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rjhodnette's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really loved this book and had a great time reading it. However, there were a few minor issues that made it not quite a 5 star read. At the end, some of the story lines felt a bit unnecessary and I didn’t completely love all the POV characters. I will definitely continue the series and I would recommend the book to anyone who likes folklore and/or dark urban fantasy.
scepter's review
3.0
The Hollow Gods sounded promising as the story has folklore elements, wolves, murder mystery, a mysterious wood and characters dancing on the edge for different reasons.
Sadly, it just wasn't for me.
While I loved the folklore parts and the way the characters were written, the way of the writing didn't really click with me. It was fascinating in the mystery and great in the characterization, but often the story was rather lengthy in descriptions which weren't necessary because it did not add to the scene or overall story. I found myself skipping pages, hoping to get to the mystery surrounding the Dreamwalker.
So while I enjoyed the story somewhat, it felt rather like I had to read it instead of wanting to come back for more. Maybe with a bit of editing out the overly lengthy scenes, this book could shine.
Because the idea itself is great.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sadly, it just wasn't for me.
While I loved the folklore parts and the way the characters were written, the way of the writing didn't really click with me. It was fascinating in the mystery and great in the characterization, but often the story was rather lengthy in descriptions which weren't necessary because it did not add to the scene or overall story. I found myself skipping pages, hoping to get to the mystery surrounding the Dreamwalker.
So while I enjoyed the story somewhat, it felt rather like I had to read it instead of wanting to come back for more. Maybe with a bit of editing out the overly lengthy scenes, this book could shine.
Because the idea itself is great.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
capnlinnius's review
2.0
1.5/5 rounded up to 2.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher through Netgalley.
I'd like to start out by saying that I feel this was somewhat wrongly labelled as horror and sci-fi/fantasy. I would like to add that this read like a YA urban fantasy mystery, and would probably find a much better audience if it was marketed as such. Yes, all the main characters are adults (in their 20s, I think?), but the story elements follow a YA formula far more than an adult fantasy mystery.
The things I really enjoyed were the folkloric and fairy tale elements, as well as Mason's very relatable struggles with grief and self-doubt. The cover is gorgeous, as well, and I think most of us appreciate a handsome cover.
But. I wanted to like this book, but it's been a while since I was so irritated with a novel; probably because a lot of the plot was solved with a deus ex machina. The language attempts to be poetic, but often ends up feeling forced. Some of the dialogue didn't really read as actual people talking, which pulled me out of immersion. The relationship that happens felt unnecessary and as though it was added to fill out specific plot-points. The ending worked with the build-up, but I'm not sure what the next book will cover, and I'm fairly certain I won't be picking it up.
Unfortunately, I felt a little misled by the short description. If my store decides to stock this title, I might recommend it to readers looking for a YA mystery story set in a modern setting with some fantasy/fairy tale vibes.
I received an e-ARC from the publisher through Netgalley.
I'd like to start out by saying that I feel this was somewhat wrongly labelled as horror and sci-fi/fantasy. I would like to add that this read like a YA urban fantasy mystery, and would probably find a much better audience if it was marketed as such. Yes, all the main characters are adults (in their 20s, I think?), but the story elements follow a YA formula far more than an adult fantasy mystery.
The things I really enjoyed were the folkloric and fairy tale elements, as well as Mason's very relatable struggles with grief and self-doubt. The cover is gorgeous, as well, and I think most of us appreciate a handsome cover.
But. I wanted to like this book, but it's been a while since I was so irritated with a novel; probably because a lot of the plot was solved with a deus ex machina. The language attempts to be poetic, but often ends up feeling forced. Some of the dialogue didn't really read as actual people talking, which pulled me out of immersion. The relationship that happens felt unnecessary and as though it was added to fill out specific plot-points. The ending worked with the build-up, but I'm not sure what the next book will cover, and I'm fairly certain I won't be picking it up.
Unfortunately, I felt a little misled by the short description. If my store decides to stock this title, I might recommend it to readers looking for a YA mystery story set in a modern setting with some fantasy/fairy tale vibes.
lanidon's review
4.0
I think this is what I wanted out of The Raven Cycle but didn't find, also in a different way it's what I wanted out of Ninth House. That's not to say it is like either of those OR that fans of those would all enjoy this. I was left wanting from both of those books for something that I found in this one
I don't have any coherent thoughts about the book, just snarling enjoyment and a bunch of thumbs up. I think this could easily be a five star book on reread
I love how absolutely feral Kai is and how Mason is just a professional busybody, they should make out
I don't have any coherent thoughts about the book, just snarling enjoyment and a bunch of thumbs up. I think this could easily be a five star book on reread
I love how absolutely feral Kai is and how Mason is just a professional busybody, they should make out
residual_sizzle's review against another edition
4.0
I want to start off by saying that I really liked the atmosphere of this book. I loved the small town vibe, with local folklore. I thought the story was a little slow but I didn't really mind it while I was reading. I really liked Miya and Kai as characters, although Kai was a little tough guy for me. But overall I liked his character -- I mean, he is literally a wild animal I guess. I wouldn't really classify this as a horror, although some aspects of it are creepy - more a supernatural fantasy in my opinion. I liked the writing, I liked the vibe and I immediately went out and got The Echoed Realm.
annabutgonerogue's review
4.0
a very cool take on traditional folklore and fairytales.
and it’s Canadian so extra fun for me :)
4.
and it’s Canadian so extra fun for me :)
4.
michely66's review
5.0
Black Hollow is a town with a dark secret. For centuries, residents have foretold the return of the Dreamwalker—an ominous figure from local folklore said to lure young women into the woods and possess them.
First, I need to say how much I loved the descriptions in this novel. The forest and characters gave me haunting images in my mind. This is told from multiple character’s POV’s and it was written perfectly. I loved how their stories all ended up intertwining in the end. I’m excited to read the next book in this series. A 5 star recommended fantasy read! Thank you Netgallery for this arc!
First, I need to say how much I loved the descriptions in this novel. The forest and characters gave me haunting images in my mind. This is told from multiple character’s POV’s and it was written perfectly. I loved how their stories all ended up intertwining in the end. I’m excited to read the next book in this series. A 5 star recommended fantasy read! Thank you Netgallery for this arc!
jacinda94's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5