Decent zombie story but lacking depth

Hollowland is a straightforward novel of the zombie apocalypse. Nothing makes it particularly special or different (except maybe the female main character), but if you have not yet tired of the "group of survivors on the run" story, then you might enjoy this.

I wish the author had taken a little more time in telling the story, though. It feels rushed, and characters and relationships don't get developed well enough. The characters are one-dimensional. Just because I want zombies doesn't mean I'm not also interested in what's going on in these people's heads. And there were some situations (like at the cult compound) that could have been explored in greater depth.

The narration is good, except for the male voices, which all sound exactly the same. This got me good and confused more than once. Still, each of the female voices were different and overall, the reading was effective.

9 people found this helpful

Review: Hollowland, by Amanda Hocking

I was pleasantly surprised with this book. Over a year ago, I read Hocking’s Switched, which I enjoyed, but Hollowland was a step beyond on the enjoyment level. Hocking’s Hollowland was simply a great novel for its zombies, characters, and the world built inside it’s pages.

One thing I really liked about this book was that the author didn’t spare the reader from any of the gore or unpleasantness that occurs in a world where zombies and the destruction of civilization as we know it is the “norm.” In the scenes where zombies are attacking the main characters, there’s much description of how much blood, limbs, etc are flying around and breaking, and dying. Hocking makes sure the reader knows just what it’s like to encounter these creatures, like any good zombie book should. Some of the description of how the zombies’ bodies hold up to attacks are slightly repetitive, but it also drives the point across that these once human bodies have changed drastically because of the virus.

Remy, the narrator and main character, is one of the better characters I’ve read this year. She’s strong, determined, and rarely shows a sign of weakness, even if a love interest in introduced. She’s living in a world where survival is top priority and she doesn’t let anything get in her way of that. I found this to be a great part of the book. All of the characters were really well-written, actually. They were all developed over the course of the book and even a few that I didn’t like in the beginning, grew on me. Oh and Ripley, I want that to be a surprise, but she might be my favorite character in the book.

Upon finishing this book, I knew I’d want book 2. It’s not a common occurrence for me, either. It ended nicely and was set up for what I’m sure will be an exciting continuation. I can only hope that there’s more excitement, blood and gore, and danger in my reading future.

3 people found this helpful

This title was bad from the get go.

I had to force myself to listen to the whole story....The ending was just plain stupid.That said the narrator was good.

3 people found this helpful

An enjoyable zombie tale

If you like zombie books, I think you'll like Hollowland. There's not a ton of minutiae about how the apocalypse happened, but there is enough information to make the story believable. The reader does a great job and the characters are pretty rounded. It's good light listening material.

2 people found this helpful

Loved It!!!

Any additional comments?

This book is one of my top five zombie books! It was the best one I have heard in a long time. I was so involved with the story that I was looking for chores to do because I had to listen! I usually don't care much about the narrators. I have never really thought that one made or destroyed the book; however, Eileen Stevens was incredible. She was so consistant with her different voices that I knew who was talking right away. This is the first time I have looked at what other books a narrators has done. I can't wait for more, more, more!!!!

1 person found this helpful

Entertaining great book

This was a very good book, I particularly enjoyed the sequence between books "Hollowman and Hollowland" the narrator was great, funny at times when she tried to imitate male voices, overall she did a great job. The book was easy to understand and follow, the story, characters and plot was great. I enjoyed this book. A final note, this book is not a typical zombie story, although there were fights for survival, it concentrated mostly in the humane area, great twist to the story.

1 person found this helpful

really good read i want to find out more hallowmen

the narrator was really good.. the story was entertaining love the part with the Lion

Great Story

The narrator was great. I will try to use her narration again if it is possible.

love this author!

I have now purchased this book twice - first through Nook & now Audible. I love Hocking's writing. The detail & prose transport me so I am there living the story with the characters.

loved it

ready for the next one^_^ this was a good listen and I hope others enjoy it as much as I did