Review: Review - Hollowed
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 15, 2012
Wow. Oh. Wow. I have the tingles, and I'm in my happy place right now. This isn't a drop dead, blow you away book. Rather, it's the kind that steals your breath away, slowly, bit by bit as you become more engulfed in the book. There are so many paranormal books out there, but few as realistic and heart-melting as this one. Vampires are not big, bad, and invincible. There are the bad guys, yes, but most are so very human. They're pretty much human except for their immortal-until-given-irreparable-damage, improved senses, and drinking blood deal. I enjoyed learning more about the paranormal world along with Briar. That was the highlight of the book for me, along with the characters.The characters are remarkable, each with his/her own unique voice and story. Briar is a smart girl. Recklessly courageous, yes. She charges into situations stubbornly regardless of whether or not someone is there to back her up. However, her reactions are just what I'd expect. She thinks Oliver and Cole are crazy when they claim vampires are real and kicks them out of her house. She doesn't trust anyone until her trust has been won. She rationalizes. It was easy to relate to her, and I empathized with her even during the occaional moments when she denies logical reasoning. And her reaction to finding out Noah's big secret? Heck yeah. Like Briar, I never saw his secret coming. We had the same guesses, but being new to this world, I was clueless until he did something to give himself away. To give her credit, I think Briar was too pumped with adrenaline at the time to put the pieces together till he made his reveal.I am especially fond of Daniel. I don't want to give too much away, but he gives off a soft and cuddly vibe that makes me want to hug him to death and hide him away and keep him all to myself. Which, despite being good ole Daniel, he won't like very much since (1) he's not into girls that way and (2) there's someone else he'd rather lock himself away with. He is such a sweet guy, the kind of guy every girl wants to have for a friend because you know he's just a friend and because you can tell him everything and he won't judge you. And he deserves a whole paragraph to himself, as much as I also want to talk about how swoony Noah is and the silly things he says and does with Briar. Imagine a hot guy going awkward and puzzled on you. That's how I imagine him, confounded as to what his relationshiph with Briar is going to be from now on.Kelley York has a gift for writing mysteries and thrillers. First, there was Hushed, and now there is Hollowed. I am so excited to see where she'll be taking us next, both with the next installment in the Half Light saga (Shadow Voices) and with Made of Stars.