What do you think?
Rate this book
Don't Let It Out
The assignment was simple: contain the forest. Don’t let anything out.
FBI Agent Daniela Rojas arrives with a secret mission of her own. To uncover the truth behind Project Greenfall, a classified experiment buried by the Canopy Collective. RCMP Corporal Cade Mercer is there for a different reason. Two years ago, his wife vanished inside these woods. No body. No answers. Only the quiet certainty that something took her.
Now they stand watch at the edge of a quarantined wilderness that shouldn’t exist. The forest is changing. Spreading. Breathing. Time slips. Reality bends. And beyond the fence they are ordered never to cross, someone is calling to them. A woman tied to both of their pasts—a woman who should be dead.
As the pull of the forest tightens, so does the infection taking root beneath the trees. What waits inside isn’t just survival horror, it’s something far more intimate.
Because this forest doesn’t just infect the body. It gets inside you. Learns you. Remakes you.
And by the time Daniela and Cade understand what’s happening to them…it may already be too late to escape it.
For fans of Jeff Vandermeer's 'Annihilation', Apple TV's 'The Gorge', Capcom's 'Resident Evil', and Naughty Dog's 'The Last of Us' , this dark, cinematic, eco-horror is a pulse-pounding descent into a living nightmare where nature fights back, and takes what it wants.
FBI Agent Daniela Rojas arrives with a secret mission of her own. To uncover the truth behind Project Greenfall, a classified experiment buried by the Canopy Collective. RCMP Corporal Cade Mercer is there for a different reason. Two years ago, his wife vanished inside these woods. No body. No answers. Only the quiet certainty that something took her.
Now they stand watch at the edge of a quarantined wilderness that shouldn’t exist. The forest is changing. Spreading. Breathing. Time slips. Reality bends. And beyond the fence they are ordered never to cross, someone is calling to them. A woman tied to both of their pasts—a woman who should be dead.
As the pull of the forest tightens, so does the infection taking root beneath the trees. What waits inside isn’t just survival horror, it’s something far more intimate.
Because this forest doesn’t just infect the body. It gets inside you. Learns you. Remakes you.
And by the time Daniela and Cade understand what’s happening to them…it may already be too late to escape it.
For fans of Jeff Vandermeer's 'Annihilation', Apple TV's 'The Gorge', Capcom's 'Resident Evil', and Naughty Dog's 'The Last of Us' , this dark, cinematic, eco-horror is a pulse-pounding descent into a living nightmare where nature fights back, and takes what it wants.
- GenresHorror
125 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
About the author
N.A. Betts
7 books54 followersN.A. (Nick) Betts is a Canadian author of fantasy and horror, with a love for timeless storytelling. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, his fantasy focuses on telling stories of good versus evil; drawing inspiration from Tolkien and other classic works of the genre. For horror, he has a love of cosmic stories centered on psychological dread. Through these mediums, he explores themes of physical perseverance and mental resilience.
When he's not busy creating new worlds or nightmares, Nick can be found watching the same movies he’s seen a thousand times, diving into stories of the unexplained, or relaxing with some good jazz. He lives just outside Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife, Kathleen, and their cats: Bandit, Carter, and Addley
When he's not busy creating new worlds or nightmares, Nick can be found watching the same movies he’s seen a thousand times, diving into stories of the unexplained, or relaxing with some good jazz. He lives just outside Edmonton, Alberta, with his wife, Kathleen, and their cats: Bandit, Carter, and Addley
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
RATING AND REVIEW TRANSPOSED FROM READER'S FAVOURITE
Link to the review for transparency: https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite - 5 Stars
Don’t Let It Out by N.A. Betts begins with an introduction to Daniela Rojas, a former Army Ranger completing her final FBI training exercise under intense physical and psychological strain. From the opening scene, where Dani fights through pepper spray and multiple attackers, the story establishes a world driven by discipline, instinct, and buried tension. As she graduates and prepares for her assignment, hints of her past surface, especially a mission that ended with her as the sole survivor. Her reassignment to Seattle forces her back to unresolved events from that night. At the same time, the story introduces Cade Mercer, a Canadian officer struggling with the disappearance of his wife two years earlier, a loss that continues to affect his daily life. Their narratives begin separately but move toward a shared mystery involving a corporation called Canopy and a project known as Greenfall.
N.A. Betts places a strong emphasis on action and internal tension. The pacing is quick, especially in scenes involving training, confrontation, and pursuit, while quieter moments offer insight into the characters’ emotional states. Dialogue reveals relationships and advances the plot, often carrying an undercurrent of unease that reflects the larger mystery. Betts uses alternating perspectives between Dani and Cade to build momentum and broaden the narrative scope, giving readers two viewpoints that gradually intersect. Recurring elements like memory, guilt, and perception are woven throughout. Readers who enjoy fast-moving thrillers with interconnected storylines and a blend of investigative and psychological elements will find much to admire. Don’t Let It Out will appeal to readers who enjoy authors like Blake Crouch, particularly in the combination of suspense, science-driven mystery, and character-focused storytelling.
Link to the review for transparency: https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers’ Favorite - 5 Stars
Don’t Let It Out by N.A. Betts begins with an introduction to Daniela Rojas, a former Army Ranger completing her final FBI training exercise under intense physical and psychological strain. From the opening scene, where Dani fights through pepper spray and multiple attackers, the story establishes a world driven by discipline, instinct, and buried tension. As she graduates and prepares for her assignment, hints of her past surface, especially a mission that ended with her as the sole survivor. Her reassignment to Seattle forces her back to unresolved events from that night. At the same time, the story introduces Cade Mercer, a Canadian officer struggling with the disappearance of his wife two years earlier, a loss that continues to affect his daily life. Their narratives begin separately but move toward a shared mystery involving a corporation called Canopy and a project known as Greenfall.
N.A. Betts places a strong emphasis on action and internal tension. The pacing is quick, especially in scenes involving training, confrontation, and pursuit, while quieter moments offer insight into the characters’ emotional states. Dialogue reveals relationships and advances the plot, often carrying an undercurrent of unease that reflects the larger mystery. Betts uses alternating perspectives between Dani and Cade to build momentum and broaden the narrative scope, giving readers two viewpoints that gradually intersect. Recurring elements like memory, guilt, and perception are woven throughout. Readers who enjoy fast-moving thrillers with interconnected storylines and a blend of investigative and psychological elements will find much to admire. Don’t Let It Out will appeal to readers who enjoy authors like Blake Crouch, particularly in the combination of suspense, science-driven mystery, and character-focused storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WTF was that?! I sat with this for a while, trying to calm my mind and make sense of it all… it starts with government conspiracy vibes but the only conspiracy is the unreliability of the dual narratives. If you think you know what’s going on, don’t hold your breath because it will change and remind you that you know nothing!!
Reality is continuously bent to the point that we are left questioning what the characters actually know! And what we actually know… I re-read it thinking I’d have a better grasp on it the second time but that was not the case!!
Did we ever stand a chance??
I just re-read it… no notes!! It’s still a mind fuck, even when I saw all of it coming!!
Reality is continuously bent to the point that we are left questioning what the characters actually know! And what we actually know… I re-read it thinking I’d have a better grasp on it the second time but that was not the case!!
Did we ever stand a chance??
I just re-read it… no notes!! It’s still a mind fuck, even when I saw all of it coming!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2026
Don’t Let It Out hooked me way more than I expected, but I’ll be honest — it took a minute to get there. The beginning is slow, almost deliberately so, like the book is making you stand at the edge of that quarantined forest and wait for something to move. But once the story finally steps past the fence? It’s a whole different experience.
The eco‑horror atmosphere gets under your skin, the writing tightens, and suddenly the tension is everywhere. The government‑experiment angle, the shifting forest, the infection creeping in — it all hits at once and the book finally becomes the thriller I was hoping for. And that ending? It swerves hard in a direction I didn’t see coming, but it worked. It felt weird and intimate and unsettling in the best way.
Slow start, strong payoff. I’d definitely read more from this author.
4/5 stars
The eco‑horror atmosphere gets under your skin, the writing tightens, and suddenly the tension is everywhere. The government‑experiment angle, the shifting forest, the infection creeping in — it all hits at once and the book finally becomes the thriller I was hoping for. And that ending? It swerves hard in a direction I didn’t see coming, but it worked. It felt weird and intimate and unsettling in the best way.
Slow start, strong payoff. I’d definitely read more from this author.
4/5 stars
Read
June 6, 2026"Wishing she could change the past, she'd opened the door to a future that was much worse."
Thank you for the ARC copy!
I seriously cannot get my hands on enough botanical horror lately. So when Betts reached out to me to do an ARC read of this new ecological thriller, I was stoked.
There's something so unsettling about a dark forest. But add in a weaponized fence line, undead critters, a vague mission and the sneaking feeling that someone or something it watching you? Oh, and not to mention the sudden feeling that you've experienced things you can't quite remember. Like it was a different life...or timeline.
Betts utilizes all of these (and more) to give us the most unsettling feeling possibly imaginable. And just when we think things are starting to fall into place, well.... I don't want to ruin the surprise.
Thank you for the ARC copy!
I seriously cannot get my hands on enough botanical horror lately. So when Betts reached out to me to do an ARC read of this new ecological thriller, I was stoked.
There's something so unsettling about a dark forest. But add in a weaponized fence line, undead critters, a vague mission and the sneaking feeling that someone or something it watching you? Oh, and not to mention the sudden feeling that you've experienced things you can't quite remember. Like it was a different life...or timeline.
Betts utilizes all of these (and more) to give us the most unsettling feeling possibly imaginable. And just when we think things are starting to fall into place, well.... I don't want to ruin the surprise.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I have no proper words that will describe the claustrophobia, unease, worry and excitement i felt at the same time while reading this book.
At times even i thought i lost my god damn mind, was i reading the same thing over and over was i too impacted by whatever Dani & Cade were going through.
This book will make you question reality and your sanity while the same time having claws so deep into your mind that you cant stop reading and if you do it will have a pull so strong that you will have to continue there is no other way.
For my first eco horror this was magnificent. The way this book had me captivated was beyond reality.
At times even i thought i lost my god damn mind, was i reading the same thing over and over was i too impacted by whatever Dani & Cade were going through.
This book will make you question reality and your sanity while the same time having claws so deep into your mind that you cant stop reading and if you do it will have a pull so strong that you will have to continue there is no other way.
For my first eco horror this was magnificent. The way this book had me captivated was beyond reality.
June 8, 2026
*I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review*
This book was great! The atmosphere, the mystery, the writing. No notes. It has me saying “what the f***” almost every other page. This author is definitely one to look out for.
This book was great! The atmosphere, the mystery, the writing. No notes. It has me saying “what the f***” almost every other page. This author is definitely one to look out for.
August 26, 2026
An unsettling and eeri sci-fi read that will leave you questioning the forests around you! Being out in nature will never be the same again.
Don't Let It Out was an interesting read that has you hooked from the very beginning. It leaves readers on the edge of their seats throughout and has some wonderfully written scenes. It was fast paced and often made readers feel claustrophobic through the wonderfully written unsettling parts.
I feel that more information and backstory would have really benefited this book. Often times parts felt rushed and resulted in some confusion. I would have loved some scenes to have been fleshed out more and for the ending to have had some more details thrown in.
However, I did really enjoy this and genuinely ate it up. It was a very eeries and fun read, and I look forward to more work by Betts!
Thank you so much to the author for an arc of Don't Let it Out. All opinions are mine and have been left voluntarily.
Don't Let It Out was an interesting read that has you hooked from the very beginning. It leaves readers on the edge of their seats throughout and has some wonderfully written scenes. It was fast paced and often made readers feel claustrophobic through the wonderfully written unsettling parts.
I feel that more information and backstory would have really benefited this book. Often times parts felt rushed and resulted in some confusion. I would have loved some scenes to have been fleshed out more and for the ending to have had some more details thrown in.
However, I did really enjoy this and genuinely ate it up. It was a very eeries and fun read, and I look forward to more work by Betts!
Thank you so much to the author for an arc of Don't Let it Out. All opinions are mine and have been left voluntarily.
August 25, 2026
Huge thanks to N.A. Betts for providing me not only the ARC for this book, but the incredibly narrated audiobook too! 🔊
Don't Let It Out was an extremely interesting read/listen, that's left me reeling. Every time you feel as though you have a handle on the plot, a curve ball is thrown and you don't know up from down. 🤔
Well-paced and confusing, the shift in POV between each main character further exacerbates the befuddlement. What is real and what's in their heads? The characters don't know, so we certainly don't. Even now I'm questioning a few points!
Don't Let It Out has a creepy, oozing atmosphere that leaves you wanting more. There's so much left to tell, and I'll be right here waiting for Nick to put it out. 💀
Don't Let It Out was an extremely interesting read/listen, that's left me reeling. Every time you feel as though you have a handle on the plot, a curve ball is thrown and you don't know up from down. 🤔
Well-paced and confusing, the shift in POV between each main character further exacerbates the befuddlement. What is real and what's in their heads? The characters don't know, so we certainly don't. Even now I'm questioning a few points!
Don't Let It Out has a creepy, oozing atmosphere that leaves you wanting more. There's so much left to tell, and I'll be right here waiting for Nick to put it out. 💀
September 15, 2026
Nick, what the hell did I just read? #indietron
I’m going to need a reality check cus now I don’t know if I’m coming or going.
You and Schrödinger seem like you might have a lot in common.
For those that enjoy questioning your reality this book is for you. The mutated forest with matching critters has made me now nervous of the local park and wildlife. Dani and Cade sound like my work colleagues, just trying to live through another day but can’t tell if it’s Wednesday, or last July.
It took me 15 minutes to write this review, my brains so scrambled right now. Not saying I’m complaining, just wasn’t expecting this level of “huh?”
Thanks Betts. I think…
I’m going to need a reality check cus now I don’t know if I’m coming or going.
You and Schrödinger seem like you might have a lot in common.
For those that enjoy questioning your reality this book is for you. The mutated forest with matching critters has made me now nervous of the local park and wildlife. Dani and Cade sound like my work colleagues, just trying to live through another day but can’t tell if it’s Wednesday, or last July.
It took me 15 minutes to write this review, my brains so scrambled right now. Not saying I’m complaining, just wasn’t expecting this level of “huh?”
Thanks Betts. I think…
September 7, 2026
I was alittle torn on my rating. I liked the premise of the story and the 1st half. Towards the 3rd part i was getting kinda confused on what was happening and why. By the last few chapters til started to make sense and then i like it more. I saw at the very end that this book is part of a series which i like because it was left on a cliffhanger.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I didn't really know what to expect when I started this book, but it was wild. A strange, fever dream of a nightmare that never really lets up. It's a short story, but boy did it leave an impression. A strange and creepy eco horror, I highly recommend this book! I received a free copy of this story and write this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2026
El comienzo es un poco lento , se siente como que te van dando información de lo que va a pasar, pasando esta parte se vuelve muy entretenido , pasan muchas cosas , se vuelve oscuro.
Me gusta mucho cuando mezclan el horror con la naturaleza , hace que la historia y las descripciones sean bastantes escalofriantes .
Me gusta mucho cuando mezclan el horror con la naturaleza , hace que la historia y las descripciones sean bastantes escalofriantes .
Review of advance copy received from Author
Don't Let It Out is a fantastic tale of militaristic, scientific, governmental oversight, with horror, action, emotional distress, mystery, and existential dread. For such a quick read, this novella packs a punch in the gut with grotesque and vivid imagery throughout the unsettling and cautionary tale that will linger with you long after the conclusion. I will be reading this again because I found myself overly engrossed in picturing certain scenes, and I know I'll pick up on nuances I missed. Edit to add: I listened to the dual narration on audible and it's even better! I was right and picked up on so much more this second time around. Absolutely fantastic. There are so many nuanced layers throughout the story and the ending both wraps things up pretty neatly while also leaving you wondering what you just read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
To view more reviews, click [HERE!]
This review is cross-posted. Check out the original post with the full review [HERE]
===========
Don’t Let It Out had me feeling like I’d gone and lost my marbles! There was a portion in the middle that I thought I was honestly losing my mind, asking “What the hell is happening??” over and over. Horror isn’t my main genre, but of those that I’ve read, usually it’s straightforward horror, no mind games. A nice ghastly haunt, a town that acts funny, etc. DLIT has been rather unique and leaves an uneasy feeling knotted in my chest.
The story begins and revolves around two main characters: Daniela Rojas, a former Army Ranger turned FBI and Cade Mercer, a Canadian officer; two strangers with two different pasts intertwining into one setting and goal within a forest that has claimed loved ones from both of them. The story starts with Daniela completing the last of her FBI training, fighting through pepper spray against multiple attackers. Seeming to lose ground at first, she eventually powers through, fighting in such a way even her instructor exclaims to have never seen a trainee do.
Slowly though, pieces of her past begin to painfully resurface: an ex-ranger, a failed mission, the loss of her entire team with her being the sole survivor. Daniela is relocated to Seattle and soon finds herself on a mission, assigned to the very same place that claimed her fellow rangers’ lives two years back. There she’s partnered with Cade Mercer, an officer who too has lost a loved one to these same trees. It’s been two years since his wife’s disappearance and though pills have helped, he continues to struggle with the loss constantly, a daily endeavor that he just manages to stave off. This forest assignment, his superior says, is something they know he needs.
The writing was stellar in this book. I like to describe it as “staccato”. Short, but punchy and delivering the perfect atmosphere: haunting, emotional, and suffocatingly vivid with moments that are so unclear, you can’t fully rely on the narrator’s mind and perspective anymore. The writing draws you in, makes you a little nervous to keep reading, but also does not hesitate to keep you glued to the book. There are many moments, you blink and find yourself reeling. A couple of chapters in, between Rojas’ and Mercer’s backgrounds, I find myself already deeply invested.
The story flows well and though short, there’s plenty of blood pumping action that leaves your heart at your throat as we, the readers, find ourselves in the minds of Cade and Daniela, fighting against something unknown. They can’t trust the voices that come out from their own radios, can’t trust the clock, can’t trust their own memories, and they might not even be able to trust each other.
Spooky scary? No. Eerie and unsettling that leaves a lingering sense of unease at the back of your brain? Absolutely. Don’t Let It Out was the perfect mix of mind games, untrustworthy narration, body horror, and something deeply unnatural and eldritch. If you are looking for a short horror that is unforgettable, this book won’t let you down.
This review is cross-posted. Check out the original post with the full review [HERE]
===========
Don’t Let It Out had me feeling like I’d gone and lost my marbles! There was a portion in the middle that I thought I was honestly losing my mind, asking “What the hell is happening??” over and over. Horror isn’t my main genre, but of those that I’ve read, usually it’s straightforward horror, no mind games. A nice ghastly haunt, a town that acts funny, etc. DLIT has been rather unique and leaves an uneasy feeling knotted in my chest.
The story begins and revolves around two main characters: Daniela Rojas, a former Army Ranger turned FBI and Cade Mercer, a Canadian officer; two strangers with two different pasts intertwining into one setting and goal within a forest that has claimed loved ones from both of them. The story starts with Daniela completing the last of her FBI training, fighting through pepper spray against multiple attackers. Seeming to lose ground at first, she eventually powers through, fighting in such a way even her instructor exclaims to have never seen a trainee do.
Slowly though, pieces of her past begin to painfully resurface: an ex-ranger, a failed mission, the loss of her entire team with her being the sole survivor. Daniela is relocated to Seattle and soon finds herself on a mission, assigned to the very same place that claimed her fellow rangers’ lives two years back. There she’s partnered with Cade Mercer, an officer who too has lost a loved one to these same trees. It’s been two years since his wife’s disappearance and though pills have helped, he continues to struggle with the loss constantly, a daily endeavor that he just manages to stave off. This forest assignment, his superior says, is something they know he needs.
The writing was stellar in this book. I like to describe it as “staccato”. Short, but punchy and delivering the perfect atmosphere: haunting, emotional, and suffocatingly vivid with moments that are so unclear, you can’t fully rely on the narrator’s mind and perspective anymore. The writing draws you in, makes you a little nervous to keep reading, but also does not hesitate to keep you glued to the book. There are many moments, you blink and find yourself reeling. A couple of chapters in, between Rojas’ and Mercer’s backgrounds, I find myself already deeply invested.
The story flows well and though short, there’s plenty of blood pumping action that leaves your heart at your throat as we, the readers, find ourselves in the minds of Cade and Daniela, fighting against something unknown. They can’t trust the voices that come out from their own radios, can’t trust the clock, can’t trust their own memories, and they might not even be able to trust each other.
Spooky scary? No. Eerie and unsettling that leaves a lingering sense of unease at the back of your brain? Absolutely. Don’t Let It Out was the perfect mix of mind games, untrustworthy narration, body horror, and something deeply unnatural and eldritch. If you are looking for a short horror that is unforgettable, this book won’t let you down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Don't Let It Out by N.A. Betts
Thank you to the author for the early e-copy of this book!
Ratings out of 5 stars.
- Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (more like a 3.5)
- Interest Rating: 📖📖📖📖
- Scare Rating: 👻👻
- Tension Rating: 🪢🪢🪢🪢
- Predictability Rating: 💭💭
- Writing Style Rating: 🖋🖋🖋🖋
Favorite character?
Most memorable scene/moment?
Did the ending satisfy you?
I honestly found the ending to be quite anticlimactic and not really all that satisfying. I'm not in any way shape or form upset with the way it ended, I actually think that's a really awesome ending to the story, but I think it could have been done a lot better and could've been less rushed.
Would you read this book again?
I don't think I will. Though I may go back to specific parts for my own speculative purposes.
Additional Notes:
- I'm a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I thought I would because this was something that was exactly what I wanted to see more of in Annihilation, which is my favorite book ever. I really enjoyed the amount of eco-horror an animal creatures that were in this book. I just felt like everything else wasn't as strong as I was hoping for. The whole thing with the psyche where things were happening that weren't real was extremely confusing to me and I didn't really feel a strong connection to either of the characters. I thought the government parts were done fairly well, but I just felt confused for a lot of the book.
- The concept of this book was one thousand percent exactly what I'm interested in, and to be honest I would even read a bestiary-type of book going in-depth with the way this forest entity works and the creatures it creates. I just wish that the story was further developed or more coherent.
- Should also state that the book switches perspectives without telling you who’s perspective you’re in at the start of each chapter, but it changes pretty rhythmically so you get used to it. Just for those that don’t like the lack of clarity.
- With all of that being said, I really do think that this book is worth a read! Just because I was confused does not mean it's a bad book by any means and when I say I'm sad that I didn't find as much love for it as I wanted, I really do mean that because this concept was so perfectly what I wanted in a story. I hope that the author writes more things like this because I will be reading them!!
Thank you to the author for the early e-copy of this book!
Ratings out of 5 stars.
- Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (more like a 3.5)
- Interest Rating: 📖📖📖📖
- Scare Rating: 👻👻
- Tension Rating: 🪢🪢🪢🪢
- Predictability Rating: 💭💭
- Writing Style Rating: 🖋🖋🖋🖋
Favorite character?
Most memorable scene/moment?
Did the ending satisfy you?
I honestly found the ending to be quite anticlimactic and not really all that satisfying. I'm not in any way shape or form upset with the way it ended, I actually think that's a really awesome ending to the story, but I think it could have been done a lot better and could've been less rushed.
Would you read this book again?
I don't think I will. Though I may go back to specific parts for my own speculative purposes.
Additional Notes:
- I'm a little disappointed that I didn't enjoy this story as much as I thought I would because this was something that was exactly what I wanted to see more of in Annihilation, which is my favorite book ever. I really enjoyed the amount of eco-horror an animal creatures that were in this book. I just felt like everything else wasn't as strong as I was hoping for. The whole thing with the psyche where things were happening that weren't real was extremely confusing to me and I didn't really feel a strong connection to either of the characters. I thought the government parts were done fairly well, but I just felt confused for a lot of the book.
- The concept of this book was one thousand percent exactly what I'm interested in, and to be honest I would even read a bestiary-type of book going in-depth with the way this forest entity works and the creatures it creates. I just wish that the story was further developed or more coherent.
- Should also state that the book switches perspectives without telling you who’s perspective you’re in at the start of each chapter, but it changes pretty rhythmically so you get used to it. Just for those that don’t like the lack of clarity.
- With all of that being said, I really do think that this book is worth a read! Just because I was confused does not mean it's a bad book by any means and when I say I'm sad that I didn't find as much love for it as I wanted, I really do mean that because this concept was so perfectly what I wanted in a story. I hope that the author writes more things like this because I will be reading them!!
August 18, 2026
I was provided a copy of Don't Let It Out from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Special Agent Dani Rojas has a past. One that won’t stay where it belongs. By the conclusion of chapter two, we know what she runs from. Now she’s being forced to confront it, but the answers are slow to arrive. Why did she make the choice she made? And now that’s she’s being forced to return, what will she do about it?
Cade Mercer is an RCMP officer who drinks away his troubles (and probably his triumphs, too), particularly the loss of his wife Sera. But is she still out there?
Dani, meant to be assigned to Houston is redirected to Seattle. Cade is sent on a special assignment to the US-Canada border in British Columbia, but not before being issued an ominous warning: ‘don’t let it o—' When they are assigned to a months-long assignment together, guarding a particular section of forest on the border, they are haunted by ghosts of their past, and whatever the hell is within the trees. Big Southern Reach Trilogy (Jeff VanderMeer) vibes and I am here for it.
What follows is an uncomfortable progression of increasing dread, psychological warfare, and a mysterious conspiratorial project.
Rojas is a sympathetic character, and while we may not understand her choices, they do feel like they were the only ones she could make. Mercer, whose tragic backstory feeds into the haunted events in the forest, is frustrating and yet, also incredibly sympathetic. Although, I'm still not sure if the frustrating parts were actually driven by Cade himself or... it. While third person, the chapters are split between the two main characters’ POVs and their voices are strong here. It was very clear who we were following.
The pacing of this novella is excellent. Even the introductory chapters, which are often used as information dump, moved at a good pace. Everything we learn in the beginning of the story has purpose and is delivered organically. As I read deeper into the story, the pacing turned frenetic. Betts’ writing style matched the pace; punchy, stunted, repetitive. Incredibly effective for inducing anxiety. Time and the illusion of it are used to dizzying effect.
I had trouble finding time to read the first portion of the book, but the final two thirds, I binged. I didn’t care if I lost a bit of sleep – I just needed to know what was happening!
The psychological horror aspects of this book are very strong. It’s probably one of the best I’ve read in the past five years. I’m looking forward to giving it another readthrough. I highly recommend this one.
Special Agent Dani Rojas has a past. One that won’t stay where it belongs. By the conclusion of chapter two, we know what she runs from. Now she’s being forced to confront it, but the answers are slow to arrive. Why did she make the choice she made? And now that’s she’s being forced to return, what will she do about it?
Cade Mercer is an RCMP officer who drinks away his troubles (and probably his triumphs, too), particularly the loss of his wife Sera. But is she still out there?
Dani, meant to be assigned to Houston is redirected to Seattle. Cade is sent on a special assignment to the US-Canada border in British Columbia, but not before being issued an ominous warning: ‘don’t let it o—' When they are assigned to a months-long assignment together, guarding a particular section of forest on the border, they are haunted by ghosts of their past, and whatever the hell is within the trees. Big Southern Reach Trilogy (Jeff VanderMeer) vibes and I am here for it.
What follows is an uncomfortable progression of increasing dread, psychological warfare, and a mysterious conspiratorial project.
Rojas is a sympathetic character, and while we may not understand her choices, they do feel like they were the only ones she could make. Mercer, whose tragic backstory feeds into the haunted events in the forest, is frustrating and yet, also incredibly sympathetic. Although, I'm still not sure if the frustrating parts were actually driven by Cade himself or... it. While third person, the chapters are split between the two main characters’ POVs and their voices are strong here. It was very clear who we were following.
The pacing of this novella is excellent. Even the introductory chapters, which are often used as information dump, moved at a good pace. Everything we learn in the beginning of the story has purpose and is delivered organically. As I read deeper into the story, the pacing turned frenetic. Betts’ writing style matched the pace; punchy, stunted, repetitive. Incredibly effective for inducing anxiety. Time and the illusion of it are used to dizzying effect.
I had trouble finding time to read the first portion of the book, but the final two thirds, I binged. I didn’t care if I lost a bit of sleep – I just needed to know what was happening!
The psychological horror aspects of this book are very strong. It’s probably one of the best I’ve read in the past five years. I’m looking forward to giving it another readthrough. I highly recommend this one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First I would like to thank the author N.A. Betts for sending me this advance reader copy of Don’t Let It Out.
Don’t Let It Out is an ECO Horror Novella following Dani Rojas and Cade Mercer as they are put on assignment together with little to no information about what they are in store for.
Overall I did enjoy this novella, this is the first N.A. Betts' book that I have read as the other stuff I have seen from him is more fantasy and that isn’t something that I typically enjoy. I felt like the prose is a bit clunky at times and directions changed so often that I was often lost in the plot. I feel like this started to balance out more as the book progressed, but it was something that took me out of the story on more than a few occasions. I had to re-read several sentences and paragraphs because I felt that we changed midway through where we were story wise. That may have been the intent of this book though. I found Dani’s story much more intriguing than Cade’s. I think if this would have been longer, we could have fleshed out both characters quite a bit more. I wanted to learn more about Cade and Dani both. There was also weird time things going on and memory things, and while that did seem very intentional, it caused me so much confusion in reading this.
For my actual rating I would put this around 3.5 stars I think, I didn’t love it, but I enjoyed my time with it for the most part. If there were to be a follow up of some sort, or some short stories to give more of a background to the characters or more of what went on in this area that they are assigned to, I would pick it up.
Don’t Let It Out is an ECO Horror Novella following Dani Rojas and Cade Mercer as they are put on assignment together with little to no information about what they are in store for.
Overall I did enjoy this novella, this is the first N.A. Betts' book that I have read as the other stuff I have seen from him is more fantasy and that isn’t something that I typically enjoy. I felt like the prose is a bit clunky at times and directions changed so often that I was often lost in the plot. I feel like this started to balance out more as the book progressed, but it was something that took me out of the story on more than a few occasions. I had to re-read several sentences and paragraphs because I felt that we changed midway through where we were story wise. That may have been the intent of this book though. I found Dani’s story much more intriguing than Cade’s. I think if this would have been longer, we could have fleshed out both characters quite a bit more. I wanted to learn more about Cade and Dani both. There was also weird time things going on and memory things, and while that did seem very intentional, it caused me so much confusion in reading this.
For my actual rating I would put this around 3.5 stars I think, I didn’t love it, but I enjoyed my time with it for the most part. If there were to be a follow up of some sort, or some short stories to give more of a background to the characters or more of what went on in this area that they are assigned to, I would pick it up.
September 30, 2026
This is a story about corporations and scientists proceeding without caution. Two law enforcement agents, one from the FBI and one from the RCMP, are given a mysterious post near the border watching a forest.
I have some mixed feeling on this one as I can really see the vision, but there is something missing from the execution. However I'm having a hard time putting my finger on it.
There are moments the build great tension, the introduction to both characters is really fun, and the overall concept, which gets a little too spoilery to get down to these details, is interesting.
I think what it lacks is depth. By the time the mystery was unfolding, I had a good idea of what was happening, and yet I was still somehow confused. There were breadcrumbs throughout, but I feel there was an opportunity to expand those breadcrumbs as they went rather than letting them simply exist in tiny crumb form. A bit more exploration of the "how" could have brought the story together, because some bits don't quite work with the information I think I have. My confusion is weird because I followed the actual plot, I just don;t feel I have the full story.
And of course, I have to mention the writing style. Overall, it was okay. However, there were many instances of confusing sentence structure and enough "wrong word" that I have to mention it. I hate having to mention it, copy editing is hard, but it's also important.
All that being said, it was an enjoyable read with some fun tension and an intriguing plotline.
I have some mixed feeling on this one as I can really see the vision, but there is something missing from the execution. However I'm having a hard time putting my finger on it.
There are moments the build great tension, the introduction to both characters is really fun, and the overall concept, which gets a little too spoilery to get down to these details, is interesting.
I think what it lacks is depth. By the time the mystery was unfolding, I had a good idea of what was happening, and yet I was still somehow confused. There were breadcrumbs throughout, but I feel there was an opportunity to expand those breadcrumbs as they went rather than letting them simply exist in tiny crumb form. A bit more exploration of the "how" could have brought the story together, because some bits don't quite work with the information I think I have. My confusion is weird because I followed the actual plot, I just don;t feel I have the full story.
And of course, I have to mention the writing style. Overall, it was okay. However, there were many instances of confusing sentence structure and enough "wrong word" that I have to mention it. I hate having to mention it, copy editing is hard, but it's also important.
All that being said, it was an enjoyable read with some fun tension and an intriguing plotline.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Don't Let It Out is an incredibly strong debut horror novella that thrives on atmosphere, tension, and psychological unease. Rather than relying solely on jump scares or nonstop action, N.A. Betts creates a story that slowly burrows into your mind, making you question everything alongside the characters.
From the moment FBI Agent Daniela Rojas and RCMP Corporal Cade Mercer arrive at the quarantined forest, the story carries a constant feeling of dread. The mystery surrounding Project Greenfall, the disappearing reality within the woods, and the eerie presence calling out from beyond the fence all build an unsettling atmosphere that keeps you hooked. What makes the horror work so well is that the danger never unfolds exactly the way you expect it to. Just when you think the story is preparing for a typical scare or confrontation, it shifts direction and leaves you even more uneasy.
One of the best parts of this novella is how it makes you second-guess what you are reading. The story encourages you to go back and search for details you may have overlooked earlier, looking for hidden clues or connections that were quietly sitting in the background the entire time. That layered storytelling adds so much depth to the reading experience and keeps the tension alive even after putting the book down.
From the moment FBI Agent Daniela Rojas and RCMP Corporal Cade Mercer arrive at the quarantined forest, the story carries a constant feeling of dread. The mystery surrounding Project Greenfall, the disappearing reality within the woods, and the eerie presence calling out from beyond the fence all build an unsettling atmosphere that keeps you hooked. What makes the horror work so well is that the danger never unfolds exactly the way you expect it to. Just when you think the story is preparing for a typical scare or confrontation, it shifts direction and leaves you even more uneasy.
One of the best parts of this novella is how it makes you second-guess what you are reading. The story encourages you to go back and search for details you may have overlooked earlier, looking for hidden clues or connections that were quietly sitting in the background the entire time. That layered storytelling adds so much depth to the reading experience and keeps the tension alive even after putting the book down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of those stories that completely messes with your mind and leaves you questioning everything you just read. It’s unsettling, addictive, and impossible to look away from. The deeper you get into the story, the more it burrows into your thoughts, lingering way past after you’ve finished.
Daniella and Cade are determined to uncover the truth behind Project Greenfall, but what they discover is far more disturbing than a mysterious forest. As the secrets unravel, reality itself begins to feel uncertain. The forest seems alive… watching, shifting, and changing around them in ways that are both fascinating and absolutely terrifying. Throughout the entire novella, there’s an overwhelming sense of dread that never lets up.
While this may be a novella, it packs an incredible amount into its pages. It’s the kind of story that has you rereading, searching for clues, and making sure you actually read what you think you did.
The author does an exceptional job creating a haunting atmosphere filled with tension and unease. The vivid descriptions and psychological elements keep you constantly questioning what’s real, making every page feel unsettling in the best possible way. If you enjoy stories that challenges your perception and stay with you long after the final page, this one is for you.
Daniella and Cade are determined to uncover the truth behind Project Greenfall, but what they discover is far more disturbing than a mysterious forest. As the secrets unravel, reality itself begins to feel uncertain. The forest seems alive… watching, shifting, and changing around them in ways that are both fascinating and absolutely terrifying. Throughout the entire novella, there’s an overwhelming sense of dread that never lets up.
While this may be a novella, it packs an incredible amount into its pages. It’s the kind of story that has you rereading, searching for clues, and making sure you actually read what you think you did.
The author does an exceptional job creating a haunting atmosphere filled with tension and unease. The vivid descriptions and psychological elements keep you constantly questioning what’s real, making every page feel unsettling in the best possible way. If you enjoy stories that challenges your perception and stay with you long after the final page, this one is for you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Gorge meets the X-Files! "Don't Let It Out" is a truly intense and mind-bending, action-packed and fast-paced, tale of eco-horror, with plenty of psychological tension, riveting suspense, and nightmarish twists! I really enjoyed it, and would have kept reading even if it were triple the size it is. As a novella, it's extremely rich in detail, and absolutely compelling in integrating cinematic visuals with moments of introspection and emotional complexity.
The premise - female FBI agent and male Canadian cop are assigned to the border, in the middle of totally isolated wilderness, tasked with keeping an unknown threat within the limits of the local forest - is handled with incredible care and confidence in the book's first half, only to be thoroughly deconstructed in the second. On the way, certain reveals cash in the subtle hints already dropped in the story, the dual perspective narrative slowly converging on a shocking and, in fact, epic conclusion!
My only complaint would be that the author starts holding back more and more the closer we get to the ending. The admittedly satisfying resolution is counterbalanced by the many ambiguities surrounding the supernatural threat and its ultimate nature. Is there a sequel in the works? I'd be surprised - though I'd certainly pick it up if there were!
The premise - female FBI agent and male Canadian cop are assigned to the border, in the middle of totally isolated wilderness, tasked with keeping an unknown threat within the limits of the local forest - is handled with incredible care and confidence in the book's first half, only to be thoroughly deconstructed in the second. On the way, certain reveals cash in the subtle hints already dropped in the story, the dual perspective narrative slowly converging on a shocking and, in fact, epic conclusion!
My only complaint would be that the author starts holding back more and more the closer we get to the ending. The admittedly satisfying resolution is counterbalanced by the many ambiguities surrounding the supernatural threat and its ultimate nature. Is there a sequel in the works? I'd be surprised - though I'd certainly pick it up if there were!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I read the novella Don’t Let It Out by author N.A. Betts.
Two law enforcement strangers with heavy pasts from different countries that share a border. Both sent to a highly classified mission with as little information as possible. Guard a toxic forest…and no matter what…Don’t Let It Out. FBI Agent Rojas and RCMP Corporal Mercer find in this place of horror and mind bending reality…a thread…a voice…that connects them, and it may be their undoing.
The whole time I was reading this story I kept thinking, this would make a great streaming limited series. The kind that my husband and I would say on a Saturday morning…“let’s try the first episode and see how it is.”…..And 10 hours later, having not moved, unshowered, with an empty pizza delivery box on the couch…we would click on the final episode.
It’s a vivid fever dream, roller coaster, I don’t know what’s real, dang that’s scary…I’d be outta there, didn’t see that coming, what the …..”
I really like spooky forests, paranormal creepers, eco horror and multilayered well developed characters and this tale checked all the boxes. And…the cover is fabulous.
I would read a second book that would serve as a prequel in a second.
Definitely recommend.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Two law enforcement strangers with heavy pasts from different countries that share a border. Both sent to a highly classified mission with as little information as possible. Guard a toxic forest…and no matter what…Don’t Let It Out. FBI Agent Rojas and RCMP Corporal Mercer find in this place of horror and mind bending reality…a thread…a voice…that connects them, and it may be their undoing.
The whole time I was reading this story I kept thinking, this would make a great streaming limited series. The kind that my husband and I would say on a Saturday morning…“let’s try the first episode and see how it is.”…..And 10 hours later, having not moved, unshowered, with an empty pizza delivery box on the couch…we would click on the final episode.
It’s a vivid fever dream, roller coaster, I don’t know what’s real, dang that’s scary…I’d be outta there, didn’t see that coming, what the …..”
I really like spooky forests, paranormal creepers, eco horror and multilayered well developed characters and this tale checked all the boxes. And…the cover is fabulous.
I would read a second book that would serve as a prequel in a second.
Definitely recommend.
I received an advanced reader copy from the author. This is my voluntary and honest review.
September 23, 2026
Assigned to a secluded position on the border of the US and Canada, newly qualified FBI Special Agent Dani Rojas and RCMP Officer Cade Mercer find themselves unlikely partners tasked to patrol and guard a heavily defended forest. Both have their own baggage that they are dealing with, that has unwittingly brought them to this place together. As they embark on their mission, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary forest, and there's something controlling it from within that wants out.
This was a slow-ish burn novella, with some fabulous tension building, and I really wanted to know what was lurking within the confines of the forest and causing all these weird things that were happening. I must say now it's finished I'm still not entirely sure what exactly it was. There was quite a lot of hallucinations or visions which I found quite hard to follow unfortunately.
I did enjoy the idea of government facility hiding big scary monster/conducting experiments etc, that felt very Area 51 but with ancient native (I think) creatures as opposed to aliens. I was so keen to find out what the thing in the forest was, and that absolutely drove me to the end. I'm still not sure if the forest and the thing were separate or not though.
All in all, I did enjoy this read, but I am left with questions. Perhaps I wasn't the right audience for this type of tale…
This was a slow-ish burn novella, with some fabulous tension building, and I really wanted to know what was lurking within the confines of the forest and causing all these weird things that were happening. I must say now it's finished I'm still not entirely sure what exactly it was. There was quite a lot of hallucinations or visions which I found quite hard to follow unfortunately.
I did enjoy the idea of government facility hiding big scary monster/conducting experiments etc, that felt very Area 51 but with ancient native (I think) creatures as opposed to aliens. I was so keen to find out what the thing in the forest was, and that absolutely drove me to the end. I'm still not sure if the forest and the thing were separate or not though.
All in all, I did enjoy this read, but I am left with questions. Perhaps I wasn't the right audience for this type of tale…
September 28, 2026
Whatever is inside that forest… probably should’ve stayed there. Don’t Let It Out takes the familiar “quarantined forest” setup and turns it into something much more unsettling. This isn’t just a story about people trying to survive somewhere dangerous. It’s about a place that seems to be learning from the people trapped inside it.
FBI Agent Daniela Rojas arrives with her own reasons for digging into Project Greenfall, while RCMP Corporal Cade Mercer is searching for answers about his wife, who disappeared inside the woods two years earlier.
Then there’s the forest. It’s changing.It’s spreading.
It’s breathing. And apparently, it has plans.
I really liked the combination of eco-horror, survival horror, conspiracy, and body horror promised by this setup. There’s something especially creepy about a wilderness that isn’t simply hostile, but seemingly aware something that can get under your skin, mess with reality, and turn the environment itself into the monster. The premise gave me serious “you should absolutely NOT go through that fence” energy.If you enjoy the unsettling weirdness of Annihilation, the creature survival vibes of Resident Evil, or the post-apocalyptic dread of The Last of Us, this one looks like a seriously nasty trip into the woods.
The rule is simple: contain the forest.
Just remember…
DON’T LET IT OUT. 🌲🩸
FBI Agent Daniela Rojas arrives with her own reasons for digging into Project Greenfall, while RCMP Corporal Cade Mercer is searching for answers about his wife, who disappeared inside the woods two years earlier.
Then there’s the forest. It’s changing.It’s spreading.
It’s breathing. And apparently, it has plans.
I really liked the combination of eco-horror, survival horror, conspiracy, and body horror promised by this setup. There’s something especially creepy about a wilderness that isn’t simply hostile, but seemingly aware something that can get under your skin, mess with reality, and turn the environment itself into the monster. The premise gave me serious “you should absolutely NOT go through that fence” energy.If you enjoy the unsettling weirdness of Annihilation, the creature survival vibes of Resident Evil, or the post-apocalyptic dread of The Last of Us, this one looks like a seriously nasty trip into the woods.
The rule is simple: contain the forest.
Just remember…
DON’T LET IT OUT. 🌲🩸
September 8, 2026
2026 HORROR INDIE-TRON
Book 1: Don't Let it Out by N.A. Betts
__________
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5/5
Format: e-book
Pages: 150
Genre: Horror/Fantasy
__________
This is the first book I received in this marathon and what a great start it was for me! I have a special love for eco-horror and plants, animals or other nature elements taking control. This book was just that, but it was also so much more!
The story is very trippy at some times, where it leaves you guessing, while you try to keep up. Throughout the story, you get snippets of information which make you wonder how it will all fit together in the end. You get a lot of puzzle pieces, but they only click together at the very end and I loved that.
It definitely kept me engaged and the horror elements were very cool and effective. It is also very much a psychological story where you keep wondering what is real and what is not. Is any of it real?
I really loved this book! I just had a hard time following sometimes and keeping track of things, but I think that was part of the experience. Relaying to the reader the confusion and shock the characters experience at the time too.
All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a short but engaging story that will keep you guessing until the very end!
Book 1: Don't Let it Out by N.A. Betts
__________
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️,5/5
Format: e-book
Pages: 150
Genre: Horror/Fantasy
__________
This is the first book I received in this marathon and what a great start it was for me! I have a special love for eco-horror and plants, animals or other nature elements taking control. This book was just that, but it was also so much more!
The story is very trippy at some times, where it leaves you guessing, while you try to keep up. Throughout the story, you get snippets of information which make you wonder how it will all fit together in the end. You get a lot of puzzle pieces, but they only click together at the very end and I loved that.
It definitely kept me engaged and the horror elements were very cool and effective. It is also very much a psychological story where you keep wondering what is real and what is not. Is any of it real?
I really loved this book! I just had a hard time following sometimes and keeping track of things, but I think that was part of the experience. Relaying to the reader the confusion and shock the characters experience at the time too.
All in all, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a short but engaging story that will keep you guessing until the very end!
September 16, 2026
This had an unusual premise, and I was shocked by how the story ended and the fates of the characters. Dani and Cade’s paths crossed long before they truly met. The reason they were chosen to watch for a mysterious creature in the middle of the woods was definitely not something I would have guessed.
It was different from my normal horror reads, but I really liked it. I found Dani and Cade interesting, from their pasts to their time in the woods.
The threat from the creature we’re primed to fear felt a little indirect at times. Dani and Cade were supposed to be the first line of defense, yet they were left completely in the dark about who or what they were up against. It felt like everyone knew except the two people who needed to know the most.
What left me unsettled was the creature’s intelligence. It knew exactly how to lure victims and get what it wanted. Betts took a really cool route with it. The control it had and the way it carried out its plan were definitely not what I expected.
Sorry for being so vague, but I can’t say much more without spoiling it. If you want something different with a slow burn that will leave you staring at the wall after you finish, this is one I highly recommend.
It was different from my normal horror reads, but I really liked it. I found Dani and Cade interesting, from their pasts to their time in the woods.
The threat from the creature we’re primed to fear felt a little indirect at times. Dani and Cade were supposed to be the first line of defense, yet they were left completely in the dark about who or what they were up against. It felt like everyone knew except the two people who needed to know the most.
What left me unsettled was the creature’s intelligence. It knew exactly how to lure victims and get what it wanted. Betts took a really cool route with it. The control it had and the way it carried out its plan were definitely not what I expected.
Sorry for being so vague, but I can’t say much more without spoiling it. If you want something different with a slow burn that will leave you staring at the wall after you finish, this is one I highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Huge thank you to N.A. Betts for the gifted eARC of Don’t Let It Out to read and provide my honest, spoiler free review.
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
This is my first read by N.A. Betts and I honestly don’t want it to be my last. While this book was short, it still contained a lot of elements that kept me hooked the entire way through. Following Dani and Cade in this story brought two different perspectives to the mix that left me trying to piece together what happened and why they were experiencing these illusions in their everyday lives.
Everything about this story was eerie and the secret behind the quarantined forest and the classified project really set the atmosphere for an unsettling vibe. The closer we got to the forest, the weirder things became and once we went beyond the fence, that’s when everything sort of exploded in a force so strong that left my mind reeling.
I really liked this thriller and the twists and turns that it took towards the end. For a short read, this left the impact that I hoped it would and I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
My Thoughts:
This is my first read by N.A. Betts and I honestly don’t want it to be my last. While this book was short, it still contained a lot of elements that kept me hooked the entire way through. Following Dani and Cade in this story brought two different perspectives to the mix that left me trying to piece together what happened and why they were experiencing these illusions in their everyday lives.
Everything about this story was eerie and the secret behind the quarantined forest and the classified project really set the atmosphere for an unsettling vibe. The closer we got to the forest, the weirder things became and once we went beyond the fence, that’s when everything sort of exploded in a force so strong that left my mind reeling.
I really liked this thriller and the twists and turns that it took towards the end. For a short read, this left the impact that I hoped it would and I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Author
That eerie sense that something is not right, that gap in memory you cannot explain, that dark figure that is always there...and yet not.
The way that this would translate into a film is unreal because you can just visualize all the little instances of 'off' the characters, Cade and Dani, go through as the story goes deeper. Little things you didn't think were important at the beginning suddenly take on a new meaning and there's just one very glaring truth...your eyes see what IT wants you to see. Both Dani and Cade have their own struggles once they get to this site; Dani with the loss of her team and her being the only survivor and Cade with his wife missing for the last two years. But absolutely NOTHING is as it seems. The eerie radio calls, the difference in time, the slowly fracturing mental states, the whispering of the trees...just a whole vibe of unsettling. In the best way possible.
As someone who just dips into a little horror every now and then, this was an interesting eco-horror story that just leaves you feeling on edge and questioning everything.
The way that this would translate into a film is unreal because you can just visualize all the little instances of 'off' the characters, Cade and Dani, go through as the story goes deeper. Little things you didn't think were important at the beginning suddenly take on a new meaning and there's just one very glaring truth...your eyes see what IT wants you to see. Both Dani and Cade have their own struggles once they get to this site; Dani with the loss of her team and her being the only survivor and Cade with his wife missing for the last two years. But absolutely NOTHING is as it seems. The eerie radio calls, the difference in time, the slowly fracturing mental states, the whispering of the trees...just a whole vibe of unsettling. In the best way possible.
As someone who just dips into a little horror every now and then, this was an interesting eco-horror story that just leaves you feeling on edge and questioning everything.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What starts as a mission to contain a quarantined forest quickly spirals into something far more disturbing. The deeper Daniela and Cade are pulled toward the truth behind Project Greenfall, the more reality itself begins to unravel. The forest itself feels like it's constantly shifting, watching, and learning. Every scene carried this heavy sense of dread that never really lets up.
The story seamlessly blends psychological horror, survival horror, and mystery, so that I genuinely had no idea where things were heading next.
There was also the emotional core underneath all the horror. Cade’s desperation for answers and Daniela’s own connection to the secrets buried inside the forest added weight to the story. Everything felt personal and increasingly unsettling.
Some moments genuinely had my heart racing, while others left me sitting there trying to process what I had just read.
Eerie forests, reality-bending horror, creeping paranoia, and it leaves you feeling haunted. I loved it.
Thank you so much N.A Betts for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
The story seamlessly blends psychological horror, survival horror, and mystery, so that I genuinely had no idea where things were heading next.
There was also the emotional core underneath all the horror. Cade’s desperation for answers and Daniela’s own connection to the secrets buried inside the forest added weight to the story. Everything felt personal and increasingly unsettling.
Some moments genuinely had my heart racing, while others left me sitting there trying to process what I had just read.
Eerie forests, reality-bending horror, creeping paranoia, and it leaves you feeling haunted. I loved it.
Thank you so much N.A Betts for the #gifted earc.
All opinions are my own 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was exactly the kind of horror I was looking for.
Anything involving isolation, endless woods, and the feeling that something is lurking just beyond the treeline immediately grabs my attention, and this book absolutely delivers on that atmosphere.
What I enjoyed most was how the dread builds. Around the halfway mark, the tension really starts to ramp up and never fully lets go. Every chapter adds another layer of uncertainty, making it harder and harder to trust what's real.
The gradual descent into paranoia was one of the strongest parts of the story. I found myself questioning events right alongside the characters, which created a constant sense of unease throughout the book.
I also loved the descriptions of the forest's influence on the wildlife. Those moments were creepy, unsettling, and exactly what I want from eco-horror. The natural world felt wrong in all the right ways.
If you enjoy psychological horror, eco-horror, isolated wilderness settings, unreliable realities, and slow-building dread, I'd definitely recommend checking this one out.
Anything involving isolation, endless woods, and the feeling that something is lurking just beyond the treeline immediately grabs my attention, and this book absolutely delivers on that atmosphere.
What I enjoyed most was how the dread builds. Around the halfway mark, the tension really starts to ramp up and never fully lets go. Every chapter adds another layer of uncertainty, making it harder and harder to trust what's real.
The gradual descent into paranoia was one of the strongest parts of the story. I found myself questioning events right alongside the characters, which created a constant sense of unease throughout the book.
I also loved the descriptions of the forest's influence on the wildlife. Those moments were creepy, unsettling, and exactly what I want from eco-horror. The natural world felt wrong in all the right ways.
If you enjoy psychological horror, eco-horror, isolated wilderness settings, unreliable realities, and slow-building dread, I'd definitely recommend checking this one out.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews