Hazel and Ben live in Fairfold. In this strange town nothing is as it seems. Humans and Faeries exist side by side without consequence at first, but that is an illusion. Faeries aren't innocent. 
 In the middle of town, hidden in the woods is a glass coffin. Sitting on top of the earth, lies inside a boy with pointed ears and horns on his head. He has slept there never waking, for many generations. 
 Until one day, he does... 
 I've read quite a few of Holly Black's novels. My favorite of hers is The Curse Workers series. I had been anticipating this novel for months before its release. I jumped for joy as soon as I was able to get my hands on this one. 
 As with every Holly Black novel, the atmosphere is one of the things that stand out. Her writing style immediately drew me into this world. I honestly wanted more and wished that it could have been longer, only so that I could read more of her world building. 
 Unfortunately for me the beginning was the highlight of the book. Told in mostly third person, I did have a hard time connecting to the plot and characters. With such a gorgeous setting it was extremely frustrating not to be fully engaged in this book. I really wanted to love it! 
 I did enjoy The Darkest Part of the Forest overall. The feeling I got was more juvenile than I had expected. There were some more gritty parts that added to the realness I come to love and associate with faeries. There were some plot lines that didn't get fully wrapped up, so for me it's not a solid standalone. I do think it will appeal to a lot of people, but for some it'll be a miss. 
 *Review based on an ARC copy. 
 *Thank you to Wednesday Wright for loaning the ARC.