The Hollow Kingdom follows the story of Kate and Emily, two orphaned sisters who move to their ancestral home, Hallow Hill, in 19th century England. They soon discover that their new home is near the goblin lands, and the Goblin King, Marak, takes a special interest in Kate. Despite initial resistance, Kate finds herself forced to marry the Goblin King to save her sister. The book weaves a tale of fantasy, magic, and suspense as Kate navigates her new life underground with goblins, elves, dwarfs, and sorcerers, showcasing a blend of humor and darkness. The story unfolds with twists and turns, challenging perceptions of good and evil, and delves into themes of sacrifice, love, and choices.

Characters:

The characters are well-developed, with Kate showing strong growth and Marak's complexity adding depth to the story.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is lyrical and engaging, with a whimsical yet serious tone that combines humor and emotion effectively.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows two orphaned sisters who discover their home is linked to goblins. Kate faces challenges as she navigates her relationship with the goblin king, ultimately making a significant sacrifice for her sister.

Setting:

Set in 19th-century England, the story features a richly described goblin kingdom and the human realm, creating a compelling duality.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with an engaging start that slows notably in the latter half, causing some frustrations among readers.

Gracious and white haired, Celia Whitaker beamed across the dinner table at her great-nieces, and Kate and Emily Winslow smiled shyly back. The girls were grateful to find a smile at the end of their ...

Notes:

The Hollow Kingdom features goblins, a common element in fantasy literature, but portrays them in a unique, lovable way.

The main character, Kate, must navigate a dangerous world after moving to her ancestral home, Hallow Hill, with her sister Emily.

Marak, the goblin king, shows complexity as a character, blending elements of charm and cruelty, making readers both revolted and enamored with him.

The story has elements reminiscent of classic tales like Beauty and the Beast and Phantom of the Opera, showcasing twisted romance themes.

Despite its fantastical elements, the book addresses serious themes such as racial prejudice, making it suitable for deeper discussions.

The author, Clare B. Dunkle, received praise from renowned fantasy writer Lloyd Alexander, noting her lyrical writing style as noteworthy for YA literature.

This book is the first in a trilogy, with the subsequent books receiving mixed reviews and some criticisms regarding character focus shifts.

The book received initial criticism for pacing and character development, particularly in the latter half, where some felt the story faltered significantly.

The Hollow Kingdom has influenced several modern fantasy authors, suggesting its themes and settings resonate throughout the genre.

Readers describe the emotional experience of the book as gripping, with some finishing it in one sitting due to its engrossing nature.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains themes of kidnapping and darker elements typical of fairy tales, which may be concerning for some readers.

Has Romance?

Yes, there is a medium level of romance present within the storyline.

From The Publisher:

The Hollow Kingdom, the first book in Clare Dunkle's acclaimed fantasy trilogy, will transport readers into a magical realm that Newbery Award winner Lloyd Alexander calls "as persuasive as it is remarkable."

For thousands of years, young women have been vanishing from Hallow Hill, never to be seen again. Now Kate and Emily have moved there with no idea of the land's dreadful heritage-until Marak decides to tell them himself. Marak is a powerful magician who claims to be the goblin king, and he has very specific plans for the two new girls who have trespassed into his kingdom . . .

The Hollow Kingdom is a 2004 Bank Street - Best Children's Book of the Year.

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About the Author:

Clare B. Dunkle is also the author of By These Ten Bones. A native of north Texas, she and her family currently live in Germany.

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The Hollow Kingdom

Clare B. Dunkle

Book 1 in the series:The Hollow Kingdom Trilogy