I don’t consider myself a horror reader.

Which makes it particularly funny that I requested a book about blood witches, body horror, magical science, and a creepy mansion in the Appalachian Mountains.

But *The Forest Bleeds* caught my attention on NetGalley with two words: “arcane bioengineering.” Add a blood witch and a gorgeous cover, and apparently that was enough to make me click Request.

I’m glad I did.

Rachel Kitch blends science and magic into a creepy, atmospheric story with complicated characters, dark academia vibes, and enough hopefulness to balance out the horror. I even gobbled it up in two days.

Sometimes following the thing that makes you curious leads you somewhere you didn’t expect to enjoy.

Read my review of *The Forest Bleeds* to find out why this non-horror reader is already feeling ready for spooky season.