Nettle is an enchanting YA faery tale filled with manipulative faeries and impossible bargains.

When Nettle falls through a patch of nettles and into a faery realm, she is determined that nothing will keep her from returning to her sick grandmother - even if it means she has to make a series of impossible bargains with the realm's capricious king. Nettle's three, seemingly impossible tasks come with unforeseen dangers, but completing them brings her closer to Conor - a mortal who has been stuck in faery for centuries - and Ellion - a shadow faery in the service of the king.

Secrets, faery tricks and magical balls fill this enchanting fantasy story. The world building is emersive, and there feels like so much left to explore and delight in Hogan's faery realm. This is a perfect Autumn read.

Thank you to Zephyr and NetGalley for my digital review copy.

2.5 stars.

This was a fun, light read. I did enjoy the description of the fae realms and the otherness that Nettle felt there - it did feel like a faerie tale.

I have a few issues with a few aspects though.

I felt like the plot was somewhat predictable and I could tell where it was going to go and this did take away from my ability to enjoy the book.

I also felt like the characters could have done with more depth and development and I found that I couldn't care for the romance plot of the book and I did find myself slightly disapointed with the book after I had finished reading it.

𝑩𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝑬𝒎𝒐𝒋𝒊𝒔: 🌿🏰🍋 🍬🧌🪞🧚🏻‍♀️

𝑸𝒖𝒐𝒕𝒆: 𝒟𝑜 𝓃𝑜𝓉 𝓋𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓊𝓇𝑒 𝒾𝓃𝓉𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝒻𝑜𝓇𝑒𝓈𝓉. 𝐼𝑔𝓃𝑜𝓇𝑒 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓋𝑜𝒾𝒸𝑒𝓈 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓌𝒾𝓃𝒹. 𝒮𝓉𝒶𝓎 𝑜𝓃 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝓂𝑜𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓅𝒶𝓉𝒽𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝓈𝓉𝓇𝒶𝓎 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝓃𝑜𝓉𝒽𝒾𝓃𝑔.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒕: A short, YA faerytale for fans of Holly Black about a wild misfit who finds herself in the darkly foreboding Faery realm 🌿

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕:
🌿A story inspired by folklore and fairytales
🏰Hans Christian Anderson’s The Wild Swans meets A Midsummer Nights Dream
🌿A dark, dangerous and dreamy Faery World
🏰Magical Bargains & Fickle Faery Tricks
🌿It’s easy to read in one evening (it’s only about 120 pages long!)

𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘: Nettle is a beautiful little book that feels (both in length and style) like a classic fairytale. The faery realm is well crafted: a horrifyingly beautiful and whimsically haunting place where lavish balls are tarnished by humans cursed to dance until their feet bleed, gorgeous gowns are gruesomely dyed red with blood and the king deals in trickery and impossible bargains, growing more desperate with each day still estranged from his Queen.

For such a short book, the author did a great job of crafting a rich world with interesting characters who felt unique and rounded but I must say I would have loved it if Nettle was part of a series of short novels, each focusing on a character because there were some I wanted to know even more about, especially Ellion and Marigold! I would absolutely read more of Bex Hogan’s writing and recommend anyone who enjoyed Holly Black’s books to give Nettle a read!

𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A stunning and immersive read. The world of faery is so thoughtfully described and vividly brought to life by Bex Hogan. From the very beginning, you feel an immediate empathy for Nettle and the confusing situation she finds herself in. In style, it reminded me of a fairy tale and I'm looking forward to recommending this to some of my UKS2 children.
I've never read anything by Bex Hogan before, but will now be looking out for her other books.

Thank you Netgalley for the e-arc! All the things in this review are said of my own volition.

Nettle was such a fun story! It definitely reads like you’re transported into a fairytale and are just following along on this journey. It really made me think of The Cruel Prince, with the fey being twisted and grim, things never seeming to be how they really are and whatnot.

I did kind of see the ‘big twist’ coming, but it was still enjoyable to see how the author would tackle it, so I really didn’t mind it that much. There were many other twists that I definitely didn’t see coming and I had a great time discovering them!

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I will preface this by saying I do read and enjoy a lot of YA but I feel there are different categories of YA - YA that feels like 'true' YA, aimed at a younger audience and YA that can be read by a young adult but really is suitable for anyone. I think it's possible to write a timeless and ageless novel inspired by traditional fairy lore but this fell into the former category and as a 33 year old woman felt a bit too young for me.

Whilst naïve, I did enjoy Nettle as a character and the worldbuilding was nicely done, with beautiful descriptions of the faery realm. We follow Nettle as she navigates this new world and there's lots of mystery at play.

The writing was quite simple and as a short read I think that this would be perfect for someone younger who isn't as well versed in this genre. As someone who has read quite a few books in the same vein over the years this didn't offer anything new for me.

I was very excited for this book and I was not at all disappointed - keeping this review brief and spoiler free here are the things I loved about the book :)

Nettle as a character was a wonderful, thoughtful, soul and I really enjoyed the empathy she dislayed throughout. Her desire to help as many people as possible while also not being a pushover was really lovely to see.

I really appreciated the way that, through Nettle, we saw elements of Faery that are often hinted at (occassionally shown) in other fae based tales, but this story actually showed us the depths of how awful it can be - even for the fae themselves.

I liked the pace of the book - it didn't drag, even when it could have done with the repitition of Nettles tasks. it flowed well, didn't jump around, and was a nice easy (but very fulfilling) read

Things I didn't like - nothing...I loved it all - didn't you see the 5 stars!!

Having all the classical fairy tale elements – a waring king and queen, impossible tasks, deception, goblin markets and a minor love story – this is grown up version of my favourite childhood fairytales – imagine Shirley Barber for young adults!

Nettle is a mistfit, with few friends but adores her grandmother. Transported into the faery world she barters for her freedom, falling prey to fae trickery. The faerys present a beautiful and captivating world, hiding the cruel and often disturbing truth.

An excellent novel to get you in the mood for spooky season. You are following our Main character nettle as she falls through a portal into the fairy realm. in order to get back to the human world she has to complete three tasks so that she may return to her grandmother.

Very atmospheric and had a slight romantic sway in which the world was described. I would recommend if you were after a magical shorter book for this Halloween season.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Head of Zeus for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Thoroughly enchanting, and stunningly beautiful, Nettle is a gorgeous faery tale filled to the brim with warmth!

I highly recommend checking out this lovely story!

This was really enjoyable, I loved the fairytale feel of it. Bex Hogan is a great writer. 4 stars, Bex is definitely an autobuy author for me.

This story evoked the dark, haunting quality of classic Grimm’s Fairy Tales, and I was captivated by its mood. The blend of foreboding and whimsy kept me thoroughly engaged in Nettle’s journey. While the main plot occasionally shifted focus to side character arcs, I appreciated these moments they added layers to Nettle’s character development. Even though I’m in a reading slump, this book turned out to be the perfect escape. It’s intriguing yet low-stakes, making it an ideal choice for the spooky season, especially if you’re seeking something beyond the typical witchy or monster narratives.
Overall, Nettle by Bex Hogan earns 4/5 stars from me. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found it to be a delightful escape, even during one of my worst reading slumps.

As the protagonist, Nettle is a wonderfully complex and relatable character. She’s clever, determined, and filled with a curiosity that makes her journey through the faery world enthralling. From the moment she steps into the faery realm to save her beloved grandmother, Nettle’s resourcefulness and creativity shine as she navigates the impossible tasks set by the Faery King. Her strength and vulnerability make her a protagonist you can’t help but root for.

Conor, a human who has been trapped in the faery world for centuries, serves as both a friend and guide to Nettle. His curse and tragic backstory give him depth, and he plays an essential role in helping Nettle avoid some of the dangers that lurk in the fae kingdom. His presence as a grounded, human figure contrasts the magical, deceptive world around him.

Ellion, a brooding and mysterious Shadow Faery, adds a layer of intrigue to the story. Though aloof and seemingly detached, his true motivations gradually unfold as he becomes more involved in Nettle’s journey. His character, balancing between ally and potential threat, makes for an engaging romantic interest with typical fae detachment.

The Faery King is the story’s dark and cruel antagonist, giving Nettle three impossible tasks to complete. His deep hatred for humans and pining for the Faery Queen add to the eerie atmosphere of the fae realm. His unpredictable nature and the high-stakes tasks he sets make him a chilling figure.

The plot of Nettle immediately draws readers in, beginning with Nettle falling through a patch of nettles into the dangerous fae realm. From there, she strikes a deal with the Faery King in exchange for healing her grandmother. The impossible tasks Nettle faces create a tense, high-stakes narrative that propels the story forward.

The world-building is rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the fae realm. From the Goblin Market to enchanted forests with winding paths, Hogan’s creation of this magical world invites readers to explore despite its inherent dangers. Nettle’s ingenuity in completing the seemingly impossible tasks makes the story exciting, and her growing relationship with Conor and Ellion adds layers of emotional complexity to the tale.

The book masterfully balances moments of danger with glimpses of fae glamour—fae balls, magical creatures, and hidden dangers are all woven seamlessly into the story. Each interaction Nettle has with the fae and other humans reveals more about the rules and cruelties of this magical world. The twist at the end, revealing the true reason behind the Faery King’s demands, is emotionally impactful and ties the narrative together beautifully.

Bex Hogan’s writing is enchanting, drawing readers into the magical and menacing world of the fae. The prose has a fairy-tale quality, but the darkness of the fae realm is ever-present. The whimsical and often haunting tone keeps readers on edge, creating a balance between wonder and unease. Hogan’s ability to craft immersive scenes while maintaining the unpredictability of the fae makes Nettle a truly captivating read.

At its core, Nettle explores themes of sacrifice, the consequences of making deals with the fae, and the importance of loyalty to friends and family. Nettle’s journey is driven by her desire to save her grandmother, highlighting the lengths one will go to protect loved ones. As Nettle discovers, every action in the fae world comes with a cost.

Nettle fits perfectly within the fae-inspired fantasy genre, delivering a dark, whimsical story with a unique twist. Fans of fae tales, especially those who enjoy the more sinister side of the fae, will find much to love in this book. Hogan’s portrayal of the fae as both beautiful and dangerous echoes classic fae lore while adding her own fresh spin on the genre.

Positives of Nettle
Engaging protagonist with strong character development.
Immersive world-building with rich fae lore and magical creatures.
A well-crafted balance between dark fae elements and whimsical fantasy.
Intriguing tasks that challenge Nettle’s creativity and determination.
Strong supporting characters who complement the protagonist’s journey.
A twist ending that adds depth and emotion to the story.
Negatives of Nettle
Some readers may find certain plot points predictable due to familiar fae tropes.
The fae world’s vague layout could make it difficult for some readers to fully envision the setting.
The romance subplot, while engaging, may feel secondary to the overall plot for some.
Nettle by Bex Hogan is a beautifully written fae tale that offers a dark and whimsical journey through a magical, yet treacherous, world. With strong characters, immersive world-building, and enchanting prose, the story captures the essence of fae mythology while adding fresh twists. Though the book leans on some familiar fae tropes, the clever and determined protagonist, along with the high-stakes plot, make Nettle a compelling and memorable read. Highly recommended for fans of dark fantasy and fae tales alike.

“Nettle” by Bex Hogan is a faery novel about Nettle, a young girl who ends up trapped in the fairy kingdom and needs to complete three tasks to earn her freedom. It’s a YA fantasy novel filled with worldbuilding. It is a story that reverberates a very Shakespearean kind of fairies who are filled with emotions but also cruel and self-centered.

The literary reflections from early modern literature were my favourite part of this book. There was a constant underlying reimagining of the world from “Midsummer Night’s Dream” as it explores the effects of the marital spite between the Fairy King and the Fairy Queen while also including side stories of different kinds of fairies and their tumultuous, complicated, and unethical relationships with humans. Personally, the side stories were far more fascinating over Nettle’s tasks and the soft love triangle she found herself in.

The writing was lyrical but also simple, which I appreciated, and the story flowed very nicely. The writing style was a beautiful reflection of the world Hogan crafted, and there are some fantastic descriptions of the different fairy appearances, the dances, and nature.

I suppose part of the reason I was not fully taken with the book was how much like a fairy tale it was in terms of its characterisation. Nettle is exactly what you would expect a YA female protagonist to be. She is a little lonely, a misfit but very kind, a determined, brave, and intelligent young person who is deeply loyal towards those she cares about. But certain aspects of her characterization felt less fiction and more folklore, and I wished for a bit more nuance and depth. This was the main thing that kept me a bit from fully getting immersed in the world. On the other hand, this is part of the book’s unique charm, and I think, through this more folkloric narrative style, it preserves a certain level of innocence. I think my own issues mostly originated from my own expectations of what this book would be.

Brimming with vivid and imaginative descriptions of the land of the Fae and fairy folklore, “Nettle” invites you into a world of magic, deception, lushness, petty squabbles and tricksters.

Great YA fantasy- a very whimsical atmosphere! It read like a classic fairytale and I truly enjoyed it

This was a poetic, Alice-in-Wonderland-esque, delight of a fairy tale.

I knew I was going to enjoy it, as I loved Hogan's Isles of Storm and Sorrow series (although I don't think I ever got round to reading the third, having read them as they were released. Brb. Off to re-read the series. )

Nettle was delightfully wholesome and was the perfect read to cosy up with. I also loved the miniature illustrations at the end. Gorgeous!

The reason for my four star rating is that I felt the beginning didn't flow quite as well as in Viper, and the romance didn't feel very ... for lack of a better term; real.

A truly beautiful tale.

Really enjoyed this book, I thought it was a fun quick read. I kinda guessed certain plot points but it all worked really well and I had a fun time reading it.

Nettle is so beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive that you can picture the story unfolding before your eyes.

I loved every moment of this story, Nettle is a great character, strong, feisty and intriguing.

Gosh, this was good !
This book very much reminded me of the lush tales from Andersen or the Brothers Grimm that I read as a child many moons ago. It had quite a nostalgic mood for me although it is a very modern faery tale. Delightful.

Having adored the Viper series by this author, it is great to see her action packed and captivating writing style back at its highest possible level in Nettle. I loved it!