Evander is a living ghost in the forgotten corners of Hazelthron. He’s been there ever since he was taken in by his reclusive billionaire guardian, Byron Lennox-Hall, after the deaths of his parents. He’s only ever been given three rules to follow: He can never leave the estate. He can never go into the gardens. And most importantly, he can never again be left alone with Byron’s charming and underachieving grandson Laurie.

The last rule was the most difficult for him because Laurie, who’s parents died in the same accident that killed Evander’s, is his most secret obsession. Against all his survival instincts, because Laurie tried to kill him when they were kids, Evander cannot forget the gold of his hair or the shine in his eyes. And now Laurie might be the only one who can help him.

This is a queer horror story that fills the pages with atmosphere. In the same way that C.G. Drews previous book (a standalone queer horror) Don’t Let The Forest In, this book contains mystery, angst, madness and love. Evander’s reclusive, anti-social and probable mentally unstable behavior is so well-written that I felt the emotions myself. I grew furious with the injustices that happened to Laurie. I feared the piece-by-piece reveal of the mysteries hidden in Hazelthorn! It was a tragically gorgeous story in all the best ways.

This is a book for anyone who loves queer gothic horror, the slow building anticipation of a locked-room mystery solved, and stories with just a touch of madness.

I'm in shock. Bewildered. C.G. Drew has completely taken my breath away. I'm amazed at how effortlessly this book pulled me into its pages and kept me enthralled until the very last sentence, lingering even after I closed it.

This author has done it once more. They rendered me speechless, my thoughts stumbling as I tried to articulate a coherent response. Yet, nothing emerged. What can I possibly express about a lonely, anxious boy who hasn't left Hazeltorn in seven years?
Whose voice is strained from disuse after so much time in silence? Who is pursuing the notion of being normal, despite not even understanding what normal truly means?

This book defies genre classification. It transitions from a psychological thriller to a murder mystery, touches on almost vampire-like elements, delves into horror, and then returns to psychological themes, all while igniting a terrifying craving for more.

I adored the suffocating atmosphere of an ancient mansion being gradually consumed by the encroaching gardens... Gardens that Evander, our main character, is never meant to explore. For his own safety. At least, that's what he's told by those who, of course, have his best interests at heart.

Such an interesting read! This author is slowly becoming my favorite! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

"'Let me ruin myself on you.'"

WOW. CG Drews continues to blow me away with their control on language. The visceral imagery used for such tender emotions has been amplified tenfold since Don't Let the Forest In. They've really mastered the unreliable narrator; I still don't know what was real and what wasn't. I also like how Drews doesn't overuse blood or gore or body horror elements. I think that's why they're so much more gruseome and unsetlting when they do happen.

If I had to find somethng to critique, I'd say there are times it's hard to tell what exactly is happening at times, and what is Evander's memories or imagination. I also think the eventual buildup of a romance between Evander and Laurie was a little fast. But neither of these take away from the captivating plot.

This is perfect for fans of their last book and Knives Out, and dare I say even Saltburn. Messed up, a little queer, and beautiful illustrations to boot, Hazelthorn is definitely one of my favorite reads this month.

The details and writing were beautiful and gave me anxiety all at once. I love C. G. Drews’ ideas and how her mind creates this scenes full of creepy botanicals mixed with queer sexual tension. Would definitely read her books again.

I would say I’m in the minority that this is a 5 star book and would more closely give it a 3.75. Though I loved reading it, it felt somewhat predictable and some of the breadcrumbs were more like pieces of bread. But anyway. Still would recommend.

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

The way it was CG’s books that got me hooked on what I have dubbed “wtf is wrong with the woods” subgenre of horror. I mean seriously THIS WAS GREAT. Poor Evander, being used and abused and taken advantage of. And Laurie—forced to make himself small and hated, living in perpetual misery his entire life.

Sigh.

I do love myself a well written book and I’m so thankful that I was sent an eARC from the publisher. Unsolicited eARC emails are THE BOMB. thank you guys so much and thank you CG for another fabulous book.

This is an absolute masterpiece!

I absolutely loved this gothic horror..

After reading Don't let the Forest in, I was intrigued and Captived by this author's writing style.

This was in a way surprisingly cozy and cute, a friends to maybe lovers, ya gothic mystery with a ton of creepy vibes and a solid plot that weaves the story around the two boys and creepy estate like the carnivorous garden with a thirst for blood.

Definitely recommend giving this a go, especially with it's release close to the spooky season.
The perfect book for fall in my opinion.

This was one of my most wanted books to read this year I was so thrilled to get accepted for an ARC!!

This story was AMAZING, I will absolutely be reading Don’t Let The Forest In as well. I typically hate reading books where the MC is male, but I didn’t care at all here. Which speaks volumes for how well it’s written

CG Drews has done it again. The unearthly dread entwined with utter devotion in this Gothic horror crossbred with queer romance had me kicking my feet I loved it so much. Much like the garden getting a taste, I too couldn't let it go.

Such a pleasantly surprising tale. Drews yet again brings the Gothic, overgrown, out of control vibes that are just immaculate. The plot is a bit like Clue in reverse - everyone shows up after the body is found rather than before. But everyone remains a suspect and everyone is unreliable in their knowledge of what's going on. You can't help but love Evander and root for him (no pun intended), and the ending was extremely satisfying. I paused my reading in the middle to go online and pre-order a hardback copy because I will definitely want to revist this one. Couldn't ask for better.

CG Drew’s does it AGAIN. An AMAZING and reflective story that haunts me long after I turn the last page. This was even better than “Don’t Let The Forest In” In my opinion. CG Drew’s is one of the greatest authors of our time. I highly recommend this story.

If you haven’t read a book by CG Drews yet, this is your sign to do it so we can all be haunted together. They’re easily becoming one of my favorite authors.

Evander is too much - too sick, too weak… too wrong. He’s haunted by memories of Laurie. He’s haunted by Hazelthorn… living, breathing… the garden wants in. It wants HIM.

When the Lennox-Hall patriarch dies, it all becomes his: the house, the fortune, the garden… or does he belong to it now?

Hazelthorn is visceral, gruesome, harrowing. CG Drew’s boldly addresses the impact abuse has on survivors - the rage, the shame, the vulnerability and helplessness. The ending is a powerful statement on being loved despite everything that makes us feel monstrous.

(I CRIED ok.)

oh Hazelthorn.. where do i even BEGIN?!?

Don’t Let the Forest In was one of my favorite reads from last year so i was absolutely thrilled to start this and also terrified for it to end.

I have tried writing a more “analytic” review about all of the parts of this book several times but I can’t explain everything this book made me feel. what i do know is that this book was a religious experience for me. the writing was absolutely beautiful. but laurie and evander?? BEAUTIFUL. Evander is unreliable and angry, Laurie is avoidant and secretive, we can’t decide if we like each other and we also have a lot of trauma and rage. but my god do they make it WORK.

this book will forever haunt me in the best of ways: the atmosphere, the horror, the romance, the plants, the rot. it was grotesque and made my chest ache and i literally can not wait to hold a physical copy in my hand.

the biggest of thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Feiwel & Friends, CG Drew and NetGalley for the ARC of this masterpiece in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and CG Drews for the ARC.

Please judge this book by its cover. If the darkly enchanting artwork of <i>Hazelthorn</i> catches your eye, you’re likely the perfect reader for this Gothic-horror, murder mystery infused with botanical dread and a dash of queer romance.

I didn’t realize until after requesting this ARC that CG Drews also authored <i>Don’t Let the Forest In</i>, which I’ve heard great things about and now plan to read even sooner based on how much I enjoyed <i>Hazelthorn</i>. I went into this book mostly blind, and I’m glad I did. The atmosphere unraveled beautifully.

The prose is lush and vividly descriptive, weaving a sensory experience that lingers. As a plant lover, I was especially drawn to the eerie beauty of its setting. I hadn’t encountered the "botanical horror" sub-genre by name before, but I’m fully on board now. The contrast between lush, living growth and raw, visceral gore created a truly unique reading experience.

The novel opens with a gripping hook (an unsolved murder) but the pacing in the middle does slow and meander a bit before tightening again in the final act. Once it hits its stride, though, the story is sharp, strange, and emotionally layered. The ending packs a punch, leaving room for thoughtful interpretation around themes of trauma, justice, and neurodivergence.

I highly recommend reading the Author’s Note, where Drews shares their experience with a later-in-life autism diagnosis. It adds meaningful context to the novel’s exploration of otherness, self-perception, and the ache of being misunderstood.

This is going to be a perfect October read for my fellow weirdos when it releases.

Rating: 4.5/5

This book was fantastic. The prose is hauntingly beautiful and the characters are so well written I could feel myself aching with Evander. I read CG Drews’ book Don’t Let the Forest In and in my review said I wanted that story tattooed on my bones, this one can go directly on my heart. An absolutely emotional masterpiece.

I was so thrilled to be able to read this ARC and CG Drews did not disappoint. Hazelthorn is beautifully dark and suspenseful. I was instantly enamored with Evander and on the edge of my seat wanting to learn more about him. The autistic representation is very well written.
I can’t wait until I have the physical book in my hands!

Being able to get an Arc of this book actually made my year... and honestly I'm not even surprised by how incredible this book is. CG Drews writes so beautifully and I'm obsessed with all the botanical metaphors and descriptions. The characters were SO well written and the autistic representation just loved it so much. The plot twists were amazing and I kept thinking I had solved them and then quickly found out I was completely off track.I cried…. I laughed... I want to read it all again.

I extend my gratitude to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing the advance reader copy of this book!

This book possesses a haunting beauty and features truly remarkable elements. However, it ultimately did not resonate with me. I took a personal chance on this read, and I believe that is reflected in my rating.

The writing was exquisite, and the narrative was crafted with care. However, I found myself wishing for a deeper exploration of the characters' backgrounds and the story's context BUT I believe this book is for you if you appreciate a Gothic-queer romance, this book is certainly a worthwhile selection—beautiful yet also scary... in the best way.

The elements woven throughout the narrative and the exploration of various topics were handled with great care in my opinion.

Hazelthorn took my breath away from the first page. Evander is an amazing character who really sucks you in his feelings. Like him, you want to discover the secrets and have mixed feelings about Laurie. I loved every minute I spent reading this book.

Hauntingly beautiful and poetic, Hazelthorn left me wanting... No... Yearning for more of this mysterious story. I just loved how poetic the writing is and the pacing and plot pointing is done so smoothly,
From the very first pages I was pulled into this hauntingly dark tale that left me absolutely reeling with the surprise twists I was not expecting or prepared for! I was left with a feeling of unease and honestly felt emotionally weakened after reading Hazelthorn.
Which is EXACTLY what I want from Gothic horror.

The way Drews displays the main character, Evander's autistic nature was so raw and vulnerable I couldn't help loving him and Laurie's character was just as loveable, if not a bit irritating at times but it worked perfectly with the story and they both developed nicely as the story progressed. This is a YA novel, so while the romance is a pivotal plot point of the book it doesn't not overpower the story, but rather it fuels it and encourages the growth of the characters.

This was a true "Who done it." Murder mystery with each character absolutely standing out with possible motive. I had a lot of fun trying to decide who was the culprit while also following along as Evander discovered the truth about himself and the murder.

From the first page I am hooked yearning to understand our MC Evander more. I felt like I was losing my mind alongside him in this gothic horror. The imagery and eerie atmosphere is impeccable as Drew as such a way of writing. The key is description. Drew makes sure you see, feel, and taste what Evander is going through. You will gag. You will smile. You will also fear for Evander. Many moments had made me pause to process what I just read.

My favorite character being Laurie especially in the end. I love a hard to read character. A tempestuous amount of emotions figuring out his relationship Evander. I loved it! This duo will forever stay with me.

This being my first book read by C.G. Drews, I am utterly impressed wanting more. A true reading that gives the feel of a gothic horror.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this arc!