MIDDLE GRADE FANTASY FICTION: Hollow Dolls by MarcyKate Connolly
ABOUT THE BOOK
Simone is a mind reader. She knows a great many things about everyone she meets, but she can’t seem to remember anything about her past or where she came from. After finally being free for the first time in a long time, she sets off, determined to find her home.
When she stumbles across a man with two minds inside him – the real one, shoved deep down, and one of a body walker, someone who can take over a person’s body against their will – Simone is even more eager to leave her old life behind.
As Simone dives deeper into her history, she learns truths she never could have imagined. But when those she loves start disappearing around her, Simone knows only she can stop the evil.
Set in the same fantasy world as the Shadow Weaver duology, this series starter weaves a tale of secrets, power, magic, and the long path to home.
REVIEW
Hollow Dolls returns to the world of Connolly's Shadow Weaver Duology. This time telling the story from the perspective of Simone. Simone is one of the comet-blessed, one with a magical power. Her power is mind reading, which made her of great value to the evil Lady Aisling. But now the Lady has been defeated, deprived of her powers, and imprisoned. Simone and the others that the Lady used in her evil work are now free to return home. But all Simone knows of her previous life is the name of her hometown and the names of her family. She has no memories of them at all, thanks to the lady's manipulation of a memory stealer. But no trace remains of her hometown or family and Simone ends up living with her best friend, Sebastian and his sister, Jemma.
When Simone stumbles upon a body walker manipulating someone else, she flees in terror. She, Sebastian, and Jemma set out to find make sure that Lady Aisling really is no longer a threat, and then seek out the library to search for more information about Simone's family. But when Jemma is taken over by the body walker, Simone and Sebastian are left on their own to find the library. As it becomes clearer that the body walker is someone close to them, Simone must decide whether to let her fear keep her safe or whether to risk her freedom to help her friends.
This is really quite a compelling story. Not having read the Shadow Weaver duology at this point, I wasn't sure I'd understand what was happening at first, but it quickly became clear that that wasn't going to be a problem. Having Simone tell the story with her ability to peek into other's minds was a nice touch. Simone's longing for a home she doesn't remember as well as her struggles with her own thoughts and the often overwhelming thoughts of others makes it hard for her to find peace. But her loyalty to her friends carries her forward. I found this to be a thoroughly satisfying read with plenty of world-building and enough details to help me visualize Simone's world. The interesting powers created some really interesting ethical questions. I'm looking forward to reading the coming sequel, as well as going back to read the previous series.
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