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A review by readandreviewit
Hollow Men by Todd Sullivan
5.0
Before I get into the review, I would like to thank Todd for kindly sending me a physical copy in exchange for an honest review.
Hollow Men follows the protagonist, Ha Jun, on his quest to become a hero in South Hangkuk, in order to raise his social standing. He is joined by three companions in a bid to destroy a demon lurking in Naganeupseong, as well as the Dark Elf, Windshine. Ha Jun and Windshine soon strike up an unlikely friendship - but when he finds out about her connection to the demon he has a difficult decision to make.
I think one of my favourite things about Hollow Men would definitely have to be the strong sense of friendship throughout. Although they were all strangers at the book's beginning, they soon became a really tightly knit group, referring to each other as brothers and becoming a family. I really admired the way they all looked out for each other when completing their quest, and you could see how important they all were to each other.
I also really liked Ha Jun. I really admired the way he looked out for Windshine, despite the prejudice the dark elves faced, and his overarching strength and courage throughout. He was a really strong and likeable character, and soon became my favourite. He was impossible not to root for!
Of course, the whole history of the dark elves was very fascinating. Sullivan really dived into the matter and it was clear how much thought had went into developing it. It was definitely one of my favourite aspects of the book, and I loved the personal touch Windshine's own story added to it. It certainly made for an interesting read!
I also really liked the twist. Right at the very end Sullivan hits the readers with something I definitely didn't see coming, but I loved it all the same! The truth about the demon was shocking with a really dramatic scene between the characters and I loved every second of it!
It would also be a crime to talk about the ending without mentioning the sheer amount of action - and it wasn't just at the end, too! I loved all of the action and adventure Sullivan packed in there and there was never a dull moment... From being chased by treelike creatures through to awesome battles at the end, it was absolutely brilliant.
Overall, I would recommend Hollow Men for any fantasy fan, as this was a really unique addition to the genre. I would also recommend it to anyone who likes a good adventure, as the quest was really interesting to read.
However, please be mindful that this book has trigger warnings of family abuse, so please do not read if that's something you're uncomfortable with.
Hollow Men follows the protagonist, Ha Jun, on his quest to become a hero in South Hangkuk, in order to raise his social standing. He is joined by three companions in a bid to destroy a demon lurking in Naganeupseong, as well as the Dark Elf, Windshine. Ha Jun and Windshine soon strike up an unlikely friendship - but when he finds out about her connection to the demon he has a difficult decision to make.
I think one of my favourite things about Hollow Men would definitely have to be the strong sense of friendship throughout. Although they were all strangers at the book's beginning, they soon became a really tightly knit group, referring to each other as brothers and becoming a family. I really admired the way they all looked out for each other when completing their quest, and you could see how important they all were to each other.
I also really liked Ha Jun. I really admired the way he looked out for Windshine, despite the prejudice the dark elves faced, and his overarching strength and courage throughout. He was a really strong and likeable character, and soon became my favourite. He was impossible not to root for!
Of course, the whole history of the dark elves was very fascinating. Sullivan really dived into the matter and it was clear how much thought had went into developing it. It was definitely one of my favourite aspects of the book, and I loved the personal touch Windshine's own story added to it. It certainly made for an interesting read!
I also really liked the twist. Right at the very end Sullivan hits the readers with something I definitely didn't see coming, but I loved it all the same! The truth about the demon was shocking with a really dramatic scene between the characters and I loved every second of it!
It would also be a crime to talk about the ending without mentioning the sheer amount of action - and it wasn't just at the end, too! I loved all of the action and adventure Sullivan packed in there and there was never a dull moment... From being chased by treelike creatures through to awesome battles at the end, it was absolutely brilliant.
Overall, I would recommend Hollow Men for any fantasy fan, as this was a really unique addition to the genre. I would also recommend it to anyone who likes a good adventure, as the quest was really interesting to read.
However, please be mindful that this book has trigger warnings of family abuse, so please do not read if that's something you're uncomfortable with.