Scan barcode
funwithmisssyd's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
catbrigand's review
4.0
I almost didn't read this because the reviews were so polarizing and I figured I have enough to read without worrying about whether I'm going to hate something. I'm glad I didn't give up on it. The Hazel Wood is a creepy, sinister pseudo-fairy tale. I think the strength lies in the two breakaway chapters that tell two of the fairy tales from Tales from the Hinterland, and I'm glad to see that the author is working on properly writing them out. The second half of the book feels a bit disconnected from the first. The end is a little too tidy. I appreciate the gutsy decision not to make the ending a happy and resolved romance (and honestly, Finch deserves better than Alice). Finch is, in my opinion, a more interesting and developed character than Alice, but still less developed than I would have liked. I spent the first half disliking Alice--she's so angry and flat--but the reasons for this are explained, even if she doesn't have fantastic development. In all, this is a creepy, beautifully written book. Knocked off a star because the end dissatisfied me and the two halves of the book were mismatched, but I'm looking forward to the sequel.
crazystraw44's review against another edition
Protagonist feels immature and underdeveloped
hey_hail's review against another edition
4.0
The twist on fairytales and making them darker and human (sort of) was refreshing! I found the plot to be unpredictable and was constantly eager to finish the book, while saddened by the idea of it being over. I am very excited for the sequel, I hope it stands up to this one
tell_them_stories's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-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? Yes
3.0
deepower7's review against another edition
3.0
This book started out phenomenonally, even if it was a bit overwritten. It's all dark and twisty fairytales, which I love, it had intrigue, I loved where it was going. Solid five stars, except maybe four because the writing is clearly more important than anything else. And then, it had about 150 pages to go, and it just couldn't keep the momentum going anymore. It ran out of steam, the plot went from tightly planned and sure of itself to vague and haphazard, like the whole book didn't know what to do with itself now. It just felt like it lost the run of itself a bit, didn't have that same invigorating quality, didn't have that drive behind it, didn't grip me so hard I was literally forcing my eyes open to keep reading. I can't even say how disappointed I was with the last act, apart from some of the skilfully handled twists. I enjoyed it, but from the set up? Major let down.
jenhurst's review
1.0
I thought this was going to be a high fantasy with fairy tale elements. It 100% was not that. It was basically a contemporary with magical realism elements. The writing is very much on the lower end of YA, which is something that I really hate. The writing became too purple once the second half kicked off.
hdelfino's review against another edition
3.0
More a 2.5. Very well written with nice prose, but the fairy tale part was a very dark for my taste. I struggled to read it to the end. Not sure if I would read the sequel.
bibliobrandie's review
3.0
I loved the first half of this but the last bit didn’t really work for me.