Fantasy Fiction isn’t normally for me, but I may have to rethink my whole life after reading The Hazel Wood.

This book has really left a mark on me. I can honestly read this time and time again (and I WILL) and not be disappointed. Genuinely obsessed.

The plot:

Alice was raised on the road by her mother, Ella, whom, when running away from all the bad luck they’ve been having, receives a letter saying Alice’s grandmother (Althea) has died on her estate, the Hazel Wood.

Althea is a reclusive author of a cult-classic book of pitch-dark fairy tales, Tales of the Hinterland. Ella is then taken away by a figure claiming to come from the Hinterland, and this is when it becomes more sinister.

Classmate and avid fan of Althea’s work, Ellery Finch, sets out alongside Alice to find her mother, with only one message to help… “Stay away from the Hazel Wood”.

Spooked? Yeah, me too.

From my point of view, it’s like a messed up psychological twist on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

I was a bit dubious because when a review inside the book states “get ready for this book to mess you up in the best way possible”, a girl can’t help but eye-roll. I can now agree with the aforementioned statement and retract any eye-rolling.

This book is genuinely terrifying – I read it in one sitting and was home alone. I was flinching at everything, I kid you not. I’m pretty sure I forgot to breathe at times. From my point of view, it’s like a messed up psychological twist on Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland.

I would be totally down to read Tales of the Hinterland if Albert was ever to release this on the side, despite knowing how horrifically scared I would be.

The covers for this book are absolutely divine, I’m going to buy the hardback just to stare at.

Bookmark That approved. 10/10. Absolutely LOVED. 

The Hazel Wood, Melissa Albert, RRP £7.99 (paperback); Waterstones.