Many of my most anticipated reads this summer are set in the woods. Something about the rugged wilderness instantly adds mystery and suspense to a story, so it's no surprise that so many authors are choosing to have their stories unfold in this setting. Add Wilderness Reform, the second novel by Matt and Harrison Querey, to the list. Fans of their smash horror debut, Old Country, have been eagerly awaiting this release. Fortunately, their publisher generously provided me with a copy, and I quickly dived in.
Life hasn't been easy for thirteen-year-old Ben. Under the guardianship of an abusive aunt, he has turned to petty crime to fill his days. When he's caught trying to escape the scene of his latest misdeed, Ben is arrested and taken to court. Rather than sentencing him to a juvenile detention center, the judge sends him to a wilderness camp, promising that the experience will teach him the discipline and survival skills he needs to turn his life around. Upon arriving at the remote Montana camp, Ben is greeted by overly friendly counselors who seem too good to be true. From the start, Ben senses something is off. There's an undercurrent of menace throughout the camp, and as he delves deeper into its history, he uncovers a terror beyond his wildest imaginings.
After thoroughly enjoying Old Country, I approached Wilderness Reform with high expectations. The remote campground setting and the protagonist's redemption arc promised a compelling horror read. Brothers and writing partners Matt and Harrison Query start this new novel with a terrifying bang, one that left me breathless and eager for more. Unfortunately, that gripping opening scene turned out to be the best part of the book. The page-turning prologue gives way to a slow burn that struggles to gain momentum. While I appreciate the importance of building tension and developing characters, this book fails to do so effectively. The characters lack depth beyond their superficial roles, and the spooky undertones never develop into anything frightening or thought-provoking. Instead, Wilderness Reform became a tedious read that left me underwhelmed. It's a surprising miss from a duo who previously delivered a highly entertaining novel.
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(2024, 53)
Well that's disappointing. This one had so many elements in it that I love: remote wilderness setting, teen survival, an unseen threat, suspense. I was hopeful of another fun summer read. But I'll be passing on this one.
ReplyDeleteThis is a case of great elements not coming together for a cohesive whole. Onto the next one!
DeleteThat's a bummer! I'm sorry this was a disappointment. It's sounds like it had a lot of potential.
ReplyDeleteThe setup for this one was so promising, but it just didn't deliver on it.
DeleteI may still give this one a try. I didn't love Old Country so maybe we are opposites for once!
ReplyDeleteI'm reading a NetGalley ARC right now called What the Woods Took, also about teens sent to a wilderness camp type thing. I am only in the first couple pages though, so we will see how it goes!
I really liked Old Country aside from the, white couple must save land from a native curse aspect. Hopefully you're book is a winner!
DeleteThat was my biggest issue with Old Country. The whole white savior thing was icky. Otherwise it would have been a fantastic story. The one I'm reading is 'so far, so good'. Hope it stays that way!
DeleteFingers crossed!
DeleteThis one came in today at the library so I'll know by tomorrow how this one goes. The other one is still going strong!
DeleteIt does sound like an original, promising premise. Too bad it didn't deliver. I hope things worked out for Ben!
ReplyDeleteI never really got behind him as a character. He reads a bit as what adults think kids would talk like. It made me appreciate good YA writing all the more.
DeleteOh no, that sounded like it had real potential with a storyline like that.
ReplyDeleteSorry I've been MIA for almost 2 weeks. My internet was out and I had a hard time getting on blogs with my phone. But it's fixed now and I'm making my way around to all the blogs I love.
No worries! I've had an eventful couple of weeks with the aftermath of the hurricane, so I completely understand. I'm happy your internet is back up!
DeleteI was always wary of going off to summer camp when I was a kid. See? Spooky and scary works for that setting. What a shame it didn't gel for you once it was introduced.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed my summer camp experience, but it has certainly evolved into quite the horror trope!
DeleteI'm sorry this one didn't work for you.
ReplyDeleteWhen we go hiking out here, it can feel so primitive and ancient (it is...but when you don't see anyone for miles you half expect a dinosaur to pop out lol) I can see why so many authors use it as a backdrop.
Nature can be very disconcerting, so it works!
DeleteI would much rather have a book end on a high note rather than start with the best part. Sorry this one disappointed you.
ReplyDeleteI kept waiting for that same kind of rush to happen again, and it just never did.
DeleteThat is disappointing if it starts with a bang and then just fizzles out
ReplyDeleteI was letdown, especially after enjoying their debut.
DeleteI spend a lot of time in the woods in the summer, so wilderness always screams summer to me. Disappointing that this one doesn't quite deliver, though. Balancing tension with character development can be so hard, and I kind of expect to be let down at this point. But super disappointing when authors you trust after a good first impression don't nail the next book.
ReplyDeleteSame here, the great outdoors and summer have always gone hand in hand for me.
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