Book Review: The Night Country by Melissa Albert
There’s something undeniably magnetic about diving back into the worlds crafted by Melissa Albert, especially after the spellbinding experience of The Hazel Wood. I was captivated by the eerie charm of her storytelling, and when I received an advance copy of The Night Country from Flat Iron Books via NetGalley, I couldn’t wait to unravel the next chapter of Alice’s journey. The anticipation was palpable; could Albert capture that same level of enchantment and darkness in this sequel?
Returning to New York after her harrowing experiences in The Hinterland, Alice is trying to piece together a semblance of normalcy—working at a quirky bookstore, bonding with her mother, and navigating friendships. But as random, sinister murders begin to unfold, all tied to her past, the haunting magic of her old life crashes back in. Alice’s struggle to distance herself from her frost-powered identity is both relatable and painful, a testament to Albert’s skill in exploring themes of belonging and self-acceptance. The dialogue, particularly the thought-provoking lines like, “You still think you live in a world where girls will lie down for you and show you their throats,” drives home the complexities of Alice’s inner turmoil and the dangers lacing her reality.
In this installment, Alice’s character feels more tempered, having traded a bit of her fierce edge for a more thoughtful demeanor. While I missed the fiery, vengeful version of Alice who was ready to claw her way through the shadows, the emotional depth added layers to her character growth. Yet, the dark and twisted atmosphere that surrounds her, featuring haunting creatures and unsettling murders, is enough to keep the tension simmering throughout the book. The descriptions of the dark happenings—like limbs being severed—are both gruesome and gripping, reminding us that the threat of her past lurks just out of sight.
Meanwhile, Finch’s journey through The Hinterland is filled with creativity and vivid imagery that truly sparkles. His encounters brim with the surreal, like “patches of sky where the stars moved like living fireworks.” These surreal moments illustrate Albert’s brilliant knack for world-building and her ability to immerse readers in fantastical realms. The contrast between Alice’s urban landscape and Finch’s wild, imaginative world showcases her range as a storyteller.
While I relished the atmospheric depth and haunting charm of The Night Country, I found it didn’t quite match the addictive pull of its predecessor. Urban Fantasy isn’t always my jam, but there’s no denying the atmospheric richness Albert has crafted. I was entranced by how dark and twisted New York turned, allowing its streets to reflect the chaos spilling from The Hinterland. Although I preferred the more direct escapism of The Hazel Wood, I still enjoyed this quest of identity and confrontation with one’s past.
In conclusion, if you’re someone who relishes dark tales entwined with themes of self-discovery and enjoys exploring complex relationships shaped by haunting fantasy, The Night Country will capture your imagination. Melissa Albert has a unique talent for crafting captivating narratives that linger in your thoughts long after the final page. For me, returning to her world was a rewarding experience, even if it left me yearning for the enchanting fairy tale that began it all.
Discover more about The Night Country (The Hazel Wood, #2) on GoodReads >>