The Otherwoods

By Justine Pucella Winans

A spirit world calls, and River must face monsters to save a friend.

3.8/5 Goodreads · 588 ratings

288 pages

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

River Rydell can see monsters and enter The Otherwoods, a terrifying spirit realm. When their friend Avery is kidnapped by these creatures, River must confront their fears and navigate this nightmarish world. With only a cat and a ghostly guide, River embarks on a perilous quest to rescue Avery and embrace their unwanted destiny as a hero. Will River overcome the horrors of The Otherwoods, or will they be consumed by the darkness? Dive into this chilling adventure where bravery is the only way forward.

From the publisher

A Stonewall Honor WinnerIndie Next PickPW Best Book of the YearBooklist Editor’s PickThe Otherwoods is calling. And it won’t be ignored. Some would call River Rydell a ‘chosen one’: born with the ability to see monsters and travel to a terrifying spirit world called The Otherwoods, they have all the makings of a hero. But River just calls themself unlucky. After all, it’s not like anyone actually believes River can see these things-or that anyone even believes monsters exist in the first place. So the way River sees it, it’s better to keep their head down and ignore anything Otherwoods related. But The Otherwoods won’t be ignored any longer. When River’s only friend (and crush) Avery is kidnapped and dragged into The Otherwoods by monsters, River has no choice but to confront the world they’ve seen only in their nightmares-but reality turns out be more horrifying than they could have ever imagined. With only their cat for protection and a wayward teen spirit as their guide, River must face the monsters of The Otherwoods and their own fears to save Avery and become the hero they were (unfortunately) destined to be. Justine Pucella Winans will have you cowering and cackling as you follow River’s reluctant hero’s journey, perfect for fans of Doll Bones, Ghost Squad, and Too Bright to See.