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Eyes of the Forest
After a bestselling fantasy author disappears, only his biggest fan believes he’s in danger and has the courage to uncover the truth in this fast-paced mystery with a chilling psychological twist.
Bridget is RM Haldon's biggest fan. His epic fantasy series, Swords and Shadows, created a lifeline between Bridget and her mom as she lost her battle with cancer. When Bridget met Haldon at his only book signing, she impressed the author with her encyclopedic knowledge of the fantasy world he'd created. Bridget has been working for him ever since as he attempts to write his final book. Now, Haldon is missing, and Bridget is the only person who seems concerned. Can Bridget piece together Haldon’s clues and save him before it’s too late?
Master mystery-writer April Henry weaves another heart-stopping young adult thriller in this story that seamlessly blends suspense with fan culture. For readers of Courtney Summers and Karen McManus.
Bridget is RM Haldon's biggest fan. His epic fantasy series, Swords and Shadows, created a lifeline between Bridget and her mom as she lost her battle with cancer. When Bridget met Haldon at his only book signing, she impressed the author with her encyclopedic knowledge of the fantasy world he'd created. Bridget has been working for him ever since as he attempts to write his final book. Now, Haldon is missing, and Bridget is the only person who seems concerned. Can Bridget piece together Haldon’s clues and save him before it’s too late?
Master mystery-writer April Henry weaves another heart-stopping young adult thriller in this story that seamlessly blends suspense with fan culture. For readers of Courtney Summers and Karen McManus.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published August 24, 2021
60 people are currently reading
2430 people want to read
About the author
April Henry
34 books3,365 followersI write mysteries and thrillers. I live in Portland, Oregon with my family.
If you've read one of my books, I would love to hear from you. Hearing from readers makes me eager to keep writing.
When I was 12, I sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He liked it so much he arranged to have it published in an international children's magazine.
My dream of writing went dormant until I was in my 30s, working at a corporate job, and started writing books on the side. Those first few years are now thankfully a blur. Now I'm very lucky to make a living doing what I love. I have written 27 novels for adults and teens, with more on the way. My books have been on the New York Times bestseller lists, gotten starred reviews, been picked for Booksense, translated into seven languages, been named to state reading lists, won the Anthony award and won the Oregon Book Award.
If you've read one of my books, I would love to hear from you. Hearing from readers makes me eager to keep writing.
When I was 12, I sent a short story about a six-foot tall frog who loved peanut butter to Roald Dahl, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. He liked it so much he arranged to have it published in an international children's magazine.
My dream of writing went dormant until I was in my 30s, working at a corporate job, and started writing books on the side. Those first few years are now thankfully a blur. Now I'm very lucky to make a living doing what I love. I have written 27 novels for adults and teens, with more on the way. My books have been on the New York Times bestseller lists, gotten starred reviews, been picked for Booksense, translated into seven languages, been named to state reading lists, won the Anthony award and won the Oregon Book Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
August 12, 2021
Like Ajay's cooking, this book is a combination of a great recipe and attention to detail. It is a combination of 'Misery,' 'Game of Thrones,' and Nancy Drew. There is a kidnapping, a little romance, LARPing, fantastic Indian food, a treadmill desk, visits to the dark web, and so much more. The author is conflicted, the talented teens are a bit quirky in the eyes of their peers, the villains are cold and calculated yet still mainstream. This is an entertaining read and I don't want to spoil the experience by giving away too much. If you haven't picked up an April Henry book yet, what are you waiting for?
Thank you to Henry Holt, and Co. and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Henry Holt, and Co. and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
April 23, 2021
A big fat sloppy kiss to NetGalley who continues to stress me out with my review percentage, but still finds a way to make me happy as clam with ALL THE BOOKS.
I was first introduced to April Henry while on a tour for PLAYING WITH FIRE. If you guys haven't read that one, check it out because it is non stop insanity. Henry is a pro at tension and I'd like some pointers please.
EYES OF THE FOREST is less intense, but interesting all the same. Bridget is a HUGE fan of R.M Haldon's work so much that he hires her as a research assistant aka keeping track of the details in his massive series. Haldon is our Martin in this book, and I found myself grinning with all the talk about the last book of the series being delayed. I mean, as a writer, i get it, but enough with the SUSPENSE, MARTIN.
I digress...
Haldon's idea of locking himself away to write backfires and he ends up literally getting kidnapped and forced to write against his will. He's starved and made to pee in a chamber pot. I mean, it's not a pretty existence, but it's less painful than Misery that's for sure. All the while, Bridget is sharing her love of Haldon's work with Ajay, a classmate when she gets a strange email from Haldon that baffles her so much that she begins to look into what's happened to him.
This is a quick read that will pull you into the world of obsessed fans and how far they will go to see a book published. I mean, it's not far-fetched. I've read a lot of what fans have been saying about Martin and it's not something I want to repeat on this family friendly site. Bridget is a determined and smart gal whereas Haldon is a meek guy who's just suffering from writer's block. He's created a world he can't control. But I loved seeing both sides of fandoms, and how intense some people can be, and how low-key nerds others become.
I love what Henry did with giving us a book unlike any I've ever read. I will continue to be a fan of her writing, even if i am working backwards through her catalog.
I was first introduced to April Henry while on a tour for PLAYING WITH FIRE. If you guys haven't read that one, check it out because it is non stop insanity. Henry is a pro at tension and I'd like some pointers please.
EYES OF THE FOREST is less intense, but interesting all the same. Bridget is a HUGE fan of R.M Haldon's work so much that he hires her as a research assistant aka keeping track of the details in his massive series. Haldon is our Martin in this book, and I found myself grinning with all the talk about the last book of the series being delayed. I mean, as a writer, i get it, but enough with the SUSPENSE, MARTIN.
I digress...
Haldon's idea of locking himself away to write backfires and he ends up literally getting kidnapped and forced to write against his will. He's starved and made to pee in a chamber pot. I mean, it's not a pretty existence, but it's less painful than Misery that's for sure. All the while, Bridget is sharing her love of Haldon's work with Ajay, a classmate when she gets a strange email from Haldon that baffles her so much that she begins to look into what's happened to him.
This is a quick read that will pull you into the world of obsessed fans and how far they will go to see a book published. I mean, it's not far-fetched. I've read a lot of what fans have been saying about Martin and it's not something I want to repeat on this family friendly site. Bridget is a determined and smart gal whereas Haldon is a meek guy who's just suffering from writer's block. He's created a world he can't control. But I loved seeing both sides of fandoms, and how intense some people can be, and how low-key nerds others become.
I love what Henry did with giving us a book unlike any I've ever read. I will continue to be a fan of her writing, even if i am working backwards through her catalog.
Want to read
February 9, 2019Seeing this 'pitched as GoT' is enough to trigger my hunger to get this book in my hands ASAP. Gimme gimme gimme this! Come on, 2021, I'm trying to be stoical while waiting for you.
May 30, 2024
I loved this mashup of themes and threads from stories like Misery and Game of Thrones with hints of Ruthless People (anyone else old enough to remember this movie?). While the plot dances a bit around attraction between Bridget and Ajay, this is much more of a thriller/suspense focus than romance - which I enjoyed.
I adore that Henry's writing brings the perspectives of all the characters, not just the protagonists. It seems like it would ruin the plot, but I like the depth it adds. I can't imagine how much fun it must be to have an author as a main character. Especially getting to put all those complaints about deadlines, writer's block, and how they may not always enjoy "the business" in the book.
It's so realistic that Bridget isn't just an unexplained super spy or immediately believed by the adults in her life. I think my favorite parts are where she just Google's how to do things. Relatable.
A fun ride and wonderful listen.
Narration:
Amy McFadden did a wonderful job with a huge cast of characters. I always enjoy her suspense narrations and this was no exception.
I adore that Henry's writing brings the perspectives of all the characters, not just the protagonists. It seems like it would ruin the plot, but I like the depth it adds. I can't imagine how much fun it must be to have an author as a main character. Especially getting to put all those complaints about deadlines, writer's block, and how they may not always enjoy "the business" in the book.
It's so realistic that Bridget isn't just an unexplained super spy or immediately believed by the adults in her life. I think my favorite parts are where she just Google's how to do things. Relatable.
A fun ride and wonderful listen.
Narration:
Amy McFadden did a wonderful job with a huge cast of characters. I always enjoy her suspense narrations and this was no exception.
November 6, 2021
~2.5 stars~
I'm a bit torn on this book. It's supposed to be a mystery-thriller but....I didn't really get either. That being said I found some of the chapters slow and they dragged on a bit to the point where I was like "can we be done now?" I do have to say it picked up close to the end, but throughout the whole book the pacing was very off. However, I loved the writing aspect and found the fact that books play a really big part in the story very on my vibe. Really enjoyed those parts.
This was the first book by April Henry that I've ever read and I look forward to trying out a few more.
I'm a bit torn on this book. It's supposed to be a mystery-thriller but....I didn't really get either. That being said I found some of the chapters slow and they dragged on a bit to the point where I was like "can we be done now?" I do have to say it picked up close to the end, but throughout the whole book the pacing was very off. However, I loved the writing aspect and found the fact that books play a really big part in the story very on my vibe. Really enjoyed those parts.
This was the first book by April Henry that I've ever read and I look forward to trying out a few more.
November 20, 2021
Overall I found this to be a fast, easy and enjoyable read. I guess this could be listed as a mystery, but you already know who and what from the beginning, the book was more focused on the resolution of the issue. Eyes of the Forest was a YA modern/digital age version of the book/movie Misery where the beloved author is kept locked up by a fan mixed with the fan base/fantasy world building of Game of Thrones. I don't have a lot to say about the book besides I found it pretty entertaining and it was a quick read, even if at times it was very far-fetched. The author was even able to add romance as well as delicious food to the story (neither of which are very important or crucial to the plot), just a random FYI. This is a YA contemporary standalone so no need to wait for another book to be released and there was a satisfying wrapped up conclusion to tie all loose ends.
August 29, 2021
I’ve heard a lot about April Henry, but this is my first book by her. And it was a good one! I loved the whole idea of an author somewhat modeled after the author of Game of Thrones. An author that fans are waiting for that next book in the series and getting so frustrated on not getting it. Not to mention how the tv series is stuck and in real life it had to go on without the last book. But this story also took on a bit of the feel of the book Misery by Stephen King. In several ways. First, you know kidnapping the author to get him to write a book. Then the typewriter part as well.
I do have to say that I kind of felt when I’d originally read the synopsis that there would be more of the story where Bridget knew Haldron was missing and that she would be searching for him longer. While that part of the story was pretty good, it felt a little short, or maybe rushed to me, based on how I’d assumed from the blurb the story would go.
Really though this was a good book, and I will definitely be recommending it for my own students to read.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
I do have to say that I kind of felt when I’d originally read the synopsis that there would be more of the story where Bridget knew Haldron was missing and that she would be searching for him longer. While that part of the story was pretty good, it felt a little short, or maybe rushed to me, based on how I’d assumed from the blurb the story would go.
Really though this was a good book, and I will definitely be recommending it for my own students to read.
Review first posted on Lisa Loves Literature.
February 15, 2022
Honestly, this book was ok.
Just ok.
I tried my best to look at its good parts, but in all honesty I don’t connect with it.
Like, at all.
I appreciate the diversity in cultures and I do enjoy the ‘kidnapping’ aspect, but I feel like it could have been so much better if the author had added a bit more detail into what each character was feeling throughout the book.
I give this book 3 stars simply because of its lack of details and boring, predictable plot. This book had so much potential, but it was a let down in a lot of areas.
Just ok.
I tried my best to look at its good parts, but in all honesty I don’t connect with it.
Like, at all.
I appreciate the diversity in cultures and I do enjoy the ‘kidnapping’ aspect, but I feel like it could have been so much better if the author had added a bit more detail into what each character was feeling throughout the book.
I give this book 3 stars simply because of its lack of details and boring, predictable plot. This book had so much potential, but it was a let down in a lot of areas.
February 13, 2022
1.5 stars, it did not live up to the hype for me :(
February 1, 2021
3.5, but rounding up. This is a fun, fast read featuring a Misery-like set up, but subbing in a George RR Martin for the author, and adding in a quiet but smart teenage girl as a heroine. The chapters are short, the pace is very propulsive, and the tension is well-maintained throughout - I could really see this being a great pick for middle grade+ reluctant readers in your life!
That said, I have some weird, icky feelings about the weight loss/forced diet stuff that appeared in this. Like I get that it would happen as a result of the circumstances, but I hate that it’s somehow tied to the success/health of a main character and their recovery. Just...kind of why was this necessary. This isn’t an area that I am super well-versed on, but I feel like it could be really hurtful to folks I love and just...wasn’t needed.
There was also a moment that I found VERY hard to believe concerning a missed detail on the part of the extremely detail-oriented Bridget - that really took me out of the story. That was hard for me to swallow, but it’s fairly minor and might not bother everyone.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
That said, I have some weird, icky feelings about the weight loss/forced diet stuff that appeared in this. Like I get that it would happen as a result of the circumstances, but I hate that it’s somehow tied to the success/health of a main character and their recovery. Just...kind of why was this necessary. This isn’t an area that I am super well-versed on, but I feel like it could be really hurtful to folks I love and just...wasn’t needed.
There was also a moment that I found VERY hard to believe concerning a missed detail on the part of the extremely detail-oriented Bridget - that really took me out of the story. That was hard for me to swallow, but it’s fairly minor and might not bother everyone.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2021
One of my must-read YA thriller authors to read is April Henry as I have found I always enjoy her stories. So, when I saw Eyes of the Forest ready to read and review, I jumped at the chance and read it as soon as it arrived on my kindle. What makes this book more intricate than her previous books is that it is like two books in one. The story starts with a reclusive hermit author called Robert Haldon who is like this world's George RR Martin who has written an amazing fantasy series but his last book still years later is unpublished as he has really bad writers' block. His fans are angry and some have sent death threats. One crazed fan and his mother end up kidnapping him and locking him in a cabin with only a typewriter and paper as they think if he is in the middle of nowhere with no distractions, he will write. The book then takes on a Misery storyline by Stephen King and reminded me of a modern YA Twist of Stephen's book. The other storyline is of Bridget who is Robert's PA and fact-collector as she is his biggest fan and has worked for him since she was 12 years old. When he goes deadly silent and then sends her a weird message, she knows something is up but when she goes to the police and they laugh her off like a stalker, she is the only one who can save him, but what happens when she might just end up kidnapped too?
Find out in this YA Thriller intertwined with Fantasy by April Henry today.
Find out in this YA Thriller intertwined with Fantasy by April Henry today.
April 9, 2021
I thought this was an interesting take on Misery and maybe another certain author that is taking forever to come out with another book! Is this author a fan of GOT and this is her way of threatening what would happen?? 🤣🤣 Anyways, the story was good. I did skip some of the story and LARP stuff. Not a huge fan of that stuff so it was boring. Other than that, the characters were likeable and there was even a few things thrown in about a certain culture (which I thought was odd at first but explained how he was feeling). I had wondered how it was going to end and I thought it tied it all together nicely.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley for a copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
January 8, 2025
2.75
As a long time reader of April Henry having read 14/17 of her published mystery novels I was truly disappointed.
There was a good concept however there was a lot in this book that was unnecessary like the excerpts from a nonexistent book. The most action that this book has is summed up in the last 30 pages. It kept me entertained and was a quick read and the last bit of the novel was good however the first 200 pages dragged on in an unneeded way.
As a long time reader of April Henry having read 14/17 of her published mystery novels I was truly disappointed.
There was a good concept however there was a lot in this book that was unnecessary like the excerpts from a nonexistent book. The most action that this book has is summed up in the last 30 pages. It kept me entertained and was a quick read and the last bit of the novel was good however the first 200 pages dragged on in an unneeded way.
April 22, 2021
Another thriller from April Henry--this one is my favorite of the last few years. Incredible book that is the young adult equivalent of King's "Misery" but without the blood and gore, which I appreciated. In this book, we have different characters telling the story from their own point of view. Bridget is a teenager who loves a certain fantasy series by an author known as RM Haldon. It seems that everyone loves that series, and ts spinoff tv series. There are even LARPs (live action role playing games) based off of the book, for the very hardcore fans who can't seem to get enough of it. But Bridget has a secret: she works for the author, helping him keep continuity in his series, which spans several books. When Bridget can't get in touch with him easily, she worries that something has happened to RM Haldon. How will she figure out whats going on? And who is going to believe her anyway?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2021
Solid four stars. Thank you, Edelweiss, for the ARC. Fast paced, though a few characters and their stories were a tad one dimensional, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.
February 20, 2025
Pretty good. Kinda like Stephen King’s ‘Misery’. Would have given it 5 stars but there were some parts that I didn’t understand why they were in there.
January 14, 2021
Many thanks to EdelweissPlus and the publisher for providing me with a DRC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.
April Henry is on a HOT streak. The last few books from her (Girl in the White Van, Playing with Fire, Run Hide Fight Back have all been stellar. This book is no different. I KNOW the students in my building will be excited to read it and that it will easily be passed around from person to person. If you are needing mystery/thriller type books for students in grades 7-10, she is my go to author. The books are "edgy" enough to satisfy those wanting YA, while also being "tame" enough to fly under the radar pretty easily in my middle school collection.
Bridget is a HUGE fan of the Swords and Shadows series. So much so that she got a job working for Bob (RM Haldon) as a researcher. She created a database of his books and the characters, landscapes, realms, creatures, everything that can be cross-referenced as he works his way towards completing the series.
Except Bob has been stuck. He's had writer's block for years, and with the books' popularity, and the television shows production schedule, people need him to finish the book. So, one fan decides to give him a little incentive by kidnapping Haldon and keeping him chained to a treadmill and a typewriter in an abandoned cabin. With nothing else to do, of course Haldon will finish his book.
His only hope is that Bridget will notice that he gone and somehow find a way to help. Before it's too late.
April Henry is on a HOT streak. The last few books from her (Girl in the White Van, Playing with Fire, Run Hide Fight Back have all been stellar. This book is no different. I KNOW the students in my building will be excited to read it and that it will easily be passed around from person to person. If you are needing mystery/thriller type books for students in grades 7-10, she is my go to author. The books are "edgy" enough to satisfy those wanting YA, while also being "tame" enough to fly under the radar pretty easily in my middle school collection.
Bridget is a HUGE fan of the Swords and Shadows series. So much so that she got a job working for Bob (RM Haldon) as a researcher. She created a database of his books and the characters, landscapes, realms, creatures, everything that can be cross-referenced as he works his way towards completing the series.
Except Bob has been stuck. He's had writer's block for years, and with the books' popularity, and the television shows production schedule, people need him to finish the book. So, one fan decides to give him a little incentive by kidnapping Haldon and keeping him chained to a treadmill and a typewriter in an abandoned cabin. With nothing else to do, of course Haldon will finish his book.
His only hope is that Bridget will notice that he gone and somehow find a way to help. Before it's too late.
May 13, 2022
This fell flat for me. There wasn't enough of the weirdness for it to be a suspense/thriller; it was just weird. I could see where the author wanted to go with the kidnapping for hire gone wrong, but there were just so many pieces that didn't work for me. Like letting rando minor Derrick be in charge instead of someone trusted. Like not letting someone else know where he was. So many pieces that didn't work.
* read for SCASL book award committee
* read for SCASL book award committee
October 31, 2021
A young adult twist on Misery, but lacking depth. Decent narration.
December 31, 2022
Did not really enjoy this one, took too long to develop and the lead in was rather predictable and plain.
July 13, 2021
This is a story told from multiple viewpoints. Bridget is high school student who has read RM Haldon's fantasy series Swords and Shadows and is an expert on the world the author created. She was introduced to the series when she was young. She and her mother read the stories together while her mother was dying of breast cancer. Bridget met Haldon at one of his rare signings and impressed him enough with her knowledge that he hired her to keep track of the details and answers his questions.
RM (Bob) Haldon is the author who is stuck trying to write the final book in the series. He is getting pressure from his publisher, his agents, the people who turned his story into a television series, and many, many fans. It has been some years since the last volume was released.
Derrick is another teenage fan whose mother works as Bob's personal assistant and housekeeper. Derrick is big into LARPing and the world he and his dad live in is based on Haldon's world but the names have been changed at Haldon's lawyers insistence. Derrick is obsessed with getting the final story.
While chatting with his housekeeper, Bob floats the idea of being kidnapped and forced to write the final book. He didn't believe that the housekeeper and Derrick would actually kidnap him and refuse to release him. Derrick plans to sell chapters on the Dark Web but his mother has more extensive plans. She has always resented her ex-husband and son's obsession with living in a fantasy world. So she forces Bob to do a number of things on the spy cam which they are publishing to the Dark Web which are designed to humiliate him.
The fourth viewpoint character is Ajay who is Indian-American and who becomes Bridget's friend. He is introduced to Haldon's Swords and Shadows epic by Bridget as she reads him the stories during their lunch period where he supplies Indian food that he has cooked.
Bob convinces Derrick to let him send an email to Bridget which is an encoded cry for help. It takes her a while to decode it but no one, including Ajay, believes her when she tries to tell people that Bob is in trouble. The local police are sure that she is just one more obsessed fan. She's on her own to try to locate and rescue Bob.
This was an intriguing story with lots to think about. It was brought home to me that a story and a world created in an author's mind can take on something like reality in the mind of an obsessed reader like Derrick. I could also understand Bridget's deep interest in the story because of memories of her mother that the stories recalled. And I could also understand Bob's difficulty with finishing up a series because of the sense of both finality and responsibility to his readers.
RM (Bob) Haldon is the author who is stuck trying to write the final book in the series. He is getting pressure from his publisher, his agents, the people who turned his story into a television series, and many, many fans. It has been some years since the last volume was released.
Derrick is another teenage fan whose mother works as Bob's personal assistant and housekeeper. Derrick is big into LARPing and the world he and his dad live in is based on Haldon's world but the names have been changed at Haldon's lawyers insistence. Derrick is obsessed with getting the final story.
While chatting with his housekeeper, Bob floats the idea of being kidnapped and forced to write the final book. He didn't believe that the housekeeper and Derrick would actually kidnap him and refuse to release him. Derrick plans to sell chapters on the Dark Web but his mother has more extensive plans. She has always resented her ex-husband and son's obsession with living in a fantasy world. So she forces Bob to do a number of things on the spy cam which they are publishing to the Dark Web which are designed to humiliate him.
The fourth viewpoint character is Ajay who is Indian-American and who becomes Bridget's friend. He is introduced to Haldon's Swords and Shadows epic by Bridget as she reads him the stories during their lunch period where he supplies Indian food that he has cooked.
Bob convinces Derrick to let him send an email to Bridget which is an encoded cry for help. It takes her a while to decode it but no one, including Ajay, believes her when she tries to tell people that Bob is in trouble. The local police are sure that she is just one more obsessed fan. She's on her own to try to locate and rescue Bob.
This was an intriguing story with lots to think about. It was brought home to me that a story and a world created in an author's mind can take on something like reality in the mind of an obsessed reader like Derrick. I could also understand Bridget's deep interest in the story because of memories of her mother that the stories recalled. And I could also understand Bob's difficulty with finishing up a series because of the sense of both finality and responsibility to his readers.
August 24, 2021
With amazing smoothness and weaving, this tale places tension high and keeps the reader wondering how it will all work out by the end.
Bridget has been a fan of a famous author since she was eight, and by a wonderful chance, she even has become his assistant and offers advice on the details he's built into his series. Unfortunately, he's suffering from writer's block, and millions of fans have been waiting for the last novel in his series for over three years. When he suddenly goes missing, nobody seems to notice. Not even Bridget until she receives a very strange email.
Every moment and every step is very well laid out in this mystery. I'm not always a fan of those stories, where the reader already knows who the kidnapper is, what their motive is, and even where they are hiding their victim, but this author makes it work and more. Every step of the way, the characters are left open, allowing the reader to know exactly what they are thinking and why. It makes each one personal and more realistic...even when their logic is flawed.
Bridget is a character to root for from beginning to end. She's got a very good head on her shoulders, tons of heart, and is willing to do what she needs to. She has some difficulties from her past to overcome, but it doesn't make her weak. I also appreciated the warm relationship with her father. While there is a bit of romance hinted at...maybe, it's more of a forming friendship and doesn't go anywhere from there. So, that was refreshing, too.
The tension in this one builds slowly and remains high until the end. There is a little bit of violence and a slightly gruesome accident scene, but none of this is over the top. Everything is done open for the reader to see and know, and it's the expectation of Bridget, hopefully, figuring things out, which make this one so entertaining and grabbing. I especially enjoyed the way the villains grow and change, as it adds depth and unexpected twists.
It was no problem to read this one in a single sitting, and I, luckily, didn't have to put it down until I'd read all the way from the beginning to the end. I received a complimentary copy and read it in one, exciting sitting.
Bridget has been a fan of a famous author since she was eight, and by a wonderful chance, she even has become his assistant and offers advice on the details he's built into his series. Unfortunately, he's suffering from writer's block, and millions of fans have been waiting for the last novel in his series for over three years. When he suddenly goes missing, nobody seems to notice. Not even Bridget until she receives a very strange email.
Every moment and every step is very well laid out in this mystery. I'm not always a fan of those stories, where the reader already knows who the kidnapper is, what their motive is, and even where they are hiding their victim, but this author makes it work and more. Every step of the way, the characters are left open, allowing the reader to know exactly what they are thinking and why. It makes each one personal and more realistic...even when their logic is flawed.
Bridget is a character to root for from beginning to end. She's got a very good head on her shoulders, tons of heart, and is willing to do what she needs to. She has some difficulties from her past to overcome, but it doesn't make her weak. I also appreciated the warm relationship with her father. While there is a bit of romance hinted at...maybe, it's more of a forming friendship and doesn't go anywhere from there. So, that was refreshing, too.
The tension in this one builds slowly and remains high until the end. There is a little bit of violence and a slightly gruesome accident scene, but none of this is over the top. Everything is done open for the reader to see and know, and it's the expectation of Bridget, hopefully, figuring things out, which make this one so entertaining and grabbing. I especially enjoyed the way the villains grow and change, as it adds depth and unexpected twists.
It was no problem to read this one in a single sitting, and I, luckily, didn't have to put it down until I'd read all the way from the beginning to the end. I received a complimentary copy and read it in one, exciting sitting.
September 21, 2021
First sentence: The gun looked real. No orange tip, no obvious seams where molded plastic pieces had been glued together.
Premise/plot: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR. Bestselling author, R.M. Haldon has writer's block. He has a long, long list of excuses for why he hasn't written the last book in the Swords and Shadows series titled, Eyes of the Forest. One quip being is that he's so blocked that he won't be able to write it unless he's kidnapped and held at gunpoint. One fan takes this literally as an invitation...
Bridget, our heroine, is Haldon's biggest fan--well, one of them. She's been working with him on an official capacity helping him with research. A LOT of details go into world-building, character development, and plotting--Bridget pulls it all together.
Bridget, of course, is not Haldon's only fan. She's one of many... but she may be his only chance at getting rescued...
My thoughts: I'm not happy with how the jacket copy reads. And I'm not satisfied with my summary attempt either. Really I feel this is one of those books where it's best if you know as little as possible. It offers a little of everything for readers--a glimpse at the fandom of fantasy, a mystery, a thriller, a tiny bit of romance. (Bridget is introducing a classmate to Haldon's series by reading them aloud to him at lunch. The two have grown close. Bridget knows she likes-like him, but does he like-like her? Readers are never really sure that he's equally interested in her in that way.)
There are multiple narrators. It can be a bit dark, bleak, and creepy.
Eyes of the Forest is best at being a fast-paced thriller. I was so swept up into the suspense/thriller aspects of it that I didn't really slow down enough to notice any flaws and weaknesses.
Premise/plot: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU ASK FOR. Bestselling author, R.M. Haldon has writer's block. He has a long, long list of excuses for why he hasn't written the last book in the Swords and Shadows series titled, Eyes of the Forest. One quip being is that he's so blocked that he won't be able to write it unless he's kidnapped and held at gunpoint. One fan takes this literally as an invitation...
Bridget, our heroine, is Haldon's biggest fan--well, one of them. She's been working with him on an official capacity helping him with research. A LOT of details go into world-building, character development, and plotting--Bridget pulls it all together.
Bridget, of course, is not Haldon's only fan. She's one of many... but she may be his only chance at getting rescued...
My thoughts: I'm not happy with how the jacket copy reads. And I'm not satisfied with my summary attempt either. Really I feel this is one of those books where it's best if you know as little as possible. It offers a little of everything for readers--a glimpse at the fandom of fantasy, a mystery, a thriller, a tiny bit of romance. (Bridget is introducing a classmate to Haldon's series by reading them aloud to him at lunch. The two have grown close. Bridget knows she likes-like him, but does he like-like her? Readers are never really sure that he's equally interested in her in that way.)
There are multiple narrators. It can be a bit dark, bleak, and creepy.
Eyes of the Forest is best at being a fast-paced thriller. I was so swept up into the suspense/thriller aspects of it that I didn't really slow down enough to notice any flaws and weaknesses.
August 26, 2021
Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC!
For a main character in a teen mystery horror novel, Bridget was pretty smart and I loved it. The YA world needs more smart heroines. With that out of the way, I’d like to talk about RM Haldon, the author of Bridget’s favorite fantasy series. Other readers have compared Haldon to George R.R. Martin, but as I have not read the Game of Thrones series, I do not know how accurate this comparison is.
RM Haldon, whose real name is Bob, is kidnapped by a super fan and forced into writing the last book in his hit fantasy series, which has laid dormant without any additions for a few years. If I were to describe “Eyes of the Forest” in just a few words, I would call it chaotic Stephen King meets Karen McManus.
“Eyes of the Forest” is a little bit genre bending as well. Between the fantasy world of RM Haldon’s book series, to the mystery of his disappearance,April Henry knows how to write an enveloping story with compelling characters.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed April Henry’s “Eyes of the Forest” and will definitely be adding more of her books to my TBR!
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
For a main character in a teen mystery horror novel, Bridget was pretty smart and I loved it. The YA world needs more smart heroines. With that out of the way, I’d like to talk about RM Haldon, the author of Bridget’s favorite fantasy series. Other readers have compared Haldon to George R.R. Martin, but as I have not read the Game of Thrones series, I do not know how accurate this comparison is.
RM Haldon, whose real name is Bob, is kidnapped by a super fan and forced into writing the last book in his hit fantasy series, which has laid dormant without any additions for a few years. If I were to describe “Eyes of the Forest” in just a few words, I would call it chaotic Stephen King meets Karen McManus.
“Eyes of the Forest” is a little bit genre bending as well. Between the fantasy world of RM Haldon’s book series, to the mystery of his disappearance,April Henry knows how to write an enveloping story with compelling characters.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed April Henry’s “Eyes of the Forest” and will definitely be adding more of her books to my TBR!
Overall Rating: 4 Stars
August 11, 2021
3.5 Stars
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
There have been a significant amount of YA thrillers this year, and this book is far from the worst. I like that this book is less melodramatic than its contemporaries. That is, it toys with real life consequences more than big-ticket thriller typecasts. There's no crazy, aesthetic-pleasing psycopath(s). There's no over-emotional friend fights and/or roadtrips to put the main cast in peril. It is much more down-to-earth than that. Not the best thriller this year. Not the worst.
My full review will be available at Gateway Reviews on September 3.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
There have been a significant amount of YA thrillers this year, and this book is far from the worst. I like that this book is less melodramatic than its contemporaries. That is, it toys with real life consequences more than big-ticket thriller typecasts. There's no crazy, aesthetic-pleasing psycopath(s). There's no over-emotional friend fights and/or roadtrips to put the main cast in peril. It is much more down-to-earth than that. Not the best thriller this year. Not the worst.
My full review will be available at Gateway Reviews on September 3.
August 28, 2021
We get to see the Eyes of the Forest through several different sets of eyes. First, there is RM Haldon a fantasy author then we have Bridget a teenager in high school who is RM Haldon’s biggest fan and then there is Derrick who is also a big fan of RM Haldon and then we have Ajay, whom Bridget met at school. Bridget and Ajay become fast friends when she introduces him to RM Haldon's fantasy series Swords and Shadows.
Bridget began reading Swords and Shadows when she was around eight years old when her mother was dying of cancer. She has been reading his books over and over ever since. She met RM Haldon at a book signing once. After their meeting Bridget began working for him as he was so impressed with her knowledge of his fantasy series.
When RM Haldon goes missing Bridget is the only one who believes he is in trouble. She tries going to the police but they only think she is just a crazy fan. Left with no choice Bridget begins her own search for RM Haldon. Can Bridget find RM Haldon before it is too late? Where is RM Haldon? What has happened to him?
I am a big fan of Stephen King. He is my favorite writer of all time. Eyes of the Forest reminded me so much of Stephen King’s Misery. We have a kidnapped author who has a big case of writer’s block. We have a kidnapper who tries to force his favorite author to write a book from his favorite series.
Eyes of the Forest is a fun, fast-paced read that grabbed me from the first page. The suspense alone was enough to keep me hooked not to mention our great cast of characters. I can’t wait to read more of April Henry’s work in the future.
I would like to recommend Eyes of the Forest to all those mystery fans out there. The time has come to one-click your copy of the Eyes of the Forest!
Bridget began reading Swords and Shadows when she was around eight years old when her mother was dying of cancer. She has been reading his books over and over ever since. She met RM Haldon at a book signing once. After their meeting Bridget began working for him as he was so impressed with her knowledge of his fantasy series.
When RM Haldon goes missing Bridget is the only one who believes he is in trouble. She tries going to the police but they only think she is just a crazy fan. Left with no choice Bridget begins her own search for RM Haldon. Can Bridget find RM Haldon before it is too late? Where is RM Haldon? What has happened to him?
I am a big fan of Stephen King. He is my favorite writer of all time. Eyes of the Forest reminded me so much of Stephen King’s Misery. We have a kidnapped author who has a big case of writer’s block. We have a kidnapper who tries to force his favorite author to write a book from his favorite series.
Eyes of the Forest is a fun, fast-paced read that grabbed me from the first page. The suspense alone was enough to keep me hooked not to mention our great cast of characters. I can’t wait to read more of April Henry’s work in the future.
I would like to recommend Eyes of the Forest to all those mystery fans out there. The time has come to one-click your copy of the Eyes of the Forest!
July 2, 2022
Another winner from April Henry. I couldn't put it down.
It was an interesting glimpse of what ardent fans can be like, especially a socially awkward/maladjusted one!.
I loved Bridget and Ajay. The small town cops seemed realistically aggravating. (I did wonder how they weren't suspicious of the mom being a housekeeper but wearing expensive clothes/coat/jewelry, but maybe they were just that bad.)
Bridget was bright, determined, and resourceful - like so many inspirational characters Henry portrays.
And the ending was super satisfying. Just terrific.
It was an interesting glimpse of what ardent fans can be like, especially a socially awkward/maladjusted one!.
I loved Bridget and Ajay. The small town cops seemed realistically aggravating. (I did wonder how they weren't suspicious of the mom being a housekeeper but wearing expensive clothes/coat/jewelry, but maybe they were just that bad.)
Bridget was bright, determined, and resourceful - like so many inspirational characters Henry portrays.
And the ending was super satisfying. Just terrific.
August 31, 2021
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Young Adult / Mystery / Thriller
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
April Henry's Eyes of the Forest is a mashup of Misery, and Games of Thrones. 17-year-old Bridget Shepherd is author R.M. Haldon's Swords and Shadows series biggest fan. She was hired when she was 12-years-old to work with the author to make sure he was keeping his storylines straight and not taking unnecessary side trips. Bridget is literally a walking, talking, encyclopedia of the authors King of Swords series. She created a database of his books and the characters, landscapes, realms, creatures, everything that can be cross-referenced as he works his way towards completing the series.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Young Adult / Mystery / Thriller
*Rating* 3.5
*Thoughts*
April Henry's Eyes of the Forest is a mashup of Misery, and Games of Thrones. 17-year-old Bridget Shepherd is author R.M. Haldon's Swords and Shadows series biggest fan. She was hired when she was 12-years-old to work with the author to make sure he was keeping his storylines straight and not taking unnecessary side trips. Bridget is literally a walking, talking, encyclopedia of the authors King of Swords series. She created a database of his books and the characters, landscapes, realms, creatures, everything that can be cross-referenced as he works his way towards completing the series.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
March 24, 2022
Fascinating and fun book with some great twists and turns as well as the expected teen drama folded in.
I’ll admit I read this as if it were a fanfic of what George RR Martin’s fans think about in praying he finishes his Game of Thrones series. It’s much better than that and more positive in its emotions and outcomes.
I’ll admit I read this as if it were a fanfic of what George RR Martin’s fans think about in praying he finishes his Game of Thrones series. It’s much better than that and more positive in its emotions and outcomes.
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