Scan barcode
A review by kellylynnthomas
Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A charming and ultimately touching novel about the end of humanity and how a few of the animals who loved humans strive to save what's left of them.
ST, the crow who tells the story, was raised by a human and has trouble letting go of his old life when all the humans become zombies. Rather than hungering for brains, these zombies hunger for the internet. The book's social commentary is unsubtle, but not han-handed, and fits the overall irreverent tone of the story. My biggest critique would be that sometimes the book tries to walk the line between horror and humor, and isn't always fully successful, sometimes leaning too far one way or the other.
If you are sensitive to animal suffering or death, please read the trigger warnings before deciding whether or not to read!
ST, the crow who tells the story, was raised by a human and has trouble letting go of his old life when all the humans become zombies. Rather than hungering for brains, these zombies hunger for the internet. The book's social commentary is unsubtle, but not han-handed, and fits the overall irreverent tone of the story. My biggest critique would be that sometimes the book tries to walk the line between horror and humor, and isn't always fully successful, sometimes leaning too far one way or the other.
If you are sensitive to animal suffering or death, please read the trigger warnings before deciding whether or not to read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Gore
Moderate: Body horror and Death
Spoilers for the question "does the dog die?": Dennis, the main dog, dies at the end of chapter 31. Cinnamon, a side character dog, also dies earlier in the book shortly after being rescued. There are also fairly graphic descriptions of dogs who died off-page throughout.