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alekya's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
erin_devours_worlds's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
idkimcassy's review against another edition
4.0
This was one of the books I was most excited to get to since I bought it last year, and it did not disappoint! It is a creepy story, with great atmosphere —Krystal Sutherland’s writing is A+—, and even though it is YA it does not shy away from gory descriptions. But it is also a story of grief, of love, of family, of unlikely bonds. What really did it for me was the depiction of women's bodies and femininity intertwined with the horrific elements of the story. This definitely has a dark fairytale feel, so if that is one of your buzzwords go for it for sure!
I only rated it a 4 because the end didn't pack a punch as much as I hoped — I was super into the story in the beginning, and I'd say around 3/4 my enjoyment waned down a tiny bit.
I only rated it a 4 because the end didn't pack a punch as much as I hoped — I was super into the story in the beginning, and I'd say around 3/4 my enjoyment waned down a tiny bit.
readingoncloudss's review against another edition
4.0
3.5/5 stars
This is a good mystery and fun book that got me out of a reading slump. Though it does read a bit like middle grade, it's content matter is clearly ya. The mystery unfolds rather nicely and there are some real moments of suspense even if the stakes never felt life or death. As for the twist, I knew what it was before I even started reading the book. However I am quite a fan of folklore and fairy tales so that can't be blamed on the author. As for the ending, it was interesting to me that the characters received a "happily ever after" despite the reveal. Yet I think that lends itself to the dark fairy tale aspect. I do wish that there was a sequel to further expand upon the origin of the hollows and where they come from. However, I also feel that there is a sense of narrative completion that a sequel with these characters (unless done really well) might draw out the characterization and plot. Highly reccomend if you're into dark fantasy, contemporary with a bit of mystery.
This is a good mystery and fun book that got me out of a reading slump. Though it does read a bit like middle grade, it's content matter is clearly ya. The mystery unfolds rather nicely and there are some real moments of suspense even if the stakes never felt life or death. As for the twist, I knew what it was before I even started reading the book. However I am quite a fan of folklore and fairy tales so that can't be blamed on the author. As for the ending, it was interesting to me that the characters received a "happily ever after" despite the reveal. Yet I think that lends itself to the dark fairy tale aspect. I do wish that there was a sequel to further expand upon the origin of the hollows and where they come from. However, I also feel that there is a sense of narrative completion that a sequel with these characters (unless done really well) might draw out the characterization and plot. Highly reccomend if you're into dark fantasy, contemporary with a bit of mystery.
fanni_ambr_'s review
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Vomit, Body horror, Abandonment, Alcoholism, and Child death
babyplutox's review against another edition
3.0
3.5/5
The plot was solid and I think this book had potential to be a lot better. The characters were a bit 'hollow' and just not that developed imo. I didn't really understand the purpose of Tyler's character, I know it was mostly for comedic relief but he was just kinda there for the majority of the book- it also didn't really explore his and Grey's relationship. Didn't really like Iris as a character she just had no personality.
I will say the writing was solid/ good.
The plot was solid and I think this book had potential to be a lot better. The characters were a bit 'hollow' and just not that developed imo. I didn't really understand the purpose of Tyler's character, I know it was mostly for comedic relief but he was just kinda there for the majority of the book- it also didn't really explore his and Grey's relationship. Didn't really like Iris as a character she just had no personality.
I will say the writing was solid/ good.
shella688's review against another edition
4.0
House of Hollow is a creepy little book with some excellent pieces of prose, let down by how it dragged in a few parts, and the fact that I didn't really care about the characters.
There was a truly impressive amount of foreshadowing, and, even though I guessed the Big Twist right near the start, there were still parts that I only pieced together at the end, once it all was revealed.
But the reveal at the end was, I think, one of the main things that let this book down. All the layers of mystery that had been built up, all the dots that could be connected with a growing sense of dread, all the flowers blooming from wounds and from behind eyes - it was all explained by way of one character monologuing for a few paragraphs, which left me feeling a little like "....was that it?".
Overall, though, this is a book that I enjoyed reading.
There was a truly impressive amount of foreshadowing, and, even though I guessed the Big Twist right near the start, there were still parts that I only pieced together at the end, once it all was revealed.
But the reveal at the end was, I think, one of the main things that let this book down. All the layers of mystery that had been built up, all the dots that could be connected with a growing sense of dread, all the flowers blooming from wounds and from behind eyes - it was all explained by way of one character monologuing for a few paragraphs, which left me feeling a little like "....was that it?".
Overall, though, this is a book that I enjoyed reading.
"My sister's eyes were so black, they looked like polished river stones. She was fourteen then, and already the most beautiful creature I could imagine. I wanted to peel the skin from her body and wear it draped over mine."
moogblue's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
The Americanisms in the first few chapters of the book were distracting and should have been caught during the edit of a book set in England with English characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Suicide, Grief, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Bullying, and Murder
blurple's review against another edition
fast-paced
4.5
worldbuilding was elit, characters are complex and easily attached to. the plot maintains itself well while also not becoming too absorbed in its own mystery