Don’t Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

In her latest young adult horror fantasy, Don’t Let the Forest, C.G. Drews masterfully weaves a dark and mesmerizing story that explores the devastating impacts of grief, the complexities of first love, and the monsters we create both metaphorically and literally. Following her previous works A Thousand Perfect Notes and The Boy Who Steals Houses, Drews ventures deeper into horror territory while maintaining her signature emotional depth and lyrical prose.

The Heart of the Story

Set in the prestigious Wickwood Academy, the novel follows Andrew Perrault, a sensitive young writer who crafts macabre fairy tales, and Thomas Rye, the artistic boy who brings these stories to life through his haunting illustrations. Their friendship – and budding romance – becomes increasingly complicated when Thomas’s drawings begin manifesting as real monsters that stalk the school grounds at night. As students start disappearing and the danger escalates, Andrew must confront not only the physical monsters but also the psychological demons that have taken root in his own mind.

Writing Style and Atmosphere

Drews excels at creating an atmosphere thick with dread and yearning. Her prose is both beautiful and brutal, perfectly capturing the gothic romance aesthetic while never shying away from visceral horror. Consider this passage:

“The forest had left its teeth marks all over them, and it would never leave them alone.”

The author’s ability to blend poetic language with body horror creates a uniquely unsettling reading experience. The story alternates between tender moments of connection and scenes of grotesque violence, maintaining a careful balance that keeps readers invested in both the horror and romance elements.

Character Development

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its complex characterization. Andrew and Thomas are wonderfully flawed protagonists, each carrying deep emotional wounds that inform their actions. Andrew’s struggle with anxiety and his asexual identity is portrayed with remarkable sensitivity, while Thomas’s anger issues and trauma from parental abuse add layers of complexity to their relationship.

The supporting characters, particularly Dove and Lana, are equally well-developed, though some readers might find the secondary antagonists (like Bryce Kane) somewhat less nuanced.

Themes and Subtext

The novel explores several interconnected themes:

• The transformative power of grief
• The thin line between creation and destruction
• The ways we hurt those we love most
• The complexity of sibling relationships
• The struggle for self-acceptance

Horror Elements

The monster designs are genuinely disturbing, drawing from both body horror and folk horror traditions. Drews creates creatures that are both physically repulsive and psychologically unsettling, making them effective metaphors for trauma and mental illness while remaining genuinely frightening antagonists.

LGBTQ+ Representation

The book handles Andrew’s asexual identity with remarkable nuance, avoiding common stereotypes and presenting it as just one facet of his character rather than his defining trait. The romance between Andrew and Thomas develops naturally, though their relationship is complicated by trauma and supernatural elements.

Critical Analysis

While the novel’s strengths are numerous, there are some areas where it could have been stronger:

• The pacing in the middle section occasionally drags
• Some plot twists might be predictable for seasoned horror readers
• The school setting sometimes feels underdeveloped
• A few side characters could have been better utilized

Impact and Significance

Don’t Let the Forest In represents an important addition to the growing body of LGBTQ+ horror literature. It demonstrates that queer stories don’t need to be confined to contemporary romance or coming-out narratives – they can be dark, complex, and challenging while still maintaining emotional authenticity.

Comparison to Similar Works

The novel shares DNA with works like:

• The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
• In the Wild Light by Jeff Zentner
• Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

However, Drews’s unique voice and unflinching approach to both horror and emotion sets this book apart from its contemporaries.

Final Verdict

Despite minor flaws, Don’t Let the Forest In is a powerful and memorable novel that will resonate with readers long after they turn the final page. It earns 4 out of 5 stars for its:

• Atmospheric writing
• Complex character relationships
• Unique approach to horror
• Authentic LGBTQ+ representation
• Emotional depth

Recommendations

This book is ideal for readers who:

• Enjoy dark academia settings
• Appreciate psychological horror
• Look for authentic LGBTQ+ representation
• Are fans of gothic romance
• Don’t mind graphic violence and body horror

However, sensitive readers should note the content warnings for blood, gore, body horror, panic attacks, grief, eating disorders, bullying, and self-harm.

Conclusion

Don’t Let the Forest In is a haunting exploration of love, loss, and the monsters we create both inside and outside ourselves. While it may not be perfect, its emotional impact and unique vision make it a standout addition to both the YA horror and LGBTQ+ literary landscapes. C.G. Drews continues to prove herself as a voice to watch in contemporary young adult literature, pushing boundaries and challenging readers while never losing sight of the human heart beating at the center of her stories.