into town.
🖤🌲
⭐ 4.5/5 Stars
Dark, disturbing, atmospheric, and absolutely packed with sinister secrets! This is exactly the kind of psychological and supernatural horror that I love sinking my teeth into!
What really drew me into The Forest of the Forsaken was how something so seemingly innocent could hide something so incredibly twisted. The town of Glory appears to be the perfect place to start over, but beneath its welcoming exterior lies a darkness that is anything but ordinary.
Megan is only sixteen, trying to find somewhere she belongs, and instead finds herself caught in a terrifying web of disturbing dreams, chilling visions, betrayal, and secrets that should have stayed buried.
One of my favorite aspects of this story is the psychological horror. I absolutely love when a book makes you question what's real, who can be trusted, and whether the greatest danger is something supernatural or the people standing right in front of you. That uncertainty creates such an unsettling atmosphere!
And the forest itself? Absolutely creepy! There's something about an ancient evil lurking among the trees, combined with mysterious rituals and a community hiding horrifying secrets, that makes my horror-loving heart ridiculously happy.
I also appreciated Megan's determination. She's young, frightened, and surrounded by people who may not be what they seem, yet she's determined to uncover the truth. The combination of her vulnerability and courage adds another layer to the story.
What I found especially disturbing was the idea that evil doesn't always look like a monster. Sometimes it hides behind friendly smiles, deeply rooted traditions, and the illusion of a perfect community. That kind of horror gets under my skin far more than any jump scare ever could.
My favorite kind of horror doesn't just frighten me. It makes me uncomfortable, gets inside my head, and leaves me questioning everything. That's what I enjoyed about the darkness surrounding Glory.
Overall, The Forest of the Forsaken is a chilling blend of occult horror, psychological suspense, supernatural mystery, and deeply unsettling secrets. It's the kind of story that reminds me exactly why I love exploring the darker side of fiction.
If you enjoy creepy small towns, sinister forests, ancient evil, disturbing dreams, and mysteries where absolutely nobody feels trustworthy, I definitely recommend giving this one a read!
Because sometimes the scariest monsters aren't hiding in the woods. They're the ones welcoming you into town.
🖤🌲
September 15, 2026
The Forest of the Forsaken by Joseph J. Lee is an eerie, folklore driven dark tale that pulls you into the unsettling little town of Glory, and toward the forest its residents have learned never to enter.
Why do the townsfolk avoid the woods behind their town? What old truths are buried beneath the stories everyone dismisses as superstition? And, of course, why do those stories always seem destined to be tested by teenagers who believe the past has nothing left to teach them?
This is a wonderfully immersive read for fans of dark folklore, small town secrets, and creeping dread. Lee builds a vivid world filled with lore that feels established, dangerous, and deeply woven into the lives of the people in Glory. The characters are relatable and well written, which makes it easy to get invested in their choices, even when you can see they may be walking straight toward something they should have left alone.
Readers who enjoy Stephen King, Midnight Mass, or The Ritual will likely find plenty to love here. The atmosphere is the real star: ominous woods, old legends, and the feeling that something is waiting just beyond the edge of what the characters understand.
Seasoned horror readers may not find it especially terrifying, but newcomers to the genre could absolutely find themselves checking the shadows after reading. The story does an excellent job laying out its mythology without becoming confusing, offering enough detail to understand what is happening while still leaving plenty of mysteries behind.
Knowing this is only the first book, I am already looking forward to returning to this world and seeing what else the Forest has to offer. Or perhaps what it expects in return.
Why do the townsfolk avoid the woods behind their town? What old truths are buried beneath the stories everyone dismisses as superstition? And, of course, why do those stories always seem destined to be tested by teenagers who believe the past has nothing left to teach them?
This is a wonderfully immersive read for fans of dark folklore, small town secrets, and creeping dread. Lee builds a vivid world filled with lore that feels established, dangerous, and deeply woven into the lives of the people in Glory. The characters are relatable and well written, which makes it easy to get invested in their choices, even when you can see they may be walking straight toward something they should have left alone.
Readers who enjoy Stephen King, Midnight Mass, or The Ritual will likely find plenty to love here. The atmosphere is the real star: ominous woods, old legends, and the feeling that something is waiting just beyond the edge of what the characters understand.
Seasoned horror readers may not find it especially terrifying, but newcomers to the genre could absolutely find themselves checking the shadows after reading. The story does an excellent job laying out its mythology without becoming confusing, offering enough detail to understand what is happening while still leaving plenty of mysteries behind.
Knowing this is only the first book, I am already looking forward to returning to this world and seeing what else the Forest has to offer. Or perhaps what it expects in return.
January 24, 2026
A dark, unputdownable descent into small-town horror
From the very first page, The Forest of the Forsaken hooked me. What begins as a familiar story—a teenager trying to fit into a picture-perfect town—quickly twists into something far more unsettling, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
The town of Glory appears warm and welcoming on the surface, but the author expertly peels back each layer to expose a chilling core of betrayal, envy, and long-buried secrets. Megan is a compelling protagonist, and as her visions intensify and reality begins to fracture, the unease deepens. I found myself questioning everything alongside her, never fully certain what was real and what was something far more sinister.
The mystery surrounding Glory and its devout community is where this story truly shines. The gradual reveal of ancient rituals and the malevolent force lurking within the forest is both haunting and addictive. With every chapter, the tension escalates—from creeping psychological dread to genuine, heart-pounding danger.
This is the kind of book that pulls you in and refuses to let go. Dark, tightly paced
From the very first page, The Forest of the Forsaken hooked me. What begins as a familiar story—a teenager trying to fit into a picture-perfect town—quickly twists into something far more unsettling, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
The town of Glory appears warm and welcoming on the surface, but the author expertly peels back each layer to expose a chilling core of betrayal, envy, and long-buried secrets. Megan is a compelling protagonist, and as her visions intensify and reality begins to fracture, the unease deepens. I found myself questioning everything alongside her, never fully certain what was real and what was something far more sinister.
The mystery surrounding Glory and its devout community is where this story truly shines. The gradual reveal of ancient rituals and the malevolent force lurking within the forest is both haunting and addictive. With every chapter, the tension escalates—from creeping psychological dread to genuine, heart-pounding danger.
This is the kind of book that pulls you in and refuses to let go. Dark, tightly paced
August 23, 2026
As someone who many years ago started out reading nothing but thrillers taking in psychological thrillers under the umbrella of of “ thrillers “ then I veered to cult, stalkers, mystery, folk lore and dabbled in horror, this book ticked plenty of my reading juices.
I have book 2 that is due out (I believe) October 2026 so I needed to read this one first, the blurb tells you the history of what you need to know, I’ll tell you my reading experience, the characters are well rounded and the plot is very fast paced, sometimes you will, and I promise, you will realise you’re at the last page before you know it. There is so much going on, that it’s definitely an adventure.
This author can write! I followed the continuity with ease, and I’m in awe of his very first book. It’s creepy in places and at times I held my breath for a while I’m sure my face pulled some faces. In a surprise sort of expression, today I’ve started book 2 which I was lucky to be accepted to read early.
So if you like any of the tags I’ve labelled this as, why not take a look at this book, hell ! Why not download it I believe it’s on KU.
I have book 2 that is due out (I believe) October 2026 so I needed to read this one first, the blurb tells you the history of what you need to know, I’ll tell you my reading experience, the characters are well rounded and the plot is very fast paced, sometimes you will, and I promise, you will realise you’re at the last page before you know it. There is so much going on, that it’s definitely an adventure.
This author can write! I followed the continuity with ease, and I’m in awe of his very first book. It’s creepy in places and at times I held my breath for a while I’m sure my face pulled some faces. In a surprise sort of expression, today I’ve started book 2 which I was lucky to be accepted to read early.
So if you like any of the tags I’ve labelled this as, why not take a look at this book, hell ! Why not download it I believe it’s on KU.
October 13, 2026
4.5⭐️
Horror, action, mystery, emotion, it’s all here!
Megan is the new kid in town. She just wants to find a few friends and a place to call home. She never expected to find the town’s secrets buried for hundreds of years. Secrets trapped in the forest, wrapped in disappearances, blood, and maybe even sacrifice. She never expected to start having dreams and visions laced with darkness and magic. All she knows now is she has to figure out what it all means. And that means going in to the forest where it’s all happening.
There was so much to this book! It took you back & forth and over & around and up & down and back again. The characters felt real and they were relatable on multiple levels. The pacing in this book was great, especially coupled with the attention to detail. The overall plot was well thought out and executed very well. By the end I was very attached to both Megan & Aidan and I would love to read a follow up to this book.
Horror, action, mystery, emotion, it’s all here!
Megan is the new kid in town. She just wants to find a few friends and a place to call home. She never expected to find the town’s secrets buried for hundreds of years. Secrets trapped in the forest, wrapped in disappearances, blood, and maybe even sacrifice. She never expected to start having dreams and visions laced with darkness and magic. All she knows now is she has to figure out what it all means. And that means going in to the forest where it’s all happening.
There was so much to this book! It took you back & forth and over & around and up & down and back again. The characters felt real and they were relatable on multiple levels. The pacing in this book was great, especially coupled with the attention to detail. The overall plot was well thought out and executed very well. By the end I was very attached to both Megan & Aidan and I would love to read a follow up to this book.
January 26, 2026
The Forest of the Forsaken is giving small-town drama… but make it terrifying. What starts as a girl just trying to fit in quickly turns into creepy visions, secret rituals, and major “something is very wrong here” energy. It’s eerie, emotional, and impossible to put down—perfect if you love high school stories with dark secrets, supernatural chaos, and main-character survival energy. Total spooky read!
March 16, 2026
Technically 4.5 but damn had to round to the 5. I have been meaning to get back to reading and recently finished SEED then saw this and it sounded interesting. This book was way more than I expected. Reminds me of a supernatural witchcraft versus of The Shining, Terrifying!! Literally had me tripping about the shadows in my room. Couldn’t get enough. Great story and emotional. You need this on your TBR.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gothic horror with a cursed forest, awful neighbors, and a town that hates women? Hell yes. The Forest of the Forsaken is folklore horror that makes you wonder if the forest is the problem or if it’s just the people. Messy characters, mob mentality, and dread in every direction. Overall, I think this was a weird little book but in the best way possible!
October 5, 2026
Recieved this as an ARC
Was very pleased with this one. It started off slow for me but as the story grew and the characters evolved I was hooked. I love how the author wound and tangled the suspicions with the truth. The character relationships were also very gripping. Definitely a thrilling ride with lots of twists and turns. Can't wait for the next book from this author.
Was very pleased with this one. It started off slow for me but as the story grew and the characters evolved I was hooked. I love how the author wound and tangled the suspicions with the truth. The character relationships were also very gripping. Definitely a thrilling ride with lots of twists and turns. Can't wait for the next book from this author.
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