I should preface this with the disclaimer that I'm just gabbing about books here because I LOVE books; for in depth reviews you should definitely check out one of the many fabulous reviewer blogs on the left :)Isn't this cover gorgeous? I wish I knew how to do my make-up like that. In any case, I'm usually too much of a chicken to read ghost stories, but word on the street was there would be mysterious romance and no headless horseman in The Hollow by debut novelist and Querytracker alumnus Jessica Verday, so I decided to give it a try and I'm so glad I did!
Abbey is dealing with a lot, (an understatement), her friend's tragic vanishing obviously casts a shadow over her life, yet she still has a life to live. It's interesting as a writer to see how Ms. Verday balances Abbey's world: mourning a friend, her feelings for the yummerific Caspian, the freaky stuff that keeps happening. I appreciated the way Ms. Verday didn't overwhelm the story with Abbey's grief and yet still showed how hard it was for Abbey to let go.
The book is upwards of five-hundred pages, but both the atmospheric tone and the secretive Caspian made it a page turner, especially since I'm always one for books that hint at the supernatural. Mostly though, I wanted to know more about Caspian, and not only because his name took me back to my Narnia-lovin' days-- what was he? Ghost? Witch? Just a creepy guy with great hair and the habit of showing up at funerals?? Don't expect answers to ANYTHING until the near end of the book, and even then you're left with questions galore...in a good way. There's promise of a series and I can't wait to find out what happens next!
Overall a fun and eerie read. Take a peek at the first few pages here and let me know what you think :)
Oh WOW that cover is amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteDiana - if you ever feel like doing a book review, drop me a comment/email and i'll add you to the book bundle. we're always looking for contributors :)
The premise of the book sounds interesting, but I actually don't like the cover at all. The girl looks like a vamped up barbie doll.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily! I agree about the cover. Love-it!!
ReplyDeleteI've checked out The Book Bundle and it's a GREAT review site, I'd be honored to do a review sometime! :)
Hi Mary! I guess it just goes to show about not telling a book by its cover--no vamps OR Barbies in The Hollow!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it interesting how what attracts one reader turns off another? It must be enough to have cover designers/publishers/marketing-types heads' spinning with every book they release!
O thanks for letting us know the story holds out till the end :)
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