Predatory Natures by Amy Goldsmith
on July 8, 2025
ISBN: 0593814312
Genres: Fantasy, Horror
Format: Young Adult
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

“Predatory Natures” is a YA horror novel by Amy Goldsmith. The main character is a teenager, Lara, who is taking a break from school after doing badly on her exams and working a short-term job on a luxury train. Surprisingly an old friend that she had a falling out with is also working on the train. There are also some mysterious twins, Gwen and Gwydion who are supposedly transporting scientific samples, and staff are told to stay away from them. What is really happening on this train?

Lots of descriptive passages, with intermingled flashbacks helped build the tension and atmosphere, but occasionally were a little confusing. We learn about Lara’s past abusive relationship through these flashbacks. Meanwhile the plant samples take over the train and control others (similar to Lara’s abusive boyfriend). An interesting YA horror with a lot of darkness, this is a suggested purchase where YA horror (especially psychological) is popular.

Reviewed by Kate Radke, Walker Memorial Library, Westbrook, ME.