Hello everyone! How have you all been? I’ve been really busy. My oldest is back to school and the youngest is as wild as ever. I remember what it was like going back to school after a break, he was not happy about it.
I started editing my novel but I’m now thinking that it is crap, more crappy that I thought when I finished the draft originally. I know this must be common but, sometimes it just sucks. I’m not giving up though! I will edit this and make it something, I will finish this book. This is something that I’ve wanted for so long but I’ve never thought I was capable of doing. I started and I’m not one to give up…I will write this book and make it good.
Speaking of things I’m going to do…I’ve been doing a good job so far *knock on wood* of keeping active on my blog. How many of you have been keeping up with my posts? Please comment because I’d love to engage with more of you. What do you juggle on a daily basis?
Alright, enough blabbering…how about a review?
The Night Country (The Hazel Wood #2) 
Author: Melissa Albert
Published: January 7th, 2020
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Book Length: 352 Pages
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Buy the book: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository (Use my referral ID: TheBibliophagist)
Disclaimer: I received a copy via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
With Finch’s help, Alice escaped the Hinterland and her reclusive grandmother’s dark legacy. Now she and the rest of the dregs of the fairy tale world have washed up in New York City, where Alice is trying to make a new, unmagical life. But something is stalking the Hinterland’s survivors―and she suspects their deaths may have a darker purpose. Meanwhile, in the winking out world of the Hinterland, Finch seeks his own adventure, and―if he can find it―a way back home…
I loved the first book so when I saw this one was available to review, I knew I had to get my hands on a copy. Let’s start with the cover…ughhh. I love this! It gives you a sneak peek at what’s to come here. We see glimpses of many different stories. Stories you’ll love!
Melissa’s writing is dark and enticing, pulling you in. Much like The Hazel Wood, The Night Country does not waste any time throwing the reader into a mess of action. Too often the sequel of a book falls just a little flat. This is not the case. I think I actually liked this one more. The plot was well thought out, this book more than one story. Instead, this is a story of stories…stories that grow and fall, end and begin. It is amazing and I love how the tales were twisted together. It is a tale of the collapse of Hinterland. I never once felt like the story was dragging, it moved seamlessly.
Finch is someone I was really happy to learn more about here. The boy who never came home… He is so good and sweet at heart but handles everything thrown at him. I will admit that I was a little disappointed that the romantic arc didn’t end the way I thought it would. However, I love it at the same time. I’m not a huge romance person but I actually think I missed it a bit. It was refreshing to not have it shoved in your face though. At times I did question the timeline of the story. It is said to take place after the first book. It seems almost as if it is occurring alongside the first book but we see this from Finch’s POV. He really was my favorite character. I think there is a lot of potential here to make novellas of each story. We read of these tales defeating things, coming to the real world but we don’t know the characters of the story. Sure, you could use basic popular tales but I’d love to really see some short stories exploring the lives of the other characters.
New faces and old accompany us through this dark tale. We really see the author’s almost poetic writing style shine. With relatable characters, a fast pace, and a twisting plot, this is a wonderful read. It makes a bittersweet sequel to the first book. I do wish there were more dark, gothic, creepy tales here but it doesn’t take away from the story.
What do you think? Is this book something you’d enjoy to read? Have you read it, what did you think? Did you read the first book? Post your review links below. I’d love to take a look!
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