Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews Book Review and Summary

Ratings:

• Character Authenticity: 5/5
• Emotional Depth: 5/5
• Overall Rating: 4.8/5

“The forest may shelter you, but it can also consume you, piece by broken piece.”

---

Introduction to Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews

Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews is a captivating yet eerie young adult novel that explores trauma, friendship, and self-identity within the shadows of a mysterious boarding school. Known for crafting character-driven tales with deep emotional resonance, CG Drews has once again delivered a haunting and layered story that stays with readers long after the last page. This review takes you through the plot, themes, and insights into the complex characters within Don’t Let the Forest In.

Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews Summary

In Don’t Let the Forest In, we meet Andrew Perrault, a quiet student at Wickwood Academy, a boarding school known for its hidden mysteries and deep, dark secrets. Alongside his twin sister Dove and his enigmatic best friend, Thomas, Andrew is drawn into a web of psychological intrigue as he wrestles with his own inner demons. The story begins with Andrew returning to Wickwood for his final year, only to be pulled into a chilling mystery involving Thomas’s family and the haunting presence of a forest that seems to hold their secrets.

Note: Spoilers ahead. If you prefer not to know any twists, skip this section!

Summary Breakdown:

• Setting the Stage: Andrew is uneasy about his final year at Wickwood Academy, yet drawn to the school where his friendships have blossomed.
• Rising Tension: A mystery unfolds around Thomas’s family, with police arriving at Wickwood as unexplained events and eerie occurrences in the forest begin to intensify.
• Climax: Dark secrets about Thomas’s family and his past come to light, forcing Andrew to confront his fears.
• Resolution: The novel concludes with a blend of acceptance and unresolved mystery, capturing the haunting tone that defines Wickwood and Andrew’s journey.

Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews Review

Overall Thoughts:
Don’t Let the Forest In combines an evocative setting with psychologically complex characters, creating a story that’s as mysterious as it is emotionally charged. CG Drews has crafted a narrative that captures the dark allure of the unknown while sensitively addressing themes of trauma, friendship, and identity.

What I Liked

• Rich Characterization: Each character, particularly Andrew and Thomas, has layers of depth, vulnerability, and complexity, making them relatable yet intriguing.
• Atmospheric Setting: Wickwood Academy and the surrounding forest are brought to life in vivid detail, adding an immersive quality to the story.
• Emotional Exploration: The novel sensitively addresses mental health, trauma, and the complexities of friendship, resonating with readers on a personal level.

What Didn’t Work for Me

• Open-Ended Subplots: Some subplots remain unresolved, which may leave certain readers craving more closure.
• Pacing Variations: The middle of the novel slows down, focusing on Andrew’s internal struggle, which may feel slower-paced for readers expecting constant suspense.

Plot of Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews

In Don’t Let the Forest In, CG Drews uses Wickwood Academy as a microcosm for both the dangers and comforts of isolation. Andrew’s return to school sets the stage for a series of unsettling revelations about his best friend Thomas’s life and family. As Andrew delves deeper into the truth behind his friend’s pain, he finds himself entangled in the eerie forest surrounding Wickwood, which seems to come alive with its own secrets.

Key Plot Points

• The School’s Isolation: Wickwood is a boarding school set in the middle of a dense forest, which creates both a protective boundary and an inescapable prison.
• Thomas’s Secrets: As Andrew tries to support his friend, he uncovers clues about Thomas’s troubled family life and the dark history surrounding his childhood.
• Climactic Revelation: In a climactic scene, Andrew is forced to confront the mysteries of the forest and make sense of the psychological toll it has taken on him and his friends.

Characters in Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews

CG Drews excels at creating characters who feel real, each struggling with their unique challenges and inner battles.

Main Character Analysis

• Andrew Perrault: A soft-spoken yet resilient character, Andrew is sensitive and introspective. His emotional journey is both relatable and touching, as he grapples with the complexities of friendship and self-worth.
• Thomas Rye: Andrew’s best friend, Thomas is bold, impulsive, and deeply scarred by his past. His character adds a sense of urgency and intensity to the story, serving as both protector and mystery to Andrew.
• Dove Perrault: Andrew’s twin sister, Dove, is fiercely protective and highly driven. Her relationship with Andrew reflects both support and tension, capturing the nuances of sibling bonds.

Relationship Dynamics

The bond between Andrew, Thomas, and Dove is central to the novel’s emotional depth. The trio’s interactions highlight themes of loyalty, protectiveness, and unresolved conflict, with each character contributing to the layered, tension-filled atmosphere at Wickwood.

Writing Style & Pacing

CG Drews’ writing style is evocative and haunting, capturing the bleak yet beautiful landscape of Wickwood Academy. The pacing shifts from fast to slow, allowing readers to fully absorb the emotional weight of Andrew’s journey, while moments of suspense keep them on edge.

Tropes & Trigger Warnings of Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews

Tropes:

• Boarding School Mystery
• Complex Friendships
• Mental Health Awareness

Trigger Warnings:

• Depictions of Trauma
• Themes of Emotional Abuse
• Anxiety and Mental Health Struggles

Mood and Tone

The tone of Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews is dark and contemplative, with a sense of mystery that builds throughout. The novel’s pacing enhances the suspense and unease, drawing readers into the eerie atmosphere of Wickwood and its haunting secrets.

Final Thoughts

Don’t Let the Forest In by CG Drews is a moving exploration of friendship, resilience, and the darkness we carry within. It’s a novel that will resonate deeply with readers who appreciate character-driven stories with a haunting psychological edge. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy that tackles real-world issues, Don’t Let the Forest In is a must-read.

About the Author

CG Drews is known for crafting emotionally charged novels that explore themes of friendship, mental health, and self-discovery. Her writing style is both lyrical and poignant, drawing readers into the lives of her richly developed characters.

Practical Information for Readers

Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews Book Formats

• Hardcover
• Paperback
• eBook
• Audiobook
• PDF: Available for purchase or download on major book platforms.

Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews Age Rating

Recommended for mature young adult readers (16+) due to themes of trauma, mental health, and emotional complexity.

Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews PDF

For those interested in reading Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews in PDF format, legitimate copies are available on trusted online retailers. Download the book here.

Recommended Reads

If you enjoyed Don’t Let the Forest In By CG Drews, consider these similar books:

1. A List of Cages by Robin Roe
2. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
3. The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X.R. Pan