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Hollow Dolls #1
Hollow Dolls
How can you keep secrets, when someone’s in your mind?
Simone is a mind reader. She knows a great many things about everyone she meets, but she can’t seem to remember anything about her past or where she came from. After finally being free for the first time in a long time, she sets off, determined to find her home.
When she stumbles across a man with two minds inside him – the real one, shoved deep down, and one of a body walker, someone who can take over a person’s body against their will – Simone is even more eager to leave her old life behind.
As Simone dives deeper into her history, she learns truths she never could have imagined. But when those she loves start disappearing around her, Simone knows only she can stop the evil.
Set in the same fantasy world as the Shadow Weaver duology, this series starter weaves a tale of secrets, power, magic, and the long path to home.
Simone is a mind reader. She knows a great many things about everyone she meets, but she can’t seem to remember anything about her past or where she came from. After finally being free for the first time in a long time, she sets off, determined to find her home.
When she stumbles across a man with two minds inside him – the real one, shoved deep down, and one of a body walker, someone who can take over a person’s body against their will – Simone is even more eager to leave her old life behind.
As Simone dives deeper into her history, she learns truths she never could have imagined. But when those she loves start disappearing around her, Simone knows only she can stop the evil.
Set in the same fantasy world as the Shadow Weaver duology, this series starter weaves a tale of secrets, power, magic, and the long path to home.
272 pages, Hardcover
First published January 7, 2020
22 people are currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
MarcyKate Connolly
19 books447 followersMarcyKate Connolly is a New York Times bestselling children’s book author who lives in New England with her family and short-nosed dogs. She graduated from Hampshire College (a magical place where they don’t give you grades) where she wrote an opera sequel to Hamlet as the equivalent of a senior thesis. It was also there that she first fell in love with plotting and has been dreaming up new ways to make life difficult for her characters ever since. You can visit her online at www.marcykate.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 28, 2019
A new middle grade series featuring two children with specialized magical talents, who go to The Archives in the main city to try to find out more about the town where one of them might have come from. All while having to confront a new enemy.
Thoughts:
When I ran across this first book in a new series, I was drawn in by the description, which sounds a bit creepy and spooky – one of my favorite subgenres within middle grade. It features two main characters – Simone, a mind reader, and Sebastian, a boy who can steal others memories. The prologue gives quite a bit of background into their story and how they and other children were kidnapped and kept in a Lady’s garden against their will. However, they have recently been freed and the children are free to now go back to their families. Most have a home to go back to, but Simone does not. She had her memories taken by Sebastian and does not know anything about her past, but stays with Sebastian and his sister until she can find hers.
The prologue is pretty extensive for a middle grade novel and after reading it and the first several chapters, I had the distinct impression that I had been thrown into what feels like the middle of a book. As if it were Part II of a novel and I’ve only wandered in to where someone had left it bookmarked. That was when I learned that this is a follow-up series, or add-on series to the Shadow Weaver series. Although though this is a new series it doesn’t really feel that way. There is a great deal of referencing to the previous series and story and even though there is enough information to understand the story it does not feel as if it is broken out into it’s own unique series.
Overall, the story has a series and somber tone to it which also added to my feeling of it being in the middle of a book. It was well-written and had interesting characters with Simone needing to learn a lot of how to actually live day-to-day with her talent, so if you are fans of the Shadow Weaver series you most likely won’t be disappointed. But since I am not familiar with that series it was difficult for me to enjoy on its own.
Rating: 3 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and SourceBooks Kids for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
Thoughts:
When I ran across this first book in a new series, I was drawn in by the description, which sounds a bit creepy and spooky – one of my favorite subgenres within middle grade. It features two main characters – Simone, a mind reader, and Sebastian, a boy who can steal others memories. The prologue gives quite a bit of background into their story and how they and other children were kidnapped and kept in a Lady’s garden against their will. However, they have recently been freed and the children are free to now go back to their families. Most have a home to go back to, but Simone does not. She had her memories taken by Sebastian and does not know anything about her past, but stays with Sebastian and his sister until she can find hers.
The prologue is pretty extensive for a middle grade novel and after reading it and the first several chapters, I had the distinct impression that I had been thrown into what feels like the middle of a book. As if it were Part II of a novel and I’ve only wandered in to where someone had left it bookmarked. That was when I learned that this is a follow-up series, or add-on series to the Shadow Weaver series. Although though this is a new series it doesn’t really feel that way. There is a great deal of referencing to the previous series and story and even though there is enough information to understand the story it does not feel as if it is broken out into it’s own unique series.
Overall, the story has a series and somber tone to it which also added to my feeling of it being in the middle of a book. It was well-written and had interesting characters with Simone needing to learn a lot of how to actually live day-to-day with her talent, so if you are fans of the Shadow Weaver series you most likely won’t be disappointed. But since I am not familiar with that series it was difficult for me to enjoy on its own.
Rating: 3 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and SourceBooks Kids for the advanced reader copy and opportunity to provide an honest review.
July 9, 2020
DNF at 15%
Well I'm super disappointed. I didn't realize this book wasn't it's own series. One of the reasons is that the blurb promoting it says " brand new series starter "... liars!
Instead this is a direct(?) continuation of a previous duology. It appears to star some of the same characters or at least comes on the back of the events in the Shadow Weaver duology immediately. I am not a fan of reading series out of order; and given that there is sooo much back story here to explain in order to really know what is happening from the get go; I've decided that I'm not going to go any further.
It really annoys me when trilogies are done this way. It's much better to break things up like Mortal Instruments did. As long as we were with our same crew of teens it was books #1-6. When the Clockwork series came along, in a different time span and with different characters, it had it's own numbering of 1-3 AND it was toted as a prequel trilogy. This is respectful of the reader and makes life much easier for those of us (whom I think are the majority) that want to read series in order.
Now I know publishers aren't generally a fan of the long series as it requires people to get in at the beginning; and maybe people are overwhelmed by starting a series with 3+ books in it. Hence the desire to stay with duologies and trilogies. This however is not me. My favourite genre is fantasy and so to me a series with many books in it is good, because I won't run out of content, and hopefully it's close to being complete (as nothing in publishing annoys me more than series that never get finished. Yes GRRM, it's literally all your fault).
If this premise intrigues you and you want to dive into MarcyKate Connolly's intriguing sound world, pick-up the first book of the first trilogy called Shadow Weaver. I've put the first book on my giant TBR list, but this experience means it's unlikely to get to the top anytime soon. Sad because the overall premise is super interesting.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
Well I'm super disappointed. I didn't realize this book wasn't it's own series. One of the reasons is that the blurb promoting it says " brand new series starter "... liars!
Instead this is a direct(?) continuation of a previous duology. It appears to star some of the same characters or at least comes on the back of the events in the Shadow Weaver duology immediately. I am not a fan of reading series out of order; and given that there is sooo much back story here to explain in order to really know what is happening from the get go; I've decided that I'm not going to go any further.
It really annoys me when trilogies are done this way. It's much better to break things up like Mortal Instruments did. As long as we were with our same crew of teens it was books #1-6. When the Clockwork series came along, in a different time span and with different characters, it had it's own numbering of 1-3 AND it was toted as a prequel trilogy. This is respectful of the reader and makes life much easier for those of us (whom I think are the majority) that want to read series in order.
Now I know publishers aren't generally a fan of the long series as it requires people to get in at the beginning; and maybe people are overwhelmed by starting a series with 3+ books in it. Hence the desire to stay with duologies and trilogies. This however is not me. My favourite genre is fantasy and so to me a series with many books in it is good, because I won't run out of content, and hopefully it's close to being complete (as nothing in publishing annoys me more than series that never get finished. Yes GRRM, it's literally all your fault).
If this premise intrigues you and you want to dive into MarcyKate Connolly's intriguing sound world, pick-up the first book of the first trilogy called Shadow Weaver. I've put the first book on my giant TBR list, but this experience means it's unlikely to get to the top anytime soon. Sad because the overall premise is super interesting.
Please note: I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. This is an honest and unbiased review.
April 22, 2020
Wonderful reread! I loved the narrator! So cool I was able to get this audiobook! ❤️
June 18, 2022
This book was one of my favorites! And I’m a picky reader. This book had me gripped with the first sentence! Which doesn’t always happen to me with books I choose to read. I came across this story while looking for a good mystery and magical themed book. I read it in about 3 days! Even with my regular daily activities! I would start reading and wouldn’t want to stop. Once I was done I was left empty. Just kidding! But really, this book was great! I enjoyed every sentence of every chapter! I am already going to read book two! Which I will also most likely love as well! I read this book in the summer but I think that any season is a good time to read it! I will be searching for another good book to read now…. I totally recommend this book!
January 14, 2020
What would you do if you could read people's minds, but you can't remember things from your own mind? Simone is finally free from Lady Aisling's twisted control but she is lost because she can't remember anything about her past except the name of a nonexistent town. Since she is all alone, she is living with her best friend, Sebastian, and his sister. Sebastian and his sister, Jemma, want to help Simone find her family so they decide to go to The Parillan Acrhives so search the records. On the way Jemma is taken over by a body walker, a talent in which the body walker can take over another person's body. Simone and Sebastian have to flee and hope to meet Jemma at the library. On the way they meet a lady who is also searching for her family so she accompanies them to the library. Maeve becomes almost like a stand-in mom for the kids. When Jemma doesn't arrive after several weeks, the kids become very worried. Then when Maeve goes missing they know the body walker has struck again. Simone and Sebastian go searching for Maeve but what they find will shake them both to their core. Will Jemma ever make it back to the kids? Will the body walker threaten Simone and Sebastian? And what will happen when Simone loses Sebastian to another evil? Will Simone be able to handle what she finds out about her past? Read this fast-paced novel to find out all of these answers and so much more. Set in the same fantasy world as Shadow Weaver duology, this fantasy book will leave you wanting more!
Shadow Weaver and Comet Rising are two of my favorite books! When I found out MarcyKate was making a new series in the same fantasy land, I was beyond excited! And Hollow Dolls did not disappoint!! This new series is full of secrets, magic, suspense, and an unbreakable friendship! This book will leave you wanting so much more!!! Do not miss this one!!!
Shadow Weaver and Comet Rising are two of my favorite books! When I found out MarcyKate was making a new series in the same fantasy land, I was beyond excited! And Hollow Dolls did not disappoint!! This new series is full of secrets, magic, suspense, and an unbreakable friendship! This book will leave you wanting so much more!!! Do not miss this one!!!
February 25, 2020
Hollow Dolls returns to the world of Connolly's Shadow Weaver Duology. This time telling the story from the perspective of Simone. Simone is one of the comet-blessed, one with a magical power. Her power is mind reading, which made her of great value to the evil Lady Aisling. But now the Lady has been defeated, deprived of her powers, and imprisoned. Simone and the others that the Lady used in her evil work are now free to return home. But all Simone knows of her previous life is the name of her hometown and the names of her family. She has no memories of them at all, thanks to the lady's manipulation of a memory stealer. But no trace remains of her hometown or family and Simone ends up living with her best friend, Sebastian and his sister, Jemma.
When Simone stumbles upon a body walker manipulating someone else, she flees in terror. She, Sebastian, and Jemma set out to find make sure that Lady Aisling really is no longer a threat, and then seek out the library to search for more information about Simone's family. But when Jemma is taken over by the body walker, Simone and Sebastian are left on their own to find the library. As it becomes clearer that the body walker is someone close to them, Simone must decide whether to let her fear keep her safe or whether to risk her freedom to help her friends.
This is really quite a compelling story. Not having read the Shadow Weaver duology at this point, I wasn't sure I'd understand what was happening at first, but it quickly became clear that that wasn't going to be a problem. Having Simone tell the story with her ability to peek into other's minds was a nice touch. Simone's longing for a home she doesn't remember as well as her struggles with her own thoughts and the often overwhelming thoughts of others makes it hard for her to find peace. But her loyalty to her friends carries her forward. I found this to be a thoroughly satisfying read with plenty of world-building and enough details to help me visualize Simone's world. The interesting powers created some really interesting ethical questions. I'm looking forward to reading the coming sequel, as well as going back to read the previous series.
When Simone stumbles upon a body walker manipulating someone else, she flees in terror. She, Sebastian, and Jemma set out to find make sure that Lady Aisling really is no longer a threat, and then seek out the library to search for more information about Simone's family. But when Jemma is taken over by the body walker, Simone and Sebastian are left on their own to find the library. As it becomes clearer that the body walker is someone close to them, Simone must decide whether to let her fear keep her safe or whether to risk her freedom to help her friends.
This is really quite a compelling story. Not having read the Shadow Weaver duology at this point, I wasn't sure I'd understand what was happening at first, but it quickly became clear that that wasn't going to be a problem. Having Simone tell the story with her ability to peek into other's minds was a nice touch. Simone's longing for a home she doesn't remember as well as her struggles with her own thoughts and the often overwhelming thoughts of others makes it hard for her to find peace. But her loyalty to her friends carries her forward. I found this to be a thoroughly satisfying read with plenty of world-building and enough details to help me visualize Simone's world. The interesting powers created some really interesting ethical questions. I'm looking forward to reading the coming sequel, as well as going back to read the previous series.
December 31, 2019
Reading books by MarcyKate is always all kinds of fun. Hollow Dolls was no different. It was a stunning story. This book was a three star for me. Adorable, but not perfect. Which makes me a little sad. But I still enjoyed it so very much. And I cannot wait to read even more books by MarcyKate. I truly love all her worlds.
This one is somewhat a sequel to the Shadow Weaver duology. It tells the story of Simone, a girl that we got to know then. And so this story is from a different point of view. But still set at the same time in the same world. Which I liked a whole lot because this world was all kinds of interesting and I loved exploring it all.
I had so many thoughts about this book. It was short and easy to read, which I loved. I enjoyed getting to know Simone a little bit more. And her best friend, Sebastian, whom she is staying with. They were both captured by Lady Aisling, kept captive for years and years and used because of powers they had gotten from a comet that passes every twenty five years. Which is all kinds of awesome. But this lady had many different talents in her garden. Talents that stole memories and kept you young for years. And so Simone and Sebastian still look and feel about twelve years old, I think. But they are much older than that, though they dont feel so. Which was so horrible yet fascinating to read about. They had been used for years, which was the worst.
What I liked most about this book was simply to read about Simone. She has the talent of being a mind reader. Which was pretty interesting to read about. She tries her best not to read everything she comes across, but it's not easy to control. She is still affected by being captured for so long, but this was barely mentioned. Hmph. When they were all freed, everyone had family come claim them. But Simone did not. She cannot find any of her family. This is about her going to a huge library to search for their lost village.
Which I liked reading about too. I liked reading about the library and all the different people working there. It was interesting to learn different things too. What I adored a whole lot about Simone was that her mind wandered a lot. She got distracted often and did not do what she was supposed to. So adored that about her. And her friendship with Sebastian was adorable too. They were such great friends. I only wish that this book had been even longer. I am excited that there is going to be a second book. I need adventures.
The reason for why this book is a three star for me is because I had some issues with the writing. It felt a bit off to me. Sigh. And I felt like the characters were behaving too innocent about everything. They were a bit too pure for me. Ha. Which is so not a bad thing, but it felt weird for me, considering they had been held captive and used for bad things for so so many years. Felt like they should have been affected more, that they should have been a little darker. They felt too young, which they were, but they were not really.
I completely love reading books by MarcyKate. And even though I did not fully love Hollow Dolls this was still an excellent book. And I am so pleased that I read it. And I know that I will always read books by this author. Because she is awesome. And I love the different fantasy worlds she creates in her books. I think you should all read every book by MarcyKate Connolly. They are all so good. All are middle grade but she has a young adult book out next year, and I so cannot wait to read that one was well. I'm so very excited.
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This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2019...
This one is somewhat a sequel to the Shadow Weaver duology. It tells the story of Simone, a girl that we got to know then. And so this story is from a different point of view. But still set at the same time in the same world. Which I liked a whole lot because this world was all kinds of interesting and I loved exploring it all.
I had so many thoughts about this book. It was short and easy to read, which I loved. I enjoyed getting to know Simone a little bit more. And her best friend, Sebastian, whom she is staying with. They were both captured by Lady Aisling, kept captive for years and years and used because of powers they had gotten from a comet that passes every twenty five years. Which is all kinds of awesome. But this lady had many different talents in her garden. Talents that stole memories and kept you young for years. And so Simone and Sebastian still look and feel about twelve years old, I think. But they are much older than that, though they dont feel so. Which was so horrible yet fascinating to read about. They had been used for years, which was the worst.
What I liked most about this book was simply to read about Simone. She has the talent of being a mind reader. Which was pretty interesting to read about. She tries her best not to read everything she comes across, but it's not easy to control. She is still affected by being captured for so long, but this was barely mentioned. Hmph. When they were all freed, everyone had family come claim them. But Simone did not. She cannot find any of her family. This is about her going to a huge library to search for their lost village.
Which I liked reading about too. I liked reading about the library and all the different people working there. It was interesting to learn different things too. What I adored a whole lot about Simone was that her mind wandered a lot. She got distracted often and did not do what she was supposed to. So adored that about her. And her friendship with Sebastian was adorable too. They were such great friends. I only wish that this book had been even longer. I am excited that there is going to be a second book. I need adventures.
The reason for why this book is a three star for me is because I had some issues with the writing. It felt a bit off to me. Sigh. And I felt like the characters were behaving too innocent about everything. They were a bit too pure for me. Ha. Which is so not a bad thing, but it felt weird for me, considering they had been held captive and used for bad things for so so many years. Felt like they should have been affected more, that they should have been a little darker. They felt too young, which they were, but they were not really.
I completely love reading books by MarcyKate. And even though I did not fully love Hollow Dolls this was still an excellent book. And I am so pleased that I read it. And I know that I will always read books by this author. Because she is awesome. And I love the different fantasy worlds she creates in her books. I think you should all read every book by MarcyKate Connolly. They are all so good. All are middle grade but she has a young adult book out next year, and I so cannot wait to read that one was well. I'm so very excited.
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This review was first posted on my blog, Carina's Books, here: https://carinabooks.blogspot.com/2019...
February 26, 2022
In this universe, some people have talents - abilities granted by a comet that passes by the planet on a regular basis - and a noblewoman has been kidnapping these individuals to use for her own nefarious purposes. Finally freed from the woman who held her prisoner against her will, Simone is on the hunt for her family. Complicating the search for her family is the fact that all the children who were held by Lady Aisling were kept from aging; as Simone was Lady Aisling's first servant/slave, she has no idea how long she was held captive, or if her family is even still alive. Until she finds them, Simone has been living with Sebastian, who had been held captive with her, and his sister Jemma, with whom he was reunited when they were all freed. But their search is not easy, as all Simone has is a list of the names of her family member and the name of her village. All of her memories of her family were taken from her by Sebastian, whose talent is memory-taking, under the orders and control of their tormentor, Lady Aisling.
As the trio begins their search, they leave their village and head toward the Archives, a large library that contains a great deal of information about the history of their world and its citizenry, hopeful that they will be able to find some mention of the village of Wren. However, they have hardly begun their journey when they come across a body walker - someone who can take control of another person with a single touch - and Simone and Sebastian are separated from Jemma.
The characters of the novel are well-developed, and several minor characters are introduced with aspects that make one want to learn more about them and their histories. The mystery surrounding Simone's background and the identity of the mysterious body walker are both compelling aspects of this story, drawing the reader in. While I wish I had more information about the world they were in, I suspect that was missing from this novel because it is a companion novel to a duology set in the same universe and takes place during the time that Lady Aisling is still free and controlling children with talents. Much of the world-building was probably done during those novels. Despite that, there is enough present in this story to not be lost; I just wanted more. LOL.
The way this story ended - on a cliff-hanger as it is also part of a duology - did resolve most of the storylines of this novel, while also leaving open a major storyline. One could read just this novel and not read the sequel if they so desired, but I suspect that I will be reading the sequel at some point, to resolve the open storyline if nothing else. I also wonder if some of the minor characters will be in the sequel as well, as there were several that I definitely want to learn more about.
Overall, it was an interesting story. It just fell a bit short of becoming a must-read for me. It is good, and I think most readers who enjoy mystery and magic will also enjoy it, so if that is something that is up your alley, give it a try.
As the trio begins their search, they leave their village and head toward the Archives, a large library that contains a great deal of information about the history of their world and its citizenry, hopeful that they will be able to find some mention of the village of Wren. However, they have hardly begun their journey when they come across a body walker - someone who can take control of another person with a single touch - and Simone and Sebastian are separated from Jemma.
The characters of the novel are well-developed, and several minor characters are introduced with aspects that make one want to learn more about them and their histories. The mystery surrounding Simone's background and the identity of the mysterious body walker are both compelling aspects of this story, drawing the reader in. While I wish I had more information about the world they were in, I suspect that was missing from this novel because it is a companion novel to a duology set in the same universe and takes place during the time that Lady Aisling is still free and controlling children with talents. Much of the world-building was probably done during those novels. Despite that, there is enough present in this story to not be lost; I just wanted more. LOL.
The way this story ended - on a cliff-hanger as it is also part of a duology - did resolve most of the storylines of this novel, while also leaving open a major storyline. One could read just this novel and not read the sequel if they so desired, but I suspect that I will be reading the sequel at some point, to resolve the open storyline if nothing else. I also wonder if some of the minor characters will be in the sequel as well, as there were several that I definitely want to learn more about.
Overall, it was an interesting story. It just fell a bit short of becoming a must-read for me. It is good, and I think most readers who enjoy mystery and magic will also enjoy it, so if that is something that is up your alley, give it a try.
December 6, 2019
I was so excited to get my hands on another MarcyKate Connolly book!! She's one of my favourite MG authors writing today, and I'm thrilled readers have a chance to return to the Cometlands. However, big disclaimer, I do not think HOLLOW DOLLS holds up well as a standalone series. There are so many references to the SHADOW WEAVER books, I can imagine new readers might get overwhelmed very quickly. So, if you aren't familiar with this world, I would highly recommend reading the SHADOW WEAVER series first.
HOLLOW DOLLS is a quick, fast-moving adventure, following mind-reader Simone's journey to discover who she was before her captivity at the hands of the cruel Lady Aisling ... whilst also trying to outmaneuver a mysterious body-walker. Simone is a wonderful main character, kind-hearted and a little jumbled from her past ordeal. Her companion, Sebastian, was equally endearing, and I loved their relationship. Any book that bases itself around a library get an extra star in my opinion, and Connolly uses the Parillian Archives to drum up a great atmosphere: one of hope and discovery, but also fear, as Simone races to figure out which librarian might be the body-walker, circling closer and closer all the time.
[Mild spoilers] Without giving too much away, the twist WAS quite predictable. Maybe this is the detriment of reading too many of the author's previous books and seeing a pattern: "extremely naive girl who believes she's broken comes to rely on a clear-headed authority figure with ulterior motives." Ahem. Also, I would've liked to have seen a little more change in Simone. Instead of seeming like the first book in a series, the overall arc felt like part one of a single book, and I was left unsatisfied by the ending. Again, maybe it's because the ending felt very similar to some of Connolly's previous books ("We've ID'd the bad guy, now we have to stop them"), but I craved ... MORE. Somehow. Just something new, or fresh to make HOLLOW DOLLS stand out on its own. Although the pace was breathless, it wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly, with little emotional change in Simone, Sebastian, or the librarians from the beginning.
Overall, I'm left with mixed feeling. But the writing was, as always *chef's kiss* exquisite, and I enjoyed being back in this dark, magical world. Perhaps younger audiences might find the end less underwhelming. I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoyed SHADOW WEAVER, but again, I'd caution those who are unfamiliar with the universe to perhaps read SW first. 3.5/5
HOLLOW DOLLS is a quick, fast-moving adventure, following mind-reader Simone's journey to discover who she was before her captivity at the hands of the cruel Lady Aisling ... whilst also trying to outmaneuver a mysterious body-walker. Simone is a wonderful main character, kind-hearted and a little jumbled from her past ordeal. Her companion, Sebastian, was equally endearing, and I loved their relationship. Any book that bases itself around a library get an extra star in my opinion, and Connolly uses the Parillian Archives to drum up a great atmosphere: one of hope and discovery, but also fear, as Simone races to figure out which librarian might be the body-walker, circling closer and closer all the time.
[Mild spoilers] Without giving too much away, the twist WAS quite predictable. Maybe this is the detriment of reading too many of the author's previous books and seeing a pattern: "extremely naive girl who believes she's broken comes to rely on a clear-headed authority figure with ulterior motives." Ahem. Also, I would've liked to have seen a little more change in Simone. Instead of seeming like the first book in a series, the overall arc felt like part one of a single book, and I was left unsatisfied by the ending. Again, maybe it's because the ending felt very similar to some of Connolly's previous books ("We've ID'd the bad guy, now we have to stop them"), but I craved ... MORE. Somehow. Just something new, or fresh to make HOLLOW DOLLS stand out on its own. Although the pace was breathless, it wrapped up a little too quickly and neatly, with little emotional change in Simone, Sebastian, or the librarians from the beginning.
Overall, I'm left with mixed feeling. But the writing was, as always *chef's kiss* exquisite, and I enjoyed being back in this dark, magical world. Perhaps younger audiences might find the end less underwhelming. I would definitely recommend to readers who enjoyed SHADOW WEAVER, but again, I'd caution those who are unfamiliar with the universe to perhaps read SW first. 3.5/5
October 20, 2021
An intriguing tale of magic, powers, and the lengths some will go to get the powers others have.
Simone is one of the few with powers, she is a mind-reader. With her power she knows many things, but the one thing she can’t remember is her own past. She is on a mission to find her family and the home she was taken from. Helping her search is Sebastian, another child taken with powers, the ability to take memories from people and was used against her while they were held captive. They come across a man that has been taken over by a body walker; Simone wants nothing more than to leave the life of magic behind her. But the more she looks into the history of where she came from and how to get back home, the more evil she sees around her. Before it is too late, Simone must dig deep into herself and find the courage to stop the evil around her before those she cares about get hurt.
Hollow Dolls is a fun, entertaining magical story that will keep young readers engaged with the characters and following along on their journey. Simone is a very real protagonist, even though she has magical powers, it is easy to connect with her and the passion she has to find her family and get back all that was taken from her. The dynamic between her and Sebastian moves the story forward during their scenes and all they have had to work through together. Several points throughout the story I started to feel as if I knew what was going on and what would happen next, some of my thoughts proved true and some not so much. The story wraps up with a solid cliff-hanger ending that will leave readers aching to find out the rest of the story in the follow up. While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as others I have read by Connolly, it was still an enjoyable read that I would recommend to other young readers looking for a magical adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Simone is one of the few with powers, she is a mind-reader. With her power she knows many things, but the one thing she can’t remember is her own past. She is on a mission to find her family and the home she was taken from. Helping her search is Sebastian, another child taken with powers, the ability to take memories from people and was used against her while they were held captive. They come across a man that has been taken over by a body walker; Simone wants nothing more than to leave the life of magic behind her. But the more she looks into the history of where she came from and how to get back home, the more evil she sees around her. Before it is too late, Simone must dig deep into herself and find the courage to stop the evil around her before those she cares about get hurt.
Hollow Dolls is a fun, entertaining magical story that will keep young readers engaged with the characters and following along on their journey. Simone is a very real protagonist, even though she has magical powers, it is easy to connect with her and the passion she has to find her family and get back all that was taken from her. The dynamic between her and Sebastian moves the story forward during their scenes and all they have had to work through together. Several points throughout the story I started to feel as if I knew what was going on and what would happen next, some of my thoughts proved true and some not so much. The story wraps up with a solid cliff-hanger ending that will leave readers aching to find out the rest of the story in the follow up. While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as others I have read by Connolly, it was still an enjoyable read that I would recommend to other young readers looking for a magical adventure.
I received a complimentary copy of this title from the author. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
June 23, 2021
Part April Daniels’s Dreadnought series, part Stan Lee’s X-men, this novel is yet wholly original. Starting in media res, we find a whole lot of people freed from a witch’s spell, a sorceress of immense power, ambition and cruelty.
We don’t learn the extent of what Lady Aisling did with her helpless drones (the hollow dolls of the title); Ms. Connolly lets our own imaginations run riot. Instead, we learn about how two children of indeterminate ages strive to build a life after her malicious stranglehold on their bodies is removed.
Simone is relieved not to be a slave any longer yet, lacking any memory of her life prior to the Lady’s iron rule, she finds herself at a loss and yearning for true comfort, care and guidance. She’s not the rebellious, truculent, fighting heroine we’ve come to expect in many books of this sort. But her apparent submissiveness, willingness to be mothered and pampered conceal an inner toughness that astonishes even her at times.
I was captivated by this story and pulled in from start to finish by Simone and Sebastian’s journey, their sibling-like bond and fierce protectiveness for each other. This novel sparkles in its magical and non-magical moments, leaving the reader eager to learn more about this world of the talented and those who would control them.
We don’t learn the extent of what Lady Aisling did with her helpless drones (the hollow dolls of the title); Ms. Connolly lets our own imaginations run riot. Instead, we learn about how two children of indeterminate ages strive to build a life after her malicious stranglehold on their bodies is removed.
Simone is relieved not to be a slave any longer yet, lacking any memory of her life prior to the Lady’s iron rule, she finds herself at a loss and yearning for true comfort, care and guidance. She’s not the rebellious, truculent, fighting heroine we’ve come to expect in many books of this sort. But her apparent submissiveness, willingness to be mothered and pampered conceal an inner toughness that astonishes even her at times.
I was captivated by this story and pulled in from start to finish by Simone and Sebastian’s journey, their sibling-like bond and fierce protectiveness for each other. This novel sparkles in its magical and non-magical moments, leaving the reader eager to learn more about this world of the talented and those who would control them.
February 4, 2020
Hollow Dolls is about this girl named Simone who has mind reading capabilities and used to be enslaved to another magical human named Lady Aisling. She was finally freed and realized she couldn’t find her family. She began to live with her best friend, Lucas, who also had powers and was enslaved with her. She lived with him and his sister. The basic story line is that Simone tries to find her long lost family. This book makes a little more sense if you have read the books Shadow Weaver and Comet Rising because Simone was a side character in those books, and reading them would give a more in depth idea of what she has been through. The most important thing about the book to me is probably the story line. because it’s pretty interesting and there were a few surprising moments. However, the reason I gave it 4 ½ stars is because even though the story line is interesting, it’s a little predictable. Overall, it was a great book and kept me thoroughly entertained. I hope the next book is less predictable and has more surprising twists and turns. I do recommend reading the books Shadow Weaver and Comet Rising because those books were really good and will make this book a just a little more understandable and interesting.
October 24, 2019
Simone and Sebastian were prisoners of Lady Aisling for untold years, until finally they (and their other magically inclined friends) are released. Sebastian has a sister, now grown up, but Simone can't find anything about her family, much less her hometown, which no one has ever heard of before. The librarians investigating Lady Aisling are less than willing to help Simone find her home, so she, Sebastian, and Jemma decide to strike out on their own.
This is a companion book to Connolly's much loved Shadow Weaver duology, which I haven't read. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had - it was a bit difficult to figure out the magic/talent system, and readers are plopped in the middle of the action from the very beginning. Fellow prisoners are referenced here and there, but often don't appear on the page.
That said, I did enjoy reading about Simone and her journey to the great library. I'm also fascinated with libraries in fiction, and this one didn't disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
This is a companion book to Connolly's much loved Shadow Weaver duology, which I haven't read. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had - it was a bit difficult to figure out the magic/talent system, and readers are plopped in the middle of the action from the very beginning. Fellow prisoners are referenced here and there, but often don't appear on the page.
That said, I did enjoy reading about Simone and her journey to the great library. I'm also fascinated with libraries in fiction, and this one didn't disappoint.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.
January 7, 2020
I won the ARC.
Hollow Dolls is about Simone, a mind reader that has been freed. She is a side character in the Shadow Weaver duology and these two books have to be read before this one because this book starts after the duology ends.
I haven't read the duology before this book. Anyway the second book wasn't published yet when I read this book. It makes some of the story a bit harder to follow at first. I was also wondering if most of the explanations for worldbuilding was found in the first book or if it is because I like reading long fantasy books so it was unfair from me to expect the same for a short kid book.
It is a quite unusual book to follow a former victim. But it is nice to be in the head of a mind reader that has trouble being focused. And that is looking for a family to belong to.
I thought the middle was a bit slow but I like so much the end. It was a great way to intertwine a conflict with a personal stake.
Hollow Dolls is about Simone, a mind reader that has been freed. She is a side character in the Shadow Weaver duology and these two books have to be read before this one because this book starts after the duology ends.
I haven't read the duology before this book. Anyway the second book wasn't published yet when I read this book. It makes some of the story a bit harder to follow at first. I was also wondering if most of the explanations for worldbuilding was found in the first book or if it is because I like reading long fantasy books so it was unfair from me to expect the same for a short kid book.
It is a quite unusual book to follow a former victim. But it is nice to be in the head of a mind reader that has trouble being focused. And that is looking for a family to belong to.
I thought the middle was a bit slow but I like so much the end. It was a great way to intertwine a conflict with a personal stake.
January 22, 2021
Simone, a mind reader, and her friend Sebastian, a memory stealer are released from their captor, Lady Aisling to find their families and start their life again. However, Simone can’t remember her family. Sebastian and his sister who is now his caretaker, offer to help her venture to the big library to search for her lost family. On the way there, Simone and Sebastian become separated from his sister who they realizes has been taken over by a body snatcher. As they flee to the library in hopes someone will help them, they meet a nice woman who offers to travel with them as she too is looking for her family. Once at the library they struggle to learn more about Simone’s family and have some shake ups on the way. Overall, I loved this book. It is a spin off of another series and cuts off with a cliffhanger which definitely left me wanting more. My one issue is the with the prologue. It had a very odd start which had me discouraged at first but I’m so happy I stuck with it. Ages 8-14.
July 11, 2025
"Councillor Troy Syndrome On Steroids"
Remember how in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," Deanna Troy had empathic abilities which should have instantly told her what was happening and who the 'Bad Guy' was, so the writers needed to keep inventing B.S, hand-waving reasons why she misinterpreted other people's emotions to ensure that the story could happen?...
Well, that's literally the entire basis of this audiobook. Except this time, it's even worse, because the protagonist is an honest to goodness mind reader! However, if you've encountered a work of fiction at any point in your life, then you'll easily spot the 'Twist Villain' the second that she's introduced; precisely 'BECAUSE' they're such a sweet and loving person who the protagonists trust implicitly.
Remember how in "Star Trek: The Next Generation," Deanna Troy had empathic abilities which should have instantly told her what was happening and who the 'Bad Guy' was, so the writers needed to keep inventing B.S, hand-waving reasons why she misinterpreted other people's emotions to ensure that the story could happen?...
Well, that's literally the entire basis of this audiobook. Except this time, it's even worse, because the protagonist is an honest to goodness mind reader! However, if you've encountered a work of fiction at any point in your life, then you'll easily spot the 'Twist Villain' the second that she's introduced; precisely 'BECAUSE' they're such a sweet and loving person who the protagonists trust implicitly.
July 30, 2019
Every twenty-five years the Cerelia Comet creates talented people, with gifts like mind reading, creating illusions, taking over bodies, and others. Many years ago the evil Lady Aisling captured almost all gifted people, both children and adults, keeping them captive to do her bidding. Read the rest of the review on my blog: https://shouldireaditornot.wordpress....
January 13, 2020
The first sentence hooked me into the story. This story was very creepy!! I felt like I was pulled into the writers world, from the way she describes things that are happening. The story had a great flow and I loved the POV we got. This one I think would be great for kids my age (I am 9) because it was easy to read and I didn't have any issues with words or anything. I hope to get the the book set in this world soon!
Go Into This One Knowing: Love Creepy Reads?
Go Into This One Knowing: Love Creepy Reads?
May 12, 2020
I really like this one. However, I felt like I was missing something. After I finished reading it, I realized that it is a companion to another series. I wish I would've read the other series first to possibly get some of the back story. I think I'll read the first series then maybe my rating of this will go up.
I still really liked it. The characters are great. The magic is interesting as well.
I still really liked it. The characters are great. The magic is interesting as well.
September 20, 2020
* I got this book for review form the publisher*
I found this book to such a fun read. I really loved this world and this quick read. I def am more inspired to read the previous series set in this world. I really loved the main character and really enjoyed the adventure elements. It was super fast pace read. I really loved the world building and found the plot to be fast pace and even thought it did have some predicable plot twists. It was a fun read.
I found this book to such a fun read. I really loved this world and this quick read. I def am more inspired to read the previous series set in this world. I really loved the main character and really enjoyed the adventure elements. It was super fast pace read. I really loved the world building and found the plot to be fast pace and even thought it did have some predicable plot twists. It was a fun read.
April 23, 2024
This isn't really a series starter, as the description says. It's a continuation of Connolly's duology, the Shadow Weaver. Immediately in the prologue, it felt like I was already in the middle a story; like this was an immediate continuation of a previous book in a series, not the beginning of a new series.
I skimmed most of this book; I began skimming at the beginning of chapter 11, which was around half of the book. This book was honestly forgettable.
I skimmed most of this book; I began skimming at the beginning of chapter 11, which was around half of the book. This book was honestly forgettable.
August 10, 2019
I received an advanced copy of this book through my group #bookjaunt.
What an intriguing read! Those who enjoyed Shadow Weaver are going to love Hollow Dolls which takes place in the same fantasy world. Simone and Sebastian are characters you will love. I am not a big lover of fantasy but this book was so good I couldn't put it down! Can't wait for the next one!
What an intriguing read! Those who enjoyed Shadow Weaver are going to love Hollow Dolls which takes place in the same fantasy world. Simone and Sebastian are characters you will love. I am not a big lover of fantasy but this book was so good I couldn't put it down! Can't wait for the next one!
October 25, 2019
Earc from netgalley.
Before reading this book, reading the author's shadow weaver books is something you need to do, because this book mentions a lot of things from those books. I was expecting something different from the title and cover, such as more of a ''creepy' story, this was just a little weird.
Before reading this book, reading the author's shadow weaver books is something you need to do, because this book mentions a lot of things from those books. I was expecting something different from the title and cover, such as more of a ''creepy' story, this was just a little weird.
December 14, 2019
ARC Copy...it was interesting and satisfying to see probably one of the most victimized members of the lady's "garden" get her limelight and story especially if you are aware just how tragic her very being is. I did like narrative asked-follow the notion...ok the great evil is seemingly gone so how does one pick up the pieces after?
December 3, 2019
This book was good. It had a fast pace, good characters, and interesting world-building. My only issue was that the main twist was somewhat predictable but, overall I liked it. Fans of fantasy and adventures would like this book.
December 27, 2019
As always Marcy Kate Connolly has created a magical world with her words. Hollow Dolls was as enjoyable to read as her first two books Monstrous and Ravenous. This book broke my reading slump that has been going on for the last few years. I look forward to reading this book again and again.
April 23, 2022
Not my favorite type of book with people basically possessing other people. And it was a bit predictable which I guess usually happens for a middle grade book which is think is the target audience. But with the possessions I don’t really know that I’d like kids reading it.
December 13, 2022
Definitely my favorite out of the trio, "Shadow Weaver" and "Comet Rising (and this one of course). It's a new experience to read from the perspective of one of the background characters. The ending is AMAZING and changes the entire meaning of these books!
April 19, 2024
I enjoyed it. I did not realize that this story is an off-shoot story from the Shadow Weaver Series that Marcykate wrote. First I will need book 2 of this story to find out how this ends. Then I might just have to read the books that this story shoots off from. So that I can get the whole picture.
December 19, 2019
I liked it! I have not read the previous books in the shadow weaver series and I think that would have helped me to understand the world better.
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