First Impression

The cover for Hollow perfectly sets the tone of this novel with a mysterious and intriguing feel.

Positives

I have never read a novel about “dhampirs” before and so I found the twist on what might have been a more typical vampire story to be quite refreshing. However, some other elements of the novel (specifically the characters and their interactions with one another) felt a little formulaic.

Though there were elements I really enjoyed in the story: a great idea for the setting, interesting character dynamics, and a heroine with some fire in her soul, I felt that some of Hollow‘s strengths got a bit lost in its crafting.

Negatives

I think that my biggest critique of Hollow would be a lack of refinement. The pacing of the plot was a bit rushed, some events felt rather staged, and the story’s introduction happened quite quickly.

If you like a fast-paced story, you might appreciate the quick sequence of events that unfold in Hollow, but as a reader who loves a good slow-burn I found myself wishing for more. In order to allow the story and the characters enough time to develop, it would have been great if that same feeling of suspense Sinatra cultivated within the plot had been extended to other areas of the work as well.

(The dialogue also included a handful of expletives, so if that is not your cup of tea, then this novel might not be the best choice for you.)

The Last Word

As a whole, I felt that Hollow was on the brink of something great, but it just needed a little more time to develop to its full potential.

With a little more time, I can’t wait to see what Sinatra creates in the future…