I HIGHLY recommend the edition of the audiobook I listened to (Vizi editore, Book Movie Version, Unabridged, 3 hours, Released: March 13, 2024) which was made perfectly to fit this story. The audiobook consisted not only of continual and atmospheric background noise (from the water being traveled through, to the noises of the birds, the trees, amongst....other sounds....), but included noise specific to both the left & right sides (which I thankfully discovered early on through the use of both earbuds). All of this added an extremely welcome layer to the eeriness of the experience and contributed to a stunning story to listen to in the dark, where I felt truly immersed for better and for worse into the environment of the story.

Now, to speak to the tale itself:

With not much expectation on what I was getting into, simply hoping for a creepy woodsy-vibe story to listen to in the dark, I think I got what I was looking for and enjoyed it plenty. A simple, yet effective story (especially with the audiobook, which I contribute to the effectiveness majorly), containing beautiful prose when it came to the observation of the nature and environment within (perhaps my favorite aspect of it all). The story uses simple but effective ways to stir up the unease and tension, and I was right there with it from beginning to end. The end felt abrupt, and the story may be expected to do a bit more, but I was happy with the results.

Definitely recommend for anyone who can sit back and enjoy a moment in nature. This one is much like a spooky campground tale, in the way, after, you stare into the dark between the trees, making sure there's no large moving shadows, and hear the wind a little differently when you close your eyes within your tent and attempt to sleep, letting out a sudden shiver.

Dedicated to @ablaise I ever encourage the gifted motivation of those asking after my thoughts/review when I finish a book, before my thoughts get lost shortly thereafter forever. As always, thank you.

Until next time, Happy reading~