Nettle by Bex Hogan 🌿 A Dark, Enchanting Faery Tale

Nettle by Bex Hogan is a bewitching tale inspired by faery myth and folklore, taking readers on a captivating journey through a dark and dangerous fae kingdom. This young adult fantasy weaves together the enchantment of the faery realm with the treacherous consequences of striking bargains with the fae. Following the determined and curious protagonist, Nettle, readers are plunged into a world where nothing is as it seems, and the cost of desire may be too high to pay. With beautifully crafted prose and an unforgettable fae world, Nettle is an alluring read for fans of dark, whimsical fantasy.

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Inspired by faery myth and folklore, the haunting, heart wrenching tale of a girl called Nettle in a dark, foreboding faery kingdom.

A wild misfit in the human world, Nettle is enthralled by the glamour of the faery realm, with its two moons and scarlet stars. She grows close to Conor, a human stolen centuries before, and she also falls under the spell of mysterious Ellion, a Shadow Faery. To try to help her beloved grandmother who is fading in her world, Nettle makes a pact with the faery king. He’ll heal her grandmother in exchange for Nettle completing three tasks. She agrees, not realising that deception lurks in this enchanted place, and that she has been tricked…

In this dangerous fantasy kingdom Nettle discovers, too late, her part in an age-old love story and the price she will pay.

As the protagonist, Nettle is a wonderfully complex and relatable character. She’s clever, determined, and filled with a curiosity that makes her journey through the faery world enthralling. From the moment she steps into the faery realm to save her beloved grandmother, Nettle’s resourcefulness and creativity shine as she navigates the impossible tasks set by the Faery King. Her strength and vulnerability make her a protagonist you can’t help but root for.

Conor, a human who has been trapped in the faery world for centuries, serves as both a friend and guide to Nettle. His curse and tragic backstory give him depth, and he plays an essential role in helping Nettle avoid some of the dangers that lurk in the fae kingdom. His presence as a grounded, human figure contrasts the magical, deceptive world around him.

Ellion, a brooding and mysterious Shadow Faery, adds a layer of intrigue to the story. Though aloof and seemingly detached, his true motivations gradually unfold as he becomes more involved in Nettle’s journey. His character, balancing between ally and potential threat, makes for an engaging romantic interest with typical fae detachment.

The Faery King is the story’s dark and cruel antagonist, giving Nettle three impossible tasks to complete. His deep hatred for humans and pining for the Faery Queen add to the eerie atmosphere of the fae realm. His unpredictable nature and the high-stakes tasks he sets make him a chilling figure.

The plot of Nettle immediately draws readers in, beginning with Nettle falling through a patch of nettles into the dangerous fae realm. From there, she strikes a deal with the Faery King in exchange for healing her grandmother. The impossible tasks Nettle faces create a tense, high-stakes narrative that propels the story forward.

The world-building is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the fae realm. From the Goblin Market to enchanted forests with winding paths, Hogan’s creation of this magical world invites readers to explore despite its inherent dangers. Nettle’s ingenuity in completing the seemingly impossible tasks makes the story exciting, and her growing relationship with Conor and Ellion adds layers of emotional complexity to the tale.

The book masterfully balances moments of danger with glimpses of fae glamour—fae balls, magical creatures, and hidden dangers are all woven seamlessly into the story. Each interaction Nettle has with the fae and other humans reveals more about the rules and cruelties of this magical world. The twist at the end, revealing the true reason behind the Faery King’s demands, is emotionally impactful and ties the narrative together beautifully.

Bex Hogan’s writing is enchanting, drawing readers into the magical and menacing world of the fae. The prose has a fairy-tale quality, but the darkness of the fae realm is ever-present. The whimsical and often haunting tone keeps readers on edge, creating a balance between wonder and unease. Hogan’s ability to craft immersive scenes while maintaining the unpredictability of the fae makes Nettle a truly captivating read.

At its core, Nettle explores themes of sacrifice, the consequences of making deals with the fae, and the importance of loyalty to friends and family. Nettle’s journey is driven by her desire to save her grandmother, highlighting the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. As Nettle discovers, every action in the fae world comes with a cost.

Nettle fits perfectly within the fae-inspired fantasy genre, delivering a dark, whimsical story with a unique twist. Fans of fae tales, especially those who enjoy the more sinister side of the fae, will find much to love in this book. Hogan’s portrayal of the fae as both beautiful and dangerous echoes classic fae lore while adding her own fresh spin on the genre.

Positives of Nettle

• Engaging protagonist with strong character development.
• Immersive world-building with rich fae lore and magical creatures.
• A well-crafted balance between dark fae elements and whimsical fantasy.
• Intriguing tasks that challenge Nettle’s creativity and determination.
• Strong supporting characters who complement the protagonist’s journey.
• A twist ending that adds depth and emotion to the story.

Negatives of Nettle

• Some readers may find certain plot points predictable due to familiar fae tropes.
• The fae world’s vague layout could make it difficult for some readers to fully envision the setting.
• The romance subplot, while engaging, may feel secondary to the overall plot for some.

Nettle by Bex Hogan is a beautifully written fae tale that offers a dark and whimsical journey through a magical, yet treacherous, world. With strong characters, immersive world-building, and enchanting prose, the story captures the essence of fae mythology while adding fresh twists. Though the book leans on some familiar fae tropes, the clever and determined protagonist, along with the high-stakes plot, make Nettle a compelling and memorable read. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and fae tales alike.

I received Nettle by Bex Hogan from the publisher. This is an unbiased and honest review

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