"Little Shop of Horrors" meets "Murder on the Orient Express" in this YA horror gem. "Predatory Natures" by Amy Goldsmith is a thrilling ride, chronicling a teen girl's odyssey to escape her past, only to discover that no one can truly outrun their history.
Lara Williams' dream job aboard a luxury train quickly turns into a nightmare when it’s overrun with botanical cargo. Taking a gap year from school, Lara hoped this job would be her chance to reinvent herself after a toxic relationship left her reeling. At first, she enjoys the escape—even when her ex-friend Rhys turns out to be one of her co-workers. With only a handful of passengers and crew, the job doesn’t seem too demanding. But things take a sinister turn when two mysterious passengers, Gwen and Gwydion, board the train with their peculiar botanical cargo, setting off a series of strange and deadly events.
I loved this book. As a YA horror, it isn’t overly scary, but it has its fair share of creepy moments, violent deaths, and angst. Amy Goldsmith’s writing is taut and suspenseful, expertly building tension and a chilling atmosphere throughout. The dark, gritty setting and the lore surrounding the predatory plants were especially captivating.
The storytelling instills unease, with a strong sense of claustrophobia and dread. The tense atmosphere and eerie occurrences linger, getting into the reader’s head. Goldsmith’s vivid descriptions make you feel like you’re right there on the train, hurtling toward an uncertain fate. The book features a solid cast of supporting characters, a relatable heroine, and a beautifully constructed setting that truly makes it shine.
Written in the first-person POV of Lara, interspersed with flashbacks to her past, we get a deep understanding of what drives her. Lara is a strong female heroine, and I loved watching her character grow. Her toxic relationship and the control her ex exerted over her were hard to read about, but her journey of self-discovery was incredibly satisfying. It took her far too long to realize that molding yourself into someone else’s idea of perfection brings nothing but unhappiness and prioritizing someone else’s needs at the expense of your own comes at too high a price. This is an important message for teenagers and adults alike.
In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. If you’re a fan of strong female protagonists, personal growth, gripping drama, intrigue, predatory plants, and even a touch of romance, this is the book for you. With themes of friendship, greed, toxic relationships, and flawed human nature, Amy Goldsmith has woven a tale that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. Nature may be predatory, but some people are even more so.
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* For more info about the book: "Predatory Natures" BY Amy Goldsmith
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