Hollow City by Ransom Riggs | Book Review

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was the surprise best seller of 2011—an unprecedented mix of YA fantasy and vintage photography that enthralled readers and critics alike. Publishers Weekly called it “an enjoyable, eccentric read, distinguished by well-developed characters, a believable Welsh setting, and some very creepy monsters.”This second novel begins in 1940, immediately after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine’s island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends must journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. Along the way, they encounter new allies, a menagerie of peculiar animals, and other unexpected surprises.Complete with dozens of newly discovered (and thoroughly mesmerizing) vintage photographs, this new adventure will delight readers of all ages.

Embarrassing confession: I am super terrible at follow through. You see, I read Hollow City back in February along with Allison. We had this plan to co-review the book and you know, do this really cool joint review. However, I just never followed through with putting the review together and you know, coming up with how to do it. So, here we are on the very last day of August which is when I am typing this, seven months about reading Ransom Riggs’ Hollow City and I am blanking a little bit on how to write and do this review. I am certain you will see Allison write up a review as well. Someday haha we will figure out how to do a joint/co-review but until that day, enjoy our individual reviews. Anyways. I read Hollow City immediately after reading the graphic novel version of Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children which was a great life choice because the graphic novel was a fast way to remind me what happened in the previous book.

Okay, so here’s the plot that I remember — Jacob and the other Peculiar Children were in a tight spot on Miss Peregrine’s island because Miss Peregrine left to help out one of her sister Ymbrynes and so the island has been left unprotected and a hollow (at least I think that’s what the monsters are called) has come through the time loop and threatens to eat the kids, so the kids escape the island. They make it their goal to get to London which is the peculiar capital, it seems. So, anyways, they get to London after many obstacles along the way and discover the last remaining ymbryne and also discover that Miss Peregrine could end up stuck as a bird which would be terrible because as a bird she can’t really work her time loop magic. Also, the other ymbrynes have pretty much been eaten. What else? Oh! In London, they find that the city is not only under siege from the Blitz, but also from hungry hungry hollows. And that’s pretty much the extent of my memory regarding the plot of Hollow City. Not terrible for seven months later, yes?

Jacob is essentially the leader and main character of Ransom Riggs’ Hollow City. Frankly, he is not at all an annoying main character. I actually wanted him to succeed and to help his fellow kids save Miss Peregrine, seeing as how they are traveling all the way to London to help her. Anyways, it’s cool how in this book Jacob’s ability to sense hollows actually comes in handy and is super useful. No counting how many times he helps to save the gang.

What is the coolest about Hollow City is the addition of MORE peculiar children and characters AND peculiar animals AND seeing other time loops! AND THE BOOK OF PECULIARS! AND ALSO A MAP. I just really loved how the world building was expanded upon in this book. It’s so fricken awesome. I loved how Riggs incorporated even more photos into the story. I loved that we got more information on the side characters. I loved that we got to see characters who can do cool things like freeze stuff. I loved that we got to see a peculiar that is actually a dog. Because you all know just how much I love dogs.

I liked Hollow City better than it’s predecessor — and I liked Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children  a whole lot. Seriously, I would not be writing this review so many months later if I did not like the book. If you want to read something that truly is unique, different, and adds something to the YA paranormal genre, give Ransom Riggs’ books a chance. They are awesome. Also? It’s totally adorable how the book is dedicated to Tahereh Mafi.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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