The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

I have been wanting to read The Hazel Wood for a few months now because so many people were raving about how amazing the book is, and everyone should read it. So I was so happy to get this book in a Fairyloot box a few couple of months back because it mean that I could finally get round to reading this book and seeing what all the fuss was about.

Alice is a very interesting character and I did connect with her straight away. I found her to be and intelligent and inquisitive young woman who wants answers about her family. I understood her frustration with her Mum because she would be very vague when answering anything to do with Alice’s Grandmother. I was behind Alice all the way when she went on her quest for her Mum, and for answers. I liked that we kept learning about Alice throughout the story, because its meant that she was constantly developing as a character, and I found her to more and more interesting.

I have heard The Hazel Wood being described as creepy with a dark fairytale feel, and I think that is the perfect way to describe this book because for me I found this to be a dark story with some very creepy parts. I have to say that I did enjoy the first half of the book more compared with the second half, but I think thats because I liked the introduction to the story and the characters. Both were very intriguing and I found it difficult to put down. I am not say that the second half of the book is bad, because it is not. I just felt that the beginning engaging me a bit more than the ending.

Melissa Albert’s writing is perfect for this type of story because it reads just like a fairy tale, and it transports you to this magical land that is so rich in detail that you never want to leave. I found that I could visualise everything so clearly in my mind while reading through the book, and it was so easy to spend hours lost in her words. Even though I liked the first half more, the entire book is full of mystery, intrigue and wonderful writing. The pacing was spot on and for me it didn’t fall flat or become dull at any point in the story. I can’t wait to read more of her writing because if its anything like this book then I am sure I am going to love it.

I would recommend this to all fans of the Grimm tales, and readers who love a dark twisted fairytale feel book. The Hazel Wood will take you too a place that will creep you out, but will also keep you glued to every page. Both the characters and story are beautifully developed and is another reason why you will find putting down this book before reading the end impossible.

 

 

 

 

I rate this book 4/5 stars