The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

Title: The Hazel Wood
Author: Melissa Albert
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Fairy Tale Retellings
Year of Publication: 2018
Date of Publication: January 30, 2018
Pages: 368
ISBN: 9781250147905

Summary of The Hazel Wood

Main Plot & Characters

The Hazel Wood centers on Alice Crewe, a teenage girl who has spent her life constantly on the move with her mother, Ella.

Bad luck seems to follow them wherever they go, forcing them to never settle in one place for long.

Alice’s estranged grandmother, Althea, is a reclusive and mysterious author of Tales from the Hinterland, a collection of dark fairy tales with a devoted cult following.

Despite Althea’s fame, Alice knows little about her or the strange stories connected to her book.

At the start of the story, Alice and Ella learn that Althea has died.

However, their fragile sense of safety is shattered when Ella is suddenly kidnapped by someone claiming to be from the Hinterland.

Determined to find her mother, Alice discovers that the Hinterland—and its haunting tales—may not be as fictional as she once believed.

To save her mother and uncover the truth about her family’s dark past, Alice must venture into the dangerous Hazel Wood, where the lines between reality and myth blur.

Key Themes

• Fairy Tale Reality: The story explores how dark fairy tales seep into the real world, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
• Family Legacy: The novel looks into Alice’s complicated relationship with her family, uncovering long-buried secrets.
• Fate and Choice: Throughout the book, Alice grapples with the tension between destiny and free will.
• Escaping the Past: Another central theme is how characters struggle to escape the consequences of their family’s dark history.

Writing Style

Melissa Albert’s writing pulls readers right into a magical world.

She uses lots of detailed descriptions to paint a clear picture. She also adds a modern twist, making the dark fairy tale setting feel fresh and unique.

Impact of The Hazel Wood

The Hazel Wood mysterious plot, complex characters, and darkly enchanting world makes it a good read for fans of fantasy and young adult fiction.

What are your thoughts on this book? Have you had a chance to read it? Let us know in the comments!