I have such a soft spot for fairytales. I've collected Grimm for years, and modern tales are my total bread and butter this year it seems. So when I saw this was coming out I jumped at the chance to read it so thank you to the publishers for feeding my obsessions. Nettle is a misfit girl living in the woods with her grandma, who has fed her on fairytales and taught her all of their tricks. When her grandmother falls ill she seeks solace in the nettles that have always brought her comfort and, in doing so, finds herself transported to the fairy world. Here, she is dragged before the king and promises to complete three tasks to be allowed to return to her grandmother. Striking bargains with fae, however, is rarely wise. And so we follow the story of Nettle as she attempts to understand the world she's found herself in, and she meets those who inhabit it. It has everything you'd want from a fairytale - goblin markets, hags, cunning courts and fairy glamours. Every character is a treat and I really enjoyed Hogan's writing style, it felt very much like a classic fairy tale in every way. I really liked this, so much so that I binged it in a day.

From the moment I open the gorgeous cover, I'm reminded of the childhood wonder of choosing a fairytale from my loved children's fairy tale anthology. I'm transported to Nettle's fairytale world with the same excitement and delight! I'm a big Bex Hogan fan, especially loving all her previous YA novels. 'Nettle' has a slightly different style to it than her other books, a fairytale quality and feel. But equally as brilliant and enjoyable. And still with strong female characters. I love the way she doesn't shy away from writing the gritty side of this fairytale world, including an imperfect heroine who can be scruffy and sharp around the edges. There is also honesty and compassion in the way she writes the misery, selfishness, passions and faults in the various characters. It allows you to see all sides of their stories, and lifestyle choices. Nettle desperately wants to go back to the human world to save her Grandma, and works extremely hard to do so. But as she gets to know the land and people of Faery, there are parts she reluctantly likes. As she meets all the characters on her quest to complete her tasks, we learn with her about the world she finds herself in, and about her as a person. There are many secrets, mysteries and illusions that we uncover with Nettle - dangerous tests and puzzles. At the same time we watch as Nettle makes friends and falls in love. The reader really feels part of Nettle's journey, as they start to work out the clues alongside her, and sometimes before her. And as an aside - I'll never look at a nettle patch the same way again! Nettle's sass, intelligence and inner strength is brilliant. The two male leads are both loveable and one is especially swoon worthy. The fairytale feeling of 'Nettle' and its page turning story is delightful and exciting. It would make a gorgeous gift with how beautiful it looks. I definitely recommend reading this magical YA book!

This is such a beautiful fairy-tale story filled with all the good stuff you expect from a YA faery land - faery bargains that are riddled with deception, glamours, trickery and distraction, magical creatures and mysterious happenings. The world building is stunningly descriptive, Bex Hogan has a very lyrical sort of style that complements the essence of this genre and the folklore/fairytale-ish vibe. Our FMC, Nettle, is a really likeable character who doesn’t seem to fit in in her own world but that is part of her draw to me as a reader, and she’s very determined, intelligent and capable despite her naivete. Considering her limited experience with other people, her interactions and experiences in the faery realm make a lot of sense so it doesn’t feel overly frustrating or out of place. The ending felt a bit rushed, but overall the pacing of the book was great. I think this is a perfect introduction for young teens and adults to the enchanting world and lore of faekind and fantasy novels.

Fantasy and folklore lovers, you'll wanna add this to your TBR immediately! What a cosy, sparkling read! I devoured this, it was such a joy. Thank you to the publisher for sending a proof copy of this delightful tale my way!

Nettle captures the twisted, atmospheric darkness of the original fairytales and imbues it with heart in its excellent characterisation. Our titular character is a brilliant protagonist, wanting to do anything to protect the only family she has ever known. She has a great sense of loyalty and love, as well as plenty of wits and creativity. Hogan’s characterisation is strong, with Nettle leaping off the page and straight into my heart. Nettle has a keen sense of right and wrong & works to fight the injustices she comes across. As with all good fairytales, there is a layer of mystery too. I loved Hogan’s exploration of found family and creating a community around us that we love. Nettle has only ever had that with one person, meaning she will go to any lengths to protect it. The romance threaded in is a lovely addition as well, feeling like an extra layer rather than defining Nettle. Her fierce and cunning nature would never allow for that anyway. For me, she was defined by her longing for freedom to exist simply as herself. Hogan has never been one to shy away from darkness in her writing and Nettle is no exception, delving into the tricksy side of the fae. It focuses on manipulation and pretence with impossible tasks and deals. There is a cruelness inherent to proceedings, with fae treating humans like playthings. They are either manipulating them for their own entertainment or treat them with a cool indifference, a superiority that removes their humanity. The writing pulls you into this duplicitous world that is filled with both beauty and danger in equal measure. Some of the side characters send shivers down your spine and others charm you in an instant. Plenty lurks beneath the perfect appearance. I also liked the focus on deals and the importance of exact wording, else something unexpected be taken. Nettle is a wonderful slice of faery magic, tempting and duplicitious.