It Came From the Trees by Ally Russell
Release: July 30th, 2024
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Delacorte
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
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The legend of Bigfoot gets a bone-chilling update in this scary story about a young girl and her scout troop who are willing to brave the woods to find her missing friend when no one else will. Perfect for fans of Daka Hermon and Claribel A. Ortega!
The wilderness is in Jenna’s blood. Her Pap was the first Black park ranger at Sturbridge Reservation, and she practically knows the Owlet Survival Handbook by heart. But she’s never encountered a creature like the one that took her best friend Reese. Her parents don’t believe her; the police are worthless, following the wrong leads; and the media isn’t connecting the dots between Reese’s disappearance and a string of other attacks. Determined to save her friend, Jenna joins a new local scout troop, and ventures back into the woods.
When the troop stumbles across suspicious huge human-like footprints near the camp, scratch marks on trees, and ominous sounds from the woods, Jenna worries that whatever took Reese is back to take her too. Can she trust her new scout leader? And will her new friend Norrie—who makes her laugh and reminds her so much of Reese—believe her?
After the unthinkable happens, the scouts, armed with their wits and toiletries, band together to fight the monster and survive the night.
Content Warning: microaggressions, racism
About the Author:
Ally grew up on a steady diet of Halloween parties, horror films, Unsolved Mysteries, and Goosebumps books. She has always loved scary stories, and got her MFA from Simmons University and, eventually, a job working in children’s publishing. She hails from Pittsburgh—ground zero for the zombie apocalypse. Ally lives with her husband and her two black cats, Nox and Fury. She’s afraid of the woods, the dark, and heights. It Came from the Trees is her debut novel.
It Came From the Trees Review:
Ally Russell’s debut novel, “It Came From the Trees,” is a thrilling and atmospheric middle-grade paranormal story that made me feel like reading a classic Goosebumps novel.
One of the standout elements of the book is the friendship between Jenna and Norrie. Their heartfelt and genuine bond drives much of the story’s emotional depth. Jenna’s internal struggle with her guilty feelings over Reese adds another layer of complexity to her character, making her relatable and compelling. I also liked Jenna’s bond with her mother and how realistic the author made them.
The author also creates an eerie, creepy atmosphere throughout the story. The tension and suspense are palpable, keeping readers in their seats. This atmospheric quality, combined with the memorable supporting cast like Stacey and Mel, enriches the narrative, making it more immersive and enjoyable.
Moreover, one of the book’s unique features is the inclusion of article inserts and guides. These practical tidbits not only add a fun element to the reading experience but also provide valuable information for anyone interested in camping and wilderness survival.
However, the novel is not without its flaws. The pacing can sometimes feel slow, as the author invests heavily in character building, sometimes at the expense of advancing the plot. While this deepens the characters, it can also make the story drag in places. Additionally, the history of the mystery could be more developed, leaving readers wanting more background and context.
Despite these minor drawbacks, “It Came From the Trees” is a compelling debut. Its engaging characters, atmospheric setting, and practical inserts make it a standout middle-grade read. Those who enjoy paranormal middle-grade mysteries will find this book a thrilling and enjoyable addition to their reading list.
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the It Came From the Trees by Ally Russell Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours.
July 29th
Confessions of a YA Reader-Promotional Post
July 30th
Twirling Book Princess-15 Reactions While Reading It Came From the Trees
Rajivs Reviews-Review
July 31st
Jen Jen Reviews-Review
August 1st
The Nutty Bookworm Reads Alot-Review
Therearenobadbooks-Review
August 2nd
Fiction Lux-Promotional Post
August 3rd
And On She Reads-Review
One More Exclamation-Review
August 4th
Lit Lemon Books-Review
