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What the Woods Took
Yellowjackets meets Girl, Interrupted when a group of troubled teens in a wilderness therapy program find themselves stranded in a forest full of monsters eager to take their place.
Devin Green wakes in the middle of the night to find two men in her bedroom. No stranger to a fight, she calls to her foster parents for help, but it soon becomes clear this is a planned abduction—one everyone but Devin signed up for. She’s shoved in a van and driven deep into the Idaho woods, where she’s dropped off with a cohort of equally confused teens. Finally, two camp counselors inform them that they've all been enrolled in an experimental therapy program. If the campers can learn to change their self-destructive ways—and survive a fifty-days hike through the wilderness—they’ll come out the other side as better versions of themselves. Or so the counselors say.
Devin is immediately determined to escape. She’s also determined to ignore Sheridan, the cruel-mouthed, lavender-haired bully who mocks every group exercise. But there’s something strange about these woods—inhuman faces appearing between the trees, visions of people who shouldn't be there flashing in the leaves—and when the campers wake up to find both counselors missing, therapy becomes the least of their problems. Stranded and left to fend for themselves, the teens quickly realize they’ll have to trust each other if they want to survive. But what lies in the woods may not be as dangerous as what the campers are hiding from each other—and if the monsters have their way, no one will leave the woods alive.
Atmospheric and sharp, What the Woods Took is a poignant story of transformation that explores the price of becoming someone—or something—new.
Devin Green wakes in the middle of the night to find two men in her bedroom. No stranger to a fight, she calls to her foster parents for help, but it soon becomes clear this is a planned abduction—one everyone but Devin signed up for. She’s shoved in a van and driven deep into the Idaho woods, where she’s dropped off with a cohort of equally confused teens. Finally, two camp counselors inform them that they've all been enrolled in an experimental therapy program. If the campers can learn to change their self-destructive ways—and survive a fifty-days hike through the wilderness—they’ll come out the other side as better versions of themselves. Or so the counselors say.
Devin is immediately determined to escape. She’s also determined to ignore Sheridan, the cruel-mouthed, lavender-haired bully who mocks every group exercise. But there’s something strange about these woods—inhuman faces appearing between the trees, visions of people who shouldn't be there flashing in the leaves—and when the campers wake up to find both counselors missing, therapy becomes the least of their problems. Stranded and left to fend for themselves, the teens quickly realize they’ll have to trust each other if they want to survive. But what lies in the woods may not be as dangerous as what the campers are hiding from each other—and if the monsters have their way, no one will leave the woods alive.
Atmospheric and sharp, What the Woods Took is a poignant story of transformation that explores the price of becoming someone—or something—new.
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication December 10, 2024
About the author
Courtney Gould
5 books688 followersCourtney Gould is the author of The Dead and the Dark, Where Echoes Die, and the forthcoming What the Woods Took. She writes books about queer girls, ghosts, and things that go bump in the night. She graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a degree in Creative Writing and Publishing and now lives in Salem, OR where she continues to write love letters to small towns and haunted places.
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January 6, 2024UPDATE 1.3.24:
The cover has been revealed! What the Woods Took is the story of five teens enrolled in a wilderness therapy program who find themselves in danger when their camp counselors mysteriously disappear and they begin to suspect there's something wrong with the titular woods around them. It's my absolute favorite thing I've ever written, and I hope you enjoy reading it half as much as I enjoyed piecing it together. It is also available for preorder from most stores, and the full summary will be uploaded soon! Thank you all SO much for the enthusiasm, and I'll see you in December 2024 for a spooky, scary good time.
For CWs, check gouldbooks.com/wtwt
________________________________________________
Thank you so much to everyone who has shown enthusiasm for WTWT! As you know, I try to avoid being on Goodreads, so I'll just give a quick synopsis and retreat back into my cave. WHAT THE WOODS TOOK is a queer survival horror with a paranormal twist, very Yellowjackets/The Wilds with a healthy dose of horror! What you can expect from WTWT:
- lesbian enemies-to-lovers
- a punch-first-think-later heroine
- a skater with a heart of gold
- uncanny monsters with a horrifying agenda (have I mentioned this is my scariest book yet?)
- an ensemble cast with complicated dynamics
- twists, turns, and mistrust abound!
For more info and content warnings, hit gouldbooks.com/wtwt
Thank you so much, and I'll see you in 2024!
The cover has been revealed! What the Woods Took is the story of five teens enrolled in a wilderness therapy program who find themselves in danger when their camp counselors mysteriously disappear and they begin to suspect there's something wrong with the titular woods around them. It's my absolute favorite thing I've ever written, and I hope you enjoy reading it half as much as I enjoyed piecing it together. It is also available for preorder from most stores, and the full summary will be uploaded soon! Thank you all SO much for the enthusiasm, and I'll see you in December 2024 for a spooky, scary good time.
For CWs, check gouldbooks.com/wtwt
________________________________________________
Thank you so much to everyone who has shown enthusiasm for WTWT! As you know, I try to avoid being on Goodreads, so I'll just give a quick synopsis and retreat back into my cave. WHAT THE WOODS TOOK is a queer survival horror with a paranormal twist, very Yellowjackets/The Wilds with a healthy dose of horror! What you can expect from WTWT:
- lesbian enemies-to-lovers
- a punch-first-think-later heroine
- a skater with a heart of gold
- uncanny monsters with a horrifying agenda (have I mentioned this is my scariest book yet?)
- an ensemble cast with complicated dynamics
- twists, turns, and mistrust abound!
For more info and content warnings, hit gouldbooks.com/wtwt
Thank you so much, and I'll see you in 2024!
January 6, 2024
courtney gould said we will need therapy so i'm hyped
edit: she was right. jesus christ i’m unstable.
edit: she was right. jesus christ i’m unstable.
September 28, 2024
Devin’s story begins with a literal bang as she wakes up to find strangers in her bedroom, only to be dragged off to the middle of the Idaho woods. It’s such a jarring, unsettling beginning that had me immediately wondering what was going on and who I could trust.
What really stood out for me was the atmosphere. The author’s description of the remote forest setting made it easy to feel just as lost and isolated as the teens. I could almost hear the rustling of leaves and feel the unease creeping in as the group realized they were on their own. And the strange visions in the trees? That was a beautifully creepy touch that made me want to keep reading to see what was real and what was just in their heads.
The characters were definitely a highlight. Devin’s determination and courage made her an easy protagonist to root for, and I loved Ollie’s quieter strength and introspection. Both had distinct voices, and I felt deeply connected to their struggles. The way they clashed and came together with the other teens—especially with the abrasive, tough-as-nails Sheridan—felt authentic. Watching them try to figure out who they could trust and who was hiding secrets was so satisfying.
This book isn’t just a survival story; it’s also about growth, friendship, and overcoming trauma. The author handled those tough themes with so much care, and I could feel the raw emotions through the pages. By the end, I was so invested that I found myself wanting more. I’m really looking forward to whatever the author has in store next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
What really stood out for me was the atmosphere. The author’s description of the remote forest setting made it easy to feel just as lost and isolated as the teens. I could almost hear the rustling of leaves and feel the unease creeping in as the group realized they were on their own. And the strange visions in the trees? That was a beautifully creepy touch that made me want to keep reading to see what was real and what was just in their heads.
The characters were definitely a highlight. Devin’s determination and courage made her an easy protagonist to root for, and I loved Ollie’s quieter strength and introspection. Both had distinct voices, and I felt deeply connected to their struggles. The way they clashed and came together with the other teens—especially with the abrasive, tough-as-nails Sheridan—felt authentic. Watching them try to figure out who they could trust and who was hiding secrets was so satisfying.
This book isn’t just a survival story; it’s also about growth, friendship, and overcoming trauma. The author handled those tough themes with so much care, and I could feel the raw emotions through the pages. By the end, I was so invested that I found myself wanting more. I’m really looking forward to whatever the author has in store next!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 5, 2024
I will start out by saying that I adore Courtney Gould and will read anything she writes. Her writing is beautiful, original, and a gift for the queer community. Even WOODS, which is not my favorite of hers, is well-done.
Devin has spent just a short time in her latest foster home when she's awakened in the night and taken away. She soon learns that her foster parents have sent her to the Revive Wilderness program, a program for troubled youth where a small group of teens spends 50 days in the woods with two counselors. You know, the teens are there against their will, but whatever, right?
Devin clashes immediately with Sheridan, another strong-willed female in the group, but has better luck with Ollie, a lost and troubled soul; the younger Aiden; and religious Hannah. It doesn't take Devin long to realize that things seem off (beyond the forced kidnapping) and soon counselors disappear, the woods seem extra eerie, and more.
This isn't true horror, I don't think, but it sure is creepy and certainly sinister. Gould does a wonderful job of building up the tension. Unfortunately, it takes a while to get to a lot of the scary parts, and they sometimes fizzle out. A huge part of the novel's beginning is spent on the discord between Devin and Sheridan, to the point of repetition and frustration. There's far more focus on interpersonal relationships and the camper's backgrounds than the horror vibes. What does show up is unique and intriguing and often quite spooky.
I especially loved the focus on these wilderness camps, which really do exist, and how they can affect the psyche of already fragile young teens. Also important is Gould's emphasis on queer relationships and her consistently strong portrayal of teens overall. This is a bit of a slow burn, plot-wise, but there's a lot to love here too. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for WOODS on 12/10/2024!!
Devin has spent just a short time in her latest foster home when she's awakened in the night and taken away. She soon learns that her foster parents have sent her to the Revive Wilderness program, a program for troubled youth where a small group of teens spends 50 days in the woods with two counselors. You know, the teens are there against their will, but whatever, right?
Devin clashes immediately with Sheridan, another strong-willed female in the group, but has better luck with Ollie, a lost and troubled soul; the younger Aiden; and religious Hannah. It doesn't take Devin long to realize that things seem off (beyond the forced kidnapping) and soon counselors disappear, the woods seem extra eerie, and more.
This isn't true horror, I don't think, but it sure is creepy and certainly sinister. Gould does a wonderful job of building up the tension. Unfortunately, it takes a while to get to a lot of the scary parts, and they sometimes fizzle out. A huge part of the novel's beginning is spent on the discord between Devin and Sheridan, to the point of repetition and frustration. There's far more focus on interpersonal relationships and the camper's backgrounds than the horror vibes. What does show up is unique and intriguing and often quite spooky.
I especially loved the focus on these wilderness camps, which really do exist, and how they can affect the psyche of already fragile young teens. Also important is Gould's emphasis on queer relationships and her consistently strong portrayal of teens overall. This is a bit of a slow burn, plot-wise, but there's a lot to love here too. 3.5 stars, rounded up.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for WOODS on 12/10/2024!!
Want to read
April 12, 2024GIVEAWAY WINNER AGAIN!! WE ARE SO BACK!
June 28, 2024
2.5 rounded up.
It’s an interesting idea for a story, and had a lot of potential.
I’ve been slowly realizing that maybe YA thriller isn’t for me anymore. Being in Devin’s teenager head was very frustrating, personally.
Writing is very accessible and flows well. It just wasn’t scary/creepy enough for me… but again, that could be because this is YA!
Thank you for the ARC!
It’s an interesting idea for a story, and had a lot of potential.
I’ve been slowly realizing that maybe YA thriller isn’t for me anymore. Being in Devin’s teenager head was very frustrating, personally.
Writing is very accessible and flows well. It just wasn’t scary/creepy enough for me… but again, that could be because this is YA!
Thank you for the ARC!
Want to read
May 1, 2023*grabby hands*
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Want to read
September 8, 2024another arc 🤗
August 24, 2024
Quick moving YA story - would like to know more about the mimics but the wrap up was very satisfying. Overall I really enjoyed this story!
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!
Thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the advanced readers copy in exchange for my honest review!
August 27, 2024
Courtney Gould's What the Woods Took is a thoroughly captivating read that hooks you from the very first page. The narrative is compelling and keeps your attention throughout, making it a page-turner. A standout feature of the book is the romance between two female main characters. The "enemies to lovers" trope is handled with a delicate touch, adding depth and nuance to the main storyline without overshadowing it.
While the book isn't designed to be frightening, it does introduce some unnerving, supernatural elements that enhance the story without becoming overwhelming. This balance between the romantic subplot and the otherworldly aspects makes for a compelling and entertaining experience. For those seeking a story that combines a bit of romance with a touch of the eerie, What the Woods Took is definitely worth a read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC!
While the book isn't designed to be frightening, it does introduce some unnerving, supernatural elements that enhance the story without becoming overwhelming. This balance between the romantic subplot and the otherworldly aspects makes for a compelling and entertaining experience. For those seeking a story that combines a bit of romance with a touch of the eerie, What the Woods Took is definitely worth a read.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC!
Want to read
June 12, 2024ARC received! Thank you, Wednesday Books!
I've really enjoyed Gould's two previous novels, so am looking forward to getting to this one. Also, I love how they've kept the cover designs all in line with one another.
Well done!
I've really enjoyed Gould's two previous novels, so am looking forward to getting to this one. Also, I love how they've kept the cover designs all in line with one another.
Well done!
May 8, 2024
five amazing, incredible, stay-up-all-night, can't-stop-reading stars! this book was truly everything i wanted, and it won't leave me for a long time.
June 12, 2024
I just finished What the Woods Took and LOVED it. Thank you @netgalley for the ARC!
Trouble teens, camp reform in a spooky forest, and even some sapphic rep! Camping not only bores me, but honestly it freaks me out. Sleeping out in the open, nothing really stopping random anythings coming to get you! 🧟♀️ Nah, count me out.
I loved the character development. The characters showed excellent growth, instead of staying stagnant throughout the whole book. I loved watching them grow up and change. Fantastic
Trouble teens, camp reform in a spooky forest, and even some sapphic rep! Camping not only bores me, but honestly it freaks me out. Sleeping out in the open, nothing really stopping random anythings coming to get you! 🧟♀️ Nah, count me out.
I loved the character development. The characters showed excellent growth, instead of staying stagnant throughout the whole book. I loved watching them grow up and change. Fantastic
Want to read
May 11, 2023oh my god????? ITS GIVING THE WILDS OH MY
edit: COVER REVEAL?????
edit: COVER REVEAL?????
August 14, 2024
I received a free copy of, What the Woods Took, by Courtney Gould, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Devin Green has been sent to an experimental therapy experience. Awoken in the middle of the night and taken against her will, she meets other teens in the Idaho woods, where they are told they have to survive for over a month. I would not like to be Devin, woken up in the middle of the night and being taken to the woods to survive by yourself with strangers, not my idea of fun at all, but it makes for an incredible read.
July 28, 2024
⭐️ 4.5
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Calling all Yellowjackets fans this one’s for you. This book is about of group of teens in a wilderness therapy camp who end up abandoned in the woods with an evil presence. The group of characters we have are all fascinating in different ways and the different povs help the reader stay engaged with the story. Sometimes I find it hard to follow books that are in third person and follow many different characters but this one was easy to keep ahold of and i don’t think the story would have worked otherwise. I loved Devins pov the most but all of them were very entertaining. I also loved Ollie’s character growth throughout the novel and wished I could give him a hug. I do think Sheridans arc was a little predictable but that’s not always a bad thing. I also throughly enjoyed the romance side plot intertwined throughout the book. The whole monster plot was never fully explained but I think that was kind of the point. They were a very creative way to explore how intrusive thoughts work in my opinion. I would recommend this to all of the Yellowjackets fans and anyone who is looking for a kind of spooky young adult book. I can’t wait for this to be released and for everyone to get their hands on it.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Calling all Yellowjackets fans this one’s for you. This book is about of group of teens in a wilderness therapy camp who end up abandoned in the woods with an evil presence. The group of characters we have are all fascinating in different ways and the different povs help the reader stay engaged with the story. Sometimes I find it hard to follow books that are in third person and follow many different characters but this one was easy to keep ahold of and i don’t think the story would have worked otherwise. I loved Devins pov the most but all of them were very entertaining. I also loved Ollie’s character growth throughout the novel and wished I could give him a hug. I do think Sheridans arc was a little predictable but that’s not always a bad thing. I also throughly enjoyed the romance side plot intertwined throughout the book. The whole monster plot was never fully explained but I think that was kind of the point. They were a very creative way to explore how intrusive thoughts work in my opinion. I would recommend this to all of the Yellowjackets fans and anyone who is looking for a kind of spooky young adult book. I can’t wait for this to be released and for everyone to get their hands on it.
August 16, 2024
“What The Woods Took” was my first book by this author and definitely not my last. The plot itself was fun and creative, horror and supernatural themes with a lost in the woods trope. Funnily enough this book actually made me want to spend MORE time in the woods away from the real world, healing and reflecting on life.
There is a nice touch of emotions, mental health and personal character development to go along with the horror themes.
The plot follows 5 teens who are sent by their parents on a wilderness retreat to “rehabilitate their behaviours”. The book is categorized as a YA however the only YA component for me was the ages of the characters. The book was well written, entertaining and had enough details and creepy excitement to make it thoroughly enjoyable as an adult reader.
When the group wakes up to find their two guides missing they quickly have to come up with a plan on how to survive in the middle of nowhere with dwindling resources on their own. Combine the stress with running into monstrous creatures called “mimics” they find themselves fighting for their lives whilst figuring out who amongst them can be trusted.
The POV is divided between Ollie and Devon. I enjoyed the mix between male and female perspectives and also loved watching their friendship and relationships with the others blossom. This book had me in the feels at multiple points especially a heart breaking turn of events for Ollie.
I loved seeing each character figure out their traumas and overcome their flaws and toxic traits. I enjoyed the ending, even though you know events where real there is that 1% of your brain that questions the reality of their experience.
If you enjoy outdoorsy horror, summer camp vibes, creatures of the woods, folklore, teens being left unsupervised and stranded in nature tropes then I highly recommend this read!
Thank you to Courtney Gould, St Martin’s Press for the EARC!
Publish date: December 10th 2024
There is a nice touch of emotions, mental health and personal character development to go along with the horror themes.
The plot follows 5 teens who are sent by their parents on a wilderness retreat to “rehabilitate their behaviours”. The book is categorized as a YA however the only YA component for me was the ages of the characters. The book was well written, entertaining and had enough details and creepy excitement to make it thoroughly enjoyable as an adult reader.
When the group wakes up to find their two guides missing they quickly have to come up with a plan on how to survive in the middle of nowhere with dwindling resources on their own. Combine the stress with running into monstrous creatures called “mimics” they find themselves fighting for their lives whilst figuring out who amongst them can be trusted.
The POV is divided between Ollie and Devon. I enjoyed the mix between male and female perspectives and also loved watching their friendship and relationships with the others blossom. This book had me in the feels at multiple points especially a heart breaking turn of events for Ollie.
I loved seeing each character figure out their traumas and overcome their flaws and toxic traits. I enjoyed the ending, even though you know events where real there is that 1% of your brain that questions the reality of their experience.
If you enjoy outdoorsy horror, summer camp vibes, creatures of the woods, folklore, teens being left unsupervised and stranded in nature tropes then I highly recommend this read!
Thank you to Courtney Gould, St Martin’s Press for the EARC!
Publish date: December 10th 2024
June 12, 2024
Merci à Netgalley et St. Martin's Publishing Group pour l'envoi de ce service de presse !
5/5💫
Sortie prévue le 10 décembre 2024
Après la lecture de The Dead and the Dark, il m'était impossible de ne pas lire le nouveau roman de cette autrice.
On retrouve toujours un atmosphère lourd, rempli de mystère avec un soupçon d'horreur. J'ai adoré le setting de l'histoire ainsi que chaque personnage.
Bonne lecture 😄
5/5💫
Sortie prévue le 10 décembre 2024
Après la lecture de The Dead and the Dark, il m'était impossible de ne pas lire le nouveau roman de cette autrice.
On retrouve toujours un atmosphère lourd, rempli de mystère avec un soupçon d'horreur. J'ai adoré le setting de l'histoire ainsi que chaque personnage.
Bonne lecture 😄
July 23, 2024
I was so excited to get my first ARC (Thanks @wednesdaybooks ) and it took forever to get here (shipping to Canada sucks). When I received it I started to get nervous that I wouldn't like it. I wanted to be able to leave a positive review for my first time! I shouldn't have worried. I devoured this book in just a couple of days.
The book is described as "Yellowjackets meets Girl, Interrupted". Well I didn't know what Yellowjackets was and I didn't read the back of the book so I went into this pretty blind.
There was a trigger warning at the beginning about a variety of issues and some explanation about "Wilderness Therapy" which I also didn't know anything about!!
The book started with 5 troubled teens being taken to the woods for wilderness therapy, some of them being taken against their will. They were to spend 50 days with their 2 young adult counselors hiking through the forest.
The first half of the book definitely went slower than the second half and the one criticisim I had was that I wasn't entirely convinced such troubled kids would act they way they acted. I felt like there would have been more defiance than there was (although there was some) and more anger. I could let that go though, because I really had no idea how anyone would react in that situation.
Halfway through the book something changed. MONSTERS! Not a spoiler, since had I read the back I would have realized this was coming! I was pleasantly surprised because, imo, the supernatural ALWAYS makes a book better! As mentioned the second half went quite a bit faster and the last 100 pages were un-put-downable. There were definitely some tense moments and I wasn't sure how the story was going to end!!
Thank you @gayowyn for an entertaining read. Highly recommended!
The book is described as "Yellowjackets meets Girl, Interrupted". Well I didn't know what Yellowjackets was and I didn't read the back of the book so I went into this pretty blind.
There was a trigger warning at the beginning about a variety of issues and some explanation about "Wilderness Therapy" which I also didn't know anything about!!
The book started with 5 troubled teens being taken to the woods for wilderness therapy, some of them being taken against their will. They were to spend 50 days with their 2 young adult counselors hiking through the forest.
The first half of the book definitely went slower than the second half and the one criticisim I had was that I wasn't entirely convinced such troubled kids would act they way they acted. I felt like there would have been more defiance than there was (although there was some) and more anger. I could let that go though, because I really had no idea how anyone would react in that situation.
Halfway through the book something changed. MONSTERS! Not a spoiler, since had I read the back I would have realized this was coming! I was pleasantly surprised because, imo, the supernatural ALWAYS makes a book better! As mentioned the second half went quite a bit faster and the last 100 pages were un-put-downable. There were definitely some tense moments and I wasn't sure how the story was going to end!!
Thank you @gayowyn for an entertaining read. Highly recommended!
July 28, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for the advanced copy.
Courtney Gould continues to impress with another atmospheric spooky tale! I honestly just love the vibes in Gould's work, there's something comforting in the way the she writes she just hits me in the feels every time. Teen me would've obsessed over her books and characters, but grown me can appreciate them critically from the distance of age.
The kids in this story are just that - kids. They may act tough and most have been through it and experienced more of the bad side of life than kids should but at the end of the day they are a bunch of kids and that really comes out, I think. Some people might find that difficult because it does mean the characters can be annoying at times, but I think Gould does well to make them feel real and multi-dimensional. We spend a lot of time with them and even Aidan and Sheridan, the two most annoying, grew on me in the end.
Without giving too much away, I will say I was surprised by the supernatural twist to this one, which was nice as I'm usually pretty good at predicting what's going to happen. Gould managed to surprise me a couple times but I think that's partially because her books are good at getting me to read so deeply I forget I'm even reading. I woke up this morning just intending to get a few chapters in and fully finished the book, with more than half left lol
While What the Woods Took isn't my favorite of Gould's novels, it's still great form and a chilling, tense story. All I wish is that there was more on the commentary of these survival camps troubled teens get sent to. It felt more surface-level, and the beginning was especially tense with it, and it feels like Gould wanted to get more into it, almost got more into it, but then would pull away. I think the only reason I'm giving this four stars is because I was hoping it might go as hard as Camp Damascus did, which was another novel with a similar-ish premise that really knocked it out the park. Don't get me wrong though - I recommend both, highly!
Courtney Gould reminds me a cross between Darcy Coats and Alix E. Harrow, for teens. I recommend browsing YouTube for an appropriately themed ambient video when reading her, as it will really enhance the fantastic atmosphere she always manages to craft in her stories.
Loved it!
Courtney Gould continues to impress with another atmospheric spooky tale! I honestly just love the vibes in Gould's work, there's something comforting in the way the she writes she just hits me in the feels every time. Teen me would've obsessed over her books and characters, but grown me can appreciate them critically from the distance of age.
The kids in this story are just that - kids. They may act tough and most have been through it and experienced more of the bad side of life than kids should but at the end of the day they are a bunch of kids and that really comes out, I think. Some people might find that difficult because it does mean the characters can be annoying at times, but I think Gould does well to make them feel real and multi-dimensional. We spend a lot of time with them and even Aidan and Sheridan, the two most annoying, grew on me in the end.
Without giving too much away, I will say I was surprised by the supernatural twist to this one, which was nice as I'm usually pretty good at predicting what's going to happen. Gould managed to surprise me a couple times but I think that's partially because her books are good at getting me to read so deeply I forget I'm even reading. I woke up this morning just intending to get a few chapters in and fully finished the book, with more than half left lol
While What the Woods Took isn't my favorite of Gould's novels, it's still great form and a chilling, tense story. All I wish is that there was more on the commentary of these survival camps troubled teens get sent to. It felt more surface-level, and the beginning was especially tense with it, and it feels like Gould wanted to get more into it, almost got more into it, but then would pull away. I think the only reason I'm giving this four stars is because I was hoping it might go as hard as Camp Damascus did, which was another novel with a similar-ish premise that really knocked it out the park. Don't get me wrong though - I recommend both, highly!
Courtney Gould reminds me a cross between Darcy Coats and Alix E. Harrow, for teens. I recommend browsing YouTube for an appropriately themed ambient video when reading her, as it will really enhance the fantastic atmosphere she always manages to craft in her stories.
Loved it!
December 23, 2023
i am a changed person
July 24, 2024
Two kids get taken to a forest for a therapy camp for past faults. For 50 days they are meant to make their way through these woods and come out a better person than who they were walking into it. Though there are creatures lurking these woods that prey on those who find themselves traveling through.
I throughly enjoyed my time reading this book I had a hard time putting it down every time I picked it up. It put me through a roller coaster trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
Check trigger warnings prior to stepping into this ride. There are things discussed and brought up in this story that could be sensitive topics to others.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing me this book for review consideration via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I throughly enjoyed my time reading this book I had a hard time putting it down every time I picked it up. It put me through a roller coaster trying to figure out what was going to happen next.
Check trigger warnings prior to stepping into this ride. There are things discussed and brought up in this story that could be sensitive topics to others.
Thank you St. Martin’s Press for providing me this book for review consideration via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
April 5, 2024
An appealing blurb and cover, but the story left much to be wanted. It was a very, very slow start; took a long time to get into the action and the meat of the story. I expected the creepiness to start sooner, and it was hard to tell which direction the story was going. The writing was plain at times but character development was executed well.
Thank you to NetGalley for offering this title in their catalog. This opinion is entirely my own.
Thank you to NetGalley for offering this title in their catalog. This opinion is entirely my own.
Want to read
July 14, 2023if courtney gould writes it, i will read it
...even if it doesn't come out til 2025
...even if it doesn't come out til 2025
July 7, 2024
Book: What the Woods Took
Author: Courtney Gould
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with an ARC. This is the second book by this author I have read. I do enjoy her style of horror a lot. I did enjoy this one a lot, but I thought it was a middle-of-the-road book for me. I don’t have strong feelings either way about it.
In this one, we follow a group of teens who have been sent to the woods for fifty days of hiking therapy. Right away, they sense that something is very wrong. The counsellors don’t appear to be certified to do what they are doing. Plus, all of the teens were kidnapped or forced into this. All of them come from troubled backgrounds and have done some not-so-great things. They are now forced into this group and must figure out how to escape. Then, strange things start to happen. Inhuman faces start to appear. People are there who shouldn’t be. The only connection is that they are ghosts of each of the teens’ pasts. It gets worse. The counsellors are missing. Now, it becomes a game of trying to get out of the forest in one piece. After all, whatever took the counsellors are still out there.
I loved this setup. It was this set-up that made me want to pick this one. I love survival stories. I love seeing people who normally would not come together and normally would not find themselves in this situation being forced to figure it out. Plus, there is this element of mistrust among the characters. Remember that all of them have been brought here for a reason. They all have demons in their closets and they all know this. The thing is trying to figure out who or what is the worst. This makes things very uneasy and difficult for the characters.
The character development in this book is top-notch. As I have already said, these characters all come from very troubled pasts. Some are worse than others, and some are not. They have ghosts. Some want to put these ghosts behind them and others do not. This is why the horror elements don’t start right away. For a good chunk of the book, I could not figure out why it is classified as horror. We spend a good part of the book getting to know our characters and getting to see them work through whatever is haunting them. We see them develop their voice and form these bonds that end up being very important later on in the story.
Despite all of this, I found myself not being as invested in the story as I should have. I enjoyed it, but this was not a book that I could get easily lost in. It wasn’t one that I wanted to read for a huge amount of time, but it also wasn’t one that I wanted to stop reading. I don’t know if that makes any sense. There is nothing wrong with the book. It’s just a solid three, almost four-star read, for me.
Overall, not a bad book. I am glad I read it.
This book comes out on December 10, 2024.
Author: Courtney Gould
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars
I would like to thank the publisher, Wednesday Books, for providing me with an ARC. This is the second book by this author I have read. I do enjoy her style of horror a lot. I did enjoy this one a lot, but I thought it was a middle-of-the-road book for me. I don’t have strong feelings either way about it.
In this one, we follow a group of teens who have been sent to the woods for fifty days of hiking therapy. Right away, they sense that something is very wrong. The counsellors don’t appear to be certified to do what they are doing. Plus, all of the teens were kidnapped or forced into this. All of them come from troubled backgrounds and have done some not-so-great things. They are now forced into this group and must figure out how to escape. Then, strange things start to happen. Inhuman faces start to appear. People are there who shouldn’t be. The only connection is that they are ghosts of each of the teens’ pasts. It gets worse. The counsellors are missing. Now, it becomes a game of trying to get out of the forest in one piece. After all, whatever took the counsellors are still out there.
I loved this setup. It was this set-up that made me want to pick this one. I love survival stories. I love seeing people who normally would not come together and normally would not find themselves in this situation being forced to figure it out. Plus, there is this element of mistrust among the characters. Remember that all of them have been brought here for a reason. They all have demons in their closets and they all know this. The thing is trying to figure out who or what is the worst. This makes things very uneasy and difficult for the characters.
The character development in this book is top-notch. As I have already said, these characters all come from very troubled pasts. Some are worse than others, and some are not. They have ghosts. Some want to put these ghosts behind them and others do not. This is why the horror elements don’t start right away. For a good chunk of the book, I could not figure out why it is classified as horror. We spend a good part of the book getting to know our characters and getting to see them work through whatever is haunting them. We see them develop their voice and form these bonds that end up being very important later on in the story.
Despite all of this, I found myself not being as invested in the story as I should have. I enjoyed it, but this was not a book that I could get easily lost in. It wasn’t one that I wanted to read for a huge amount of time, but it also wasn’t one that I wanted to stop reading. I don’t know if that makes any sense. There is nothing wrong with the book. It’s just a solid three, almost four-star read, for me.
Overall, not a bad book. I am glad I read it.
This book comes out on December 10, 2024.
July 31, 2024
A group of five “troubled teens” are sent by their various guardians to a wilderness therapy camp. Well into the hike, in the middle of the woods, the counselors mysteriously disappear. Then, the teens start seeing terrifying things in the woods from their past. It brings to mind the question “Would you rather meet a strange person in the woods or a bear?”
This surprised me in the best possible way. Such an emotional rollercoaster It had so much depth for the characters and I ended up caring deeply for what happened to them. This story had such a creepy storyline that I literally got chills reading some scenes. Then it became so heart-wrenching that I got teary-eyed and had to pause for a breather.
It was so well written that once I started, I hated when I had to put it down. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it.
There are some triggering aspects of this book, so if you're sensitive to this then I recommend checking them before reading. If that's not something that bothers you then I recommend going in blind because it makes the impact hit so much harder when you get there.
This is such a compelling book and I highly recommend this!
Thank you, Netgalley and St Martin's Press, for allowing me to read this book early for an honest review.
This surprised me in the best possible way. Such an emotional rollercoaster It had so much depth for the characters and I ended up caring deeply for what happened to them. This story had such a creepy storyline that I literally got chills reading some scenes. Then it became so heart-wrenching that I got teary-eyed and had to pause for a breather.
It was so well written that once I started, I hated when I had to put it down. When I wasn't reading it, I was thinking about it.
There are some triggering aspects of this book, so if you're sensitive to this then I recommend checking them before reading. If that's not something that bothers you then I recommend going in blind because it makes the impact hit so much harder when you get there.
This is such a compelling book and I highly recommend this!
Thank you, Netgalley and St Martin's Press, for allowing me to read this book early for an honest review.
September 9, 2024
It’s taken me a couple days to really wrap my head around how I feel about What the Woods Took. The overall experience of reading the book was enjoyable, but I find myself pining for something that I can’t quite put my finger on. What the Woods Took is a young adult horror novel that chronicles the story of five “troubled” teens in a wilderness behavioral camp who find themselves in a dense forest accompanied by monster who would love nothing more than to take their place. Something akin to Appalachian skinwalkers, the creatures were compelling enough to set my own psyche on edge as I journey through the perils through the trees along with our five main characters.
The overall premise for What the Woods Took was very solid, albeit the first quarter of the book was a bit of a slog, repetitive as the teens found their footing and established a proverbial pecking order amongst themselves. The altercations between one of our primary narrators, Devin, and another troubled teen, Sheridan, were a focal point for a number of the pages and they ended up being very cookie cutter and formulaic. Despite this, however, the novel gained traction once the wilderness guides that were left in charge of the teens go missing, as would be expected.
Once the supernatural aspects of the novel kicked in, it became overall far more enjoyable, for me. Particularly so, because the supernatural aspects seemed to be rooted in actual folklore that regularly warns against trusting the forest. As I mentioned, the entities that the teens find themselves coming to grips with were heavily similar to the Appalachian skinwalkers, only with a watered down touch of calling them mimics, which better suited the Young Adult reader subgenre.
This novel was unique in that it made me equally terrified of going into the woods just as much as I wanted to escape into lush foliage to reflect on my own life, as the teens were encouraged to do up until the guides disappearance. I further enjoyed that the subplot of the book seemed to highlight the real world dangers of wilderness camps that are still utilized in an effort to correct the “behaviorally challenged.” Factor that in with the fact the teens that were sent to the camp really weren’t as deviant as their parental figures wanted us to believe, and you have a satisfying blend of real world and supernatural horror.
Dividing the POV between Devin and Ollie, too, was a good decision and overall contributed to the storytelling as the differing perspectives allowed readers to catch an entire glimpse of the circumstances the teens were facing without receiving a particular bias. The characters, further, felt real and easy to identify with and didn’t fall flat in favor of a focus on the supernatural tone and ambiance.
Overall, I’d say What the Woods Took lived up to the hype, it’s premise and the advertised potential.
Rating: ★★★★ | 4/5
☠️
The overall premise for What the Woods Took was very solid, albeit the first quarter of the book was a bit of a slog, repetitive as the teens found their footing and established a proverbial pecking order amongst themselves. The altercations between one of our primary narrators, Devin, and another troubled teen, Sheridan, were a focal point for a number of the pages and they ended up being very cookie cutter and formulaic. Despite this, however, the novel gained traction once the wilderness guides that were left in charge of the teens go missing, as would be expected.
Once the supernatural aspects of the novel kicked in, it became overall far more enjoyable, for me. Particularly so, because the supernatural aspects seemed to be rooted in actual folklore that regularly warns against trusting the forest. As I mentioned, the entities that the teens find themselves coming to grips with were heavily similar to the Appalachian skinwalkers, only with a watered down touch of calling them mimics, which better suited the Young Adult reader subgenre.
This novel was unique in that it made me equally terrified of going into the woods just as much as I wanted to escape into lush foliage to reflect on my own life, as the teens were encouraged to do up until the guides disappearance. I further enjoyed that the subplot of the book seemed to highlight the real world dangers of wilderness camps that are still utilized in an effort to correct the “behaviorally challenged.” Factor that in with the fact the teens that were sent to the camp really weren’t as deviant as their parental figures wanted us to believe, and you have a satisfying blend of real world and supernatural horror.
Dividing the POV between Devin and Ollie, too, was a good decision and overall contributed to the storytelling as the differing perspectives allowed readers to catch an entire glimpse of the circumstances the teens were facing without receiving a particular bias. The characters, further, felt real and easy to identify with and didn’t fall flat in favor of a focus on the supernatural tone and ambiance.
Overall, I’d say What the Woods Took lived up to the hype, it’s premise and the advertised potential.
Rating: ★★★★ | 4/5
☠️
September 24, 2024
3.5 Stars
Not going to lie. This started out rough for me, mostly because I couldn't suspend my disbelief enough to really sink into the story. I just had a lot of doubts about, well, everything. Until we dipped into the horror part of this story, which is obviously a realm where Courtney Gould feels much more comfortable. My questions didn't go away at that point (because the rules of the real world are still the rules of the real world), but I did enjoy it much more after that point. I was able to set aside my questions to enjoy the supernatural horror unfolding. I think, overall, this might be my favorite of Courtney Gould's books so far.
I've obviously got more to say here, and I'll be digging into why the beginning didn't work for me (at all) in my full review, publishing at Gateway Reviews on December 6, 2024. Stop by and check out where I think this one went wrong... until it went very, very right!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
Not going to lie. This started out rough for me, mostly because I couldn't suspend my disbelief enough to really sink into the story. I just had a lot of doubts about, well, everything. Until we dipped into the horror part of this story, which is obviously a realm where Courtney Gould feels much more comfortable. My questions didn't go away at that point (because the rules of the real world are still the rules of the real world), but I did enjoy it much more after that point. I was able to set aside my questions to enjoy the supernatural horror unfolding. I think, overall, this might be my favorite of Courtney Gould's books so far.
I've obviously got more to say here, and I'll be digging into why the beginning didn't work for me (at all) in my full review, publishing at Gateway Reviews on December 6, 2024. Stop by and check out where I think this one went wrong... until it went very, very right!
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
June 13, 2024
3.5 ⭐️ Rounded up for GR. This book was very unexpected as I haven’t read anything from this author before, I wasn’t sure if it was horror, suspense or YA and honestly I’m still not sure, it’s probably to me YA horror/suspense since it is pretty tame for adults. It is about troubled teens taken to the woods for a REVIVE rehabilitation program that goes sideways due to monsters that may be lurking in the woods. The premise was very interesting but admittedly this started off very slow. A lot goes into the backstories of the teens, which is appreciated but the ‘scary stuff’ or suspense doesn’t get started until past the 50% mark. I did have my suspicions about a few of the twists but overall I liked the setting and storytelling. I did want a more twisted ending (that’s a me problem) and have a lot of lingering questions about the monsters, but it was pretty fun to read.
Read this if you like:
* Secluded settings
* Teen drama/family issues
* Monster tropes
* LGBTQ friendly storylines
Read this if you like:
* Secluded settings
* Teen drama/family issues
* Monster tropes
* LGBTQ friendly storylines
September 22, 2024
What The Woods Took is a YA Horror about five teens enduring wilderness therapy until the woods decide to take center stage. The story is split between two POVs, Devin and Ollie. I usually don’t like dual POVs. The author set up these characters nicely so that I did enjoy reading from either of their perspectives.
At no point did this story drag for me. The first 20% of the book is establishing the teens, their trauma, and the tension/dynamic of the group. All of this is tested when the monsters appear, and the teens have to come together or die. 20% may be too long for some people get to the horror aspects. Just be aware of that.
My only issue with this book is that I would have wanted the wilderness therapy to turn toxic/abusive to show how awful these programs really are. It seems like the monsters popped into the plot before we could really get into the meat of how bad wilderness therapy is. I wish there was a bit more because this topic isn’t talked about enough.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book!
At no point did this story drag for me. The first 20% of the book is establishing the teens, their trauma, and the tension/dynamic of the group. All of this is tested when the monsters appear, and the teens have to come together or die. 20% may be too long for some people get to the horror aspects. Just be aware of that.
My only issue with this book is that I would have wanted the wilderness therapy to turn toxic/abusive to show how awful these programs really are. It seems like the monsters popped into the plot before we could really get into the meat of how bad wilderness therapy is. I wish there was a bit more because this topic isn’t talked about enough.
Please check the trigger warnings before reading.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book!
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