In the shadowed depths of the ancient Whispering Pines, a dark legend stirs. The villagers of Hollowbrook have long spoken in hushed tones of the Claw Collector-a creature born of the forest's deepest fears, said to steal the claws of its victims and vanish without a trace. For generations, it was nothing more than a tale to frighten children. But now, the forest is quiet, too quiet, and something terrible is awakening. Seventeen-year-old Tala Greystone has never been one to fear old stories. Fierce, determined, and carrying the burden of her family's mysterious past, Tala is no stranger to the secrets hidden among the trees. When hunters begin disappearing and clawed marks appear on the trees, Tala is certain the Claw Collector is no myth. Her suspicions are dismissed by the village elders, but Tala knows the forest is calling-and it's calling her. With her loyal but reluctant friend Finn and the sharp-witted Willow at her side, Tala ventures beyond the safety of Hollowbrook into the dark heart of the woods. There, they uncover ancient markings, forgotten paths, and whispers of a labyrinth that moves and shifts, trapping those who dare to enter. The Claw Collector is more than just a monster-it's part of something far older, a force that feeds on fear and hunts with purpose. As Tala digs deeper into the Collector's origins, she discovers a terrifying truth: the forest itself is alive, and it's been watching her for longer than she realizes. The Collector isn't hunting at random-it's collecting for a reason. And Tala may be its next target. To stop the Collector and save her village, Tala must unravel the twisted history of the forest, confront long-buried secrets, and face the darkness within herself. But in a place where even the trees keep secrets, and every shadow could be a trap, trust is fragile, and survival is uncertain. The Claw Collector is a haunting dark fantasy filled with suspense, ancient legends, and the chilling realization that sometimes the most dangerous monsters are the ones we create. Perfect for readers who love eerie forests, relentless creatures, and stories where courage is the only light in the darkness.