Title: The Hollow Boy
Author: Jonathan Stroud
First published September 15, 2015
374 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781484709689 (ISBN10: 1484709683)
Rating: 4.38
Overview
The supernatural Visitors outbreak has caused chaos in London and Scotland Yard is unable to control it. However, Lockwood & Co. are known for their exceptional skills in exterminating spirits.
With Anthony’s charm, George’s insight, and Lucy’s dynamic presence, they make a great team. Lucy feels at home with her team at Portland Row after Anthony has shared some of his childhood secrets.
But their team dynamic is disrupted when Holly Munro, a new assistant, joins them. As if that wasn’t enough, they face new hauntings, including a house with bloody footprints and a department store with strange sounds and shadowy figures.
Despite their personal issues, they must work together to save the city from assassins who attack during a carnival. Will they succeed or will their troubles attract more danger?
Find out in this thrilling fourth adventure of the Lockwood & Co. series.
About the Author
Jonathan Anthony Stroud is a successful author who writes fantasy books mainly for children and young adults. He grew up in St Albans, where he developed a love for reading, drawing, and writing stories.
This passion helped him escape boredom during his childhood illnesses between the ages of seven and nine. After studying English literature at the University of York, Stroud worked as an editor for the Walker Books store in London.
This experience inspired him to start writing his own books, which he began publishing in the 1990s.
One of Stroud’s most popular works is the Bartimaeus Trilogy, which challenges the stereotypes and ethics of the magician class and enslaved demons. This is explored through the witty and egotistical perspective of the djinni, Bartimaeus.
The trilogy includes The Amulet of Samarkand, The Golem’s Eye, and Ptolemy’s Gate, all of which gained significant success in the United States.
Stroud currently resides in St Albans, Hertfordshire, with his wife Gina, who is an illustrator of children’s books, and his two children, Isabelle and Arthur.
Editoral Review
“The Hollow Boy,” written by Jonathan Stroud, is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Stroud is a renowned British author known for his young adult fiction novels, and this book is no exception.
The genre of this book is primarily fantasy and horror, with elements of mystery and adventure. The book was first published on September 15, 2015, and has since garnered critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
The story is set in London, in a world where ghosts and other supernatural creatures exist. The main characters are a group of young detectives, Lockwood & Co., who are tasked with solving ghostly mysteries and keeping the city safe.
The book follows the team’s investigation of a seemingly haunted house, where they encounter a mysterious boy who may hold the key to solving the case. The plot is filled with twists and turns, with the suspense building up to a shocking conclusion.
Stroud’s writing style is engaging and immersive, with vivid descriptions that transport readers to the streets of London. The characters are well-developed, with unique personalities and motivations that make them relatable and endearing.
The conflicts they face are complex and multi-layered, adding depth to the story and keeping readers invested in the outcome.
One of the strengths of this book is its exploration of themes such as friendship, trust, and the consequences of one’s actions. Stroud also touches on the issue of class division, with the divide between the rich and poor in London being a recurring motif throughout the story.
The book highlights the importance of compassion and empathy, even in the face of adversity.
However, the pacing of the book can be uneven at times, with some sections feeling slow and others rushed. Additionally, the plot can be convoluted, with several subplots and characters that may be confusing for some readers.
Despite these flaws, “The Hollow Boy” is a captivating and entertaining read that is sure to please fans of the genre.
In comparison to Stroud’s previous works, “The Hollow Boy” is a worthy addition to his repertoire. It shares many of the same strengths as his other books, such as well-crafted characters and imaginative world-building.
However, it also stands out as a unique and memorable story in its own right.
Overall, “The Hollow Boy” is a must-read for fans of young adult fiction, fantasy, and horror. It is a well-written and engaging story that will keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
I highly recommend this book, and give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
