In her third novel, Courtney Gould weaves a chilling narrative that blends psychological horror with coming-of-age elements in an innovative way. What the Woods Took follows five troubled teens sent to a wilderness therapy program, only to find themselves fighting for survival against shape-shifting creatures that want to steal their identities. The novel expertly explores themes of trauma, identity, and transformation while delivering genuine scares and emotional depth.
Atmospheric Setting & World-Building
Gould excels at creating a suffocating atmosphere within the Idaho wilderness. The forest becomes a character itself—simultaneously beautiful and menacing. The author’s descriptive prose brings the setting to life with visceral details:
“The canopy stretches higher, tangling so far overhead it’s like she stands at the base of a great wooded dome.”
The gradual build of supernatural elements is masterfully done. What begins as unsettling quiet and strange faces glimpsed between trees evolves into full-blown horror as the teens encounter the mimics—creatures that can perfectly replicate human forms and memories.
Character Development & Relationships
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its complex character work, particularly regarding the main protagonists:
Devin Green – A foster kid with anger issues who uses violence as a shield. Her character arc from lone wolf to protective friend is compelling and earned.
Sheridan West – Initially presented as an archetypal mean girl, she develops into one of the most nuanced and sympathetic characters. Her struggle with addiction and grief over her twin sister’s death adds profound emotional weight.
Ollie Baker – Dealing with his grandmother’s terminal illness and his father’s emotional abuse, Ollie’s journey from passive to proactive is well-executed.
The slow-burn romance between Devin and Sheridan is particularly well-handled. Their antagonistic relationship evolves naturally into understanding and eventually love, without feeling forced or detracting from the horror elements.
Themes & Social Commentary
What the Woods Took tackles several weighty themes:
- Identity and authenticity in the face of pressure to change
- The trauma of being forced to become someone you’re not
- The complex dynamics of found family versus blood relations
- Mental health and the troubled teen industry
- LGBTQ+ experiences and acceptance
Gould’s critique of the troubled teen industry is sharp and timely, while her exploration of identity feels especially poignant in a story about creatures that literally consume and replace people.
Prose & Pacing
Gould’s writing style is immersive and emotionally resonant. She has a particular talent for crafting tension through both action and quiet moments. The pacing, however, occasionally stumbles in the middle section, with some repetitive scenes that could have been tightened.
Areas for Improvement
While the novel succeeds on many levels, there are some aspects that could have been stronger:
- The mechanics of the mimics’ abilities sometimes feel inconsistent
- Secondary characters like Aidan could have been more fully developed
- The resolution leaves some worldbuilding questions unanswered
- The final act feels slightly rushed compared to the measured build-up
Comparison to Similar Works
Fans of Yellowjackets and Stephanie Perkins’ There’s Someone Inside Your House will find familiar elements in What the Woods Took, but Gould puts her own unique spin on the genre. The novel also shares DNA with works like The Grace Year by Kim Liggett and Wilder Girls by Rory Power in its exploration of transformation and identity through horror.
Impact & Representation
The novel’s portrayal of LGBTQ+ characters feels authentic and normalized rather than tokenistic. Mental health issues are handled with sensitivity while never minimizing their impact. The diverse cast of characters feels organic to the story rather than checking boxes.
Technical Execution
Strengths:
- Vivid sensory details
- Strong character voices
- Effective use of multiple POVs
- Well-crafted dialogue
- Atmospheric horror elements
Areas for Development:
- More consistent pacing
- Clearer worldbuilding rules
- Fuller development of secondary characters
- Tighter plot resolution
Author’s Growth
Comparing this to Gould’s previous works (The Dead and the Dark, Where Echoes Die), there’s clear growth in her craft. The character work is more nuanced, the horror elements more sophisticated, and the thematic exploration deeper.
Final Verdict
What the Woods Took is an ambitious novel that largely succeeds in its goals. While not perfect, it’s a compelling addition to the YA horror genre that will resonate with readers who appreciate character-driven horror with emotional depth. The novel is a decent read for its innovative premise, strong character work, and thoughtful handling of complex themes, despite some technical shortcomings.
Recommended for:
- Fans of psychological horror
- Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives
- Those interested in LGBTQ+ representation in genre fiction
- Fans of wilderness survival stories
- Readers who appreciate horror with emotional depth
May not appeal to:
- Those seeking pure action/horror without relationship focus
- Readers who prefer completely resolved endings
- Those sensitive to topics of abuse and addiction
Personal Reflection
What makes What the Woods Took stand out is its ability to balance genuine horror with authentic emotional development. While the supernatural elements are effectively scary, the real horror often comes from the characters’ internal struggles and past traumas. It’s a story that understands sometimes the scariest monsters are the ones we carry within ourselves.
Content Notes
What the Woods Took deals with mature themes including:
- Physical and emotional abuse
- Drug addiction and withdrawal
- Mental health issues
- Body horror
- Violence
- Sexual content (non-explicit)
These elements are handled with appropriate gravity while remaining within YA boundaries.
