Darkest Part of the Forest
By: Holly Black
Although this book is labeled as a romance, do not let it fool you. Holly Black’s “Darkest Part of the Forest” is filled with fantasy, thrills, and mystery.
Hazel and her brother Ben have grown up in the very unique town of Fairfold. In Fairfold humans and faeries exist side by side and tourists come from all over to experience the magic and mystery, but not all of them leave unharmed.
The main attraction of Fairfold is the horned boy in the glass coffin that lies in the middle of the woods. Both Hazel and Ben have been in love with him as long as they can remember. They would daydream about freeing their prince and having grand adventures. As much as they daydream and wish, the boy continues to sleep as he always has.
Until one day, he wakes up.
With the news of the horned prince’s awakening Fairfold is turned into chaos. Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight as she tries to save her town, her brother, all while being swept up in a new love.
If stories of magic and fairy tales intrigue you:
I’ve always been intrigued by stories of magic and fairy tales as a child and Holly Black had brought the essence of those types of stories and mixed them into a 21st century world. I loved the fact that Black did not have to set this story in another time period to keep the fantasy and magical part of the book believable. I would recommend this book to those of a high school age who like a touch of romance in their exciting fantasy books instead of a touch of excitement in their fantasy romance novels. If you are a lover of fairy tales then this book is full of lovely thrills and all around fun.
Review By: Allison Kartman