zoeyreadsbooks 's review for:

Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews
5.0
dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A huge thank you to NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for an ARC of this book.

I absolutely devoured this story. I normally don’t enjoy the summer, but this book made me want to lie in an overgrown garden on a hot day. I loved this depiction of botanical horror and how the vivid plant-like imagery and metaphors seeped into all aspects of the story. 

Evander and Laurie felt so real and genuine to me. Their interactions were so endearing and their connection was unquestionable even before the mysteries that lay between them were uncovered. 

I was able to guess some aspects of the plot, but that didn’t even matter to me since I was so absorbed in the atmosphere and C.G. Drews’ captivating prose. Certain moments had me so stressed for the characters that it felt like a vine tightening around my heart. The eeriness of the garden could be felt off the page. 

Overall, this book is a wonderful mix of mystery, romance, and botanical horror. I definitely see myself rereading this in the future.