4.5 Stars - Sweet, Grim, and Unique Fantasy

The Hollow Kingdom - Clare B. Dunkle
"If you know I hate being teased, she asked, "why do you always do it?"

"Because that's one of the things abut your new life that I love," he chuckled. That made her smile. "And I write about the milestones that the Kings look for their wives to pass. The first time you spoke to me--that was when you met me. The first time you called me by name--that was the day after you came here. The first time you smiled at me--that was a week after you came here, but the first time you smiled because you were really glad to see me--that was only a month ago. The first time you were happy when you woke up in the morning, full of plans you wanted to accomplish..." He fell silent.

"When was that? Kate wanted to know.

"That one hasn't happened yet," he admitted. "Maybe tomorrow."



The characters - especially Kate, the heroine - are a departure from archetypes some readers may assume "The Hollow Kingdom" holds. We are told Kate has been educated by her father and she behaves intelligently, displaying an agile mind. Marak, the Goblin King - who must capture his bride, as is the tradition - starts as an irreverent character then becomes a a genuinely sympathetic character.

Although this book is the first in a trilogy, I am thoroughly satisfied with the resolution in this story. (And with only 230 pages it was a very fast read that had me biting my nails!) Also, "The Hollow Kingdom" is appropriate for older adolescents, although there are grim aspects and elements of horror in this story. It's a YA in the same sense the Harry Potter series is sometimes listed. (No 'snogging' (kissing) though it is mentioned. Also, no sex or sexual situations.) Yet it can also be enjoyed by adults.

I'd recommend this series to readers who enjoyed:
Clay Griffith's Vampire Empire series (e.g. The Greyfriar), Anne Bishop's fantasy novels, or the Wicked as They Come, as one reader friend likened King Marak to Criminy Stain.