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sssssoup's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it for the first time a few years ago, and I’m so glad I decided the read it again for spooky season this year.
I’m a huge fan of the dark fairy tale aspect of the story. It’s very well developed and interesting, and I love how the author incorporated a story within a story; it’s not something you see very often.
The characters are what really sell it for me. Alice is a very well rounded and complex protagonist; she may not be the most likable character, but her story is engaging and I love how well developed her backstory is. Her memories from her childhood really help to develop her personality for the audience and a lot of depth to her. Finch is one of my favorite characters from recent YA because he’s entertaining and deep at the same time. Like Alice, his trauma and backstory are very well written and really help show his depth.
The writing style is fantastic as well and it’s beautiful to read. It feels very poetic and deep yet realistic at the same time.
I’m a huge fan of the dark fairy tale aspect of the story. It’s very well developed and interesting, and I love how the author incorporated a story within a story; it’s not something you see very often.
The characters are what really sell it for me. Alice is a very well rounded and complex protagonist; she may not be the most likable character, but her story is engaging and I love how well developed her backstory is. Her memories from her childhood really help to develop her personality for the audience and a lot of depth to her. Finch is one of my favorite characters from recent YA because he’s entertaining and deep at the same time. Like Alice, his trauma and backstory are very well written and really help show his depth.
The writing style is fantastic as well and it’s beautiful to read. It feels very poetic and deep yet realistic at the same time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Mental illness, and Blood
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Child death, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Suicide, Stalking, and Car accident
onceuponabookcase's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Quick fire review:
- When I first heard of The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert, I didn't think it was going to be my bag. I think I associated the Hinterland with a world of fae, and I really don't like stories about the fae. But when I read author Katrina Leno recommended it to readers who enjoyed her own book Horrid, I decided to give it a go. And I loved it!
- I loved the way Albert seamlessly manages to combine the contemporary with the fantasy/fairy tale in The Hazel Wood! It reminded me a little of The Waking Forest by Alyssa Wees in that regard, but Albert pulled it off better.
- Albert's writing style is very atmospheric, perfect for the fairy tale aspect of the story, especially when we get to the Hinterland, but it blends perfectly with the contemporary element. It's storytelling at it's best.
- I adored the world Albert created with the Hinterland. It's so imaginative! A fairy tale world where stories exist, like plays happening in front of you, but with characters who have no choice in their actions - despite not realising it. The story must play out. It was quite dark and distubing, and I loved how Albert showed us the reality of fairy tales, what they actually look like, how they affect the characters in the story, the disparaity to how fairy tales are told, and what the characters are going through.
- The Hazel Wood was absolutely gripping! Sinister, dark, but magical and beautiful, and completely brilliant!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Vomit, and Murder
Minor: Sexual violence