Book Review: The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Title: The Darkest Part of the Forest
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: Orion, Indigo,
Publication Date: 5th February 2015
Synopsis: Near the little town of Fairfold, in the darkest part of the forest, lies a glass casket. Inside the casket lies a sleeping faerie prince that none can rouse. He's the most fascinating thing Hazel and her brother Ben have ever seen. They dream of waking him - but what happens when dreams come true? In the darkest part of the forest, you must be careful what you wish for...

Review: The hardest review to write has to be that of a book you loved. I am very much lost for words, because Holly Black has created her very own fairytale, with reality and fantasy the perfect mix. The Darkest Part of the Forest was a story like no other, a real fairy-tale of magic, bravery and truth.

From the opening line you are transported back to that childhood haven of the typical fairy story woodland, and here in Fairfold, along with this, they have their own marvel, the horned boy in the glass casket. This story however, follows siblings Hazel and Ben Evans, the mighty knight and musical bard, who are thrown into an even deeper magical world, when their sleeping prince awakes.

There is something about Holly's writing which seems to transport you right into the lives of the characters, so that you breathe the air they are breathing. She gives you the right concentration of fantasy so that you are lured into the possibility of this world, and the treasures it holds. Her characters are developed and distinguished, and they all bring something to the storyline. Nothing about this book was unnecessary, every conversation and scene contributed to the plot so that the story ran smoothly. Holly's writing is so beautiful and poetic, you are almost taken on this ride in a trance -as if you were caught by Ben's music.

As a Holly Black fan, I can safely say that The Darkest Part of the Forest is my favourite read of hers to date! I love a strong fantasy read, and have read many, but this one definitely comes out right near the top. And I cannot wait for it to be released into the world so others can experience the magic that I felt throughout this story.

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