The Hollow Places started off with Kara getting ready to move in with her mother after getting a divorce. Luckily for her, her Uncle spared her from that fate and asked her to move in with him and help out with his oddities museum. Actually, now that I think of it, was it really that lucky? I mean, she did end up being trapped in a world with portals to other worlds, and there were things trying to kill her, but I digress. She was starting over and her life was certainly about to change.
At first the book starts off pretty normal and the characters are easy to connect with. Uncle Earl is so lovable and her friend Simon…I wish I had a friend like him! Everything seemed great until Uncle Earl had to leave for his surgery and a minor hole appeared in one of the walls. Kara asked Simon for help patching it up but that was when they discovered that it lead to a hidden hallway. As if that wasn’t weird enough the hallway lead them to a world full of little islands. At first they were excited and wanting to explore, but then things took a very creepy turn!
I do not want to give spoilers but let’s just say that I will never look at school busses, willow trees, and holes the same way again! Kingfisher does a beautiful job creating an atmosphere of unease through out the book. You find yourself suspicious of everything including a little weird looking otter carving from the oddities museum. What helped fill in some of the mysteries of how this mysterious world worked was a bible that they found with writing in the margins. It was left behind by a soldier from another world who voluntarily along with his team. To find out what happened to them you will have to read the book, but let’s just say it made it hard to put the book down.
Overall, I enjoyed the book! It had a very creepy vibe and really helped me get into a fall state of mind. There were moments where I was pulled into the book and others where I would laugh out loud. I like it when a book is able to add a little light moment after dragging you into scary situations. Granted, there were a few parts in the middle of the book that did drag on a bit, but it was really to give you a false sense of security. It wanted you to think that all was right with the world again, but that was all lies!!! Lies I tell you! So if you are looking for a book to start off spooky season with, check this one out.
*I did receive an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.
The Owl's Book Nest 