Don't Let the Forest In has an intriguing premise—a dark world where twisted fairy tales and their monsters are brought to life through written stories and haunting illustrations. The concept alone hooked me, and the vivid, descriptive scenes involving these living nightmares were a standout. Those moments were eerie, atmospheric, and kept me turning pages. The book’s cover is stunning, and the synopsis promised a gripping, unsettling journey.  

Unfortunately, the execution fell short for me. While I loved the idea of monsters stepping off the page, the rest of the story didn’t quite hold my attention. The characters and plot felt underdeveloped, leaving me unable to fully connect or invest in the story. And then there’s the ending—or lack thereof. I’m not one to demand every thread tied up neatly, but this was frustrating. The story left so many questions unanswered that it felt incomplete. I think I understand the ending, but I can’t be entirely sure, which only added to my annoyance.  

This isn’t a book I’d recommend unless you’re okay with ambiguous endings that feel more like a stop than a conclusion. That said, C.G. Drews clearly has creative ideas and a talent for crafting vivid imagery, particularly when it comes to the monsters. While this one didn’t fully work for me, I’d be open to giving the author another chance in the future.  

For now, I’m left with mixed feelings. A killer concept with some strong moments, but ultimately not enough to pull it all together.