Hazelthorn by CG Drews

Anyone who knows me has heard me rave—probably more than once—about Don't Let the Forest In. It was hands-down the best book I read in 2024, so when I had the opportunity to get my hands on C.G. Drews’ newest novel Hazelthorn before release, I was over the moon. And let me tell you—I was not disappointed in the least.

From the very first page, Drews wraps you in a chilling, lyrical embrace. The writing is once again gorgeously atmospheric, each sentence steeped in tension and dark beauty. Evander’s life at the Hazelthorn estate is as claustrophobic as it is mesmerizing, bound by strict rules meant to keep him safe—or so he’s been told. But when Byron Lennox-Hall dies and Evander inherits the sprawling, vine-choked grounds, the thin line between safety and danger frays fast.

The mystery is riveting: a possible murder, an uneasy alliance with Laurie—the boy who once tried to kill Evander—and a garden that feels terrifyingly alive. The creeping botanical body horror is vivid and unsettling, a perfect match for fans of Annihilation or We Have Always Lived in the Castle. The garden itself becomes a character, its slow, invasive hunger as menacing as any human threat.

What makes Hazelthorn shine, though, is Drews’ unparalleled skill in blending lush imagery with heart-pounding suspense. You don’t just read this book—you breathe it in, spores and all. By the end, I felt both haunted and awestruck.

Verdict: Hazelthorn is a must-read gothic horror that will sink its roots deep into your mind and stay there long after you’ve turned the last page. Drews has done it again.

***Release Date: October 28, 2025

Comments

Another by Paul Tremblay

In Another , Paul Tremblay offers a gripping, unsettling tale that explores themes of alienation, identity, and the supernatural through the lens of middle-grade horror. The novel follows Casey Wilson, a young boy struggling with the aftermath of a traumatic event known only as the "Zoom Incident." With tics worsening and a strained relationship with his peers, Casey feels more isolated than ever—until a mysterious boy named Morel shows up for an extended sleepover that quickly takes a dark turn. Morel is unlike any friend Casey has known. His clay-like skin and silent demeanor set him apart, yet Casey's parents, once warm and supportive, begin to lavish attention on the strange newcomer, much to Casey's growing unease. As Morel's presence grows more dominant and unsettling, Casey begins to realize that his family is slipping further away, and he fears the boy might be replacing him altogether. The tension builds as Casey struggles to reclaim his place in a worl...

Season of the Monster I: Spring by AJ Humphreys

AJ Humphreys’ Season of the Monster, Part 1: Spring delivers a gripping and innovative twist on the monster genre, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This first installment introduces us to Ghini Freeman, a tenacious single mother whose world is upended when her thirteen-year-old daughter vanishes during a class field trip. Despite the passage of six months, Ghini remains relentless in her search, embodying a mother’s unwavering determination and refusal to surrender to despair. Humphreys crafts a narrative that seamlessly blends the ordinary with the extraordinary. Set in a small mountain town, the story’s familiarity is juxtaposed with the eerie and the supernatural, creating a compelling backdrop for the unfolding mystery. The plot takes a sharp turn when a detective points out Ghini’s mysterious doppelgänger, sparking the fuse to a series of events that suggest her daughter’s disappearance may be linked to something far more sinister than initially im...

Justice League/Aquaman: Drowned Earth by Scott Snyder & Dan Abnett

Justice League/Aquaman: Drowned Earth is a high-stakes crossover event that plunges the DC Universe into an epic battle between gods and heroes. Written by Scott Snyder and Dan Abnett, this graphic novel brings together some of DC's most iconic characters—Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman—in a fight against ancient Ocean Lords bent on vengeance. The story begins with the rise of the Ocean Lords, ancient sea gods who have a deep and personal grudge against Aquaman and the Justice League. As they unleash a cosmic flood to drown the Earth, aided by Black Manta and his devastating armada, the heroes are faced with a seemingly impossible task: save the world from being completely submerged. The plot is packed with action, blending Snyder's characteristic intensity with Abnett's expertise in Aquaman lore, delivering a spectacle that fans of both creators will appreciate. Aquaman takes center stage in this story, making it a must-read for his fans. His personal co...

Sequel's Book Nook

Search This Blog