It Waits In the Forest by Sarah Dass is a captivating young adult horror novel set on the Caribbean island of St. Virgil. The story revolves around Selina DaSilva, who once had dreams of studying Pharmacology off the island. Her plans changed after a brutal attack left her father dead and her mother in a coma. Now, Selina spends her time selling fake talismans to tourists and trying to outrun her past.

The plot thickens when one of these tourists becomes the victim of a series of strange murders. Selina, who has always denied the existence of magic, is forced to confront the supernatural. She teams up with her ex-boyfriend, Gabriel, who is now working for the local newspaper. Together, they unravel secrets about Selina's family and the island, uncovering an evil lurking on the island.

One of the things I really liked about this book is (view spoiler). Their relationship is full of history and emotion, adding an extra layer to the story. It's interesting to see them work through their past while dealing with the present danger.

The book also does a great job exploring the relationships between Selina and her old friends, who used to be mean to her. These interactions are realistic and add depth to the story. I also appreciated how Selina’s disbelief in her mother’s magic was portrayed. Even though the reader knows magic is real, Selina’s skepticism feels genuine and adds tension to the story.

The horror elements are genuinely scary, which can be hard to find in YA horror. The atmosphere of St. Virgil is so well described that it feels like a character itself. This book would make an excellent TV show like The Haunting of Hill House.

Selina is a complex character with a morally grey personality. She makes some questionable decisions, but you still root for her because of how empathetically she's written. This adds a lot of depth to her character and makes her journey more compelling.

The book also deals with themes of sacrifice and explores how far people will go to regain what they've lost or to be part of a world that's been closed off to them. These themes are woven into the story in an interesting way, making the plot even more intriguing.

For anyone looking for a thrilling and atmospheric read, I recommend going into It Waits In the Forest without knowing too much about it. The twists and turns are best experienced firsthand. Just a heads up—don’t read this one at night!

While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I do wish Selina's interest in plants had been explored more. It’s mentioned in the story, but I think it ended up being more important than it’s played out to be for most of the book. It’s also strange that it’s highlighted in the synopsis but then portrayed as kind of minor compared to the other plot points. I wish this aspect had been fleshed out a bit more.

It Waits In the Forest is a great blend of horror, romance, and mystery, all set in a beautifully described, spooky setting. Sarah Dass has crafted a story that's both chilling and heartwarming, making it a must-read for YA horror fans.

Thank you to Disney, Rick Riordan Presents, and NetGalley for the eGalley to review!

What a trip! This story starts off a bit slow but once it picks up, it gets *going* and I didn't want to put it down.

Selina doesn't believe in the supernatural folklore or spirituality of her ancestors, especially after her mother's reputation for being a "witch" got Selina bullied and outcast by everyone living on the island of St. Virgil. Yet she's decided to put that reputation to use by becoming a "fake" psychic reader and more or less scamming those same people with readings and her (very real) "potions" (she's an excellent herbalist and this is a major plot point!). This is a bid to make them fear her rather than hate her. It's a whole mess of self-loathing brought about by the cruel ignorance of those who are supposed to be her community and she must work through that the further into this journey she goes. This reputation of her mother's (and eventually Selina's) largely began two years ago when both of her parents investigated into a set of suspicious murders on the island that ultimately got her father killed too and her mother in a coma. Now, Selina is forced to re-investigate just what happened to her parents when a potential murderer comes demanding her help from the supernatural and Selina begins to have nightmares and visions she's desperate to dismiss as hallucinations from a number of more natural things.

On top of all of this thrilling suspense and mystery is a romance so sweet I said "awww" too many times to count, as Selina's ex-boyfriend Gabriel is back after being gone for those two years (and after surviving a plane crash to boot), and their chemistry and magnetism are off the charts even though Selina is trying really hard to make it work with another boy. It makes the story a perfect mix of creepy and sweet, giving us moments of reprieve from the more heinous situations that Selina and Gabriel get into.

A couple of times I was reading well into the late night in bed and I will tell you those creepy bits will make you look over your shoulder or startle at sounds while you're reading them. There's an especially anxious chapter involving seemingly never-ending stairs in pitch black while sounds that only Selina can hear are coming from behind and phew did that make it hard for me to sleep after reading! The supernatural aspect of this story is based in real African spirituality (Obeah, Hoodoo, and Haitian Vodou) and Caribbean folklore, making it rich in culture and making sure these practices and stories remain alive. While Selina doesn't initially believe in any of it, she ultimately comes to understand it better and respect and even appreciate it.

When the Big Reveal happens, I was initially disappointed in the twist, but eventually as it became more fleshed out, it made more sense and I was able to go along with the flow of it. The ending happens abruptly, however, and I wish we had an epilogue. That said, I was satisfied with how everything is resolved. I'd even say it's worth a re-read to see if anything was foreshadowed!

If you love supernatural mystery, suspense, and thriller with a side of adorable romance, or would love to read an excellent story based in African/Caribbean spirituality and folklore, give this one a shot. I highly recommend it.

I ended up taking a couple of days to read the first half, and then finished the second half in one sitting. It's the first thriller in the RRP imprint and meant for YA/teen readers, but it's not super creepy, although it has its moments.

I liked the setting of a small Carribean Island (I have no idea if it's a real place), as well as the Carribean mythology that was incorporated into the story. I wasn't completely sold on the protagonist initially, as she made questionable decisions, but morally grey would be a good description for her. I was not a fan of her so-called friends or boyfriend, but as you learn the back story, it's a little easier to understand her choices. Still, when her old boyfriend, son of her pseudo foster mother reappears, it's easier to understand his side of things.

I thought the world-building (if you want to call it that--this felt like realistic fiction/magical realism) was well done, and I really felt the conflict Selina feels between the old-world magic and the struggle to survive in the world of tourism as this tiny island fights to compete with its more successful sister island. While I wasn't creeped out throughout, there were moments when I was checking around the corners as my house made some noise. The author did a great job of building atmosphere, although I have to admit I was more creeped out my human monsters than by supernatural monsters. But that too was part of the story.

Overall, I thought this was a great addition to the RRP imprint and I plan on checking out other books by this author.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm always looking for more mythology based fiction and was an immediate yes when I read the premise for It Waits In the Forest. I immediately put I request with NetGalley and then end of school happened, along with Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This was my first experience with Caribbean mythology and boy, did Sarah Dass deliver. At 336 pages, it is relatively short in comparison to some YA fantasy novels. Since I was reading an eARC, I was a little surprised it was over 300 pages, as the story sped along once it got going. Part of me is disappointed it wrapped up so well--I want more. It's well written with characters that are well developed. Still, I'd like more!

My only complaint is that I was a little thrown off by the initial chapters that were not from Selina's point of view. In reality, Dass wove in those short chapters in a way that helped cement the plot twist at the end. I did not see it coming--I think she did an excellent job setting things up to unfold so neatly. In fact, I'm a bit envious at how hell written It Waits In the Forest is--describing it as lush feels like I'm slathering it on a bit thick, but I really think that the writing is solid and the characters are relatable. The mythology isn't explored too heavily, but I think that actually helps propel the plot forward, as Selina isn't a believer. She's a freshly minted adult who suffered a massive tragedy during the last years of her childhood. OF COURSE she's going to be self-destructive and make poor decisions. She's still a kid! I found her to be likable and easy to understand her motivations--she doesn't want to rely on Muriel and doesn't want to appear weak to the people of St. Virgil, who blame her family for something that she had zero control over. She desperately wants to have a normal life and friends, something everyone wants at that age.

While I likely won't be purchasing it for my middle grade library, it's absolutely a book I'll be recommending and I look forward to reading whatever Dass puts out next!

3.5 rounded up because I am a huge fan of Rick Riordan Presents. This is the first book that fell flat for me, so it could just be me. The main things that I struggled with were: This takes place on an imaginary Caribbean island, our protagonist is very unlikeable, we never have enough of the picture, especially of the monster!!!, and side characters blended together for me. Our protagonist never let the audience in enough for me to relate to her. I related better to the always-in-the-dark and why-does-he-like-her love interest. Even he knew more than us, and he spent the whole book frustrated. Because of this the middle felt a slog, the big climax felt extremely abrupt, even with the foreshadowing, and I wasn't really cheering anyone on. I hope it works better for others!

A murder mystery wrapped in cultural myths of deals struck with mythical creatures and the power of the non coporeal. Selina’s lost everyone, and she is shunned by the whole island for her mother’s “mistake” and her psychic abilities. She thinks she is making progress in starting over until murders start happening again and she begins to see things. As she tries to solve the mysteries she also has to come to terms with who her mother was and how she needs to live. A lush story that has you turning pages quickly!

It Waits In The Forest is a dark older grade novel filled with mystery and horror. Selina, the main character has lost her father in a brutal attack which also left her mother in a coma. Her old boyfriend returns and together they go about trying to solve the mystery of the crime. What they discover has far reaching implications for both of them and their families.

While the book was well written and engaging, I was not able to personally enjoy it. I think it was just too dark for me, but that is strictly my personal opinion.

I was given an advance reader copy for free, but all opinions are my own.

In Sarah Dass’s YA supernatural thriller inspired by Caribbean mythology, Selina doesn’t believe in magic. Selina dreams of leaving her home island but her father is killed and her mother is left is a coma. She spends her days conning tourists. When a series of gruesome murders start happening, Selina is caught up in solving the mystery while also coming to terms with her trauma.

The plot piques your interests but the heart of the characters keeps you invested.
Beautifully written and engaging.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Selina is an outcast on the island of St. Virgil, the daughter of a “witch” and a murdered policeman. She tries to get by and has made headway with a new boyfriend who is well loved on the island. But when mysterious murders start occurring, Selina has to try to figure out what is happening before it is too late for her. Joining forces with her ex-boyfriend, newly returned to the island, Selina and Gabriel investigate the grisly murders. But someone doesn’t like them asking questions.

A twisting and turning novel that was hard to put down. A tantalizing horror/mystery! Will be purchasing for my library.

Selina DaSilva is an 18-year-old girl living on the Caribbean island of St. Virgil with her mother. Her mother is a spiritualist who worked with her father, a forensics investigator to solve crimes in their town. Her mother’s intuition cause a man to become free even though the small town believed he was guilty of killing the woman. Selina’s father was killer and her mother is now in a coma. Selina is surviving by selling “fake spells and charms” in her friend’s mystic curiosity shop. She’s beginning to have troubling visions of her father. A suspect in a brutal death at a local hotel visits the shop where Selina is working. Selina decides to partner with Gabriel, her ex-boyfriend, to try to figure out if the murder is connected to what happened to her parents. Will she and Gabriel be able to find this out?

This intriguing novel kept me on my toes. The horror is written delightfully in this book. The horror and mystery written gives the novel the tension I enjoyed reading. This is a “tale of Caribbean folklore, herbalism and mysticism.” I enjoyed the novel.

This book is a fast-paced thriller of a supernatural novel. The twists and turns weren't easy to guess (and I am the queen of guessing twists and turns).

I could not put this book down! The first thriller from the Rick Riordan Presents umbrella absolutely did not disappoint. I wasn't sure if something under that umbrella world actually have space to be creepy and dark... turns out it certainly did. This is a great book for teens who loved Percy Jackson-esque books as kids but are ready to grapple with something more complex. Selina doesn't immediately fit the idea of a hero, and throughout the book she's making choices that makes me want to yell at the book -these are also the things that make her character seem all the more real. A word of caution: there are some very graphic depictions of death and murder. This was a 4/5 Star YA read for me. I'd have it in my classroom library, and I think I’d just make sure to check in with students who decide to check it out.

I was SO excited to get approved for this one. and it lived up to EVERY one of my expectations! My students love thrillers, and I cannot wait to add this to my classroom. The Caribbean mythology was SUCH a fun touch!

I loved this atmospheric novel set on a Caribbean-like island. The pacing was really well done, and the build up was very suspenseful. Hold on to the edge of your seat! This was one great ride.

St. Virgil's is a small island and having a mother with a reputation as a renowned psychic -- or a witch depending on who you ask -- has caused Selina to be ostracized since a young age. Working at a friend's shop as a fake psychic has been a harmless way to make money until strange things start to happen around the island. With a killer on the island leaving crime scenes with similarities to her own father's murder, Selina struggles to face her past and her future.

Great for fans of supernatural fiction and murder mysteries!

I forgot to leave a review for this, but I really enjoyed it! It's already out, so I won't say much more than I need to for my star rating. <3

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC of the novel 3.5/5 stars.

I love the RRP imprint of Disney because, well, Rick Riordan and the effort to include more diverse voices and characters into novels; however, I went into this novel expecting the usual sarcasm and humor from RRP books...and this was not that. Now, I also haven't read another "YA" from the imprint, so it could just be the middle grade that sticks with the humor and sarcasm and funny chapter titles?

I did enjoy the overall ambiance and setting of the novel, but the story fell flat in many places. There's a big emphasis on the MC having some sort of magic or intuition, but it only ever gets used when absolutely needed for the plot...and it's never really explained? I did not see the twist coming at the end though. Also, I think it's another book where a love triangle/romance was absolutely unnecessary.

I was really excited when I started this book. I wanted to learn more about Caribbean mythology and experience a Rick Riordan Presents world that was aimed at young adults. However the book left me wanting and was kind of a let down. Not enough mythology and I just didn't care about the characters. By far my least favorite book under the Rick Riordan Presents banner.

Selina doesn't believe in the supernatural, preferring to believe in things she can see and touch like botany. She plans to leave the island of St. Virgil with her then-boyfriend Gabriel until an attack kills her father and leaves her mother in a coma. The case is never solved, and Selina has to live with the reputation that her mother passed to her of being a witch. Two years later, a string of deaths brings Gabriel and Selina back together. Can they solve the case?

This is the story of Selina whose father was murdered and her mother is in a coma. It follows Selina through trying to figure out what happened to her dad and what is currently happening in her town. It’s a little murder mystery, a little love story, a little fantasy. If you like a book with a lot of character development/backstory you will enjoy this book. I thought the ending was great! Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced reader’s copy.