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The Maer Cycle
Hollow Road
Some Legends are true. Others have been twisted.
Legends describe the Maer as savage man-beasts haunting the mountains, their bodies and faces covered with hair. Creatures of unimaginable strength, cunning, and cruelty. Bedtime stories to keep children indoors at night. Soldiers’ tales to frighten new recruits.
It is said the Maer once ruled the Silver Hills, but they have long since passed into oblivion.
This is the story of their return.
Carl, Sinnie and Finn, three companions since childhood, are tasked with bringing a friend’s body home for burial. Along the way, they find there is more to the stories than they ever imagined, and the mountains hold threats even darker than the Maer.
A classic adventure fantasy with LGBTQ characters, perfect for fans of Dungeons and Dragons who want action, friendship, and empathy in equal measure.
Legends describe the Maer as savage man-beasts haunting the mountains, their bodies and faces covered with hair. Creatures of unimaginable strength, cunning, and cruelty. Bedtime stories to keep children indoors at night. Soldiers’ tales to frighten new recruits.
It is said the Maer once ruled the Silver Hills, but they have long since passed into oblivion.
This is the story of their return.
Carl, Sinnie and Finn, three companions since childhood, are tasked with bringing a friend’s body home for burial. Along the way, they find there is more to the stories than they ever imagined, and the mountains hold threats even darker than the Maer.
A classic adventure fantasy with LGBTQ characters, perfect for fans of Dungeons and Dragons who want action, friendship, and empathy in equal measure.
286 pages, Unknown Binding
Published December 19, 2022
7 people are currently reading
139 people want to read
About the author
Dan Fitzgerald
8 books88 followersFantasy and romance author of the Maer Cycle trilogy (low-magic fantasy) the Weirdwater Confluence duology (sword-free romantic fantasy), and the in-progress Time Before Trio (spicy romantic fantasy). The Time Before Trio will include The Delve (a smutty dungeon crawl, out now), Wings so Soft (an owl-themed fantasy romance, out now), and Cloti's Song (a poly fantasy romance, February 2024).
I also have a short romance: Unpainted (a queer arranged marriage fantasy romance, a standalone in the world of the Weirdwater Confluence) and another one coming, Jagged Shard (an enby/sapphic dungeon crawl fantasy romance coming early 2024, a standalone in the Time Before featuring characters from The Delve).
I write non-epic fantasy books, mostly romantic, in which you will find:
Mystery. Darkness. Wonder. Action. Romance. Otherness examined and deconstructed. Queer and straight characters living and fighting side by side. Imaginary creatures and magic with a realistic touch.
What you won’t find in my books:
Wholesale slaughter. Sexual assault. Unquestioned sexism or discrimination. Evil races. Irredeemable villains. Predestined heroes. An ancient darkness that threatens to overspread the land.
Catch me on Twitter or Instagram as danfitzwrites.
I also have a short romance: Unpainted (a queer arranged marriage fantasy romance, a standalone in the world of the Weirdwater Confluence) and another one coming, Jagged Shard (an enby/sapphic dungeon crawl fantasy romance coming early 2024, a standalone in the Time Before featuring characters from The Delve).
I write non-epic fantasy books, mostly romantic, in which you will find:
Mystery. Darkness. Wonder. Action. Romance. Otherness examined and deconstructed. Queer and straight characters living and fighting side by side. Imaginary creatures and magic with a realistic touch.
What you won’t find in my books:
Wholesale slaughter. Sexual assault. Unquestioned sexism or discrimination. Evil races. Irredeemable villains. Predestined heroes. An ancient darkness that threatens to overspread the land.
Catch me on Twitter or Instagram as danfitzwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 18, 2020
HOLLOW ROAD was a really enjoyable read for me. I'm a sucker for a bit of quest fantasy and although this isn't what you would classify as standard quest fantasy, the journey that these three friends undertake and their subsequent investigation of the fabled Maer hidden in the mountains around their village, provide for some truly cool moments that remind me of some of the best quest reads that I've come across in my reading life. It's also not especially heavy-handed when it comes to magic, which I actually felt was very refreshing.
This is also a book that deals a lot with stereotypes and prejudice. The Maer are portrayed in the beginning of the book as brutal monsters that may or may not exist. They are written off as unthinking savages whose only motivation is to kill the innocent. Much of what has been ascribed to them is for purposes of scaring certain segments of the population into capitulation. Nobody even thinks to question their origins or if they are even close to how they are portrayed.
After a brief encounter with the Maer on their journey to bring home their dead friend, they begin to question whether or not legends can sometimes be exaggerated. Could it be that the true monsters are those that they never would have suspected. Or are the Maer really as evil as everyone says they are? Carl, Sissie, and Finn, will soon uncover the truth and also get a number of life-changing surprises that they didn't expect.
I loved the main characters in this book and how they each had their own strengths that they brought to the table. Friends since childhood, it was also fun to see how they verbally jousted with each other as only friends who know each other well can do without causing offense. They also each come from very different backgrounds and have very different skills. This definitely comes into play as the story unfolds and they are tested beyond anything that any normal person would have to go through. The friendship angle really does give the story an extra component that makes you want to root for their success.
But the main thing that I loved about this book was the story itself, which drew me in immediately with the mystery of the Maer and then kept me there with the promise of discovering so much more being at work behind the scenes. A fascinating fantasy story that I unequivocally recommend to even the most picky reader. There is much to like about this book and I can't wait to read book two which I think I heard the author say was coming out in December. That's good because I need to continue with this story after eagerly gobbling this one up!
This is also a book that deals a lot with stereotypes and prejudice. The Maer are portrayed in the beginning of the book as brutal monsters that may or may not exist. They are written off as unthinking savages whose only motivation is to kill the innocent. Much of what has been ascribed to them is for purposes of scaring certain segments of the population into capitulation. Nobody even thinks to question their origins or if they are even close to how they are portrayed.
After a brief encounter with the Maer on their journey to bring home their dead friend, they begin to question whether or not legends can sometimes be exaggerated. Could it be that the true monsters are those that they never would have suspected. Or are the Maer really as evil as everyone says they are? Carl, Sissie, and Finn, will soon uncover the truth and also get a number of life-changing surprises that they didn't expect.
I loved the main characters in this book and how they each had their own strengths that they brought to the table. Friends since childhood, it was also fun to see how they verbally jousted with each other as only friends who know each other well can do without causing offense. They also each come from very different backgrounds and have very different skills. This definitely comes into play as the story unfolds and they are tested beyond anything that any normal person would have to go through. The friendship angle really does give the story an extra component that makes you want to root for their success.
But the main thing that I loved about this book was the story itself, which drew me in immediately with the mystery of the Maer and then kept me there with the promise of discovering so much more being at work behind the scenes. A fascinating fantasy story that I unequivocally recommend to even the most picky reader. There is much to like about this book and I can't wait to read book two which I think I heard the author say was coming out in December. That's good because I need to continue with this story after eagerly gobbling this one up!
December 29, 2020
3.5 stars
Hollow Road is such an ominous title. If you let it linger in your mind for a bit, you could imagine all kinds of ways a story along its path might go. The optimistic reader of adventures I am, I was open to let it take me anywhere.
Opening this novel with a map of the continent of Gheil and its surrounding islands, the story tells of three friends traveling to bring the body of another deceased friend back home. Carl, the main protagonist, is the methodical planner of this journey and Theo’s childhood friend, who’s father asked him to transport his body for the funeral in the family plot in their home village.
A thousand denri for a three-week trip is the reward to be. Maybe not for unfounded reasons, because the journey will be along the treacherous Hollow Road where beasts of unimaginable strengths haunt the area.
Carl enlists two of his friends to split the reward and come with to come along. Finn, who has magical gifts, and Sinnie who is an ace in archery.
Their travels begin in a way that the reader gains a great sense of the characters and the companionship they share as well as a few things to be learned about their pasts. Along campfires, the three of them discuss the myths of lurking dangers in the woods and the legends of the Maer that soon become a reality on their trip. Too close for calling, they encounter a whole group of these dangerously hairy beasts who turn out to be all females and children.
Taking some of the Maer captives, their fates are to be decided by the village council. What they do not know is that there are even greater dangers lurking in the mountains, and before they know it, Carl, Sinnie, and Finn are standing their own trials against the beasts.
There are a great many things about this novel to like and enjoy. The characters include diversity and there is a message that goes with the plot. As well as the flawless writing, it reads effortlessly and has a great flow.
I did enjoy the characters and their backstories and thought them well developed and there were some magical traits and elements that complemented their actions and added some of the fantastical I seek.
Unexpectedly, a lot of the plot didn’t take place on Hollow Road where it started. As a fan of “journeys” in novels, this could have been a bit longer for me, also because I love descriptive scenery and imaginative worlds.
A small snag in the novel for me was that some of the events/characters became so easily agreeable. There wasn’t a real egregious villain which is the stuff I read for and turn the pages. On the other hand, there is mention of an underground library and that certainly peeked my eyes and ears as a reader!
Hollow Road is the first novel in The Maer Cycle with the second novel being The Archive that was just published in December 2020 and it's a very enjoyable read and a great beginning of a series. My thought is that this world and set-up affords many venues to be built upon and each book will be a wonderful addition and expansion.
Definitely recommend it.
I won a signed copy of this novel at a giveaway and my review is honest and voluntary. Thank you.
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
Hollow Road is such an ominous title. If you let it linger in your mind for a bit, you could imagine all kinds of ways a story along its path might go. The optimistic reader of adventures I am, I was open to let it take me anywhere.
Opening this novel with a map of the continent of Gheil and its surrounding islands, the story tells of three friends traveling to bring the body of another deceased friend back home. Carl, the main protagonist, is the methodical planner of this journey and Theo’s childhood friend, who’s father asked him to transport his body for the funeral in the family plot in their home village.
A thousand denri for a three-week trip is the reward to be. Maybe not for unfounded reasons, because the journey will be along the treacherous Hollow Road where beasts of unimaginable strengths haunt the area.
Carl enlists two of his friends to split the reward and come with to come along. Finn, who has magical gifts, and Sinnie who is an ace in archery.
Their travels begin in a way that the reader gains a great sense of the characters and the companionship they share as well as a few things to be learned about their pasts. Along campfires, the three of them discuss the myths of lurking dangers in the woods and the legends of the Maer that soon become a reality on their trip. Too close for calling, they encounter a whole group of these dangerously hairy beasts who turn out to be all females and children.
Taking some of the Maer captives, their fates are to be decided by the village council. What they do not know is that there are even greater dangers lurking in the mountains, and before they know it, Carl, Sinnie, and Finn are standing their own trials against the beasts.
There are a great many things about this novel to like and enjoy. The characters include diversity and there is a message that goes with the plot. As well as the flawless writing, it reads effortlessly and has a great flow.
I did enjoy the characters and their backstories and thought them well developed and there were some magical traits and elements that complemented their actions and added some of the fantastical I seek.
Unexpectedly, a lot of the plot didn’t take place on Hollow Road where it started. As a fan of “journeys” in novels, this could have been a bit longer for me, also because I love descriptive scenery and imaginative worlds.
A small snag in the novel for me was that some of the events/characters became so easily agreeable. There wasn’t a real egregious villain which is the stuff I read for and turn the pages. On the other hand, there is mention of an underground library and that certainly peeked my eyes and ears as a reader!
Hollow Road is the first novel in The Maer Cycle with the second novel being The Archive that was just published in December 2020 and it's a very enjoyable read and a great beginning of a series. My thought is that this world and set-up affords many venues to be built upon and each book will be a wonderful addition and expansion.
Definitely recommend it.
I won a signed copy of this novel at a giveaway and my review is honest and voluntary. Thank you.
More of my reviews here:
Through Novel Time & Distance
December 8, 2021
This was the first time I've ever won a book in a raffle, and I lucked out twice. First, I got a book for free. Second, it was a great book.
I loved the rich descriptions, the in depth characterisation, the worldbuilding, the LGBTQ rep, the friendships, the subverted tropes, and the intriguing plotline.
Sinnie, Carl, and Finn's travails/journeys have only just started, and I'm excited to see what will happen in the rest of the series.
If you like character driven fantasy with evocative writing, this is the book for you.
I loved the rich descriptions, the in depth characterisation, the worldbuilding, the LGBTQ rep, the friendships, the subverted tropes, and the intriguing plotline.
Sinnie, Carl, and Finn's travails/journeys have only just started, and I'm excited to see what will happen in the rest of the series.
If you like character driven fantasy with evocative writing, this is the book for you.
September 28, 2022
There are those who say to be wary of travelling in these mountains. Terrifying tales of beast men who once lived within. For some who need to venture here the truth of these legends may soon be revealed. Powerful themes of empathy & friendship. Excellent read!
October 12, 2020
Slow burning but full of heart! I love stories like this. Though our tale unwinds slowly, our three main characters keep us on track. There were plenty of fights to keep the battle-hungry readers satisfied while weaving the web of storytelling around us. We are submersed in lore about the Maer (which sound a bit like Bigfoot or a Werewolf when folktales are uttered throughout the novel). There is more than meets the eyes to these supposedly savage and mythic brings.
I found it funny that while our author is spinning his story, it is almost too easy to forget that this quest started as a means to bring their friend to rest. Throughout the novel, our main characters are charting a coffin around. With all of the action and banter, it’s easy to forget how the tale begins, in the best way possible. Just a truly fun read!
I found it funny that while our author is spinning his story, it is almost too easy to forget that this quest started as a means to bring their friend to rest. Throughout the novel, our main characters are charting a coffin around. With all of the action and banter, it’s easy to forget how the tale begins, in the best way possible. Just a truly fun read!
November 14, 2020
Three friends on a journey together: what a classic start to a fantasy story! Two men: an apprentice mage and a soldier; one woman, a skilled archer. They’ve been hired (and well paid) to take the dead body of a friend back home for burial. Too well paid, in truth. Why?
Danger lies on the road home; danger that comes from legend and story: the Maer, a humanoid people reputed to be cruel, fierce fighters. But as Finn, Sinnie and Carl discover, the perceived danger from the Maer is mostly that: a perception, the result of fear and lack of communication. The Maer are as human as they are, although their appearance is different, and their culture perhaps more advanced than the three companions’ own.
Hollow Road is the first book of a trilogy. It serves as a wonderful introduction to Fitzgerald’s world, introducing the societies, the conflicts, and the main characters deftly. The three main characters are distinct personalities: conflicted Carl, who’d wanted to be a mage but had no skill; Sinnie, a woman who knows she can’t settle to the village life of her mother; Finn, the young adept who quickly will outstrip his mentors. Each has a role to play in the tentative alliance with the Maer, and each have things to learn from them.
The scale of Hollow Road appealed to me. The world is small (so far); the action takes place in a limited geography, devoid of huge armies, fortresses to storm, or vast distances to travel. Sufficient small details build the world without weighing down the story, building a believable iron-age society with some magic, but not so much that it dominates. Finn’s body magic assists the trio in their goals, but only in a way equivalent to Carl’s prowess with a sword and Sinnie’s skilled archery.
I had two small niggles with the story, neither major. One is the pacing of fighting scenes, where I felt tension could have been increased by a change in the rhythm of the narrative; the other is in some of the language in dialogue. Fitzgerald’s characters speak naturally, often using modern words in an iron-age setting, and while for the most part I didn’t find this jarring, one or two words did jump out at me as inappropriate.
As with all good speculative fiction, Fitzgerald has asked some hard questions about our society; about how we judge and fear people by their outward appearance. His characters – and readers – see that once true dialogue begins, commonalities outweigh differences. But while individuals learn this, and accept the Maer as human, will the Realm, the larger government which is only hinted at in this first book? Hollow Road ends with questions that should make the reader impatient for the next book in the trilogy, The Archive, due out December 4th. It certainly made me frustrated that I couldn’t keep reading the story immediately! Strongly recommended for readers who like character-based fantasy with a solid plot.
Originally posted on https://marianlthorpe.com/2020/09/16/... as part of the Storytellers on Tour blog tour.
Danger lies on the road home; danger that comes from legend and story: the Maer, a humanoid people reputed to be cruel, fierce fighters. But as Finn, Sinnie and Carl discover, the perceived danger from the Maer is mostly that: a perception, the result of fear and lack of communication. The Maer are as human as they are, although their appearance is different, and their culture perhaps more advanced than the three companions’ own.
Hollow Road is the first book of a trilogy. It serves as a wonderful introduction to Fitzgerald’s world, introducing the societies, the conflicts, and the main characters deftly. The three main characters are distinct personalities: conflicted Carl, who’d wanted to be a mage but had no skill; Sinnie, a woman who knows she can’t settle to the village life of her mother; Finn, the young adept who quickly will outstrip his mentors. Each has a role to play in the tentative alliance with the Maer, and each have things to learn from them.
The scale of Hollow Road appealed to me. The world is small (so far); the action takes place in a limited geography, devoid of huge armies, fortresses to storm, or vast distances to travel. Sufficient small details build the world without weighing down the story, building a believable iron-age society with some magic, but not so much that it dominates. Finn’s body magic assists the trio in their goals, but only in a way equivalent to Carl’s prowess with a sword and Sinnie’s skilled archery.
I had two small niggles with the story, neither major. One is the pacing of fighting scenes, where I felt tension could have been increased by a change in the rhythm of the narrative; the other is in some of the language in dialogue. Fitzgerald’s characters speak naturally, often using modern words in an iron-age setting, and while for the most part I didn’t find this jarring, one or two words did jump out at me as inappropriate.
As with all good speculative fiction, Fitzgerald has asked some hard questions about our society; about how we judge and fear people by their outward appearance. His characters – and readers – see that once true dialogue begins, commonalities outweigh differences. But while individuals learn this, and accept the Maer as human, will the Realm, the larger government which is only hinted at in this first book? Hollow Road ends with questions that should make the reader impatient for the next book in the trilogy, The Archive, due out December 4th. It certainly made me frustrated that I couldn’t keep reading the story immediately! Strongly recommended for readers who like character-based fantasy with a solid plot.
Originally posted on https://marianlthorpe.com/2020/09/16/... as part of the Storytellers on Tour blog tour.
November 12, 2020
Thank you to the author for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest opinion. This book is available now.
Full of excellent, deep character-growth, The Hollow Road perfectly explains the term, “the joy is in the journey.” Three childhood friends have the somber task of returning their dead friend’s body to his home. At the same time, the friends take it upon themselves to figure out the truth behind some troubling rumors. In essence, most of the book takes place during that journey, and I loved that concept. It’s been way too long since I’ve read a book that plays out like that.
In a way, the plot followed behind the characters. And what characters! They are deep, complex, and ever-evolving. Even Carl, who I loved to dislike for a good chunk of the time, had layers upon layers to his personality. While they were all fantastic to read, my favorite was Finn. He just clicked for me. I also thought it was pretty cool that one of the characters was a circus performer. That’s incredibly creative and unique.
I liked that the magic was less present than in some other fantasies I’ve read recently. It’s there-Finn himself is a mage-in-training-but it’s not flashy or over the top. It’s clear that it is meant to play second fiddle to the characters’ growth, and to the folklore surrounding the Maer themselves. The Maer were fascinating, and I found myself curious about them from the get-go.
The Hollow Road is a slower book, without any unnecessary action beats (not to say there aren’t any, just that each has a purpose). Each scene is written with a goal in mind, and I never felt like the author rambled or wandered from what he wanted to convey.
This book is perfect for readers who like well-rounded characters who grow throughout the story, not only separately but together as a group. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
Full of excellent, deep character-growth, The Hollow Road perfectly explains the term, “the joy is in the journey.” Three childhood friends have the somber task of returning their dead friend’s body to his home. At the same time, the friends take it upon themselves to figure out the truth behind some troubling rumors. In essence, most of the book takes place during that journey, and I loved that concept. It’s been way too long since I’ve read a book that plays out like that.
In a way, the plot followed behind the characters. And what characters! They are deep, complex, and ever-evolving. Even Carl, who I loved to dislike for a good chunk of the time, had layers upon layers to his personality. While they were all fantastic to read, my favorite was Finn. He just clicked for me. I also thought it was pretty cool that one of the characters was a circus performer. That’s incredibly creative and unique.
I liked that the magic was less present than in some other fantasies I’ve read recently. It’s there-Finn himself is a mage-in-training-but it’s not flashy or over the top. It’s clear that it is meant to play second fiddle to the characters’ growth, and to the folklore surrounding the Maer themselves. The Maer were fascinating, and I found myself curious about them from the get-go.
The Hollow Road is a slower book, without any unnecessary action beats (not to say there aren’t any, just that each has a purpose). Each scene is written with a goal in mind, and I never felt like the author rambled or wandered from what he wanted to convey.
This book is perfect for readers who like well-rounded characters who grow throughout the story, not only separately but together as a group. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.
https://wittyandsarcasticbookclub.hom...
February 25, 2021
This book revolves around the friendship and journey of a group of three childhood human friends, now adult, who have been commissioned to take the body of their friend, Theo, back to their home village of Brocland for burial. It is a character-driven low fantasy and the main characters have very distinct personalities and are from different backgrounds. I liked Sinni and Finn equally, but Carl was a little too serious and brooding a lot of the time.
The descriptive detail and world building in this book is very well done. I could easily envision the countryside they were traveling through and other locations such as the mine and the castle.
As with most fantasy, there is magic, but it is not a huge part of the story. It is presented as the weapon with which Finn fights and defends himself. Sinnie has her arrows, Carl his sword and Finn his magic.
Carl, back from a spell in the army and the apparent leader of the group, Finn, the trainee magic user and Sinnie, the archer and circus performer embark on the journey which will ultimately test their deep-seated belief in superstition and their prejudice when faced by the Maer. Growing up they were told the Maer were beast-men: dangerous, vicious creatures to be afraid of. Indeed their first experience with the mysterious facially hairy Maer is an ambush and so their prejudice does not initially waver.
On reaching Brocland they are told of some brutal murders which the village is blaming on the Maer without any proof. During the resulting hunt for any remaining Maer the companions are surprised to discover that this civilization they know nothing about has art, language and culture of their own. They also discover a much more sinister mutual enemy, the Barrow Lords which the Maer call the Ka-lar:
“It’s mouth was pulled into a wide grin, baring long teeth that glistened yellow in the moonlight. It’s face was that of a corpse, taut and dry, with every sinew showing beneath its stretched skin.”
The companions agree to take the remaining Maer back safely to where they originally came from, an ancient castle on a mountain. On their journey they begin to realize that monsters do exist in their land, but that they have a lot in common with the Maer who are essentially just like them (except hairier).
When they reach the Maer castle they are put on trial for killing some of the Maer. This is a gripping scene which further underlines the fact that the Maer and the humans are very similar and that the companions have seen the error of their ways and become more tolerant. Carl is even beginning to fall in love with Ujenn, the Maer sorceress and tells her he will return to her and that they can make a life together.
I heartily recommend this book to fantasy fans and look forward to starting the sequel, The Archive shortly.
The descriptive detail and world building in this book is very well done. I could easily envision the countryside they were traveling through and other locations such as the mine and the castle.
As with most fantasy, there is magic, but it is not a huge part of the story. It is presented as the weapon with which Finn fights and defends himself. Sinnie has her arrows, Carl his sword and Finn his magic.
Carl, back from a spell in the army and the apparent leader of the group, Finn, the trainee magic user and Sinnie, the archer and circus performer embark on the journey which will ultimately test their deep-seated belief in superstition and their prejudice when faced by the Maer. Growing up they were told the Maer were beast-men: dangerous, vicious creatures to be afraid of. Indeed their first experience with the mysterious facially hairy Maer is an ambush and so their prejudice does not initially waver.
On reaching Brocland they are told of some brutal murders which the village is blaming on the Maer without any proof. During the resulting hunt for any remaining Maer the companions are surprised to discover that this civilization they know nothing about has art, language and culture of their own. They also discover a much more sinister mutual enemy, the Barrow Lords which the Maer call the Ka-lar:
“It’s mouth was pulled into a wide grin, baring long teeth that glistened yellow in the moonlight. It’s face was that of a corpse, taut and dry, with every sinew showing beneath its stretched skin.”
The companions agree to take the remaining Maer back safely to where they originally came from, an ancient castle on a mountain. On their journey they begin to realize that monsters do exist in their land, but that they have a lot in common with the Maer who are essentially just like them (except hairier).
When they reach the Maer castle they are put on trial for killing some of the Maer. This is a gripping scene which further underlines the fact that the Maer and the humans are very similar and that the companions have seen the error of their ways and become more tolerant. Carl is even beginning to fall in love with Ujenn, the Maer sorceress and tells her he will return to her and that they can make a life together.
I heartily recommend this book to fantasy fans and look forward to starting the sequel, The Archive shortly.
July 3, 2021
I wasn’t real sure what to expect with this book but I’m always down for a new tackle on fantasy. Especially with a emphasis on quest fantasy.
This story definitely delivered that. The beginning left me a little baffled, unsure what direction we were going to take but the more I read, the more I found myself enjoying and looking forward to an unknown path.
The characters took a bit to warm up to but the author put them on such fun and unique settings that you begin to take to them quickly even before you realize it.
The plot was definitely well thought out but I found myself more engaged with the characters and setting than the task at hand. Which, in my mind, is a wonderful problem to have. If I love a world and a character, I’ll follow them anywhere!
Definitely add this to your TBR. Absolutely worth the read.
This story definitely delivered that. The beginning left me a little baffled, unsure what direction we were going to take but the more I read, the more I found myself enjoying and looking forward to an unknown path.
The characters took a bit to warm up to but the author put them on such fun and unique settings that you begin to take to them quickly even before you realize it.
The plot was definitely well thought out but I found myself more engaged with the characters and setting than the task at hand. Which, in my mind, is a wonderful problem to have. If I love a world and a character, I’ll follow them anywhere!
Definitely add this to your TBR. Absolutely worth the read.
May 2, 2022
An impulse buy I was kinda worried about, but a very enjoyable read. Very different than what I’ve read for years, proper, capital F, Fantasy. Interested in reading the rest of the trilogy at a later date.
October 26, 2020
Hollow Road is a wonderful journey of friendship, mystery, and folklore. At every turn there was something new to learn about the world and the end left me guessing at what was to come. I truly enjoyed learning about the Maer, the Ka-lar, and all the other ancient mysteries the trio came to face along their journey. The world is much bigger than any of them ever knew, and I can't wait to read more from this series.
March 27, 2021
Lately, I have been in the mood for those more classic quests and adventuring party stories. I blame it on the fact that D&D is slowly taking over my life (not that I am complaining), and Hollow Road definitely falls into that category although it is not defined by that alone. Firstly, I have to say – and will surprise no one by doing so – that there is a map, which always makes me happy to see, especially in a story like this that involves a journey because I like having that reference point.
What really made Hollow Road stand out for me and makes it harder to define is that there isn’t an overarching good vs evil battle or overwhelming villain. Instead, the danger comes with the journey, with the people, and with the influence of stereotypes and misunderstandings and misperceptions, between people and cultures, and that is what this story is at its core. It’s a grounding thread that runs through the story and makes this story incredibly relevant and impactful even when we’re in the realm of magic and legend. This book also provides an interesting look at how folklore changes over time, and how stories themselves can be used as a weapon, both intentionally and with the twisting of time. The Maer have become cloaked in legend and fear, relegated to being the ‘other’, and as much as this story is about the journey of the three main characters, it is also a journey to learning more about the Maer, to discovering the truth and finding more questions along the way (in the way of a true quest).
The worldbuilding is excellent and done with a deft, subtle hand to provide a vivid, believable backdrop to the story. The world itself falls more into the low fantasy part of the scale, and while there is magic it is not flashy or overwhelming, again deviating from that classic D&D feel, but working fantastically with the world that Fitzgerald has created. I liked that there are limits and costs to the magic and that it is more balanced, with the others who fight with normal weapons while still adding that classic fantasy feel. The scale of the world that we have seen so far has been kept fairly limited, with glimpses granted of a wider world, but this has not only allowed the focus to remain on the characters and the plot, but it means that we can become firmly grounded in where the story is occurring, aided by Fitzgerald’s deft and evocative descriptions. It also allows for more focus to be given to the culture and traditions, and in a story that is very much about the people of this world, that is time well spent and builds up a rich world that frames the story being told.
The characters are truly the star of this show. On the surface, you can see them fitting into traditional party archetypes – fighter, ranger or mage – but once again the author takes that foundation and breaks the mould with each of them. I loved all three of the main characters and particularly enjoyed the aspect of them having been childhood friends who’d spent some time apart before coming together for this journey. They’re very many individuals, each with their own experiences and skillsets, but with that common thread tying them together and providing a springboard for some of the best friendship I have read for a while. The relationship between them, from catching up, to teasing one another in the way that only close friends can, to watching them grow and develop – individually and together – through their journey and circumstances where they are all needed, as are those different skills, is fantastic to behold and has that depth and warmth that makes it a living, breathing thing. While the story is centred on them, and their relationships, the wider cast is just as well-written.
For a shorter read, there is a lot packed into the Hollow Road even if you don’t immediately realise it at the time. The pacing leans towards the slower side – although the action when it happens is beautifully written and exciting to read – and for me at least, the pacing felt organic. It was a journey, a discovery, for the characters and the reader alike, and it was one to be savoured. The Hollow Road completely sold me on the Maer Cycle from the very beginning, and I loved the feeling of being drawn along on this journey as though you were travelling with the characters themselves and learning about the world, and the truth behind the stories right there with them. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book, and the series and I was so glad that I could immediately dive into the next book after this because I wasn’t ready to come up out of this world.
What really made Hollow Road stand out for me and makes it harder to define is that there isn’t an overarching good vs evil battle or overwhelming villain. Instead, the danger comes with the journey, with the people, and with the influence of stereotypes and misunderstandings and misperceptions, between people and cultures, and that is what this story is at its core. It’s a grounding thread that runs through the story and makes this story incredibly relevant and impactful even when we’re in the realm of magic and legend. This book also provides an interesting look at how folklore changes over time, and how stories themselves can be used as a weapon, both intentionally and with the twisting of time. The Maer have become cloaked in legend and fear, relegated to being the ‘other’, and as much as this story is about the journey of the three main characters, it is also a journey to learning more about the Maer, to discovering the truth and finding more questions along the way (in the way of a true quest).
The worldbuilding is excellent and done with a deft, subtle hand to provide a vivid, believable backdrop to the story. The world itself falls more into the low fantasy part of the scale, and while there is magic it is not flashy or overwhelming, again deviating from that classic D&D feel, but working fantastically with the world that Fitzgerald has created. I liked that there are limits and costs to the magic and that it is more balanced, with the others who fight with normal weapons while still adding that classic fantasy feel. The scale of the world that we have seen so far has been kept fairly limited, with glimpses granted of a wider world, but this has not only allowed the focus to remain on the characters and the plot, but it means that we can become firmly grounded in where the story is occurring, aided by Fitzgerald’s deft and evocative descriptions. It also allows for more focus to be given to the culture and traditions, and in a story that is very much about the people of this world, that is time well spent and builds up a rich world that frames the story being told.
The characters are truly the star of this show. On the surface, you can see them fitting into traditional party archetypes – fighter, ranger or mage – but once again the author takes that foundation and breaks the mould with each of them. I loved all three of the main characters and particularly enjoyed the aspect of them having been childhood friends who’d spent some time apart before coming together for this journey. They’re very many individuals, each with their own experiences and skillsets, but with that common thread tying them together and providing a springboard for some of the best friendship I have read for a while. The relationship between them, from catching up, to teasing one another in the way that only close friends can, to watching them grow and develop – individually and together – through their journey and circumstances where they are all needed, as are those different skills, is fantastic to behold and has that depth and warmth that makes it a living, breathing thing. While the story is centred on them, and their relationships, the wider cast is just as well-written.
For a shorter read, there is a lot packed into the Hollow Road even if you don’t immediately realise it at the time. The pacing leans towards the slower side – although the action when it happens is beautifully written and exciting to read – and for me at least, the pacing felt organic. It was a journey, a discovery, for the characters and the reader alike, and it was one to be savoured. The Hollow Road completely sold me on the Maer Cycle from the very beginning, and I loved the feeling of being drawn along on this journey as though you were travelling with the characters themselves and learning about the world, and the truth behind the stories right there with them. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book, and the series and I was so glad that I could immediately dive into the next book after this because I wasn’t ready to come up out of this world.
May 19, 2021
This review also on http://dnruttan.com
A fast-paced buddy fantasy quest adventure; multidimensional female characters; and an intriguing species called the Maer that throws the traditional high-fantasy villain on its head. These were a few of the highlights that brought me to give “Hollow Road” by Dan Fitzgerald, published by Shadow Spark, high marks.
In Book One of the Maer Cycle, we meet Carl, a soldier who lands a well-paid job to bring a body back to Brocland, Carl’s hometown, for burial. It turns out that nobody’s heard from Brocland in ages, and they fear it is under siege by the Maer, a race of man-beasts that loom so large in legend and folklore that people think they are monsters, or at times, bedtime stories to scare children. Carl will need to make a perilous journey across Hollow Road to reach Brocland, and for that he enlists the help of two of his friends, also from Brocland – Finn, a student mage training at a monastery-like compound to become an adept, and Sinnie, a circus archer.
This ragtag crew embarks on their journey to Brocland, where they discover that the Maer are less monstrous than anyone could have imagined.
The story alternates points of view between Carl, Finn and Sinnie, and this was a strength of the writing style for me, helping us gain better insight into the relationships between these three as we switched between their perspectives of each other. It also meant there wasn’t as much chance for showing for the emotional states of each characters, but I was okay with that with this story because it’s meant to put the adventure arc front and center instead of the literary. The pace of the writing style moved along briskly and I enjoyed the author’s deft hand with rich descriptions of natural settings.
Moving onto characters, I really liked Sinnie; she resonated with me as my favorite character. Usually I cringe whenever I read a male indie author’s depictions of woman characters; I’ve read some cringey descriptions before, that tend to rely on emphasizing a woman’s sex appeal and physical appearance instead of her emotional complexity. Sinnie was a well-rounded character and I appreciated that. I also enjoyed how her strength was shown not just in her military prowess, but in how she interacted with the Maer when she changed her mind about them.
I wanted to know more about the magic system practiced by Finn; it was intriguing and I felt Book One only brushed the surface of it – I still have a few questions about its parameters, which I hope are answered in future books. I liked that it was based around meditation and a yoga-like practice.
As far as the Maer go, that was the most interesting part of this story to me. You would expect a buddy adventure quest story to end with the buddies victoriously slaying the enemy and celebrating their spoils. I won’t spoil anything, but this book ends up with more internal than external conflict in that regard. Can people change, after they’ve grown up taught to hate someone? This book explores that central premise. In the Maer, we discover a species very much like humans, with their own customs and even legal systems.
I’m intrigued enough to want to read more in the series. It was a fun book, just the thing for escapist adventure fantasy with deeper moral questions driving the story.
A fast-paced buddy fantasy quest adventure; multidimensional female characters; and an intriguing species called the Maer that throws the traditional high-fantasy villain on its head. These were a few of the highlights that brought me to give “Hollow Road” by Dan Fitzgerald, published by Shadow Spark, high marks.
In Book One of the Maer Cycle, we meet Carl, a soldier who lands a well-paid job to bring a body back to Brocland, Carl’s hometown, for burial. It turns out that nobody’s heard from Brocland in ages, and they fear it is under siege by the Maer, a race of man-beasts that loom so large in legend and folklore that people think they are monsters, or at times, bedtime stories to scare children. Carl will need to make a perilous journey across Hollow Road to reach Brocland, and for that he enlists the help of two of his friends, also from Brocland – Finn, a student mage training at a monastery-like compound to become an adept, and Sinnie, a circus archer.
This ragtag crew embarks on their journey to Brocland, where they discover that the Maer are less monstrous than anyone could have imagined.
The story alternates points of view between Carl, Finn and Sinnie, and this was a strength of the writing style for me, helping us gain better insight into the relationships between these three as we switched between their perspectives of each other. It also meant there wasn’t as much chance for showing for the emotional states of each characters, but I was okay with that with this story because it’s meant to put the adventure arc front and center instead of the literary. The pace of the writing style moved along briskly and I enjoyed the author’s deft hand with rich descriptions of natural settings.
Moving onto characters, I really liked Sinnie; she resonated with me as my favorite character. Usually I cringe whenever I read a male indie author’s depictions of woman characters; I’ve read some cringey descriptions before, that tend to rely on emphasizing a woman’s sex appeal and physical appearance instead of her emotional complexity. Sinnie was a well-rounded character and I appreciated that. I also enjoyed how her strength was shown not just in her military prowess, but in how she interacted with the Maer when she changed her mind about them.
I wanted to know more about the magic system practiced by Finn; it was intriguing and I felt Book One only brushed the surface of it – I still have a few questions about its parameters, which I hope are answered in future books. I liked that it was based around meditation and a yoga-like practice.
As far as the Maer go, that was the most interesting part of this story to me. You would expect a buddy adventure quest story to end with the buddies victoriously slaying the enemy and celebrating their spoils. I won’t spoil anything, but this book ends up with more internal than external conflict in that regard. Can people change, after they’ve grown up taught to hate someone? This book explores that central premise. In the Maer, we discover a species very much like humans, with their own customs and even legal systems.
I’m intrigued enough to want to read more in the series. It was a fun book, just the thing for escapist adventure fantasy with deeper moral questions driving the story.
September 18, 2020
This cover kept making me think that I had chosen to read a supernatural horror so it was a wonderful surprise to find (and eventually remember) that this was actually a fantasy with supernatural elements! I didn’t have any expectations going into this but I’m glad to say that I ended up enjoying it.
I do read a lot of YA fantasy so this was already different to my regular reads, but I liked the plot, world building and characters and was quickly pulled into the story. That said, the pace was rather slow, especially half-way through, and required a bit of push for me to continue. A lot of the book is spent on the road ‘journeying’ from one location to the next and it was a great way to not only get to know the characters, but to also learn about the world. I enjoyed learning about the folklore full of ‘creatures of old’ that humans used to scare their children. But we quickly learn that these creatures don’t just exist in myths and I found myself becoming even more intrigued with the story! Aside from the Maer, there are encounters and mentions of vampires, dragons, and ogres, amongst other unfamiliar mythological creatures. One aspect I wish we learned more about was the history of this world — the politics, the government, and especially the magic — but as an introduction I thought the world building was done well.
Hollow Road seems to me the beginning of a series of adventure filled tales of three friends who end up being more like ‘small town heroes’ in this realm. I’m a sucker for great friendships in stories, so I really liked Carl, Sinnie and Finn and I appreciated that we get all of their perspectives. Finn was my favourite character though! They’re all flawed and face personal situations that were relatable. There were moments of envy between them but they are without doubt a group of friends who truly trust and respect each other, even if they might not always agree. They have distinctive voices that made it easy to know whose chapter you’re reading, but I wish that we got more development in their characters. While I liked them, I didn’t really feel connected to them and wished they’d been more fleshed out.
My favourite part of the story was learning about the Maer. The descriptions made them seem like werewolves, but more human and less animalistic. I loved that they had their own language, culture and history, and I appreciated the gradual change in mentality of the characters as we learn that Maer are a lot more humanlike than the myths led people to believe. There was a good message about accepting others despite obvious differences. I wanted to spend more time with the Maer and to also learn more about their origin, but I do have a feeling that’ll happen in the second book, so I’m looking forward to that! Plus, the story ended with a rather cryptic message from one of the characters and I’m really curious to see what surprises lie ahead.
I do read a lot of YA fantasy so this was already different to my regular reads, but I liked the plot, world building and characters and was quickly pulled into the story. That said, the pace was rather slow, especially half-way through, and required a bit of push for me to continue. A lot of the book is spent on the road ‘journeying’ from one location to the next and it was a great way to not only get to know the characters, but to also learn about the world. I enjoyed learning about the folklore full of ‘creatures of old’ that humans used to scare their children. But we quickly learn that these creatures don’t just exist in myths and I found myself becoming even more intrigued with the story! Aside from the Maer, there are encounters and mentions of vampires, dragons, and ogres, amongst other unfamiliar mythological creatures. One aspect I wish we learned more about was the history of this world — the politics, the government, and especially the magic — but as an introduction I thought the world building was done well.
Hollow Road seems to me the beginning of a series of adventure filled tales of three friends who end up being more like ‘small town heroes’ in this realm. I’m a sucker for great friendships in stories, so I really liked Carl, Sinnie and Finn and I appreciated that we get all of their perspectives. Finn was my favourite character though! They’re all flawed and face personal situations that were relatable. There were moments of envy between them but they are without doubt a group of friends who truly trust and respect each other, even if they might not always agree. They have distinctive voices that made it easy to know whose chapter you’re reading, but I wish that we got more development in their characters. While I liked them, I didn’t really feel connected to them and wished they’d been more fleshed out.
My favourite part of the story was learning about the Maer. The descriptions made them seem like werewolves, but more human and less animalistic. I loved that they had their own language, culture and history, and I appreciated the gradual change in mentality of the characters as we learn that Maer are a lot more humanlike than the myths led people to believe. There was a good message about accepting others despite obvious differences. I wanted to spend more time with the Maer and to also learn more about their origin, but I do have a feeling that’ll happen in the second book, so I’m looking forward to that! Plus, the story ended with a rather cryptic message from one of the characters and I’m really curious to see what surprises lie ahead.
January 17, 2021
A soldier, a mage, and a circus archer are sent to deliver the body of their best friend for burial, but discover so-called monsters of legend along Hollow Road as they head back home. Does it sound like a joke? Well, that is exactly the fate of Carl, Finn, and Sinnie as they deliver their old friends’ Theo body back home for burial. When they encounter the Maer, creatures of legend that are said to be ruthless and bloodthirsty, they soon uncover that the Maer are more than they seem. But what destiny awaits them as they return to the Maer’s home? And will they come out alive?
A fast paced adventure fantasy, we are taken on an exciting journey to learn about the Maer and other creatures that live Gheil. Dan Fitzgerald does a wonderful job keeping the pace going, introducing us to the main trio through their talents and perspectives. With them, we meet the Maer, a supposedly terrible group of monsters. But, Carl, Finn, and Sinnie soon learn, the Maer are far more human that they were led to believe.
This novel takes traditional fantasy elements, filled with monsters and legends, and shows us how not everything is as it seems. The Maer just want to be treated as equals to humans, their magic, infrastructure, and hierarchy similar to those in the North. Hollow Road is more than just about destroying monsters, but also about tossing aside preconceived notions, and accepting those who look just a little different.
Fitzgerald also make an applaudable point in using LGBTQ+ representation: Sinnie is asexual, Finn is attracted to men, and Carl finds his own preferences changing. We need more representation like that in fantasy; while perhaps Hollow Road is nothing too unique in its storyline (using tropes that are successful in their own right), adding these type of characters really make the story shine.
I do wish we had some more time to get to know the main trio: I would have loved to see Finn in study, Sinnie as a circus performer, and Carl as a soldier before venturing off to return Theo’s body. I would have liked to see interactions as well, especially among Sinnie and the Maer, rather than being told that they had happened. In addition, questions remain as well: how did Theo die? What is happening in the backdrop of government? I guess that’s all for the sequel.
I was pleasantly surprised by Hollow Road. While the first chronicle in the Maer cycle came to a satisfying conclusion, there is much more I want to know, and I have full intentions of picking up the sequel in the future.
What’s it about?
A fast paced adventure fantasy, we are taken on an exciting journey to learn about the Maer and other creatures that live Gheil. Dan Fitzgerald does a wonderful job keeping the pace going, introducing us to the main trio through their talents and perspectives. With them, we meet the Maer, a supposedly terrible group of monsters. But, Carl, Finn, and Sinnie soon learn, the Maer are far more human that they were led to believe.
This novel takes traditional fantasy elements, filled with monsters and legends, and shows us how not everything is as it seems. The Maer just want to be treated as equals to humans, their magic, infrastructure, and hierarchy similar to those in the North. Hollow Road is more than just about destroying monsters, but also about tossing aside preconceived notions, and accepting those who look just a little different.
Fitzgerald also make an applaudable point in using LGBTQ+ representation: Sinnie is asexual, Finn is attracted to men, and Carl finds his own preferences changing. We need more representation like that in fantasy; while perhaps Hollow Road is nothing too unique in its storyline (using tropes that are successful in their own right), adding these type of characters really make the story shine.
I do wish we had some more time to get to know the main trio: I would have loved to see Finn in study, Sinnie as a circus performer, and Carl as a soldier before venturing off to return Theo’s body. I would have liked to see interactions as well, especially among Sinnie and the Maer, rather than being told that they had happened. In addition, questions remain as well: how did Theo die? What is happening in the backdrop of government? I guess that’s all for the sequel.
I was pleasantly surprised by Hollow Road. While the first chronicle in the Maer cycle came to a satisfying conclusion, there is much more I want to know, and I have full intentions of picking up the sequel in the future.
What’s it about?
September 10, 2020
Dan Fitzgerald has brought us a fantasy world that, before the story opens, is much like our Medieval times, plus a little magic. Humans believe they had chased out most of the other creatures, with sightings of dragons and others very rare. Yet, we quickly learn, though out of sight is out of mind, that does not mean the monsters do not exist.
Three friends are tasked with taking a friend home for burial, a seemingly simple job that leads them to battle beings thought of as monsters, yet turn out to be much like them. As the friends try to right wrongs based on superstition and old stories, they find themselves drawn into more fights in order to help those they harmed and find some solace for themselves. Even as they bring relations into balance, they know the discovery of these beings cannot stay with them, and soon, the world will know humans are no longer alone - nor had they ever been.
This is the first book in a trilogy and is an engaging origin story of heroes being made and a society discovering it’s on the verge of reshaping. As such, though the battles are tough and lives are lost, we meet a lot of level-headed characters who believe in fairness. At the same time, the book hints the rest of the Realm will not be as understanding. The few who forged this first alliance have little say in the Realm, and Dan Fitzgerald leaves us wondering just what those consequences will be, while neatly wrapping up the first novel without the dreaded cliffhanger.
5 stars: A few chapters in, I was already recommending this book. The world created is rich and the characters are interesting and flawed, drawing the reader in to encourage page turning. In fact, though I received an ebook version of this novel for review, I am strongly considering purchasing a paperback copy so I can enjoy seeing it on my bookcase.
*I received this product for free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Three friends are tasked with taking a friend home for burial, a seemingly simple job that leads them to battle beings thought of as monsters, yet turn out to be much like them. As the friends try to right wrongs based on superstition and old stories, they find themselves drawn into more fights in order to help those they harmed and find some solace for themselves. Even as they bring relations into balance, they know the discovery of these beings cannot stay with them, and soon, the world will know humans are no longer alone - nor had they ever been.
This is the first book in a trilogy and is an engaging origin story of heroes being made and a society discovering it’s on the verge of reshaping. As such, though the battles are tough and lives are lost, we meet a lot of level-headed characters who believe in fairness. At the same time, the book hints the rest of the Realm will not be as understanding. The few who forged this first alliance have little say in the Realm, and Dan Fitzgerald leaves us wondering just what those consequences will be, while neatly wrapping up the first novel without the dreaded cliffhanger.
5 stars: A few chapters in, I was already recommending this book. The world created is rich and the characters are interesting and flawed, drawing the reader in to encourage page turning. In fact, though I received an ebook version of this novel for review, I am strongly considering purchasing a paperback copy so I can enjoy seeing it on my bookcase.
*I received this product for free in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Read
August 11, 2021Hollow Road is a tale as old as time: three rather young not-as-good-at-their-jobs-as-they-wish people (a mage-in-training, a reluctant warrior, a circus archer) team up to transport an artifact (a coffin) from one place to another. On their way they encounter monsters. A battle ensues. Monsters are slain. Artifact is delivered. The book is ov– oh. It's 20% in and only just starting.
Some of the social commentary is chilling – "we grant them, shall we say, provisional personhood" so "they" can stand trial they don't understand was quite a punch. Fitzgerald delivers more of those and they were the parts I enjoyed the most. I skimmed over battles, which isn't unusual for me, because I wanted more of the good stuff :) All of the good stuff would unfortunately be spoilers (I'm worried I've already said too much) though. The author's idea of a plot twist is unlike most I've seen before, in a good way; Hollow Road is one of those books that aren't quite what they seem to be.
However.
This is, obviously, my personal opinion, but the (uncredited, albeit mentioned in the acknowledgements) editor's work kept pulling me out of the book. This is where Goodreads' star rating system fails me (and why I am not leaving a rating for the book) because where Fitzgerald's ability to tell a story you thought you've read a thousand times in a fresh, original way is to be commended, the editing simply isn't. I don't want to give potentially spoilery examples, so I'll just say the book deserved better.
I will be checking out the further instalments in the series, especially to learn more about Carl's love life :) but I wouldn't mind it if they were edited by someone else.
Some of the social commentary is chilling – "we grant them, shall we say, provisional personhood" so "they" can stand trial they don't understand was quite a punch. Fitzgerald delivers more of those and they were the parts I enjoyed the most. I skimmed over battles, which isn't unusual for me, because I wanted more of the good stuff :) All of the good stuff would unfortunately be spoilers (I'm worried I've already said too much) though. The author's idea of a plot twist is unlike most I've seen before, in a good way; Hollow Road is one of those books that aren't quite what they seem to be.
However.
This is, obviously, my personal opinion, but the (uncredited, albeit mentioned in the acknowledgements) editor's work kept pulling me out of the book. This is where Goodreads' star rating system fails me (and why I am not leaving a rating for the book) because where Fitzgerald's ability to tell a story you thought you've read a thousand times in a fresh, original way is to be commended, the editing simply isn't. I don't want to give potentially spoilery examples, so I'll just say the book deserved better.
I will be checking out the further instalments in the series, especially to learn more about Carl's love life :) but I wouldn't mind it if they were edited by someone else.
September 14, 2020
Hollow Road is the start of a heroes' journey. We meet three protagonists, Carl, Sinnie and Finn. They've been tasked with returning the body of one of their peers to their hometown. Each of the three has been away following their chosen profession, soldiering for Carl, circus entertainment for Sinnie, and learning to be a mage for Finn.
They're given the task of taking Theo's body to their hometown by their friend's father, a rich man who pays them handsomely, and hints at trouble on their three day journey down the Hollow Road. The source of the trouble is alleged to be the legendary Maer, although plenty of tales of the Maer are told no-one any of the three protagonists knows has every actually seen one.
Hollow Road is set in a sort of mediaeval world, with just a small sprinkling of magic. It's pretty low fantasy from the perspective of the story. There are no flashing lights or fireballs when Finn uses magic, just some unusual effects. Carl is equipped with a suit of chain mail, a shield and sword, very like a Saxon/Norman warrior might have been. Sinnie shoots a pretty normal sounding bow.
What becomes apparent as the story moves on is how much of the folklore of the Maer, and other creatures, has been forgotten, and how human stories dramatise themselves over time. Hollow Road is the beginning of a trilogy, and we can see the main characters eyes being opened to a larger world than they'd previously believed in. How much the rest of the human realm will react calmly and accept the new normal remains to be see, but I'm now looking forward to reading the sequel to Hollow Road when it finally comes out!
They're given the task of taking Theo's body to their hometown by their friend's father, a rich man who pays them handsomely, and hints at trouble on their three day journey down the Hollow Road. The source of the trouble is alleged to be the legendary Maer, although plenty of tales of the Maer are told no-one any of the three protagonists knows has every actually seen one.
Hollow Road is set in a sort of mediaeval world, with just a small sprinkling of magic. It's pretty low fantasy from the perspective of the story. There are no flashing lights or fireballs when Finn uses magic, just some unusual effects. Carl is equipped with a suit of chain mail, a shield and sword, very like a Saxon/Norman warrior might have been. Sinnie shoots a pretty normal sounding bow.
What becomes apparent as the story moves on is how much of the folklore of the Maer, and other creatures, has been forgotten, and how human stories dramatise themselves over time. Hollow Road is the beginning of a trilogy, and we can see the main characters eyes being opened to a larger world than they'd previously believed in. How much the rest of the human realm will react calmly and accept the new normal remains to be see, but I'm now looking forward to reading the sequel to Hollow Road when it finally comes out!
April 9, 2023
Indie publishing gets a bad reputation because there are few books that have good plot, dialogue, character growth, grammar, and formatting, and the reputation holds true. This book is an example of the indie king phenomenon, where bad writers celebrate other bad writers. The coveted four to five stars that so many an author struggles to reach are so easily gotten among indie authors not because they are worthy of the glittering award but because they prop one another up on their backs until they can tear down the stars to be worth nothing more than the dirt clinging to their backs.
The aversion to dialogue tags, the invasive passive voice, and the stilted dialogue paint a clearer picture than Dan Fitzgerald could ever paint. It is impossible to divorce one's self from the writing as Dan continuously reminds us that he is different from all the other aspiring authors with his attempts to subvert well-established tropes. From the beginning, Carl is flat, frivolous, and forgettable as he walks us through an empty, descriptionless world. Dan took the phrase "show, don't tell" and flipped it on its head, preferring to tell us events that otherwise would have drawn us further into this world if he had just an ounce of talent.
Just as the clock strikes every half hour, so does Dan. Every trope and convention is abandoned by a man who believes he is better than those who have come before him without understanding just why those tropes work and his don't. Then again, that would require him to understand how to write.
The aversion to dialogue tags, the invasive passive voice, and the stilted dialogue paint a clearer picture than Dan Fitzgerald could ever paint. It is impossible to divorce one's self from the writing as Dan continuously reminds us that he is different from all the other aspiring authors with his attempts to subvert well-established tropes. From the beginning, Carl is flat, frivolous, and forgettable as he walks us through an empty, descriptionless world. Dan took the phrase "show, don't tell" and flipped it on its head, preferring to tell us events that otherwise would have drawn us further into this world if he had just an ounce of talent.
Just as the clock strikes every half hour, so does Dan. Every trope and convention is abandoned by a man who believes he is better than those who have come before him without understanding just why those tropes work and his don't. Then again, that would require him to understand how to write.
December 16, 2020
Hollow Road can be described as low fantasy, but that doesn’t mean the book lacks for pacing or action; there wasn’t a single moment that I didn’t feel engaged with the characters and the story. Nor did I want to speed my way to the end, instead naturally getting lost in the journey.
The magic system is not overly complicated, instead, feeling organic and believable, without detracting from the narrative which is ultimately about people.
Hollow Road is rather short for a fantasy book, but the length and pacing are perfect, and the ending is satisfying while leaving much to be discovered in the sequel.
There are no fundamental forces of good and evil in this story, nor battles to save humankind, just the complexity of human nature. This is precisely what makes Hollow Road such a refreshing and engaging read.
Check out the full review on jakeisreading.com!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: death of family, death of children
The magic system is not overly complicated, instead, feeling organic and believable, without detracting from the narrative which is ultimately about people.
Hollow Road is rather short for a fantasy book, but the length and pacing are perfect, and the ending is satisfying while leaving much to be discovered in the sequel.
There are no fundamental forces of good and evil in this story, nor battles to save humankind, just the complexity of human nature. This is precisely what makes Hollow Road such a refreshing and engaging read.
Check out the full review on jakeisreading.com!
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger warnings: death of family, death of children
August 25, 2020
What struck me most about Hollow Road (The Maer Cycle Book 1) by Dan Fitzgerald is not the story – though it’s a terrific story in itself – but the depth and development of the three main characters, Sinnie, Carl and Finn. All three hail from, Brocland, a small village in The Realm, and each has chosen a very different profession. Sinnie works in a circus, Carl is a warrior and Finn a trainee Mage. They’re sent on a mission by a wealthy and mysterious man, Gerald Leavitt, ostensibly to return the body of his son to their home town. But Leavitt sets up the possibility that more may be afoot when he mentions The Maer, a mythical race whose savagery and cruelty is the stuff of legends. What happens along the way transforms the three friends, drawing them closer, exposing their vulnerability, revealing both their weaknesses and strengths, changing how they see the world forever. I so look forward to the next book to see where Dan takes the story and how Sinnie, Finn and Carl become the heroes they’re clearly destined to be. Great writing, great read.
October 1, 2020
Hollow Road tells the story of the journey of 3 childhood friends who, after growing up and making their lives around the world, get together again to transport the body of another friend back to their homeland.
The adventures they live during their trip and stay in the village inevitably leads to the need to look for a tribe of supposed mythological beings whose stories, told to children as horror tales, make them feared and hated. What they discover turns out to be an admirable surprise and this is the motto for the continuation of the story.
A captivating reading that makes us look forward to the next volume.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The adventures they live during their trip and stay in the village inevitably leads to the need to look for a tribe of supposed mythological beings whose stories, told to children as horror tales, make them feared and hated. What they discover turns out to be an admirable surprise and this is the motto for the continuation of the story.
A captivating reading that makes us look forward to the next volume.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 17, 2021
This is a mature and compelling book. Initially I was drawn into the story by Carl, Finn and Sinnie, three friends, who are imaginatively created as individually believable characters for readers to care about. I expected that they would be the focus of the entire Maer cycle. But the books offer so much more, as access to differing POVs enables readers to learn more about the Maer culture, opening up new perspectives which change apparent enemies into individuals who have the potential to become friends and lovers. There is much for the contemporary world to learn from this thought-provoking and original fantasy.
February 26, 2021
As the author describes his own books, "not so epic fantasy", which is a great description for a story that involves personal connections and saving-the-day for friends and family more.than saving the world. I also appreciate the use of differences in cultural viewpoints being explored. If you like fantasy on a more personal level, you'll enjoy this. If you play fantasy tabletop RPGs, this is like a well-run adventure with characters created for roleplaying rather than stats.
August 17, 2021
WOW!
Hollow Road had been on my TBR for a while and I'm kicking myself for not starting sooner! This book has it all for fantasy fans: magic, monsters, adventure, action, spooky places, wonderfully-described worlds, and incredible characters that you immediately care about. I felt like I was effortlessly dropped into this world, an observer of life and culture already going on, and that's always very important to me as a reader.
Onto the next volume of the Maer Cycle...I can't wait!
Hollow Road had been on my TBR for a while and I'm kicking myself for not starting sooner! This book has it all for fantasy fans: magic, monsters, adventure, action, spooky places, wonderfully-described worlds, and incredible characters that you immediately care about. I felt like I was effortlessly dropped into this world, an observer of life and culture already going on, and that's always very important to me as a reader.
Onto the next volume of the Maer Cycle...I can't wait!
June 28, 2022
(4.5/5 stars) There were a lot of unexpected elements in this book, which I really enjoyed. The story starts out as a classic "our heroes go on a quest" fantasy, but then it evolves into rich character studies that kept me engrossed. Carl, Sinnie, and Finn are fun characters to get to know, and each grows in their own way during this tale. Though this tale wasn't as epic as I imagined, I would recommend it to any fantasy lover!
July 9, 2022
A fun adventure in the spirit of a Dungeons and Dragons campaign! I enjoyed dipping my toes into the world. Fitzgerald’s world building enticed me further in with each page and left me curious for more. My favorite characters were Sinnie and Finn. I hope to see more of them in the future, along with deeper exploration of the Maer culture.
May 3, 2023
A interesting fantasy read that does well to start building it world in this first book with rich and detailed descriptions. Big fan of the main Trio and looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
June 20, 2022
Awesome D&D-inspired story with queer characters (gay and ace rep!).
October 19, 2021
Hollow Road was an interesting story about 3 friends who come across legendary beings that turn out to not be much like the myths claim them to be. I really enjoyed the setup, the somber quest to take the body of their mutual friend back to the village they grew up in was noble and heartfelt, and the characters all bring their own strengths to the team. Carl is a soldier, warrior type, but not a meathead. He's strong and calm, collected with experience. Sinnie traveled with a circus and is skilled with a bow, and Finn uses body magic which I found awesome.
I enjoyed walking the hills, valleys, and forests with these characters. I think what knocked it down a peg for me was that I felt like the characters resolved any internal conflicts a little too easily. There are some really interesting battles, and Fitzgerald keeps them intense and well told, but outside the battles, there aren't many struggles going on.
That aside, readers will enjoy the questing. The world Fitzgerald has crafted has lots of hidden corners and the potential to explore new lore throughout. I recommend it for people who enjoy fantasy quests and hiking through the woods.
I enjoyed walking the hills, valleys, and forests with these characters. I think what knocked it down a peg for me was that I felt like the characters resolved any internal conflicts a little too easily. There are some really interesting battles, and Fitzgerald keeps them intense and well told, but outside the battles, there aren't many struggles going on.
That aside, readers will enjoy the questing. The world Fitzgerald has crafted has lots of hidden corners and the potential to explore new lore throughout. I recommend it for people who enjoy fantasy quests and hiking through the woods.
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