anabelldimitrova's review against another edition
5.0
"Лешниковата гора" е книга, разказваща за едно момиче, което е готово на всичко, за да промени собствената си съдба и за една майка, която се мести от град на град, за да предостави на дъщеря си реалност, а не приказка.
findingthefantasticstory's review
5.0
THIS WAS AMAZING! just loved it. The characters were great and the plot was really good and unique. I love the whole idea of a world of creepy fairytales. I have no idea where the sequel will go.
karissa_'s review against another edition
2.0
“Look until the leaves turn red, sew the worlds up with thread. If your journey's left undone, fear the rising of the sun.”
I really didn't enjoy this book & I'm surprised I didn't end up DNF'ing it. The plot is incredibly slow, for the first half of the book things seemed alright but when you reach the halfway point and things still aren't really happening...it kinda dampens the story. The characters were kind of one dimensional and I couldn't connect with them.
Overall, I don't think the hype was worth it, and while there were a few creepy bits I found myself either skimming entire pages or doing everything in my power to avoid reading this book. It was an interesting concept, one I was looking forward to - but I wouldn't recommend this book at all.
I really didn't enjoy this book & I'm surprised I didn't end up DNF'ing it. The plot is incredibly slow, for the first half of the book things seemed alright but when you reach the halfway point and things still aren't really happening...it kinda dampens the story. The characters were kind of one dimensional and I couldn't connect with them.
Overall, I don't think the hype was worth it, and while there were a few creepy bits I found myself either skimming entire pages or doing everything in my power to avoid reading this book. It was an interesting concept, one I was looking forward to - but I wouldn't recommend this book at all.
evee88's review against another edition
3.0
2.5 stars.
I didn't get it? Like I really wanted to love this book, since it sounds like everything I need in my life. Dark, twisted fantasy if you will. I got what I wanted... technically...
I don't really know how to explain this book other than confusing. The writing is borderline try hard. Like the author tried really hard to make this book lyrical and make sense... it honestly didn't. I don't know... I think my thoughts could be most accurately described with Emily May's review Basically all I have to say is in her review, except I don't think it's fully Wonderland Alice seems to have stumbled in, it's far darker for that matter and I have to say Alice in Wonderland had a far better plot. I felt like this book was everywhere.
I would like to say I appreciated and dislike the weird ship going on in this book. I have mixed feelings about it because at the same time it's VERY unique... but I don't like it? It's not cliche at all and I'm quite happy with how the author wrote it. I just am not a fan because of well... opinions.
Overall, I can't say I loved this book. I somewhat enjoyed it with its weirdness and confusion, but I have to say IT WAS VERY CONFUSING. I didn't know what was happening most of the time and I actually felt bored at a certain point. It's never good to feel bored when you read something. I guess I was expecting too much, but I really thought this was gonna be like Caraval reimagined. I was so so wrong.
I didn't get it? Like I really wanted to love this book, since it sounds like everything I need in my life. Dark, twisted fantasy if you will. I got what I wanted... technically...
I don't really know how to explain this book other than confusing. The writing is borderline try hard. Like the author tried really hard to make this book lyrical and make sense... it honestly didn't. I don't know... I think my thoughts could be most accurately described with Emily May's review Basically all I have to say is in her review, except I don't think it's fully Wonderland Alice seems to have stumbled in, it's far darker for that matter and I have to say Alice in Wonderland had a far better plot. I felt like this book was everywhere.
I would like to say I appreciated and dislike the weird ship going on in this book. I have mixed feelings about it because at the same time it's VERY unique... but I don't like it? It's not cliche at all and I'm quite happy with how the author wrote it. I just am not a fan because of well... opinions.
Overall, I can't say I loved this book. I somewhat enjoyed it with its weirdness and confusion, but I have to say IT WAS VERY CONFUSING. I didn't know what was happening most of the time and I actually felt bored at a certain point. It's never good to feel bored when you read something. I guess I was expecting too much, but I really thought this was gonna be like Caraval reimagined. I was so so wrong.
suchmeow's review against another edition
3.0
The book kept my interest, but I thought the beginning was drawn out longer than necessary while the ending felt awkwardly abrupt. The way the character overcomes the main challenge felt rather simplistic and I didn't think it was well alluded to throughout the rest of the book. The creepy, dark fairytale aspect just didn't quite hit the mark with me, even though I normally like such things. My favorite part of the story was the relationship between the main character and her step sister.
readingundertheradar's review against another edition
4.0
This was so interesting and weird and magical! It did get a bit confusing there toward the middle but I suspect that is the point?
Fans of the Wayward Children series, the original Grimm’s fairy tales, or Sabrina will love this book.
Fans of the Wayward Children series, the original Grimm’s fairy tales, or Sabrina will love this book.
slafferty's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
taygivs's review against another edition
3.0
I tried reading this a second time and couldn't get through it.
DNF at second reading on 1/31/20 @ 11%
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3rd attempt at reading on 5/11/21 (second completion).
DNF at second reading on 1/31/20 @ 11%
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3rd attempt at reading on 5/11/21 (second completion).
inkedwxtchreads's review against another edition
4.0
So I almost gave this 3 stars because I really didn’t like like the last 20-30ish pages. Not entirely sure why. I just didn’t. But then I realized that wasn’t really fair... since I actually liked the rest of the book. Which feels like an unpopular opinion at this point since there are so many “unpopular opinion but I hate this book” reviews lol.
The only other thing that bothered me was Alice, our MC. She was really rude and unlikeable most of the book. You kinda find out why at the very end (don’t wanna spoil it, but it probably won’t be the more obvious reason that you might think from the beginning). But by the time you find out Alice has put such a bad taste in your mouth it kinda really bothers you. I loved finch- who is her grandmothers fan and despite his motives for helping is a really great and likable guy. But Alice is so cold to him and even invalidates parts of him and his feelings multiple times. I can’t stand it. And then near the end , has the guts to admit she actually likes the dude only after she’s basically been through hell lol. She even is more willing to incite violence on him than to jusy admit she’s wrong and take responsibility for most of the book. It’s unnecessary and gross.
But finch is great. Some things happen with him I don’t expect, especially near the end. The way they end this book for finch is both lazy... and interesting. I go back and forth between feeling like it’s a cop out and feeling like it’s refreshing. Either way finch is great. Idk how many times can I say it? I love the guy.
The plot is overall super great in my opinion. I don’t get what people mean when they say you don’t get enough of the world or the “fairytales”. Two of the stories are told to you during the actual book, and then the author includes two at the end. BUT, you also get a pretty good glimpse of some of them in real time too. Even the untold ones.
The writing can be wordy but it definitely grew on me. Not to say I didn’t feel the urge to skim every once in a while. But I usually didn’t.
The world is great. And honestly I almost kind of want to go there. It’s horrifying and magical, and everything I want from a dark fairytale. It’s creepy and atmospheric as hell. I looove it and I live for it.
There are a few twists and turns which I love. You kinda get the gist as to what’s going on from the beginning in a way, but maybe not completely. You could maybe guess it you wanted to but I chose to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
The ending is a very open one. If there wasn’t already a sequel out, it makes it obvious that the story isn’t over. But it was still a bit of a boring ending. It leaves me both disappointed but also wanting more. I think really, I just wasn’t ready to leave this world.
The only other thing that bothered me was Alice, our MC. She was really rude and unlikeable most of the book. You kinda find out why at the very end (don’t wanna spoil it, but it probably won’t be the more obvious reason that you might think from the beginning). But by the time you find out Alice has put such a bad taste in your mouth it kinda really bothers you. I loved finch- who is her grandmothers fan and despite his motives for helping is a really great and likable guy. But Alice is so cold to him and even invalidates parts of him and his feelings multiple times. I can’t stand it. And then near the end , has the guts to admit she actually likes the dude only after she’s basically been through hell lol. She even is more willing to incite violence on him than to jusy admit she’s wrong and take responsibility for most of the book. It’s unnecessary and gross.
But finch is great. Some things happen with him I don’t expect, especially near the end. The way they end this book for finch is both lazy... and interesting. I go back and forth between feeling like it’s a cop out and feeling like it’s refreshing. Either way finch is great. Idk how many times can I say it? I love the guy.
The plot is overall super great in my opinion. I don’t get what people mean when they say you don’t get enough of the world or the “fairytales”. Two of the stories are told to you during the actual book, and then the author includes two at the end. BUT, you also get a pretty good glimpse of some of them in real time too. Even the untold ones.
The writing can be wordy but it definitely grew on me. Not to say I didn’t feel the urge to skim every once in a while. But I usually didn’t.
The world is great. And honestly I almost kind of want to go there. It’s horrifying and magical, and everything I want from a dark fairytale. It’s creepy and atmospheric as hell. I looove it and I live for it.
There are a few twists and turns which I love. You kinda get the gist as to what’s going on from the beginning in a way, but maybe not completely. You could maybe guess it you wanted to but I chose to just sit back and enjoy the ride.
The ending is a very open one. If there wasn’t already a sequel out, it makes it obvious that the story isn’t over. But it was still a bit of a boring ending. It leaves me both disappointed but also wanting more. I think really, I just wasn’t ready to leave this world.
erin_j's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
Alice and her mother have been dodging bad luck her whole life. When her reclusive grandmother, an author of dark fairy tales, dies they believe they are free of the bad luck. Unfortunately, they are not. Alice’s mother is taken by people claiming to be from the dark fairy tale land of her grandmother’s stories, the Hinterland. It seems answers can be found at her grandmother’s estate, the Hazel Wood. But she can’t take this journey alone. She enlists the help of classmate and superfan of “Tales from the Hinterland”, Ellery Finch. But things get strange when they start noticing hints of the Hinterland where they shouldn’t be.
This was a really interesting concept, but the execution wasn’t my favorite. The writing is beautiful and the characters are interesting. Alice can be a bit rude and protective, but she has a big heart for those she cares about. And Ellery was great. I loved his role and his ending was fascinating and so perfect for him. The plot and pacing of the story wasn’t what I expected. The main portion of the book is the journey to the Hazel Wood. Once there, it felt like a rush to the end. Glossing over what I was most interested in, the Hazel Wood and Hinterland. It was disappointing.
This book did have its good moments, but in the end I felt pretty “meh” about it. I do wonder if it would be better as an audiobook. I think you could get more wrapped up in the journey and spookiness when listening to it.
If you enjoy a strong mother/daughter bond, new friendship, and going on a winding journey to find a dark fairy tale land, then you might enjoy this book.
Alice and her mother have been dodging bad luck her whole life. When her reclusive grandmother, an author of dark fairy tales, dies they believe they are free of the bad luck. Unfortunately, they are not. Alice’s mother is taken by people claiming to be from the dark fairy tale land of her grandmother’s stories, the Hinterland. It seems answers can be found at her grandmother’s estate, the Hazel Wood. But she can’t take this journey alone. She enlists the help of classmate and superfan of “Tales from the Hinterland”, Ellery Finch. But things get strange when they start noticing hints of the Hinterland where they shouldn’t be.
This was a really interesting concept, but the execution wasn’t my favorite. The writing is beautiful and the characters are interesting. Alice can be a bit rude and protective, but she has a big heart for those she cares about. And Ellery was great. I loved his role and his ending was fascinating and so perfect for him. The plot and pacing of the story wasn’t what I expected. The main portion of the book is the journey to the Hazel Wood. Once there, it felt like a rush to the end. Glossing over what I was most interested in, the Hazel Wood and Hinterland. It was disappointing.
This book did have its good moments, but in the end I felt pretty “meh” about it. I do wonder if it would be better as an audiobook. I think you could get more wrapped up in the journey and spookiness when listening to it.
If you enjoy a strong mother/daughter bond, new friendship, and going on a winding journey to find a dark fairy tale land, then you might enjoy this book.