The Darkest Part of the Forest

The story is set in the town of Fairfold, which is located in the middle of a forest. The town is known for its strange and magical happenings, and the residents have learned to live with the supernatural creatures that inhabit the forest. The story revolves around two siblings, Hazel and Ben, who have grown up in Fairfold and have always been fascinated by the forest and its inhabitants.

The novel begins with a prologue that sets the tone for the story. The prologue describes a horned boy who is trapped in a glass coffin in the forest. The boy has been there for as long as anyone can remember, and the residents of Fairfold have learned to ignore him. However, the boy is not dead, and his presence in the forest is a constant reminder of the town’s dark past.

The story then shifts to the present day, where we meet Hazel and Ben. Hazel is a fierce and independent girl who is known for her bravery and her love of the forest. Ben is a talented musician who is struggling to come to terms with his sexuality. The siblings have a close relationship, and they spend most of their time exploring the forest and its secrets.

One day, a new boy named Jack arrives in Fairfold. Jack is mysterious and charming, and he quickly becomes the talk of the town. Hazel is immediately drawn to Jack, and the two of them begin to spend time together. However, Jack is not what he seems, and he is hiding a dark secret.

As Hazel and Jack’s relationship deepens, strange things begin to happen in Fairfold. The town is plagued by a series of attacks by a monster known as the horned boy. The horned boy is the same boy from the prologue, and he has been awakened from his slumber. The residents of Fairfold are terrified, and they turn to Hazel and Ben for help.

Hazel and Ben soon discover that the horned boy is not the only threat to Fairfold. There is a dark force at work in the forest, and it is up to them to stop it. With the help of Jack and a few other unlikely allies, Hazel and Ben embark on a dangerous journey to save their town.

The Darkest Part of the Forest is a beautifully written novel that blends elements of fantasy, romance, and horror. Holly Black has created a rich and complex world that is both enchanting and terrifying. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the story is full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged.

Lauren Fortgang’s narration of the audiobook is excellent. She brings the characters to life with her expressive voice and her ability to capture the mood of the story. Her pacing is perfect, and she does an excellent job of building tension and suspense.

One of the strengths of the audiobook version of The Darkest Part of the Forest is the way it immerses the listener in the world of Fairfold. The forest is a central character in the story, and Fortgang’s narration brings it to life. The descriptions of the forest are vivid and evocative, and the listener can almost feel the magic and danger that lurks within its depths.

Another strength of the audiobook is the way it captures the emotional depth of the story. The novel deals with themes of love, loss, and identity, and Fortgang’s narration brings these themes to the forefront. She does an excellent job of conveying the complex emotions of the characters, and the listener can feel their pain and their joy.

Overall, The Darkest Part of the Forest is a must-read for fans of young adult fantasy. The audiobook version is an excellent way to experience the story, and Lauren Fortgang’s narration is top-notch. The novel is a dark and enchanting tale that will keep the reader engaged from beginning to end.