Review of House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to stories that promise a taste of the bizarre, but I must admit: House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland went beyond anything I could have ever expected. From the moment I glimpsed its enchanting cover, I felt an undeniable pull. Little did I know, it would take me on a chilling ride through a labyrinth of secrets, familial bonds, and the horrors that lie just beneath the surface of reality.
The complex story centers on the Hollow sisters—Grey, Viv, and Iris—whose mysterious disappearance a decade ago left their parents shattered and the community on edge. Ten years later, the chilling echoes of their vanishing still haunt their lives, especially that of the youngest sister, Iris. As she grapples with relentless bullying and the overwhelming shadow of her sisters’ past, we see a poignant exploration of loneliness and the seemingly insurmountable weight of family legacy. It’s deeply affecting and unnervingly relatable, especially for those of us who have felt the sting of feeling misplaced or trapped in our own lives.
Sutherland crafts a narrative that is black as night and endlessly twisting. She expertly weaves together elements of horror with poignant explorations of family trauma and identity. The prose is both lyrical and jarring—perfectly embodying the unsettling nature of the story. I found myself gasping at specific turns of phrase and vividly painted scenes, like when Sutherland describes the sisters’ stunning transformation: "Their hair turned stark white, and their eyes turned jet black." Just thinking about it gives me chills! The spine-tingling atmosphere draws you in, making you almost forget to breathe at times, while the pacing is relentless; there’s a rhythm that mirrors the urgency of the unfolding events.
Yet, it’s not just the uncanny plot that captivated me. The characters’ depth and arc left me with an array of emotions. Iris’s quiet resilience and profound yearning for connection resonate throughout the pages. The stark contrast between her life and that of Grey and Viv adds complexity, mirroring the disconnection often felt in sibling relationships, especially in the face of trauma.
Without diving into spoiler territory, the uncovering of secrets as the sisters confront their past was a wild ride—one that had me at the edge of my seat. Sutherland’s unique ability to blend darkness with surreal elements had me asking myself: what the heck did I just read?! It’s one of those wild narratives that sticks with you long after the last page is turned. As one reader aptly put it, this story is "bleak, soul-crushingly dark, and sharply twisted," and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
For those who revel in horror and the bizarre or who appreciate beautifully twisted tales about family and identity, House of Hollow is a must-read. It’s a singular experience that stays with you, a testament to Krystal Sutherland’s brilliant imagination and storytelling prowess. This book had me screaming internally at full volume, and I loved every moment of its madness! If you’re ready to plunge into a nightmarish journey that melds dark enchantment with disturbing reality, I highly recommend giving it a chance. You won’t regret it. 🌙