readingwithhippos's review against another edition
4.0
Hollow City is Ransom Riggs's second venture into a strange world where children with special powers live together in a time loop maintained by an elderly benefactress. His first book, [b:Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children|9460487|Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children, #1)|Ransom Riggs|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1391229642s/9460487.jpg|14345371], introduces the narrator, sixteen-year-old Jacob, and the cast of children he meets on a seemingly deserted island. Hollow City picks up the adventure where the first book left it, with the children on their own, forced out of their home and desperate to save their magical custodian Miss Peregrine.
The book is a breathless adventure from beginning to end, with swift momentum and few lags. The children overcome one obstacle only to have another thrust immediately upon them. Each child gets a chance to contribute using his or her special talent, and even when they seem to be out of options, someone manages to spin straw into gold and keep them moving ahead. Jacob is a likable hero, a bit awkward and sometimes cowardly, but his strong moral compass always wins out over his fear. His romance with Emma, the independent, practical leader of the group (who, as it happens, can manifest fire between her hands), is sweet but not idyllic.
Beyond these elements of a good story, what sets this series apart from other YA adventure novels are the screwy, surreal vintage photographs that Riggs pairs with the narrative. You'll read a description of a talking dog with green-tinted glasses and a pipe in his mouth, and then you'll turn the page and discover a photo of a dog adorned with these exact accessories. Riggs started out by searching for photos at flea markets and antique stores, and now works with collectors to find the perfect photos to inspire his paranormal storylines.
Because the photos do so much to enhance the reading experience of these books, I strongly recommend you skip the ebook section and find a paper copy to read. I happened to read the first book on Kindle because I didn't know any better, and the grainy, black and white photos on the screen didn't carry near the weight that they do on the page.
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
The book is a breathless adventure from beginning to end, with swift momentum and few lags. The children overcome one obstacle only to have another thrust immediately upon them. Each child gets a chance to contribute using his or her special talent, and even when they seem to be out of options, someone manages to spin straw into gold and keep them moving ahead. Jacob is a likable hero, a bit awkward and sometimes cowardly, but his strong moral compass always wins out over his fear. His romance with Emma, the independent, practical leader of the group (who, as it happens, can manifest fire between her hands), is sweet but not idyllic.
Beyond these elements of a good story, what sets this series apart from other YA adventure novels are the screwy, surreal vintage photographs that Riggs pairs with the narrative. You'll read a description of a talking dog with green-tinted glasses and a pipe in his mouth, and then you'll turn the page and discover a photo of a dog adorned with these exact accessories. Riggs started out by searching for photos at flea markets and antique stores, and now works with collectors to find the perfect photos to inspire his paranormal storylines.
Because the photos do so much to enhance the reading experience of these books, I strongly recommend you skip the ebook section and find a paper copy to read. I happened to read the first book on Kindle because I didn't know any better, and the grainy, black and white photos on the screen didn't carry near the weight that they do on the page.
More book recommendations by me at www.readingwithhippos.com
danganamber's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book! Although it was hard to get through a few parts, and I had put the book down for a while, it picked up quickly. It was a really amazing read. I’m excited to read the next
leasummer's review against another edition
4.0
This was a fascinating journey into the second book of the peculiar children. It's been awhile since I read book one but after a few chapters I was back in the peculiar world. This book was action packed! They're unlocking mysteries, led by Emma and Jacob, trying to save their world. I read the book on my kindle fire, the photos are included and such a great part of the story.
Because there is a book three it ends much like book one, with a bit of a cliffhanger. This series definitely needs to be read in order.
[Checked out through library using Overdrive.]
Because there is a book three it ends much like book one, with a bit of a cliffhanger. This series definitely needs to be read in order.
[Checked out through library using Overdrive.]
hiltzmoore's review against another edition
4.0
I'm surprised by how much I'm loving this series. It's really cute and quick reading, but the best part are the wacky photos and how the author works them into the story. I will admit that some of the story is getting a little too convenient and the conflicts that arise don't ever seem to have actual consequences after all is said and done, but hopefully we'll see some of that change in book 3.
sartzer's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
asbooktrovert's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
4.0
emma_liz's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
lubaldo's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
carryontam's review against another edition
5.0
It’s been quite some time since I read this novel, but I still wanna write a proper review for each book of his series because these books seriously deserve it.
Hollow City, now looking back, was a 4.5-5 star read for me. Going through the happenings of the book again, makes me remember how much I enjoyed reading it, following the second adventure of the peculiar children. From the elements to the plot to the characters — these books are something special. I absolutely enjoyed this!
I also just reread the ending and, AHH it was epic. I should reread these at some point!!
Hollow City, now looking back, was a 4.5-5 star read for me. Going through the happenings of the book again, makes me remember how much I enjoyed reading it, following the second adventure of the peculiar children. From the elements to the plot to the characters — these books are something special. I absolutely enjoyed this!
I also just reread the ending and, AHH it was epic. I should reread these at some point!!