Black River Orchard

I loved this book so much and it makes me want to pick up everything else he has written.

This is a horror book about apples - it gives new meaning to the apple being the symbol of sin and the common phrase “an apple a day will keep the doctor away”.

I love the storytelling in this one and it gave me some Stephen King vibes. It is told slowly so we really get to know the characters, with interludes that provide history of the town and the apple. You can feel the dread building and it is done so well. I will not be apple picking anytime soon - especially in the state of PA.

It is a chonker, over 600 pages, but every page is worth it and didn't feel it needed any editing. The audio is full cast and was fantastic (though the voice narrator of the interlude sections was not my favorite).

Also, as soon as I finished I said, “I will I could reread this again for the first time.” Perfect for fall.

Omg what did I just read!?

Of all the writers who are not named Stephen King, Chuck Wendig is the most Stephen King.

A perfect book for Fall/Spooky season! This book had the elements of Fall with the Apple orchard but the horror elements of this mysteriously addicting apple variety named the Ruby Slipper that needs “special” type of nutrients for growth and you could say it has a cult following.

Black River Orchard embodies all that's trademark Chuck Wendig: cutting wit, dynamic characters, and an eerily unsettling premise, this time centered on a very peculiar apple tree. Wendig excels in weaving a tapestry of horror and fantasy, plunging us into the foreboding heart of the small town of Harrow

The story dives deep into the shadowy corners of the townsfolk's transformations as they consume the enchanting yet nefarious apples, creating a chilling atmosphere that Wendig fans will find all too familiar (some easter eggs for fans of his other works) and eerily satisfying.

His knack for exploiting our deepest fears and desires is on full display, morphing a tale of simple ambition into a full-blown, relentless nightmare. The narrative threads bind us to an escalating horror that makes the town of Harrow a memorable stop in the annals of macabre fiction.

My only gripe would be that the story occasionally extends beyond what feels necessary. A modest trim (50 or so pages) could have heightened its already potent impact.

Regardless, the narrative's draw remains unforgettable. The combination of Wendig's snappy dialogue, atmospheric horror, and unique story spinning keeps the pages turning late into the night. If you are on the lookout for a twisted tale that haunts your thoughts long after the final page, Black River Orchard awaits your visit.

Thank you to NetGalley, Random House, Del Rey, and the author for the advance copy.