What the Woods Keep

What the Woods Keep
Written by Katya de Becerra
Fantasy, Mystery, #LoveOZYA
384 Pages
Thank you to Allen and Unwin
Add to Goodreads
R.R.P $16.99
★★★★☆
On her eighteenth birthday, Hayden inherits her childhood home, on the condition that she uncover its dark secrets.

Hayden has tried to put the past behind her, and so far it's worked. She's getting ready for college, living in a Brooklyn apartment, and hanging out with her best friend and flatmate, Del. But now it's all catching up with her, her mother's mysterious disappearance a decade ago, her father's outlandish theories about a lost supernatural race, and Hayden's own dark dreams of strange symbols and rituals in the Colorado woods where she grew up.

As soon as Hayden arrives at her hometown, Del in tow, it begins. Neighbours whisper secrets about Hayden's mother; the boy next door is now all grown up in a very distracting way and Hayden feels the trees calling to her. And among them, deep in the woods, Hayden will discover something incredible, something that threatens reality itself.
Hayden Holland has lived an extraordinary life. The daughter of a renowned physicist, Hayden vividly remembers the wilderness of Promise Colorado, an adventure beside her vivacious mother into the neighbouring forest surrounding the Holland Manor residence. Until her mother disappeared, Thomas Holland impetuously relocating his daughter to New York.

Hayden has inherited the Holland Manor, her mother declared deceased in absentia and bequeathing the now abandoned estate upon rigorous conditions. Discover the possessions of Ella Holland within the stately manor. Use those possessions to destroy her heaviest burden and trust no one. Especially the ravens. The ambiguous testament is reminiscent of how Ella Holland prevailed, whimsically and surreptitiously, wandering into the forest instinctively and often compelled by a greater force.

Hayden now resides in Brooklyn and embarking on her first year at university, her mother is a continuing presence despite intensive clinical psychological therapy throughout her adolescence. Hayden experiences impulsive moments, perceived as a violent, neurotic child after an altercation at school. Thomas Holland is now a dishonoured physicist. Motivated by the disappearance of Ella, Thomas Holland is a conspiracy theorist, researching Germanic mythologies in particular the Nibelung since the loss of his university tenure. Unbeknownst to her father, Hayden is journeying home to Colorado with best friend Delphine Chauvet, a French Sengelease University student.

Hayden is an intellectual young woman, finding solace within scientific reasoning and thought. The disappearance of her mother rendered her relationship with her father as fractured, as Hayden was removed from the Holland residence and friend Shannon Reaser. Inseparable childhood companions. Returning to Promise is a demoralising situation for Hayden and although Delphine speculates that Hayden isn't forthcoming with information about the disappearance, she is a source of unconditional companionship. Delphine appeared suspiciously accepting of each new revelation, how Ella Holland disappeared within the scorched forest, the insistence of Thomas Holland of otherworldly intervention and the apparitional possession she scarcely remembers, compelled as a conduit to guide Hayden to uncover the burden placed upon her mother.

The mythology woven throughout the narration was enchanting. The Nibelung is Germanic and Old Norse referring to a mythical dimension of a supernatural monarchy declaring warfare. Upon her return, Hayden and childhood companion Shannon reestablish a tentative friendship, although his contribution as a potential romance for Hayden is underwhelming. His friend Santiago is enamoured with Delphine, creating an intense environment for Hayden and Shannon.

Atmospherically, Promise Colorado creates an impression of peculiarity and a religious idolisation of the Nibelung mythology as Hayden is coerced into a congregation of residents engaging in ritualistic, sacrificial bloodletting.

Katya de Becerra has created a deliciously and intensely sinister, an infusion of a contemporary and paranormal narrative entrenched with the atmospheric Colorado timberland. A wonderfully intellectual and exceptional read from a remarkable debut author. 

24 comments

  1. I'm drawn to Hayden already. I like the idea of a young woman falling into logic and reason making sense of her world.

    Thanks for introducing me to this one Kelly!

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    1. It's quite an intelligent read Amber, each chapter begins with Hayden and inner thoughts verses her suspension of disbelief. It was one of my favourite aspects.

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  2. Hayden sounds like a fantastic character, and I love that she's an intellectual. I'm curious how that works within this world of mythology.

    -Lauren
    www.shootingstarsmag.net

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    1. I was dubious too Lauren but it reads as a contemporary mystery blended with the paranormal. It's quite eerie and incredibly atmospheric. I think you'll really enjoy this one Lauren, I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  3. If someone gave me a house on the condition that I had to uncover it's dark secrets - I would be thanks but no thanks lol

    This does sound like a fascinating read though and of course, another gorgeous cover!

    Karen @ For What It's Worth

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    1. I would run, shrieking.

      Hayden has the option to sell the estate but she's lured back by the mystery of her mother's disappearance. This could have easily been extended into a trilogy, it was dark and enchanting. I can't wait to see what the author is working on next!

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  4. Whew. What an intense read this sounds like. The mythology here sounds so promising, and unusual.

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    1. It's magnificent Verushka, a wonderful blend of scientific, suspense and mythology. I was absolutely enamoured by it.

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  5. The cover fits rather well I'd say, wonderful review!

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    1. Thanks Noel! I'd love to see what you think of it!

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  6. Oh wow. Uncover dark secrets to inherit a childhood home... I'm not sure I'd be up for that myself, but I would definitely enjoy reading someone doing so and live vicariously through that, lol.

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    1. There would be no chance in hell I'd be going back but gosh, it was an incredible read Sophia. You would absolutely love this one.

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  7. Hayden sounds great and I'm very intrigued by the notion of inheriting a house by uncovering its darkest secrets and using Ella's possessions to destroy her greatest burden. It sounds mysterious and as you mentioned, sinister. I'm glad you enjoyed this one!

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    1. It's very much an intellectual reads, multilayered and deliciously sinister. Thoroughly enjoyed it Suzanne and would love to see what you think of it!

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  8. How! How have I not heard of this sooner. It sound Abso-freaking-lutely fantastic and right up my ally.
    Awesome review Kelly :-) I’m super keen to get my hands on a copy NOW!
    Xoxo.

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    1. Sarah, you'll absolutely love it. It's the perfect blend of sinister, mythology, romance and science. Each chapter starts with a little quirk about scientific facts, perceptions or just Hayden hypothesising. It's quite unique and really endeared me to Hayden's character.

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  9. Wow this sounds quite good! I have had the author's next book on my TBR for awhile (Oasis looks seriously awesome and a very "Shannon" book!) but now I think I am going to need to add this one, too! Great review!

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    1. I came across that one the other day Shannon and it sounds incredible! This would be a great one to read while waiting for Oasis to be released!

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  10. Woah, sounds like this one has a really fascinating setting with some unique mythology! I haven't read any reviews on it so far so it's interesting to hear your thoughts on it. Lovely review Kelly!

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    1. I think you'll really enjoy this one Jeann, it's incredibly suspenseful and the romance is barely there, just an attraction really so it doesn't overwhelm the narrative. I'd love to see what you think of it.

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  11. Well this sounds such an interesting read and I will always get excited when I see authors are including mythology and folklore which is unfamiliar to me. Your review has me completely intrigued and I really want to give it a read.

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    1. It's available in America so fingers crossed it's been or being released over there as well, otherwise The Book Depository should have it. It's a brilliant read, held me captive from cover to cover!

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  12. What a wonderful review, Kelly! Seriously, I kept reading this and thinking that it would not be out of place in a publication. You have a way with words <3
    Also, I'm excited for this book after reading your review.

    Megan @ http://www.booksbirds.com/

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    1. Thanks Megan, that's really lovely of you. It's a brilliant read, absolutely loved it and it's one that'll appeal to the wider young adult and new adult audience.

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