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The Forest
One of Amazon’s Most Popular Horror Authors, #1 bestseller Michaelbrent Collings brings you his most thrilling story… and invites you to get lost in The Forest.Three kids went in.Now, twenty years later, the two survivors are going back…For Tricia and Alex, the idea is find and rescue their friend, Sam, from his insane mother.“Nightmare fuel… intense and downright scary.” – Horror Geek LifeBut when they enter the forest, they discover that their idea is anything but simple. Because this forest isn’t like any other.“I loved this crazy ride of a novel!” – The Reading NookIn this forest, a silver mist cloaks the truth. In this forest, a simple trip of a few miles can turn into a nightmare.In this forest, the monsters are real.“I found myself drawn into the terror and confusion…. Nicely done.” – Rae’s Reading LoungeTwenty years later, Tricia and Alex remember nothing of what happened that day they lost their friend. They know only that three kids went in, but only two came out.“Impressive, engrossing… I read it within one sitting.” – Scared SheeplessNow, they are going back. To find their lost memories. To discover what happened to Sam that day."It was intriguing, it was original, it was... a mind-f***." - Well-Read BeardTo encounter fear itself.“A wild ride…” – Guildmaster GamingThe forest, as Alex and Tricia will discover, is a place where madness reigns. A place where a simple path becomes an ordeal. A place where the past comes to life, and the future is anything but certain.Because the dead don’t stay dead… in The Forest.
CRITICAL PRAISE FOR COLLINGS' OTHER "Collings... has a gift for conjuring unsettling atmospheres and subverting readers' expectations." - Publishers Weeklypublishersweekly.com/978-1-08-115988-7"I knew I was in for a treat when I opened [Collings' book]." - ScreamFixscreamfix.com/book-review-terminal-by..."Collings is a master." - Scream Magazinescreamhorrormag.com/twisted-book-review/"I read [Collings' book] at one sitting, kept changing my mind who I was rooting for, and gasped aloud several times at expertly-done twists." - The Horror Fiction Reviewthehorrorfictionreview.blogspot.com/2..."I've been a fan of Michaelbrent Collings' books for a long time... but I have never been disappointed in any of them." - Horror Novel Reviewshorrornovelreviews.com/2019/05/02/mic..."If you want excitement, don't miss this one." - Monster Librarianmonsterlibrarian.
CRITICAL PRAISE FOR COLLINGS' OTHER "Collings... has a gift for conjuring unsettling atmospheres and subverting readers' expectations." - Publishers Weeklypublishersweekly.com/978-1-08-115988-7"I knew I was in for a treat when I opened [Collings' book]." - ScreamFixscreamfix.com/book-review-terminal-by..."Collings is a master." - Scream Magazinescreamhorrormag.com/twisted-book-review/"I read [Collings' book] at one sitting, kept changing my mind who I was rooting for, and gasped aloud several times at expertly-done twists." - The Horror Fiction Reviewthehorrorfictionreview.blogspot.com/2..."I've been a fan of Michaelbrent Collings' books for a long time... but I have never been disappointed in any of them." - Horror Novel Reviewshorrornovelreviews.com/2019/05/02/mic..."If you want excitement, don't miss this one." - Monster Librarianmonsterlibrarian.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 18, 2020
1072 people are currently reading
406 people want to read
About the author
Michaelbrent Collings
92 books660 followersOne of the most versatile writers around, Michaelbrent Collings is an internationally bestselling novelist, produced screenwriter, and multiple Bram Stoker Award finalist. While he is best known for horror (and is one of the most successful indie horror authors in the United States), he has also written bestselling thriller, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, humor, young adult, and middle grade works, and Western Romance.
In addition to being a bestselling novelist, Michaelbrent has also received critical acclaim: he is the only person who has ever been a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award, a Dragon Award, a RONE Award, and a Whitney award: and he and his work have been reviewed and/or featured on everything from Publishers Weekly to Scream Magazine to NPR. He is also a frequent guest at comic cons and on writing podcasts like Six Figure Authors, The Creative Penn, and Writing Excuses.
Find more about him at his website, WrittenInsomnia.com, or sign up for his mailing list (and get a free book!) at http://writteninsomnia.com/michaelbre....
In addition to being a bestselling novelist, Michaelbrent has also received critical acclaim: he is the only person who has ever been a finalist for a Bram Stoker Award, a Dragon Award, a RONE Award, and a Whitney award: and he and his work have been reviewed and/or featured on everything from Publishers Weekly to Scream Magazine to NPR. He is also a frequent guest at comic cons and on writing podcasts like Six Figure Authors, The Creative Penn, and Writing Excuses.
Find more about him at his website, WrittenInsomnia.com, or sign up for his mailing list (and get a free book!) at http://writteninsomnia.com/michaelbre....
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
August 17, 2020
3.5 Stars!
THE FOREST, by Michaelbrent Collings, infuses a multitude of genres into one mind-bending horrific adventure. The story takes place within two primary time-lines. When our main characters--Tricia, Alex, and Sam--were young, and the grown up versions of Tricia and Alex. While these alternated often, Collings clearly marked each chapter with the timeline it represented, to help alleviate any confusion.
"The dead don't stay dead in the forest. Remember that . . ."
I really enjoyed the characters here--the way they "grow" emotionally, yet retain the personalities they are first presented with. The alternating viewpoints served to enhance this, and showed a consistency throughout--at least, where Tricia and Alex were concerned.
". . . it is only the extraordinarily smart, the rarest of geniuses, who grow smart enough to know how unalterably stupid they still are . . . "
The concept was one that kept me on my toes, as well. I couldn't stop thinking about "what" had--and was currently--occurring all throughout.
"Ignorance was never really bliss . . . but knowledge could sometimes be misery . . . "
My only issues with this novel fell into more of a "person preference" category. Some types of storytelling just don't work for every reader. In here, we have the surreal feeling of being in a never-ending dream or nightmare state, and that's a style I just don't care as much for, personally. There was a bit too much of the repetitive "the thought was there, but he/she just couldn't remember it..." for my tastes.
". . . Not a nightmare, but a nightmare of a nightmare . . ."
Overall, the writing style is incredible. The idea, characters, and progression felt solid to me up until close to the end. My only hold-up was that the perpetual confusion and half-remembered visions the story utilized, is not one that I personally enjoy. I prefer a more . . . concrete . . . approach. However, this is only an individual preference, and many others love these details.
THE FOREST, by Michaelbrent Collings, infuses a multitude of genres into one mind-bending horrific adventure. The story takes place within two primary time-lines. When our main characters--Tricia, Alex, and Sam--were young, and the grown up versions of Tricia and Alex. While these alternated often, Collings clearly marked each chapter with the timeline it represented, to help alleviate any confusion.
"The dead don't stay dead in the forest. Remember that . . ."
I really enjoyed the characters here--the way they "grow" emotionally, yet retain the personalities they are first presented with. The alternating viewpoints served to enhance this, and showed a consistency throughout--at least, where Tricia and Alex were concerned.
". . . it is only the extraordinarily smart, the rarest of geniuses, who grow smart enough to know how unalterably stupid they still are . . . "
The concept was one that kept me on my toes, as well. I couldn't stop thinking about "what" had--and was currently--occurring all throughout.
"Ignorance was never really bliss . . . but knowledge could sometimes be misery . . . "
My only issues with this novel fell into more of a "person preference" category. Some types of storytelling just don't work for every reader. In here, we have the surreal feeling of being in a never-ending dream or nightmare state, and that's a style I just don't care as much for, personally. There was a bit too much of the repetitive "the thought was there, but he/she just couldn't remember it..." for my tastes.
". . . Not a nightmare, but a nightmare of a nightmare . . ."
Overall, the writing style is incredible. The idea, characters, and progression felt solid to me up until close to the end. My only hold-up was that the perpetual confusion and half-remembered visions the story utilized, is not one that I personally enjoy. I prefer a more . . . concrete . . . approach. However, this is only an individual preference, and many others love these details.
August 19, 2020
The Forest is a familiar story…they go into the forest and they don’t all come out. It’s what the author does to the characters more any original idea that will be the deciding factor. Having read some of Michaelbrent Collings stories, I expect something…surprising.
Alex and Trish are best friends. They are highly intelligent and keep to themselves…until Sam. He fits right in with them.
Now, Sam’s lost…in the forest…and they are going in to find him. They believe in science, regardless of what they saw, and they are looking for scientific answers. They have a need to understand…WHAT IN THE HELL IS IN THE FOREST?
The writing takes us to the past and back to the present again and again. In the beginning, I was confused, but quickly got the hang of it. As I reached the end, it all became clear.
I had a high level of anticipation when I opened The Forest, because I have read some of his other work and loved it. Though this was not my favorite Michaelbrent Collings novel, I did enjoy reading it. I am sorry to say that I was, at times, bored, finding my mind wandering. Could it be the writing (this is an ARC), the story being familiar, or Covid and the fact that I have been at home for almost six months now…
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of The Forest by Michaelbrent Collings.
See more at fundinmental
Alex and Trish are best friends. They are highly intelligent and keep to themselves…until Sam. He fits right in with them.
Now, Sam’s lost…in the forest…and they are going in to find him. They believe in science, regardless of what they saw, and they are looking for scientific answers. They have a need to understand…WHAT IN THE HELL IS IN THE FOREST?
The writing takes us to the past and back to the present again and again. In the beginning, I was confused, but quickly got the hang of it. As I reached the end, it all became clear.
I had a high level of anticipation when I opened The Forest, because I have read some of his other work and loved it. Though this was not my favorite Michaelbrent Collings novel, I did enjoy reading it. I am sorry to say that I was, at times, bored, finding my mind wandering. Could it be the writing (this is an ARC), the story being familiar, or Covid and the fact that I have been at home for almost six months now…
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of The Forest by Michaelbrent Collings.
See more at fundinmental
July 23, 2021
Now available on Audible. Rookie Robert Fisher did a fantastic job. Congrats!
This is a pretty weird book that just gets weirder and weirder. It’s told in parallel timelines, which are pretty easy to keep straight.
Super smart high-schoolers Tricia and Alex enter The Forest to rescue their friend from his homicidal maniac mom. After, they don’t remember much of what happened there. Later, they’re married and grieving the loss of their son, who died near The Forest. A therapist suggests they go back so they can see it’s not scary after all and they’ll stop having nightmares.
Of course, it IS scary, and it’s a terrible idea. Nothing is normal in the forest. The laws of nature get thrown out the window. There are a couple of nutjobs wandering around, including an ax murderer. There’s a luminescent mist. They hear voices and see monsters—everything that makes a forest haunted. But they start remembering the past as well.
The way the climax unfolds is really well done. The ending is cool but also bittersweet. And really weird.
Language: Occasional mild language
Sexual Content: None
Violence: Several murders by stabbing
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
This is a pretty weird book that just gets weirder and weirder. It’s told in parallel timelines, which are pretty easy to keep straight.
Super smart high-schoolers Tricia and Alex enter The Forest to rescue their friend from his homicidal maniac mom. After, they don’t remember much of what happened there. Later, they’re married and grieving the loss of their son, who died near The Forest. A therapist suggests they go back so they can see it’s not scary after all and they’ll stop having nightmares.
Of course, it IS scary, and it’s a terrible idea. Nothing is normal in the forest. The laws of nature get thrown out the window. There are a couple of nutjobs wandering around, including an ax murderer. There’s a luminescent mist. They hear voices and see monsters—everything that makes a forest haunted. But they start remembering the past as well.
The way the climax unfolds is really well done. The ending is cool but also bittersweet. And really weird.
Language: Occasional mild language
Sexual Content: None
Violence: Several murders by stabbing
Harm to Animals:
Harm to Children:
Other (Triggers):
October 17, 2020
Book started off pretty interesting..then became a chore to read.. then ended up a muddled confusing mess. 1 chapter is grown up alex POV, next chapter -same event just thru Trish POV - which is pretty much same as the chapters from young version of Alex and Trish- same thing over and over. Plus how many times does it need to be said about how in tune they are with each other - the phrase beating a dead horse comes to mind. I got to the point where I just wanted the book done - didn't care about any of the characters just get it over with. Ending is a mish mash of time travel and double talk ( keep picturing an old time vendor at the ball park - get your programs here can't tell the players without the program). Maybe i'm being harsh because i really like this author alot - and this was a big letdown but bluntly - it was a waste of time for me.
February 9, 2021
They say that the simplest template for fiction is, "Put your protagonist in a tree, surround the tree with crocodiles, and then throw rocks." Michaelbrent usually then starts chainsawing the tree, after chainsawing off the protagonist's hand.
None of his horror novels are "just" horror novels, because Michaelbrent uses the horror to lay the human heart painfully bare, exploring who people are at their extremities. It's usually a good thing we find, buried in the depths of the soul, but it takes a lot of dissection to get that far.
I especially appreciated the subtle touches the people who share a certain flavor of religion will recognize, a foreshadowing which will keep the climax from seeming as out-of-the-blue as it may seem to people who don't have that subtext in their background.
None of his horror novels are "just" horror novels, because Michaelbrent uses the horror to lay the human heart painfully bare, exploring who people are at their extremities. It's usually a good thing we find, buried in the depths of the soul, but it takes a lot of dissection to get that far.
I especially appreciated the subtle touches the people who share a certain flavor of religion will recognize, a foreshadowing which will keep the climax from seeming as out-of-the-blue as it may seem to people who don't have that subtext in their background.
November 20, 2020
Hard one to rate
I’ve been reading a lot of MichaelBrent’s books lately, as I’ve become a huge fan of his work. I was really excited to dive into The Forest, as it seemed like something right up my alley. Rating it, though, is difficult. Here’s why:
Great premise that would have taken quite a bit planning on the author’s part to get right.
Interesting characters (as per usual)
The book dragged in places perhaps because there was too much mystery?
As a reader, I became worried that the wrap-up conclusion would not be worth the drag/repetition of certain chapters.
The conclusion WAS worth it as there were some really interesting “answers” to the holes in the story, that actually made sense and opened some intriguing possibilities.
The “Doc Brown” reference was genius.
All in all, it was not my favorite of the Collings’ books, but if you are a fan of this author, I would give it a shot.
I’ve been reading a lot of MichaelBrent’s books lately, as I’ve become a huge fan of his work. I was really excited to dive into The Forest, as it seemed like something right up my alley. Rating it, though, is difficult. Here’s why:
Great premise that would have taken quite a bit planning on the author’s part to get right.
Interesting characters (as per usual)
The book dragged in places perhaps because there was too much mystery?
As a reader, I became worried that the wrap-up conclusion would not be worth the drag/repetition of certain chapters.
The conclusion WAS worth it as there were some really interesting “answers” to the holes in the story, that actually made sense and opened some intriguing possibilities.
The “Doc Brown” reference was genius.
All in all, it was not my favorite of the Collings’ books, but if you are a fan of this author, I would give it a shot.
December 3, 2020
Not worth the time
Overly long. Very convoluted and confusing. Difficult to follow any plot or character. I struggled to complete the book, but did not enjoy the last two thirds I do not recommend this book.
Overly long. Very convoluted and confusing. Difficult to follow any plot or character. I struggled to complete the book, but did not enjoy the last two thirds I do not recommend this book.
October 27, 2022
The Forest is a clever, ambitious book that has women with knives, men with axes, and a forest where you feel like you're going in circles. The characters and dialogue are brilliant, which is expected in Collings' work. The story itself can be a bit difficult to wrap your mind around, and takes more concentrating than I had originally expected. If you want a "Help, something is chasing us through the forest" book, this is that and much more.
August 11, 2020
I love being on MichaelBrent Collings review team, I always look forward to every new surprise he writes up. The Forest is no exception in excellence in storytelling.
First understand the book swaps in and out from young Tricia and Alex to grown up Tricia and Alex, it took awhile for me to grasp the swap in perspective but it all comes clear in the end, just enjoy the ride!
The books starts as Tricia and Alex are young. They have a new school friend Sam. All three are school prodigies and form their own click. All three come from neglectful households. One day, Sam vanishes and Alex and Tricia decide to enter The Forest to look for him.
Here they encounter evil, monsters and complete confusion in the fog that shrouds their search. Things don’t look like they seem, everything is turned around and there is a horror stalking Sam that will bring an end to all of them. They don’t remember their rescue but Sam is not with them.
No spoilers. It is almost impossible to review further without them. This is a complex book with twists and turns, clues and the horrifying realization of what is actually happening in The Forest. Adult Tricia and Alex, married now need to go back to The Forest to face their worst fears and heartbreak that occurred to them not to long ago as parents, a tragedy no parent wants to happen but they feel they must for the sake of Sam.
The story seems to spin circles, time doesn’t make any sense like reality has been altered but it is important to follow along, that is my only suggestion and you will be rewarded in the end, I promise!
Quick note that the occasional sections where a narrator speaks in first person was confusing. I was like “There goes MB going all super author on us! “ But actually, it’s important to the story, you’ll see.
Release date 8/18/2020, I highly recommend if high anxiety, close quarters, monsters and terror is on your reading schedule this book is for you! Let me know what you think!
First understand the book swaps in and out from young Tricia and Alex to grown up Tricia and Alex, it took awhile for me to grasp the swap in perspective but it all comes clear in the end, just enjoy the ride!
The books starts as Tricia and Alex are young. They have a new school friend Sam. All three are school prodigies and form their own click. All three come from neglectful households. One day, Sam vanishes and Alex and Tricia decide to enter The Forest to look for him.
Here they encounter evil, monsters and complete confusion in the fog that shrouds their search. Things don’t look like they seem, everything is turned around and there is a horror stalking Sam that will bring an end to all of them. They don’t remember their rescue but Sam is not with them.
No spoilers. It is almost impossible to review further without them. This is a complex book with twists and turns, clues and the horrifying realization of what is actually happening in The Forest. Adult Tricia and Alex, married now need to go back to The Forest to face their worst fears and heartbreak that occurred to them not to long ago as parents, a tragedy no parent wants to happen but they feel they must for the sake of Sam.
The story seems to spin circles, time doesn’t make any sense like reality has been altered but it is important to follow along, that is my only suggestion and you will be rewarded in the end, I promise!
Quick note that the occasional sections where a narrator speaks in first person was confusing. I was like “There goes MB going all super author on us! “ But actually, it’s important to the story, you’ll see.
Release date 8/18/2020, I highly recommend if high anxiety, close quarters, monsters and terror is on your reading schedule this book is for you! Let me know what you think!
August 27, 2021
This book was slow for me abs was all over the place. Friends go into the forest and one doesn’t make it out. The remaining friends that made it out alive cannot recall being in the forest. And they go looking for their friend years later.
July 31, 2020
It's a horror set in a forest, so you can bet there are chase scenes through the woods from monsters (of human, nature, and unnatural sort). There are also twists that boggle the mind. The big twist I saw coming was only a small part of the revelation. This book is definitely the type that you want to read again. I've only read it once as I write this review, so I'm still mulling it around and around my head because... circles are a thing.
Funny enough, "The Forest" is a fairly clean horror. It has almost no sexuality, and very limited swearing. "The Forest" focuses on gore and psychological terrors. Every chapter has something frightening about it, whether it's one of the multiple gruesome deaths, almost death chases, or terror caused by the unknown.
I bounced back and forth between 4-5 stars because as much as the revelation tied up loose ends, there were still plot holes about the forest itself. But let's face it; things get messy whenever you mess with time. Considering all the twists and different happenings all at the same time, it's written well enough to earn 4.5 stars.
PS. If you scare easily, I don't recommend reading this while camping... or in the fog, or during a night-time lightning storm (which was my personal experience).
Funny enough, "The Forest" is a fairly clean horror. It has almost no sexuality, and very limited swearing. "The Forest" focuses on gore and psychological terrors. Every chapter has something frightening about it, whether it's one of the multiple gruesome deaths, almost death chases, or terror caused by the unknown.
I bounced back and forth between 4-5 stars because as much as the revelation tied up loose ends, there were still plot holes about the forest itself. But let's face it; things get messy whenever you mess with time. Considering all the twists and different happenings all at the same time, it's written well enough to earn 4.5 stars.
PS. If you scare easily, I don't recommend reading this while camping... or in the fog, or during a night-time lightning storm (which was my personal experience).
July 29, 2020
Every time I pick up a book by Michaelbrent Collings I think, wow there is no way this one will be better than the last one but this one might just be the best I have read from him. The story is very intriguing and keeps you asking questions throughout the whole book, in a good way. You never quite know what is going on, even if you think you do. Then as I got to the end of the book I was like wow how in the world is he going to end this thing, and then WHAM! It hits you right between the eyes, and I was look what in the world? I had to go back and reread the ending it was so perfect and pulled so much of the story together. Also it leaves you with still more questions, questions that I am going to try to answer by rereading the entire book. If you are looking for suspense, action, a little bit of horror, and an amazing ending pick this book up! You will find once you start reading it you can't stop!
September 4, 2020
I have mixed feelings about this book.
Like many other people I was surprised by the ending. And that's what I liked about the book. But that's it.
I've read my fair share of Michaelbrent Collings books and it seems I like them a lot or I don't like them at all. There seems to be no in-between.
At first I found the book extremely confusing, but I thought it would get better. The end more or less convinced me. I didn't foresee it and find it somehow clever, at the same time I find it extremely unbelievable.
In the end, the story didn't grab me and I can't understand all the positive reviews. Maybe I missed something?
But I will still read the author's future books.
Like many other people I was surprised by the ending. And that's what I liked about the book. But that's it.
I've read my fair share of Michaelbrent Collings books and it seems I like them a lot or I don't like them at all. There seems to be no in-between.
At first I found the book extremely confusing, but I thought it would get better. The end more or less convinced me. I didn't foresee it and find it somehow clever, at the same time I find it extremely unbelievable.
In the end, the story didn't grab me and I can't understand all the positive reviews. Maybe I missed something?
But I will still read the author's future books.
September 22, 2020
Hated it. It was horrible! Confusing to the point of utter stupidity... the whole time warp thing was horribly crafted... and it was definitely not on the supernatural level I am used to reading... the ending was not an ending... it drug on and on and on... way too repetitive... it was all I could do to get through it.. I kept on thinking it was going to become interesting but more than half way through I realized it just wasn't going to get any better... do not recommend at all...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2020
Too tedious and convoluted
I usually love Michaelbrent Collins’ books, but I have to say this one misfired for me. Too tedious, convoluted, and confusing. Pages and pages of following a stream and then pages and pages of climbing a tower. Thankfully, I know Collins is a good writer, so hopefully the next one will click for me.
I usually love Michaelbrent Collins’ books, but I have to say this one misfired for me. Too tedious, convoluted, and confusing. Pages and pages of following a stream and then pages and pages of climbing a tower. Thankfully, I know Collins is a good writer, so hopefully the next one will click for me.
January 25, 2023
*I received a free DRC of this book, with thanks to the author. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Bit of a mindbender, this one!
At first it seems like a straightforward horror story – a couple return to face the scene of a childhood trauma, to put their nightmares to rest, only to find that those nightmares are alive (or not) and still out to get them. There was the potential for the story to go in a paranormal direction (the forest is haunted by spirits or monsters, or both) or a more human-monster direction (there is a serial killer or two lurking in the forest, indulging in their gruesome hobbies). But this is Michaelbrent Collings, so the story actually went in a completely unexpected third direction with a mixture of all of the above, plus some sneaky sci-fi and lots of the surreal.
The whole story turns into very much a nightmarish confusion of dream logic, delusion and deception, but with a solid thread of plot twisting throughout to hold it all together. Not only is the horror haunting, but the mystery of the forest and Sam’s disappearance is genuinely mysterious. I did work out some of what was going on ahead of the big reveal, but plenty was still a complete surprise to me, and some aspects I couldn’t have ever guessed at.
My only real criticism is that the book began to feel a little long for the story it contained, with lots of running and screaming, running and screaming, and nearly every scene repeated in order to be shown from the dual perspectives of the two main characters, Alex and Tricia. I completely understand why the author did this, as it is relevant to the plot, but it did become a little wearying to read so much repetition and had the effect of desensitising me to some of the content.
To sum this book up, I would go with: difficult, different and – if you’re into darkly surreal horror – definitely worth a read!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Bit of a mindbender, this one!
At first it seems like a straightforward horror story – a couple return to face the scene of a childhood trauma, to put their nightmares to rest, only to find that those nightmares are alive (or not) and still out to get them. There was the potential for the story to go in a paranormal direction (the forest is haunted by spirits or monsters, or both) or a more human-monster direction (there is a serial killer or two lurking in the forest, indulging in their gruesome hobbies). But this is Michaelbrent Collings, so the story actually went in a completely unexpected third direction with a mixture of all of the above, plus some sneaky sci-fi and lots of the surreal.
The whole story turns into very much a nightmarish confusion of dream logic, delusion and deception, but with a solid thread of plot twisting throughout to hold it all together. Not only is the horror haunting, but the mystery of the forest and Sam’s disappearance is genuinely mysterious. I did work out some of what was going on ahead of the big reveal, but plenty was still a complete surprise to me, and some aspects I couldn’t have ever guessed at.
My only real criticism is that the book began to feel a little long for the story it contained, with lots of running and screaming, running and screaming, and nearly every scene repeated in order to be shown from the dual perspectives of the two main characters, Alex and Tricia. I completely understand why the author did this, as it is relevant to the plot, but it did become a little wearying to read so much repetition and had the effect of desensitising me to some of the content.
To sum this book up, I would go with: difficult, different and – if you’re into darkly surreal horror – definitely worth a read!
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
August 13, 2020
Alex and his wife Trish have spent their lives trying to recall the night they lost their best friend, Sam, to the Forest. An event that neither of them fully remembers. They are still reeling from the loss of their son a decade after the fact. The two are carrying a lot of pain, and they might need to figure out the past to move on. Told in alternating timelines and pov’s, The Forest is a slow-creeping horror, slowly pieced together for an intense read.
I was confused for the first few chapters. I didn’t quite understand what was going on. The conversations with the couple were vague and superficial and got repetitive at times. The vague is made clearer the more you read. After I got through the initial few chapters, I found myself drawn into the terror and confusion. The Forest is a highly atmospheric book, and it draws on our innate fear of the unknown. This is a subtle horror. Even before they are in the thick of it, you aren’t sure what you fear, but you can feel it starting to creep in. Nicely done.
I was confused for the first few chapters. I didn’t quite understand what was going on. The conversations with the couple were vague and superficial and got repetitive at times. The vague is made clearer the more you read. After I got through the initial few chapters, I found myself drawn into the terror and confusion. The Forest is a highly atmospheric book, and it draws on our innate fear of the unknown. This is a subtle horror. Even before they are in the thick of it, you aren’t sure what you fear, but you can feel it starting to creep in. Nicely done.
August 20, 2020
This is a wonderful thrilling read.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Kept me glued from the very fist page to the last!
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believeable.
Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuousluy.
Kept me glued from the very fist page to the last!
Can't wait to read what the author brings out next.
Recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
November 26, 2020
I had to let this one settle in my head for a bit before reviewing it. I wanted to give it 4 stars, but I had some reservations. The story kept me reading quickly for quite a while, but at some point it just felt like it went on & on. About 3/4 through I started to wonder when it would get to some answers, which it did right at the end. It was a surprise and nothing I expected, which is always good, but I found it complicated and a little hard to digest. The writing was good as Collings work usually is, but I just felt a bit confused and worn out by the end.
August 28, 2020
It all came together!
This book was a little confusing at times and somewhat repetitive, I think it could have easily been 25 pages shorter without losing any impact, but it all came together with an ending that I never saw coming! Very interesting!
This book was a little confusing at times and somewhat repetitive, I think it could have easily been 25 pages shorter without losing any impact, but it all came together with an ending that I never saw coming! Very interesting!
September 24, 2020
Wildly imaginative! Wonderful characters. Interesting plot. Vivid descriptions. Weird, quirky and eerie – all in the best of ways.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
May 22, 2023
YES.
A very satisfying book. There's a very good idea around which everything is perfectly woven.
An interesting and original take on the things that can make one mad. It's rare.
Now I have to go read the rest of their books.
A very satisfying book. There's a very good idea around which everything is perfectly woven.
An interesting and original take on the things that can make one mad. It's rare.
Now I have to go read the rest of their books.
July 18, 2020
Alex and Tricia grew up together, went to school together, fell in love and got married then they had a son who they named Sammy. There was a terrible car accident in which Sammy was killed. Sammy was named after a friend they had in school named Sam. who was apparently killed by his mother. That was another traumatic and terrible loss they suffered. Seeking counselling, they were told that they should go back to where everything happened and that's how they ended up in the Forest. And so the adventure began. There were many bad memories in that forest, so it was not your everyday walk in the trees. If you like horror stories, you will love The Forest. There are frightening things in there. A killer is after them and they have to save others from the killer. The Forest seems to grow and somehow misdirect them so they cannot get out. This book is a wild ride through terror. I loved it. It is a great yet totally frightening escape from reality.
December 4, 2020
I really enjoyed The Loon - it was batshit but fun. This was just batshit.
August 31, 2020
This novel follows Alex and Trisha - childhood sweethearts who have shared a strong bond their whole lives - and their connection to The Forest, wherein most of the tragedies which have shaped them take place. Rather than being told linearly, the story is revealed in parallel - with the two timelines being their first exposure to the forest in their youth, and when they are in their middle adult years.
I feel that I should preface my direct comments with a short note: mid-read, I watched two films that also heavily involved forests which definitely had an impact on my ability to get into the story (I feel like I've been lost in the woods forever and I'm so over trees right now!) I also ended up having to do a bunch of tree removal on my property during this time. This is no fault of the author's, although I think it is likely to affect my review and overall enjoyment of the novel. (I'm trying to be aware of this, but the problem with bias is that we don't always see our own).
I found the pacing in this novel was highly appropriate to the story. I found the repetition (lost, confused, weird sounds/sights) was frustrating and off-putting to me, but, were I lost in a forest, I would probably experience those same repetitive thoughts, so I found it realistic. (I also think that reader frustration is a key component in the ultimate payoff, so, overall, I agree with the choice, despite myself).
The world-building was also very well executed. In spite of being an expansive site, with most of the action set in a large forest, there was a claustrophobic feeling to the setting. One particular setting really stood out to me as fascinating, although it didn't play as strong a role in one of the timelines as I would have hoped. (I just found it a really interesting place and was curious what other secrets it held).
I can't say that I found the main characters to be especially likeable. Actually, I found them rather insufferable, although the adult versions were less so. However, their story is compelling: how they came together and why they remained together. I found them to be a bit shallow and lacking in emotional resonance. (While this made sense for their adult selves, I didn't think it made a lot of sense for their childhood selves, but that's personal opinion).
Overall, I kind of feel as though my brain has melted. That is not a bad thing. The thematic material that is covered in this novel is exactly the sort of thing that twists me all up in the best possible way. So, while some of the elements in the novel weren't my favourite ways of handling things, the sum definitely was more than its parts! I am so glad to have read this (although I can't claim to fully have processed it even now).
I received an ARC via the author.
I feel that I should preface my direct comments with a short note: mid-read, I watched two films that also heavily involved forests which definitely had an impact on my ability to get into the story (I feel like I've been lost in the woods forever and I'm so over trees right now!) I also ended up having to do a bunch of tree removal on my property during this time. This is no fault of the author's, although I think it is likely to affect my review and overall enjoyment of the novel. (I'm trying to be aware of this, but the problem with bias is that we don't always see our own).
I found the pacing in this novel was highly appropriate to the story. I found the repetition (lost, confused, weird sounds/sights) was frustrating and off-putting to me, but, were I lost in a forest, I would probably experience those same repetitive thoughts, so I found it realistic. (I also think that reader frustration is a key component in the ultimate payoff, so, overall, I agree with the choice, despite myself).
The world-building was also very well executed. In spite of being an expansive site, with most of the action set in a large forest, there was a claustrophobic feeling to the setting. One particular setting really stood out to me as fascinating, although it didn't play as strong a role in one of the timelines as I would have hoped. (I just found it a really interesting place and was curious what other secrets it held).
I can't say that I found the main characters to be especially likeable. Actually, I found them rather insufferable, although the adult versions were less so. However, their story is compelling: how they came together and why they remained together. I found them to be a bit shallow and lacking in emotional resonance. (While this made sense for their adult selves, I didn't think it made a lot of sense for their childhood selves, but that's personal opinion).
Overall, I kind of feel as though my brain has melted. That is not a bad thing. The thematic material that is covered in this novel is exactly the sort of thing that twists me all up in the best possible way. So, while some of the elements in the novel weren't my favourite ways of handling things, the sum definitely was more than its parts! I am so glad to have read this (although I can't claim to fully have processed it even now).
I received an ARC via the author.
July 22, 2020
I was given an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. The book was great but when I couldn’t come up with the words to explain it to my husband, I couldn’t. And got anyone that knows me, talking is not a problem. I read the book Friday and then read it again Monday 7/20. I so want to do it justice but not give anything away. So I hope this will peak your interest enough to get this great book that you have to read for yourself.
There were two young people Tricia and Alex who had known each other forever and were the smartest kids in school, smarter than the teachers. Tricia only had a dad and he was mean, Alex only had a Mom and she was mean, so they really only had each other. Then one year a new boy, Sam came to school. He had a huge red backpack that was full of books that most adults wouldn’t understand, so now there were three friends. He told them, he and his mother lived in the cabin in the forest. Everyone in town talked about it being haunted but Sam didn’t think so. After only one week in school his mother came to check him out of school and that they were moving. He told Tricia and Alex that she was going to kill him. So for the first time ever they go into the forest. It is full of fog and mist that glows and they both hear whispers that they believe are ghosts. The whispers would tell them they should leave the forest. Sometimes it would just say run. Tricia thought she saw Sam and then when she looked he was farther away. The forest was always playing games with them. The forest had played another trick and bent time and space and existence to keep them away from Sam. Tricia fell against a branch which should have broke but it went through her shoulder. Alex was able to free her but they saw Sam’s mother close to him with a knife and they believed he died. They don’t remember getting out of the forest or anything that happened in the forest. The adult Tricia didn’t know how she got a scar on her shoulder. They did get married, had a little boy they named Sammy after their friend. When he was a toddler they were riding in the car past the forest and they wrecked. Tricia and Alex got out. Sammy died holding on to his stuffed toy red unicorn. There is so much more to this book and I may have already said too much, But this is one of those MUST READ books and if you are like me, you might have to read it more than once. Michaelbrent Collings has done it again. It is awesome but I would hate to live in his head. I would probably never sleep.
There were two young people Tricia and Alex who had known each other forever and were the smartest kids in school, smarter than the teachers. Tricia only had a dad and he was mean, Alex only had a Mom and she was mean, so they really only had each other. Then one year a new boy, Sam came to school. He had a huge red backpack that was full of books that most adults wouldn’t understand, so now there were three friends. He told them, he and his mother lived in the cabin in the forest. Everyone in town talked about it being haunted but Sam didn’t think so. After only one week in school his mother came to check him out of school and that they were moving. He told Tricia and Alex that she was going to kill him. So for the first time ever they go into the forest. It is full of fog and mist that glows and they both hear whispers that they believe are ghosts. The whispers would tell them they should leave the forest. Sometimes it would just say run. Tricia thought she saw Sam and then when she looked he was farther away. The forest was always playing games with them. The forest had played another trick and bent time and space and existence to keep them away from Sam. Tricia fell against a branch which should have broke but it went through her shoulder. Alex was able to free her but they saw Sam’s mother close to him with a knife and they believed he died. They don’t remember getting out of the forest or anything that happened in the forest. The adult Tricia didn’t know how she got a scar on her shoulder. They did get married, had a little boy they named Sammy after their friend. When he was a toddler they were riding in the car past the forest and they wrecked. Tricia and Alex got out. Sammy died holding on to his stuffed toy red unicorn. There is so much more to this book and I may have already said too much, But this is one of those MUST READ books and if you are like me, you might have to read it more than once. Michaelbrent Collings has done it again. It is awesome but I would hate to live in his head. I would probably never sleep.
July 15, 2021
( Format : Audiobook )
"Circles, circles, circles."
The reader is dropped into the middle of the action, the forest, from the beginning: not a place anyone would choose to be. Trees, fog, shadow. Whispers, too, and a mad woman with a knife. Two friends there to rescue a third. A nightmarish situation of horror for both the protagonists involved and the reader, too. A sense of unreality for both as only two of the three teenagers emerge alive com that forest, both very bright, both in love.
The story continues, weaving through different time periods and the perspective of various players, and even several short interjections by the 'author' speaking directly out of the book to the reader, all, thankfully carefully given an introductory title to stop too great a confusion. But it is disconcerting as passages are repeated through someone else's point of view, all furthering the sense of unreality. It is cleverly done. Twenty years after their trauma in the forest, the two main protagonists, now married and having lost a small son, return to the scene, the stretch of forest seperating the two towns of Sunrise and Sunset at the advice of their therapist...
I had been gripped, intrigued and thriller from the beginning of the book but, by some four hours prior to the ending of the eleven plus hours of the story, found myself tired of the repetition and constant screaming in the forest. And, if I'm honest of the two main protagonists, Tricia and Alex, but stuck with it with the promise of a surprise ending. It was a surprise, rather neat, and one which did not fit for this reader.
So how to determine a rating? At first entralling, well written with real visceral horror crawling off the page and a story which maintained the mystery, but which became ponderously long, repetitious and noisy with an ending which really failed to explain? Narration by Robert Fisher was superb, well paced and articulated, infused with emotion pertinent to the text and individually voiced with sometimes surprising voieadily is performance alone easily deserves a five star acknowledgement. So I'll settle for an overall four star.
Too long, perhaps, but there was a real sense of horror here and for this I would recommend it to anyone find of this genre.
"Circles, circles, circles."
The reader is dropped into the middle of the action, the forest, from the beginning: not a place anyone would choose to be. Trees, fog, shadow. Whispers, too, and a mad woman with a knife. Two friends there to rescue a third. A nightmarish situation of horror for both the protagonists involved and the reader, too. A sense of unreality for both as only two of the three teenagers emerge alive com that forest, both very bright, both in love.
The story continues, weaving through different time periods and the perspective of various players, and even several short interjections by the 'author' speaking directly out of the book to the reader, all, thankfully carefully given an introductory title to stop too great a confusion. But it is disconcerting as passages are repeated through someone else's point of view, all furthering the sense of unreality. It is cleverly done. Twenty years after their trauma in the forest, the two main protagonists, now married and having lost a small son, return to the scene, the stretch of forest seperating the two towns of Sunrise and Sunset at the advice of their therapist...
I had been gripped, intrigued and thriller from the beginning of the book but, by some four hours prior to the ending of the eleven plus hours of the story, found myself tired of the repetition and constant screaming in the forest. And, if I'm honest of the two main protagonists, Tricia and Alex, but stuck with it with the promise of a surprise ending. It was a surprise, rather neat, and one which did not fit for this reader.
So how to determine a rating? At first entralling, well written with real visceral horror crawling off the page and a story which maintained the mystery, but which became ponderously long, repetitious and noisy with an ending which really failed to explain? Narration by Robert Fisher was superb, well paced and articulated, infused with emotion pertinent to the text and individually voiced with sometimes surprising voieadily is performance alone easily deserves a five star acknowledgement. So I'll settle for an overall four star.
Too long, perhaps, but there was a real sense of horror here and for this I would recommend it to anyone find of this genre.
August 20, 2020
I have never read anything from this author and frankly... I'm a new fan.. Like HELLO! For a more in-depth review please go to my blog Thetiredbuyer.wordpress.com! See you there <3
So the story takes place within two time-lines. The first time-line is when our main characters, Tricia, Alex, and Sam, were young, and the second time-line is when the grown up versions of Tricia and Alex. Collings did a wonderful job clearly marked each chapter with the timeline it represented, to help alleviate any confusion which is so rare in most books I have read. LOVE THIS! Others take note?!
The characters actually emotionally grow but somehow they retain the personalities they are first presented with which is a beautiful trait to have and I love how Collings perfected this. The alternating viewpoints served to enhance this, and showed a consistency throughout at least for Tricia and Alex throughout the story.
Now the concept was one that kept me on my toes. I couldn't stop thinking about "what" had along with what is occurring all throughout. While The Forest is fairly clean horror with almost no sexuality, and very limited swearing there is a focus on gore and psychological terrors. Futhermore, each and every chapter has something frightening about it, whether it's one of the multiple gruesome deaths, almost death chases, or terror caused by the unknown.
And lastly, THANK YOU Michealbrent Collings for reaching out to read The Forest. I so so so enjoyed it! I'll be using my Amazon Unlimited to read more ;-D
So the story takes place within two time-lines. The first time-line is when our main characters, Tricia, Alex, and Sam, were young, and the second time-line is when the grown up versions of Tricia and Alex. Collings did a wonderful job clearly marked each chapter with the timeline it represented, to help alleviate any confusion which is so rare in most books I have read. LOVE THIS! Others take note?!
The characters actually emotionally grow but somehow they retain the personalities they are first presented with which is a beautiful trait to have and I love how Collings perfected this. The alternating viewpoints served to enhance this, and showed a consistency throughout at least for Tricia and Alex throughout the story.
Now the concept was one that kept me on my toes. I couldn't stop thinking about "what" had along with what is occurring all throughout. While The Forest is fairly clean horror with almost no sexuality, and very limited swearing there is a focus on gore and psychological terrors. Futhermore, each and every chapter has something frightening about it, whether it's one of the multiple gruesome deaths, almost death chases, or terror caused by the unknown.
And lastly, THANK YOU Michealbrent Collings for reaching out to read The Forest. I so so so enjoyed it! I'll be using my Amazon Unlimited to read more ;-D
April 13, 2021
Three kids went in.
Now, twenty years later, the two survivors are going back…’
‘For Tricia and Alex, the idea is simple: find and rescue their friend, Sam, from his insane mother. But when they enter the forest, they discover that their idea is anything but simple.’
THE FOREST starts really good—the opening chapter is full-throttle as the reader bears witness to two high school students, Alex and Tricia, running for their lives in the forest from whatever is chasing them as they search for their friend, Sam.
In the subsequent chapters, two timelines are intertwined, present-day that centers around Alex and Tricia as adults when they go back to the forest, and flashback scenes when they’re teenagers in the woods, moments leading up to the build at the beginning of the book.
It’s in the midway point of the book, wherein the timelines are similar, that the pacing lulls for several pages, pulling me out of the book to the point I was skimming forward.
Though this book is a did-not-finish at fifty-six percent, based on the plot, my investment in the characters (Sammy and Silly-Corny—My Heart!), and my inner sleuth, I have a growing need to know how it ends.
Will I be returning to THE FOREST at some point to find out?
Most Definitely!
Thank you, Michaelbrent Collings and Written Insomnia Press, for providing me with an eBook of THE FOREST in the request for an honest review.
Now, twenty years later, the two survivors are going back…’
‘For Tricia and Alex, the idea is simple: find and rescue their friend, Sam, from his insane mother. But when they enter the forest, they discover that their idea is anything but simple.’
THE FOREST starts really good—the opening chapter is full-throttle as the reader bears witness to two high school students, Alex and Tricia, running for their lives in the forest from whatever is chasing them as they search for their friend, Sam.
In the subsequent chapters, two timelines are intertwined, present-day that centers around Alex and Tricia as adults when they go back to the forest, and flashback scenes when they’re teenagers in the woods, moments leading up to the build at the beginning of the book.
It’s in the midway point of the book, wherein the timelines are similar, that the pacing lulls for several pages, pulling me out of the book to the point I was skimming forward.
Though this book is a did-not-finish at fifty-six percent, based on the plot, my investment in the characters (Sammy and Silly-Corny—My Heart!), and my inner sleuth, I have a growing need to know how it ends.
Will I be returning to THE FOREST at some point to find out?
Most Definitely!
Thank you, Michaelbrent Collings and Written Insomnia Press, for providing me with an eBook of THE FOREST in the request for an honest review.
May 3, 2021
Review of The Forest by Michaelbrent Collings
Being frightened of trees and fog is only a subterfuge -- it is the flow of water that gives pause - 3 stars
This is a slow and complex story that picks up at the very end. While the cast of characters is modest, the things that happen seem a little off -- a sheriff killing a prisoner inside the jail, the steady number of citizens in Sunrise and Sundown and a diner that is always open and never has more than two customers.
Tricia and Alex seem to be star-crossed smart children who grow up to be married accomplished scientists. But wait, there is more. Their friend Sammy is chased by his apparently berserk mother who tries to kill him. Sheriff Julie Azakh brings stability until she doesn't.
I found the story slow and had to re-read passages several times. There were several bloody scenes and lots of running and screaming by adults and children. The reveal was a surprise to me but it did clarify virtually almost all of the things that did not make sense along the way.
This is a book that should help you scream. It may make your next walk in the woods a bit uncomfortable or even postpone it for a while. The book is weird, sinister and ghostly -- in a $10 word, eldritch.
Being frightened of trees and fog is only a subterfuge -- it is the flow of water that gives pause - 3 stars
This is a slow and complex story that picks up at the very end. While the cast of characters is modest, the things that happen seem a little off -- a sheriff killing a prisoner inside the jail, the steady number of citizens in Sunrise and Sundown and a diner that is always open and never has more than two customers.
Tricia and Alex seem to be star-crossed smart children who grow up to be married accomplished scientists. But wait, there is more. Their friend Sammy is chased by his apparently berserk mother who tries to kill him. Sheriff Julie Azakh brings stability until she doesn't.
I found the story slow and had to re-read passages several times. There were several bloody scenes and lots of running and screaming by adults and children. The reveal was a surprise to me but it did clarify virtually almost all of the things that did not make sense along the way.
This is a book that should help you scream. It may make your next walk in the woods a bit uncomfortable or even postpone it for a while. The book is weird, sinister and ghostly -- in a $10 word, eldritch.
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