Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Into the Woods is a novel of suspense set in the late 16th century, written by Josh Soule. John, Thomas, and Henry had grown up in Carn and, were now adults and still the best of friends. They were each different. John’s artistic inclinations had led him to leave their village to study art in Paris, but while he knew he would always miss that city, he was coming home to Carn for good. And while they had played together as kids as they were growing up in Carn, some things didn’t change. The woods were still as dark and foreboding as they had been years earlier when the three friends would dare each other to enter. The ancient legends of evil monsters still lingered in the minds of each of them. Thomas had taken to staying awake at night now to protect his herd from predators, yet a moment’s rest had given something ample time to slaughter one of his cows. Thomas wanted the men of Carn to rise up and confront the beast, but the others were not so sure.

Josh Soule’s novel of suspense, Into the Woods, is a brooding and atmospheric tale that evokes a simpler and yet more complex time when the woods could be harboring all manner of evil beings. Soule’s plot is elegant and spare, and his trio of friends is finely honed and credible. I loved seeing how they complement and contrast with each other and soon felt as though I knew each of them. Soule’s priest, Father Michael, is also a pivotal character in the work who seems to provide far more than comfort and homilies on Sundays. Into the Woods is well-written, making the reader feel as though they have traveled centuries into the past and are witnesses to the story. It’s highly recommended.