When the Forest Whispers

In this nuanced and resonant debut, Megan Flynn depicts how controlling and abusive dynamics shape us in different ways as adults, all told through unique speculative elements and an experimental structure . . . The resulting novel is a rich tapestry of grief, loneliness and healing, set against a fantastical and frightening version of our own world

When the Forest Whispers hits all the emotional sweet-spots of post-apocalyptic fiction in a dazzlingly fresh way. Comparisons are odious, but if you put Stephen King and Emily St John Mandel in a blender . . . well, you'd obviously be a monster and everyone would be rightly begging you not to throw the switch . . . but you wouldn't be wrong. This story is brimful of love, loss, magic and surprises, laced with lurking horrors that are clearly the product of a great, twisty imagination. It also has a big, complex heart and a great dog, both of which you can trust to guide you through the darkness to a deeply satisfying and unexpected end.

When the Forest Whispers is a benchmark example of found family done beautifully, brilliantly right. In Flynn's post-apocalypse, the world is dangerous, hungry, and unforgiving - but the warmth that suffuses the narrative is undeniable. Flynn shows us that the best way to survive the unsurvivable is love, and kindness, and family in all its forms. This is the kind of dystopian fiction that we need; moreover, this is the kind of story that we need in general, regardless of genre. An unrelentingly tense story, but one that breaks and mends your heart over, and over, and over again

When the Forest Whispers is a gripping story about more than just the end of civilization as we know it. Remy is a protagonist to cheer for, as she battles literal and figurative monsters. Along the way, she learns that she's capable of bigger changes than she ever imagined. Although the world may be a terrifying place outside of her borders, hope shines through the pages. Family, both biological and found, including one very good dog, make Megan Flynn's novel an unforgettable and essential read

An unputdownable debut that interweaves darkness and light into a sparkling story that will both scare and delight you

A unique post-apocalyptic fable full of vivid characters and compelling mysteries

Reading When the Forest Whispers is like putting together a nightmarish puzzle and watching it come perfectly together piece by piece. But however horrifying the pieces are, the end result is poignant and hopeful. I loved it!

Richly imagined, thrillingly plotted and deeply felt, When the Forest Whispers spins a tale of an apocalypse you'll not see coming with characters you'll want to hold on to forever. A stunning debut