House of Hollow

So, I badly wanted to love this one, because a lot of my fave BookTubers have rated it really highly, but I didn't click with it. Which is not a really helpful review, I know. Put your critical thinking hat on, Raynor; use your words; why didn't you click with it? Idk, just didn't feel it in my waters, luvvies. Soz.

This is one of the most unsettling, unnerving books that I've read.

It's utterly exquisite. The sentences drip with atmosphere, and absolutely everything has a sense that if you scratch the surface then a multitude of dead and / or crawling objects are going to emerge.

The plot follows the Hollow Sisters, who disappeared on an open empty street in Edinburgh when they were children, only to reappear a month later with no memory of where they'd been.

Everyone they meet has sense that something isn't quite right about them, and this pursues them throughout their lives.

People die inexplicably, after having met them. Theirs a fascination of death very literally in the air, and a mystery that no-one can answer about all of it - least of all the girls themselves.

Until the oldest sister suddenly disappears, and the remaining two are bound by something deeper than blood that demands they find her.

This book is exceptional. It's not filled with horror and gore, but the sense of horror and unease are on every page.

If you like a good mystery, sentences and places that come alive with incredible detail to description, and with a supernatural tinge around its edges, you'll love House of Hollow.

This was a pretty okay read!

I loved the atmosphere and the overall plot. As a whole it was original and interesting.

This story was way too overhyped though so I think I got my hopes up for what it could have been but it missed the mark.

The ending was predictable and the ending was too abrupt and skipped over some major resolution.

If you want a quick, mindless, atmospheric read, this one is definitely for you!

Wow. This book. Wow.

I inhaled the first 65% of the book in one sitting. Luckily I had paused at a section where my mind wouldn't tear itself apart trying to think of the solution or what may happen.

I fell in love with the writing style, with the characters, with the world, with the setting. This book reads like poetry spun from my nightmares and my best dreams. This book hooked me from the first chapter and I was oblivious as it sucked me into its world only to spit me back out five hours later at the 65% mark.

When I get really into a book sometimes I put off finishing it because I don't want to leave the characters or the world. This book isn't one of those but for all the good reasons.

Finishing the book today doesn't leave me empty and lonely inside like many other books have done. I thought I would be sad to part with the characters and their world. I'm glad I'm not ravenous for more. I am content, turning the book over in my mind, revisiting chapters and scenes in my head. This is very unusual for me. Usually I want more or need something answered or race to the reviews to see if others felt the same as I did.

I can't tell you any more other than to read it. Read the blurb to gauge your interest and dive in. You won't regret it.

This book was amazing. I loved how the writing style was flowery but witty. I also loved how everything in the book was so aesthetically pleasing. The plot twists were unexpected but not pulled out of nowhere. They fit into the story organically and I was wondering how I didn't see it coming. Honestly, a great book to read for autumn and goth aesthetic with a good spooky and dark plot.