Who Would Like This Book:
Get ready for a twisty, dark fairy tale where magic and reality collide! "The Darkest Part of the Forest" is perfect for fans of modern fantasy who love fae mythology, lush world-building, and atmospheric small towns harboring big secrets. You'll find brave, complex characters - especially Hazel, our fiercely determined heroine - and refreshing, non-stereotypical LGBTQ+ representation. Sibling bonds, mysterious bargains, and a knightly girl protagonist ensure this is a must-read for teens and adults who dig adventure, romance, and a little creepiness in their stories.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer light, fluffy reads or dislike dark, creepy undertones, this may not be your cup of tea. Some readers found the pacing slow, particularly at the start, and were frustrated by the nonlinear storytelling and extended flashbacks. Others felt the character development wasn't as sharp as in Holly Black's other books or wanted a more fleshed-out, action-driven plot. Not everyone connected with the romance, and a few were disenchanted by the ambiguous or uneven resolution of certain storylines.
About:
"The Darkest Part of the Forest" by Holly Black is a young adult urban fantasy novel that delves into the world of Faerie through the eyes of siblings Hazel and Ben in the town of Fairfold. The story revolves around a horned boy in a glass coffin in the woods, whose awakening disrupts the fragile peace between humans and Folk. Hazel and Ben, along with their friends, find themselves entangled in a series of events that challenge their perceptions and force them to confront their destinies. The writing style is described as descriptive, engaging, and rich in mythology, blending reality with fantasy elements seamlessly.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of violence, sexual situations, and discussions of mental health issues, reflecting the complexity of the characters' experiences.
Has Romance?
The book contains a medium level of romance, with romantic interests woven into the main storyline but not overshadowing the central themes.
From The Publisher:
A girl makes a secret sacrifice to the faerie king in this lush New York Times bestselling fantasy by author Holly Black
In the woods is a glass coffin. It rests on the ground, and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives….
Hazel and her brother, Ben, live in Fairfold, where humans and the Folk exist side by side. Since they were children, Hazel and Ben have been telling each other stories about the boy in the glass coffin, that he is a prince and they are valiant knights, pretending their prince would be different from the other faeries, the ones who made cruel bargains, lurked in the shadows of trees, and doomed tourists. But as Hazel grows up, she puts aside those stories. Hazel knows the horned boy will never wake.
Until one day, he does….
As the world turns upside down, Hazel has to become the knight she once pretended to be.
The Darkest Part of the Forest is bestselling author Holly Black's triumphant return to the opulent, enchanting faerie tales that launched her YA career.
Ratings (61)
Incredible (4) | |
Loved It (26) | |
Liked It (20) | |
It Was OK (9) | |
Did Not Like (1) | |
Hated It (1) |
Reader Stats (158):
Read It (63) | |
Want To Read (75) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (19) |
5 comment(s)
Feb 16, 2016 - content
I really enjoyed this dark fae tale. Fae, in general, are not my favorite, but I really enjoy the darker lore Holly Black brings to her books. The narration was well done.
Fun light alt fairytale
Kinda slow in the beginning and hard to get into, but loved the overall story and romance elements.
If you love creative writing then you will be presently thrilled with Holly black. The detail from start to end. Spooky and mysterious just how I like it. the beauty in her writing is powerful, equally as interesting pushing your imagination to it's limit.
A must must read.
What can you read after
The Darkest Part of the Forest?
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