House of Hollow

 

by Krystal Sutherland

Young Adult, Mystery/Thriller

Reviewed by Alyssa from the Miami branch   

    House of Hollow can only be truly explained by the smells described in it - burning wood, pine, sour milk, and rot.  It is eerie, ethereal, mystical, and odd, with a second half that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew.

    The book follows three sisters, Grey, Vivi, and Iris Hollow, who went missing for a month as children and returned not knowing what had happened to them or where they went.  When they cam back, their hair had turned white, irises black, and each sister had an identical crescent-shaped scar at the base of her throat.

    Now young adults, the sisters have a bond much stronger than any normal relationship, even though they live apart.  When the eldest sister Grey disappears, Iris and Vivi, with the help of Grey's ex-boyfriend, search for her.  They end up finding out the truth of not only where to and how they vanished as kids, but also who they really are.

    I really enjoyed the feeling that this book gave me and how it was slightly unsettling.  I definitely found that the second half really picked up and made it so you couldn't stop reading until you understood everything.  This book is for you if you enjoy fantasy, a touch of horror and aren't too squeamish about death related themes.

    If you enjoy House of Hollow, I recommend The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones and Wilder Girls by Rory Power.

    I gave this book 5/5 stars and wholeheartedly recommend.

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