Depths of the Forest

I’ll be honest: I went into *Depths of the Forest* expecting another *Rimworld*-meets-fantasy romp, but Vines’ worldbuilding gut-punched me within the first hour. The Beast Wave isn’t just a plot device—it’s a *disaster* in the truest sense, with all the bureaucratic infighting and desperate improvisation that implies. Aiden’s perspective as an outsider in Innovation City is a brilliant narrative choice; he’s neither a chosen one nor a cynic, just a man who’s good at fixing things and terrible at politics. The way Vines contrasts the city’s gleaming, hubristic tech with the primal horror of the forest creates a tension that never lets up. That said, the middle act drags slightly during the political maneuvering—while the intrigue is well-written, I found myself itching to get back to the Beast Wave’s relentless pressure. Kristian Eros elevates the material immeasurably. His Aiden is a standout: a voice roughened by sleepless nights but still capable of dry humor when he calls out the Innovators’ nonsense. The supporting cast shines too, particularly the icy precision of Councilor Veyra and the frayed desperation of the militia sergeants. My only critique is that the female voices occasionally veer into slightly breathy territory, which feels at odds with the otherwise grounded tone. Production-wise, the sound design is *exceptional*—the way the Beast Wave’s clicks and growls pan across the stereo field makes the forest feel alive (and hungry). If you love fantasy that’s more *Annihilation* than *Lord of the Rings*, or audiobooks that use sound to pull you into the dread, this is a must-listen. Just don’t start it before bed.