I absolutely loved the codependency and neediness and obsession Andrew and Thomas had for each other. I loved the building of this and the slow reveals of just how far they would really go for one another. You could feel their desperate love for each other, it was definitely a highlight of the story for me. I also really appreciated the asexual representation and thought it was done really well. I really enjoyed having a main character who identified this way. And loved seeing him accept that he was asexual and what that meant for him.

And just the whole vibe of the book was amazing. The writing brought the forest alive and you could feel it creeping inside with every page. I adored the tone and mood this set and just all visual imagery. The eldritch horror style monsters were excellent - I loved that they were causing Andrew and Thomas to slowly decline and go mad almost with the stress. The academy setting was perfect; the connection to the woods, the old style building and moody aesthetics helped build the tone and also gave it an isolated feel.

Whilst the cast at the academy were a little stereotypical I still really liked them all (or hated the ones we’re supposed to hate) - Andrew’s anxiety kept him mostly to himself but I did really like Lana and how she offered her support and friendship in whatever way Andrew could accept.

The ending was wild. It had me doubting everything and then questioning how it left them but I loved it. Very on point for the horror tone. I don’t think it was particularly suspenseful but it felt more like a slow building, creeping kind of horror that burrows itself inside you rather than scary/ high suspense - which I was so here for.

Overall a really enjoyable read and I’ll definitely be reading her next many horror books! Definitely a memorable one and one I’ll recommend.