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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
°·._.·♡ ARC Review ♡·._.·°
Thank you to the author and Books of Match Media for sending me an an ARC of this book to review!
The story follows Katrina Van Tassel, neglected daughter of the family who run Sleepy Hollow (refuge for supernatural beings, sort of). As this year’s Roghnaithe, she is to be sacrificed to the Headless Horseman in exchange for his continued protection of the town but maybe…that might not be a bad thing.
For me, the thing that made this book was the spooky atmosphere. The creepy fog, vindictive town, mood of a movie with perpetual dark lighting for no other reason than vibes, it was perfect for an October read. I loved all the hints and hats off to the original Legend of Sleepy Hollow which were weaved into a more modern retelling.
I didn’t care much for the romance subplot, if I’m honest, and found it more than a little distracting from the actual plot. Although I loved Katrina’s chemistry with the Dullahan, I spent a lot of the book chasing the slowest of slow burns for scraps which actually took away from all the spooky business.
Overall, this was perfect for spooky season!
Rating: 🎃🎃🎃🎃
So a fun take on Sleepy Hollow.
I did like that there was a lot more magic.
Katrina as a character was strong but had a lot of self doubt so it was fun to see how she had to grow. I did also appreciate a character that was partial deaf.
The romance with Katrina and Alexander was nice in that there was a lot of consent. I did get a bit of ick though at the age gap, even if Alexander didn’t look super old.
I did notice that the characters didn’t really speak using contractions, which at times made the dialogue a little stilted.
I did like that there was a lot more magic.
Katrina as a character was strong but had a lot of self doubt so it was fun to see how she had to grow. I did also appreciate a character that was partial deaf.
The romance with Katrina and Alexander was nice in that there was a lot of consent. I did get a bit of ick though at the age gap, even if Alexander didn’t look super old.
I did notice that the characters didn’t really speak using contractions, which at times made the dialogue a little stilted.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to the author for giving me the chance to read this ARC!
If you’re looking for a dark and atmospheric read for this spooky season, then Hollowed is the one for you. I really enjoyed the way the author introduced us to Sleepy Hollow and the characters. I liked the vivid and descriptive writing style a lot.
I’m not familiar with the original Sleepy Hollow story, but I don’t know if that really matters. Hollowed is a re-imagining, and even though I know virtually nothing about the original, I could still follow along and understand the story.
Though the main characters weren’t characters I could fully connect with and relate to, I enjoyed their chemistry. It’s honestly so refreshing to have a male love internet who doesn’t think he owns the FMC and isn’t abusive, so props to the author on that one.
I did feel the ending dragged a little bit, but also came to an abrupt stop at the same time. There wasn’t as much action and wasn’t as big of a finale as I would have liked there to be. I do also wish there was a little bit more action and magic weaved throughout the story as a whole.
Overall, a nice read to kick off spooky season. Thanks again to the author for this opportunity!
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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:
Yes
I received this as an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Critical: 5⭐
Entertainment: 4⭐
Overall: 4.5⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Hollowed was a great spooky read and my first time reading a Sleepy Hollow retelling and I was not disappointed. Taylor's writing style is so descriptive that I felt I was transported to the town. The magic system is also pretty interesting and I wish we could've seen a little more of it from the other characters. The pacing was good and I did not expect some of the twists in the story. The ending felt a little anti-climatic and would've liked a bit more of an "I told you so" moment, but that's just me.
Our FMC Katrina truly has a terrible home life and her parents are a real piece of work. Because of her parent's status, the townsfolk are equally as shitty. She has really strong character development in figuring out her worth and coming into her power. Taylor did a great job including a realistic anxiety portrayal.
Our MMC Dullahan low-key reminded me a little of Howl from Howl's Moving Castle when he is introduced in the story mostly for the way he is introduced. I expected him to be a bit darker and broody, but he really was the nicest guy and a consent king.
The romance was sweet but the spice I would say was more like steam. If you're expecting explosive spice scenes, you're not gonna get that here. I just felt that there was something missing with the romance and I would've liked to have seen a dual POV and read about Dullahan's attraction to Katrina and seeing that develop.
Hollowed is a standalone novel that releases on Friday the 13th of October.
Critical: 5⭐
Entertainment: 4⭐
Overall: 4.5⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Hollowed was a great spooky read and my first time reading a Sleepy Hollow retelling and I was not disappointed. Taylor's writing style is so descriptive that I felt I was transported to the town. The magic system is also pretty interesting and I wish we could've seen a little more of it from the other characters. The pacing was good and I did not expect some of the twists in the story. The ending felt a little anti-climatic and would've liked a bit more of an "I told you so" moment, but that's just me.
Our FMC Katrina truly has a terrible home life and her parents are a real piece of work. Because of her parent's status, the townsfolk are equally as shitty. She has really strong character development in figuring out her worth and coming into her power. Taylor did a great job including a realistic anxiety portrayal.
Our MMC Dullahan low-key reminded me a little of Howl from Howl's Moving Castle when he is introduced in the story mostly for the way he is introduced. I expected him to be a bit darker and broody, but he really was the nicest guy and a consent king.
The romance was sweet but the spice I would say was more like steam. If you're expecting explosive spice scenes, you're not gonna get that here. I just felt that there was something missing with the romance and I would've liked to have seen a dual POV and read about Dullahan's attraction to Katrina and seeing that develop.
Hollowed is a standalone novel that releases on Friday the 13th of October.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Murder, Sexual harassment
“Monsters weren’t born. They were created. And now, Death had created me.”
What’s better for spooky season then a sleepy hallow retelling.
I literally devoured this book!! Katrina lives in Sleep Hollow. A town for mages protected by a Barrier and by the Dullahan. Every year they give the Dullahan a human sacrifice and this year it’s Katrina who is chosen.
This book is so fast paced and so much fun! This is a dark romance but this isn’t spiced but the tension and chemistry between Alexander and Katerina is felt without the spice.
This story focuses more on the mages and story behind Sleep Hollow.
I loved watching Katerina grow into her full potential through out the whole entire book.
Genre: Dark Romance
APK: Ebook
Pages: 440
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:
What’s better for spooky season then a sleepy hallow retelling.
I literally devoured this book!! Katrina lives in Sleep Hollow. A town for mages protected by a Barrier and by the Dullahan. Every year they give the Dullahan a human sacrifice and this year it’s Katrina who is chosen.
This book is so fast paced and so much fun! This is a dark romance but this isn’t spiced but the tension and chemistry between Alexander and Katerina is felt without the spice.
This story focuses more on the mages and story behind Sleep Hollow.
I loved watching Katerina grow into her full potential through out the whole entire book.
Genre: Dark Romance
APK: Ebook
Pages: 440
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:
Hollowed is the gothic Sleepy Hollow retelling I didn’t know I needed in my life. Partly because I never thought about reading a retelling of this Washington Erving classic, and partly because a romance story between an outcast girl and an embodiment of death wasn’t on my reading list. But here I am in the end loving both of these things.
The plot was just as exciting as I had hoped for, and there was rarely a dull moment. The world of this book just managed to suck me in really fast and I quickly found myself fully invested in Katrina’s story. Even the slower parts were engaging, not to mention that the romance between Katrina and the Headless Horseman was really sweet and had me swooning. Seriously, I volunteer as tribute to be sacrificed if I end up meeting a guy like that. Katrina is such a relatable main character. She struggles with her self-worth after growing up in an abusive household. Her every attempt to prove herself has been forcefully rebuffed. So it was great to see her journey to finding her self-worth.
Hollowed is a really enjoyable read for me. While there were flaws these didn’t significantly impact my overall experience of the book. This is a perfect read for autumn, and if you've been looking for a gothic book with magic and a sweet romance then one this needs to go on your TBR.
---
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
The plot was just as exciting as I had hoped for, and there was rarely a dull moment. The world of this book just managed to suck me in really fast and I quickly found myself fully invested in Katrina’s story. Even the slower parts were engaging, not to mention that the romance between Katrina and the Headless Horseman was really sweet and had me swooning. Seriously, I volunteer as tribute to be sacrificed if I end up meeting a guy like that. Katrina is such a relatable main character. She struggles with her self-worth after growing up in an abusive household. Her every attempt to prove herself has been forcefully rebuffed. So it was great to see her journey to finding her self-worth.
Hollowed is a really enjoyable read for me. While there were flaws these didn’t significantly impact my overall experience of the book. This is a perfect read for autumn, and if you've been looking for a gothic book with magic and a sweet romance then one this needs to go on your TBR.
---
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This standalone gothic fantasy really felt like taking a trip to Sleepy Hollow. The atmosphere is so richly written, it’s impossible not to get lost in the vivid descriptions of this world. Katrina is a wonderfully relatable main character and it was so empowering to read through her journey with anxiety, abandonment issues, and parental neglect along with a supernatural prophecy on top of it all. She’s the perfect example of a character who doesn’t need to be a superhero to overcome adversity and emerge stronger. The romance was such an amazing addition to the story, Katrina and Alexander have such a sweet connection and their relationship feels so genuine and safe. This book does such an outstanding job of subverting expectations, and creating an air of mystery that will suck you in from start to finish. If you’re looking for something to get you into spooky season, this dark and twisty retelling is it.
*Thank you to the author for the ARC.*
What will happen to Sleepy Hollow when the yearly sacrifice goes wrong?
Hollowed is a dark fantasy retelling of Sleepy Hollow that explores tradition, sacrifice and conformity with some romance. The gothic atmosphere within the secluded magical town and mysterious forest is such a good vibe for the fall and Halloween season.
One would think that the only daughter of the prominent Sleepy Hollow family would be loved and have her magics well honed. That is unfortunately not the case for Katrina van Tassel. Her mother is an absolute piece of work. She sees Katrina as naïve, petulant and basically a waste of space since her fire magic cannot be controlled.
What good is having a child who doesn't conform to the family's high expectations? Well, let's sacrifice her to the dark entity, The Dullahan, who protects the town's veil! Unfortunately, Katrina has few friends to rely on and ends up in the clutches of the Headless Horseman, who isn't as she expects.
I really liked Katrina as the main character with her depiction of being hard of hearing and anxiety/depression. Her simple asks to make life more accessible often were not acknowledged and with her unbearable family, of course she would spiral. Her workplace has made it more accessible, and you can tell which characters truly understand and listen to her needs. The ableism was difficult to read at times due to knowing that this is what people go through in their daily lives. Katrina does feel a sense of loyalty to both her loved ones and home make her sacrifices even more sorrowful.
The romance was a miss for me because it developed too quickly. There wasn't enough time for them to connect while the betrayals, secrets and darkness coming to fruition. The MMC is quick to judge and anger at times, which didn't help me feel they were building a genuine relationship.
I appreciated the pronunciation guide a lot at the beginning of the book!
Overall, an interesting spin on a classic gothic tale.
What will happen to Sleepy Hollow when the yearly sacrifice goes wrong?
Hollowed is a dark fantasy retelling of Sleepy Hollow that explores tradition, sacrifice and conformity with some romance. The gothic atmosphere within the secluded magical town and mysterious forest is such a good vibe for the fall and Halloween season.
One would think that the only daughter of the prominent Sleepy Hollow family would be loved and have her magics well honed. That is unfortunately not the case for Katrina van Tassel. Her mother is an absolute piece of work. She sees Katrina as naïve, petulant and basically a waste of space since her fire magic cannot be controlled.
What good is having a child who doesn't conform to the family's high expectations? Well, let's sacrifice her to the dark entity, The Dullahan, who protects the town's veil! Unfortunately, Katrina has few friends to rely on and ends up in the clutches of the Headless Horseman, who isn't as she expects.
I really liked Katrina as the main character with her depiction of being hard of hearing and anxiety/depression. Her simple asks to make life more accessible often were not acknowledged and with her unbearable family, of course she would spiral. Her workplace has made it more accessible, and you can tell which characters truly understand and listen to her needs. The ableism was difficult to read at times due to knowing that this is what people go through in their daily lives. Katrina does feel a sense of loyalty to both her loved ones and home make her sacrifices even more sorrowful.
The romance was a miss for me because it developed too quickly. There wasn't enough time for them to connect while the betrayals, secrets and darkness coming to fruition. The MMC is quick to judge and anger at times, which didn't help me feel they were building a genuine relationship.
I appreciated the pronunciation guide a lot at the beginning of the book!
Overall, an interesting spin on a classic gothic tale.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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:
Yes
This standalone fantasy novel is a great read. The plot is interesting and the writing style and flow kept me gripped to the story.
Katrina is a really interesting character. You see her really develop and grow into her own throughout the story. I always love a story where the MMC is right behind her, encouraging her and showing her what she is worth and Alexander absolutely does this. He’s a great character who is completely misunderstood by those around him.
I really enjoyed the idea of death as a woman which is quite an unusual representation in a book.
This was a good book; good plot, characters and writing style. It had lots of creepy, atmospheric vibes and was a great fall/Halloween read.
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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:
No
"Monsters weren't born. They were created."
I am extremely grateful to Ms. Taylor for sending me an E-arc of Hollowed! I really enjoyed The Siren's Mutiny duology and couldn't wait to get my hands on this Sleepy Hollow reimaging.
Ms. Taylor's writing style is absolutely beautiful and full of vivid detail that consumes you, making you feel everything that Katrina felt. From the rejection and abandonment that she went through from not only her parents but the townspeople of Sleepy Hollow, and to the love and loyalty she managed to finally feel from the people that cared for her, Katrina finds that she is stronger than she believes and knows her true worth in life.
The slow burn romance and tension between Katrina and Alexander is quite tasteful throughout the story, although I would've loved it if we would've gotten at least a of couple steamy scenes. As far as Alexander goes, he was sweet and looked out for Katrina's best interests. He cared for her and had that "touch her and you die" vibe going on. He was very protective and considerate of all that she went through and her disability. My only complaint is that I wish there was more description on his features and build. We know that he has dark hair, blue eyes and that he is tall but other than that, there's not much to go on. I kept picturing this tall, lanky guy and that's not your typical brooding MMC. I'm not sure if that's what Ms. Taylor was going for, but I for one, am looking forward to the fan art for clarification!
All in all, Hollowed is a fantastic addition to any TBR, just in time for spooky season!
I am extremely grateful to Ms. Taylor for sending me an E-arc of Hollowed! I really enjoyed The Siren's Mutiny duology and couldn't wait to get my hands on this Sleepy Hollow reimaging.
Ms. Taylor's writing style is absolutely beautiful and full of vivid detail that consumes you, making you feel everything that Katrina felt. From the rejection and abandonment that she went through from not only her parents but the townspeople of Sleepy Hollow, and to the love and loyalty she managed to finally feel from the people that cared for her, Katrina finds that she is stronger than she believes and knows her true worth in life.
The slow burn romance and tension between Katrina and Alexander is quite tasteful throughout the story, although I would've loved it if we would've gotten at least a of couple steamy scenes. As far as Alexander goes, he was sweet and looked out for Katrina's best interests. He cared for her and had that "touch her and you die" vibe going on. He was very protective and considerate of all that she went through and her disability. My only complaint is that I wish there was more description on his features and build. We know that he has dark hair, blue eyes and that he is tall but other than that, there's not much to go on. I kept picturing this tall, lanky guy and that's not your typical brooding MMC. I'm not sure if that's what Ms. Taylor was going for, but I for one, am looking forward to the fan art for clarification!
All in all, Hollowed is a fantastic addition to any TBR, just in time for spooky season!