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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?
- GenresHorrorParanormal
466 pages, Paperback
Published January 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 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.
April 7, 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.
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.
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.
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 24, 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!
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.
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
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!
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!
January 26, 2026
Dark, bloody, and deeply unsettling. This story is soaked in witchcraft, curses, and twisted rituals that feel ancient and wrong. The forest watches, secrets demand sacrifice, and survival comes at a brutal cost. Haunting, vicious, and impossible to shake long after the last page.
February 21, 2026
4.5 stars
What starts as small-town perfection quickly spirals into eerie visions, secret rituals, and something deeply wrong in Glory. Megan’s unraveling reality keeps the tension tight, and the folklore horror hits with bloody, unsettling force. Dark, addictive, and weird in the best way.
What starts as small-town perfection quickly spirals into eerie visions, secret rituals, and something deeply wrong in Glory. Megan’s unraveling reality keeps the tension tight, and the folklore horror hits with bloody, unsettling force. Dark, addictive, and weird in the best way.
April 26, 2026
First of all… wow. This book had me gripping the pages like they might try to escape. From the very first chapter, it hooked me and refused to let go. The level of detail was incredible… maybe even dangerously vivid in the best way.
I had so many “oh f***” and “oh sh*t” moments while reading, constantly needing to know what was coming next. The pacing was smooth and never felt rushed, which made everything hit even harder.
Megan was such a standout for me. Strong, determined, and completely unwilling to let anyone dim her light. Watching her push forward, digging into Glory’s past despite everything thrown at her, was awesome.
And Joseph’s writing? Completely captivating. The kind that pulls you in and keeps you there long after you’ve put the book down.
Easy 5 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I need book 2 immediately!!
I had so many “oh f***” and “oh sh*t” moments while reading, constantly needing to know what was coming next. The pacing was smooth and never felt rushed, which made everything hit even harder.
Megan was such a standout for me. Strong, determined, and completely unwilling to let anyone dim her light. Watching her push forward, digging into Glory’s past despite everything thrown at her, was awesome.
And Joseph’s writing? Completely captivating. The kind that pulls you in and keeps you there long after you’ve put the book down.
Easy 5 stars from me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I need book 2 immediately!!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews