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A review by powerpuffgoat
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
mysterious
sad
5.0
I'm surprised at how much I enjoyed the experience that this book presented. After the initial premise, when we learn that Grey and Vivi had left home, I was afraid that I'll be stuck with the teenage drama. Thankfully, this book went in a different direction.
I loved the pacing of the story, the way it progressed in ways I did not necessarily expect. I loved the mystical elements that didn't try to overexplain themselves. I loved the heavy focus on scents - quite rare in literature, despite our sens eof amell having such a great impact on our experiences and memories.
I was also pleased that for all of the descriptions of etherial beauty, the writing wasn't very sexual. Maybe it's my ripe old age, but I can't help but cringe when books with a young protagonist focus on physical attraction or infatuation based on (usually) nothing. Although Iris has a crush on Tyler, it seems to be fueled by the trauma they share, and in a refreshing turn of events, it doesn't develop into a relationship.
My favourite parts of the book were the descriptions of the family dynamics. The way the relationship between Gabe and Cate was filled with warmth. The way the Hollow sisters were so intensely bonded with each other, and yet dealing with a power imbalance. The way Cate had a different relationship with each of the sisters. Mystical elements aside, it rang incredibly true.
I loved the pacing of the story, the way it progressed in ways I did not necessarily expect. I loved the mystical elements that didn't try to overexplain themselves. I loved the heavy focus on scents - quite rare in literature, despite our sens eof amell having such a great impact on our experiences and memories.
I was also pleased that for all of the descriptions of etherial beauty, the writing wasn't very sexual. Maybe it's my ripe old age, but I can't help but cringe when books with a young protagonist focus on physical attraction or infatuation based on (usually) nothing. Although Iris has a crush on Tyler, it seems to be fueled by the trauma they share, and in a refreshing turn of events, it doesn't develop into a relationship.
My favourite parts of the book were the descriptions of the family dynamics. The way the relationship between Gabe and Cate was filled with warmth. The way the Hollow sisters were so intensely bonded with each other, and yet dealing with a power imbalance. The way Cate had a different relationship with each of the sisters. Mystical elements aside, it rang incredibly true.