The Forest Bleeds: A Novel

by Rachel Kitch

Saige Chambers, Arcane Bioengineering student and blood witch, is constantly anxious and chronically over-prepared. When Saige and her fellow witch doctoral candidates depart for a conference, she plans and anticipates every last detail. Except – she’s not prepared for the moment their bus turns off the highway and takes them to a remote mansion in the Appalachian Mountains, the gates sealing shut behind them.

The mansion’s owner, Arius Medea, issues a simple mandate: fix his injured, rotting leg or die. But it’s no ordinary injury – the flesh melts off the bone, emitting waves of foul magic that set Saige’s blood alight. Saige’s colleagues want to fight back and escape. Saige thinks their best chance is to fix him fast and get out. As tensions rise, Saige finds herself growing closer to Vaishnavi Sri, a poison witch and Saige’s long-term crush. But first impressions can be misleading, and as Saige’s reluctant attraction to Arius grows, she begins to wonder if there’s a better life waiting for her in the walls of this mansion.

But, as one by one, Saige's colleagues start to disappear, Saige realizes that dying may not be the worst option – because there are far worse fates lurking in the woods.

Genres: Horror, Fantasy, Lesbian, Adult, Queer, Fiction, LGBT

400 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication October 13, 2026

About the author

RACHEL KITCH is a mixed-race Thai American speculative horror author with a love of writing unsettling, creepy books that still have a spark of light. Rachel has her master’s in design from the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s from West Virginia University. As a generation 1.5 immigrant, Rachel loves to blend her heritage and incorporate Thai and Appalachian folklore into her projects.

When not writing, she can be found designing author brands and websites, or reading books on her Kindle that would kill a Victorian child. Keep up with her at www.rachelkitch.com or follow her on Instagram @rachkitchwrites.

Reviews

[Nicholas Perez]

Probably one of the most hyped sapphic novels on my feed. One of my twitter mutuals read the early version and she gushed about it.

[Bazia · Rating 4 out of 5]

long story short: this is a perfect urban fantasy horror story for very picky readers
yes, there are some flaws here and there, but the atmosphere absolutely outweighs everything else

did I believe in the main character, in her struggles, her choices? yes. and I really appreciate the author for touching on the people-pleaser theme and carrying it through to meaningful character development

Big thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the ARC and for bringing a spooky Halloween atmosphere right into the middle of April 😁

[Julie Cox · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley:
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy!

I was initially drawn to The Forest Bleeds by its haunting title and promise of an immersive, dark setting. Rachel certainly has a knack for creating an eerie atmosphere, and the descriptions of the woods were the highlight of the book for me.

However, the story struggled to maintain its momentum. I found the pacing to be quite slow, and the character motivations didn't feel fully developed, making it difficult to stay invested in the outcome. While the prose is lovely, the plot didn't quite deliver the impact I was hoping for. 2/5 stars."

While I appreciated the atmospheric writing in The Forest Bleeds, the pacing and character development fell short of my expectations. I struggled to connect with the protagonist, which made the middle section feel like a bit of a hurdle. I think fans of very slow-burn, folk-horror-adjacent stories might enjoy the mood Rachel creates, but the narrative didn't quite click for me. Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.

[Kristen]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

DNF @ 40%

I seem to be in the minority, but this just was not working for me. This has a very unique premise: witchy scientist, Saige Chambers, who on their way to a conference find themselves detoured to a creepy mansion with a dark history. The book opens with the backstory of the mansion, but other than it being the same location - I did not fully understand why we’re getting both stories. I kept waiting for more of a connection.

I found the pacing slow and I’m sure it was meant to be unsettling. I felt there was not enough to the setting, plot, and characters, for me to care.

[Mireya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big thanks to NetGalley and Union Square and Co. for the ARC copy of The Forest Bleeds! This has not affected my review at all, which are my own thoughts.

I want to preface this review with: is TFB Rachel Kitch's debut novel? Because dam. And if it is her debut novel, DAM, with capital letters; one of the best books (and debuts if it's the case) that I've read lately. But, before exposing my case, a little intro to the book itself ;)

Saige is both an arcane bioengineering student and a blood witch, and someone who is constantly anxious and chronically over-prepared for whatever may happened (to her, or to her friends). So, of course, she's the only one deeply prepared for when she and 4 other fellow doctoral students leave to represent their university at a conference. Yet, what not even her could anticipate is the moment their bus deviates from the highway towards a hidden mansion in the Appalachian Mountains, where their received by Arius Medea and the gates closed behind them.

The task Arius gives them is simple: heal his leg or die. A rotting and decaying leg, whose flesh melts off and regrows constantly and that emits foul magic that awakens Saige's blood. While her colleagues think they should fight and escape. Siage is of the opinion that they should follow the rules and heal him so they can leave unscathed. Yet, as days pass, she finds herself growing closer to her long-term crush and fellow doctorate Vaish, but also reluctantly fascinated by Arius and wondering if she could have a better life with him at the mansion. But, as her colleagues start disappearing and Arius shows his true colors, Saige realizes this is a race against time to find out the truth and evade suffering whatever is lurking in the wood outside.

WOW, I flew through this one! What a book. I don't know what I loved most: the fantastic and horrifying atmosphere that Kitch created, the characters, or the magic system. Maybe the latter, since it unites medical research wit magic and how this one could better people's lives, and I love those; magic with the potential to heal or kill, to better or worsen, to change the balance of the world so much...And all the medical stuff and how Kitch wove it all to create a fascinating world for the characters to inhabit... I think that trapped me even more than anything else😂 Not to say the rest wasn't as interesting, of course.

As I said, Kitch creates the perfect atmosphere, with a creepy forest around the isolated mansion where Saige and Co. are forced to research and, if necessary, create something new to heal Arius' leg. Rachel Kitch managed to make even ME feel claustrophobic alongside the characters, asphyxiating in an ornate mansion where they can only go where dictated by the master, form bedrooms to lab to library and back, always in a strict routine. ALAS, for Saige is the perfect environment given her anxiety and necessity of strict schedules, but it soon developed into a nightmare even for her. And that change was so well built [up to] and developed, flowing naturally and realistic for someone like Saige: a people pleaser.

Let's talk about my dear Saige and how I related so much to her that I was rooting for her right straight from page one and that she's probably one of the best protagonists I've read this year (and probably in the last years). As someone who has a hard time saying no not to upset others (but it is getting better with time) I totally get Saige not wanting to fight Arius, to comply with everything he says, even if it degrades Saige as a person sometimes, because that's better than the possibility of Arius getting angry and hurting her, or worse, her friends. So, she smiles and lowers her head to do damage control. Hard when her colleagues are doing exactly the contrary, but they manage eventually. And so I loved seeing Saige grow into herself and start making compromising and axienty-inducing decisions but being brave enough for the consequences. And while I'm European and white as they come, Saige's journey of discovery and investigation of her ancestry to try to understand her magic was both tragic for the time and chances lost yet wholesome to see; it's quite f*ck up that the only person around that knows about you and might know about where you come from and your magic is the same one that's basically manipulating her into submission and servitude and threatening her friends. And I draw a line here to avoid spoilers, of course, since the book isn't out until October😅 But let's just say that Saige was my favorite character of the book, of course. Followed closely by Arius, even if I hated him with all my guts; one of the best villains I've read in a while. One of those that is so well written that I can only applaud the author for his character, 'cause she managed to make me doubt him a couple times, just like Saige. And I think that's quite tricky to manage, so, my congratulations.

So, yeah, definitely recommended, in case y'all couldn't tell😅; I feel like I've found a new favorite author in Rachel Kitch, and I hope more people do too. The Forest Bleeds is perfect for fans of horror, appalachian folklore, complex magic systems, complex relationship between characters, a subtle but firm sapphic relationship in the background that I enjoyed seeing developing slowly but surely, and more. 5/5 for me, and more if I could ;)

Anyway, hope y'all enjoyed this review, that I (maybe) convinced someone to give this book a chance, and until the next one ;)

[Faith L · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the discussions of healthcare, executives profiting from treating patients, and the racism that Asian people in predominantly white towns face. One of the underlying themes is the legacy of colonization and breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma.

🔮Arcane Bioengineering🧬 students who are witches leave for a conference and their bus ends up at a remote mansion in the Appalachian Mountains.

This is Saige’s story. I enjoy her perspective as she is type A, introverted, and self-loathes when she can’t understand Thai—I relate when I can’t always grasp Filipino.

I don’t like sharing major spoilers/a lot of quotes for ARCS, so perhaps when the book releases, I’ll add to my review and provide specific quotes about why I like Saige, Thuy, and Vaish. For now, I can say that Thuy has a conversation with the others that moves me and breaks my heart. When people assume members of the AAPI community are perfect, invoking the model minority myth, they damage lives.

I love how unique the three women are and how they use their powers to get out of dire situations. Their friendship is genuine and it amazes me how their bond changes from beginning to end.

I like Saige’s arc and have empathy for her lowest moments. She is a people pleaser and I worry whenever she finds herself alone with Arius, the man who keeps her and the other students in his mansion until they find a cure for his rotting leg. I appreciate the representation of OCD behaviours (obsession with time, intrusive thoughts). I love the feeling of learning about her past and seeing her reactions to Thuy and Vaish. I also relate to Saige the most when she thinks about her heritage and her past, like interacting with her relatives, her mom wanting her to be just American, and wondering about the vast magical knowledge that might’ve been passed down to her from her grandma.

Vaish is funny, supportive, and beautiful. Like the synopsis says, Saige has a long-time crush on her. Vaish has toxin powers and if you’re like me and wonder how cool it is that neurotoxins and other toxins paralyze humans and creatures, you will love Vaish.

I’m not able to unpack the dynamic between her and Arius because I’m protecting my mental health. He is a total loser. He is well-written, in the sense that he fits the bill of being a heinous abomination. I appreciate that there is a clear irony between his ancestor’s history and his decisions as a wealthy business owner.

The climax and resolution are satisfying because the themes, monsters, and magic come full circle.

A memorable part of this story is how white people treat marginalized people as “pets” throughout history and how that evolves in modern times. I especially thought of the novel’s underlying theme of the commercialization of racialized people’s bodies. It is obvious that Saige, Thuy, and Vaish’s treatment explores this issue.

Saige, Thuy, and Vaish have discussions about healthcare and the executives funneling blood and money to themselves, what it’s like to have powers unique to their heritage, and I feel that the story explores these topics in depth.

However, I wished to see more of Thuy’s abilities. She is a metaphysical witch and I hoped for a huge scene in which she demonstrates the strength of her magic, but alas, I appreciate that she is a major character and has other moments when she shines.

Ian, one of the witch doctoral students, has a sweet and wholesome friendship with Saige. I love how thoughtful she is toward him.

I LOVE THE CREATURES. They’re so unsettling! As soon as the students end up at the remote mansion in the Appalachian Mountains, I could tell that this is Kitch’s love letter to Appalachia and West Virginia. I also think it’s sweet that she earned a degree at the university and then her characters also go there for their doctorates in Arcane Bioengineering.

I need three months of never seeing the word “pet” again.😭

‼️⚠️ Please check the content warnings.

[Meli_Reads_Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy!

This was an intriguing and atmospheric read with strong writing, immersive world-building, and a compelling central mystery. The setting—particularly the mansion, the surrounding forest, and the unsettling presence of the servants—was vivid and engaging. I especially appreciated how the author incorporated scientific elements without over-simplifying them; the explanations felt accessible while still adding depth to the story. The gradual unveiling of information kept me invested, and I found myself genuinely drawn into the environment.

However, where the book fell short for me was in the development of character relationships, particularly with the protagonist, Saige.

Several of Saige’s interpersonal dynamics felt underdeveloped or inconsistent. For example, her relationship with Vaish shifted quite abruptly. Their early interactions were notably adversarial, with Vaish often coming across as dismissive and critical. Yet once the story transitions to the mansion, Vaish’s behavior changes quickly into empathy and understanding, and their relationship evolves into something deeper without enough buildup to make it feel earned. I would have loved to see a more gradual progression to better support that shift.

Similarly, Saige’s dynamic with Arius felt uneven. While I understood the thematic intention—highlighting Saige’s struggle with agency and her journey toward asserting herself—the execution felt disjointed. Saige’s reactions to Arius were overwhelmingly rooted in fear and discomfort, yet there were intermittent moments of attraction that appeared suddenly and weren’t explored in enough depth to feel convincing. A more sustained internal conflict or development of that tension would have made this aspect of the story more cohesive.

Her relationship with Ian also felt inconsistent. Early in the novel, Saige is portrayed as distant from her peers, including Ian, noting that their potential connection never quite materialized. Later reflections, however, suggest a much closer and more meaningful bond, which created a sense of whiplash. Additional scenes or interactions earlier in the book could have helped bridge that gap and make their connection feel more authentic.

Overall, I could clearly see the author’s intent with each relationship arc and character development, but I didn’t feel that the narrative fully achieved the emotional payoff it was building toward. With more time spent developing these connections—whether through additional scenes, slower progression, or extended timelines—the impact could have been significantly stronger.

That said, I genuinely enjoyed the story’s atmosphere and premise. The world itself was compelling enough that I found myself wanting to spend more time in it. Expanding the timeline even slightly could have allowed both the relationships and the tension to develop more naturally.

In the end, this was a well-written and imaginative novel with a strong sense of place, even if some of the character dynamics didn’t fully land for me. I would definitely be interested in reading more from this author in the future

[Bianca C · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

This book was SO weird and creepy in the best possible way. I honestly couldn’t put it down. The Forest Bleeds perfectly balances unsettling body horror, witchy academia vibes, tension, and emotional depth without ever feeling like too much.

The writing is incredibly descriptive. Rachel Kitch paints everything so vividly that I could practically feel the rot, the blood magic, and the eerie atmosphere of the mansion crawling off the page. The body horror was done so well too. Gross and unsettling at times, but not overwhelmingly graphic. For me it was the perfect amount of creepy while still staying thrilling and readable.

Saige was such an interesting FMC. She’s extremely Type A, constantly over-prepared, anxious, desperate for control, and honestly felt very coded in a way that made her feel deeply real to me. Watching her slowly lose control of the situation while also discovering her own power was one of my favorite parts of the story. In the beginning she struggles so much with saying no and standing up for herself, and seeing that growth unfold felt incredibly satisfying.

The premise itself hooked me immediately. A group of witches gets kidnapped, trapped in a remote mansion, and told to cure this terrifying rich man with a magically rotting leg or die trying??? Immediate obsession. The “try to leave and you die” tension kept me anxious the entire time.

And listen… Arius is MESSED up and I was fully aware of that the entire time 😭 but somehow I still found myself lowkey liking him??? Not defending the horrible things he did at ALL, but there was something about his character that was weirdly compelling. The book does a really good job making you understand why Saige gets pulled toward him even when every instinct is screaming not to.

But underneath all the horror and magic, this story is really about longing. Longing for safety, for belonging, for family, for control over your own life. The found family elements hit me harder than I expected, especially by the end.

Also… the tension?? The complicated attraction?? The shifting dynamics between characters?? I ate it up. Every relationship felt layered and messy in such a compelling way.

If you like dark witchy fantasy with body horror, morally complicated characters, creepy forests, academic magic, and FMCs discovering the terrifying extent of their own power, definitely pick this up on October 13th 2026!

Huge thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the ARC!

[primoguitaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

11th book of 2026

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!!

oh my gosh. I have not read anything this intense, maybe ever. And I haven't read a book so easily shelved as a favorite in a long time -

WOW. WOW. WOW.

Firstly, this was my first time ever reading a book and finding out that 1) the author is mixed-race THAI, and 2) the protagonist is of Thai heritage. I was so SHOCKED, in a good, refreshing way. :') The Thai elements are also done very well and the portrayal of Saige's cultural identity crisis - perfect. MY FIRST TIME READING A FANTASY WITH THAI ELEMENTS.

Unforgettable.

And I'm not even biased, because THE REST OF THE NOVEL IS also written SPECTACULARLY WELL. I'm typing in all-caps because I am sosososo excited to be reviewing The Forest Bleeds. It is the most INTENSE story ever - creative & memorable & fleshed-out speculative horror

and the CHARACTERS?? They're fleshed out so well. Saige's struggles are depicted so realistically, and it all affects the plot and, wowowow she grows so much by the end of the novel. I LOVED SAIGE. I loved how committed to her characterization the story is. She is, hands down, one of my favorite characters of all time. And all the supporting characters? Bold, memorable, diverse. This was such a refreshing cast, with backstories fleshed out so meaningfully. I LOVED EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER. I WAS SO INVESTED. (Romantic subplot is a 10/10 btw)

The writing is perfect. Pacing is also perfect. I was engaged from the start to the end. It's such an immersive world with a striking and grounded concept that manages to explore morality and the limits & potential of science, all while incorporating the most unique magical elements, realistically linking to religion.

It's just such a thoughtful and incredibly elaborately developed novel. I felt so many feelings while reading this - the characters' fear, helplessness, pain. The stakes are so high, and there's so much external and internal conflict that keeps you hooked to the page, wondering if the characters will make it out, because they're so loveable and always so put on raw display - 100% recommend.

I genuinely think I just found a new favorite author.

Can't wait for it to be released in October!! (I just checked and this is Rachel Kitch's debut, which is even more impressive.)

started 4/27, finished 4/30/26

[arian · Rating 2 out of 5]

thank you, netgalley, for an arc of this book !

jesus christ. truly, never ever trust what you see in social media. i really hope the team that does all the promotion and marketing for this book sees this review.

i encountered the news of this arc on twitter, posted by the author themselves. it was being marketed as this sapphic romance, fantasy, STEM dark academia, all of that. there was that art too, of one of the character zipping up the main character's dress. wow, so romantic. and i was like yeah, this sounds so good, i do want to read a dark academia sapphic romance with all those horror and body horror elements. upon reading this, wow, genuinely, it could not be more different from my expectations. i can't say much, but the main character becomes super obsessed with the antagonist, this creepy, evil white billionaire who kills her friends, but she still feels some kind of pull towards him. and this is genuinely so overshadowed by the sapphic romance in question. like, deeply so. they get, what, one or two emotional scene where they deeply connect ? but then, the rest is just crickets and twenty more uncomfortable scenes with that billionaire.

it's not even a bad book. all in all, i enjoyed reading. i think it's very atmospheric and a really good debut novel. the author writes with a kind of prose that immerses you into the story. the descriptions are done so right, and it's uncomfortable, it's harrowing, it's very wonderfully done. even saige's relationship with arius, i would have enjoyed it, probably, because it is interesting. but god, i didn't read this book for that. i had a certain expectation when i opened this book and began to read it, the expectations that was given to me by the author's promotional posts, and it did not fail to deliver at all. now, i am not a baby, i don't expect to be told about everything that happens, but if you tell me something about a book, i expect that to be true. this was marketed so untruthfully and so horribly, and if it was promoted as the book as it actually was, i would have enjoyed it tremendously.

even though it was a fine book, i couldn't shake that part off. if the team does see this review, i urge you, please change the way this book is marketed. don't mislead people and try to sort books into marketable tiktok lingo. that's really my one major qualm about it.

[ROSIE !! · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of an advanced electronic copy, received from the author on 8/20/25. As always, all opinions are my own. If you must, visualize me drooling, barking, and growling during the duration of this review, for further entertainment purposes. No spoilers, but I am yapping, so bear with me!

“THE FOREST BLEEDS,” is a captivating, Southeast Asian-inspired horror. The novel masterfully intertwines Appalachian folklore with the rapid paced stakes of dark academia. It centers on a witch and PHD student, Saige, who is kidnapped, along with her fellow classmates ( and the woman she’s had a crush on for years ) by a handsome, pharmaceutical billionaire with a mysterious wound and a deadly ultimatum: heal him, or die.

This novel was steeped in lessons of privilege, autonomy, and kink, authority figures, and lingering generational trauma. It asked a dangerous question. “What would you be willing to sacrifice, to save your loved ones? Or worse, to be loved?” If you answer “Anything,” congratulations. Saige and I are meeting for our weekly support group session this Thursday at noon, and you’re invited! I’m only half kidding.

Out of all of the books I have read, Saige was the most phenomenal representation for all of the queer and neurodivergent girlies struggling with social anxiety, self worth, and perfectionism. Saige, you are my heart.

As for the cast, beware, they are ALL hot! I equally found myself tantalized by our captor, as I was horrified. I also cannot WAIT for you all to meet Vaish. She is… a VISION! But beyond the gore, the laughs, the fear, and the flustered screaming into my pillow, I was left forever altered by the final chapter as a person.

If there is any book on this world I can convince you to read, let it be “THE FOREST BLEEDS,” by Rachel Kitch. I promise you, this is THE read of the year.

Rachel Kitch, you are a genius, and you are FOREVER going to be an auto-buy author for me. I cannot believe this is your debut. You are so talented!

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[Merlyn Fereira · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Forest Bleeds is a sapphic, dark academia, body horror novel by Rachel Kitch.

It follows a group of 5 Bioengineering Ph.D students who are kidnapped by a wealthy billionaire. He gives them an ultimatum--- fix his mysterious illness or die. (literally).

***

This was my first ever sapphic, dark academia, body horror novel I read from NetGalley. I usually don't read books from the LGBTQIA genre but the story description was very intriguing so I thought of giving this one a chance.

I could heavily sympathise Saige's OCD behaviour. She was a perfectionist to the T. As someone who is in the design field and has so many responsibilities, her story hit home to some extent.

I liked the side characters a lot--- Thuy, more to be precise. She seemed like the stone cold and idgaf attitude but she was awesome.

Another side character--- Vaishnavi's attitude was something very very interesting. The way she and Thuy would bond as they drank beer and stuff, was fun to read.

Ian's brotherly love to Saige was the one that stayed with me. The chapter before the Epilogue had my heart broken. When Ian's spirit told Sage, "Tell my mom, I love her.", that part crushed me.

Meredith was one of the first to die and had the least appearance. Her death was gut wrenching and the quickest. The way her body was mutilated and violated by the villain, had me wish I had taken a break while reading. The scene where one by one the spirits moved into The Veil was such a bitter sweet moment.

Now, the villain--- Arius Medea. Two steps ahead every freaking time. A bossy groomer, a pervert freak. He is someone you keep the women of your family away from his reach. Arius used his good looks to an advantage --- luring women into his workspace and doing God knows whatever the fuck he wanted to do with them. He likes to disrupt the natural order of things and thinks he is God.
Arius was so brilliantly manipulative, that I would involuntarily stop breathing whenever his name appeared on the page. Being in the same room as him, was like walking on egg shells.

***

This book was like an A24 horror movie. It had the body horror, the thrill, the suspense and the anxiety that would make you squirm and retch.

[Hocus Bookish ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A gentle reminder to be mindful of trigger warnings, as multiple on-page depictions may be difficult for some readers. That being said, I feel it is worth mentioning that none of those themes are gratuitous and, in my opinion, are there to advance character development and the plot.

I was sold by the cover, lightly skimming the blurb (one of my MO's), and I have to say going into this book with less context worked really well for me. I was immediately gripped by the prologue and then again by our main character. Saige felt very familiar at first, an overachiever who plans out her days with her success in mind, until she slowly slips into being obsessive. While she was deeply flawed, Saige is also highly intelligent, and I enjoyed how that duality played out on page. I appreciated how mindful the author was of not sensationalizing or exploiting her flaws, but instead used them to help Saige grow through the plot. Some of her struggles were difficult to read due to how visceral they were. Saige's interpersonal relationships did feel underdeveloped; however, I feel like the author did establish a history and gave us just enough to serve the plot.

One of the areas in which the author truly shines is in the descriptions of our setting. I could feel the ominous nature of the mansion and the surrounding forest, and this worked in the book's favor. It made the horror of it feel palpable. This book leans heavily into science, and I thought it was extremely accessible. I don't consider myself well-versed in biology, but I felt like I could fully enjoy this story without getting lost in the terminology. I also enjoyed seeing how the characters' magic intertwined with their studies and how they used them in tandem.

Overall, this book skirts the edges of dark academia but is a horror book at its core, with fantastical elements that serve the plot well. If you enjoy books that are more fast-paced, eerie, and even disorienting at times, with characters that have to overcome both internal and external obstacles, this is for you!

[abigail • gloomykitty_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒔𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒌𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒔𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒔 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒏’𝒕 𝒃𝒐𝒓𝒏; 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒅𝒆.’

I loved this story. As someone who grew up in small town Appalachia this book captured the beauty and rich history so well. And also the dark side of colonization, and how our folk stories could be taken over, manipulated and erased. The atmosphere was so beautifully written, it was so creepy and I felt so on edge. She really described how creepy and alive the forests can feel, how human screeches from animals can sound and got the WV mythology so correct.

‘𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒔 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒕. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑨𝒓𝒊𝒖𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒑𝒆𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒅 𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒉.’

I loved Saige so bad. SO bad. I love her character arc, she’s the most deserving character ever. Rachel really captured the people pleasing, OCD, anxious personality so well. It was visceral… you really got inside Saige’s head of how controlling it can be. Arius…. what a fucking loser. I can’t even describe how happy I am this wasn’t a beauty and the beast type of story. I was in awe of how Rachel used the dynamic between Arius and Saige to be the driving force for Saige to realize her true power. Because fuck these lame ass men.

The story of female friendships, just wow. I love women!!! This was the most special part of the book for me. It means so much to me that we got three talented, SMART, women who never fought each other or tore each other down to get ahead. This story is set in the real world, with real students from WVU, but is steeped in magic (literally). The magic system intertwined with the pharmaceutical/medical world was very interesting and I enjoyed it very much. I have mentioned many positive, light hearted things about this book thus far, but don’t get me wrong this is very much a strong horror, speculative fiction novel. I was genuinely on edge plenty of times, not knowing what would happen. A true couple of jump scares, being so surprised of a twist. The book was engrossed with myth, folklore, hauntings, and disturbing truths.

I cannot believe this is a debut novel, Rachel you are phenomenal and I can’t wait to see what else you have in store!!!

Thank you so much NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for this ARC!!

[Cee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a review of an ARC copy from NetGalley. These are my honest opinions.

I was not expecting this.

This is one of those stories that it’s hard to explain just why it hits right without giving spoilers.

It’s a mix of urban fantasy with some underlying horror and gothic elements (with a smidge of body horror).

The plot is simple at its core; rich man is infected with some unknown affliction, so he kidnaps a group of Arcane Bioengineering students, each with their own different magic skills, and tasks them with curing him. Or they die. Or, if they don’t find a cure in time, they die one by one. There’s more going on, but like I say, spoilers.

I will say that the plot twist about FMC Saige’s past

I think what made this book for me was the main character Saige. It’s so refreshing to see a character with clear mental health struggles who does not have to overcome her struggles or be fixed in order to succeed. Throughout we see the toll her need for utter control over her life and her need to live in a rigid, fair system does to her, and how it’s weaponised against her.

It honestly (and I say this with affection) sounds like the plot of a movie from the 00s.

I will say the one thing I didn’t quite buy was the ‘will they won’t they’ that was attempted between Arius and Saige. It didn’t quite land for me and I didn’t feel it was entirely necessary. That said, Arius was a creepy weirdo and I love that in a bad guy, but I think maybe a little more would have been needed to really sell the idea of a love triangle situation.

Everything is focused, the book doesn’t waste time with distracting side-plots, and that definitely helps keep up a consistent sense of pace. I do wish that a little bit more time had been spent exploring the characters' relationships and dynamics, especially between Arius and Saige, and Saige and Vaish, but that wasn’t a deal-breaker for me.

But, overall, I enjoyed this one, it was a fun idea done in a different and unexpected way, and it was really refreshing to read.

I’d say it hits at about a 3.75 for me, but I’m more than happy to round up to 4 stars.

[Rmplift, Rachel Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

*ARC Reader/Free Copy Provided by NG*

Spoiler Free Summary:
A group of witches/grad students mysteriously arrive at a Big Pharm's mansion and are tasked with curing a disease caused by his own god complex and medaling with the gods.

Vibes:
I absolutely devoured this. Gothic horror done right—dark, unsettling, and just the slightest touch of romance without ever losing sight of the plot.

One of my favorite elements was the inclusion of educated, powerful women who are also witches. It made the story feel grounded while still fully embracing its fantasy roots. And underneath all of that, there’s a very real and frustrating truth woven in: no matter how intelligent, driven, or clear a woman is, there’s always that man who thinks power and money entitle him to control her. That thread added an extra layer of tension and realism that hit hard.

The plot? Twisty in the best way. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, it pivots. I especially loved the reveal surrounding the MMC and how deeply his connection to the FMC runs through her family lineage—that was a moment. The story toys with your expectations, making you think it’s a karma-driven narrative, only to flip it into a full-blown FAFO situation.

Pacing-wise, it’s strong overall. There are moments in the middle where it almost slows down, but the author consistently pulls you back in with new developments that keep the tension alive. The blend of Appalachian folklore with modern horror was such a standout—it gave the story a unique, eerie atmosphere that lingered long after I finished.

There are definitely some chaotic, disorienting moments, but they feel intentional. You’re not just reading about the characters’ confusion—you’re experiencing it with them, which makes the story hit even harder.

Overall: Rachel Kitch absolutely delivered. This was eerie, clever, and emotionally charged—I’m officially a fan and will be picking up more of her work.

Spice: 1/5 - Spice is minimal. Author sticks to telling the story and not having the romance drive it.

[Summer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for providing a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Now I have to preface this by saying I love all POVs, even controversial ones like 2nd Person or Omniscient, so don't take this the wrong way, but because the book focused so much on Saige's anxiety and mental conditions, I would have loved to actually feel these feelings through Saige in 1st Person Present rather than be told about them through 3rd Person Past. It really is the difference between getting shown a picture of chocolate cake and being told how it tastes versus being served actual chocolate cake you get to taste for yourself. It's such a shame because the rep felt AUTHENTIC. It was just so distant and I fear that readers who haven't dealt with this kind of thing wont be able to understand what's happening to her and relate to why Saige thinks and acts the way she does.

What did not feel authentic was the Appalachia rep. I think there was a lot of sugarcoating and glossing over of centuries of real world exploitation, either because the author didn't research enough or because in this magical fantasy version of the world, history was meant to be different? There was specifically one part where she mentions some coal miners have blood magic and... They just use the magic to work harder?

Like, let's be so for real right now. If you have any kind of magic whatsoever, you are not going to be working in a coal mine unless they are paying you enough to make it worth your while. Imagine having magic and it's "please exploit me working in a coalmine" magic. Come on, now!

I never was able to buy into the love quadrangle either. Elon Musk Arius Medea was never a viable option to me. I was rooting for Vaish because, hello? Sapphic! and then Ian came out of nowhere like...... Oh, hi.

It just felt like this book had no idea what it wanted to be and just ended up being a mish-mash of popular tropes (Sapphic, Appalachian, horror, billionaire romance, etc...) and I was battling with the clunky overwrought prose in each sentence.

3.25 stars

[Nicola Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to the author and publisher/Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I went into The Forest Bleeds intrigued, particularly by the darker premise and eerie setting. While I did appreciate the creepy atmosphere and the shift into more horror elements in the second half, I struggled quite a bit with this book.

For the first 40%, I found the pacing slow and, at times, tedious. There was a heavy focus on medical terminology, which I personally found distracting and it pulled me out of the story. I also struggled to connect with the characters. Saige, the FMC, didn’t quite work for me and I found her frustrating at times. Vaish’s character was the one for me that gave some punch to the storyline.

I did enjoy the different dynamics Saige had with Arius and Vaish, though I felt the relationships overall were underdeveloped. Unfortunately, there was very little chemistry between Saige and Arius for me, and certain pet names—like “pet”—felt more cringe than compelling.

That said, the book did touch on themes of anxiety, OCD, and perfectionism, which added an interesting layer. However, I sometimes found Saige’s actions contradictory to these traits, which made it harder to stay fully immersed.

While this isn’t my usual genre—particularly with the LGBTQIA+ horror elements—it was a refreshing change for me, and I appreciated the opportunity to read something outside my comfort zone.

The turning point for me came later in the book. The horror elements became much stronger, the pacing improved, and Ian’s *true death was genuinely impactful and unexpected. That moment pulled me back in just as I was considering DNF’ing.

However, by the final stretch, I found myself losing interest again and ended up skimming the last 20% just to see how it concluded.

Overall, The Forest Bleeds had some strong ideas and an atmospheric setting, but it didn’t fully come together for me in terms of pacing, character connection, and balance between its themes.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Union Square & Company for an advanced arc of this book. My review is my own.

Magic, horror, STEM, and dark academia wrapped in a bundle, and it comes in the form of The Forest Bleeds. This story follows Saige, a half Thai-American student studying Arcane Bioengineering, but also she is a blood witch. When a university trip goes wrong, she finds herself stuck deep within the remote forest of West Virginia with other students. They are tasked with finding a cure for a mysterious man named Arius Medea, whose infliction will be their salvation or suffering.

This was a great mixture of corporate greed, familial relations, and powerful deep-rooted magic found from several interesting individuals. Aside from Saige, Thuy and Vaishnavi are great counterparts with good depth and trajectory with their own magics. The overarching themes are well wrapped up together to keep the plot moving along while the relationships grow and flex. I thought the introduction of the mythological creatures that are rumoured to stalk that region was a great addition.

What did not work for me was Arius Medea, as he felt a little too cliche for the role he was meant to serve as. There was no real mystery about him, and the past that followed him and his reasoning for doing what he did. I wish he had more depth to him, as if his character wasn’t worth being curious about. The ending was a little anticlimactic, as I was hoping for more feminine anger and slow going. It felt as if it was all coming to a closing point only to be “done” the next moment.

Everything else was an amazing mix of gore, blood and horror that delivered on every level. I enjoyed the lore of the area and the mix of everything else. It was such a well written book, and the author really found her voice through her words. She is an automatic read for me.

4.25/5 stars for me.

[halfserious · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re in the market for the most chilling prologue you have ever read, you have reached your destination. This book comes with a little bouquet of trigger warnings but should honestly come with a whole damn flower shop of them!

The premise is intriguing from the start: Saige, our main character who is dragging around a whole luggage set of issues from the past and also happens to be a witch in an academic lull verging on a crisis, is set to attend a professional conference with a couple of her colleagues but the plan quickly goes sideways when they are instead kidnapped by a mysterious, rich and incredibly attractive owner of a mansion who orders them to heal his rotting leg if they don’t want to rot themselves. As a resident worrier myself, I must admit I was immediately fascinated with Saige and her particular brand of chronic overthinking. Flawed main characters seem to have taken over the horror/mystery genre in these past years, with varying degrees of success on the part of their creators; here, the main characters’ flaws are not disguised but are also not exploited for shock value, while side characters are carved out just enough to be interesting but not to a point where they would overpower the narrative.

I wish the relationships and the dynamic between Saige and her colleagues were explored a bit further because they sometimes felt slightly rushed, but globally speaking, this was probably a necessary sacrifice for the benefit of an otherwise fast-paced story. Publishing this story shortly before Halloween is either the biggest coincidence in the world or the reason somebody deserves a hefty raise because I can totally see it fitting with early November vibes! Fair warning, though: the gore truly earns its name in this book, and might not be suitable for readers who have an issue with more graphic descriptions of violence.

Thank you to NetGalley, Union Square & Co. and Rachel Kitch for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

[S.E. Bristow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was everything I could have asked for and more. An incredibly interesting fantasy magic system, appalachian cryptids, autistic bisexual fmc, phd academic burnout, the list goes on.

The characters were really what sold this book for me. Saige means absolutely everything to me. It's so incredibly rare to see a fantasy/horror main character that's allowed to be soft, to be weak, to be vulnerable and broken and openly mentally disabled. The gentleness with which Vaish and Thuy treated her healed something in me. I see so much of myself in her and I'm so incredibly grateful to Kitch for that.

Vaish and Thuy were hilarious and badass, I don't have much to say on Meredith, but Ian made me SOB. He was a parallel to Saige's gentleness and I genuinely get to put the book down several times to cry over his plotline.

I have to give Kitch special props for her fantastic ability to write manipulation and subtle abuse, Arius was such a complex and interesting character, and he made a lot of moves I truly wouldn't have anticipated. If I'm speaking my truth, Saige is much braver than me in that I would've agreed to go with him EXPEDITIOUSLY. Need someone to write an AU fanfic where she said yes and meant it asap.

The cryptids were so interesting (and devastating) and I really liked what Kitch did with the circumstances surrounding their origins (you gotta read it to find out!!)

The Veil stuff got a little confusing at times, but I think if I'd slowed down a little I would've understood it better. I was too locked in and couldn't make myself slow down smh.

As always, thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for allowing me an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! All opinions are my own.

[Kim Massey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley.

The Forest Bleeds by Rachel Kitch is an unforgettable debut novel that perfectly blends horror with a dark academia edge, weaving arcane magic and bioengineering into something both eerie and original. From the very first page, the story pulls you into a world that feels as lush as it is unsettling, with strong influences from Appalachian and Southeast Asian folklore adding depth and texture.

The pacing is incredibly smooth, this is one of those books that just flows, making it difficult to put down. Kitch’s writing is richly descriptive without ever feeling overdone, striking a balance that keeps the atmosphere vivid yet grounded.

One of the standout elements is the character work. Saige, Vaish, and Thuy share a dynamic that evolves beautifully throughout the story, their growing bond feels natural, heartfelt, and deeply compelling. Each character brings something unique, and watching their relationships develop was easily one of my favorite aspects of the book.

And then there’s Arius, an absolutely captivating antagonist who embodies the role of “villain” with precision. His presence adds tension and complexity, elevating the stakes in all the right ways.

For a debut novel, The Forest Bleeds is incredibly assured and immersive. If you’re a fan of dark academia with a horror twist and layered character dynamics, this is definitely one to keep on your radar, that being said the book does come with a disclaimer regarding some potential triggers that are worthwhile paying attention to.

Highly recommended!

[Rebecca (Medusa's Rock Garden) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as an arc from Netgalley. 4 stars.

An interesting mix of magic and science, especially medicine. I'm not sure a super anal character is really my thing, but I can totally see how a lot of people would enjoy reading that pov. Feel seen and represented by it.

Interesting that this is not the only book I've read recently that has a slight focus on mixed race and culture, specifically an Asian and non-Asian mix, not quite fitting into either world, and feeling robbed of the Asian side of things. I find I like reading about that, it must be a really hard thing to live with.

I was able to see the connections of the prologue to the present timeline pretty much immediately. And the very end of the book was so very cliche, slasher movie style cliche. Did not love that to be honest. And there was an odd disconnect between the MCs thoughts about her relationships with her schoolmates at the start and what she relays to us about her history with them later on. Particularly with Ian, she laments at the start that they aren't close despite having certain things in common. But later on she reminisces about meeting his family, being practically adopted into his family. It's a bit of a contradiction.

The horror was great. Gross, disturbing, uncomfortable, and a touch of the dread and atmosphere that I tend to like in my horror. Overall an enjoyable read and I am interested in more by the author.

[Roni M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Molly what a book... it is hard to put together all my thoughts.

It is not a secret that I like dark books, but at the same time I do not read many horrors as I'm a chicken.
The Forest Bleeds was just perfect! Dark, creepy and very intriguing. But on the other hand it wasn't super scary, what I appreciated and I could sleep without fearing the dark.

Have to admit that I'm not familiar with Appalachian Folcklore but thanks to this book now I have a need to dig into this subject. That's a reason why reading books is like never ending education, as you always can learn something new.

From the very start I was in love with the science, which was detailed but not overpowering. In my opinion very easy to follow even if you're not a scientific nerd. Combo of nowdays science with witches - amazing idea.

But what sold this book for me was the FMC - Saige. Technically it wasn't her, it was the neurodivergent side of her. I felt seen and not so alone. Triggered by little change of plans or being late even one minute. I get why some people could find her annoying but from my perspective she was described very well.

For me this book was like a breath of fresh air. From the moments I started this book I couldn't put it down.

[Maria · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!
This cover,l and blurb really drew me in. I love a good southern/folk/horror so I thought this would be perfect for me. While the general plot and atmospheric writing kept me hooked, the characters felt off to me.

Our main character Saige deals with some pretty extreme OCD/self harm/etc, and due to that seems to have a pretty strained relationship with her coworkers. Then as the book progresses it’s like her coworkers are actually her best friends and she is even extremely welcomed/close with one friend’s extended family? It seemed a little wishy washy and made her character hard to understand. Are you ostracized or not? And if you are - how come everyone loves you or is in love with you all of a sudden. I think the author was attempting to show how those disorders and disordered thinking can cause self-alienation but it just didn’t work for me as a reader.

I loved the main idea of the book and the witch/arcane elements were very cool. But it was buried underneath a LOT of scientific jargon that had me skimming (reminds me of project Hail Mary when it gets a little too in the weeds for a ley-person).

Overall great plot and great atmosphere and some creepy humanoid/cryptid folk creatures, but the characters didn’t work for me.

[Julia Suarez · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter, Rachel Kitch hooked me with a world that’s both hauntingly beautiful and a bit unsettling. The bleeding forest isn’t just a backdrop; it felt like a character all on its own! I could feel the heartbeat, drawing me deeper and creating a tension that kept me turning pages late at night when I should have been sleeping.
Saige’s journey was raw and incredibly relatable as the lines between what’s real and what’s supernatural blurred. Rachel’s writing is lyrical yet sharp, and this made the more intense moments resonate stronger. If you’re into stories where the woods are as dangerous as the secrets they hold, this is dead set a must-read. It’s a fresh twist to the dark woods idea with fab world-building! I’m still thinking about the ending days after I finished it.
This is Rachel’s debut, so please go and check it out, or share to someone who might enjoy it. This book is for anyone who loves solid atmospheric suspense and a great story!!
Thank you to NetGalley for approving me to read this as an ARC copy. My review is based off of my own thoughts and the connection I felt to the story.

[awoo choir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Right from the start I knew this was going to be a different type of horror. As a SFF fan, I was immediately into the STEM-based, research-heavy magic system. Couple that with the grim Gothic mansion, a lovely cast (no, not just the infuriatingly charming love interest), and the premise. Yeah, I was sold.

Pacing-wise, the book doesn't take too much time to get to the inciting incident and every important plot point. But once in a while I was allowed some breathing room to take in the surroundings through Saige's eyes (creepy and stressful). I don't want to spoil too much about the villain but man you have to see it for yourself. The magic and horror aside, he is disturbingly realistic. That's all I can share about this character for now.

Another thing I like about this book is how it ties magic to Saige's background and her relationship with the Thai side of her identity. I sort of knew this would come up but had no way to predict how it was done, just like how I was unable to tell what would happen next while I read. Overall, The Forest Bleeds is a brilliant surprise that leaves me craving more horrors with major SFF elements or STEM-based magic system.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

A deeply unsettling book with prose so vivid that I gagged at every mention of blood. Brilliant work.

Right from the prologue, I knew readers would be in for a vicious ride. The violence is overt and ghastly, carried from one generation to the next because of what men think they deserve from those they consider beneath them. I love the creepy-but-lush atmosphere of the mansion, amplified by its inhabitants. Saige is a complicated character: a recovering people pleaser who requires schedules for day-to-day, who wants to help her friends but not in the outright rebellious ways they prefer. Her relationship with Vaish is immediately put to the test given Arius and the control he exerts over them all, but it also allows them to conquer their inner demons in the course of vanquishing his.

I wish we had a bit more background on the magic system - it all seemed so interesting! I love how well it intertwined with the medical side of everyone’s studies, and I’m curious about a potential sequel given the events of the final pages. I have a feeling Saige’s story isn’t quite over yet.

[dzươn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, Union Square and Rachel Kitch for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

OH BOY WHERE DO I EVEN START. you know the trend where they edit a horror movie trailer as if it was a romcom? someone get Rachel this, because you will never guess the bullshit that the villain in this book says vs. the internet’s reaction to his character art on her Instagram. and boy i was properly crept out by his actions, because they are so realistic. this became a horror real quick when you realize if your boss is breathing down your neck, it’s not sexy, man.

overall, i was also very impressed with the world building and the especially the magic system. i particularly like how saige’s half-thai identity was a mirror to the author’s life and how being half-thai actually affects her magic.

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy fucking shit. I don't even know where to begin.

The magic system thats incorporates science and biology? Impeccable.
OCD, people pleasing and anxiety in human form? I can't help but adore her.
Bisexual tension?? I'm so here for it.
I got so uncomfortable from Arius and Saige's relationship(?) but that's the whole point. I love creatures, I love magic and I love body horror. The villain felt so real and I was so afraid of how this was gonna end.

I need a sequel because I'm absolutely hooked (and she may even become an auto-buy author because holy shit, this is her debut??).

If you love female friendships, character development, intricate magic systems that feel real and well-researched and a hint of disgusting men, this is for you.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC.