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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
I really enjoyed Jessica's debut duology so I was super excited to hear about this new book, especially something a little spooky. I think this book is perfect if you aren't a fan of horror stories but still want something a little atmospheric and eerie to put you in the fall mood.
I loved Katrina and seeing her grow throughout the course of the novel. I appreciated her vulnerability and her inner strength. I feel like we didn't get to learn as much about Alexander and I would've liked his POV. The ending felt a little rushed and clean cut. I still have some questions and wish we got some more of the aftermath but it was satisfying nonetheless.
Overall, a great standalone perfect for this time of year!
I loved Katrina and seeing her grow throughout the course of the novel. I appreciated her vulnerability and her inner strength. I feel like we didn't get to learn as much about Alexander and I would've liked his POV. The ending felt a little rushed and clean cut. I still have some questions and wish we got some more of the aftermath but it was satisfying nonetheless.
Overall, a great standalone perfect for this time of year!
Hollowed by Jessica S. Taylor is the witchy book for you if you’re looking for dark, spooky vibes, and it is a Sleepy Hollow retelling. A small town with a close-knit community that sends one sacrifice every year to the Dullahan, the headless horseman who protects the town. This year the sacrifice is going to be Katrina, who has been a constant victim of her mother’s abuse for years.
I loved the way Katrina’s trauma was represented, she was subjected to cruel words and sometimes physical abuse for all of her life, her mother did that to her, and her father, while not being the abuser, simply stood by and watched. It showed how she apologized for everything, considered herself a burden, and sat back and let others take charge sometimes. I don’t think it made her a weak FMC. She was healing, this was her story to heal herself and move on.
I also appreciate the disability rep in this book and how well it was done. Katrina’s hearing disability was a part of her but it didn’t define her, it was mentioned that her struggle around people was talked about but I loved how it wasn’t talked about to the extent that it would look like an abnormality.
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
"The villain depends entirely on who is telling the story. And this is your story. Not theirs."
I actually don't know the original Sleepy Hollow story so I can't say what is similar and different in that point of view but I did absolutely love this story!
It is set in Sleepy Hollow, a safe haven for magic users protected by the Dullahan (headless horseman) in exchange for a yearly sacrifice. Deemed a failure and waste of magic by her parents, Katrina has always believed herself to be worthless, but as the daughter of the leader of their small town never thought she would be chosen as the sacrifice. But she will not go quietly and plans to escape before the ceremony until she discovers secrets that will change everything.
This book was the perfect mix of magic, monsters and romance! The concept of this book was so intriguing and I loved all the little magical elements throughout. The author knows how to write a vivid world and just like her other series I was instantly drawn into the town of Sleepy Hollow.
I love a good dark gothic fantasy and this one was made even better with the light romance in the story. Katrina and Alexander were so cute and . Also I love it when the FMC struggles to see her own value but the MMC slowly helps her realise just how amazing she is!! I enjoyed the mystery throughout the story and really liked the pacing of the book up until about two-thirds of the way in, this was when a big twist happened and I felt like it could have been delved into more because the ending did feel a little rushed to me.
But this really was such a great read that I recommend for anyone looking for a Gothic fantasy read for the Halloween season!
Thanks to BOMM tours and the author for the eArc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I actually don't know the original Sleepy Hollow story so I can't say what is similar and different in that point of view but I did absolutely love this story!
It is set in Sleepy Hollow, a safe haven for magic users protected by the Dullahan (headless horseman) in exchange for a yearly sacrifice. Deemed a failure and waste of magic by her parents, Katrina has always believed herself to be worthless, but as the daughter of the leader of their small town never thought she would be chosen as the sacrifice. But she will not go quietly and plans to escape before the ceremony until she discovers secrets that will change everything.
This book was the perfect mix of magic, monsters and romance! The concept of this book was so intriguing and I loved all the little magical elements throughout. The author knows how to write a vivid world and just like her other series I was instantly drawn into the town of Sleepy Hollow.
I love a good dark gothic fantasy and this one was made even better with the light romance in the story. Katrina and Alexander were so cute and . Also I love it when the FMC struggles to see her own value but the MMC slowly helps her realise just how amazing she is!! I enjoyed the mystery throughout the story and really liked the pacing of the book up until about two-thirds of the way in, this was when a big twist happened and I felt like it could have been delved into more because the ending did feel a little rushed to me.
But this really was such a great read that I recommend for anyone looking for a Gothic fantasy read for the Halloween season!
Thanks to BOMM tours and the author for the eArc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Another great add to your Fall TBR; I enjoyed this gothic retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.
Katrina is our FMC, born with a hearing disability and growing up in an emotionally and physically abusive household, she believes everything she's been told about the folklore of the town she's grown up in. Sleepy Hollow is a magically hidden town, kept away from humans, for the protection of those who live within the town not wanting to be exposed and risked to such events as the Salem Witch Trials. To ensure their safety, the town council agrees that each year a sacrifice must be made to the Headless Horseman, who demands such a price for their protection...
...Or does he?
Alexander is our MMC, and I loved him immediately. I was expecting more of a broody kinda guy, but instead we got a cinnamon roll, but with a slight edge of mystery to him. He not only believes in Katrina, but works to see her achieve her full potential. "You are valuable simply by existing. You burn with a fire brighter than the sun. Do not let anyone dim you."
Only one horse
Fake Marriage
'remove your hand from my wife, or I'll remove it for you'
Who did this to you?
long kept town secrets
Witches/magic
She fights back!
I had a lot of empathy for Katrina, how she grew up and was treated. I loved Henry, who was a safe and supportive 'found family' for Katrina. And even though she had lived her whole life believing she was of no value, and that her magic wasn't worth the time to train her in, she reached deep, refused to give up on herself, and with the guidance from Alexander learned she was so much more than she'd ever dreamed she could be.
There's a part in the first 40% where the creepy fog comes rolling in for the first time, with a name whispered, and the whole scene gave me chills! I was already hooked, but this moment sealed the deal for me.
Thank you Jessica for the arc!
Katrina is our FMC, born with a hearing disability and growing up in an emotionally and physically abusive household, she believes everything she's been told about the folklore of the town she's grown up in. Sleepy Hollow is a magically hidden town, kept away from humans, for the protection of those who live within the town not wanting to be exposed and risked to such events as the Salem Witch Trials. To ensure their safety, the town council agrees that each year a sacrifice must be made to the Headless Horseman, who demands such a price for their protection...
...Or does he?
Alexander is our MMC, and I loved him immediately. I was expecting more of a broody kinda guy, but instead we got a cinnamon roll, but with a slight edge of mystery to him. He not only believes in Katrina, but works to see her achieve her full potential. "You are valuable simply by existing. You burn with a fire brighter than the sun. Do not let anyone dim you."
Only one horse
Fake Marriage
'remove your hand from my wife, or I'll remove it for you'
Who did this to you?
long kept town secrets
Witches/magic
She fights back!
I had a lot of empathy for Katrina, how she grew up and was treated. I loved Henry, who was a safe and supportive 'found family' for Katrina. And even though she had lived her whole life believing she was of no value, and that her magic wasn't worth the time to train her in, she reached deep, refused to give up on herself, and with the guidance from Alexander learned she was so much more than she'd ever dreamed she could be.
There's a part in the first 40% where the creepy fog comes rolling in for the first time, with a name whispered, and the whole scene gave me chills! I was already hooked, but this moment sealed the deal for me.
Thank you Jessica for the arc!
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
What a ride! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hollowed. I would certainly not consider this a retelling, and for me, reimagining was a little bit of a stretch as well. It was vastly different.
There is a magic system that Katrina was very much a part of. I didn't dislike it, but it set the mood with Katrina's character on a rocky start for me. Her saving grace was the massive character development that happened throughout the story.
The MMC...not what I expected. Which is fine given this doesn't follow the original story or the movie. I was a little let down, though. I expected him to be fierce, broody, maybe smug? He was a teddy bear in my eyes, and that was a little turn-off only because you come into a Headless Horseman tale with a certain expectation. I didn't dislike him, though, and his relationship with Katrina was more wholesome than I ever thought it would be.
There was great inclusion for anxiety, mental health, and disability. I truly appreciated it.
The story pacing felt rushed from start to end, which in parts I was grateful for. However, I found myself wishing that it would slow down so we (as the reader) could enjoy the atmosphere of Sleepy Hollow and the themes. There were hints of it, but I just wanted more.
**I received an ARC copy in return for my honest review
There is a magic system that Katrina was very much a part of. I didn't dislike it, but it set the mood with Katrina's character on a rocky start for me. Her saving grace was the massive character development that happened throughout the story.
The MMC...not what I expected. Which is fine given this doesn't follow the original story or the movie. I was a little let down, though. I expected him to be fierce, broody, maybe smug? He was a teddy bear in my eyes, and that was a little turn-off only because you come into a Headless Horseman tale with a certain expectation. I didn't dislike him, though, and his relationship with Katrina was more wholesome than I ever thought it would be.
There was great inclusion for anxiety, mental health, and disability. I truly appreciated it.
The story pacing felt rushed from start to end, which in parts I was grateful for. However, I found myself wishing that it would slow down so we (as the reader) could enjoy the atmosphere of Sleepy Hollow and the themes. There were hints of it, but I just wanted more.
**I received an ARC copy in return for my honest review
dark
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
While I enjoyed reading this book, the twist in the third act would have been better suited for a duology or a series over a standalone. Everything that came after felt a bit too little, too late for the story, and we lost a lot of the emotional impact after what would have been a really good ending. The emotional release of the twist came too soon to need one at the resolution of the book itself.
However, that would have been okay, and I would have rated higher if Katrina and Alexander were a bit more hashed out and grew consistently throughout the book. Their relationship was a smidge Insta-love, which is fine, but their relationship feels like it was supposed to be a dark romance and instead was golden retriever. I liked the lack of smut and spice in the book and felt it supported the story, but also was a little bit annoyed by the will-they-won’t-they because it didn’t seem like Alexander actually liked her.
Katrina also didn’t really grow as a person because she kept saying one thing and then not being able to back it up. In the end, she came through, but we’d already hit the big twist and there wasn’t enough time to really feel victorious about it. There were also better ways her trauma could have been handled because it didn’t feel like we truly got a resolution there or that Katrina healed in any way from it.
The magic was interesting, the ideas behind many aspects of the execution were good, this wasn’t spicy, and the hard of hearing representation was great! I would recommend this book if you’re interested in starting into dark romance, like gothic stories, or just an easy read with spooky vibes.
Thanks so much to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
However, that would have been okay, and I would have rated higher if Katrina and Alexander were a bit more hashed out and grew consistently throughout the book. Their relationship was a smidge Insta-love, which is fine, but their relationship feels like it was supposed to be a dark romance and instead was golden retriever. I liked the lack of smut and spice in the book and felt it supported the story, but also was a little bit annoyed by the will-they-won’t-they because it didn’t seem like Alexander actually liked her.
Katrina also didn’t really grow as a person because she kept saying one thing and then not being able to back it up.
The magic was interesting, the ideas behind many aspects of the execution were good, this wasn’t spicy, and the hard of hearing representation was great! I would recommend this book if you’re interested in starting into dark romance, like gothic stories, or just an easy read with spooky vibes.
Thanks so much to the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Overall, Hollowed swept me up and took me for a wild horse ride. I recently read the original Sleepy Hollow short story and was actually very unimpressed. Taylor takes that story as well as the 90s movie for inspiration and runs away with it. I found the story to be incredibly unique, albeit still a tad predictable. (I guessed the responsible party fairly early but was not 100% sure until it was revealed!) Character development was solid and I liked having a hearing disabled FMC and it being worked naturally into the story. My only wish is that it was also used a strength (like being able to read lips from far away to learn something), instead of just a flaw. The FMC is also great anxiety and imposter syndrome representation.
I loved that this was able to also be a period piece with references to the "War for Independence" and clothing styles without feeling like a dry historical fiction. I was lowkey expecting them to leave the bubble of the town and it be modern day, like they were stuck in their bubble so long they didn't know about modern conveniences.
My only major complaint is that I was hoping for some real on page spice. xD I know that's a pro to a lot of readers though so take that as you will. It is properly STEAMY between the main characters, just basically a lot of kissing.
I can absolutely recommend this to everyone!
I loved that this was able to also be a period piece with references to the "War for Independence" and clothing styles without feeling like a dry historical fiction. I was lowkey expecting them to leave the bubble of the town and it be modern day, like they were stuck in their bubble so long they didn't know about modern conveniences.
My only major complaint is that I was hoping for some real on page spice. xD I know that's a pro to a lot of readers though so take that as you will. It is properly STEAMY between the main characters, just basically a lot of kissing.
I can absolutely recommend this to everyone!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Gore, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Toxic friendship
Minor: Child abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, Vomit, Grief
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
*ARC REVIEW*
Thank you to Jessica S Taylor for providing me with an arc for this book!
One thing I am obsessed with is Sleepy Hollow retellings - so I was really excited to read this one and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint!
What I loved
- dark eerie atmosphere set up from the start
- wide cast of characters - some loveable, others most definitely not
- disability rep with the FMC - very well done and woven into the story- not just added to give interest
- FMC struggles with anxiety and self doubt due to familial abuse - her struggles were relatable and great to see her grow
What could have been improved
- the ending felt a little rushed, lots of things “just happened” with no real delve into the repercussions
- while the romance was slow burn - it was very slow, and I didn’t feel as satisfied with the conclusion as I had hoped with the tension that had been built throughout the story
All in all I definitely recommend this for a perfect atmospheric autumn read, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Thank you to Jessica S Taylor for providing me with an arc for this book!
One thing I am obsessed with is Sleepy Hollow retellings - so I was really excited to read this one and I’m happy to say it didn’t disappoint!
What I loved
- dark eerie atmosphere set up from the start
- wide cast of characters - some loveable, others most definitely not
- disability rep with the FMC - very well done and woven into the story- not just added to give interest
- FMC struggles with anxiety and self doubt due to familial abuse - her struggles were relatable and great to see her grow
What could have been improved
- the ending felt a little rushed, lots of things “just happened” with no real delve into the repercussions
- while the romance was slow burn - it was very slow, and I didn’t feel as satisfied with the conclusion as I had hoped with the tension that had been built throughout the story
All in all I definitely recommend this for a perfect atmospheric autumn read, and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
(3.5 stars) This is the perfect novel for spooky season! I love a good retelling and this novel was a fun twist on the original Sleepy Hollow tale. I love the magical aspect to this retelling. There was mental health representation, disabilities, and the FMC was all together AWESOME. It had some of my favorite tropes like forced proximity, touch him and die, one bed/one horse. It was a great build up to the romance (which was closed door) and I really liked this book. Thank you to Jessica S. Taylor for the eARC.
I was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
(3.5 stars) This is the perfect novel for spooky season! I love a good retelling and this novel was a fun twist on the original Sleepy Hollow tale. I love the magical aspect to this retelling. There was mental health representation, disabilities, and the FMC was all together AWESOME. It had some of my favorite tropes like forced proximity, touch him and die, one bed/one horse. It was a great build up to the romance (which was closed door) and I really liked this book. Thank you to Jessica S. Taylor for the eARC.