I think this was a "it's not you, it's me" type of book. I went into this expecting to dive straight in and... I just lost interest. Which is a shame because the premise sounds incredible! But, instead of being invested or scared or even just plain creeped out, I found myself setting the book aside again and again. It doesn't help that I'm a mood reader and perhaps this just isn't the book for me right now. I might pick this book up again for a second read in a few months (around spooky season) to see if that helps. Still, I recommend other readers give this a chance to see for themselves!

A gothic-toned horror novel about a haunted woods, split between two groups of people across timelines - one a group of Parliamentarian soldiers in the 1600s, another a female-led group of scholars, both being stalked by the same beastly entity. I loved the story’s roots in folk horror and the author did an excellent job of establishing a dark, moody atmosphere. I was a bit frustrated at times with the present-day expedition; sometimes they would boldly venture into parts of the woods as if they weren’t experts in various aspects of this particular forest. A bit like “The Terror” and a bit like “Annihilation”, this book was at times horrifying and fascinating. I wish the ending was a bit more clear, but a story like this sometimes warrants a vague conclusion.

Got this one for free as an ARC of Netgalley, thank you so much Solaris for the chance to review it.

I have been so desperately disappointed in all the books I’ve read lately. Even the ones that had a tinge of loveliness to them – I’m thinking about the arresting back two thirds of Laramie Dean’s Black Forest – were saddled with overwriting and rambling filler. So this was a pleasant surprise.

The Dark Between The Trees is a fast-moving folk horror set in a woods in northern England. Dr. Alice Christopher has finally realized her life’s ambition of investigating the 1643 disappearance of a group of roundhead soldiers in the Moresby Wood. Accompanied by a group of rangers and graduate students, she presses into the forest, and the place very quickly throws them off kilter. The roundheads themselves, appearing in alternating chapters, march to their inevitable fate, just as leery and confused as the women following Dr. Christopher. Bullheadedness and fear run up against the terrifying reality of the wood, and the two threads clash into each other in the most remarkable way.

This book reminds me most of Adam Neville’s The Ritual, not least because it’s taken up with the very human squabbles that take place between the desperate. Unlike The Ritual it doesn’t stop midway through to introduce a new, slightly stupider plot thrust. It’s spacious and descriptive while still being narratively tight and frightening. The twist about the nature of the wood was fascinating; a little telegraphed, I will admit, but done well enough that I didn’t mind. The 1643 POV gave me the same sort of terrible hopeless optimism laced with unflinching reality that The Terror did so well, minus all the unnecessary descriptions of steamship anatomy.

I can’t really say enough about this, and I don’t want to say more about it in case I spoil any of it. Five stars. Absolutely wonderful read.

The dark between the trees is told from multiple perspectives. Spanning across two time periods.

A group of academics set out on the hunt to solve the mystery of Moresby wood where a group of soldiers found themselves lost in 1643. Two make it out alive claiming a creature called the corrigal captured their comrades.

The book has many twists throughout and ultimately draws many parallels between the spillers and the academics.

The author managed to maintain the same atmospheric mood across all points of view to maintain continuity of the story. The scene is set beautifully to create a wonderful horror story. One I feel would be better appreciated in the autumn months, on a cold dark night.

Overall I enjoyed the premise of the book, the plot had the opportunity to grip me to its core. However, it fell flat in parts for me and felt repetitive and slow. For the most part I gave it 3 stars as I know I probably would read this again.

Thanks to NetGalley and the author for allowing me to read this as an ARC!

I was really looking forward to this book but it just never got to where I hoped it would go. Too opened ended and too many left over questions at the end for me. I also am not sure I would consider this in the horror section, but maybe that's just me.

First of all, many thanks to Rebellion, Solaris and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC of Fiona Barnett's 'The Dark Between the Trees.'

As a devotee of folk horror, especially English folk horror, I really enjoyed this book.

It's a multiple timeline tale of people trapped in a single piece of sinister forest somewhere unspecified in the north of England. There's a medieval storyline (told through the modern storyline), an English Civil War narrative, and a 21st century story, as well as an overarching sense of the ancient - long predating all of those historical periods.

All three elements contain themes of conflict and otherness. The Moresbys, who gave their name to the wood, seek to set themselves apart from the rest of their community and move off to the forest, the Civil War soldiers are, obviously, involved in a war of division and the 'others' here could be seen as either the Papists/Catholics or the ones who either believe or don't believe the superstitions. The 21st century theme is one of academic infighting and division and it's so well done you'd have to wonder if the author has come through similar experiences!

There are constant time shifts and eventual melding that may confuse readers but I was able to fall into the rhythm and I think this also parallels one of the features of the forest which, itself and for the various captured parties, is constantly shifting between different periods of its existence.

Some readers might take issue with the ambiguity of the ending but I don't know how else you'd have finished this novel. I don't think it's a spoiler to say that I don't think there was ever going to be a happy ending to this one. It could potentially have set it up for a sequel, which I would happily read.

Throughout the novel I couldn't help but see hints of Dan Simmons' 'The Terror' as the protagonists are tracked by an unseen, ancient, and brutal horror. There were also even hints of the film 'Predator' as the creature shimmies in and out of view. Finally, if you like the novels of English writer James Brogden - 'Hekla's Children,' 'The Plague Stones,' or 'The Hollow Tree' - which similarly weave historical periods and fantastical elements together then you'll love this.

Fantastic first novel.

Alice wants to solve the mystery of Moresby Woods. People have disappeared in the woods and it is an area steeped in mystery. Nobody enters the woods, but Alice is planning an expedition to follow in the footsteps of others who have long disappeared into the woods.

The Dark between the trees was an ok read, I enjoyed the two different stories running parallel alongside each other, but I didn’t particularly care about the characters or what happened to them. The idea was good and I did want to finish the book.

Into the beast’s lair ★★★☆☆

Historian Dr Alice Christopher is determined to solve the secrets of Moresby Wood once and for all. Having waited twenty years for this research trip, she now sets out with four others to find out what happened to the soldiers in 1643 and unravel the myths surrounding a creature that lurks in the shadows and a medieval witch.

The group quickly realise something us dangerously amiss in these woods. None of their navigation equipment works and when they wake up the first morning the landmark oak tree has entirely disappeared. Far worse, something is following them in the dark. However, obsessed with her research, Alice refuses to turn back or give in at any cost.

In a parallel time frame, the doomed group of Parliamentarian soldiers are stalked by the same shadow-like creature. Hindered by serious injuries and divided loyalties, the group are picked off one by one by something they can’t see coming.

A creepy Blair-witch-type novel where time is untethered and ancient evil awaits.

I HATE novels that have far-fetched plots, and then don't properly explain them or resolve anything. The story itself was good; the plot moved quickly and I was creeped out and interested in finding out what happened to both the past and present day parties.

Unfortunately, though, you don't... not really anyway. I still don't understand what was in The Nest, what happened with the Morebys, the concept behind the forest, what happened to everyone???

Cliffhanger in the worst possible way. Add another 50-100 pages to resolve the ending and this novel would be a winner.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion!

"The Dark Between the Trees" uses a dual timeline to retrace the path a group of soldiers took in 17th century England before their mysterious disappearance, and the one these contemporary women take in their pursuit of knowledge. Moresby Wood is haunted by stories as much as by history.

I enjoyed the book, but not as much as I thought I would when I was halfway through it. Barnett's writing style is clear and very descriptive, making you feel as if you were there. I really liked the dual POV, following both groups of people as they go deeper into the forest, hearing the legends each brought with them, seeing them come to their own conclusions. I enjoyed the folk tales element playing out. It reminded me of The Blair Witch Project and The Witch.

The beginning might feel a bit slow for some, but I thought it did a good job of leading us into the story. And then things start happening, and you don't want to put this book down! I was super interested in the plot, so I read the first half in a day. The second half was harder to get through. I still wanted to finish it, but it felt slow and a bit repetitive, all the walk in the woods with not much happening.

The horror element was very conceptual and ambiguous. This is tricky to pull off well, and not everybody is a fan of it. I'm not against it per se, but I didn't think it was fully realized here. There's graphic gore and a monster, yes, but the monster isn't really The monster. And that would be fine, if - well, if all the deaths hadn't actually been caused by the monster. So in the end, I just thought, what was the point of everything? There are a lot of loose ends. If you want a clear-cut explanation about everything that happened, you won't find it.

The ending was open-ended and affected by this lack of answers. I actually didn't hate it; I love that kind of endings, but I still wish what came before it had provided some more answers, a clearer insight into what had really happened to everyone, and why.

I would recommend this to readers looking for haunted forest stories, and I'm looking forward to Barnett's next works!

In 1643, a group of soldiers entered the Moresby Woods. Only two came out alive and the stories they reported were shocking and supernatural. Cut to present day, a group of women lead by Dr Alice Christopher, head into the same woods to find out what exactly occurred.

A mix of folklore and downright scary moments, The Dark Between the Trees took me a moment to get into. The multiple POVs and switching between past and present with the soldiers and the group of women took time to adjust but I felt it served the story well to see the parallels between the two groups. As much as multi POVs can take away from emotional attachment and getting to know the characters, I thought Barnett did an excellent job of building tension and expressing each characters concerns and thoughts though the emotional moments were lacking outside of fear and anger.

I was surprised to see the soldiers spoke in such a modern tone considering the two characters we meet by the fire towards the end spoke more in the proper time period language. I wish there was more differentiation between the soldiers and the doctors.

The pacing was a tense, slow burn that built to some stomach churning moments of horror I loved. The confusion of the woods, the atmospheric descriptions, the tension of the two separate groups felt very cinematic. I found it impressive for a debut novel and the writing was elevated and intelligent.

I really wanted to give this book 4 stars but I am going to give it 3 because the ending was truly a disappointment. I believe it ended the way it did so the parallel was complete: there was another 'deserter' to tell the tale. However, it was completely unsatisfying and provided no answers whatsoever. It took away a star for me.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of the films The Descent and Annihilation and the French series, Black Spot. The novel had concepts of all of the above, providing a richly supernatural world and smart women determined to find answers. Sadly, the ending sadly did not entirely define this world and what was actually happening though I was able to piece some of it together.

I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Fiona Barnett. Thank you to NetGalley and Rebellious Books for the advanced digital copy.

This book is dark, atmospheric, intense and filled to the brim with folklore themes intertwined with surreal episodes. Tension starts to build up from the beginning, slowly incorporating legends and folk tales and then horror elements slowly creep in. The book draws you in and doesn't let the grip on you until the end. Without spoilers difficult to explain more, go and read more for yourselves. Get into those woods!

Whoa! What a ride. It was very fast-paced. The writing style kept me hooked and I didn't find myself losing any interest. I enjoyed getting to know each of the characters and how real the story felt. The author did a great job painting the setting, so it was easy for me to visualize the scene played out before me. I recommend giving this one a chance!

I enjoyed this book, liked the way it was written following the soldiers and the professor. The start of the book is very fast passed and gory. Chapter were a nice size and I liked the look of the headers for each chapter.

This book had so much potential but unfortunately didn't deliver for me.

Strong start, but soon drags on to not much happening, very little world building and minimal character development.
Disappointed we didn't get anything particularly spooky or much of the Corrigal.
Otherwise as the potential to be a great story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my arc in exchange for my honest review.

Such a unique and different read from what I go towards but definitely an amazing read at that. It reminded me of the Blair witch vibes as has too by my friends who have read an arc which is amazing as I love that movie so I more than ever flew through the book, I loved it.

The storyline was very well written that I was engaged from start to finish. The characters were a good read overall I did first find it hard remembering the characters as there was a few than what I’m used to reading.

I really was impressed with the history aspects throughout the book as it showed and piqued my interest that the author has good knowledge on the facts, another huge plus as I am a huge history fan

Overall the book was excellent but I was deflated from the ending but it really left me wanting more. I look forward to what the author next brings out.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc in exchange of my honest review

'The Dark Between the Trees' reminds me of Shirley Jackson's writing. Not only because of its characterful prose, but also because of its slower, dread-oriented pacing, gradually building up an unsettling atmosphere rather than going all in with more shocking moments - although, admittedly, it provides those two.

Alongside this book I've been delving into a collection of haunted forest short stories, and I'm struck by how well Fiona Barnett has explored this trope. TDBTT very much feels like a full length version of one of those stories, but by bringing its own unique elements - most notably, light surrealism and a dimensional angle - it is an excellent example of this type of story. The author demonstrates a brilliant understanding of these concepts and the subgenre in which she's writing. On offer here is both a literal and a figurative haunting, like all of the best haunting stories are - and it is a compelling example of both, most notably thanks to the monster in this story. Whatever the Corrigal ends up representing, this is a fantastic monster for the book, being unexpected, being unsettling at times, but most importantly, serving the greater tone and theme excellently well.

There are a lot of characters in this story, and at first I found this too much, that it made the story overwhelming and difficult to get to grips with. But something pushed me through these early struggles, and I'm glad they did, since with every new chapter, and every new detail, I became more and more invested in all of these characters. Their conflicts, both internal and relational, are so well written.

Admittedly, I'm undecided on the ending. I sort of expected something bigger, something that would act as more of a gut punch. But maybe the understated element of the chosen ending is brilliant, maybe this is in fact the better ending.

Either way, I loved this book, and I think it deserves a cult following when it eventually releases later in the year. I hope it gets that cult following - I'll certainly be recommending it to people, especially those who will appreciate its slow burn, atmospheric sense of progression, and great cast of characters.

[Advanced Reader Copy provided by the author]

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

"Which came first, the dismal wilderness of an inaccessible place or the ghost stories? Surely, in this place, they were now too intertwined to know."

This darkly atmospheric thriller set in a mysterious wood built the tension well throughout, with an ending I didn't quite expect. The creepy, uncomfortable vibes under the trees had me feeling at times claustrophobic as the story flitted between two groups, separated by centuries.

First, a group of soldiers driven into the woods by an attack three hundred years before. Second, an expedition led by a historian obsessed with their tale. Both stalked by an invisible threat.

I really liked that there wasn't some big reveal right away and that for most of the book you had no idea what was going on, just like the characters. The woods reveal secrets slowly, peeling back layers as people are picked off one by one.

The cast of characters were complex - the wood revealed sides of them that were darker, more dangerous than they would have been outside it. It was also interesting to guess how much of it was disorientation from being lost in the woods and how much was the wood itself, getting to them.

"The wood was a liar, but beneath that was buried something true, and fascinating, and the wood was telling her what it was, if only she could tune into it properly, or decipher it."

Thank you @netgalley for giving me my first book to review!

BOOK REVIEW
4 ⭐️

Summary: An unforgettable, surrealist gothic folk-thriller with commercial crossover appeal from a brilliant new voice. 

1643: A small group of Parliamentarian soldiers are ambushed in an isolated part of Northern England. Their only hope for survival is to flee into the nearby Moresby Wood... unwise though that may seem. For Moresby Wood is known to be an unnatural place, the realm of witchcraft and shadows, where the devil is said to go walking by moonlight...

Seventeen men enter the wood. Only two are ever seen again, and the stories they tell of what happened make no sense. Stories of shifting landscapes, of trees that appear and disappear at will... and of something else. Something dark. Something hungry.

Today, five women are headed into Moresby Wood to discover, once and for all, what happened to that unfortunate group of soldiers. Led by Dr Alice Christopher, an historian who has devoted her entire academic career to uncovering the secrets of Moresby Wood. Armed with metal detectors, GPS units, mobile phones and the most recent map of the area (which is nearly 50 years old), Dr Christopher's group enters the wood ready for anything.

Or so they think.

I read this book within 2 days. I literally just finished it and my heart is still pounding. It was really interesting, the descriptions were fun.

Two thirds into it I had a feeling I knew where it was going, and I was almost disappointed that I was right. It was still gripping.

I will admit that during the exposition, I skimmed past it. I wanted to get to the action. I did find those parts tedious in the first portion of the book, so started skipping them. At some parts it felt repetitive. I took off the one ⭐️ for that.

I did enjoy the atmosphere. I do scare easily, and this definitely had me on the edge of my seat. If you're into horror, gothic tales and spookiness, this will be right up your alley.

Going to be sleeping with a light on tonight, that's for sure! 😶

“Getting lost is better than being found”

THE DARK BETWEEN THE TREES was a very creepy but intriguing read from start to finish that had me actually turning on the light as I read because I kept feeling like there was something in my room with me.

It starts out a little confusing in the beginning in that it was very hard to keep track of the many characters and even differentiate between their many narrations of the story. But later on in the chapters it changed and I was able to even remember the names of each narrator.

All through the read the book was heading towards being a 5 star read but got a little disappointed in the end because I felt I had more questions than answers and like nothing was really resolved.

All in all, great read.

I got an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and Rebellion Publishing for an honest review.