Book Review: Hazelthorn by CG Drews
As a self-proclaimed lover of all things haunting and enchanting, Hazelthorn caught my attention for many reasons—Gothic vibes, a murder mystery, and the promise of a unique romance woven through botanical horror. And let’s not forget about the author, CG Drews. Known for her ability to craft immersive tales, I’ve been eagerly diving into her books, and let me just say: Hazelthorn did not disappoint!
From the very first pages, I was drawn into the eerie world of Evander, our lovable main character navigating a life riddled with internal struggles. What struck me most about Evander is the authentic representation of his experiences as an autistic individual. This representation isn’t just a side note; it’s woven deeply into the fabric of the story. I saw so much of myself in him—the struggles with autonomy, the complex emotions of shame and grief. It’s a rarity to find such nuanced exploration in YA literature, and Drews handles it beautifully. As Evander grapples with his feelings for Laurie, it becomes painfully clear how these relationships expose the raw truths of vulnerability, desire, and pain.
The romance between Evander and Laurie is a whirlwind of yearning and tension, delicately crafted into a tapestry of gothic horror. Their connection is electric yet fraught with complications—a perfect embodiment of the "dislike to lovers" trope that had me rooting for them like a fervent fan at the climax of a movie. Their relationship is one of duality: they both want to be near each other, but the ghosts of their pasts loom large. One quote perfectly encapsulates this: “If he could dig fingernails into the sides of Laurie’s face and peel back the mask, he would…”
The murder mystery adds another captivating layer. The twists and turns kept me on my toes, reminiscent of Knives Out, which I can’t help but compare it to because of its intricate plot and engaging dialogues. CG Drews has mastered the art of foreshadowing; tiny details woven into the narrative tease at future revelations, making you feel like a detective piecing together a larger puzzle. Even as I speculated on what would happen next, I found myself so engrossed that I couldn’t put the book down, even when things turned spooky enough to make me pause my reading at night.
Drews’s prose is poetic and visceral, evoking a strong sense of place and feeling. She has a talent for crafting images that linger long after the book is closed. "He wishes his brain moved in one direction, not a dozen all at the same time…"—this line hits hard, resonating with anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed by their own thoughts.
In a landscape saturated with fantasy books, Hazelthorn carves its own niche, masterfully blending romance, horror, and self-discovery. This story isn’t just meant for typical fans of YA; it speaks to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, anyone who has yearned for connection amidst chaos. It will leave you reflecting long after the last page.
I highly recommend Hazelthorn to those who relish dark tales tinged with romance and mystery. Whether you’re a fan of horror, a lover of beautifully crafted narratives, or just someone in search of relatable representation, this book is for you. CG Drews has solidified her place as one of my favorite YA horror novel authors, and I can’t wait to see what she conjures up next. Thank you, NetGalley, CG Drews, and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for the ARC!
Discover more about Hazelthorn on GoodReads >>