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The Insatiable Hunger of Trees
Seventeen-year-old Cara Hughes doesn’t have time to believe in monsters.
When Cara’s older sister, Shelby, returns home after a year-long disappearance, unable to say what happened or where she went, Cara’s family is thrown into turmoil—again. As it is, Cara’s barely juggling her job, school, and volunteer work, and she’s desperate to be chosen for a corporate internship—something that would guarantee a two-year degree she could never afford without relying on the same loans that left her parents struggling.
At first, Cara is just worried about Shelby’s odd behavior and unpredictable moods, then she discovers the body of a teenager, viciously attacked, in the very woods where Shelby vanished. And the teen is just the first victim. Cara clings to the belief that an animal is responsible for the deaths until she realizes she’s being stalked by a strange creature in the woods—and it’s no animal.
Plagued by strange visions and with her carefully-balanced life falling apart around her, Cara reaches out to the only person who can help her, Lucas Powell, a self-proclaimed monster hunter. His theories are outrageous, and Cara hopes her decision to trust him isn’t a mistake, but the only way to know is by putting his theories to the test. Cara must face the woods herself, where the creatures she’s tried so hard to deny lurk in the dark.
When Cara’s older sister, Shelby, returns home after a year-long disappearance, unable to say what happened or where she went, Cara’s family is thrown into turmoil—again. As it is, Cara’s barely juggling her job, school, and volunteer work, and she’s desperate to be chosen for a corporate internship—something that would guarantee a two-year degree she could never afford without relying on the same loans that left her parents struggling.
At first, Cara is just worried about Shelby’s odd behavior and unpredictable moods, then she discovers the body of a teenager, viciously attacked, in the very woods where Shelby vanished. And the teen is just the first victim. Cara clings to the belief that an animal is responsible for the deaths until she realizes she’s being stalked by a strange creature in the woods—and it’s no animal.
Plagued by strange visions and with her carefully-balanced life falling apart around her, Cara reaches out to the only person who can help her, Lucas Powell, a self-proclaimed monster hunter. His theories are outrageous, and Cara hopes her decision to trust him isn’t a mistake, but the only way to know is by putting his theories to the test. Cara must face the woods herself, where the creatures she’s tried so hard to deny lurk in the dark.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2023
19 people are currently reading
6120 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Eaton
2 books167 followersSamantha Eaton lives in the little, coastal town of Lincolnville, Maine. She shares her home with her boyfriend, three cats, three dogs, and twenty-something chickens.
Like many horror fans, she began reading Stephen King at far too young and impressionable an age and became irreversibly intrigued by all things creepy.
When she is not writing or reading, Samantha enjoys heavy music, photography, hiking, traveling, and cooking. Occasionally, she may be found transporting injured wildlife to local rehabbers across the state or volunteering at a wild bird sanctuary.
Like many horror fans, she began reading Stephen King at far too young and impressionable an age and became irreversibly intrigued by all things creepy.
When she is not writing or reading, Samantha enjoys heavy music, photography, hiking, traveling, and cooking. Occasionally, she may be found transporting injured wildlife to local rehabbers across the state or volunteering at a wild bird sanctuary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
January 23, 2023
Huge thanks to Samantha for sending me a digital ARC of this one!
I gotta tell you – I was super pumped to check this one out when the cover and title were announced. I’d not read anything from Samantha previously, but you tack together woods, monsters and a bloody cover and I’m pretty much your target audience.
I’ve also been a responsible reviewer lately and doing my best to try and get well ahead of release dates. So, I was keen to dive in as the snow began to hit Edmonton and the temperatures dropped.
What I liked: I mean, you read what I said up top there yeah? Woods, monsters, blood? Ok, in all seriousness – the story follows a teenage girl, Cara, struggling to adjust to life after her older sister, Shelby, disappears. Her sister has been gone for almost a year. Some say she ran away while others say a monster took her into the woods.
One morning, the older sister simply walks back into their home and from there things ratchet up and chaos ensues.
Eaton does a great job when creeping us out. We get unflinchingly scary moments where things creep in the trees and eyes are spotted. We also get to see some really dark moments with the older sister. She keeps saying things that are horribly brutal and frightening to hear. Things like she shouldn’t have come home because she’s going to die anyways etc.
The story really takes off after a car accident occurs and something attacks the driver. It works well to set up the chain of events that take place after that and leads us to a horrifying conclusion.
What I didn’t like: Ok, mild spoilers in this section so stay clear if you wanna stay completely free of story plot points.
Firstly, the constant reactions that occur throughout towards Shelby, when she returns drove me batty. Over and over we hear her younger sister say a variation of ‘why are you acting like this?’ as though she expected her sister, who has been missing in the woods for a year, to just waltz back in and return to normal.
Secondly, there’s a frequent ‘convenience’ effect that occurs. The loner, odd boy just happens to be a monster hunter and there’s a contract to sign. Cara just happens to come across the car accident. She just happens to find things in the woods. Even when others are searching, she’s the one that finds it. It took away a lot of the potential of fear.
Lastly, I found the way the story unfolded to feel more like a short story that was expanded upon with an almost ‘and then’ effect, where just as it should naturally end something else is thrown our way. It really diminished some of the flow.
Why you should buy this: This one ultimately feel in the middle of the road for me. Frequent moments that pulled me along, only to be undone by odd interactions and frustration repetition. Eaton does do creepy really well and I think the flow that annoyed me at times is more a personal thing and many readers will absolutely love how it occurs. The closest I can relate it too, is I went in expecting a movie and it turned out to be a mini-series, if that makes sense.
Eaton has created an intriguing folklore type story here, one I think many folks will really dig.
I gotta tell you – I was super pumped to check this one out when the cover and title were announced. I’d not read anything from Samantha previously, but you tack together woods, monsters and a bloody cover and I’m pretty much your target audience.
I’ve also been a responsible reviewer lately and doing my best to try and get well ahead of release dates. So, I was keen to dive in as the snow began to hit Edmonton and the temperatures dropped.
What I liked: I mean, you read what I said up top there yeah? Woods, monsters, blood? Ok, in all seriousness – the story follows a teenage girl, Cara, struggling to adjust to life after her older sister, Shelby, disappears. Her sister has been gone for almost a year. Some say she ran away while others say a monster took her into the woods.
One morning, the older sister simply walks back into their home and from there things ratchet up and chaos ensues.
Eaton does a great job when creeping us out. We get unflinchingly scary moments where things creep in the trees and eyes are spotted. We also get to see some really dark moments with the older sister. She keeps saying things that are horribly brutal and frightening to hear. Things like she shouldn’t have come home because she’s going to die anyways etc.
The story really takes off after a car accident occurs and something attacks the driver. It works well to set up the chain of events that take place after that and leads us to a horrifying conclusion.
What I didn’t like: Ok, mild spoilers in this section so stay clear if you wanna stay completely free of story plot points.
Firstly, the constant reactions that occur throughout towards Shelby, when she returns drove me batty. Over and over we hear her younger sister say a variation of ‘why are you acting like this?’ as though she expected her sister, who has been missing in the woods for a year, to just waltz back in and return to normal.
Secondly, there’s a frequent ‘convenience’ effect that occurs. The loner, odd boy just happens to be a monster hunter and there’s a contract to sign. Cara just happens to come across the car accident. She just happens to find things in the woods. Even when others are searching, she’s the one that finds it. It took away a lot of the potential of fear.
Lastly, I found the way the story unfolded to feel more like a short story that was expanded upon with an almost ‘and then’ effect, where just as it should naturally end something else is thrown our way. It really diminished some of the flow.
Why you should buy this: This one ultimately feel in the middle of the road for me. Frequent moments that pulled me along, only to be undone by odd interactions and frustration repetition. Eaton does do creepy really well and I think the flow that annoyed me at times is more a personal thing and many readers will absolutely love how it occurs. The closest I can relate it too, is I went in expecting a movie and it turned out to be a mini-series, if that makes sense.
Eaton has created an intriguing folklore type story here, one I think many folks will really dig.
February 22, 2023
Horror Bookworm Reviews
The Insatiable Hunger Of Trees by Samantha Eaton
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
When Cara’s sister vanishes, suspicions and gossip run rampant regarding the nearby wooded area. From serial killer to government cover-ups to local legends of strange creatures, it seems the trees within the forest hold all the secrets. One day her sister unexpectedly returns back home, however under the most unusual of circumstances. Cara takes it upon herself to uncover the mysterious truths about her sister’s disappearance, no matter how horrific they might be.
Samantha Eaton intertwines brutal branches of violence with roots of urban legends in her tense filled novel, The Insatiable Hunger Of Trees. The Minnesota evergreens, pines and spruces establish an ominous setting of dreadful winter foreshadowing the supernatural colliding with reality. The fabled Winter Tree along with the Iceheart creature provides the reader with a disturbing insight into a mysterious family tragedy. Expect a multilayered story to this hunting ground of horrors.
This is my first time reading Samantha Eaton and what a pleasant experience of unearthly folklore it is. It’s a literal page turner that borders on obsession to find the truth and a final revealment. Creepy, weird and bloody are all descriptive elements that prompts plenty of profound goosebump moments. Guaranteed to leave a trail of ice within the readers veins, this novel is one heck of a well written tale of terror.
Next time you experience a steady snowfall within the nearby woods, be sure to keep your head on swivel and know your surroundings. Something could be watching from the overgrowth awaiting its next victim. Grab your copy of The Insatiable Hunger Of Trees and hope it’s not you. “…the cold doesn’t go away…” A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
The Insatiable Hunger Of Trees by Samantha Eaton
https://horrorbookwormreviews.com/
When Cara’s sister vanishes, suspicions and gossip run rampant regarding the nearby wooded area. From serial killer to government cover-ups to local legends of strange creatures, it seems the trees within the forest hold all the secrets. One day her sister unexpectedly returns back home, however under the most unusual of circumstances. Cara takes it upon herself to uncover the mysterious truths about her sister’s disappearance, no matter how horrific they might be.
Samantha Eaton intertwines brutal branches of violence with roots of urban legends in her tense filled novel, The Insatiable Hunger Of Trees. The Minnesota evergreens, pines and spruces establish an ominous setting of dreadful winter foreshadowing the supernatural colliding with reality. The fabled Winter Tree along with the Iceheart creature provides the reader with a disturbing insight into a mysterious family tragedy. Expect a multilayered story to this hunting ground of horrors.
This is my first time reading Samantha Eaton and what a pleasant experience of unearthly folklore it is. It’s a literal page turner that borders on obsession to find the truth and a final revealment. Creepy, weird and bloody are all descriptive elements that prompts plenty of profound goosebump moments. Guaranteed to leave a trail of ice within the readers veins, this novel is one heck of a well written tale of terror.
Next time you experience a steady snowfall within the nearby woods, be sure to keep your head on swivel and know your surroundings. Something could be watching from the overgrowth awaiting its next victim. Grab your copy of The Insatiable Hunger Of Trees and hope it’s not you. “…the cold doesn’t go away…” A five star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Horror Bookworm Recommendation.
October 12, 2024
I have read early drafts of this book and even then it was a 5 star read! I can’t wait to have a finished copy on my shelf!
September 2, 2022
This was an incredible read that I didn’t want to put down. Eaton’s writing was fast-paced yet descriptive. I instantly connected with the main character Cara, as well as her family and Lucas. I don’t want to give too much away, but the storyline was fantastic and kept me wanting to find out what happened next.
This was an excellent debut from Eaton and I can’t wait to read more of her work!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
This was an excellent debut from Eaton and I can’t wait to read more of her work!
Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
June 23, 2024
This novel is about loss and grief while also being a bloody and terrifying creature feature.
Cara is in high school and one day her older sister goes missing. She and her parents are devastated but after a year goes by, they continue to hold out hope that Shelby is still somehow alive somewhere.
When Shelby returns out of the blue she's not the same. She says cryptic things and refuses to talk about where she's been. Cara is starting to see something, an impossible something, that seems to be stalking her.
As more people go missing and piles of human bones are found, it becomes apparent that it's tied to whatever happened to Shelby. And it's hungry.
This novel really combines the grief of losing a loved one and a terrifying creature tied to the woods really well. The characters are realistic and the actual monster is unique and unlike anything I've read before. The action scenes are relentless and brutal while the after effects of such a loss hangs heavy in the air.
And, of course, there are secrets to be revealed, not just about the family but about other people in town who might be the key to stopping the carnage.
I loved this one and I highly recommend it.
Cara is in high school and one day her older sister goes missing. She and her parents are devastated but after a year goes by, they continue to hold out hope that Shelby is still somehow alive somewhere.
When Shelby returns out of the blue she's not the same. She says cryptic things and refuses to talk about where she's been. Cara is starting to see something, an impossible something, that seems to be stalking her.
As more people go missing and piles of human bones are found, it becomes apparent that it's tied to whatever happened to Shelby. And it's hungry.
This novel really combines the grief of losing a loved one and a terrifying creature tied to the woods really well. The characters are realistic and the actual monster is unique and unlike anything I've read before. The action scenes are relentless and brutal while the after effects of such a loss hangs heavy in the air.
And, of course, there are secrets to be revealed, not just about the family but about other people in town who might be the key to stopping the carnage.
I loved this one and I highly recommend it.
September 2, 2022
Such a great book! I got sucked into the story and couldn’t put it down.
May 30, 2023
I read this in one sitting. The story was emanating and spooky.
November 21, 2022
Superb book and a fast read! If you're into cryptids, cats, and horror as a whole this is a great book to start with
March 27, 2023
A huge thank you to Samantha Eaton for sending me a complimentary review copy. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
Creepy, unsettling and full of dread from literally the first chapter, I knew immediately I was in for a treat with The Insatiable Hunger of Trees. A solid monster story through and through, Samantha Eaton has a firm grasp on what makes your skin crawl.
Beginning with an ominous sighting in the woods and an intense car accident, TIHoT hits the ground running. Told in the first person, Cara makes for a highly engaging and very relatable protagonist. I was genuinely fearful for her throughout the whole novel and found it near impossible to stop reading. I finished this roller-coaster of a horror tale in two sittings.
The blurb says all you need to know, so I won’t linger on the plot too much, but the themes of addiction and letting go really resonated with me. As a recovering addict, I thought the monster and the horror served as an excellent metaphor for addiction and what it does not just to you, but to those around you.
This novel did give some Supernatural, the CW show, vibes, and I loved it. Not so much that it doesn’t stand on its own, but just enough to make this SPNFamily member smile.
Now, this is a horror novel, and a monster novel at that. Don’t let my talk of themes and metaphors make you think this is some cerebral, “is it real, is it psychosis”, story. There is definitely a monster and it is brutal. Visceral violence, buckets of gore, the cover to this novel isn’t pulling your leg. As a gore-hound, TIHoT was a blood-bath to please the most jaded fans.
A horror novel with real, relatable characters, high stakes you can feel, blood-soaked tension and action as well as a terrifying monster, The Insatiable Hunger of Trees is perfect for fans of Stephen King, Nick Cutter and/or Grady Hendrix. Samantha Eaton has cemented herself as an instant read author for me and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the horror genre next.
Creepy, unsettling and full of dread from literally the first chapter, I knew immediately I was in for a treat with The Insatiable Hunger of Trees. A solid monster story through and through, Samantha Eaton has a firm grasp on what makes your skin crawl.
Beginning with an ominous sighting in the woods and an intense car accident, TIHoT hits the ground running. Told in the first person, Cara makes for a highly engaging and very relatable protagonist. I was genuinely fearful for her throughout the whole novel and found it near impossible to stop reading. I finished this roller-coaster of a horror tale in two sittings.
The blurb says all you need to know, so I won’t linger on the plot too much, but the themes of addiction and letting go really resonated with me. As a recovering addict, I thought the monster and the horror served as an excellent metaphor for addiction and what it does not just to you, but to those around you.
This novel did give some Supernatural, the CW show, vibes, and I loved it. Not so much that it doesn’t stand on its own, but just enough to make this SPNFamily member smile.
Now, this is a horror novel, and a monster novel at that. Don’t let my talk of themes and metaphors make you think this is some cerebral, “is it real, is it psychosis”, story. There is definitely a monster and it is brutal. Visceral violence, buckets of gore, the cover to this novel isn’t pulling your leg. As a gore-hound, TIHoT was a blood-bath to please the most jaded fans.
A horror novel with real, relatable characters, high stakes you can feel, blood-soaked tension and action as well as a terrifying monster, The Insatiable Hunger of Trees is perfect for fans of Stephen King, Nick Cutter and/or Grady Hendrix. Samantha Eaton has cemented herself as an instant read author for me and I can’t wait to see what she brings to the horror genre next.
March 22, 2023
4.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Do yourself a favor and snuggle up with this book on a blustery winter day and you will be sucked right in! This book was a delightful, horrific treat. We follow Cara as she navigates her sisters disappearance and the monsters that seem to torment her small town. The atmosphere in this book is thick with small town lore and that familiar small town claustrophobic feeling. The conversation of grief, guilt and loss was handled in an approachable way despite the heaviness of the subject. The monsters are terrifying. The type of terrifying that makes your skin crawl and you check out your own window just to make sure nothing is lurking outside.
Since this is an indie published novel, there are a few typos and formatting errors. But overall, they have no effect on the story itself. I do wish we got more lore and interaction with The Winter Tree. While the connection is there, I just longed for more screen time between the tree and the overall mystery. Also, I wish we got to witness more of Cara and Lucas’s friendship. It is a very interesting dynamic in the book, I just wish we got more soft moment between the two.
Overall, I devoured this novel in a few days. It is a fast, engaging, horrific and emotional read. This book was terrifying and fun 10 of 10 recommended and can’t wait to see what this author writes next!
Do yourself a favor and snuggle up with this book on a blustery winter day and you will be sucked right in! This book was a delightful, horrific treat. We follow Cara as she navigates her sisters disappearance and the monsters that seem to torment her small town. The atmosphere in this book is thick with small town lore and that familiar small town claustrophobic feeling. The conversation of grief, guilt and loss was handled in an approachable way despite the heaviness of the subject. The monsters are terrifying. The type of terrifying that makes your skin crawl and you check out your own window just to make sure nothing is lurking outside.
Since this is an indie published novel, there are a few typos and formatting errors. But overall, they have no effect on the story itself. I do wish we got more lore and interaction with The Winter Tree. While the connection is there, I just longed for more screen time between the tree and the overall mystery. Also, I wish we got to witness more of Cara and Lucas’s friendship. It is a very interesting dynamic in the book, I just wish we got more soft moment between the two.
Overall, I devoured this novel in a few days. It is a fast, engaging, horrific and emotional read. This book was terrifying and fun 10 of 10 recommended and can’t wait to see what this author writes next!
May 29, 2023
Solid cryptid horror as our protagonist, Cara, tries to come to terms with the sudden return of her sister, Shelby, who has been missing for a year while dealing with increasingly mysterious and terrifying happenings. The creep factor is well done with lots of atmospheric details focused on the neighboring forest and a strange creature that haunts it. Cara is a sympathetic character, a teenager whose ambitions of going to college and escaping her small town are threatened by the eldritch monster. The main drawback to the plot for me is it seemed entirely obvious why Shelby is acting so weird way before the connection dawns on Cara. If Cara is as smart as portrayed, I think she would have put two and two together much earlier. (Side note: if the pets in your life suddenly fear and dislike someone with a passion, pay attention to them!) The flashbacks to their sibling relationship pre-Shelby's disappearance add some nice emotional heft to the story but I found that for me they interrupted the flow a bit. Also found the secret monster society a bit of a stretch. Might have been more thrilling and interesting if Cara had been left to confront the monster alone. Still, I enjoyed the original aspects of the story and the atmosphere created very much, so it was worth a read for me.
May 8, 2023
Thank you so much to the author, Samantha Eaton, for sending me a copy of her amazing debut novel! The Insatiable Hunger of Trees is so wonderfully horrifying. Without spoiling, it fills pretty much every horror need, from paranormal horror, body horror, and psychological horror, and I really couldn't get enough!
I was obsessed with the monster of the novel, and I want more! The lore was wonderfully woven in, without feeling info-dumpy but still telling readers where it came from and why it was there. I also really enjoyed the characters (Lucas was probably my favorite after Charlie and Paisley of course), and though they were all great, they all had flaws which just made each of them so human in contrast to the monster. There were times I was screaming at the main character, Cara, and other times I was rooting for her.
If you love YA horror with spooky monsters, complex characters, and cats, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of The Insatiable Hunger of Trees!
I was obsessed with the monster of the novel, and I want more! The lore was wonderfully woven in, without feeling info-dumpy but still telling readers where it came from and why it was there. I also really enjoyed the characters (Lucas was probably my favorite after Charlie and Paisley of course), and though they were all great, they all had flaws which just made each of them so human in contrast to the monster. There were times I was screaming at the main character, Cara, and other times I was rooting for her.
If you love YA horror with spooky monsters, complex characters, and cats, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of The Insatiable Hunger of Trees!
July 26, 2023
Three and a half rounded up for me. There is a level of repetition that I found was a mixed bag for me in the dialogue. But with the only perceptible negative out of the way lets dig into the forest. The horror in here is super effective, the MC feels real and lived in, and the ecological themes that run through this novel are thought provoking. Its rare I find such clear themes in YA novel. This feels like a first step into something grander, I only advise you avoid the trees so we can see exactly that entails for Samantha Eaton.
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May 23, 2023THE INSATIABLE HUNGER OF TREES, Samantha Eaton's debut, is an instantly gripping horror story with a genuinely terrifying, unique creature wreaking havoc- but its also a layered, affecting reflection on grief, coming to terms with unpleasant truths, and not letting tragedy consume you.
October 30, 2023
3.5☆ story rounded up to 4☆ for the cover art and the awesome book title.
February 13, 2025
excellent story and a quick read
October 2, 2022
Unease sets in immediately when a strange figure appears to be watching her from the woods.
Do you remember being young and someone telling you a scary story for the first time that actually scared you? It was a simple story and it shouldn’t have left the impression it did but you always have it in the back of your mind? This book is like that. At first nothing major happens. Little moments that get you alert. Reminding you of how you felt as a child. Like someone/something could hurt you if they wanted.
I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a few hours. Perfect book for the first “official” day of the spooky season! It has everything I look for in a book.
I highly recommend this book if you love local lore, cryptids and stories where someone missing comes back changed.
Thanks Sadie/Mother of Horror for giving me the opportunity to read this through your Dark Library. I can’t wait to see what else Samantha Eaton comes out with!
Do you remember being young and someone telling you a scary story for the first time that actually scared you? It was a simple story and it shouldn’t have left the impression it did but you always have it in the back of your mind? This book is like that. At first nothing major happens. Little moments that get you alert. Reminding you of how you felt as a child. Like someone/something could hurt you if they wanted.
I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in a few hours. Perfect book for the first “official” day of the spooky season! It has everything I look for in a book.
I highly recommend this book if you love local lore, cryptids and stories where someone missing comes back changed.
Thanks Sadie/Mother of Horror for giving me the opportunity to read this through your Dark Library. I can’t wait to see what else Samantha Eaton comes out with!
September 15, 2022
This was a very fast paced interesting read! Great characters. I really enjoyed it even though I tend to shy away from horror. I highly recommend it!
March 23, 2023
‘I’ve done something unforgivable, and it followed me here…’
Samantha Eaton delivers a horror tale through the vessel of atmosphere and originality with a different take on the creature feature that carries a certain sophistication.
With a main character in high school, the expectation to take the ultra dramatic teenage angst route would appear obvious but not here, our hero ‘Cara Hughes’ is presented in a more grounded way along with her life much like many of the horror elements in this story that is packed with mystery and unpredictability. Of course we do see the usual school politics and antics of kids who are that age which is delivered through snippets of flashbacks that plant seeds for what is unfolding now and what is to come. Hysteria spreads quickly among the students along with rumours that whisper murder or worse.
‘My body may be in the classroom, but my mind wanders…’
From the start readers are fed an atmosphere which is this book’s ultimate strength and captures the forest setting, theme and personality of every major character. Something is out there and it has taken lives and even loved ones so when a missing presumed dead sibling returns, for ‘Cara’ it sets her on a path of realisation that a sinister presence is watching.
‘Someone was watching me tonight. Just like they have been watching me every night for weeks. I wonder if, one of these nights, they’ll want to do more than watch…’
The journey of realisation and then revelation kept me turning pages while I also found myself savouring certain face off moments between ‘Cara’ and the unknown forcers that were both immersive and gripping. For anyone who enjoys atmospheric horror with a slow burn and the presence of kittens every now and then, this one is for you because there is something out there.
Samantha Eaton delivers a horror tale through the vessel of atmosphere and originality with a different take on the creature feature that carries a certain sophistication.
With a main character in high school, the expectation to take the ultra dramatic teenage angst route would appear obvious but not here, our hero ‘Cara Hughes’ is presented in a more grounded way along with her life much like many of the horror elements in this story that is packed with mystery and unpredictability. Of course we do see the usual school politics and antics of kids who are that age which is delivered through snippets of flashbacks that plant seeds for what is unfolding now and what is to come. Hysteria spreads quickly among the students along with rumours that whisper murder or worse.
‘My body may be in the classroom, but my mind wanders…’
From the start readers are fed an atmosphere which is this book’s ultimate strength and captures the forest setting, theme and personality of every major character. Something is out there and it has taken lives and even loved ones so when a missing presumed dead sibling returns, for ‘Cara’ it sets her on a path of realisation that a sinister presence is watching.
‘Someone was watching me tonight. Just like they have been watching me every night for weeks. I wonder if, one of these nights, they’ll want to do more than watch…’
The journey of realisation and then revelation kept me turning pages while I also found myself savouring certain face off moments between ‘Cara’ and the unknown forcers that were both immersive and gripping. For anyone who enjoys atmospheric horror with a slow burn and the presence of kittens every now and then, this one is for you because there is something out there.
March 26, 2023
Note: I received a free copy of "The Insatiable Hunter of Trees" from Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
With prose that sometimes read as poetry, "The Insatiable Hunter of Trees" was a decent read. It was a book about change--about the changes of growing up, of growing apart from those that you love. It was about the strength of sisterhood, about the weakness of family, about the horrors of watching someone you love waste away until they are no longer the person you knew.
I enjoyed reading it, and ended up staying up late tonight in order to finish it. However, it is not a spotless story. First of all, there were a few typos and formating issues with the Kindle copy I read. Nothing major, but they were a little jarring when I came across them. Secondly, I felt like there were some inconsistencies within the story itself. I am not sure if the narrator is meant to be unreliable, but she came off that way at times. I also felt like the pacing was off. It starts off with almost no build up--a monster stalks the main character within the first few pages of the book--but then starts to slog in the middle. The ending felt rushed, though the climax was satisfying.
I would suggest "The Insatiable Hunger of Trees" for anyone just getting into horror. It has plenty of body horror and some psychological horror to keep readers' appetites just wetted. I look forward to more from the author.
With prose that sometimes read as poetry, "The Insatiable Hunter of Trees" was a decent read. It was a book about change--about the changes of growing up, of growing apart from those that you love. It was about the strength of sisterhood, about the weakness of family, about the horrors of watching someone you love waste away until they are no longer the person you knew.
I enjoyed reading it, and ended up staying up late tonight in order to finish it. However, it is not a spotless story. First of all, there were a few typos and formating issues with the Kindle copy I read. Nothing major, but they were a little jarring when I came across them. Secondly, I felt like there were some inconsistencies within the story itself. I am not sure if the narrator is meant to be unreliable, but she came off that way at times. I also felt like the pacing was off. It starts off with almost no build up--a monster stalks the main character within the first few pages of the book--but then starts to slog in the middle. The ending felt rushed, though the climax was satisfying.
I would suggest "The Insatiable Hunger of Trees" for anyone just getting into horror. It has plenty of body horror and some psychological horror to keep readers' appetites just wetted. I look forward to more from the author.
April 22, 2023
This book was rated 3.5 stars out of 5 for me, a bit higher than my usual 3. I liked the concept and descriptive writing within the book. The theme has been done, but the story is still very imaginative. The starting imagery helps one get into the story.
There is a twist: Cara is trying to save her sister even though she was never able to be saved. Cara doesn’t believe this until Jasmine tells her. The one point that weakens this part of the story arc is that it takes Cara, a seemingly very intelligent girl, a very long time to suspect her sister is the host. It would have made more sense for Cara to figure this out earlier, but to trust in Lucas because she wants to save her sister. Then the twist that her sister can’t be saved. Just my thought.
There is a twist: Cara is trying to save her sister even though she was never able to be saved. Cara doesn’t believe this until Jasmine tells her. The one point that weakens this part of the story arc is that it takes Cara, a seemingly very intelligent girl, a very long time to suspect her sister is the host. It would have made more sense for Cara to figure this out earlier, but to trust in Lucas because she wants to save her sister. Then the twist that her sister can’t be saved. Just my thought.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2025
This book made me like cryptids.
I've never really liked cryptids or unrealistic horror. If it couldn't actually happen, then it doesn't scare or interest me. But wow. I read this book in just two days--faster than I ever have. The chapter setup was weird at first, but it makes so much sense. The drip feed of information by switching between before and after Shelby's disappearance was perfectly paced. The main character, Cara, isn't some flawless person; she makes mistakes, she says things she regrets, she says sorry. The description of the creature is haunting.
I read this on a road trip and I now regret reading it first because there's no way the other books I brought with me can be this good.
I've never really liked cryptids or unrealistic horror. If it couldn't actually happen, then it doesn't scare or interest me. But wow. I read this book in just two days--faster than I ever have. The chapter setup was weird at first, but it makes so much sense. The drip feed of information by switching between before and after Shelby's disappearance was perfectly paced. The main character, Cara, isn't some flawless person; she makes mistakes, she says things she regrets, she says sorry. The description of the creature is haunting.
I read this on a road trip and I now regret reading it first because there's no way the other books I brought with me can be this good.
July 1, 2025
Deliciously eerie!
The descriptions sucked me right in and clutched me. While it was pretty easy to guess who the monster was, it was fascinating to see its façade break down.
The little flash back sprinkled throughout were short and sweet and added beautifully to the tension.
It was kinda like being in an episode of Supernatural when an urban legend comes to life and the characters don’t know that Sam and Dean are coming to save the day. This MC is pretty much on her own.
I love that a teenager’s poor decision making skill actually have consequences. That the adults are, in fact, wiser than these kids give them credit for.
If the woods start whispering your name, run. Run fast in the opposite direction.
The descriptions sucked me right in and clutched me. While it was pretty easy to guess who the monster was, it was fascinating to see its façade break down.
The little flash back sprinkled throughout were short and sweet and added beautifully to the tension.
It was kinda like being in an episode of Supernatural when an urban legend comes to life and the characters don’t know that Sam and Dean are coming to save the day. This MC is pretty much on her own.
I love that a teenager’s poor decision making skill actually have consequences. That the adults are, in fact, wiser than these kids give them credit for.
If the woods start whispering your name, run. Run fast in the opposite direction.
March 30, 2023
The Insatiable Hunger of Trees was an incredible read. There were a few small typos throughout that I couldn’t help but notice thanks to the Adjunct Professor in me, but they did not take away from the experience of this story.
The story briefly introduces the monster very early on and gives increasingly more information on it as the book progresses. The characters were relatable and Cara felt so real. The story is so compelling too.
I live across the street from a long stretch of trees that lead to the forest. The snow blankets the ground leading up to it. Every time I see this, it made me thing of the book and the winter setting.
Just read the book. You’ll love it.
The story briefly introduces the monster very early on and gives increasingly more information on it as the book progresses. The characters were relatable and Cara felt so real. The story is so compelling too.
I live across the street from a long stretch of trees that lead to the forest. The snow blankets the ground leading up to it. Every time I see this, it made me thing of the book and the winter setting.
Just read the book. You’ll love it.
April 22, 2023
The tone of the Insatiable Hunger of Trees reminds me of the creeping fear and cold that terrorizes its main character, Cara. Samantha Eaton has written a tale that stands in toe with the writing of Simone St. James and Max Brooks.
Horror is a difficult genre to do well and Eaton makes it look easy with her succinct, crisp writing and grotesque descriptions. Eaton states in her Goodreads bio that she grew up reading Stephen King and for me, King is terrible about using run-on paragraphs for descriptions.
Not so in The Insatiable Hunger of Trees. Eaton's pacing is perfect; never overstaying her welcome from chapter to chapter.
I think one of the scariest things in this book doesn't lie in the visual terror but in the fear of knowing that someone or something has invaded your community. In the interest of being spoiler free, I won't say anymore then that but if you've read the book, you'll know what I mean.
I think my only criticism is how hard the author is on the character, Lucas. It felt like Cara was just mean for the sake of being mean to poor Lucas, who was just trying to help her. On the flip side, two of my favorite characters are Cara's friend Mel and Lucas's mom. Again, no spoilers, but these two characters are both strong women who inspire Cara to show courage and strength as well. I love me some girl power in a book.
I look forward to Eaton's next book, The Roots in Your Bones
Horror is a difficult genre to do well and Eaton makes it look easy with her succinct, crisp writing and grotesque descriptions. Eaton states in her Goodreads bio that she grew up reading Stephen King and for me, King is terrible about using run-on paragraphs for descriptions.
Not so in The Insatiable Hunger of Trees. Eaton's pacing is perfect; never overstaying her welcome from chapter to chapter.
I think one of the scariest things in this book doesn't lie in the visual terror but in the fear of knowing that someone or something has invaded your community. In the interest of being spoiler free, I won't say anymore then that but if you've read the book, you'll know what I mean.
I think my only criticism is how hard the author is on the character, Lucas. It felt like Cara was just mean for the sake of being mean to poor Lucas, who was just trying to help her. On the flip side, two of my favorite characters are Cara's friend Mel and Lucas's mom. Again, no spoilers, but these two characters are both strong women who inspire Cara to show courage and strength as well. I love me some girl power in a book.
I look forward to Eaton's next book, The Roots in Your Bones
June 14, 2023
I devoured this debut novel over one weekend. If you love books that are atmospheric, fast-paced, and chilling, then you’ll love this book. It’s a page turner and not because of the short chapters (which I always love), but because the story is compelling, and the writing is well done. I love Samantha’s prose and I’m certain you will too.
My only suggestion when reading TIHOT, is have a blanket close by for warmth and protection, because the story will take you into the cold depths of a snowy forest and chill you to the bone, whilst scare you to death from the brutal tension, blood-soaked darkness and monsters that lie within the forest and in us.
My only suggestion when reading TIHOT, is have a blanket close by for warmth and protection, because the story will take you into the cold depths of a snowy forest and chill you to the bone, whilst scare you to death from the brutal tension, blood-soaked darkness and monsters that lie within the forest and in us.
January 14, 2025
I like the book, but I can't help but dislike Cara. In my opinion she is rather irritating as she doesn't tell Lucas the truth until later and is Shelby's little pet where she can't say no to her bratty sister. I get that Cara cares for her sister, but it is clear she is turning into something and she isn't willing to accept that. I really didn't enjoy how the author killed Lucas. He is my favorite character and now he is dead :'(. Anyway I enjoyed the book anyways especially that there was a slow build up where we got to see glimpses of the monster at the beginning and slowly throughout the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 25, 2025
10/10 cover art. Beautiful.
5/10 writing. Meh.
Protagonist is a person that 80% of people would love to hate. Makes statements that are deeply cutting and hurtful, most likely because she is hurt herself... but it sounds forced --- not natural.
Character development is subpar. Lucas's personality is like any other teen boys. Main character's personality is like any other angsty teen girl. Typical. Surface level.
Plot was engaging at times. Imagery is above average. I love the monster and how vile the author made it.
Recommended by teen student. I might not be the right age for this one.
5/10 writing. Meh.
Protagonist is a person that 80% of people would love to hate. Makes statements that are deeply cutting and hurtful, most likely because she is hurt herself... but it sounds forced --- not natural.
Character development is subpar. Lucas's personality is like any other teen boys. Main character's personality is like any other angsty teen girl. Typical. Surface level.
Plot was engaging at times. Imagery is above average. I love the monster and how vile the author made it.
Recommended by teen student. I might not be the right age for this one.
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