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Hollow #1
We Who Hunt The Hollow
A firecracker urban fantasy about the youngest daughter of a family of women warriors, and the power she wishes she had …
Seventeen-year-old Priscilla Daalman’s entire family are Hollow Warriors – legendary monster hunters charged with killing evil beasts from beyond our universe. She’s desperate to live up to that legacy, but she’s convinced neither she, nor her superpower – the ability to sense Hollow energy – is up to the task.
But when Priscilla attempts a desperate ritual to enhance her abilities, she accidentally triggers a frightening new power: the power to summon monsters from the Hollow itself. Now, Priscilla must protect her loved ones – her heartbroken ex-girlfriend, her mysterious new boyfriend, even her fierce warrior family – from supernatural monsters, and also from herself. Because if her power gets out, all hell will break loose … and Priscilla will risk losing everything.
Shortlisted for the Ampersand Prize, Kate Murray’s breathtaking debut YA novel is perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare and Lynette Noni.
Seventeen-year-old Priscilla Daalman’s entire family are Hollow Warriors – legendary monster hunters charged with killing evil beasts from beyond our universe. She’s desperate to live up to that legacy, but she’s convinced neither she, nor her superpower – the ability to sense Hollow energy – is up to the task.
But when Priscilla attempts a desperate ritual to enhance her abilities, she accidentally triggers a frightening new power: the power to summon monsters from the Hollow itself. Now, Priscilla must protect her loved ones – her heartbroken ex-girlfriend, her mysterious new boyfriend, even her fierce warrior family – from supernatural monsters, and also from herself. Because if her power gets out, all hell will break loose … and Priscilla will risk losing everything.
Shortlisted for the Ampersand Prize, Kate Murray’s breathtaking debut YA novel is perfect for fans of Cassandra Clare and Lynette Noni.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 6, 2022
33 people are currently reading
1315 people want to read
About the author
Kate Murray
2 books35 followersKate is a New Zealander living in Melbourne with her family, an alarming amount of Lego, and an ordinary number of books. She’s a fan of coffee, sunshine, sci fi and fantasy, lip balm, cute earrings, and reading. Ever since she could hold a pencil, she’s been making up stories (which have come a long way since the first one: “I like cats.”)
WE WHO HUNT THE HOLLOW is her debut novel.
WE WHO HUNT THE HOLLOW is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
December 13, 2024
Narrated by Grace Laing
Presented by Bolinda Audio
Absolutely delightful!
Will happily read more of this series.
The plot follows Priscilla, a Hollow Warrior who assists her family in tackling monsters that appear to threaten the world. That's an over simplification, but the general gist.
Priscilla is tortured by feelings of not being good enough to fit in with her warrior family - her power is weak and she rarely goes into the field. I was frustrated with her a lot in this regard, because her family unit is quite clearly supportive and loving.
Still, the characters are defined well enough that I believed what I was reading, and Priscilla is a likeable heroine with natural teenage feelings of inadequacy compared to those she greatly admires.
I adored her family with all of its chaotic energy, and it made the story really enjoyable. Added to that, there are monsters, magic and dastardly deeds that keep things happening throughout.
The audio was a special treat for me - it's the first time I've listened to an Australian audio and it made such a difference listening to something read the way I would read it. It was so refreshing, and the narrator did such a brilliant job of livening up these characters and portraying the different personalities. Additionally, her storytelling was delightful and easy to lose myself in.
I was happily surprised to enjoy this as much as I did, and I'll be keeping an eye out for the sequel.
Highly recommend!
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
Presented by Bolinda Audio
Absolutely delightful!
Will happily read more of this series.
The plot follows Priscilla, a Hollow Warrior who assists her family in tackling monsters that appear to threaten the world. That's an over simplification, but the general gist.
Priscilla is tortured by feelings of not being good enough to fit in with her warrior family - her power is weak and she rarely goes into the field. I was frustrated with her a lot in this regard, because her family unit is quite clearly supportive and loving.
Still, the characters are defined well enough that I believed what I was reading, and Priscilla is a likeable heroine with natural teenage feelings of inadequacy compared to those she greatly admires.
I adored her family with all of its chaotic energy, and it made the story really enjoyable. Added to that, there are monsters, magic and dastardly deeds that keep things happening throughout.
The audio was a special treat for me - it's the first time I've listened to an Australian audio and it made such a difference listening to something read the way I would read it. It was so refreshing, and the narrator did such a brilliant job of livening up these characters and portraying the different personalities. Additionally, her storytelling was delightful and easy to lose myself in.
I was happily surprised to enjoy this as much as I did, and I'll be keeping an eye out for the sequel.
Highly recommend!
With thanks to NetGalley for an audio ARC
May 1, 2023
I gasped, I cried, and I was wholly invested. Above triangle, super-human warriors, and teen angst. What more could you want (a sequel. I refuse to give the start of a series 5 stars because it is incomplete).
March 31, 2022
This fantasy novel has such wholesome messages, mixed with kickass characters, and some great twists. A must read!
We follow Pricilla as she navigates feeling left out in her superhero family, and learns to believe in herself and see her value.
The characters in this story are all so well written, and the world is so rich! I would definitely read an almanac just describing each of the creatures in it.
Thank you @hardiegrantkids for gifting me a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review!
We follow Pricilla as she navigates feeling left out in her superhero family, and learns to believe in herself and see her value.
The characters in this story are all so well written, and the world is so rich! I would definitely read an almanac just describing each of the creatures in it.
Thank you @hardiegrantkids for gifting me a copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review!
March 8, 2022
RTC at the end of the month but this was an excellent read. Don't sleep on this one!
March 31, 2022
"'I guess we all have to face up to who we are, at some point,' she says. 'And figure out... who we might want to be instead.'"
17 year old Priscilla Daalman comes from a long line of Hollow Warriors, sworn to protect the world and the "norms" from the monsters that come from the Hollow, an evil universe that somehow cracked into our one. But Priscilla feels her power is weak and fears she'll never live up to the family name. Alas, her efforts to make her power better may just have opened a whole new can of worms... or monsters. And who is this enigmatic boy she's falling for...?
We Who Hunt the Hollow is a true YA dystopia slash urban fantasy that for me harks back, in vibe if not content, to the classics of the YA dystopia heyday such as The Hunger Games and Divergent. The magic system employs an animal "familiar" based system reminiscent of Pullman's daemons.
The real strength of this story is in the family dynamics in Priscilla's vibrant and eclectic family, headed up by two strong mothers and a fierce grandmother. This story is full of strong women and is largely a tale of the young MC's journey is finding her place among them and in the world. There is certainly a coming of age element and solid character growth from start to finish.
There is a little bit of a love triangle between the MC, a new boy, and an ex girlfriend. I felt this flowed well and never became an annoying "alas who should I choose" type situation.
It is set in Melbourne but the dystopian world portrayed makes it pretty unrecognisable and it really could have been any city anywhere. I didn't feel a strong sense of place specific to Australia. I did appreciate that this future world refers to its neighbour as Aotearoa - a nice touch from a fellow Kiwi-in-Aus author.
The writing is easy to read and the plot moves at a steady pace.
Overall I found this a really enjoyable read. The world painted was intriguing and the family relationships enjoyable to spend time in. The story flowed well, with the interpersonal relationships and growth of the MC providing depth. This is the first book in a series and I would certainly pick up the next one to follow Priscilla's journey. A solid and engaging read with world building I enjoyed inhabiting.
17 year old Priscilla Daalman comes from a long line of Hollow Warriors, sworn to protect the world and the "norms" from the monsters that come from the Hollow, an evil universe that somehow cracked into our one. But Priscilla feels her power is weak and fears she'll never live up to the family name. Alas, her efforts to make her power better may just have opened a whole new can of worms... or monsters. And who is this enigmatic boy she's falling for...?
We Who Hunt the Hollow is a true YA dystopia slash urban fantasy that for me harks back, in vibe if not content, to the classics of the YA dystopia heyday such as The Hunger Games and Divergent. The magic system employs an animal "familiar" based system reminiscent of Pullman's daemons.
The real strength of this story is in the family dynamics in Priscilla's vibrant and eclectic family, headed up by two strong mothers and a fierce grandmother. This story is full of strong women and is largely a tale of the young MC's journey is finding her place among them and in the world. There is certainly a coming of age element and solid character growth from start to finish.
There is a little bit of a love triangle between the MC, a new boy, and an ex girlfriend. I felt this flowed well and never became an annoying "alas who should I choose" type situation.
It is set in Melbourne but the dystopian world portrayed makes it pretty unrecognisable and it really could have been any city anywhere. I didn't feel a strong sense of place specific to Australia. I did appreciate that this future world refers to its neighbour as Aotearoa - a nice touch from a fellow Kiwi-in-Aus author.
The writing is easy to read and the plot moves at a steady pace.
Overall I found this a really enjoyable read. The world painted was intriguing and the family relationships enjoyable to spend time in. The story flowed well, with the interpersonal relationships and growth of the MC providing depth. This is the first book in a series and I would certainly pick up the next one to follow Priscilla's journey. A solid and engaging read with world building I enjoyed inhabiting.
January 21, 2024
Trigger warnings: violence, toxic relationship, animal death (sort of?)
This was kind of a slow burn for me? I think it's because I went in expecting a paranormal story and instead this is VERY much fantasy but, like, a dystopian fantasy?? Essentially, I just had to adjust to this being not at all what I thought it was going to be, and while I very much enjoyed it in the end, it took me a while to get there.
The world is fun, but I wish there had been a LITTLE more worldbuilding than there was, if only because I didn't quite grasp how all the countries/continents fitted together. Still, I had a lot of fun reading this and I'm intrigued enough to track down a copy of the sequel to find out what happens next!
This was kind of a slow burn for me? I think it's because I went in expecting a paranormal story and instead this is VERY much fantasy but, like, a dystopian fantasy?? Essentially, I just had to adjust to this being not at all what I thought it was going to be, and while I very much enjoyed it in the end, it took me a while to get there.
The world is fun, but I wish there had been a LITTLE more worldbuilding than there was, if only because I didn't quite grasp how all the countries/continents fitted together. Still, I had a lot of fun reading this and I'm intrigued enough to track down a copy of the sequel to find out what happens next!
June 1, 2023
***Bojovníci s Nicotou***
Tahle kniha mi z počátku hodně připomínala první díl série InCriptid. Pak ale nabrala dech a zamířila vlastním směrem. Trochu mi vadilo, že je celý příběh vystavěný, na až extrémní nedůvěře hlavní hrdinky v sebe sama a ve vlastní rodinu. Nebýt toho, žádný příběh by neexistoval. A tohle bylo přeci jen, trochu přehnané a neustále opakované. Na druhou stranu se kniha nebrání ani zpracování tématu jakým je ztráta, potřeba dospět, ale i převzít zodpovědnost za sebe sama a svá rozhodnutí. Shrnuto a podtrženo, pro mě byl tento příběh příjemnou oddechovkou, ale i když mě bavil, vyloženě ničím ani neoslnil. Četl se však příjemně, a tak v budoucnu, pokud bude možnost, ráda sáhnu i po dalších dílech.
Tahle kniha mi z počátku hodně připomínala první díl série InCriptid. Pak ale nabrala dech a zamířila vlastním směrem. Trochu mi vadilo, že je celý příběh vystavěný, na až extrémní nedůvěře hlavní hrdinky v sebe sama a ve vlastní rodinu. Nebýt toho, žádný příběh by neexistoval. A tohle bylo přeci jen, trochu přehnané a neustále opakované. Na druhou stranu se kniha nebrání ani zpracování tématu jakým je ztráta, potřeba dospět, ale i převzít zodpovědnost za sebe sama a svá rozhodnutí. Shrnuto a podtrženo, pro mě byl tento příběh příjemnou oddechovkou, ale i když mě bavil, vyloženě ničím ani neoslnil. Četl se však příjemně, a tak v budoucnu, pokud bude možnost, ráda sáhnu i po dalších dílech.
October 15, 2023
There is SO much to love about this book - not least that I was able to read it in one sitting while recovering from being sick!
I loved that it was clearly set in Australia (more specifically, deeply Melbourne coded) without being named as such, I loved the casual queerness that literally not a single character blinks at. I loved that the relationships are adult and rich without being explicit and that at the same time, the complexity isn’t overwhelming for a YA audience
The use of animal familiars is far from a new concept but the way they exist as almost standalone characters was a fresh take.
I was gifted this book from Hardie Grant and would absolutely recommend for an upper primary or early high school library. I have a handful of students who are crying out for good sci fi/fantasy that’s geared at their level and I think this could be the ticket.
Highest praise I can think of is that I think this would’ve made an excellent ABC Kids Series in the early 2000s. It warrants an adaptation now but I don’t know it would be done justice in the way ABC could’ve back then.
I loved that it was clearly set in Australia (more specifically, deeply Melbourne coded) without being named as such, I loved the casual queerness that literally not a single character blinks at. I loved that the relationships are adult and rich without being explicit and that at the same time, the complexity isn’t overwhelming for a YA audience
The use of animal familiars is far from a new concept but the way they exist as almost standalone characters was a fresh take.
I was gifted this book from Hardie Grant and would absolutely recommend for an upper primary or early high school library. I have a handful of students who are crying out for good sci fi/fantasy that’s geared at their level and I think this could be the ticket.
Highest praise I can think of is that I think this would’ve made an excellent ABC Kids Series in the early 2000s. It warrants an adaptation now but I don’t know it would be done justice in the way ABC could’ve back then.
April 28, 2022
3.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
What a fantastic debut novel but Kate Murray, New Zealander and current Melbournian.
While there are some teething problems, as there are with all new authors, Murray has been able to create an authentic magical alternative universe filled with fierce feminist fighters and horrific Hallow hordes.
I was absolutely sucked into this realistic but radical new world that seemed so familiar but of which I had some much fun learning about. Similarly, the Daalman family made me want to hug them all. Supportive and loving families are always wonderful to see in stories. immensely appreciated the representation of Pricilla’s anxiety and self-doubt, but it did become somewhat ridiculous as he decision because more and more erratic and thoughtless. Moreso the wonderful inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters as part of everyday life; I want Mama and Lydia to be my Mum🥰
That being said, the plot was predictable and characters were very obviously made out to be the villains, a clear indicator of a YA novel. Good pacing throughout most of the novel but they last section felt to quick to resolve the issues. Editing was needed to improve the plot and would have benefited from thoughtful pacing.
Absolutely give this book a go if you like female only action hero squads with magic and bisexual rep with a simplified plot. We must all support debut and local authors. I cannot wait to read what happens next…hopefully soon.
What a fantastic debut novel but Kate Murray, New Zealander and current Melbournian.
While there are some teething problems, as there are with all new authors, Murray has been able to create an authentic magical alternative universe filled with fierce feminist fighters and horrific Hallow hordes.
I was absolutely sucked into this realistic but radical new world that seemed so familiar but of which I had some much fun learning about. Similarly, the Daalman family made me want to hug them all. Supportive and loving families are always wonderful to see in stories. immensely appreciated the representation of Pricilla’s anxiety and self-doubt, but it did become somewhat ridiculous as he decision because more and more erratic and thoughtless. Moreso the wonderful inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters as part of everyday life; I want Mama and Lydia to be my Mum🥰
That being said, the plot was predictable and characters were very obviously made out to be the villains, a clear indicator of a YA novel. Good pacing throughout most of the novel but they last section felt to quick to resolve the issues. Editing was needed to improve the plot and would have benefited from thoughtful pacing.
Absolutely give this book a go if you like female only action hero squads with magic and bisexual rep with a simplified plot. We must all support debut and local authors. I cannot wait to read what happens next…hopefully soon.
March 29, 2022
3.5
Thank you to Hardie Grant for providing an ARC for review!
I'm not usually an urban fantasy girl, but I enjoyed this quite a bit! I would even say this was part urban fantasy, part sci-fi, and part climate dystopia, and it was interesting to see these elements come together.
My favourite part was seeing Priscilla grow as a character. I think Murray did a really good job of showing Priscilla's self-doubt and her rationalisations for acting the way she did. At its core this is a book about self-acceptance, family, and putting faith in your own strength and abilities which I think is a really important message to have in YA. Especially because it was shown that self-acceptance is something that you have to work at and you have to constantly challenge the doubtful patterns of thought you have. There were also a lot of queer characters which was nice to see in an Australian YA novel.
I would have liked maybe a bit more monster content but also since the lack of Priscilla going on monster hunts was a big part of her development, I didn't mind so much. The premise sounds similar to Only a Monster so people who enjoyed that might enjoy this, but definitely a solid read!
Thank you to Hardie Grant for providing an ARC for review!
I'm not usually an urban fantasy girl, but I enjoyed this quite a bit! I would even say this was part urban fantasy, part sci-fi, and part climate dystopia, and it was interesting to see these elements come together.
My favourite part was seeing Priscilla grow as a character. I think Murray did a really good job of showing Priscilla's self-doubt and her rationalisations for acting the way she did. At its core this is a book about self-acceptance, family, and putting faith in your own strength and abilities which I think is a really important message to have in YA. Especially because it was shown that self-acceptance is something that you have to work at and you have to constantly challenge the doubtful patterns of thought you have. There were also a lot of queer characters which was nice to see in an Australian YA novel.
I would have liked maybe a bit more monster content but also since the lack of Priscilla going on monster hunts was a big part of her development, I didn't mind so much. The premise sounds similar to Only a Monster so people who enjoyed that might enjoy this, but definitely a solid read!
November 26, 2022
This novel has all the elements I love in a story: a protagonist who doubts their talent, and is figuring out their place in the world; a strong sense of family; and the ominous energy of monsters lurking at the fringes. It’s a book with a big heart, and I loved it.
April 6, 2022
I love, love, loved this book! An urban fantasy with a rich world and amazing characters, this book is right up my alley.
Priscilla is a 17-year-old from a long line of epic monster hunters, but struggles with coming to terms with her “boring” power. The story follows Priscilla as she discovers more about her powers, along with a dash of love triangles, character development and adorable animal familiars.
Bonus points for a bisexual MC!
A different take on the usual urban fantasy with loveable characters, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to @hardiegrantkids for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review!
Priscilla is a 17-year-old from a long line of epic monster hunters, but struggles with coming to terms with her “boring” power. The story follows Priscilla as she discovers more about her powers, along with a dash of love triangles, character development and adorable animal familiars.
Bonus points for a bisexual MC!
A different take on the usual urban fantasy with loveable characters, I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to @hardiegrantkids for sending me this copy in exchange for an honest review!
March 29, 2022
“Know yourself to be whole and perfect the way you are. Reach inside and find that knowledge.”
Pricilla Daalman’s whole family are Hollow Warriors. Hollow Warriors hunt evil beasts that roam beyond the universe. The only things Pricilla wants to be is a Hollow Warrior but on her ritual something goes terribly wrong.
Pricilla must protect the people she’s loves, her family, her ex girlfriend and her new boyfriend from not only supernatural monsters but form herself. Her powers are one of a kind, and some would risk everything to take it from her given the chance.
There’s a reason Murray has been shortlisted for the Ampersand Prize, this book was an amazing fantasy debut. Thinks YA fantastic beast with lots of monsters and betrayal, I cannot wait for the sequel.
Pricilla Daalman’s whole family are Hollow Warriors. Hollow Warriors hunt evil beasts that roam beyond the universe. The only things Pricilla wants to be is a Hollow Warrior but on her ritual something goes terribly wrong.
Pricilla must protect the people she’s loves, her family, her ex girlfriend and her new boyfriend from not only supernatural monsters but form herself. Her powers are one of a kind, and some would risk everything to take it from her given the chance.
There’s a reason Murray has been shortlisted for the Ampersand Prize, this book was an amazing fantasy debut. Thinks YA fantastic beast with lots of monsters and betrayal, I cannot wait for the sequel.
June 9, 2023
A fun if straightforward dystopian paranormal romp, with oodles and oodles of heart. While not without some teething problems it's a super promising debut, and I'm looking forward to following Kate Murray's development.
Read
January 3, 2025The concept of "We Who Hunt the Hollow" is truly unique and brimming with potential! I absolutely loved the idea of a family of monster hunters with unique powers. The narrator, Grace Laing, has a truly captivating voice that perfectly suited the protagonist, Priscilla. Her Australian accent added a delightful touch, making the listening experience feel fresh and engaging. All in all, it is a decent listen with a unique premise and a fantastic narrator. It's a good starting point for a potentially exciting series. I'm curious to see where the author takes the story next, and I hope future follow-ups will further refine the writing style.
Bolinda Audio, and the editorial team - thanks for giving me the opportunity to review an audiobook ARC of this publication!
Note: This review is based on an ARC copy
Bolinda Audio, and the editorial team - thanks for giving me the opportunity to review an audiobook ARC of this publication!
Note: This review is based on an ARC copy
April 29, 2022
Set in a future society where Hollow Creatures come into our world through energy rips to wreak havoc and superheroes are whole families with special powers who hunt them. Priscilla comes from a family of monster hunters and feels like her Hollow Power to sense energy is useless, so she tries to strengthen it, not realizing her power has evolved and its true purpose is both helpful and dangerous. Caught up trusting the wrong person, she sets off a chain reaction that puts her ex-girlfriend in danger, threatens her family, and may result in her losing her power forever. Well written with a humorous touch, and excellent world-building, We Who Hunt The Hollow is a unique take on the YA fantasy genre, and has characters you'll want to follow to the next book.
April 17, 2022
I absolutely devoured this book, I don’t think I’ve read a book this fast in years!
I found the main character, Priscilla, extremely relatable as a very anxious bi girl and their family dynamic was perfect, and the concept of familiars really got me going. I really can’t wait for a second book!
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a magical queer monster hunting book focused on family and self acceptance!
I found the main character, Priscilla, extremely relatable as a very anxious bi girl and their family dynamic was perfect, and the concept of familiars really got me going. I really can’t wait for a second book!
Highly recommend for anyone looking for a magical queer monster hunting book focused on family and self acceptance!
June 4, 2022
This book was so fun and different! I loved the role family played, Priscilla's very real and relatable emotions and the incredible world building!
October 15, 2023
Review originally posted on A Keyboard and an Open Mind 16 October 2023:
Okay, this is one time when I was glad to have the wrong impression of a book. I thought it was straight fantasy, which is something I enjoy, and I didn’t realise it’s more of a superhero vibe, which is not something I tend to vibe with in books. So I’m glad I was wrong and picked it up anyway, because I ended up enjoying it!
Priscilla just wants to fight the monsters of The Hollow with her family, but her measly power gives her precious little opportunity. But when a ritual to spark a second power evolves her first into something far more powerful and dangerous, Cilla has no idea who she can trust anymore.
The best part of this book was the family dynamics! I often find it hard to keep track of who’s who in books with large casts, but I never had that problem here. It was great seeing a tight-knit family of mostly women come together the way they do.
I had a few suspicions about Bastian, Cilla’s love interest, some of which turned out to be correct (cue the fist pump and the “Called it!” exclamation). I guess you would say there’s a love triangle of sorts here, but it didn’t really feel like a typical YA love triangle. The contrast between Bastian and Cilla’s ex-girlfriend (whose name I unfortunately cannot remember because I’m writing this review six weeks after I read the book, oops!) was well drawn.
I did wish we got a bit more explanation about The Hollow and what actually caused it. It wasn’t clear whether it was a portal to parallel universe, or a fantasy world, or something else… I got a bit of the sense that this was unknown to the characters as well (or at least to Priscilla, and we are following her POV), and maybe there’s more to be revealed in the sequel, I’m not sure. This is mostly a personal preference thing! And the book is still really enjoyable despite this little qualm.
Okay, this is one time when I was glad to have the wrong impression of a book. I thought it was straight fantasy, which is something I enjoy, and I didn’t realise it’s more of a superhero vibe, which is not something I tend to vibe with in books. So I’m glad I was wrong and picked it up anyway, because I ended up enjoying it!
Priscilla just wants to fight the monsters of The Hollow with her family, but her measly power gives her precious little opportunity. But when a ritual to spark a second power evolves her first into something far more powerful and dangerous, Cilla has no idea who she can trust anymore.
The best part of this book was the family dynamics! I often find it hard to keep track of who’s who in books with large casts, but I never had that problem here. It was great seeing a tight-knit family of mostly women come together the way they do.
I had a few suspicions about Bastian, Cilla’s love interest, some of which turned out to be correct (cue the fist pump and the “Called it!” exclamation). I guess you would say there’s a love triangle of sorts here, but it didn’t really feel like a typical YA love triangle. The contrast between Bastian and Cilla’s ex-girlfriend (whose name I unfortunately cannot remember because I’m writing this review six weeks after I read the book, oops!) was well drawn.
I did wish we got a bit more explanation about The Hollow and what actually caused it. It wasn’t clear whether it was a portal to parallel universe, or a fantasy world, or something else… I got a bit of the sense that this was unknown to the characters as well (or at least to Priscilla, and we are following her POV), and maybe there’s more to be revealed in the sequel, I’m not sure. This is mostly a personal preference thing! And the book is still really enjoyable despite this little qualm.
November 7, 2022
I'll be honest, I was unsure of whether or not I would like this book after finishing the first chapter but I must say that I was pleasantly surprised! Murray clearly has a real talent for building a world and making it all seem so real. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book! What I liked most was the focus on the plot as most fantasy novels spend a while explaining the world and all its rules which makes the plot feel a little lost. The author explained everything simply yet thoroughly so that the plot could be fleshed out in its entirety. The LGBTQIA+ representation felt refreshing to read within this particular genre. I also have to say that the raw exploration of the protagonist's mental health made the book for me as it really gave the character some depth and something for me to relate to. Additionally, I am living for the concept of familial strength and love as it honestly tied everything together seamlessly. Truly a really fun read! Now I'm going to go and find out if there's a sequel hehe
September 5, 2023
2.5/5 - Just Mid.
Cons:
Predictable
The pacing is off; very rushed.
Characters are kind of bland
It was very telly not showy.
Dialogue was quite week.
Characters personal narration was not realistic, nor that engaging.
Pros:
Very Gay (or should I say 'Very Bi')
Fun, easy to consume, with an entertaining plot.
Got me teary
Mouse and Fox
I will be reading the second book at some point. Hopefully it's a little better.
Cons:
Predictable
The pacing is off; very rushed.
Characters are kind of bland
It was very telly not showy.
Dialogue was quite week.
Characters personal narration was not realistic, nor that engaging.
Pros:
Very Gay (or should I say 'Very Bi')
Fun, easy to consume, with an entertaining plot.
Got me teary
Mouse and Fox
I will be reading the second book at some point. Hopefully it's a little better.
June 14, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. Love the lgbt+ representation and the badass characters as well as having an awesome story line and twist at the end! Has a likeable and relatable main character which a lot of people could connect with! Would definitely recommend. Can't wait to read the next one in this awesome series!
September 23, 2023
A wholesome Australian YA fantasy, which was a quick, but highly engaging read with well written world building. I really liked the messages in the book and queer rep in it. The ending was left in a way where you don’t need to read book two. But I’m interested to see where it goes.
November 6, 2022
It was a hard to book to start but by page 40 I was hooked and had to find time to finish it!! Such a great read, creates empowerment for those who feel lost!!!
May 22, 2023
Again not half bad for a book I had to read for school
April 29, 2024
Really enjoyed this. The character growth was great and the I love the family dynamic.
January 5, 2025
This was not for me. It felt a lot closer to middle grade level than young adult which made it hard to connect with the characters and their reasons. I like how quirky Priscilla's POV was but her 'I'm not good enough' attitude felt extremely overdone. The politics of the Hollow Warriors were oversimplified to a bad vs. good fight and the love triangle really set the book back.
The concept of the story is interesting enough, and I liked that the world being overrun with monsters actually affected the people living in it on a wider scale (unlike the tired urban fantasy trope of 'normal people have no idea monsters live among them').
The narrator, Grace Laing, was great, and each character's voice felt well defined.
If you enjoy casual fantasy, monster fighting, and the family dynamics of Encanto, give this book a go. It's a short, fun read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
The concept of the story is interesting enough, and I liked that the world being overrun with monsters actually affected the people living in it on a wider scale (unlike the tired urban fantasy trope of 'normal people have no idea monsters live among them').
The narrator, Grace Laing, was great, and each character's voice felt well defined.
If you enjoy casual fantasy, monster fighting, and the family dynamics of Encanto, give this book a go. It's a short, fun read.
My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review!
July 6, 2023
YA knižka ponúkajúca zaujímavý svet plný monštier.
Text, podľa mňa, trochu pokrivkáva v schopnosti pripútať si čitateľa, takže začítať sa nie je úplne jednoduché. Potom to už celkom ide. Kniha ponúka pár zaujímavých postáv a niektoré celkom zaujímavé momenty, ale hlavná hrdinka mne osobne, žiaľ, vôbec nesadla.
Príbeh nie je zlý, len sa nevymyká z priehrštia podobných kníh. Chýba tomu nejaká osobitá energia. Skôr asi zaujme mladšie čitateľky, čo toho v mixe YA a fantasy majú načítaného ešte málo, a nemajú s čím porovnávať.
Text, podľa mňa, trochu pokrivkáva v schopnosti pripútať si čitateľa, takže začítať sa nie je úplne jednoduché. Potom to už celkom ide. Kniha ponúka pár zaujímavých postáv a niektoré celkom zaujímavé momenty, ale hlavná hrdinka mne osobne, žiaľ, vôbec nesadla.
Príbeh nie je zlý, len sa nevymyká z priehrštia podobných kníh. Chýba tomu nejaká osobitá energia. Skôr asi zaujme mladšie čitateľky, čo toho v mixe YA a fantasy majú načítaného ešte málo, a nemajú s čím porovnávať.
January 8, 2024
I'm always on the hunt for fantasy with lesbian and bisexual women characters and it seems once again a kiwi author has provided my desire.
One of my favourite things about this novel was the sheer amount of focus on female characters and how they were the centre of the story. Priscilla's relationship with her family has me feeling sorry for myself that I never grew up with sisters. But I adored what they have and the way they all grew within the novel. Very keen to start the next book and see what's in store for the Daalman family and their loved ones.
One of my favourite things about this novel was the sheer amount of focus on female characters and how they were the centre of the story. Priscilla's relationship with her family has me feeling sorry for myself that I never grew up with sisters. But I adored what they have and the way they all grew within the novel. Very keen to start the next book and see what's in store for the Daalman family and their loved ones.
February 18, 2024
This was a super quick read, I read it in one sitting. It was a nice story, even made me cry at one point. Only a 3 star as there were parts of it that seemed really rushed (like how quickly Priscilla fell for Bastian), but the whole first half of the book felt like a really slow build up with not a lot actually happening. Everything then seemed to happen really quickly in the last third of the book which felt a bit rushed.
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