Book Reviews: The Hollow Places

A young woman discovers a strange portal in her uncle’s house, leading to madness and terror in this gripping new novel from the author of the “innovative, unexpected, and absolutely chilling” (Mira Grant, Nebula Award–winning author) The Twisted Ones.

Pray they are hungry.

Kara finds the words in the mysterious bunker that she’s discovered behind a hole in the wall of her uncle’s house. Freshly divorced and living back at home, Kara now becomes obsessed with these cryptic words and starts exploring this peculiar area—only to discover that it holds portals to countless alternate realities. But these places are haunted by creatures that seem to hear thoughts…and the more one fears them, the stronger they become.

With her distinctive “delightfully fresh and subversive” (SF Bluestocking) prose and the strange, sinister wonder found in Guillermo del Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth, The Hollow Places is another compelling and white-knuckled horror novel that you won’t be able to put down.

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really connected with Kara’s character a little too much. I kind of love the moments where Kara would get lost in her head. It made me really resonate with her. A lot of people have had an issue with the internal dialogue, but I really enjoyed it. I am one of those people who have a lot of internal dialogue with myself, so I enjoyed it. 

Overall, this was a great horror sci-fi that I just really loved.

Thank you kindly to the author, the publisher, and NetGalley for this review copy.

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Book Review: Mimic (The Prodigy Chronicles Book 2)

In 2012, one cycle of an ancient calendar system came to a close. Humanity predicted its downfall, but it wasn’t the end of their evolutionary climb. It was the beginning.
Willow Kent is discovering that life as a second-phase prodigy comes at a price. Trapped in the London Core, her choices are limited, made difficult by her forbidden romance with Reece and the presence of a new commanding officer who establishes harsh rules. With unpredictable skills and a growing distrust in her birth parents, she is struggling to play the Core’s game. But when opportunity arises in the form of a mysterious shapeshifter, Willow realizes there’s more to her own evolution than meets the eye. She soon learns that keeping secrets is a key move, and the more dangerous they are, the greater her need to evolve into the powerful prodigy nature intended her to become.
But those closest to her have their own secrets, and her status has made her an easy target for betrayal. Who will she turn to, when nothing is as it seems?

I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

I am so glad that I got to read Gambit and Mimic back to back.. Now if we could get the third installment like yesterday… That would be great. 

This book is wayyy more intense than its prequel. Willow develops her abilities more and discovers ones that vastly surpass all expectations. SHE HAS A FREAKING TIGER GUYS. I love that this book doesn’t shy away from Willow also being a typical teen. All teens have those emotional moments that make them seem like a know it all or a brat. Willow is absolutely no exception. I love the attraction between Willow and Reece.. Come on y’all.. We are all shipping that. 

This book really just has everything from political alliances to complicated relationships. One of my favorite things about Denault’s writing is the realistic protagonist development. Everything just seems to naturally grow and flow. Denault has built this amazingly realistic world that I just want to immerse myself in and never leave. Mimic will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew. What motives to the people around you really have? Would you make the same choices? Who can you really trust? I found myself nervously excited at every page turn. Put C.L Denault on your list of authors to watch.. We got a gem here!
I gave this a solid 4 star rating just like its predecessor. This is a great read, and I cannot wait for the next installment. Denault!! Get on it! (Also.. can we just take a moment with that gorgeous cover art!!!)

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Images and synopsis taken from NetGalley.

Book Review: Gambit (The Prodigy Chronicles Book 1)

In Earth’s battle-ridden future, humans have evolved. Those with extraordinary skills rise to power and fame. Those without live in poverty.
Sixteen-year-old Willow Kent believed she was normal. But when a genetically-advanced military officer shows up in her village and questions her identity, long-buried secrets begin to emerge. With remarkable skills and a shocking genetic code the Core and its enemies will do anything to obtain, Willow suddenly finds the freedom she craves slipping through her fingers. Greed, corruption, and genetic tampering threaten every aspect of her existence as she’s thrust, unwilling, into the sophisticated culture of the elite Core city. To ensure peace, she must leave the past behind, marry a man she’s never met, and submit to the authority of a relentless officer with a hidden agenda of his own.
Her life has become a dangerous game. How much will she sacrifice in order to win?

So, I will be really honest here.. This series was not on my radar prior to receiving an ARC of Mimic. But I must say.. WOW. 

The story follows 16 year old Willow Kent. One day a genetically enhanced military official arrives in the Outlying lands and reveals to Willow that she is a long lost heir to one of the most powerful families. She was taken from her family and trust into her new life. Willow must learn to adapt to this new society. With no one one to trust, Willow must learn how to master her new abilities, survive the rebels, and hold on to the last little bit of freedom she has. 

I am an absolute sucker for “your life can change in a moment” stories. I feel we all wished to be a secret heir to a vast fortune, to be a superhero, or a long lost princess. This novel really spoke to that part of me from so long ago. While reading this, I got The Red Queen vibes. 

I found Willow to be super relatable without coming across as predictable or boring. C.L Denault has a beautifully unique writing style that makes you really feel every emotion.  This was a fantastic debut novel, and I am excited to now dive right into Mimic.

I gave this book a solid 4 star review! It was a solid read, and I am excited to see more from this saga.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Images and synopsis taken from NetGalley.