Don't Let the Forest In

By: CG Drews

Narrated by: Michael Crouch

High school senior Andrew Perrault finds refuge in the twisted fairy tales that he writes for the only person who can ground him to reality—Thomas Rye, the boy with perpetually ink-stained hands and hair like autumn leaves. And with his twin sister, Dove, inexplicably keeping him at a cold distance upon their return to Wickwood Academy, Andrew finds himself leaning on his friend even more.

But something strange is going on with Thomas. His abusive parents have mysteriously vanished, and he arrives at school with blood on his sleeve. Thomas won’t say a word about it and shuts down whenever Andrew tries to ask him questions. Stranger still, Thomas is haunted by something, and he seems to have lost interest in his artwork—whimsically macabre sketches of the monsters from Andrew’s wicked stories.

Desperate to figure out what’s wrong with his friend, Andrew follows Thomas into the off-limits forest one night and catches him fighting a nightmarish monster—Thomas’s drawings have come to life and are killing anyone close to him. To make sure no one else dies, the boys battle the monsters every night. But as their obsession with each other grows stronger, so do the monsters, and Andrew begins to fear that the only way to stop the creatures might be to destroy their creator.

©2024 CG Drews (P)2024 Recorded Books

I’m covered

I bought this book by accident, not knowing what I was going to listen to. The story was an adventure, yet sad, disturbing, and I am lost in its sweetness and struggle of mental pain and sorrow of the characters.

As someone who has been left seen a love in my life jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge because he didn’t see any other way, I’m troubled by the sacrifice and struggle of his mental health and struggle. It’s so important to remember so much of these actions causes more pain to those left standing there wondering why.

I enjoy this book and the struggle of love, but a wound was reopened by this story and I’m sad. But the reality is, we need to remind others that this is possible, love is hard, scary, painful, but there are always ways to remain with all those who love you. Please find a way before taking your own life. Please.

Strange and difficult to finish

Just wasn't was I expected, it was a very "young" story - something a teenager might enjoy. I don't think I would have finished watching it if it was a movie, but I have a very hard time not finishing a book. I wouldn't really recommend.

Great audiobook!

It felt like I’d read this before. Indeed I had not. The story felt familiar and fun. It had aspects of Lovecraftian horror and concepts borrowed from the likes of Poe. It set a temperature equivalent to the ladder but lacking of the formerly mentioned. The book conveys the feeling of suffering well. The voice acting was phenomenal. The reading was unparalleled. This book is wonderful for its target market audience!

not usually a horror book fan but this was great

I really liked this book. It was gross and uncomfortable but so engaging. It wasn't completely unpredictable but that didn't take away from the story for me.

Haunting

Michael Crouch's narration elevated this story. It was beautifully written, the audiobook performance was amazing, I just wasn't crazy about the ending. But, the story does linger in your mind.