I am shook. This book had a massive chokehold on me and I can’t express how much I adored reading Hazelthorn. My heart was beating so fast the entire time I was reading and I felt just as scared as Evander as the story went on. I was too invested in the story and finished reading within a day and a half 😭 and I STILL WANT MORE AGHHGH

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I felt like I knew where the story was going around halfway through, but still ended up surprised with a few reveals! I loved loved loved Laurie! His “Hi Rapunzel” had my heart fluttering in such a way…and I can’t explain what it was about the relationship between Evander and Laurie that I loved so much, but I’m all here for it ♥️

CG Drews writes beautifully. Descriptions make me feel like I’m actually seeing this world and the agonizing emotions Evander is feeling made me tear up a few times. I could very much relate to his loneliness and isolation on a personal level and felt like it spoke to me in a way that I’ve never really felt before. He reminded me too much of myself and the relatability made it somewhat difficult to read. The child abuse elements were also quite horrific to read and had me feeling so freaking angry.

Again, Drew’s writing had a way of pulling you into the story and empathizing greatly with the characters. Ever since I read “Don’t Let the Forest in,” I knew I had a new favorite author. And I’m pretty sure both are in the same universe with the Wickwood Academy mention??

Thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m excited to pick up a copy when the book is out in October ♥️

*Hazelthorn* by C.G. Drews is such an addictive read! Hazel, the main character, is super complex and relatable, and the magical world she’s in is just so cool. The story is full of twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. It does get pretty dark and has some tough moral choices, but that’s what makes it so interesting. If you love stories with strong characters and magic, this one’s a must-read!

Wow. What an absolute masterclass of what botanical horror can be when paired with sweet little gay boys and allegory for needing to accept yourself as you are. CG Drews truly never misses. Every once in a while I’d get an idea of where this story was going, and every time I was proven very incorrect. This is an absolute must-read for spooky season this year.

Thank you for the ARC in exchange for a review, NetGalley.

This is my second CG Drews novel and I think I'm officially a fan. The atmosphere of Hazelthorn is so lush and vivid it makes the whole book feel alive. The characters are intriguing and deep, I loved every moment I spent with them. By the end, I couldn't really help but want more interactions between Evander and Laurie. ♥ I didn't find myself too surprised by anything in this book, but I think that's okay. It's a beautifully written horror novel perfect for a cozy night in.

This was SO SO good. Beautifully written and full of (sometimes very gross) horror. I'm a little surprised that this is considered YA, and I mean that in the best possible way! I loved every second of it and couldn't put it down. I will definitely be seeking out other books by this author.

🍂 Hazelthorn by CG Drews 🍃

This story follows Evander, a sickly, reclusive young man who has lived in the shadows of the Hazelthorn estate ever since being taken in by his billionaire guardian, Byron Lennox-Hall. Isolated from the world, Evander has lived by three strict rules for his own safety: 1) Never leave the estate. 2) Never enter the gardens. And 3) Never be alone with Byron’s charming but underachieving grandson, Laurie, especially after Laurie nearly killed him a decade ago.

Evander’s quiet existence is shattered when Byron is suddenly murdered, leaving him as the sole heir to the estate. Now, Evander must contend with the greed of the Lennox-Hall family, all eager to claim their share, while struggling to resist the magnetic pull of Laurie, the one person he can’t seem to escape.

The writing in Hazelthorn is beautifully atmospheric, immersing the reader in the haunting, eerie world of the estate. While the pacing feels slow at times due to the rich descriptions, the story picks up around the 60% mark, making the gradual buildup worth it for the surprising twists that follow.

This book is ideal for fans of gothic fiction, green witchcraft, and anyone looking for a unique Halloween read that blends botanical body horror with a dark, mysterious atmosphere.

The twists were both unexpected and satisfying, and the character dynamics kept me hooked throughout. I loved the queer and neurodivergent representation as well!

Hazelthorn is set to release on October 25, 2025!

A big thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I don't think I've ever cried so hard while reading a book like I did this book. Literally sobbing. Cg Drews has taken my #2 favorite author. Just when you think you've got through all the twists turns and gut wrenching moments, you get hit again. 10/10. Phenomenal read. If I could give this book 10000 stars I would.

I apologize CG Drews, I was not familiar with your game.

Hazelthorn is a beautifully written, queen gothic thriller featuring botanical horror. It's macabre, it's haunting and it's everything I didn't know I wanted. The prose is absolutely stunning, and there was one quote that made me set down my kindle and stare at the wall for a few minutes.

I went into this book completely blind, and ended up finishing this book in a few hours. Was I supposed to be studying for an econ test? Yes. Do I regret it? Not one bit. I was completely hooked from the beginning and that pace didn't relent one bit. I don't want to give up away to much, so I'll I say is this: read it.

Huge thank you to Netgalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the chance to read this ARC.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7462498837
Many thanks to NetGalley for the ARC of Hazelthorn. Drawn in by its prose, Gothic vibe, and suspenseful atmosphere, I read this in two or three sittings. I'll now look for the author's other books. And I did appreciate the author's trigger warning in the introductory pages.

For my first book by C.G. Drews, this was a wild ride. I did not want to put this down at all. When all the pieces started coming together, I was in awe. Evander was a spectacular main character and I rooted for him so hard throughout the story. And the way his thoughts were so descriptive, made me felt seen.

“Pain is meant to take up space or else we wouldn’t know how to scream. Fuck making your agony silent to avoid disturbing others. Maybe they should be disturbed.”

Read this book if you enjoy: horror, plants, rich family drama

5 ⭐️ Hear me out, queer ya botanical body horror with haunted property vibes 🏠🌿🌱 The gothic setting and atmosphere were so immersive I could picture everything like a movie. The suspenseful moments had my heart racing and the mystery kept me hooked all I wanted to do was binge it.

This had such beautiful flowery writing it was absolutely stunning 🤩 If I had a physical copy my highlighter would have dried out from how many part were annotating worthy. This was so entertaining and well paced I highly recommend this one!

Quotes✨
“Who tells you to be quiet all the time? Pain is meant to take up space or else we wouldn’t know how to scream. Fuck making your agony silent to avoid disturbing others. Maybe they should be disturbed.”
“Trying to stay away from you. I’d split my bones, I’d open my throat, I’d do anything to be near you and have even one second with my mouth against yours.”
“There is nothing else to me but the hollow spaces I’ve carved out for you. I knew I’d cut myself to pieces on you if we ever had the chance to touch, but I wanted to. Let me ruin myself on you”
“God was stronger when he made Adam and didn’t fall in love with him.”

Hazelthorn was a visceral read! Between this title and Don't Let the Forest In CG Drews has become an author I want to keep an eye on. Drews paints a haunting image and an all consuming love in a monstrous package.

I will definitely be purchasing a physical copy for my own shelves and will rave about this book at any and all opportunity - queer horror is having its time to shine and I hope to continue to see it do so.

5 ⭐ I think CG Drews might be one of my new favorite authors. Her novels elicit such an eerie, gothic, and suffocating atmosphere, and this one was no different. She wanted to write a book with thorns for teeth, and BOY did she accomplish that.

When I first started Hazelthorn, I knew by the first paragraph that I would fall in love. Drews' imagery is so dark and vivid; it's easy to become completely immersed in the story from the first chapter alone. At its core, this book is about love and rage and building yourself back up from the bottom, and the restless feeling of never quite fitting in. Of freeing yourself from chains you didn't know existed. Drews relays this all through the story of Evander and Laurie, two boys haunted by a brutal legacy and trauma, even if one of them doesn't know it at first.

The writing is gorgeous and lyrical, and the plot itself constantly had me guessing on the direction it would take. Hazlethorn felt like multiple genres in one; fantasy, science fiction, horror, murder mystery... but I suppose it is only right that this book doesn't fit into any sort of neat box, because, after all, that perfectly describes our Laurie and Evander.

What a beautiful book, I cannot wait until it is officially released. Thank you NetGalley and Macmillian Children's Publishing Group for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!

I picked up Don’t Let the Forest In with plans to read it soon, but before I had the chance, I was approved for their new book, Hazelthorn—and I couldn’t resist diving in. I’m so glad I did—this was such a beautifully haunting and unique read.

I’ve picked up several books in the botanical horror genre but haven’t read many yet, and Hazelthorn was the perfect introduction. I’d recommend it to fans of Belladonna by Adalyn Grace or Mexican Gothic—but with a queer twist and “monsters” that are woven seamlessly into the landscape itself.

As a very visual reader, I couldn’t help but imagine how stunning this story would be as a film. The crashing vines, the eerie, living scenery—I found myself wishing for a cinematic adaptation to fully capture the atmosphere.

One element that stood out to me was the floral naming of the characters. At first, I thought it might be a bit on the nose, as I’ve seen in some witchy books, but then I noticed that each flower or plant name belonged to something poisonous—just like the toxic nature of each family member. That detail felt so intentional, and it made me curious about the meanings behind all the names. Looking up Evander and Laurie, I found they had positive connotations, which made me feel like I was onto something with this theme.

Overall, I really enjoyed Hazelthorn. I could have devoured it in a single sitting, but I forced myself to pace it out. I also had a few lovely interactions with the author on TikTok about the book, which made the experience even more special. (If you happen to see this, don’t worry—I did end up giving my puppy, Guinness, his own cup of chamomile tea!)

I’m eager to start Don’t Let the Forest In next. Huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for the free e-copy in exchange for my honest review!

I was enthralled by this botanical, body horror, dark fantasy romance. The two leads are fascinating and this one has a fantastic final act. Lots of great things to say about abuse, family trauma, and being true to yourself.

Thank you NetGalley and Feiwell and Friends for an eARC of Hazelthorn!

If I had to choose a single word to describe this novel, it would simply be GOTHIC.

Gothic atmosphere, gothic love story, gothic horror… The vibes were immaculate and were clearly set from the first page. The elements of botanical body horror were so imaginative and descriptive, it really felt like we were experiencing it alongside Evander. The love story is so tender, so much yearning, but also slightly unhinged in its growth.

I do feel like the writing was a little too lyrical for me at times, and the plots felt a bit meandrous at times, which is what prevents it from being a true 5 star read. This was my first book by CG Drews, and I think they’ve just solidified themselves as an auto-buy author for me.

I would recommend this to anyone looking for gothic love stories, creepy gardens, and a tender queer love story with a splash of murder-mystery.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Don't get me wrong I loved Don't Let The Forest In. But this book was incredible. I have fallen in love with CG Drews words and story telling because of this book. From the gut wrenching love story, to the gripping plot line. There wasn't a moment in this where I found myself bored. CG Drews has such a beautiful way with words that's very hard to find in an author, I will be picking up anything she writes!

A dark and viscerally romantic story. with writing that is brutal and beautiful. I just couldn't get enough of this. I think the authors depiction of autism is done fantastically and I was immediately attached to Evander and Laurie. Deep emotion has truly been poured into every inch of this story and leaves a lasting impact when finished. This is definitely one of my favorite books of the year so far and will be a guaranteed re-read in the future.

I was practically feral when I got my hands on the ARC of Hazelthorn by CG Drews, After Don't Let The Forest In clawed its way into my top reads of last year, I knew—I knew—CG Drews could write a grocery list and I’d still devour it.

But Hazelthorn isn’t just horror for the sake of a scream. It’s a slow-blooming nightmare of lost autonomy, of identity swallowed whole, of rage coiled tight beneath the skin with nowhere to go. It’s unsettling, aching, furious. The kind of book that grips your ribs and doesn't let go.

The representation? Beautiful. The writing? Both unhinged and heartbreakingly sharp. And the ending? I just sat there blinking, whispering “what??” like a haunted echo. And I mean that in the best way.

I could not put this book down. It was so beautifully written and the story was so captivating that I could t get enough of it. This story was eerie and haunting while also having a fun Knive’s Out feeling to it. I definitely recommend this one. I can already tell this is going to be a 2025 favorite.