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Within the Woods
Something is lurking within the woods...
For 12-year-old Garrett and his four best friends, this summer is supposed to be unforgettable. Games at the carnival, riding bikes on back roads, renting movies to watch in their clubhouse. It's as close to perfect as a boy's life could be... until Garrett's older brother vanishes.
And then things get really weird.
Something is wrong in Sallow Creek, Pennsylvania.
Something is changing their neighbors, infecting their families.
Something is coming for them.
For fans of books and movies like Stranger Things, Stephen King, Stand By Me, The Goonies, etc. comes a thrilling new novel from #1 best-selling horror author Tony Urban. Growing up has never been so scary.
For 12-year-old Garrett and his four best friends, this summer is supposed to be unforgettable. Games at the carnival, riding bikes on back roads, renting movies to watch in their clubhouse. It's as close to perfect as a boy's life could be... until Garrett's older brother vanishes.
And then things get really weird.
Something is wrong in Sallow Creek, Pennsylvania.
Something is changing their neighbors, infecting their families.
Something is coming for them.
For fans of books and movies like Stranger Things, Stephen King, Stand By Me, The Goonies, etc. comes a thrilling new novel from #1 best-selling horror author Tony Urban. Growing up has never been so scary.
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 2018
780 people are currently reading
1013 people want to read
About the author
Tony Urban
66 books203 followersA professional photographer, writer and fan of general weirdness (both real and imagined), Tony has traveled tens of thousands of miles seeking out everything from haunted locations, UFO crash sites and monsters like Bigfoot and the Mothman. In a previous life, he worked in the independent movie industry but he finds his current career much more exciting.
Tony's first writing memory involves penning a short story about taking a road trip with his best friend and his dog (two different creatures) to watch KoKo B Ware in a professional wrestling event in Pittsburgh. He wrote that epic saga while in the 3rd grade and it was all downhill from there. His first books were a series of o)eat travelogues but recently his zombie apocalypse series, "Life of the Dead" has been a bestseller online and grossed out readers all over the world. His ultimate goal in life is to be killed by a monster thought by most to be imaginary. Sasquatch, werewolves, chupacabras, he’s not picky. If that fails, he’d enjoy making a living as a full time writer. Which of those two scenarios is more likely is up to the readers to decide.
Please sign up for my mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/P8lc9
Tony's first writing memory involves penning a short story about taking a road trip with his best friend and his dog (two different creatures) to watch KoKo B Ware in a professional wrestling event in Pittsburgh. He wrote that epic saga while in the 3rd grade and it was all downhill from there. His first books were a series of o)eat travelogues but recently his zombie apocalypse series, "Life of the Dead" has been a bestseller online and grossed out readers all over the world. His ultimate goal in life is to be killed by a monster thought by most to be imaginary. Sasquatch, werewolves, chupacabras, he’s not picky. If that fails, he’d enjoy making a living as a full time writer. Which of those two scenarios is more likely is up to the readers to decide.
Please sign up for my mailing list at:
http://eepurl.com/P8lc9
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
December 16, 2020
Though this didn't particularly impress me in the long run, I found Within the Woods to be an ok diversion.
If I had to draw a comparison, I suppose I would call this Stephen King Lite. It's a coming of age horror story about a group of boy underdogs, with all the requisite add-ins: bullies, body-horror, obstructive or obtuse adults, adolescent fixations, tense atmosphere and buckets and buckets of body fluids.
I prefer these pulpy adventure/heroic type coming-of-age tales to the dramatic grief-filled “leaving childhood behind for the sorrows of adulthood' offerings on the literary side. Within the Woods is a fun but not challenging summer spent with five friends who begin to notice strange happenings in their hometown. , but no one else seems to really notice or believe them, so while also dealing with the standard summertime woes of a group of outcasts, our lads must figure out exactly what's going on and how to stop it.
Even as a book club read, this was hard to break down into too much substance. A cool friendship dynamic, but not all of the boys felt distinct to me. Theoretically, Urban gives really good perspective into the mind of a 12 year old boy, but the focus on body grossness bordered on ludicrous; there was so much puke and poop and boobs and peckers in this book that it eventually led to eyerolling exasperation. The supporting cast of characters were pretty much written stereotypes, which made the story approachable but indistinct.
Indistinct works all around here, I think. This was fun enough but doesn't stand out as anything other than the embodiment of the subgenre and all of its tropes.
If I had to draw a comparison, I suppose I would call this Stephen King Lite. It's a coming of age horror story about a group of boy underdogs, with all the requisite add-ins: bullies, body-horror, obstructive or obtuse adults, adolescent fixations, tense atmosphere and buckets and buckets of body fluids.
I prefer these pulpy adventure/heroic type coming-of-age tales to the dramatic grief-filled “leaving childhood behind for the sorrows of adulthood' offerings on the literary side. Within the Woods is a fun but not challenging summer spent with five friends who begin to notice strange happenings in their hometown. , but no one else seems to really notice or believe them, so while also dealing with the standard summertime woes of a group of outcasts, our lads must figure out exactly what's going on and how to stop it.
Even as a book club read, this was hard to break down into too much substance. A cool friendship dynamic, but not all of the boys felt distinct to me. Theoretically, Urban gives really good perspective into the mind of a 12 year old boy, but the focus on body grossness bordered on ludicrous; there was so much puke and poop and boobs and peckers in this book that it eventually led to eyerolling exasperation. The supporting cast of characters were pretty much written stereotypes, which made the story approachable but indistinct.
Indistinct works all around here, I think. This was fun enough but doesn't stand out as anything other than the embodiment of the subgenre and all of its tropes.
October 18, 2020
ALERT – Quotes from book in review
My 80’s nostalgia kicks in again!
Read this review on the basis that I currently love reading 80’s nostalgia books. That is the context of this review. That cover….that story….5 stars already!
Well, I am going to rein in my exuberance but not to the extent I turn into a grumpy old man (The Toy Tree, Hell-O-Ween).
Set in 1989 the story follows five friends, who are outcasts at their school, as their home town of Sallow Creek begins to experience bizarre and weird events. The boys come together and take the fight to the monsters.
A very similar tale to IT, Stand By Me and The Goonies. Not forgetting Stranger Things, which I have just finished watching. A horror coming of age creature feature story which this book does well. The kids banter was endearing and funny. They were kind and brave.
However, the book does have a lot of gross language, but this is the kids talking. They call one kid fat constantly, talk about genitals, ogle at girls and objectify them. Sounds like the 80’s set High Moor where I highlighted the constant swearing. The more I think about it the more I probably talked like this. My review of Bank Holiday All-Dayer shows my 90’s words of wisdom (“I do recall being an idiot and a fool”) so I am sure the 80’s is not far behind.
Not everything is explained about the evil. Who? What? Why? That does not bother me.
Here’s three quotes which brings that nostalgia right back. Quotes that stop me reading and takes me back to my 80’s childhood.
“Supposed to be a fun time. Being a boy, that is. A time when you can leave the adult problems to the adults.
Don’t let no one, or nothing, foul up your childhood. Especially summer.
By god, I remember the summers. Not a care in the whole wide world. Just might have been the best times of my life.”
Blinded by my nostalgia!
So, for my next book I am going to read a classic which involves kids coming of age (sort of) but nothing to do with the 80’s. The Midwich Cuckoos
My 80’s nostalgia kicks in again!
Read this review on the basis that I currently love reading 80’s nostalgia books. That is the context of this review. That cover….that story….5 stars already!
Well, I am going to rein in my exuberance but not to the extent I turn into a grumpy old man (The Toy Tree, Hell-O-Ween).
Set in 1989 the story follows five friends, who are outcasts at their school, as their home town of Sallow Creek begins to experience bizarre and weird events. The boys come together and take the fight to the monsters.
A very similar tale to IT, Stand By Me and The Goonies. Not forgetting Stranger Things, which I have just finished watching. A horror coming of age creature feature story which this book does well. The kids banter was endearing and funny. They were kind and brave.
However, the book does have a lot of gross language, but this is the kids talking. They call one kid fat constantly, talk about genitals, ogle at girls and objectify them. Sounds like the 80’s set High Moor where I highlighted the constant swearing. The more I think about it the more I probably talked like this. My review of Bank Holiday All-Dayer shows my 90’s words of wisdom (“I do recall being an idiot and a fool”) so I am sure the 80’s is not far behind.
Not everything is explained about the evil. Who? What? Why? That does not bother me.
Here’s three quotes which brings that nostalgia right back. Quotes that stop me reading and takes me back to my 80’s childhood.
“Supposed to be a fun time. Being a boy, that is. A time when you can leave the adult problems to the adults.
Don’t let no one, or nothing, foul up your childhood. Especially summer.
By god, I remember the summers. Not a care in the whole wide world. Just might have been the best times of my life.”
Blinded by my nostalgia!
So, for my next book I am going to read a classic which involves kids coming of age (sort of) but nothing to do with the 80’s. The Midwich Cuckoos
January 8, 2019
This was my first read by this author – it won’t be my last.
The book is a mix of coming of age and epic horror. I didn’t know what waited in those woods and was pleasantly surprised/horrified. Creepy!
I especially loved our characters and, yes, the author had me shedding a tear for more than one!
Truly a fabulous read. I enjoyed every page!
*Downloaded via KU
The book is a mix of coming of age and epic horror. I didn’t know what waited in those woods and was pleasantly surprised/horrified. Creepy!
I especially loved our characters and, yes, the author had me shedding a tear for more than one!
Truly a fabulous read. I enjoyed every page!
*Downloaded via KU
May 24, 2019
The characters in this book is what really makes it special. I was a child of the 80s so it brought back all of those memories of summer camp, Garbage Pail kids, club houses, riding bikes, Michael Jackson, hanging out at the YMCA- you name it. Think Goonies or Stand By Me with an extra special, added touch of horror. If you like either of those movies or were an 80's child too, you've gotta read this one!
May 9, 2021
Definitely NOT Spielberg’s aliens
“Because E.T. didn’t prepare me for this shit. Phone home my ass.”
-Tony Urban
Fun read! Never heard of this author before, but I enjoyed this. If you know who Fred Dekker is, this is the read for you. This is a mix of Monster Squad with a handful of Night of The Creeps, and a blend of Tony Urban uniqueness.
Side note: I read a review before I started on this book that stated the characters were misogynistic. Obviously, the person who left the review was not a 12 year old boy in the 1980s. Not to say that I don’t understand their point... I do... but that is from a 2021 lens. In the 1980s, this is how boys viewed women and talked about them. The story would not have been realistic otherwise. Keep that in mind, and enjoy! For better or worse, the world was different back then!
“Because E.T. didn’t prepare me for this shit. Phone home my ass.”
-Tony Urban
Fun read! Never heard of this author before, but I enjoyed this. If you know who Fred Dekker is, this is the read for you. This is a mix of Monster Squad with a handful of Night of The Creeps, and a blend of Tony Urban uniqueness.
Side note: I read a review before I started on this book that stated the characters were misogynistic. Obviously, the person who left the review was not a 12 year old boy in the 1980s. Not to say that I don’t understand their point... I do... but that is from a 2021 lens. In the 1980s, this is how boys viewed women and talked about them. The story would not have been realistic otherwise. Keep that in mind, and enjoy! For better or worse, the world was different back then!
October 26, 2021
An enjoyable story. Original as a whole but influenced by everything from Stranger Things back to The Monolith Monsters. Well done
August 9, 2020
So...
I didn't think I would rate this very high when I got about 10 pages in, but I paid for the book so might as well buckle down and read it. I hate rating books low because the book may not be necessarily bad; it just may not be for me and I think that's the case with this book. Maybe I was too critical, but here are the issues I had with the book.
1. When female characters appeared it was either in the form of sibling, eye candy, or porn. There was no single strong female character, despite the female gender being largely what the boys discussed when they wern't discussing aliens.
2. The vocabulary felt, to me, immature? Now, I understand this book features a group of 12 year olds and their dialogue is bound to be crude and immature, but that doesn't necessarily mean the writing, such as metaphors and descriptions have to be immature. Side note: the word "pecker," was vastly overused.
3. The fat shaming. Holy shit, we get it, Garrett is fat. Fat is not a personality trait though. Garrett had so many other great qualities that were severely underdeveloped and there was no attempt to even develop them until the end. Garrett was kind, brave, compassionate and intellectual, but literally every time there was an opening to expand on those, the reader was once again reminded that Garrett is indeed fat. The writing itself shamed Garrett and by the end I was so over it. Also Garrett was the only boy that didn't seem to have a love interest besides Lynn, why?? Because he's fat????
4. I wasn't actually scared, just more grossed out than anything. And not largely from the body horror.
What I liked...
1. The friend banter was at times endearing, entertaining and yes, humorous.
Again, it's not an awful book, but it had none of the things I personally like to see in a horror novel.
I didn't think I would rate this very high when I got about 10 pages in, but I paid for the book so might as well buckle down and read it. I hate rating books low because the book may not be necessarily bad; it just may not be for me and I think that's the case with this book. Maybe I was too critical, but here are the issues I had with the book.
1. When female characters appeared it was either in the form of sibling, eye candy, or porn. There was no single strong female character, despite the female gender being largely what the boys discussed when they wern't discussing aliens.
2. The vocabulary felt, to me, immature? Now, I understand this book features a group of 12 year olds and their dialogue is bound to be crude and immature, but that doesn't necessarily mean the writing, such as metaphors and descriptions have to be immature. Side note: the word "pecker," was vastly overused.
3. The fat shaming. Holy shit, we get it, Garrett is fat. Fat is not a personality trait though. Garrett had so many other great qualities that were severely underdeveloped and there was no attempt to even develop them until the end. Garrett was kind, brave, compassionate and intellectual, but literally every time there was an opening to expand on those, the reader was once again reminded that Garrett is indeed fat. The writing itself shamed Garrett and by the end I was so over it. Also Garrett was the only boy that didn't seem to have a love interest besides Lynn, why?? Because he's fat????
4. I wasn't actually scared, just more grossed out than anything. And not largely from the body horror.
What I liked...
1. The friend banter was at times endearing, entertaining and yes, humorous.
Again, it's not an awful book, but it had none of the things I personally like to see in a horror novel.
May 14, 2021
If you love coming-of-age horror like me, you'll love this book.
March 30, 2019
My fingers are crossed for a sequel (and a movie)
When I read horror stories like this one I always love the suspense, enjoy the scary details and all the gory, bloody deaths. But 8 times out of 10 I am let down at the end when it’s revealed what the “monster” is.
Not this book!! What is happening in Sallow Creek is believable (to horror fans). The boys are realistic, and the ending does justice to the entire book.
I can’t praise this book enough. I give lots of high rating because I respect how hard it is to write a good book, if I read something I like I want the author to know but I struggle to write a review. However I put in the effort to write one for this book and that the highest compliment I can give.
Read this one and tell your friends. You won’t be disappointed
When I read horror stories like this one I always love the suspense, enjoy the scary details and all the gory, bloody deaths. But 8 times out of 10 I am let down at the end when it’s revealed what the “monster” is.
Not this book!! What is happening in Sallow Creek is believable (to horror fans). The boys are realistic, and the ending does justice to the entire book.
I can’t praise this book enough. I give lots of high rating because I respect how hard it is to write a good book, if I read something I like I want the author to know but I struggle to write a review. However I put in the effort to write one for this book and that the highest compliment I can give.
Read this one and tell your friends. You won’t be disappointed
January 4, 2019
I absolutely loved reading Urban's 'Within the Woods' as it's a wonderful throwback to the days of my own youth. Laden with delicious 80's pop culture references (particularly around horror films), the story follows a group of 12-year old friends who begin to notice bizarre goings-on in their small Pennsylvania town and set out to tackle the issue head-on. Creepy and terrifying, 'Within the Woods' is a seriously fun and entertaining read. Well done.
October 24, 2018
Creature feature
A nice little creature feature, right before Halloween. I definitely could relate to the boys, I was 13 in 89. Kept me on my toes.
A nice little creature feature, right before Halloween. I definitely could relate to the boys, I was 13 in 89. Kept me on my toes.
January 22, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was great! It's been done, but not like this. I just couldn't put it down, it sucked me right in from the start.
This was great! It's been done, but not like this. I just couldn't put it down, it sucked me right in from the start.
February 26, 2025
Goonies meets The Thing set in the late 80s. Fair warning it has authentic 80’s dialogue and is definitely told towards a teenage boys perspective
July 8, 2022
If you love your HORROR with the creepiness of Science Fi monsters thrown in......then this is perfect for you! Get ready to enter the small town of Sallow Creek!
After I LOVED and raved about the 2nd (yes, I read them out of order, but that is okay because they are not continuing stories......) book 'Carrick Glynn' I really expected to be taken on the scary but emotional ride that I took in that book, but a completely different horror ride is taken with this one! After one of the boys dad starts to act very strange he tells his friends that something is wrong in their town, but boy oh boy, they have no idea what is ahead of them! The scenes of 'invasion gore' and creatures are so well done, it just was not my type of horror.....however Tony Urban does write 'small town horror' very well.
4.5 🪱🪱🪱🪱
After I LOVED and raved about the 2nd (yes, I read them out of order, but that is okay because they are not continuing stories......) book 'Carrick Glynn' I really expected to be taken on the scary but emotional ride that I took in that book, but a completely different horror ride is taken with this one! After one of the boys dad starts to act very strange he tells his friends that something is wrong in their town, but boy oh boy, they have no idea what is ahead of them! The scenes of 'invasion gore' and creatures are so well done, it just was not my type of horror.....however Tony Urban does write 'small town horror' very well.
4.5 🪱🪱🪱🪱
August 30, 2021
I really liked this story. It gave me a sense of nostalgia. Trying to fit in and finding out that it is our diffrences that make us stronger. Those differences that give us the will to find others that are diffrent and join them as alies in this never ending struggle to fit in.
The story gave me a "The Troop" by Nick Cutter feel. However, while Nick Cutter's story was more mainstream tales to tell to horror fans, "Within the Woods" feels like a more camp fire story to tell in front of your best buds. Graphic when the reader needed it to be, and suttle when the character needed it to be.
A good book to read when you think about spending time your friends and COVID is worming its way into all facets of your life. "This is my Boom Stick", says I, and friends don't let friends go alien hunting alone. (Apologies for the grammer, not my best subject on school. Still love to read though! Lol.)
The story gave me a "The Troop" by Nick Cutter feel. However, while Nick Cutter's story was more mainstream tales to tell to horror fans, "Within the Woods" feels like a more camp fire story to tell in front of your best buds. Graphic when the reader needed it to be, and suttle when the character needed it to be.
A good book to read when you think about spending time your friends and COVID is worming its way into all facets of your life. "This is my Boom Stick", says I, and friends don't let friends go alien hunting alone. (Apologies for the grammer, not my best subject on school. Still love to read though! Lol.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2019
Sometimes you have expectations upon reading a teaser for a book or movie. Mine were positive and hopeful with this because it sounded promising.
Then I read it.
Just... I don't know where to begin. The writing was clownish. The dialogue absurd. So many errors strewn throughout the book. It was hard to keep track. I should've written down some goofy points in the book. This dude was trying to be humorous while attempting to write a compelling horror story, but it fell flat. What were these things? Where did they come from? Why was salt the big weapon that seemed to instantly take them down? Once they discovered that, there seemed to be absolutely no threat. Just a quick flick of a fistful of salt and the "alien" was a pile of goo. Or should I say poop? Or diarrhea? Or barf? Or pee? Or penis? Or boobs? I get you gotta go with some juvenile writing since the perspective is from a group of 12-year-olds, but damn. Of course the poop stuff culminated in a kid diving into what can be best described as a kiddie pool filled with liquid shit.
If a kid made a decision to not do something stupid and life-threatening, they were a pussy. There was no explanation for just about anything. Instead of going into great detail about someone's naked body or flaccid penis or floppy tits, how about give me some details about what the aliens are?
Just checked the publish date and this was clearly a Stranger Things inspired story which fell on its face. Or, if I can dip into the style of this author, it fell into a pile of poo and barf mixed with pee and snot.
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARF.
Then I read it.
Just... I don't know where to begin. The writing was clownish. The dialogue absurd. So many errors strewn throughout the book. It was hard to keep track. I should've written down some goofy points in the book. This dude was trying to be humorous while attempting to write a compelling horror story, but it fell flat. What were these things? Where did they come from? Why was salt the big weapon that seemed to instantly take them down? Once they discovered that, there seemed to be absolutely no threat. Just a quick flick of a fistful of salt and the "alien" was a pile of goo. Or should I say poop? Or diarrhea? Or barf? Or pee? Or penis? Or boobs? I get you gotta go with some juvenile writing since the perspective is from a group of 12-year-olds, but damn. Of course the poop stuff culminated in a kid diving into what can be best described as a kiddie pool filled with liquid shit.
If a kid made a decision to not do something stupid and life-threatening, they were a pussy. There was no explanation for just about anything. Instead of going into great detail about someone's naked body or flaccid penis or floppy tits, how about give me some details about what the aliens are?
Just checked the publish date and this was clearly a Stranger Things inspired story which fell on its face. Or, if I can dip into the style of this author, it fell into a pile of poo and barf mixed with pee and snot.
BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARF.
March 11, 2020
Dnf. Read 41%. Didn’t realize I couldn’t “unstar” after I’d tapped it trying to figure out how to share the dnf. 2 stars for likely portraying the boys friendships in an accurate way for their ages. The horror element didn’t work for me. A little tense, particularly with a wrong-side-of-the-tracks stigma and home environments some of the boys were dealing with. This would have worked much better for me had it been a true slice of life tale focusing on the boys summer break, their activities and how they survived (or not) their families, bullies and the always challenging growing up through puberty and all that brings along for the ride.
March 19, 2019
They opened more than a can of worms
This book was awesome! I loved all of the characters, but the group of young friends were my favorite. This story revolves around them and their quest to rid their town of worm producing aliens. But, this is more than just a horror story. It made me laugh, cry, cringe, and surprised me. I will be looking for more books written by this author.
This book was awesome! I loved all of the characters, but the group of young friends were my favorite. This story revolves around them and their quest to rid their town of worm producing aliens. But, this is more than just a horror story. It made me laugh, cry, cringe, and surprised me. I will be looking for more books written by this author.
March 30, 2019
Not bad
Aside from small editing mistakes, this felt a little like Stranger Things. I also wouldn't consider this horror, not still a decent read
Aside from small editing mistakes, this felt a little like Stranger Things. I also wouldn't consider this horror, not still a decent read
April 10, 2019
OK Book
The book is worth reading. The characters are a bit boring and lack some real personality from my viewpoint. Still a decent read while sitting in an airport. 🍓
The book is worth reading. The characters are a bit boring and lack some real personality from my viewpoint. Still a decent read while sitting in an airport. 🍓
August 24, 2019
Very much inspired by Stranger Things and Stand By Me, but with the horror elements ramped up a bit. Not too deep, but a nice fun read with a real creepiness factor.
May 29, 2021
This was my first time reading something by this author, and I was super impressed! This will definitely not be my last read of something by Tony Urban.
So in a nutshell, this book is about a small group of preteens in a small town in the late 80's. When Garrett's brother goes missing, he's actually relieved. His dad is less abusive, and his brother always made things more difficult. But soon, he and his friends start to notice other odd happenings, horrific and surreal things that defy reason. Can Garrett and his friends get to the bottom of this bizarre invasion and defend their city, or will they die trying?
Nearly everything worked perfectly for me in this book.
The characters were great. All of the boys had distinct personalities, depth, and some really great interactions throughout. They are a tight-knit group, and listening in on their conversations made me feel like a member too. I grew up in the 90's and would run off with my friends on crazy adventures, so it was super easy to relate to each and every boy in the group. They cussed like sailor's but I think that was refreshing. So many YA novelists are afraid to go there, but kids cuss, they say crappy things to each other, and this was showcased extremely well.
The plot had me since I read the blurb. The 80's? A small town? People getting turned into monsters? Gimme, gimme, gimme! The plot was a high-stakes rollercoaster ride that I loved. There was so much action and never a dull moment. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The 80's nostalgia was balanced perfectly. There were some occasional nods to that era, but it wasn't beaten into you. I loved the shenanigans the boys got into and the element of mystery and horror that were present throughout.
The only tiny thing I would nitpick at would be that in a couple of the losses experienced on the way I didn't feel there was enough of an emotional response. Other than that, zero complaints!
This book is a stellar read, and if you love horror, you've gotta get your hands on this!
So in a nutshell, this book is about a small group of preteens in a small town in the late 80's. When Garrett's brother goes missing, he's actually relieved. His dad is less abusive, and his brother always made things more difficult. But soon, he and his friends start to notice other odd happenings, horrific and surreal things that defy reason. Can Garrett and his friends get to the bottom of this bizarre invasion and defend their city, or will they die trying?
Nearly everything worked perfectly for me in this book.
The characters were great. All of the boys had distinct personalities, depth, and some really great interactions throughout. They are a tight-knit group, and listening in on their conversations made me feel like a member too. I grew up in the 90's and would run off with my friends on crazy adventures, so it was super easy to relate to each and every boy in the group. They cussed like sailor's but I think that was refreshing. So many YA novelists are afraid to go there, but kids cuss, they say crappy things to each other, and this was showcased extremely well.
The plot had me since I read the blurb. The 80's? A small town? People getting turned into monsters? Gimme, gimme, gimme! The plot was a high-stakes rollercoaster ride that I loved. There was so much action and never a dull moment. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The 80's nostalgia was balanced perfectly. There were some occasional nods to that era, but it wasn't beaten into you. I loved the shenanigans the boys got into and the element of mystery and horror that were present throughout.
The only tiny thing I would nitpick at would be that in a couple of the losses experienced on the way I didn't feel there was enough of an emotional response. Other than that, zero complaints!
This book is a stellar read, and if you love horror, you've gotta get your hands on this!
January 21, 2023
DNF. I tried, I really did. But the “ick” factor overwhelmed me, and thus I’m left with a conundrum: how do you rate a book which has good writing and even good material, but just completely IS NOT for you? Do you rate the writing, or how you liked the story?
Obviously, the past few years have seen a lot of cashing in on Stranger Things 80s nostalgia, and I’ll be totally honest that I LOVE that genre and will probably never tire of it. So, a story about a group of misfit underdogs and strange goings-on in the woods? Count me in.
To this book’s credit, it really puts you right in the story. Vibrantly, viscerally. It’s totally immersive, and in that way, it’s great writing. And it’s not boring—not at all. Super creative, vivid, darkly humorous at times. But it’s also way too raunchy and gross for me. Do twelve year-old boys talk about gross, raunchy things? Undoubtedly. I was one, once. But never did I have conversations or thoughts that went THIS far down that road of disgustingness. Maybe others did—but it just seemed hyperbole to me. Stephen King at his most base and raunchy couldn’t even done close to how gross parts of this story were. And that’s great writing! Just not the kind I want to read.
I struggled trying to feel anything for any of the characters. I only made it halfway through, so maybe I would’ve felt more toward the end. But that’s what kept me hanging on during the first half—trying to form a connection with any of the characters—and it just never came. And once I realized the scene at the beginning where the group of friends were discussing vomit and excrement while eating lunch and grossing themselves out was basically foreshadowing to the tone of the entire story…yeah, I’m out.
Not a bad book. Just not my thing.
Obviously, the past few years have seen a lot of cashing in on Stranger Things 80s nostalgia, and I’ll be totally honest that I LOVE that genre and will probably never tire of it. So, a story about a group of misfit underdogs and strange goings-on in the woods? Count me in.
To this book’s credit, it really puts you right in the story. Vibrantly, viscerally. It’s totally immersive, and in that way, it’s great writing. And it’s not boring—not at all. Super creative, vivid, darkly humorous at times. But it’s also way too raunchy and gross for me. Do twelve year-old boys talk about gross, raunchy things? Undoubtedly. I was one, once. But never did I have conversations or thoughts that went THIS far down that road of disgustingness. Maybe others did—but it just seemed hyperbole to me. Stephen King at his most base and raunchy couldn’t even done close to how gross parts of this story were. And that’s great writing! Just not the kind I want to read.
I struggled trying to feel anything for any of the characters. I only made it halfway through, so maybe I would’ve felt more toward the end. But that’s what kept me hanging on during the first half—trying to form a connection with any of the characters—and it just never came. And once I realized the scene at the beginning where the group of friends were discussing vomit and excrement while eating lunch and grossing themselves out was basically foreshadowing to the tone of the entire story…yeah, I’m out.
Not a bad book. Just not my thing.
December 5, 2025
Pretty solid 80s‑style horror with lots of heart
I really enjoyed Within the Woods. The story — about a group of misfit 12‑year‑olds in a small town suddenly confronted with something dark, alien, and monstrous lurking beneath the surface — pulled me in hard from the first page. The nostalgia of the time period, the sense of childhood adventure and camaraderie, and the bond between the kids felt genuine. Their banter, their fears, their loyalty — it all rang true, and I found myself rooting for them.
The horror elements lean into body‑horror, grossness, and the kind of creeping dread that makes even familiar things feel dangerous — and for the most part it works. Moments of real tension and horror kept me turning pages, and there were parts where I genuinely felt chills or a sense of dread.
That said — it’s not perfect. The writing sometimes veers into juvenile or crude territory (the crude humor, immature dialogue, and frequent gross-out moments can feel overdone if you’re not in the mood). A few of the characters felt more archetypal than deeply developed, and occasionally the pacing or tone wobbled between “fun campy horror + coming‑of‑age” and “over‑the‑top adolescent weirdness.”
But overall: it’s a fun, creepy, nostalgic horror coming‑of‑age ride. If you don’t mind some rough edges, it’s well worth the trip into the woods.
I really enjoyed Within the Woods. The story — about a group of misfit 12‑year‑olds in a small town suddenly confronted with something dark, alien, and monstrous lurking beneath the surface — pulled me in hard from the first page. The nostalgia of the time period, the sense of childhood adventure and camaraderie, and the bond between the kids felt genuine. Their banter, their fears, their loyalty — it all rang true, and I found myself rooting for them.
The horror elements lean into body‑horror, grossness, and the kind of creeping dread that makes even familiar things feel dangerous — and for the most part it works. Moments of real tension and horror kept me turning pages, and there were parts where I genuinely felt chills or a sense of dread.
That said — it’s not perfect. The writing sometimes veers into juvenile or crude territory (the crude humor, immature dialogue, and frequent gross-out moments can feel overdone if you’re not in the mood). A few of the characters felt more archetypal than deeply developed, and occasionally the pacing or tone wobbled between “fun campy horror + coming‑of‑age” and “over‑the‑top adolescent weirdness.”
But overall: it’s a fun, creepy, nostalgic horror coming‑of‑age ride. If you don’t mind some rough edges, it’s well worth the trip into the woods.
January 27, 2021
I wanted to enjoy Within the Woods. I wanted to lose myself in the nostalgia of childhood without turning yet again to Stephen King to do so. Sadly, that did not happen.
Grammatical errors abound in this book. That’s the first thing I noticed that took me out of the story. I’m a stickler for these things, and so far this year simple editing has led me to rate too many books at a one or two. Within the Woods falls easily into that category. Misspellings, words written twice (So he he ran), and scenes that made little to no sense all show up again and again. A good example of this - and the one that almost made me put the book away for good - was when a twelve year old character’s dad shatters a heavy glass ashtray on his hand. It happens and the scene goes on without the boy expressing any kind of pain, as if it was meant to be written in a different way entirely.
Some people may be able to overlook these issues. I couldn’t. Hire someone to look over your work, Mr. Urban. With some cleaning up it could be great. As it is, I can’t recommend it.
Grammatical errors abound in this book. That’s the first thing I noticed that took me out of the story. I’m a stickler for these things, and so far this year simple editing has led me to rate too many books at a one or two. Within the Woods falls easily into that category. Misspellings, words written twice (So he he ran), and scenes that made little to no sense all show up again and again. A good example of this - and the one that almost made me put the book away for good - was when a twelve year old character’s dad shatters a heavy glass ashtray on his hand. It happens and the scene goes on without the boy expressing any kind of pain, as if it was meant to be written in a different way entirely.
Some people may be able to overlook these issues. I couldn’t. Hire someone to look over your work, Mr. Urban. With some cleaning up it could be great. As it is, I can’t recommend it.
March 4, 2025
This is my type of horror novel. Tony Urban's "Within the Woods" has it all: a 1980s schtick, a coming of age story as boys have to face a fear of the unknown and take it on. Young Garrett is 11 and has a semi-abusive father, a jerk of a brother, but has the best friends he could ask for: Shane, Lynn, and Jose. They are tight friends who stick for each other, each having their own strength. Garrett's brother mysteriously disappears, and upon his return is different. Also upon his return, people start displaying ugly deformities and parasitic worms. They are aliens intent on assimilating the town and the boys have to figure it out. Tony Urban crafts a familiar story into his own by crafting very good characters with prose meant to disgust and amaze the reader. One scene, although winsome, will definitely get under any reader's skin. The only issue was that Urban was not consistent with point of view, but his talent makes up for that one. I intend to read the rest of his Sallow River stories.
March 19, 2020
Woods
Garrett, Jose, Shane, Lyn, and Ray call themselves the five Musketeers. All of them are outcasts in school. Nobody wants anything to do with them, except the bullies who enjoy beating them up.
While Jose is at the pool babysitting his sister she starts screaming while she's in the kiddie pool. Jose runs to her and she keeps saying " She made him eat snakes!" Jose glances over and sees another little girl whose arm is tattered and blowing in the wind. When the ambulance arrives for the little boy Jose sees the little girls arm is whole again.
He tells his friends about what happened ans they all believe him. Shortly afterwards they all start noticing some of the people in town are acting weird.
After this the book will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can read while sending you into the terrifying mind of tje author Tony Urban!
Garrett, Jose, Shane, Lyn, and Ray call themselves the five Musketeers. All of them are outcasts in school. Nobody wants anything to do with them, except the bullies who enjoy beating them up.
While Jose is at the pool babysitting his sister she starts screaming while she's in the kiddie pool. Jose runs to her and she keeps saying " She made him eat snakes!" Jose glances over and sees another little girl whose arm is tattered and blowing in the wind. When the ambulance arrives for the little boy Jose sees the little girls arm is whole again.
He tells his friends about what happened ans they all believe him. Shortly afterwards they all start noticing some of the people in town are acting weird.
After this the book will keep you turning the pages as fast as you can read while sending you into the terrifying mind of tje author Tony Urban!
January 11, 2025
The storyline caught my attention. I loved stranger things and this book has a similar appeal. The banter between the teenage friends reminded me a lot of stranger things, too. Overall, the story is entertaining, the plot is interesting, and the opportunity for a series is left open.
My biggest issue with the book was the writing. I understand that 12-year-old boys are immature and use words like “pecker” And “tits” But there were definitely a lot of them. There were also a few grammatical errors and spelling errors that I found hard to ignore. Like “should of” instead of should have, for example. Also, Garrett’s name is spelled with two “t’s” most of the time, but sometimes it’s spelled with only one.
My biggest issue with the book was the writing. I understand that 12-year-old boys are immature and use words like “pecker” And “tits” But there were definitely a lot of them. There were also a few grammatical errors and spelling errors that I found hard to ignore. Like “should of” instead of should have, for example. Also, Garrett’s name is spelled with two “t’s” most of the time, but sometimes it’s spelled with only one.
May 4, 2020
I very rarely laugh out loud when I read a book, I have to admit I did reading Within the Woods more than once, and in a good way. I fully expected a scary tale but was delighted by the way it was told.
In the tradition of Stand By Me, The Sandlot and IT, The First Chapter, this is a coming of age story. The five friends are great characters and all care about each other. I don't want to spoil anything, but these boys have pluck ! I don't think I could have done what they did at 12/13 years old.
Funny, gross, exciting .... a great read !
(There was a lapse on the proofreaders job, several times. Still worth it.)
In the tradition of Stand By Me, The Sandlot and IT, The First Chapter, this is a coming of age story. The five friends are great characters and all care about each other. I don't want to spoil anything, but these boys have pluck ! I don't think I could have done what they did at 12/13 years old.
Funny, gross, exciting .... a great read !
(There was a lapse on the proofreaders job, several times. Still worth it.)
June 30, 2025
In this horror novel, it’s not just early birds get that the worms…
Tony Urban, Within the Woods is, at its heart, a story about a group of life long friends.
A handful of 12yo boys in a small town. Find themselves, up against an unthinkable enemy.
Familiar figures, family members, turned into voracious monsters?
Will they be able to convince anyone that they are not simply suffering from overreaction & vivid imaginations?
A predictable outcome of the group’s shared love of horror movies…
Found myself easily wrapped up in these characters.
Even the dubious natured people’s were memorable.
Read the entirety in one single sitting….
Tony Urban, Within the Woods is, at its heart, a story about a group of life long friends.
A handful of 12yo boys in a small town. Find themselves, up against an unthinkable enemy.
Familiar figures, family members, turned into voracious monsters?
Will they be able to convince anyone that they are not simply suffering from overreaction & vivid imaginations?
A predictable outcome of the group’s shared love of horror movies…
Found myself easily wrapped up in these characters.
Even the dubious natured people’s were memorable.
Read the entirety in one single sitting….
Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews