*Received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review- but the gushing you’re about to see is all me*
Many of you probably know how much I loved the Hazel Wood (and if you didn’t, here’s your daily reminder 😉) which is why I was nervously excited to read its sequel. Fortunately, while the first worked well as a standalone, there was much to appreciate about this second instalment.
Re-entering Alice’s world, the subtle opening worked its magic on me. Slowly it built up the mystery, hiding more stories within stories, and expanding into new territory. More than ever, Albert demonstrated that this isn’t just inspired by fairy tales, giving us that gothic touch that I admired so much in the original.
Best of all, the characters were still raw and real. The new characters were welcome additions, but I had felt there was room for growth for the two main leads- and that’s what we got here. I especially liked where the story took Ellery Finch. And I felt Alice, with some of her sharp edges blunted, felt more relatable to me here. In many ways, she was just a girl, out of place, trying to find her way, giving this a stronger coming of age element.
As with her debut, Albert’s writing talent shined through. There were so many stunning sentences and beautifully balanced images. Images that blew me away at times. And many, many ingenious references.
Now, despite masterful craft employed here, I have to admit that large parts of this weren’t as compelling as the first. Much of the structure felt meandering and formless. Personally, I felt it could have benefited from a tighter plot. I found I fell out the story somewhere in the middle…
…though luckily I was captured again by the end. Because when this book had me, it had me. Keeping me up well into the dark hours of the night, I found I was hooked by the mind-blowing and meta finale. All the threads that had spun out in the narrative drew together in a satisfying conclusion. Without delving into spoilers, I can safely say it delivered something special. Sure, it wasn’t perfect- but for all its flaws I was still left one satisfied monkey:
Rating: 4/5 bananas
So, if you’re already a fan of the Hazel Wood, I think this is worth your time. And if you haven’t read the first one yet- then what are you waiting for?! Go ahead and read it!
Also I have to include this, cos *PRETTY*, just look at this UK edition:
How gorgeous? Which edition do you prefer? Cos I can’t choose between them! And have you read this? Do you plan to? Let me know in the comments!
Sounds good. I saw this on Amazon and wondered about it. Would I like it was the question? Maybe I will try to get the first book and decide.
Great review. Glad the book had you
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Oh definitely recommend the first one! Thank you! 😀
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I liked the UK version
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I hear you- it’s gorgeous!
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Ooof… Both of them are so pretty. 😍
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I know right?!
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I think I was in the minority, but I found Hazelwood a difficult read. Enough that even with your great review, I think I would still shy away from the sequel. Glad you enjoyed it though!
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Ah I think there were a few people that felt the same. And that makes sense. Thank you!
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THERE IS A SEQUEL?? I’m definitely going to read it, hopefully within 2020!
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Ahh I hope you like it!!
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The UK version is so beautiful 🤗
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Ahh I know right!!
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Glad you liked it! I loved The Hazel Wood so am excited to jump into this!
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Thank you! Awesome!
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I prefer the UK edition! And honestly I have avoided book two as I based on the reviews that I have read (and positive reviews) I don’t think that one would rok for me.
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I get why- it’s stunning! That’s fair enough!
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Personally I prefer the look of the UK Edition. I haven’t read Hazelwood, but considering how much you have enjoyed the second one I will add it to my TBR list.
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Ah I totally get that- it’s gorgeous! Awesome! I liked the first one even more- so highly recommend it!
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I was a huge fan of The Hazel Wood. It had such a dark and eerie aura attached to whimsicalness. It was a perfect balance. Though this doesn’t sound like it hits the same notes as the first, I’m still looking forward to re-entering this wonderland. I’m glad you enjoyed it for the most part! Great review 😀
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Oh completely agree and love your description of it 😀 Yeah it wasn’t quite the same- but I feel like that’s a really hard standard to live upto and I still really liked it (and want to reread both of them! :D) Thank you!
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