Book Review of Hazelthorn by C G Drews

Hazelthornne by C. G. Drews is described as perfect for fans of Andrew Joseph White, known for gritty, raw writing with eerie undertones. The story follows Evander, who has lived like a ghost in the forgotten corners of Hazelthornne estate ever since he was taken in by a reclusive billionaire guardian, Byron Lennox Hall, when he was a child.

For his safety, Evander has three strict rules: he can never leave the estate, he can never go into the gardens, and he can never be left alone with Byron’s charming but underachieving grandson, Lorie. That rule has been in place ever since Lorie tried to kill Evander seven years ago, yet Evander remains obsessed with him.

When Byron suddenly dies, Evander inherits the Gothic mansion, the acres of grounds, and the Lennox Hall family fortune. Evander is convinced his guardian was murdered, and Lorie may be the only one who can help him find the killer before they come for him next.

Meanwhile, the overgrown garden refuses to stay behind its walls. Vines and spores slip deeper into the house, and as the family’s dark secrets unravel, Evander must discover what he has truly inherited before the garden demands to be fed again.

The book leans heavily into horror, including body horror, and carries a strong gothic atmosphere. The garden functions almost like a living character, creeping through cracks and invading the house. Evander is trapped in the mansion, and his memory constantly slips.

He can’t recall what he’s done from one day to the next, and he often wonders if he’s losing his mind. He behaves like a victim, almost like a prisoner, yet doesn’t express a deep desire to escape. Lord Byron visits him infrequently, leaving him to wander the halls alone for days.

Eventually, Byron dies after choking as vines seem to grow through his skin. During the will reading, Evander learns he has inherited everything. Since he is only seventeen, Byron’s sister Oleander becomes his guardian.

She brings her adult children, Bane and Aelia, who quickly make life difficult for Evander. The only person he can rely on is Lorie. Despite Evander’s memory of Lorie attacking him at age ten, Lorie’s current demeanor suggests otherwise, and Evander begins questioning the accuracy of his memories.

As the story unfolds, Evander becomes more uncertain of what is real. The house has a haunted, creeping vibe, with branches, vines, and mold overtaking rooms. The story builds slowly, with the early parts feeling confusing until the narrative begins to unravel.

Once it does, the momentum increases, and revelations deepen the horror elements. Hints planted early on become clear later, especially for readers paying attention.

The book blends psychological horror, mystery, and gothic atmosphere. Themes of hunger appear throughout, adding to the unsettling tone. The story incorporates elements that evoke body-snatcher and Frankenstein-like imagery.

Some readers describe it as genre bending, shifting between psychological thriller, murder mystery, and horror.

Hazelthornne is a grotesque, atmospheric psychological horror novel with strong gothic and queer elements. Content warnings are available for readers who need them.

Also read: The Haunting of Emily Grace by Elena Taylor

Also read: Goodbye Things by Fumio Sasak Book Summary

Also read: The Healing Power of Hado by Toyoko Matsuzaki Book Summary

Also read: The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene Book Review

Also read: The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt Book Summary

Also read: Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez Book Review