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The Hazel Wood

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018

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Book Brief

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Melissa Albert

The Hazel Wood

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2018
Book Details
Pages

359

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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Super Short Summary

In The Hazel Wood, 17-year-old Alice Proserpine embarks on a perilous journey to the sinister Hinterland, the setting of her reclusive grandmother's enigmatic book, to rescue her mother after she is abducted. Along the way, Alice uncovers dark truths about her family and her own identity, revealing a supernatural connection to the tales within her grandmother’s famed literary work, Tales from the Hinterland. The novel contains graphic violence and themes of trauma and identity crises.

Mysterious

Dark

Suspenseful

Fantastical

Adventurous

Reviews & Readership

3.9

103,535 ratings

56%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert captivates with its dark fairy tale allure and lush prose. Readers praise its imaginative world-building and intricately woven plot. However, some criticize the pacing and found the ending less satisfying. Overall, it remains a compelling choice for fans of fantasy and mystery, despite mixed feelings about its conclusion.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Hazel Wood?

Fans of dark fairy tales and intricate storytelling, along the lines of The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern or Caraval by Stephanie Garber, will find much to love in Melissa Albert's The Hazel Wood. Readers who enjoy young adult fantasy with a mysterious, gothic twist are sure to be captivated.

3.9

103,535 ratings

56%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Character List

Alice Proserpine (Alice Crewe)

Alice is a high school senior and the protagonist, narrating her story in first-person point of view. She grows up leading a transitory lifestyle with her mother, Ella, and seeks stability and understanding of her identity.

Alice’s mother, who has lived a nomadic life with Alice to escape a mysterious connection to another world. She is resourceful and devoted, striving to protect Alice.

Mother to Ella, Althea is an enigmatic figure known for her mysterious book of tales. Her background in exploring otherworldly stories significantly impacts the narrative, though much remains shrouded in mystery.

A curious ally of Alice with a strong interest in Althea’s stories. He helps Alice in her quest and provides support and resources due to his connections.

Ella’s wealthy husband who marries her hoping for stability. He becomes embroiled in the story due to his marriage to Ella and has a strained relationship with Alice.

Harold’s daughter from a previous marriage, who initially seems aloof and popular. Her relationship with Alice includes a layer of rivalry tempered by shared experiences.

A mentor figure and a guide to characters navigating the otherworld, offering wisdom and support from her own deep connections to the story’s world.

An allegorical figure within the narrative who manages and oversees the unfolding of stories. Her role is symbolic of the creative and deterministic forces present within storytelling.

Book Details
Pages

359

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2018

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

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