Wyrdwood’s compelling core mystery and successful fusion of folklore with modern fears make it a captivating and spine-tingling addition to Curtis Jobling’s bibliography. It’s a fairly quick read that offers a thoughtful, if at times gruesome, exploration of family, fear, and the unknown.

Recommended for Teens and young readers who enjoy folk horror, character-driven stories, and atmospheric settings. A perfect pick for those seeking a chilling, folklore-infused tale for a dark autumn night.

So, lock your doors, ignore the rustling in the leaves, and prepare to be ensnared by the roots of Wyrdwood, a chilling reminder that the oldest forests hold the darkest secrets.

Wyrdwood by Curtis Jobling: Where Folklore Meets Modern Chills, Review

Curtis Jobling, the creative mind behind the beloved Wereworld series and the iconic Bob the Builder, ventures into new territory with Wyrdwood, a folk horror novel tailored for teens and young readers. Scheduled for release on October 2, 2025, by Fox & Ink Books, this 322-page paperback promises to blend ancient folklore with contemporary fears, all wrapped in a chilling tale set in the eerie coastal town of Merryweather-by-the-Sea. Jobling’s shift from epic fantasy to folk horror feels both fresh and exciting, showcasing his versatility as a storyteller while retaining his knack for building immersive worlds.

The story revolves around Kiki Harper, a relatable protagonist who returns home to Merryweather-by-the-Sea only to find her world turned upside down. The town, a remote island community surrounded by the ancient Wyrdwood forest, is buzzing with whispers of a spring-heeled phantom known as the Twig Man, a creature straight out of local folklore that haunts the forest’s edges. But for Kiki, the supernatural takes a backseat to a more immediate threat. A

mysterious woman named Fay who has infiltrated her family home and seemingly bewitched her loved ones. Jobling intertwines these two threats, creating a narrative that is as much about domestic tension as it is about external horrors. The setting itself becomes a character; the gloomy coastal town and the foreboding forest evoke a sense of unease that lingers throughout the story, perfectly capturing the inherent gloom of an offseason seaside community.

Kiki Harper stands out as a perfect Jobling protagonist, embodying qualities of resourcefulness, intense curiosity, and a fierce dedication to protecting her family at all costs. Her unique perspective as an outsider who has returned to her hometown offers readers a vivid and intimate view of the town’s evolution and the subtle changes that have taken place, making her personal journey feel incredibly immediate and relatable.

Fay, the mysterious and enigmatic intruder, proves to be just as captivating. She is far from a simple, one-dimensional villain; instead, her alluring charm and striking beauty cleverly conceal a much darker and more complex agenda, effectively challenging the common assumption that appearances always reflect a person’s true nature. Jobling’s talent for crafting multi-layered, nuanced characters ensures that the core cast, including the haunting and ever-present figure of the Twig Man, remains deeply engaging and memorable throughout the story.

Wyrdwood delves deeply into themes that resonate far beyond its surface horror elements. The central idea of the corruption of beauty is vividly portrayed; Fay’s captivating allure masks a much darker, more sinister agenda beneath the surface. The novel also thoughtfully explores family dynamics under stress, illustrating how Kiki’s once safe and comforting home gradually transforms into a place filled with suspicion, tension, and looming danger.

Jobling’s prose is both highly accessible and richly descriptive, effortlessly drawing readers into the eerie and captivating world of Merryweather-by-the-Sea. His background in illustration clearly influences his vivid and detailed scene-setting; the ominous Wyrdwood forest feels palpably creepy and unsettling, while the coastal town’s sense of isolation and quiet desperation is deeply felt throughout the narrative.

The dialogue throughout the novel feels natural and believable, particularly in the interactions between Kiki and her family members, which significantly enhances the story’s overall authenticity and emotional resonance.

Fans of Wereworld will find familiar touches in Wyrdwood, particularly in Jobling’s ability to create immersive worlds. However, this novel stands apart due to its contemporary setting and focus on psychological horror rather than epic fantasy. It’s a distinct departure from the classic “farm boy to hero” structure, leaning instead into domestic tension and folkloric dread.

Wyrdwood is perfectly timed for autumn reading, a season suited to its eerie atmosphere and folk horror roots. Its compelling core mystery and successful fusion of folklore with modern fears make it a captivating and spine-tingling addition to Curtis Jobling’s bibliography. It’s a fairly quick read that offers a thoughtful, if at times gruesome, exploration of family, fear, and the unknown.

Recommended for Teens and young readers who enjoy folk horror, character-driven stories, and atmospheric settings. A perfect pick for those seeking a chilling, folklore-infused tale for a dark autumn night.

So, lock your doors, ignore the rustling in the leaves, and prepare to be ensnared by the roots of Wyrdwood, a chilling reminder that the oldest forests hold the darkest secrets.

Check out our interview with Curtis Jobling here

Wyrdwood by Curtis Jobling

A bewitching tale, weaving folklore with contemporary horror for a teen audience.

Sticks and stones will break your bones . . .

Something strange is happening in Merryweather-by-the-Sea.

Whispers in the playground abound – a spring-heeled phantom haunts the edge of the Wyrdwood, the ancient forest which surrounds the sleepy coastal town. But the Twig Man is the least of Kiki Harper’s concerns.

Returning home for the holidays, Kiki discovers a peculiar woman has moved into her family home, having stolen everybody’s hearts. Who is the beautiful Fay – and could Kiki’s family really be bewitched?

Cover illustration by Alice Cao

Horror Book Reviews on Ginger Nuts of Horror

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