What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould is a gripping survival thriller that thrusts readers into the haunting, untamed wilderness, where danger lies both in the environment and within the hearts of its characters. The story begins with 17-year-old Devin being ripped from her foster home in the dead of night by two strangers. Thrown into a van alongside another teen, Ollie, she soon learns she’s being forced into a wilderness therapy program—an unregulated and controversial practice meant to rehabilitate troubled youth. Joining three other teens—Hannah, Aidan, and Sheridan—Devin resolves to escape at the first opportunity. But everything changes when the group wakes to find their counselors gone.
As the teens venture deeper into the woods, desperate to survive, they encounter a series of strange and terrifying events. What begins as a fight against hunger, exhaustion, and harsh terrain quickly morphs into a battle against something far more sinister. The forest is alive with mystery and menace, forcing the group to confront not only the unknown dangers stalking them but also the personal traumas that led them there. Devin, with her fiery resolve, clashes with Sheridan, whose abrasive personality masks her vulnerability. Despite their differences, the teens must learn to rely on one another if they hope to make it back to civilization.
Gould’s narrative thrives on atmosphere, painting the wilderness as both beautiful and terrifying, a place that mirrors the characters’ inner struggles. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on edge as the tension builds toward a heart-pounding climax. The interactions between the teens feel authentic, their fears and conflicts underscoring the emotional weight of their situation.
While the novel’s premise is compelling, it falls short in its exploration of the dark realities of wilderness therapy programs. Though mentioned in the author’s note, the critique of these programs’ harm remains underdeveloped in the story itself. Readers seeking a deeper dive into the ethical and psychological implications of such practices may find this aspect lacking. However, the book excels as a survival thriller, delivering a gripping tale of resilience, teamwork, and the human will to endure.
With its chilling atmosphere, dynamic characters, and themes of survival and redemption, What the Woods Took is a compelling read for fans of psychological and survival horror. It will leave you breathless and unsettled, questioning what truly lurks in the woods—and within us all.
