The Darkest Part of the Forest

The Darkest Part of the Forest is my top Holly Black pick for sticky summer, set in a New Jersey town with a sleeping fairy prince in a glass coffin in the woods—a local legend where teens party around him. When the coffin empties one summer day, siblings and friends unravel the mystery amid fae secrets and town lore. The atmosphere of humid woods and youthful intrigue feels perfect for the season, with Black's signature fae magic that's enchanting yet dangerous. I wished I'd recommended this over The Stolen Heir initially, but both capture her Jersey vibes well. It's engaging and atmospheric—ideal if you want spooky fae fantasy with emotional teen dynamics.