Review of Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith
From the moment I encountered Predatory Natures, I felt an unsettling thrill—the kind that hints at buried fears and secrets lurking just beneath the surface. Amy Goldsmith has a knack for crafting psychological landscapes that feel both vividly alive and eerily menacing, and this latest YA horror novel is no exception. The idea of a luxurious train ride that quickly spirals into a surreal nightmare was too intriguing to resist, especially in the skilled hands of an author who continues to impress with each new release.
Set aboard The Banebury, a train purposed for relaxation but tainted with an air of dread, we follow Lara—a character grappling with her own grief and guilt. In her quest for an escape, she joins the staff, believing her worries are far away. But the arrival of a mysterious figure, Rhys, and a pair of unnerving siblings accompanied by exotic flora, alters the serene facade. What’s most captivating is how Goldsmith intertwines horror with emotional resonance; Lara’s battle is not just against the palpable threats around her, but also the demons she carries within.
The atmosphere Goldsmith creates is nothing short of breathtaking—and simultaneously rotting. I could almost feel the dampness of velvet seats and the sinister way the greenery inched toward the curious reader like a predator sizing up its prey. The imagery is rich, grounded in a sensory overload that makes the train itself a character—a breathing, listening entity that embodies transformation. The claustrophobic space mirrors Lara’s internal turmoil, culminating in a visceral experience that stayed with me long after I turned the final page.
Rhys is another layer of complexity within this dark tale. The tension between him and Lara adds depth, reminding us that even the most harrowing journeys can be entwined with threads from our past. Their fractured friendship mirrors the slow, creeping dread that invades The Banebury, making the horror not just a physical threat but an emotional one, as well. I found myself rooting for Lara while simultaneously worrying about the choices she would make, and Goldsmith skillfully builds this tension, leaving me gasping for air in the most delightful way.
One of the standout guests, Gwydion, stuck with me as a slippery enigma, his unpredictable energy a reminder that not all darkness can be easily defined. His presence kept me engaged, constantly questioning the alliances that formed within the narrative. It’s a testament to Goldsmith’s talent that each character, no matter how minor, feels infused with purpose, adding layers to the brooding atmosphere.
What I truly appreciated about Goldsmith’s writing is how she deftly balances horror with psychological depth; the pacing feels cinematic without sacrificing the personal stakes of the characters. The slow-burn tension culminates in a fever pitch that leaves you breathless, ensuring there’s no comfortable conclusion. Each chapter feels less like a continuation and more like a descent into a world where beauty and rot coexist—a haunting journey that demands attention.
Predatory Natures is a must-read for fans of atmospheric horror and character-driven narratives. If you appreciate stories where settings become characters in their own right, this train ride is one you won’t want to miss. Amy Goldsmith’s unique blend of horror and emotional exploration makes this a compelling read that resonated with me on multiple levels. It left me contemplating grief and rage in ways I didn’t anticipate, and I devoured it—only to realize, it perhaps devoured me right back.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
A heartfelt thank you to Insta Book Tours and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are truly my own—this is an experience you won’t forget.