Don’t Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
When Andrew and his twin sister, Dove, return to the prestigious Wickwood Academy for another school year, it’s clear they’re hoping to leave some sort of tragic event in the past. It’s a new year, and a new chance for a fresh start.
As the days unfold, Dove begins being cold and stand-offish to Andrew. Because of this, Andrew comes to rely even more on his handsome and rakish best friend, Thomas.
Andrew and Thomas. Their relationship is deep, full of complicated emotion and captivated me from the start.
Thomas is like that mysterious, creative, rich bad-boy that most of us find intriguing AF, and Andrew def isn’t immune to those charms, even if it feels slightly dangerous.
This story follows that relationship as it develops, and also Andrew’s own mental health as it begins to spiral. We learn about their pasts at school, and more about both of their complicated family situations.
There’s a real blending of fact and fiction. It’s lyrical and dark and beautiful in a truly heartbreaking way. My favorite aspect was the Dark Fairytale style that Drews brought to it to examine some heavier topics.
I actually picked this up for a book club, and I started it the day before the discussion was scheduled. I got through it so quickly, as I couldn’t put it down once I started. There’s an underlying sense of dread that I felt so compelling. I needed to know the truth.
I really enjoyed the writing, and while I really, really liked it, I don’t think it was as impactful for me as it’s been for many other Readers.
It seems to be one of those books that if you pick it up at the right time for you, it could be everything. It reminded me so, so much of The Wicker King, and I’m wondering maybe if I hadn’t read that one first, if I would have enjoyed this more?
Either way, this is an excellent novel and I’m excited to read more from C.G. Drews!!