Title: Lost in the Never Woods
Author: Aiden Thomas
First published March 23, 2021
384 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781250313973 (ISBN10: 125031397X)
Rating: 3.72
Overview
Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas is a gripping tale that will leave you on the edge of your seat. When children start disappearing in the small coastal town of Astoria, Wendy is once again thrust into the spotlight as people look to her for answers.
It’s been five years since she lost her two brothers in the woods, and the questions surrounding their mysterious disappearance have never been answered. When Wendy almost runs over an unconscious boy in the middle of the road, she finds herself drawn back into the mystery that has haunted her for years.
The boy, Peter, is someone she thought only existed in her stories, but he claims that if they don’t act fast, the missing children will suffer the same fate as her brothers. Wendy must confront her past and venture deep into the woods to find the missing kids before it’s too late.
With danger lurking around every corner, Wendy must use all her strength and courage to survive in this thrilling adventure.
About the Author
Meet Aiden Thomas, a talented author who has made a name for themselves in the literary world by earning the coveted title of New York Times Bestselling Author. With an MFA in Creative Writing, Aiden’s passion for storytelling comes to life in their work.
Originally hailing from Oakland, California, Aiden now calls Portland, Oregon home. As a queer, trans, Latinx individual, Aiden is a passionate advocate for representation in all forms of media.
In addition to their impressive writing skills, Aiden has a few unique talents up their sleeve. They love quoting The Office, declaring things as their “favorite,” and fearlessly taking on spiders.
However, when it comes to guessing the endings of books and movies, Aiden is notorious for being stumped. Their bookshelves are organized by color, adding a touch of creativity to their home decor.
Aiden’s debut novel, CEMETERY BOYS, was published on September 1st, 2020, and has received critical acclaim. It’s clear that Aiden’s writing career is just getting started, and readers can’t wait to see what stories they’ll tell next.
Editoral Review
Lost in the Never Woods by Aiden Thomas is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that deftly blends elements of mystery, fantasy, and horror. Published on March 23, 2021, this young-adult book is the second novel by Thomas, following the success of their debut, Cemetery Boys.
The book is set in Astoria, a small town in Oregon, and follows the story of Wendy Darling, who disappeared in the woods with her brothers when she was thirteen. Now, five years later, children in Astoria start to go missing, and Wendy is forced to return to the woods that once claimed her and her brothers.
As Wendy confronts her traumatic past, she teams up with Peter, a boy she once thought was imaginary, to solve the mystery of the disappearances before it’s too late. Thomas sensitively explores themes of trauma, grief, and growing up in this novel.
The well-developed characters, including Wendy, Peter, and a diverse cast of supporting characters, are complex and relatable. The pacing is fast-paced and suspenseful, with clever twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end.
At times, Lost in the Never Woods is reminiscent of classic coming-of-age tales, such as Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, and The Wizard of Oz. However, Thomas’s writing is also fresh and original, injecting new life into these familiar tropes. Furthermore, the author beautifully integrates modern themes, such as mental health, consent, and social justice, without feeling forced or preachy.
Thomas’s writing style is rich and evocative, with vivid descriptions that perfectly capture the eerie ambiance of the Oregon wilderness. Additionally, the author’s use of symbolism, foreshadowing, and metaphors is masterful, creating a layered and nuanced narrative that lingers in the reader’s mind long after finishing the book.
While Lost in the Never Woods is a stunningly crafted novel, it is not without flaws. Some readers may find the pacing too slow at times, and the ending somewhat predictable.
However, these minor criticisms do not detract from the book’s overall brilliance. Recommended for fans of YA fiction, mystery, and horror, Lost in the Never Woods is an unforgettable reading experience that will leave the reader captivated and moved.
I give this book a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, for its exceptional writing, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes.
