#thehazelwood

[booksiseeloveandread]

It’s been nearly a year since I posted my black and gold books, 📚 and I thought it was high time I recreated it! This has got to be one of my favourite colour combinations for book covers 💛🖤Any suggestions for what colours I should photograph next? 📸 . . . #blackandgold #blackandgoldbooks #anemberintheashes #outlander #skyinthedeep #thehazelwood #bookcoverart #bookworm #furyborn #bookish #yalit #yafiction #yabooks #yafantasy #bookstagram #instabooks #bookphotography #bibliophile #booklover #sorcerertothecrown #christmas #christmasspirit #bookcommunity #christmasvibes #igbooks #booksofig #colourcoordinated #itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas https://www.instagram.com/p/CIjx94LAoTI/?igshid=sgvbh5bq5631

[ashlightgrayson]

I've finished all of my reading challenges for the year on @the.storygraph . Now I'm reading #TheNightCountry by @melissaalbertauthor . This is a signed copy I obtained at an event. I was lucky enough to meet the author and she was super cool. I love the dark world she created in #thehazelwood and can't wait to dive back in. I'm excited for the short story collection #TalesfromtheHinterland that comes out in January. Any books you're looking forward to reading in January? On another note, I think this bookmark from @creativechaotics is fitting for this book. It has a quote by Adam Silvera on it. I would like to pick up a book from him in the future at some point. Pleass let me know if anyone has any recommendations for a first read from him. #books #reading #fantasy #bibliophile #bookmarks #tbr #readingchallenge #duology #sequel https://www.instagram.com/p/CJK583cAnAQ/?igshid=1ffvimpozxw59

[mysnarkyself]

Sunday⠀ ~⠀ What music do you like to listen to?⠀ ~⠀⠀ I am currently listening to the 20th anniversary edition of Hybrid Theory by Linkin Park. When I get ask what music I like ti listen to, I always answer misic. Because to answer this question it will usually take a while. I listen to everything from metall core till pop music.⠀ ~⠀ #allthebooksoct20 spooky shelfie⠀ #booksofoct20 into the woods⠀ ~⠀ #bookstagram #melissaalbert #thehazelwood #lovereading #books #yalit #booksbooksbooks #yareads #bookdragon #ireadya #bookporn #fantasy #yabookstagram #bookaddict #bookishfeature #bücherwurm #bookphotography #germanbookblogger #germanblogger #booknerdigan #bibliophile #bücher #buchblogger https://www.instagram.com/p/CGNTdu-Ay7j/?igshid=m0m4uvguykwh

[thecatandthekindle]

Review: The Night Country (The Hazel Wood 2) by Melissa Albert

I received a free ecopy of this book in return for an honest review. Many thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House for the opportunity.

Although I have read and reread The Hazel Wood, I was caught off guard by the arrival of this sequel. The Hazel Wood had seemed quite a self-contained book, that didn’t particularly need a follow up. However I was delighted to find myself presented with a part two, to the story of Alice Proserpine and Ellery Finch.

As The Hazel Wood ended Alice had returned to her mother, Ella, in the real world while Ellery had remained in the Hinterland and we heard that he had met someone new. When we pick up the story in The Night Country, Alice is graduating high school. She has stopped attending the support group for ex-stories and is trying to be human. A series of murders bring her back to her roots. Alice feels she is being framed for the murders and her reactions show that she hasn’t left her storybook violence as far behind as she thought. Messages start appearing from Ellery and eventually we get to find out what happened to him after Alice left.

The Night Country is a bit of a murder mystery which is a little different from The Hazel Wood’s exploration of the violent origins of fairytales. We get to see what happens when story characters break free but find themselves adrift without the tether of their story, and also what happens to a story-land without the stories that give it substance. There is a bit of a twist to the mystery before the end too.

I love the way Melissa Albert handles language. The words have a smooth and sinuous feel that are a joy to read. “Her voice was a drug. Dense as fog, rubbing its back against your ears like a cat.” It may not be every reader’s cup of tea but for me, it is writing I feel I can just sink into.

Sadly the story just didn’t draw me in as much as the first book so I read it in fits and starts. I felt that was very likely due to the absence of Ellery Finch early on. Once he reappeared I dug in much more firmly. Alice Three Times is an interesting character but not very likeable. Finch is a sympathetic character with a gentle romantic nature. I loved seeing what happened to him and getting a glimpse of the other worlds. If there are future stories in the offing that involve following Ellery through those other worlds I will be a very happy reader.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[cestmoiamanda]

These are the books I really, really want to read in September. I hope I can finish them. #tbr #bookstagram #igreads #books #crime #fantasy #magicalrealism #tadwilliams #melissaalbert #erinkelly #vierzweieins #thehazelwood #theheartofwhatwaslost https://www.instagram.com/p/B1-zjNvo7oD/?igshid=1qj1estwlsazr

[decoratingreader]

You guysssss!!!! I slept until 9:30 this morning and omg did it feel FANTASTIC!!! Though now I feel like I’ve missed out so much on the day 😂 I have such a love/hate thing with sleeping in 🤷🏽‍♀️ But it felt great and I definitely needed it! Now I’ve got to do some chores, get kiddo to soccer practice, and then I plan to finish Killing November. . Pictured today is some books from my never ending tbr. I started grabbing a few and noticed a blue pattern, so then I just went for my blue unread books 💙 . Let’s play this or that: Sporty or Artsy? Bright or Neutral? Hot or Cold? Spicy or Sweet? Planner or Panster? . I’m really neither sporty nor artsy, but if I had to go with one I think I would artsy. I’m definitely more neutral with bright thrown in maybe?! I would 100% rather be cold than hot, unless I’m in a pool. SWEET. Planner Type A OCD to the core. . . . #stacksaturday #bookstack #stackofbooks #hygge #cosy #cosyhome #book #pacifica #thebeautyofdarkness #strangethedreamer #thehazelwood #atorchagainstthenight #kristensimmons #marypearson #lainitaylor #melissaalbert #sabaatahir #tbr #bookspines #weekendreads #bookaesthetic #thebookstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/BvEypGEhbg0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=8dbn67k9qrqu

[natreviewsbooks]

Today's sky keeps going back and forth between stormy gray and this beautiful blue that tricks you into thinking it's nice and spring-like weather, but then you get battered by the wind the moment you step outside! However it's Friday! And one week before Yallfest! My bestie and I will be embarking on a bit of a drive to get there but we're super excited! Will any of you be going to Yallfest? Who are you excited to meet/get books signed from? #allthebooksnov18 #day2 Books set in autumn #bookstgram #bookchallenge #bookblogger #november #2018 #thehazelwood #books #booknerdigans #fallweather #windy #day #yalit #yabooks #booklover #booksofig #booksbooksbooks #bookphotography #bookpost #bookphoto #tgid #friday #weekend #post https://www.instagram.com/p/BpsU8_XHBYJ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1xhz923yyi2de

[bookish-wanderer]

📚Mini Book Haul📚 . Hello, lovelies! Happy February! How’s your day? It’s pretty sunny here so I’m basking in the sun while worshipping these newly acquired babies. 💖 . Have you read any of them? I’ve heard great things about The Hazel Wood and A Very Large Expanse of Sea. As for Sweetbitter, the blurb sounds super interesting since it’s about a young girl learning to “navigate the chaotic, enchanting, and punishing life she has chosen in New York.” 🗽🇺🇸 . By the way, today’s the first day of our 9-day celebration of lunar new year so less work, more reading!😇😝📚 . 😏What books did you get in your most recent book haul? What’s your most anticipated book this year? . #booklove #bookhaul #minibookhaul #booklovers #booknerds #bookworms #bibliophiles #bookish #readersofinstagram #bookstagram #bookbloggers #bookhoarder #instabooks #thehazelwood #averylargeexpanseofsea #sweetbitter #alwaysreading #bookstalove #booksandflowers #positivevibes https://www.instagram.com/p/BtXspLeHdrx/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12rf61ck52csu

[annsbookworld-blog]

Hey #bookies #thehazelwood habe ich letztes Jahr gelesen und fand es (zumindestens auf englisch) ein wenig verwirrend! Ich fand es nicht ganz so leicht in die Geschichte reinzukommen. Aber nach ein paar Seiten hat sich das auch schon gelegt und dann hat es mir ganz gut gefallen. Habt einen schönen Abend! UNBEZAHLTE WERBUNG #booksofinstagram #bookphotograph #bookblogger #booksbooksbooks #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #melissaalbert #bookaholic #booknerd #bookaccount #booktumblr #booksofinsta #bücherblogger #büchersüchtig #bücherwurm #bookworm_insta #bookworm #bookaddict #booklover #bücherverrückt https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsn5huUnyNU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1dsilurbbckyu

[writing-is-fun]

Current read: The Hazel Wood 🍁 I started the book yesterday night and I am currently addicted to it. The story is very twisted and interesting, kind of getting the vibes of Alice from Wonderland/City of Ghosts. It is the perfect read for the spooky season ❤🍂 #reading #books #bookblogger #bookstagram #hazelwood #thehazelwood #melissaalbert #bgblogger #tuesday #coffeeandbook #coffee @erapublisher https://www.instagram.com/p/BpjRnQwH7k5/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1flfebur0ye2y

[booksiseeloveandread]

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert 🌳 . What’s your favourite type of setting in a book? . There are so many great settings, but I will never say no to a forest setting, no matter if it’s a haunted or an enchanted one. I just love it too much! 🍁 . . . #thehazelwood #melissaalbert #yafiction #yafantasy #fantasybooks #youngadultbooks #youngadultfiction #yalit #bookcover #beautifulbooks #enchantedforest #hauntedforest #bookstagram #booklover #bookcommunity #booksinnature #flatironbooks https://www.instagram.com/p/CHrFTn2gtbP/?igshid=usp7h23kh030

[theremightbecupcakespodcast]

There Might Be Cupcakes Podcast Episode 43: Hinterland | URL: https://theremightbecupcakes.podbean.com/e/43-hinterland/ | n which Carla shares the beginning of an amazing and frightening book series. #melissaalbert #thehazelwood #hinterland #talesfromthehinterland #fairytales #horror #amreading #horrorpodcast #truecrimepodcast #bookpodcast #literaturepodcast @braintrustfm #chronicillnesspodcast #chronicpainpodcast #spooniepodcast #spooniepodcaster #zebrapodcaster #zebrapodcast #braintrustnetwork #theremightbecupcakes https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm316jYACA4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=126nt3d7v3n6j

[booksofwonder]

Have you ordered your signed copy of MUSE OF NIGHTMARES yet?? Get on it! • We’re thrilled to be hosting @lainit in conversation with @melissaalbertauthor this Sunday (10/14) at 3pm at the 18th St store! See you there 📚🎉 • • • • • #lainitaylor #museofnightmares #strangethedreamer #melissaalbert #thehazelwood #bookevent #bookparty #indiebookstore #bookstagram #instabook #igreads #igbooks #yalit #youngadult #ireadya #fantasy #events #booklover #booklove #bookish #booknerd #bibliophile (at Books Of Wonder) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo2F0FaA2S0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=5gvoquhmpjoz

[kelleyschorn]

Kelley Reviews: The Hazel Wood

Can we take a moment to appreciate that amazing cover? Seriously, it’s beautiful!!

This book was recommended to me by my cousin a few months ago. I went out the next day and bought the hardcover from Walmart and put it on the shelf in my room where it say for another month and a half until I took it with me on my family’s weekend vacation to Galveston. Though the book started off a bit slow, I soon became wrapped up in both its characters and mysteries. I’ve been reading mainly through Audible for about a year now and this book was the perfect reintroduction to physical reading. Audio books are great, don’t get me wrong, they allow me to read on the go, but physical books require full emersion and this book was the perfect choice for that.

The Hazel Wood, written by Melissa Albert, follows a seventeen year old girl named Alice who has lived on the road with her mom her whole life running from the bad luck that seems to follow them everywhere they go. When they finally settle down in New York, Alice and her mom, Ella, think that the bad luck has ended. For a while, it seems as if they’re right, until one day Ella is kidnapped by something Alice can’t explain and she has to face the facts that the fairytales that made her grandmother famous may not be as fictional as she’d once thought. Teaming up with one of her classmates, Finch, who happens to be a super-fan of her grandmother’s stories, Alice embarks on a journey to find her mother and the truth once and for all.

The language used in this book is beautifully descriptive. It finds the balance between giving the reader amazing imagery while not bogging down the pacing of the story. The way she brought these dark fairy tales to life had me reading late into the night and closing my closet door before bed! This book was creepy in all the right ways. The story keeps you guessing too, to the point where I thought I had it figured out and then—BAM plot twist, okay never mind I have no idea what’s going to happen next!

I loved that this book was a novel but I would also totally read a spin-off if Albert were to release an anthology of all the full stories from the Hinterland. I loved how dark these stories were and I wanted more!

Overall I liked this book a lot and found it to be a total page-turner toward the end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone out there looking for a great fast read.

WARNING: The next part of this review is more in depth, where I will talk about specific elements of the story that did and did not work for me. It contains SPOILERS. If you have not read this book yet PLEASE LEAVE and come back to join the conversation once you’ve read it.

WHAT WORKED

The concept. Sure, the fairtales are actually real thing has been done before, but it hasn’t been done like this. Melissa Albert found a way to turn this age old idea into something that felt fresh and new. I loved Alice was a stolen story and I really loved the idea of the Spinner and that she was the creator of the stories. I think this concept spoke to me in a special way because I am a writer too. The thing is, the idea of the Spinner could have become cheesy so easily but she pulled it off so well that it was just awesome.

The theme. The theme of choosing your own fate and exercising your free will over someone else’s preconceived ideas for your life was very powerful and very present throughout the story. The moment that solidified and clarified the theme for me was towards the end when, in response to Alice’s question as to why the mysterious red headed man would help her, he responds, “because I’m not just a part of someone else’s story.” (That is a paraphrase because I lent the book to a friend, but you get the idea) After that moment everything that had happened in the book was given new life as I was able to recognize the clear motivations behind the characters.

Brief conspiracy theory about the theme: I do not know at all if this is true, this is just what I was thinking as I read the story. My thoughts are that there is some spiritual symbolism in this theme, that the Spinner represents God and her stories are God’s plans for people. She believes that people should decide their own fates not anyone else. (I personally don’t view God in this way but this is what I felt the theme was going for and I appreciate it for what it is: a statement on how the author views the world.) I may be off on this so Melissa, if you read this and I’m wrong, I’m sorry to have misinterpreted you.

The writing. I mentioned this above and so I’ll be brief here, but the writing was very good. Again, beautiful and haunting imagery made this story come to life vividly in my head and, being someone who typically doesn’t like a lot of description, I found that she had the perfect balance of description and story.

The plot twists. Did not see Finch’s “death” coming at all. In fact, I thought I had the story figured out (and was bored with what I thought it was going to be) and when that happened I literally gaped. Great twist. Loved that. Alice being a stolen character from the Hinterland, and the red headed man being from her story, loved that also. I liked that he and Ella had been love before and the tie in that Alice always thought he was her dad. The revelation of the Spinner, I know this wasn’t necessarily a twist, but to me it felt like one because it reoriented how I understood the world of the story. Again I loved the Spinner and thought she was a brilliant idea.

The fairytales. These stories and their characters are so cool! As I said above, I want more! These stories and their various elements that we got to see are what creeped me out so much that I had to shut my closet door at night! I LOVED them. And I really want Melissa Albert to release all of the stories on their own as a companion book or something. I wonder though, if she really does have all of those other stories fully written and realized or if she just came up with cool intriguing names for the other ones. Honestly I could see it both ways. One of the things that bothered me though is that we never found out the ending to Alice’s original story, I get why, the reasoning given in the book is very believable, but I do wonder if the author herself just never figured it out—I highly doubt this but I do wonder about it. The story alludes to the fact that the end is not pretty and I still want to know what it was.

WHAT DIDN’T WORK

Some logical things about the fairytales. Some parts of the book made it seem like the Story characters were stuck in their stories, couldn’t leave, and never varied. But then we had Twice-Killed-Katherine and her cabbie friend running all around the real world causing mischief and we find out that the doors caused by the stolen stories caused problems with them leaving the Hinterland and causing trouble in our world. Maybe the stealing of the stories broke them a little bit and gave them the ability to leave their stories? But then wouldn’t their story freeze like Alice’s every time someone left? Why did the Spinner not have an issue with these incidents? Also how the heck did the redheaded man leave to find Alice those times if the rest of the people in her story were frozen at the beginning? Wouldn’t he have been frozen too?

The characters. I felt that the characters were okay. I saw that she was trying to make Finch want to be in the Hinterland for real because his life wasn’t that great but we more saw the chip on his shoulder about being rich. His character was so happy and “everything is fine” that his betrayal of Alice and ultimate goal to go to the Hinterland felt a tad bit disjointed. Alice herself had to grow on me but at the same time, I really liked how the author made her not want to need people. There were some really well-done moments to do with that particular characteristic. I wish she would have foreshadowed the fact that Alice’s anger had a reason behind it. We find out at the end that she’d still had some of the ice in her left over from her story which I thought was a really neat detail and I think it would have been an even stronger moment in the story if there had been some more ground laid for that revelation.

The beginning. The beginning was a bit jarring for me because it felt like an info dump of Alice’s background. That being said, Alice’s background and how she grew up becomes crucial to the story but I still would have liked maybe a prologue showing them feeling from some bad luck? Which I think was sort of there at the very beginning and then, like she had, more flashbacks about how she grew up.

Overall, I really did love this story. I’m excited to see what Melissa Albert writes next and still hope that she’ll release more of those amazingly dark fairytales in the future!

What did you think of The Hazel Wood? Do you agree with points or is there something I missed? Join the conversation and let me know!

[abandonnedfantrashheap]

A summery #libraryhaul while hiding from the heat . QOTD: do you guys visit/use your local library?? I love mine!! . Sidenotes: no, my mirror isn’t actually that dirty. Haha. It’s just very old. And yes, I have already read three of these books ... I just had to check them out for photos / quotes. . #thehandsomegirlandherbeautifulboy #thehazelwood #theybothdieattheend #offireandstars #asnickerofmagic @btgottfred @melissaalbertauthor @adamsilvera @brashbook #bookstagram #bookhaul #bookreview #bookrecommendations #booksofinstagram #amreading #calgarylibrary @calgarylibrary #bibliophile

[rachaelsmithessentials]

1/5 ⭐️ Checkout my review of The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert on my blog (link in bio). Probably my least favorite book ever. I didn’t like the story or the writing but I really was hoping to love this book. . . . #lovereading #bookish #booklove #readstagram #vscocam #totalbooknerd #yabooks #yalit #bookishthings #reader #bookstagramfeature #bookblogger #blogger #bookish #readmore #bookishfeatures #bookphotography #bookstagram #bookworm #bookaholic #thehazelwood #melissaalbert #review #bookreview #bookishcandle #thehinterlands #fairylootexclusive