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The Paper Forest #1
Paper Forests
Special hardcover edition featuring redesigned cover art and extra content
"While your children and grandchildren are away, I like to think that they're visiting a fantastic place, somewhere where they aren't restrained by an illness or held back by their own emotions, a place where there is nothing but health and happiness to greet them."
Once upon a time, Oliver wakes up in a Forest full of magic and monsters, not quite dead, but not quite alive either. He wakes with three other people whose lives have been cut short, each more tragically than the last.
Together, they embark on a journey that will take them deep into the heart of the Forest, where they will have to face the ghosts of their pasts and their long-hidden secrets. Secrets that will force Oliver to choose between finding a new life in the trees and finding a way home.
Welcome to the Paper Forest.
"While your children and grandchildren are away, I like to think that they're visiting a fantastic place, somewhere where they aren't restrained by an illness or held back by their own emotions, a place where there is nothing but health and happiness to greet them."
Once upon a time, Oliver wakes up in a Forest full of magic and monsters, not quite dead, but not quite alive either. He wakes with three other people whose lives have been cut short, each more tragically than the last.
Together, they embark on a journey that will take them deep into the heart of the Forest, where they will have to face the ghosts of their pasts and their long-hidden secrets. Secrets that will force Oliver to choose between finding a new life in the trees and finding a way home.
Welcome to the Paper Forest.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published June 21, 2022
8 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Tegan Anderson
5 books45 followersTegan Anderson is a storyteller from Devon, England, where they grew up believing in fairy tales and wishing they could become one too. They attended Falmouth University to study Photography and were lured into getting a master's degree after spending too much time longing to turn their stories into screenplays. They are the author of BBNYA finalist Paper Forests and BookLife Prize semi-finalist There Will Be Other Summers, and are currently working on novels focusing on neurodivergence and disability acceptance. Tegan spends most of their time surrounded by chow chows and overflowing bookshelves.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 14, 2024
I know you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover, but the cover of Paper Forests had me from the very beginning. It’s absolutely stunning, and giving strong Van Gogh vibes (my favourite artist). I was lucky enough to be allocated this book in both round two and the final round of BBNYA 2023, and it didn’t disappoint.
The story begins with a support group, where everyone there has a child in their life who is dying, all from different causes. The start of this book is incredibly hard hitting, and rather upsetting, but sets the tone for the rest of the story.
We then move on to the children themselves, awakening in a forest. It immediately creates questions… Are they now dead? Or is this where they go on their path to death? Is there a way back? As the story unfolds, the answers begin to reveal themselves. Along their journey, the children encounter dangers, monsters, and terrors that we couldn’t even imagine, and have to fight for their lives within this new uncertain world. There is a darkness to this book that sucks you in, and it’s one of my favourite things about it.
The most beautiful relationships are formed throughout the story. Oliver and August’s love story had me completely invested, and after everything they had both been through, I was desperate for them to make it through together. Gracie was a particular favourite character of mine, she was sweet but fierce, and definitely intriguing, and her bond with Ansel was so wholesome. The forest itself was more of a character in the story than a setting, it was alive, and ever changing, and I loved that!
The book’s climax is the ultimate showdown, which was so much more than I had expected it to be, with outcomes that will break your heart. Be prepared with tissues at hand, because you will be needing them. I hadn’t expected the story to end in the way it did, but I loved the way it all came together, and the last few chapters were fantastic.
This story is full of adventure, emotion, and excitement. It’s also a story about strength, survival, and sacrifice. I loved every second of it! I highly recommend this book, but if you do plan on reading, I would recommend checking the trigger warnings before you start.
The story begins with a support group, where everyone there has a child in their life who is dying, all from different causes. The start of this book is incredibly hard hitting, and rather upsetting, but sets the tone for the rest of the story.
We then move on to the children themselves, awakening in a forest. It immediately creates questions… Are they now dead? Or is this where they go on their path to death? Is there a way back? As the story unfolds, the answers begin to reveal themselves. Along their journey, the children encounter dangers, monsters, and terrors that we couldn’t even imagine, and have to fight for their lives within this new uncertain world. There is a darkness to this book that sucks you in, and it’s one of my favourite things about it.
The most beautiful relationships are formed throughout the story. Oliver and August’s love story had me completely invested, and after everything they had both been through, I was desperate for them to make it through together. Gracie was a particular favourite character of mine, she was sweet but fierce, and definitely intriguing, and her bond with Ansel was so wholesome. The forest itself was more of a character in the story than a setting, it was alive, and ever changing, and I loved that!
The book’s climax is the ultimate showdown, which was so much more than I had expected it to be, with outcomes that will break your heart. Be prepared with tissues at hand, because you will be needing them. I hadn’t expected the story to end in the way it did, but I loved the way it all came together, and the last few chapters were fantastic.
This story is full of adventure, emotion, and excitement. It’s also a story about strength, survival, and sacrifice. I loved every second of it! I highly recommend this book, but if you do plan on reading, I would recommend checking the trigger warnings before you start.
March 20, 2024
Wow! What an emotional and thought provoking read this was! Its not an easy read and if you are of the tender hearted variety you will probably need a box of tissues handy!
Right from the start paper forests hits you in the feels with a room full of parents talking to and consoling each other about their children, each of whom are dying or in danger of dying from various diseases.We are then suddenly transported to a magical paper forest where we meet the children mentioned above. We are not really sure if they have died now and gone to some sort of after life, or if it is some sort of dream or shared dream or what.
The children are faced with many challenges, monsters, adventures and there is a tender romance. I won’t spoil the ending but it was very well done in my opinion. Thank you so much to BBNYA and the write reads for discovering this lovely and unique book for me!
Right from the start paper forests hits you in the feels with a room full of parents talking to and consoling each other about their children, each of whom are dying or in danger of dying from various diseases.We are then suddenly transported to a magical paper forest where we meet the children mentioned above. We are not really sure if they have died now and gone to some sort of after life, or if it is some sort of dream or shared dream or what.
The children are faced with many challenges, monsters, adventures and there is a tender romance. I won’t spoil the ending but it was very well done in my opinion. Thank you so much to BBNYA and the write reads for discovering this lovely and unique book for me!
March 17, 2024
A magical and monstrous fantasy tale following four children deep into the Paper Forest, a place suspended between life and death. As their parents gather at a support meeting for children on the verge of dying, the children wake in a strange forest land that is ever-changing. They must adventure through and survive the landscape, battle monsters and their own pasts, and endeavour to find a way out in the hope of returning home. There is love and loss, hope, and heartbreak. It is a choice between acceptance of this new life and fighting to return to the one left behind. A captivating story. #paperforests #tegananderson #bbnya2023 #TheWriteReads
November 21, 2023
*4.5
Not a genre I typically pick up but one of the most enjoyable stories I've read this year.
The writing is deliciously descriptive, albeit a little repetitive at times, but paints vivid pictures with perfectly selected words. Reading it made me feel like a kid with an overactive imagination again.
I so desperately need to know more about this forest. I'm so fascinated by all the things that lurk in the shadows. What makes it so interesting to me in particular is the connection to the real world, the regular kids in irregular and outright traumatising circumstances. I need to know more about how the two coexist. And how did The Forest come to be? Why do they arrive in fours? How exactly do they leave? Do they remember it all when they do? What does the counsellor know about The Forest?? I'm hooked...
The ending was far more crushing than I expected it to be. The concept of this book is equally beautiful and tragic wow.
If there is more to come, I would love to see more diversity in the main cast of characters. I feel like there's a lot that could be explored there beyond teenage boys. Mind you, I absolutely adore Oliver and August and love their backstories. (And Gracie was absolutely a highlight ).
tldr; this was a massive slay with room to become an astronomical slay and I need more Paper Forests in my life pls and ty.
Not a genre I typically pick up but one of the most enjoyable stories I've read this year.
The writing is deliciously descriptive, albeit a little repetitive at times, but paints vivid pictures with perfectly selected words. Reading it made me feel like a kid with an overactive imagination again.
I so desperately need to know more about this forest. I'm so fascinated by all the things that lurk in the shadows. What makes it so interesting to me in particular is the connection to the real world, the regular kids in irregular and outright traumatising circumstances. I need to know more about how the two coexist. And how did The Forest come to be? Why do they arrive in fours? How exactly do they leave? Do they remember it all when they do? What does the counsellor know about The Forest?? I'm hooked...
The ending was far more crushing than I expected it to be. The concept of this book is equally beautiful and tragic wow.
If there is more to come, I would love to see more diversity in the main cast of characters. I feel like there's a lot that could be explored there beyond teenage boys. Mind you, I absolutely adore Oliver and August and love their backstories. (And Gracie was absolutely a highlight ).
tldr; this was a massive slay with room to become an astronomical slay and I need more Paper Forests in my life pls and ty.
August 15, 2022
This was a beautifully written and heartbreaking novel.
The book mainly follows Oliver, a young man in a coma who isn’t dead, but not quite completely alive either. A victim of an overdose, he one day wakes in a Forest, along with three others who are also bridging the two planes of existence. They end up journeying together and each of them have to come to terms with their pasts, all the while trying to get home and navigate away from the monsters who threaten them. A tale of survival, regret, and hope, Paper Forests was a wonderful read.
There was so much I really enjoyed. I have to say the world-building in this book was excellent. Descriptions were lush and livid, but not overly done. From the first few pages, I was brought right to the middle of the Forest and then promptly had my heart pulled out and beat up. I was quick to become attached to the main four characters, and I was honestly surprised at how invested I became of Oliver and August. Twists and turns were well placed and by the midpoint, I wanted nothing more than to help them escape. I do wish there was more about Ansel and Gracie - they were a significant part of the plot so I would've liked to delve deeper into their history. Still, a wonderful read and looking forward to seeing what this author has coming next!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Teagan Anderson for my copy! All thoughts an opinions are my own.
The book mainly follows Oliver, a young man in a coma who isn’t dead, but not quite completely alive either. A victim of an overdose, he one day wakes in a Forest, along with three others who are also bridging the two planes of existence. They end up journeying together and each of them have to come to terms with their pasts, all the while trying to get home and navigate away from the monsters who threaten them. A tale of survival, regret, and hope, Paper Forests was a wonderful read.
There was so much I really enjoyed. I have to say the world-building in this book was excellent. Descriptions were lush and livid, but not overly done. From the first few pages, I was brought right to the middle of the Forest and then promptly had my heart pulled out and beat up. I was quick to become attached to the main four characters, and I was honestly surprised at how invested I became of Oliver and August. Twists and turns were well placed and by the midpoint, I wanted nothing more than to help them escape. I do wish there was more about Ansel and Gracie - they were a significant part of the plot so I would've liked to delve deeper into their history. Still, a wonderful read and looking forward to seeing what this author has coming next!
Thank you Voracious Readers and Teagan Anderson for my copy! All thoughts an opinions are my own.
November 19, 2022
Phantasmic and emotional
The story opens with parents in a therapy group sharing their kids that are on the verge of death. The counsellor tells them that their kids are in a place called Paper Forest during such time and that it has everything nice for them while they battle with life and death.
It then continues with Oliver, an eighteen-year-old that meets Gracie, Ansel, Catherine, Porcelain, a smoke girl, and August. As the story moves forward, they uncover this new world that seems more vivid than the Earth they know.
Paper Forest’s leader is Lilac Bonneville. Slowly events unfold as to how they got into that forest. Gracie seems to know more about the forest and is somehow special. August suffered through his sexuality preference in the real world and has terminal cancer. Him and Oliver become close soon. There is a ray of hope in the end for Oliver and August.
This book has monsters, machines, and a book. This book talks of Axis Mundi that could possibly clue them on how to get out of this magical forest. Every time they sleep, they experience alternate possibilities. I’ll have to wait for the next book to see if they get out alive into the real world.
I loved the story and connection that every character has. Needless to say, I recommend this one highly.
The story opens with parents in a therapy group sharing their kids that are on the verge of death. The counsellor tells them that their kids are in a place called Paper Forest during such time and that it has everything nice for them while they battle with life and death.
It then continues with Oliver, an eighteen-year-old that meets Gracie, Ansel, Catherine, Porcelain, a smoke girl, and August. As the story moves forward, they uncover this new world that seems more vivid than the Earth they know.
Paper Forest’s leader is Lilac Bonneville. Slowly events unfold as to how they got into that forest. Gracie seems to know more about the forest and is somehow special. August suffered through his sexuality preference in the real world and has terminal cancer. Him and Oliver become close soon. There is a ray of hope in the end for Oliver and August.
This book has monsters, machines, and a book. This book talks of Axis Mundi that could possibly clue them on how to get out of this magical forest. Every time they sleep, they experience alternate possibilities. I’ll have to wait for the next book to see if they get out alive into the real world.
I loved the story and connection that every character has. Needless to say, I recommend this one highly.
March 14, 2024
Rtc March 17th for BBNYA
March 20, 2024
4.5 stars!!!
Where do I even begin? Paper Forests is deep, very emotional (the first chapter already had me on the brink of tears!) and thought-provoking, and I think it blends deep and hard-hitting realistic elements with fantasy elements very nicely. The novel draws on themes of spirituality, love and friendship, health and illness, life and death.
The story opens in a room full of people who share one thing: they all have a child in their life who is on the verge of death (all for different reasons). This short scene is deeply touching and almost had me crying already. The themes we encounter in this first chapter are the ones that move through the book like a red thread. Very sad, very hard-hitting, very real – too real, perhaps.
But then, in the next chapter, we move away from this realistic setting, as said children find themselves in a forest – a Paper Forest. I really liked this concept, I hadn’t heard of it before, I’m not sure if it is a thing that is used in other books or if Anderson came up with the meaning behind the Paper Forests for this book, but I found it to be very unique and special. It was so much more than a mere setting – for the most part, the ever-changing forest seemed like a character in its own way, something I enjoy immensely in books.
As we follow the children through the forest as they are trying to find out what exactly is happening, we face all the hardships as well as their discoveries with them. There are many dangers to overcome, monsters to fight – many of them literal, but also monsters within them the children have to face. I’m using the term ‘children’ very loosely here, as there are younger children as well as teenagers who are almost adults among them.
When I didn’t need tissues yet in the first chapter, I did need them all the more as the book reached its climax, as well as at the end. The hopeful part of me was perhaps hoping for a bit of a different outcome, but the ending does fit the book perfectly.
Paper Forests is a very deep and emotional read. It is thought-provoking, it is full of adventure, fantasy, love and friendship, but it is also heart-wrenching. If you plan on reading this book, I would suggest you check out the trigger warnings first, as it really made me cry a lot. I do cry easily, but I know from other reviews that many people felt the same way with this one.
4.5 stars from me for this well-written, deeply emotional and imganitive read.
For my full review head over to my blog:
https://theartsyreader.com/book-revie...
Where do I even begin? Paper Forests is deep, very emotional (the first chapter already had me on the brink of tears!) and thought-provoking, and I think it blends deep and hard-hitting realistic elements with fantasy elements very nicely. The novel draws on themes of spirituality, love and friendship, health and illness, life and death.
The story opens in a room full of people who share one thing: they all have a child in their life who is on the verge of death (all for different reasons). This short scene is deeply touching and almost had me crying already. The themes we encounter in this first chapter are the ones that move through the book like a red thread. Very sad, very hard-hitting, very real – too real, perhaps.
But then, in the next chapter, we move away from this realistic setting, as said children find themselves in a forest – a Paper Forest. I really liked this concept, I hadn’t heard of it before, I’m not sure if it is a thing that is used in other books or if Anderson came up with the meaning behind the Paper Forests for this book, but I found it to be very unique and special. It was so much more than a mere setting – for the most part, the ever-changing forest seemed like a character in its own way, something I enjoy immensely in books.
As we follow the children through the forest as they are trying to find out what exactly is happening, we face all the hardships as well as their discoveries with them. There are many dangers to overcome, monsters to fight – many of them literal, but also monsters within them the children have to face. I’m using the term ‘children’ very loosely here, as there are younger children as well as teenagers who are almost adults among them.
When I didn’t need tissues yet in the first chapter, I did need them all the more as the book reached its climax, as well as at the end. The hopeful part of me was perhaps hoping for a bit of a different outcome, but the ending does fit the book perfectly.
Paper Forests is a very deep and emotional read. It is thought-provoking, it is full of adventure, fantasy, love and friendship, but it is also heart-wrenching. If you plan on reading this book, I would suggest you check out the trigger warnings first, as it really made me cry a lot. I do cry easily, but I know from other reviews that many people felt the same way with this one.
4.5 stars from me for this well-written, deeply emotional and imganitive read.
For my full review head over to my blog:
https://theartsyreader.com/book-revie...
March 18, 2024
2.5
Book source ~ BBNYA Tour
Oliver, Gracie, August, and Ansel wake up in a Forest, but it’s not any kind of regular forest. This forest changes and it has monsters. Despite being children, they are all there for a reason and it’s nto a good one. They have to work together to find a way home. But what if going home isn’t an option?
I had a hard time with this story. It was confusing to me in many places. It jumped around and there was a scene that kept repeating, but I had no idea why. I didn’t understand the way the Forest worked or the magic or anything about the place.
However, it is very inventive. The concept is so creative that I hate I didn’t understand it more. But I blame that on me. And that ending? Wow. Other people in the tour have loved the book, so don’t be put off by my lackluster response. And while this is fantasy and has children in it, it is not lightness and rainbows. It’s dark and scary, so be prepared for goosebumps and nail biting.
Book source ~ BBNYA Tour
Oliver, Gracie, August, and Ansel wake up in a Forest, but it’s not any kind of regular forest. This forest changes and it has monsters. Despite being children, they are all there for a reason and it’s nto a good one. They have to work together to find a way home. But what if going home isn’t an option?
I had a hard time with this story. It was confusing to me in many places. It jumped around and there was a scene that kept repeating, but I had no idea why. I didn’t understand the way the Forest worked or the magic or anything about the place.
However, it is very inventive. The concept is so creative that I hate I didn’t understand it more. But I blame that on me. And that ending? Wow. Other people in the tour have loved the book, so don’t be put off by my lackluster response. And while this is fantasy and has children in it, it is not lightness and rainbows. It’s dark and scary, so be prepared for goosebumps and nail biting.
June 7, 2025
The first thing I have to say about this book is how well described the scenery is. From the very first forest setting we wander through, everything is brought to life, as if we were one of the characters ourselves. The image of this otherworldly place and its creatures was so vivid in my mind, which was just as unnerving as it was magical.
“My mother always taught me to fear the dark. She forgot to mention what happens in the light.”
This book takes childhood fantasies and fears and turns them into something even more terrifying. Our four main characters go on an incredible and thrilling journey while also facing their own tragedies. I was hung on every word. Chapter 6 was one of my favourites, exploring memories and feelings between two of the four main characters. I loved watching them grow together and learn to love each other even though they are complete strangers facing their own pain and heartbreaks.
The lore of this story is incredible. I kept having my own theories throughout and every time I was presented with a twist that threw a spanner in the works and kept me guessing. The reveals are methodical and emotional and many times made my heart ache for these character.
The ending was… insane. I can’t say much for fear of giving it away, but it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I fell in love with the Forest throughout the course of this story. It has been one of my favourite reads this year. I can’t wait until Tegan Anderson’s next release.
“My mother always taught me to fear the dark. She forgot to mention what happens in the light.”
This book takes childhood fantasies and fears and turns them into something even more terrifying. Our four main characters go on an incredible and thrilling journey while also facing their own tragedies. I was hung on every word. Chapter 6 was one of my favourites, exploring memories and feelings between two of the four main characters. I loved watching them grow together and learn to love each other even though they are complete strangers facing their own pain and heartbreaks.
The lore of this story is incredible. I kept having my own theories throughout and every time I was presented with a twist that threw a spanner in the works and kept me guessing. The reveals are methodical and emotional and many times made my heart ache for these character.
The ending was… insane. I can’t say much for fear of giving it away, but it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. I fell in love with the Forest throughout the course of this story. It has been one of my favourite reads this year. I can’t wait until Tegan Anderson’s next release.
August 28, 2022
This book follows Tony, a teenager who overdosed, is in a coma and is now in a forest which acts as a bridge between two worlds. He wakes up with three other people who have also had their time cut short for various reasons. The forest is a magical plaqce, with monsters, robot-people and enough magic to make each character face their past and decide if they want to continue searching for a way home or making forests their home.
This book has so much going for it: vivid imagery that makes you feel like you're physically there with the characters, a compelling story of survival- both physical and emotional- and complex characters.
The book lives up to the blurb. It's also a page turner that hooks the reader right away.
I had not read anything from Tegan Anderson prior to Paper Forests, but will be looking for more of her work. I loved and highly recommend.
*Thank you to the author, publisher, and Voracious Readers for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.*
This book has so much going for it: vivid imagery that makes you feel like you're physically there with the characters, a compelling story of survival- both physical and emotional- and complex characters.
The book lives up to the blurb. It's also a page turner that hooks the reader right away.
I had not read anything from Tegan Anderson prior to Paper Forests, but will be looking for more of her work. I loved and highly recommend.
*Thank you to the author, publisher, and Voracious Readers for sending me a review copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.*
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October 18, 2024Paper Forests' author's preferred text edition is out now in paperback (standard and special), hardcover, digital, and large print! Audiobook coming January 2025. Featuring new cover art illustrated by Ksenia Kholomeva, a short story, and some bonus scenes 🍂
This book is a love letter to my dreams: to fish-shaped constellations, fairytales with unhappy endings, and soft boys with bloody knuckles. It’s a love letter to the child in my memories who is still made of magic and monsters and would read fairytales under a chestnut tree. And, most of all, this book is a love letter to the Forest.
Please note that this book depicts issues of mental illness, fantasy violence, mentions of homophobia, self-harm ideation, blood, death, and gore. I have done my best to approach these topics with sensitivity, but if you feel this kind of content may be triggering for you, please be aware.
This book is a love letter to my dreams: to fish-shaped constellations, fairytales with unhappy endings, and soft boys with bloody knuckles. It’s a love letter to the child in my memories who is still made of magic and monsters and would read fairytales under a chestnut tree. And, most of all, this book is a love letter to the Forest.
Please note that this book depicts issues of mental illness, fantasy violence, mentions of homophobia, self-harm ideation, blood, death, and gore. I have done my best to approach these topics with sensitivity, but if you feel this kind of content may be triggering for you, please be aware.
September 26, 2022
dark themes were awesome…
The concept of this story is amazing. Kids about to die stuck in the inbetween. The execution wasn’t all I had hoped, though. It was a very telly story that made it hard for me to have an emotional connection. I would’ve liked more dialogue to experience the story through. And more details on the backstorys: Like experiencing the backstory through a scene that explained it, rather than being briefly told about what had happened.
Clearly, due to the other very positive reviews, this style of writing is one that other people like. I, for one, just prefer more of an immersive experience. I didn’t feel like I got that in this book.
However, the dark tones were perfect for this genre. (Five black hearts).
The concept of this story is amazing. Kids about to die stuck in the inbetween. The execution wasn’t all I had hoped, though. It was a very telly story that made it hard for me to have an emotional connection. I would’ve liked more dialogue to experience the story through. And more details on the backstorys: Like experiencing the backstory through a scene that explained it, rather than being briefly told about what had happened.
Clearly, due to the other very positive reviews, this style of writing is one that other people like. I, for one, just prefer more of an immersive experience. I didn’t feel like I got that in this book.
However, the dark tones were perfect for this genre. (Five black hearts).
September 13, 2022
Chilling
This is a very unique premiss, and it was quite chilling. The book takes place within a “paper forest,” where children on the brink of death struggle to survive. There are some difficult issues discussed, but the author handled all of them with grace. It is superbly written and left me with a feeling of deep melancholy. I am looking forward to reading the next volume.
This is a very unique premiss, and it was quite chilling. The book takes place within a “paper forest,” where children on the brink of death struggle to survive. There are some difficult issues discussed, but the author handled all of them with grace. It is superbly written and left me with a feeling of deep melancholy. I am looking forward to reading the next volume.
January 1, 2024
Paper Forests” is a very touching novel that will just break your heart. It is also a very well-written novel and one that is definitely worth reading. I do want to note that this book contains some very dark issues, such as drugs, mental illness, and homophobia. If this is not something you feel comfortable reading, this may not be the book for you. The author deals with these topics and others with a thoughtfulness that makes it easier to read, at least that was the case for me.
“Paper Forests” follows the path of Oliver, a teenager who is in a coma after overdosing. He is not dead, but he is not exactly alive either. Oliver awakens in a forest along with three other teens who are also in this same spot hovering between life and death. As the four characters embark on a journey through the forest, they step into a new world that seems so different to them. Along the way they must face some very hard truths about each of their lives and what led them to the forest in the first place. The forest is a very magical place filled with monsters and robots that all seem to be in place to make the characters face the ghosts of their past and choose whether they want to search for a way out or just make the forest their new home.
Out of the forest, we are given a glimpse of the teens’ parents as they sit near the hospital beds and attempt to figure out what led them all to where they are now. As they grow closer in the forest, Oliver, August, Ansel, and Gracie learn more about each other. As the reader we are given the hope that somehow things might work out for them while they battle to survive. As things in the forest progress and the children’s parents in the real world try to cope, the question of whether this nightmare will ever end is at the forefront of the readers’ thoughts (again, at least it was for me).
“Paper Forests” is a very unique story where the premise is one that I cannot even imagine, nor would I want to (think The Hunger Games and how the children were made to fight to the death). It is one that, as a reader, you would not think would make a good story, but the writing is so exceptional that it turns a dark and chilling story into one that is fascinating and something you want to know more about and finish.
Tegan Anderson has such a vivid way of writing that readers will feel they are right there in the forest with these confused and scared characters and they can feel the anguish and fear that is present in the parents. The description of the scenery is mesmerizing, something I highly commend the author for. If I had one complaint it would be that I felt the backstory for the characters should have been explained in a bit more depth in separate scenes rather than just having it thrown in there briefly about what happened to them. I think it might have given the characters a bit more depth. That being said, “Paper Forests” is still an excellent story.
I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. While the idea of the story is a difficult one, this author has created a world in the forest that is so intense, it makes for an amazing story. Tegan Anderson’s “Paper Forests” is a bittersweet story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. It will be very interesting to see what Ms. Anderson comes up with next. I will be waiting.
“Paper Forests” follows the path of Oliver, a teenager who is in a coma after overdosing. He is not dead, but he is not exactly alive either. Oliver awakens in a forest along with three other teens who are also in this same spot hovering between life and death. As the four characters embark on a journey through the forest, they step into a new world that seems so different to them. Along the way they must face some very hard truths about each of their lives and what led them to the forest in the first place. The forest is a very magical place filled with monsters and robots that all seem to be in place to make the characters face the ghosts of their past and choose whether they want to search for a way out or just make the forest their new home.
Out of the forest, we are given a glimpse of the teens’ parents as they sit near the hospital beds and attempt to figure out what led them all to where they are now. As they grow closer in the forest, Oliver, August, Ansel, and Gracie learn more about each other. As the reader we are given the hope that somehow things might work out for them while they battle to survive. As things in the forest progress and the children’s parents in the real world try to cope, the question of whether this nightmare will ever end is at the forefront of the readers’ thoughts (again, at least it was for me).
“Paper Forests” is a very unique story where the premise is one that I cannot even imagine, nor would I want to (think The Hunger Games and how the children were made to fight to the death). It is one that, as a reader, you would not think would make a good story, but the writing is so exceptional that it turns a dark and chilling story into one that is fascinating and something you want to know more about and finish.
Tegan Anderson has such a vivid way of writing that readers will feel they are right there in the forest with these confused and scared characters and they can feel the anguish and fear that is present in the parents. The description of the scenery is mesmerizing, something I highly commend the author for. If I had one complaint it would be that I felt the backstory for the characters should have been explained in a bit more depth in separate scenes rather than just having it thrown in there briefly about what happened to them. I think it might have given the characters a bit more depth. That being said, “Paper Forests” is still an excellent story.
I would definitely recommend this book to other readers. While the idea of the story is a difficult one, this author has created a world in the forest that is so intense, it makes for an amazing story. Tegan Anderson’s “Paper Forests” is a bittersweet story that is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. It will be very interesting to see what Ms. Anderson comes up with next. I will be waiting.
January 17, 2024
The book begins introducing adults at a support group speaking about their children that are in comas or about to die. This gives a good introduction to the world of “paper forests” before chapter one begins. Which I enjoyed. The art of the pages before the book begins really grabbed my attention as well - into thinking wow this is going to be good. Already in chapter two were met with danger that kept me on the edge of my seat until the chapter was over. It was fast but not rushed, brilliantly described so I can see the images in my mind as I read it - that doesn’t happen with every book for me. So much detail goes into the description of the world - really helping me feel like I’m there.
The chapters are short, which in my opinion is great!! Reaching another chapter feels like an achievement to me in any book - so having short chapters allows me to read more without feeling exhausted or like I need a break as fast. As much as I love reading, very very long chapters can be draining sometimes. So this is refreshing.
You find out briefly why the children are in the paper forest - what killed them or brought them to the brink of death. Reading August’s story although it was a brief version as they are short on time of safety in the forest; really pulled my heartstrings and had a tear come to my eye.
I really enjoy that there are some pictures dotted in the book to explain drawings being described. Not many books I read have any photos in so it was nice to get that real visual without it being a “photo book”.
The ending wasn’t what I was expecting throughout reading this book. My heart broke towards the end. Amazing book! Definitely recommend - such a fast read for me I read it in a day I enjoyed it that much!
Quotes that stuck out for me:
“I’m frozen in the moment of my last breath”
“She didn’t scream as her body hit the ground and broke in an unfixable way”
“My mother always taught me to fear the dark. She forgot to mention the horrors that live in the light”
“The scent of the forest - Like pine needles after rain” - One of my favourite smells!!!
“Have you ever cared about someone so much that you physically ached? It sucks. Especially when you know it can’t last forever. Or that it probably shouldn’t have started in the first place.”
The chapters are short, which in my opinion is great!! Reaching another chapter feels like an achievement to me in any book - so having short chapters allows me to read more without feeling exhausted or like I need a break as fast. As much as I love reading, very very long chapters can be draining sometimes. So this is refreshing.
You find out briefly why the children are in the paper forest - what killed them or brought them to the brink of death. Reading August’s story although it was a brief version as they are short on time of safety in the forest; really pulled my heartstrings and had a tear come to my eye.
I really enjoy that there are some pictures dotted in the book to explain drawings being described. Not many books I read have any photos in so it was nice to get that real visual without it being a “photo book”.
The ending wasn’t what I was expecting throughout reading this book. My heart broke towards the end. Amazing book! Definitely recommend - such a fast read for me I read it in a day I enjoyed it that much!
Quotes that stuck out for me:
“I’m frozen in the moment of my last breath”
“She didn’t scream as her body hit the ground and broke in an unfixable way”
“My mother always taught me to fear the dark. She forgot to mention the horrors that live in the light”
“The scent of the forest - Like pine needles after rain” - One of my favourite smells!!!
“Have you ever cared about someone so much that you physically ached? It sucks. Especially when you know it can’t last forever. Or that it probably shouldn’t have started in the first place.”
December 1, 2023
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
1st December 2023
TITLE: PAPER FORESTS
AUTHOR: Tegan Anderson
Star Rating: 4
‘A wonderfully unique offering from a very talented author. ’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I must say, I very much enjoyed this highly original novel from the pen of Tegan Anderson. It’s the story of a group of children who are by death's door. As their parents sit by their bedside, the children wake up in a forest filled with magic - and monsters! There, they must face their pasts and decide whether to find a home in amongst the trees, or try to find a way back.
There were a number of elements to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, I simply adored Oliver and August. They were very much the jam that holds the story together, and I was rooting for them all the way till the end. Secondly, the thought of a parent sitting with a dying child as he or she fights for survival in a forest captivated me. It’s not often I find a book that has such an original premise, but I did today! And thirdly, the author works competently with imagery, bringing the forest setting alive.
So, why did I award it a 4 star, and not a 5? Basically, although the writing style is strong, almost literary, there is a lot of telling with limited speech between the characters. I suspect this is the author’s intended style for this novel – and it works well – but I suspect a few YA readers will find it off-putting. Also, although I understood a lot regarding the magical forest, there was just as much I didn’t understand. As a result, when I finished reading it, I felt oddly frustrated as if I’d watched a film through a mist and didn’t catch everything.
All in all, I’m very happy to recommend this novel to adults and older YA. I say ‘older’ as there are elements of mental illness and self-harm which I suspect might prove uncomfortable for children younger than, say 15. I think most readers will enjoy getting to know the small cast of (very vulnerable) characters and, although many might be frustrated by the mystery of it all, just as many will find it captivating. To sum up, highly original and thought-provoking.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
1st December 2023
TITLE: PAPER FORESTS
AUTHOR: Tegan Anderson
Star Rating: 4
‘A wonderfully unique offering from a very talented author. ’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I must say, I very much enjoyed this highly original novel from the pen of Tegan Anderson. It’s the story of a group of children who are by death's door. As their parents sit by their bedside, the children wake up in a forest filled with magic - and monsters! There, they must face their pasts and decide whether to find a home in amongst the trees, or try to find a way back.
There were a number of elements to this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, I simply adored Oliver and August. They were very much the jam that holds the story together, and I was rooting for them all the way till the end. Secondly, the thought of a parent sitting with a dying child as he or she fights for survival in a forest captivated me. It’s not often I find a book that has such an original premise, but I did today! And thirdly, the author works competently with imagery, bringing the forest setting alive.
So, why did I award it a 4 star, and not a 5? Basically, although the writing style is strong, almost literary, there is a lot of telling with limited speech between the characters. I suspect this is the author’s intended style for this novel – and it works well – but I suspect a few YA readers will find it off-putting. Also, although I understood a lot regarding the magical forest, there was just as much I didn’t understand. As a result, when I finished reading it, I felt oddly frustrated as if I’d watched a film through a mist and didn’t catch everything.
All in all, I’m very happy to recommend this novel to adults and older YA. I say ‘older’ as there are elements of mental illness and self-harm which I suspect might prove uncomfortable for children younger than, say 15. I think most readers will enjoy getting to know the small cast of (very vulnerable) characters and, although many might be frustrated by the mystery of it all, just as many will find it captivating. To sum up, highly original and thought-provoking.
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
December 26, 2023
The story chronicles the adventures of four children, Oliver, August, Ansel, and Gracie, in a world known as the Paper Forests. They find themselves in this world due to near-death experiences. They embark on an exciting journey, confronting their personal tragedies along the way. The author's detailed and lively descriptions were truly remarkable. The initial forest setting was depicted with such precision that it instantly immerses readers. Even as the scenes change, the vivid descriptions maintain the engagement. The world-building was excellent, striking a balance between being eerie and enchanting.
Watching their development and camaraderie, despite being strangers each dealing with their own struggles and disappointments, was genuinely inspiring. The narrative's context was intriguing and captivating at the same time. Throughout the book, I was thoroughly engrossed, keen to discover more about this universe.
What I appreciate most about this book was how Anderson uses the gender-neutral pronoun "they" for August's best friend. At first, I thought August had more than one best friend, but as I continued with the story, I understood it better. This may be the first time I've encountered this type of pronoun usage.
The only downside I noticed was the abrupt love story between August and Oliver. I would have preferred it to be more gradual, allowing readers to become emotionally invested and understand the blossoming love between these two wonderful kids.
The ending was incredible, it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating.
Watching their development and camaraderie, despite being strangers each dealing with their own struggles and disappointments, was genuinely inspiring. The narrative's context was intriguing and captivating at the same time. Throughout the book, I was thoroughly engrossed, keen to discover more about this universe.
What I appreciate most about this book was how Anderson uses the gender-neutral pronoun "they" for August's best friend. At first, I thought August had more than one best friend, but as I continued with the story, I understood it better. This may be the first time I've encountered this type of pronoun usage.
The only downside I noticed was the abrupt love story between August and Oliver. I would have preferred it to be more gradual, allowing readers to become emotionally invested and understand the blossoming love between these two wonderful kids.
The ending was incredible, it was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I would give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating.
March 12, 2024
"Paper Forest" unfolds as a masterfully crafted narrative, commencing with a poignant counseling session where parents grapple with the heart-wrenching prospect of losing their children. The counselor's efforts to provide solace and assurance that their kids are in capable hands set the stage for a compelling exploration. The storyline seamlessly transitions into a fantastical realm, introducing the protagonist confronted by emotionless entities sent by their enigmatic leader.
From a literary perspective, the author's prowess shines as they skillfully weave a tapestry that immerses readers in both the intense counseling session and the surreal fantasy world. The vivid mental images painted through descriptive language elevate the overall reading experience, showcasing a keen attention to detail.
However, the narrative doesn't shy away from broaching potentially triggering themes—mental and terminal illnesses, homophobia, self-harm ideation, and gore. The author conscientiously acknowledges these themes in a note, underscoring the importance of considering their potential impact on sensitive readers.
An intriguing element lies in the abrupt yet creative shift from the counseling session to the fantasy world, showcasing the book's unique storytelling prowess. This departure from the norm adds a layer of unpredictability, keeping readers engaged.
Despite these considerations, the author's strong writing skills remain evident. It is crucial, however, to assess the potential impact of sensitive content on readers and strive for a more seamless and satisfying integration of the diverse plotlines.
From a literary perspective, the author's prowess shines as they skillfully weave a tapestry that immerses readers in both the intense counseling session and the surreal fantasy world. The vivid mental images painted through descriptive language elevate the overall reading experience, showcasing a keen attention to detail.
However, the narrative doesn't shy away from broaching potentially triggering themes—mental and terminal illnesses, homophobia, self-harm ideation, and gore. The author conscientiously acknowledges these themes in a note, underscoring the importance of considering their potential impact on sensitive readers.
An intriguing element lies in the abrupt yet creative shift from the counseling session to the fantasy world, showcasing the book's unique storytelling prowess. This departure from the norm adds a layer of unpredictability, keeping readers engaged.
Despite these considerations, the author's strong writing skills remain evident. It is crucial, however, to assess the potential impact of sensitive content on readers and strive for a more seamless and satisfying integration of the diverse plotlines.
Read
January 17, 2025update! 16/01/2025:
As my time in the Forest draws to a temporary close while I work on other projects, I wanted to end this era with one final announcement: the Paper Forest audiobook is now available! Currently available on select platforms and library services here, but will hopefully be available anywhere audiobooks can be found soon. Working on this project was a dream come true and I can’t wait for you to hear it 🤎
original review:
Paper Forests' author's preferred text edition is out now in paperback (standard and special), hardcover, digital, and large print! Audiobook coming January 2025. Featuring new cover art illustrated by Ksenia Kholomeva, a short story (Paper Ghosts, also available individually to count towards your reading challenges!), and some bonus scenes 🍂
This book is a love letter to my dreams: to fish-shaped constellations, fairytales with unhappy endings, and soft boys with bloody knuckles. It’s a love letter to the child in my memories who is still made of magic and monsters and would read fairytales under a chestnut tree. And, most of all, this book is a love letter to the Forest.
Please note that this book depicts issues of mental illness, fantasy violence, mentions of homophobia, self-harm ideation, blood, death, and gore. I have done my best to approach these topics with sensitivity, but if you feel this kind of content may be triggering for you, please be aware.
As my time in the Forest draws to a temporary close while I work on other projects, I wanted to end this era with one final announcement: the Paper Forest audiobook is now available! Currently available on select platforms and library services here, but will hopefully be available anywhere audiobooks can be found soon. Working on this project was a dream come true and I can’t wait for you to hear it 🤎
original review:
Paper Forests' author's preferred text edition is out now in paperback (standard and special), hardcover, digital, and large print! Audiobook coming January 2025. Featuring new cover art illustrated by Ksenia Kholomeva, a short story (Paper Ghosts, also available individually to count towards your reading challenges!), and some bonus scenes 🍂
This book is a love letter to my dreams: to fish-shaped constellations, fairytales with unhappy endings, and soft boys with bloody knuckles. It’s a love letter to the child in my memories who is still made of magic and monsters and would read fairytales under a chestnut tree. And, most of all, this book is a love letter to the Forest.
Please note that this book depicts issues of mental illness, fantasy violence, mentions of homophobia, self-harm ideation, blood, death, and gore. I have done my best to approach these topics with sensitivity, but if you feel this kind of content may be triggering for you, please be aware.
March 15, 2024
I received a copy of this for free, to review as part of a book tour for The Write Reads.
This is a stunning young adult fantasy novel. At the beginning, we learn that the protagonist, seventeen year old Oliver, is in a coma.
This was quite a short read by my standards, but it took me a few hours to finish reading it. It was worth it, as I thought this book was beautifully written. I found the writing very thought-provoking, and from the beginning, I felt the need to sit up and take notice, to read Oliver's story carefully.
I found myself quite absorbed by this book, and once I started reading, I struggled to stop. I felt as though I was on a journey with Oliver and the other characters, and there was a lot of powerful imagery throughout.
In some ways, this book felt quite intense to read. There were references to drug use and self-harm, which some readers may find distressing. I found that at some point while I was reading, I actually became tearful, because I felt so connected to the characters. The bond between Oliver and August resonated very deeply with me. I think if you connect with a book, to a point where you become tearful, that's certainly a sign of a good book.
This book did take me on an emotional journey, and it was lovely to read. Thank you to The Write Reads, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
This is a stunning young adult fantasy novel. At the beginning, we learn that the protagonist, seventeen year old Oliver, is in a coma.
This was quite a short read by my standards, but it took me a few hours to finish reading it. It was worth it, as I thought this book was beautifully written. I found the writing very thought-provoking, and from the beginning, I felt the need to sit up and take notice, to read Oliver's story carefully.
I found myself quite absorbed by this book, and once I started reading, I struggled to stop. I felt as though I was on a journey with Oliver and the other characters, and there was a lot of powerful imagery throughout.
In some ways, this book felt quite intense to read. There were references to drug use and self-harm, which some readers may find distressing. I found that at some point while I was reading, I actually became tearful, because I felt so connected to the characters. The bond between Oliver and August resonated very deeply with me. I think if you connect with a book, to a point where you become tearful, that's certainly a sign of a good book.
This book did take me on an emotional journey, and it was lovely to read. Thank you to The Write Reads, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.
December 5, 2022
This is a dark exploration of both a fantasy realm between life and death, and the psyche of two young boys who are trapped there. Oliver and August are two of a group of four children who find themselves waking up together in a mercurial forest. The adult support group that bookends the plot imagines this ‘Paper Forest’ as a happy place, but for the children it is anything but.
The atmosphere that Anderson creates is dreamlike, often nightmarish, and evokes the strong sense of a liminal space where nothing is certain. The growing connection between Oliver and August forms the backbone of the book as the forest shifts and power changes hands. It took me a while to get to know them, but by the end I was rooting for them to find a way out.
There were also some cool ideas her that were under-explored, such as young children manipulating the space with their imaginations, making them all powerful while at the same time vulnerable to their own anxieties. I’m not sure if there are going to be more books set in this world, but I’d love to read more about that.
The atmosphere that Anderson creates is dreamlike, often nightmarish, and evokes the strong sense of a liminal space where nothing is certain. The growing connection between Oliver and August forms the backbone of the book as the forest shifts and power changes hands. It took me a while to get to know them, but by the end I was rooting for them to find a way out.
There were also some cool ideas her that were under-explored, such as young children manipulating the space with their imaginations, making them all powerful while at the same time vulnerable to their own anxieties. I’m not sure if there are going to be more books set in this world, but I’d love to read more about that.
February 11, 2024
I am a little conflicted about this book. The whole idea behind it is unique and wonderful.
The first third of the book could seriously benefit from some editing but it's full of great descriptions and really starts to give shaped wonderfully! At that point the character development is underway, in force.
From around the second third of the book, the character development loses steam. The storyline starts to get a little muddled. There are too many incomplete little stories in this bigger one that it's robbed this one of comprehensible depth, and that theft started at too early a stage.
I did hope a few of the strands would come together as the book approached it's end, but it seemed to get more muddled and confusing. Even in a series, there needs to be a little more mental reward, and the characters need to gain a little more interest.
Overall, brilliant author - obviously great storyline with excellent potential. May be worth getting a professional editor involved because honestly, more potential than what it coming through!
The first third of the book could seriously benefit from some editing but it's full of great descriptions and really starts to give shaped wonderfully! At that point the character development is underway, in force.
From around the second third of the book, the character development loses steam. The storyline starts to get a little muddled. There are too many incomplete little stories in this bigger one that it's robbed this one of comprehensible depth, and that theft started at too early a stage.
I did hope a few of the strands would come together as the book approached it's end, but it seemed to get more muddled and confusing. Even in a series, there needs to be a little more mental reward, and the characters need to gain a little more interest.
Overall, brilliant author - obviously great storyline with excellent potential. May be worth getting a professional editor involved because honestly, more potential than what it coming through!
December 14, 2022
"Paper Forests" tells stories of children who are in the inbetween. Meaning they are in between life and death while their parent's struggle to cope and help their children in the real world.
In this story, it brings to fruition the troubles and saddness in a parent who has to sit by their child's hospital bed wondering if they are going to survive this illness or not. With intertwining the forest and showing the children and where they might be while their parents are by their bedsides in the hospital, it gives the parents a sense of hope. A hope that maybe their children could find their way back from their illness with the chance of escaping the forest.
However, maybe the author can stem from a lot of telling and show the readers more so that way they can connect emotionally to the children and their parents.
All in all, I enjoyed this story and I see great potential in the author. Can't wait to read more about the Forest!
In this story, it brings to fruition the troubles and saddness in a parent who has to sit by their child's hospital bed wondering if they are going to survive this illness or not. With intertwining the forest and showing the children and where they might be while their parents are by their bedsides in the hospital, it gives the parents a sense of hope. A hope that maybe their children could find their way back from their illness with the chance of escaping the forest.
However, maybe the author can stem from a lot of telling and show the readers more so that way they can connect emotionally to the children and their parents.
All in all, I enjoyed this story and I see great potential in the author. Can't wait to read more about the Forest!
January 26, 2024
Going into this book I honestly didn't think I would like it as much as I did. I can be the type of person to judge a book by its cover, but with this one I wanted to give it a try. I read the first few chapters at night before bed and before I knew it I was sucked in, just like that. I was reading it whenever I had the chance to, even at work (I work from home so that made it a little easier). The writing was so beautifully written, with so much detail. The author would say things like "dandelion fluff" to describe a characters hair and I've never heard that before I thought it was a beautiful way to put it. The characters were so lovable, that I just wanted to take them out of the book and embrace them into my arms and never let them go. The story itself had a lot of love, loss, blood, battle. I think it was definitely a great YA fantasy book to pick up, especially because I'm not all that into fantasy and I'm trying to read more of it!
March 14, 2024
Paper Forests by Tegan Anderson is a deep and thought provoking novel which confronts death, spirituality and love.
When we first awake with the children in the forest we aren’t sure if they are dead or in limbo or some other strange realm. The forest is a strange mysterious place that seems half alive. Once there they are faced with all manner of dangers and adventures. The heart of the book is the love story between August and Oliver. But Ansel and Gracie were particularly likeable too.
Unfortunately its written in present tense prose (I don’t get why so many authors do this), but despite that it is written very well and after a while I was able to get past the present tense. I’m sure present tense doesn’t turn off others as much as it does me so feel free to ignore this minor issue!
I found the story really quite captivating all in all. Very emotional and imaginative. Thank you BBNYA and the author!
When we first awake with the children in the forest we aren’t sure if they are dead or in limbo or some other strange realm. The forest is a strange mysterious place that seems half alive. Once there they are faced with all manner of dangers and adventures. The heart of the book is the love story between August and Oliver. But Ansel and Gracie were particularly likeable too.
Unfortunately its written in present tense prose (I don’t get why so many authors do this), but despite that it is written very well and after a while I was able to get past the present tense. I’m sure present tense doesn’t turn off others as much as it does me so feel free to ignore this minor issue!
I found the story really quite captivating all in all. Very emotional and imaginative. Thank you BBNYA and the author!
January 25, 2024
🌟🌟🌟.5
Wow! This book was actually... kind of devastating in a really beautiful way. This is a YA novel that explores some really intense topics, but in a very tasteful way.
It deals intimately with death, all the characters are children who are dead or dying. It also explores sexuality and betrayal and the two main characters Oliver and August have some deeply intense trauma, definitely check your trigger warnings before reading.
However, this book surprised me in a really pleasant way. I'm kind of shook at the ending, it's going to be something I think about for a really long time! The descriptions were so lush and I'm really fond of the way this author writes.
I wish there had been a bit more development in the early stages of August and Oliver's relationship. But still, this book was such a beautiful read. I hope you guys consider checking it out!
Wow! This book was actually... kind of devastating in a really beautiful way. This is a YA novel that explores some really intense topics, but in a very tasteful way.
It deals intimately with death, all the characters are children who are dead or dying. It also explores sexuality and betrayal and the two main characters Oliver and August have some deeply intense trauma, definitely check your trigger warnings before reading.
However, this book surprised me in a really pleasant way. I'm kind of shook at the ending, it's going to be something I think about for a really long time! The descriptions were so lush and I'm really fond of the way this author writes.
I wish there had been a bit more development in the early stages of August and Oliver's relationship. But still, this book was such a beautiful read. I hope you guys consider checking it out!
March 15, 2024
Thanks to BBNYA (it was a 2023 finalist in the competition) for making me aware of this really great and under appreciated book.
The idea behind this is really great. Basically our characters are young kids on the verge of death. They wake up in this ethereal forest (what appears to be some sort of limbo) the four of them are then faced with all manner of trials and tribulations monsters and magic and more personal relationships and struggles too.
The imagery is especially vivid, the author takes their time describing the forest and creates a really vivid picture of it and the creatures within. The writing itself is good and the ending is wow.
Its five stars from me!! Can’t wait for the authors next book.
The idea behind this is really great. Basically our characters are young kids on the verge of death. They wake up in this ethereal forest (what appears to be some sort of limbo) the four of them are then faced with all manner of trials and tribulations monsters and magic and more personal relationships and struggles too.
The imagery is especially vivid, the author takes their time describing the forest and creates a really vivid picture of it and the creatures within. The writing itself is good and the ending is wow.
Its five stars from me!! Can’t wait for the authors next book.
April 17, 2025
This was such a unique read. I really loved how original the plot was and the whimsical feel of the setting. The writing style was beautiful too; very vivid, and it really brought everything to life for me. That said, if I had to sum up my experience in one word, it would probably be abrupt. The story didn’t quite give things enough room to breathe. The relationships, both romantic and otherwise, felt rushed, and I found myself wishing for more time to get invested in them. I also wasn’t totally satisfied with the ending, it left a lot of threads hanging. I know that kind of open-endedness works for some people, but personally, I like a story that wraps things up a little more neatly.
September 14, 2023
This book started out a little dark but I kept going and then these delightful children were in the paper forest and experiencing different emotions as they near death. These two teenage boys find each other and then a budding relationship starts which is just precious and then the kids go about finding a way home(back to reality). But then the book becomes something impossible to describe and understand. I may not be the brightest star in the sky but the rest of this book left me thinking, WHAT? and quite frankly left me pissed that I had wasted my time trying to get to the end, for what? Thoroughly disappointed.
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