The Wilderness

Morgan Bates presents a tense narrative in The Wilderness, focusing on Jeanie and her father Alan as they attempt to repair their fractured relationship following the death of Jeanie's mother. The pair travels to a remote island off the coast of British Columbia for camping and hiking. What begins as a chance for reconnection quickly turns sinister when Jeanie discovers an eldritch sigil carved into a tree. She immediately forgets the symbol, yet its presence triggers a gradual unraveling of reality around them. The story draws on gothic and supernatural traditions to explore the psychological toll of grief and isolation. Bates structures the plot around the escalating dread as the characters realize they are trapped within their own forest dreams. The narrative does not offer easy escapes or clear explanations for the supernatural phenomena. Instead, it focuses on the visceral fear of being lost in a landscape that actively resists human understanding. The tension builds as Jeanie and Alan struggle to comprehend what is happening to them. This book suits readers who enjoy slow-burn psychological horror and atmospheric tales of isolation. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced action or clear resolutions to supernatural mysteries. The focus remains tightly on the characters' internal and external struggles against an incomprehensible force in the deep woods.