The Darkest Part of the Forest

Holly Black

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"The Darkest Part of the Forest" by Holly Black is a young adult urban fantasy novel that delves into the world of Faerie through the eyes of siblings Hazel and Ben in the town of Fairfold. The story revolves around a horned boy in a glass coffin in the woods, whose awakening disrupts the fragile peace between humans and Folk. Hazel and Ben, along with their friends, find themselves entangled in a series of events that challenge their perceptions and force them to confront their destinies. The writing style is described as descriptive, engaging, and rich in mythology, blending reality with fantasy elements seamlessly.

Characters:

The characters are complex and relatable, highlighting themes of bravery, familial bonds, and personal identity. Hazel embodies strength and secrecy, while Ben navigates his artistic vulnerabilities and sexuality.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and atmospheric, marrying dark fantasy elements with relatable contemporary issues while presenting character backstories through reflective flashbacks.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intertwines the lives of humans and magical beings in a small town, focusing on hazards and choices that arise from bargains made with the Folk, leading to conflicts that endanger both the protagonists and their community.

Setting:

The setting features the small town of Fairfold, characterized by its coexistence with magical beings, creating a backdrop that emphasizes both the enchantment and peril stemming from the Folk.

Pacing:

The pacing begins with a slower buildup to establish characters and conflicts, eventually transitioning to a more dynamic rhythm filled with action and revelations.

Down a path worn into the woods, past a stream and a hollowed-out log full of pill bugs and termites, was a glass coffin. It rested right on the ground, and in it slept a boy with horns on his head an...

Notes:

The story is set in the small town of Fairfold, which is famous for its magical inhabitants, the Folk.

Hazel Evans makes a questionable deal with the Folk to grant her brother Ben a chance to go to music school but at a great personal cost.

The central conflict revolves around Hazel's struggle to reclaim the years she lost after making her deal with the Folk.

Tourists flock to Fairfold to see a horned boy in a glass coffin, who is central to the town's myths.

The awakening of the horned boy leads to chaos in Fairfold, connecting human and faerie worlds.

The book explores strong sibling dynamics between Hazel and Ben, and their relationship is a key theme.

Hazel trains as a knight for the Folk over the years, showcasing her resilience and bravery.

Ben, Hazel's brother, grapples with his musical gift, which is both a blessing and a curse due to its power.

Jack, a changeling raised by humans, brings a unique perspective to the story as he navigates between two worlds.

The narrative avoids typical romance tropes by featuring complex relationships that don't rely on cliched dynamics.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, sexual situations, and discussions of mental health issues, reflecting the complexity of the characters' experiences.

Has Romance?

The book contains a medium level of romance, with romantic interests woven into the main storyline but not overshadowing the central themes.

implied steam level

From The Publisher:

A girl makes a secret sacrifice to the faerie king in this lush New York Times bestselling fantasy by author Holly Black

In the woods is a glass coffin. It rests on the ground, and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives….

Hazel and her brother, Ben, live in Fairfold, where humans and the Folk exist side by side. Since they were children, Hazel and Ben have been telling each other stories about the boy in the glass coffin, that he is a prince and they are valiant knights, pretending their prince would be different from the other faeries, the ones who made cruel bargains, lurked in the shadows of trees, and doomed tourists. But as Hazel grows up, she puts aside those stories. Hazel knows the horned boy will never wake.

Until one day, he does….

As the world turns upside down, Hazel has to become the knight she once pretended to be.

The Darkest Part of the Forest is bestselling author Holly Black's triumphant return to the opulent, enchanting faerie tales that launched her YA career.

Ratings (43)

Incredible (2)
Loved It (20)
Liked It (12)
It Was OK (7)
Did Not Like (1)
Hated It (1)

Reader Stats (112):

Read It (43)
Want To Read (56)
Did Not Finish (1)
Not Interested (12)

5 comment(s)

shebephoebe

2 months

Feb 16, 2016 - content

StephB

Loved It

5 months

I really enjoyed this dark fae tale. Fae, in general, are not my favorite, but I really enjoy the darker lore Holly Black brings to her books. The narration was well done.

Bekahpaige

It Was OK

7 months

Fun light alt fairytale

allcat219

Liked It

1 year

Kinda slow in the beginning and hard to get into, but loved the overall story and romance elements.

Rebecca McKenzie

Incredible

2 years

If you love creative writing then you will be presently thrilled with Holly black. The detail from start to end. Spooky and mysterious just how I like it. the beauty in her writing is powerful, equally as interesting pushing your imagination to it's limit.

A must must read.

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