What do you think?
Rate this book
Faery Realms #1
Nettle
Inspired by faery myth and folklore, the haunting, heart-wrenching YA tale of a girl called Nettle in a dark, foreboding faery kingdom.
A wild misfit in the human world, Nettle is enthralled by the glamor of the faery realm, with its two moons and scarlet stars. She grows close to Conor, a human stolen centuries before, and she also falls under the spell of mysterious Ellion, a shadow faery. To try to help her beloved grandmother who is fading in her world, Nettle makes a pact with the faery king. He’ll heal her grandmother in exchange for Nettle completing three tasks. She agrees, not realizing that deception lurks in this enchanted place, and that she has been tricked . . .
In this dangerous fantasy kingdom, Nettle discovers—too late—her part in an age-old love story . . . and the price she will pay.
A wild misfit in the human world, Nettle is enthralled by the glamor of the faery realm, with its two moons and scarlet stars. She grows close to Conor, a human stolen centuries before, and she also falls under the spell of mysterious Ellion, a shadow faery. To try to help her beloved grandmother who is fading in her world, Nettle makes a pact with the faery king. He’ll heal her grandmother in exchange for Nettle completing three tasks. She agrees, not realizing that deception lurks in this enchanted place, and that she has been tricked . . .
In this dangerous fantasy kingdom, Nettle discovers—too late—her part in an age-old love story . . . and the price she will pay.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2024
48 people are currently reading
9307 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews
October 15, 2025
firstly, thank you to the publisher for an arc!
nettle was the perfect fae fantasy read during the gloomy october weather; nettle is perfect for those that love fae stories from holly black, melissa marr, and margaret rogerson — traditional mischievous fae and changelings that look to trap unsuspecting humans for their own amusement
not to mention the cover is gorgeous !!
nettle was the perfect fae fantasy read during the gloomy october weather; nettle is perfect for those that love fae stories from holly black, melissa marr, and margaret rogerson — traditional mischievous fae and changelings that look to trap unsuspecting humans for their own amusement
not to mention the cover is gorgeous !!
September 30, 2024
If you want the atmosphere of The Cruel Prince lands - try this!🧚🏼
This felt like the fairytales my mum used to read with me as a child!🌱🍁
Nettle has always been seen as a dirty child, a mess, a misfit. She has found all the love she needed in her grandmother. Only, her grandmother becomes ill and Nettle makes a bargain with a faery king to save her.
What beautiful descriptions! It is a short book, but it has a full plot, curious characters, and vivid imagery.
Admittedly, the ‘twist’ was extremely predictable to me, yet the writing was gorgeous enough that I still felt pulled in.
Thank you to Head of Zeus for providing me with the arc in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
This felt like the fairytales my mum used to read with me as a child!🌱🍁
Nettle has always been seen as a dirty child, a mess, a misfit. She has found all the love she needed in her grandmother. Only, her grandmother becomes ill and Nettle makes a bargain with a faery king to save her.
What beautiful descriptions! It is a short book, but it has a full plot, curious characters, and vivid imagery.
Admittedly, the ‘twist’ was extremely predictable to me, yet the writing was gorgeous enough that I still felt pulled in.
Thank you to Head of Zeus for providing me with the arc in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
August 30, 2024
Nettle reads like an instant fairytale classic. I absolutely adored her character, she’s a misfit and has the most wholesome life. This is then turned upside down as we go into the land of fae, which is full of the usual trickery and interesting characters. The lore and myths are drawn from and expertly crafted. For a short book it certainly gives a bit of everything, some trials, fairy dances, potential romance and power plays. I loved the world-building, the characters and the magical feeling this book provides. Highly recommend and I cannot wait to see the art produced after people read this. The cover is definitely as beautiful as the words inside. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
November 23, 2025
Thank you Tundra Books, Bex Hogan and Netgalley for providing me an eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book felt like reading a fairytale. As we accompany Nettle in her journey through the faerie realm, it was impossible not to visualize everything in a child-like way. I really like how she went about her impossible tasks and the cast of characters she ends up interacting with along the way. Her character was a little simplistic, but it was the perfect vehicle for the reader to understand the court's politics and the treackery that abounds in the realm. I like that she had very strong morals and she felt so deeply for the people she cares about.
The big plot twist at the end definitely surprised me, but I'm happy to report my theories were not too far off! I think it gives the whole story a perfect closing (even though it seems this will be a series?). There is no romance to speak of, but the romantic tension between our girl and a very specific Fae was satisfying to read, even if she was also partial to the other human prisoner with the Irish accent.
Anyhow, this was a very quick read and I would definitely recommend it for people looking for the eery type of fae as found in The Cruel Prince, and a human who has to complete impossible tasks like in Spinning Silver. Very entertaining, well paced and fantastical.
This book felt like reading a fairytale. As we accompany Nettle in her journey through the faerie realm, it was impossible not to visualize everything in a child-like way. I really like how she went about her impossible tasks and the cast of characters she ends up interacting with along the way. Her character was a little simplistic, but it was the perfect vehicle for the reader to understand the court's politics and the treackery that abounds in the realm. I like that she had very strong morals and she felt so deeply for the people she cares about.
The big plot twist at the end definitely surprised me, but I'm happy to report my theories were not too far off! I think it gives the whole story a perfect closing (even though it seems this will be a series?). There is no romance to speak of, but the romantic tension between our girl and a very specific Fae was satisfying to read, even if she was also partial to the other human prisoner with the Irish accent.
Anyhow, this was a very quick read and I would definitely recommend it for people looking for the eery type of fae as found in The Cruel Prince, and a human who has to complete impossible tasks like in Spinning Silver. Very entertaining, well paced and fantastical.
September 20, 2024
This had a lot of elements that I love in fantasy - a fairy-tale setting, a goblin market, beautiful and sometimes disturbing imagery. The relationships were quite realistic and the dialogue wasn't overdone or cringey.
It was darker than I expected at times, but I didn't mind it and it added to the creepy yet somehow homely atmosphere.
The only thing keeping it from being an all time favourite is the writing itself - it's not bad by any means, but it didn't grip me. I didn't feel the urge to pick it up and the ebook took me just under a week to finish. Also, the pacing felt a bit off to me - some things developed slowly and others quite quickly (such as the ending). I suppose this fits with the fairy-tale style, but it took me out of the flow.
Anna Burnett narrates the audiobook and she does this excellently. Listening to her tell Nettle's story has me more engaged and I'm enjoying it a lot more the second time around.
Overall, it's a pretty good fairy-tale and one that I'd recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC and Zeus audio for the ALC
It was darker than I expected at times, but I didn't mind it and it added to the creepy yet somehow homely atmosphere.
The only thing keeping it from being an all time favourite is the writing itself - it's not bad by any means, but it didn't grip me. I didn't feel the urge to pick it up and the ebook took me just under a week to finish. Also, the pacing felt a bit off to me - some things developed slowly and others quite quickly (such as the ending). I suppose this fits with the fairy-tale style, but it took me out of the flow.
Anna Burnett narrates the audiobook and she does this excellently. Listening to her tell Nettle's story has me more engaged and I'm enjoying it a lot more the second time around.
Overall, it's a pretty good fairy-tale and one that I'd recommend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC and Zeus audio for the ALC
March 30, 2025
3.5
Ortica è la quinta essenza di una fiaba della tradizione. Se tale fiaba fosse pensata per un target di adolescenti e mischiata con il romance.
Gli elementi ci sono tutti: una ragazza diversa dalle altre e ignara del proprio passato, una nonna ammalata, un portale per il regno delle fate, elfi, le suddette fate, changeling, prove da completare, trucchi, magia e ovviamente una buona dose di amore non corrisposto e ricambiato.
Quello che purtroppo manca è la tensione e l’originalità.
Per carità, l’edizione è molto bella, lo stile fa il suo dovere e i personaggi sono caricaturali, ma non offre nulla di diverso dal solito e un lettore più navigato potrebbe trovarlo scialbo. Almeno, questo è il mio caso.
In compenso si è rivelato un buon libro per ragazzi che affonda le sue radici nel bagaglio culturale offerto dai Grimm. Molto carini sono stati pure i titoli dei capitoli con le rispettive piante e significati.
Insomma, nel complesso si difende bene, compensa le mancanze con delle buone atmosfere e ambientazioni ed è adatto al suo target, per cui non posso lamentarmi.
Ortica è la quinta essenza di una fiaba della tradizione. Se tale fiaba fosse pensata per un target di adolescenti e mischiata con il romance.
Gli elementi ci sono tutti: una ragazza diversa dalle altre e ignara del proprio passato, una nonna ammalata, un portale per il regno delle fate, elfi, le suddette fate, changeling, prove da completare, trucchi, magia e ovviamente una buona dose di amore non corrisposto e ricambiato.
Quello che purtroppo manca è la tensione e l’originalità.
Per carità, l’edizione è molto bella, lo stile fa il suo dovere e i personaggi sono caricaturali, ma non offre nulla di diverso dal solito e un lettore più navigato potrebbe trovarlo scialbo. Almeno, questo è il mio caso.
In compenso si è rivelato un buon libro per ragazzi che affonda le sue radici nel bagaglio culturale offerto dai Grimm. Molto carini sono stati pure i titoli dei capitoli con le rispettive piante e significati.
Insomma, nel complesso si difende bene, compensa le mancanze con delle buone atmosfere e ambientazioni ed è adatto al suo target, per cui non posso lamentarmi.
March 16, 2025
3.5 stars
I have mostly positive things to say about this book, it is an engaging YA fantasy that's fae-centric. The story was shortish and felt reminiscent of Rumplestiltsklin (a tale I really like). The world was interesting, if a little lacking in depth of some other fae worlds. However, the advantage was a lack of repetition about fae lore and some elements of show not tell.
I liked the characters and the big reveal at the end which I had some vague hunches about near to the end. The plot was a little predictable but that didn't lessen my enjoyment. The romance was not overly convincing to me and I didn't like the suggestion of the triangle even though it didn't come to fruition.
Overall, an easy magical world to embrace with the bonus of being an encapsulated standalone.
I have mostly positive things to say about this book, it is an engaging YA fantasy that's fae-centric. The story was shortish and felt reminiscent of Rumplestiltsklin (a tale I really like). The world was interesting, if a little lacking in depth of some other fae worlds. However, the advantage was a lack of repetition about fae lore and some elements of show not tell.
I liked the characters and the big reveal at the end which I had some vague hunches about near to the end. The plot was a little predictable but that didn't lessen my enjoyment. The romance was not overly convincing to me and I didn't like the suggestion of the triangle even though it didn't come to fruition.
Overall, an easy magical world to embrace with the bonus of being an encapsulated standalone.
December 16, 2025
A quick and magical read but nothing really stood out.
August 23, 2024
This book is absolutely beautiful: it is the perfect YA fantasy package.
A magical, dark and dreamy faery world - filled with cunning courts, exceptional trickery, fascinating creatures (and scary ones too) and a perfect sprinkling of romance and friendship.
🧚♀️🧚♂️🕸🍃🌱✨️🧝♂️🧝♀️
Things are about to change for Nettle, a young misfit outsider from a small village, after she notices her beloved Grandma's deteriorating health.
Raised on faery stories, traditions and superstitions, you would think she would know better than to make a deal with the faery King, wouldn't you?
Turns out, when the only person in her life is dying, the warnings Nettle has been given; about ignoring the bells and voices in the wind and her dreams. They become unimportant. Things can look a whole lot different when a life is on the line.
So, our story ensues, Nettle must complete three seemingly impossible tasks and the King will return her home to a healthy Grandmother.
She doesn't take into account the lengths faeries will go to stop her from succeeding, purely for their own amusement. Along the way, she will see past the glamor and beauty surrounding her and find herself torn between two unlikely allies: handsome and lonely Conor, a human stablehand stuck in a deal of his own and Ellion, the broody, intimidating shadow faery who is advisor to the King.
Will Nettle be able to complete the tasks in time to save her ailing Grandma, and what will she discover, about her surroundings and herself, along the way?
🧚♀️🧚♂️🕸🍃🌱✨️🧝♂️🧝♀️
The vibes of the book sent me right back to reading TCP series by Holly Black, I was immersed in a Brothers Grimm-esque world. Following Nettle's story was like falling down the rabbit hole with Alice, journeying through a twisted, sneaky world of illusive beauty, waiting to see what monstrous creation are lurking around the corner.
The world building is excellent, the characters are so full of depth and the loose ends were all tied up. As soon as I finished the book I was thinking back to little nuggets of information included right at the beginning of the story, ones that seemed so inconsequential but were right there for you to see.
Nettle, in my opinion, was such a well fleshed out character. She seems strange at first, a barefoot prankster with pockets full of strange items, but the further into the story you get, the more you peel back her layers.
The friendship/romance was extremely well done for me, especially considering their was a light love triangle situation happening.
But, even more so, the characters you meet along the way pull you into the world and leave you wanting so much more!! Can we have more from this world, please Bex 💘😂 I'm going to miss it too much 😍
I'd give a minimum age of 13, only due to some of the more creepy elements. The romance was very clean, more angsty. Kissing only 💛
I received an ARC package from Head of Zeus/Zephyr not even 24 hours ago. The package was absolutely beautiful, it drew me in, I literally read a couple of pages and there was no going back! I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. I'm actually sad it's over 😭
I will be hyping the hell out of the book between now and October 10th (a perfect time for this to hit people's bookshelves when the season of magic returns) 👏
Seriously hoping someone will do a Special Edition of it, I mean look at that stunning cover, it would be magical 💜
A magical, dark and dreamy faery world - filled with cunning courts, exceptional trickery, fascinating creatures (and scary ones too) and a perfect sprinkling of romance and friendship.
🧚♀️🧚♂️🕸🍃🌱✨️🧝♂️🧝♀️
Things are about to change for Nettle, a young misfit outsider from a small village, after she notices her beloved Grandma's deteriorating health.
Raised on faery stories, traditions and superstitions, you would think she would know better than to make a deal with the faery King, wouldn't you?
Turns out, when the only person in her life is dying, the warnings Nettle has been given; about ignoring the bells and voices in the wind and her dreams. They become unimportant. Things can look a whole lot different when a life is on the line.
So, our story ensues, Nettle must complete three seemingly impossible tasks and the King will return her home to a healthy Grandmother.
She doesn't take into account the lengths faeries will go to stop her from succeeding, purely for their own amusement. Along the way, she will see past the glamor and beauty surrounding her and find herself torn between two unlikely allies: handsome and lonely Conor, a human stablehand stuck in a deal of his own and Ellion, the broody, intimidating shadow faery who is advisor to the King.
Will Nettle be able to complete the tasks in time to save her ailing Grandma, and what will she discover, about her surroundings and herself, along the way?
🧚♀️🧚♂️🕸🍃🌱✨️🧝♂️🧝♀️
The vibes of the book sent me right back to reading TCP series by Holly Black, I was immersed in a Brothers Grimm-esque world. Following Nettle's story was like falling down the rabbit hole with Alice, journeying through a twisted, sneaky world of illusive beauty, waiting to see what monstrous creation are lurking around the corner.
The world building is excellent, the characters are so full of depth and the loose ends were all tied up. As soon as I finished the book I was thinking back to little nuggets of information included right at the beginning of the story, ones that seemed so inconsequential but were right there for you to see.
Nettle, in my opinion, was such a well fleshed out character. She seems strange at first, a barefoot prankster with pockets full of strange items, but the further into the story you get, the more you peel back her layers.
The friendship/romance was extremely well done for me, especially considering their was a light love triangle situation happening.
But, even more so, the characters you meet along the way pull you into the world and leave you wanting so much more!! Can we have more from this world, please Bex 💘😂 I'm going to miss it too much 😍
I'd give a minimum age of 13, only due to some of the more creepy elements. The romance was very clean, more angsty. Kissing only 💛
I received an ARC package from Head of Zeus/Zephyr not even 24 hours ago. The package was absolutely beautiful, it drew me in, I literally read a couple of pages and there was no going back! I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. I'm actually sad it's over 😭
I will be hyping the hell out of the book between now and October 10th (a perfect time for this to hit people's bookshelves when the season of magic returns) 👏
Seriously hoping someone will do a Special Edition of it, I mean look at that stunning cover, it would be magical 💜
September 26, 2025
4.25 ★— I’m apparently in a mini fairytale era, and Nettle fits perfectly into this mood with its folkloric storytelling style and its whimsical, dreamy world.
Nettle is a young girl who’s grown up with her grandmother, living a bit of an isolated life because of her wild, untamed nature. When her grandmother falls ill, it pushes Nettle to make a deal with the Faery King. Through this bargain, she’s introduced to the fantastical world of his realm, and throughout the story, as she works to fulfill her end of the deal, she meets the colorful and sometimes cruel inhabitants of Faery.
I loved how much this felt like a Grimm’s fairytale, with its talking animals and magical atmosphere, while still keeping the darkness you’d expect from the fae and their nature. It reminded me a little of a softer, friendlier version of The Bear and the Nightingale in terms of its’ fantasy elements. The small romance in the story was handled in such an interesting way and it was just super cute, which I really enjoyed.
I think this could be a great palate cleanser for anyone who wants a break from a heavier read, or for someone who needs a pick-me-up that can transport them back to childhood, while still containing that hint of fae trickery that makes fae stories so fun!
🎧Audiobook Note
🎙️Narration Style: Solo
I listened to this on audiobook and can’t recommend it enough. The narrator’s voice was soothing, and the whole experience felt like listening to a story as a kid, which made it even more magical.
Nettle is a young girl who’s grown up with her grandmother, living a bit of an isolated life because of her wild, untamed nature. When her grandmother falls ill, it pushes Nettle to make a deal with the Faery King. Through this bargain, she’s introduced to the fantastical world of his realm, and throughout the story, as she works to fulfill her end of the deal, she meets the colorful and sometimes cruel inhabitants of Faery.
I loved how much this felt like a Grimm’s fairytale, with its talking animals and magical atmosphere, while still keeping the darkness you’d expect from the fae and their nature. It reminded me a little of a softer, friendlier version of The Bear and the Nightingale in terms of its’ fantasy elements. The small romance in the story was handled in such an interesting way and it was just super cute, which I really enjoyed.
I think this could be a great palate cleanser for anyone who wants a break from a heavier read, or for someone who needs a pick-me-up that can transport them back to childhood, while still containing that hint of fae trickery that makes fae stories so fun!
🎧Audiobook Note
🎙️Narration Style: Solo
I listened to this on audiobook and can’t recommend it enough. The narrator’s voice was soothing, and the whole experience felt like listening to a story as a kid, which made it even more magical.
March 10, 2025
Voto libro: 4.5
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...
October 2, 2025
Non me lo aspettavo, è stato molto molto carino questo libro, mi è davvero piaciuto.
October 16, 2025
très jolie fantasy, accessible à un public ado (13+) jolie histoire sans prétention qui se tient
March 19, 2025
Retelling fiabesco in chiave fantasy con note romance (no spicy). Una vera e propria coccola.
La fiaba che ci raccontavano prima di addormentarci, ricca di suggestione, coraggio e speranza.
La fiaba che ci raccontavano prima di addormentarci, ricca di suggestione, coraggio e speranza.
Read
August 28, 2025Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced reader copy
Nettle by Bex Hogan is a first person-POV YA historical fantasy inspired by Irish legends of fairies. Nettle has been raised by her grandmother in a small village her whole life. Despite her best efforts, she struggled to get along with her peers and became known as the local troublemaker. When her grandmother falls ill, Nettle refuses to live without her and makes a deal to do anything to save her grandmother. But the fairy king doesn’t play fair and Conor and Ellion will have no choice but to tell her how impossible her tasks are.
This moves at a very fast pace. It took me maybe two and a half hours to read the whole thing because I was flying through it. The nice thing is that I never got lost or had to go back and reread, which I sometimes have to do when the vibes are supposed to be doing the job to carry me and they just are not. It was fairly easy to follow, easy to read, and had a good balance of action and dialogue. It’s something that I think could really work for a teen reader who is also a reluctant reader.
This is not fae as Sarah J. Maas or romantasy depicts them. These are fairies as shown in traditional Irish folklore. They are tricksters, they are cruel, their morality does not match ours, they have no interest in humans beyond thinking of them as toys. The atmosphere of the book takes on a darker and almost hopeless tone at times as a direct result of the actions of the fairies around Nettle and Conor or the deals they made and it really works to drive home what kind of fairies these are. For me, that’s super exciting because I want more traditional interpretations to exist within the market as well.
Nettle has two potential love interests in Conor and Ellion. Conor is a young man from Ireland who has been in the fairy realm for such a long time that he can’t remember parts of his own past. If he finishes a single task, he can go home, but he’s been unable to do so the entire time. He and Nettle grow close in their shared experiences as humans in the fairy realm who are under a deal with the fairy king. Ellion is a shadow fairy, a fairy who was previously a changeling, and there is something brewing between him and Nettle as well. I suspect he will be her love interest in the next book, but we’ll see if it follows Nettle’s story or someone else’s.
I would recommend this to reluctant readers who are teens and love darker fairy tales and readers who love stories of fairies but don’t really vibe with the fae found in romantasy
Nettle by Bex Hogan is a first person-POV YA historical fantasy inspired by Irish legends of fairies. Nettle has been raised by her grandmother in a small village her whole life. Despite her best efforts, she struggled to get along with her peers and became known as the local troublemaker. When her grandmother falls ill, Nettle refuses to live without her and makes a deal to do anything to save her grandmother. But the fairy king doesn’t play fair and Conor and Ellion will have no choice but to tell her how impossible her tasks are.
This moves at a very fast pace. It took me maybe two and a half hours to read the whole thing because I was flying through it. The nice thing is that I never got lost or had to go back and reread, which I sometimes have to do when the vibes are supposed to be doing the job to carry me and they just are not. It was fairly easy to follow, easy to read, and had a good balance of action and dialogue. It’s something that I think could really work for a teen reader who is also a reluctant reader.
This is not fae as Sarah J. Maas or romantasy depicts them. These are fairies as shown in traditional Irish folklore. They are tricksters, they are cruel, their morality does not match ours, they have no interest in humans beyond thinking of them as toys. The atmosphere of the book takes on a darker and almost hopeless tone at times as a direct result of the actions of the fairies around Nettle and Conor or the deals they made and it really works to drive home what kind of fairies these are. For me, that’s super exciting because I want more traditional interpretations to exist within the market as well.
Nettle has two potential love interests in Conor and Ellion. Conor is a young man from Ireland who has been in the fairy realm for such a long time that he can’t remember parts of his own past. If he finishes a single task, he can go home, but he’s been unable to do so the entire time. He and Nettle grow close in their shared experiences as humans in the fairy realm who are under a deal with the fairy king. Ellion is a shadow fairy, a fairy who was previously a changeling, and there is something brewing between him and Nettle as well. I suspect he will be her love interest in the next book, but we’ll see if it follows Nettle’s story or someone else’s.
I would recommend this to reluctant readers who are teens and love darker fairy tales and readers who love stories of fairies but don’t really vibe with the fae found in romantasy
October 20, 2024
“But I was wild, untamed. Feral and prickly. I was all these things and so much more.”
What a beautifully written, whimsical tale.
I've always had a deep down love for all things faery, ever since I was a child. This book brought out that part of me again, and I fell in love with the way Bex weaved this book's narrative.
With the way everything is described in the book, from the surroundings to the food and the glamour, you as the reader are teleported right into the book. And it was thrilling! But also slightly scary whenever the glamour is torn away to show what is under the veil.
Nettle was a fierce girl who wouldn't give up no matter what. Even when the odds were not in her favour. She wanted to save her grandma no matter what the price was. Even if that meant sealing a deal with the king.
I enjoyed the interactions she had with Conor, a human boy who was also stuck in the faery world longing to go home. She finally had a friend who didn't tease her, and who enjoyed being in her company. Conor didn't want anything to happen to Nettle, and was there when she needed him.
But there was something about Ellion that I adored. I am always a sucker for the morally grey character, and he fit the bill. Underneath his wrath he was someone who cared deeply and wanted to protect Nettle.
If you're looking to be teleported into another world filled with whimsy, then I highly recommend Nettle!
What a beautifully written, whimsical tale.
I've always had a deep down love for all things faery, ever since I was a child. This book brought out that part of me again, and I fell in love with the way Bex weaved this book's narrative.
With the way everything is described in the book, from the surroundings to the food and the glamour, you as the reader are teleported right into the book. And it was thrilling! But also slightly scary whenever the glamour is torn away to show what is under the veil.
Nettle was a fierce girl who wouldn't give up no matter what. Even when the odds were not in her favour. She wanted to save her grandma no matter what the price was. Even if that meant sealing a deal with the king.
I enjoyed the interactions she had with Conor, a human boy who was also stuck in the faery world longing to go home. She finally had a friend who didn't tease her, and who enjoyed being in her company. Conor didn't want anything to happen to Nettle, and was there when she needed him.
But there was something about Ellion that I adored. I am always a sucker for the morally grey character, and he fit the bill. Underneath his wrath he was someone who cared deeply and wanted to protect Nettle.
If you're looking to be teleported into another world filled with whimsy, then I highly recommend Nettle!
October 11, 2024
I received a free eARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
“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.
“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.
September 22, 2024
𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
Such a short and sweet book with the best fairytale elements, and an ultimately satisfying ending.
Nettle combines my favourite parts of faerie books, with the darker nature of faeries and the trials that humans must face in old tales. The character Nettle used all her mortal cunning to think of loopholes and I enjoyed reading her journey. She’s slightly feral and has the best intentions, so I found myself rooting for her throughout!
There’s hints of romance with a slight love triangle, but this is more of a subplot. Conner and Ellion are complimentary characters, with them each representing the faerie and human world. I was, of course, drawn to the brooding faerie with mysterious motivations but they both balanced out the plot with a sense of romance.
This is the perfect autumnal fantasy book - a great standalone, fasted paced and beautifully written.
Thank you to Head of Zeus for this arc. All thoughts are my own
Such a short and sweet book with the best fairytale elements, and an ultimately satisfying ending.
Nettle combines my favourite parts of faerie books, with the darker nature of faeries and the trials that humans must face in old tales. The character Nettle used all her mortal cunning to think of loopholes and I enjoyed reading her journey. She’s slightly feral and has the best intentions, so I found myself rooting for her throughout!
There’s hints of romance with a slight love triangle, but this is more of a subplot. Conner and Ellion are complimentary characters, with them each representing the faerie and human world. I was, of course, drawn to the brooding faerie with mysterious motivations but they both balanced out the plot with a sense of romance.
This is the perfect autumnal fantasy book - a great standalone, fasted paced and beautifully written.
Thank you to Head of Zeus for this arc. All thoughts are my own
March 22, 2025
4.5 stars. Nettle grows up with her grandmother and is brought up on stories about faeries. When her grandmother falls ill she begs for help and ends up in the faerie realm. It's even more perilous than she ever expected, and she ends up in an impossible deal straight away.
I really enjoyed this story, it really was written like a proper fairytale and the descriptions of the faerie realm were amazing. I flew through this so quickly. I just wish it had been longer.
I really enjoyed this story, it really was written like a proper fairytale and the descriptions of the faerie realm were amazing. I flew through this so quickly. I just wish it had been longer.
September 14, 2025
if you told me a 14-year old wrote this, I would've believed you.
upon googling the author to check if she's actually 14 (she's not), I saw this book was marketed towards ages 12+ so I guess that explains something. but I've read plenty of 12+ books that are so much better than this.
read (mostly) during a readathon
upon googling the author to check if she's actually 14 (she's not), I saw this book was marketed towards ages 12+ so I guess that explains something. but I've read plenty of 12+ books that are so much better than this.
read (mostly) during a readathon
December 29, 2025
Sweet & short. Magical little story of a girl trapped in the world of fae. Great world building in a shorter tale, I could vividly picture everything. Loved nettle as the narrator. The time passage was strange and hard to keep track of, but I think that is fitting for the world the author built where fairy time is weird in general. Looking forward the author’s next book!
October 10, 2024
"Once there was a girl called Nettle..."
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. Beautiful!
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.
"Falling. Flying. Fast and fleeting."
A truely beautiful tale.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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. Beautiful!
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.
"Falling. Flying. Fast and fleeting."
A truely beautiful tale.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2024
Ler esta história foi como voltar aos meus tempos de criança, onde adorava ler contos de fadas e acreditava que existia magia. O modo como também como está construída a história relembrou-me Juliet Mariller.
Nettle é empurrada para o país das fadas e para regressar a casa tem de cumprir 3 tarefas. Na sua jornada ela formará amizade com Conor, um humano que se encontra preso com as fadas por milénios, e estabelecerá uma estranha aliança com Ellion, uma fada das sombras que não demonstra odiá-la como as outras fadas. Mas em volta de Nettle existe um segredo, que nem mesmo ela consegue compreender. Quem realmente é Nettle? E porque o reino das fadas parece de alguma maneira reconhece-la?
Nettle é empurrada para o país das fadas e para regressar a casa tem de cumprir 3 tarefas. Na sua jornada ela formará amizade com Conor, um humano que se encontra preso com as fadas por milénios, e estabelecerá uma estranha aliança com Ellion, uma fada das sombras que não demonstra odiá-la como as outras fadas. Mas em volta de Nettle existe um segredo, que nem mesmo ela consegue compreender. Quem realmente é Nettle? E porque o reino das fadas parece de alguma maneira reconhece-la?
July 22, 2025
If you’re looking for a YA fantasy as gorgeous as its cover, this is the one. I genuinely felt like I’d fallen through the nettles with Nettle reading this, Bex’s writing style is absolutely 10/10. Finishing this book was actually so sad (I need more rn pls)
I loved how there was a sprinkle of romance, but that Nettle was very clearly a strong independent gallll 💪🏽 Honestly think Nettle may be my favourite MC of all time - a lil feral, but with a heart of gold.
This was such a whimsy, beautiful read, and I must admit I did tear up a bit towards the end. I’m obsessed.
I loved how there was a sprinkle of romance, but that Nettle was very clearly a strong independent gallll 💪🏽 Honestly think Nettle may be my favourite MC of all time - a lil feral, but with a heart of gold.
This was such a whimsy, beautiful read, and I must admit I did tear up a bit towards the end. I’m obsessed.
June 9, 2025
4.25💫
it's a magical and ethereal story
very cute and whimsical
it's a magical and ethereal story
very cute and whimsical
November 27, 2024
Reading Nettle really made me feel as though I had been transported back to my childhood, where I could rediscover the wonders of fairy tales all over again.
Hogan's simple yet lyrical writing style breathed life into the Faery Kingdom, and I loved exploring this strange new world alongside Nettle. As an FMC, Nettle was a perfect blend of curiousity, determination, empathy, and stubbornness, which made her both likeable and realistic. The supporting cast of characters we encountered throughout the novel were well-rounded and carefully thought out as well, and I really liked the relationships that Nettle built with them all.
Yes, the plot twist and the ending may have been a little predictable, but that didn't make the journey, filled with goblin markets, faery balls, trials, and plenty of magic, any less enjoyable. I'd highly recommend picking this one up if you're looking for a fast-paced, heart-warming read this winter.
Thank you so much to Head of Zeus, Zephyr and NetGalley for my eARC of this book.
Hogan's simple yet lyrical writing style breathed life into the Faery Kingdom, and I loved exploring this strange new world alongside Nettle. As an FMC, Nettle was a perfect blend of curiousity, determination, empathy, and stubbornness, which made her both likeable and realistic. The supporting cast of characters we encountered throughout the novel were well-rounded and carefully thought out as well, and I really liked the relationships that Nettle built with them all.
Yes, the plot twist and the ending may have been a little predictable, but that didn't make the journey, filled with goblin markets, faery balls, trials, and plenty of magic, any less enjoyable. I'd highly recommend picking this one up if you're looking for a fast-paced, heart-warming read this winter.
Thank you so much to Head of Zeus, Zephyr and NetGalley for my eARC of this book.
October 27, 2024
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!
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!
March 11, 2025
Ortica vive con la nonna in un piccolo cottage su una collina, ama passeggiare tra la natura, camminare scalza e parlare con gli alberi. È libera. E ama anche ascoltare storie sulle fate.
La nonna le ha dato quel nome perché, da bambina, la trovava spesso tra le ortiche.
Quando la nonna si ammala, Ortica si ritrova a chiedere che qualcuno l'aiuti a salvarla, e così inaspettatamente si ritrova nel mondo delle fate.
Qui incontra il re che in cambio del suo aiuto le chiede di svolgere tre compiti.
Il libro scorre velocemente, grazie a una protagonista interesante e a un mondo delle fate che, pur incantevole, ha un lato oscuro e misterioso.
Ortica si impegna con forza per cercare di portare a termini i tre desideri del re, i compiti però non sono facili e le fate hanno in serbo sempre qualche trucchetto per complicare il tutto.
In questo mondo, diviso tra la luminosità della natura e gli imbrogli delle fate, Ortica incontra Conor, un umano che come lei deve cercare di svolgere dei compiti. Conosciamo anche Lassila e Calendula e il Ioro rapporto che viene svelato nel corso delle pagine. E infine anche il misterioso Ellion.
È stato interessante vedere Ortica interagire con ognuno di loro, perché crea dei legami diversi, alcuni di aiuto reciproco, altri di vera antipatia.
Oltre alle sue missioni, Ortica partecipa anche a sfarzosi balli, e qui Bex Hogan ci trasporta in stanze da sogno, con abiti da favola, portando il lettore nel magico universo dei balli fatati.
In tutto questo però, per me, c'è un grandissimo ma: la parte romantica del libro.
L'ho trovata sviluppata male e non è riuscita a coinvolgermi per nulla. Anche se è una piccola parte della storia, l'ho trovata quasi messa a caso, non ho capito come Ortica riuscisse a provare certi sentimenti e certe sensazioni.
Per me è un gran peccato, perché ho apprezzato tutto il resto, mi è piaciuto come è stata sviluppata la trama dei compiti, come sono state caratterizzate le fate, con le loro ombre e luci. Per questo trovo quasi inutile la parte romantica.
La nonna le ha dato quel nome perché, da bambina, la trovava spesso tra le ortiche.
Quando la nonna si ammala, Ortica si ritrova a chiedere che qualcuno l'aiuti a salvarla, e così inaspettatamente si ritrova nel mondo delle fate.
Qui incontra il re che in cambio del suo aiuto le chiede di svolgere tre compiti.
Il libro scorre velocemente, grazie a una protagonista interesante e a un mondo delle fate che, pur incantevole, ha un lato oscuro e misterioso.
Ortica si impegna con forza per cercare di portare a termini i tre desideri del re, i compiti però non sono facili e le fate hanno in serbo sempre qualche trucchetto per complicare il tutto.
In questo mondo, diviso tra la luminosità della natura e gli imbrogli delle fate, Ortica incontra Conor, un umano che come lei deve cercare di svolgere dei compiti. Conosciamo anche Lassila e Calendula e il Ioro rapporto che viene svelato nel corso delle pagine. E infine anche il misterioso Ellion.
È stato interessante vedere Ortica interagire con ognuno di loro, perché crea dei legami diversi, alcuni di aiuto reciproco, altri di vera antipatia.
Oltre alle sue missioni, Ortica partecipa anche a sfarzosi balli, e qui Bex Hogan ci trasporta in stanze da sogno, con abiti da favola, portando il lettore nel magico universo dei balli fatati.
In tutto questo però, per me, c'è un grandissimo ma: la parte romantica del libro.
L'ho trovata sviluppata male e non è riuscita a coinvolgermi per nulla. Anche se è una piccola parte della storia, l'ho trovata quasi messa a caso, non ho capito come Ortica riuscisse a provare certi sentimenti e certe sensazioni.
Per me è un gran peccato, perché ho apprezzato tutto il resto, mi è piaciuto come è stata sviluppata la trama dei compiti, come sono state caratterizzate le fate, con le loro ombre e luci. Per questo trovo quasi inutile la parte romantica.
September 27, 2024
I know I say this time and time again but I have loved every single book Bex Hogan has written and this was no different. Nettle is a truly beautiful and enchanting story that made me laugh and even made me cry. I loved everything about this story and I will shout about it from the rooftops until everyone has read it.
Nettle feels like a classic fairytale with magic and fae at its core. The world-building is phenomenal and I could instantly picture the land of the fae in which Nettle finds herself transported to. Nettle herself is an amazing character who I couldn't help but love. She may be a misfit but she's so caring and giving that I just wanted to pick her up and put her into my pocket to protect her.
My biggest regret is missing out on the special edition die to illness, I'm absolutely gutted and will be for the rest of my life.
I honestly loved every single second of reading this book and I really recommend picking this one up if you're a love of fairytales. I am always so excited to see what Bex writes next and I just know it's going to be brilliant!
Nettle feels like a classic fairytale with magic and fae at its core. The world-building is phenomenal and I could instantly picture the land of the fae in which Nettle finds herself transported to. Nettle herself is an amazing character who I couldn't help but love. She may be a misfit but she's so caring and giving that I just wanted to pick her up and put her into my pocket to protect her.
My biggest regret is missing out on the special edition die to illness, I'm absolutely gutted and will be for the rest of my life.
I honestly loved every single second of reading this book and I really recommend picking this one up if you're a love of fairytales. I am always so excited to see what Bex writes next and I just know it's going to be brilliant!
March 12, 2025
Una lettura scorrevole e veloce che trasporta il lettore in un mondo fatato contornato da luici ma fatto anche di ombre.
Qui Ortica fa di tutto per portare a termine l'incarico affidatogli dal re ma le fate non le rendono il compito facile e la paura di fallire è tanta.
Tra sontuosi balli, danze a tema e missioni impossibili l'autrice alla sua prima pubblicazione in Italia, ci fa conoscere l'eroina della storia: Ortica, un'umana, una fata, una changeling, e il suo regno magico.
Ispirato alle fiabe gotiche.
Qui Ortica fa di tutto per portare a termine l'incarico affidatogli dal re ma le fate non le rendono il compito facile e la paura di fallire è tanta.
Tra sontuosi balli, danze a tema e missioni impossibili l'autrice alla sua prima pubblicazione in Italia, ci fa conoscere l'eroina della storia: Ortica, un'umana, una fata, una changeling, e il suo regno magico.
Ispirato alle fiabe gotiche.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 278 reviews