Are you ready for an adventure beyond your wildest imagination? Look no further than the audiobook “Hollow City” by Ransom Riggs. In this audiobook review, we will take an in-depth look at what makes this gripping sequel in the Miss Peregrine series a must-listen for any fan of fantasy and adventure.
From its captivating plot to its beautifully crafted characters and setting, “Hollow City” takes listeners on a fantastical journey through time and space. Join Jacob and his peculiar friends as they navigate the dangers of a war-torn London and encounter peculiar creatures at every turn.
In the following sections, we’ll explore the plot, characters, writing style, and much more, giving you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from this enthralling audiobook experience. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive into the world of “Hollow City.”
Overview of “Hollow City”
Hollow City is a sequel to the novel Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs. The book, published in 2014, continues the story of Jacob Portman and his fellow peculiar friends as they flee from the wights and hollowgasts, supernatural creatures hoping to capture them. Ransom Riggs, the author of the Miss Peregrine series, is known for his captivating writing style and unique mixed-media approach in storytelling. Hollow City is the second book in the series, following the success of its predecessor. The novel has received positive critical acclaim and has been enlisted in the New York Times bestseller list.
The Hollow City follows Jacob Portman and the other peculiar children as they embark on a dangerous journey to London, that continues from the cliffhanger ending of the first book. The author introduces various peculiar characters, each with their unique abilities, that enable them to navigate through challenges and obstacles in their journey. The story takes place in various different settings and scenes, with rich and intricate details that pull the reader in.
The success of the first book, its compelling narrative and Riggs’ writing style, contributed to the anticipation and excitement surrounding Hollow City. Fans of the series were eager to continue the journey of Jacob and the peculiar children, and this second installment does not disappoint.
Plot Summary
If you’re looking for an action-packed and thrilling read, “Hollow City” by Ransom Riggs won’t disappoint.
The second book in the Miss Peregrine series is a continuation of the story that started with “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.” In “Hollow City,” the children are on the run, trying to escape their pursuers and find a way to help their beloved guardian, Miss Peregrine, who is trapped in bird form. The journey takes them to new and perilous territories, including World War II London, where they must navigate bombings, ransacked homes, and dangerous monsters called Hollowgasts.
Their quest to save Miss Peregrine leads them to meet new friends and discover more about their peculiar abilities, as well as uncovering secrets from the past. Throughout their journey, the children face multiple challenges as they battle for their survival and the fate of their peculiar world.
The plot of “Hollow City” is intricately woven, with exciting twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a perfect combination of adventure, fantasy, and mystery, with a touch of romance thrown in.
“Riggs has created an unforgettable world, populated by unforgettable characters.” – Veronica Roth
Overall, the plot summary of “Hollow City” promises an entertaining and heart-pumping read that will leave you yearning for more. So, brace yourself for an unforgettable journey, filled with danger, magic, and peculiarities.
Characters
“Hollow City” introduces a cast of unique characters, each contributing an essential role to the narrative.
| Character | Role |
|---|---|
| Emma Bloom | A peculiar girl with the power to control fire, and a love interest to Jacob Portman. |
| Miss Peregrine | A ymbryne, or a shapeshifter, capable of transforming into a peregrine falcon and manipulating time. |
| Enoch O’Connor | A peculiar boy with the ability to reanimate dead bodies and bring them back to life. |
| Horace Somnusson | A peculiar boy with prophetic dreams that foresee the group’s future events. |
| Olive Elephanta | A peculiar girl with the power to levitate and a vital member of the group. |
These characters provide significant contributions to the plot and character development in “Hollow City.” Through their unique abilities and personalities, they add depth and complexity to the overall storyline, making the book a must-read for fans of the Miss Peregrine series.
Writing Style
Ransom Riggs’ writing style in “Hollow City” is captivating, seamlessly weaving together complex themes and vivid imagery to create a truly immersive experience. He showcases an impressive command of language, with descriptive passages that transport readers to the fascinating world of peculiars and their unique abilities.
Riggs employs a mix of first and third-person narration, giving readers an intimate view into the minds and emotions of key characters while maintaining a broader perspective of the story’s unfolding events. His use of flashbacks and interweaving plotlines keeps the reader engaged and excited throughout the entire book.
“The writing style of Ransom Riggs is a perfect fit for the haunting, supernatural world he has created in Hollow City. His words paint vivid pictures and leave a lasting impression on the reader.”
The vivid descriptions throughout the book are aided by the inclusion of fascinating vintage photographs, adding depth and detail to the world of the peculiar children. The combination of well-crafted prose and stunning imagery creates a unique literary experience that will linger with readers long after they finish the book.
Setting
The setting of “Hollow City” plays a crucial role in bringing the story to life. The book is set in the 1940s during World War II, and the fantastical world of peculiar children is juxtaposed against the backdrop of a war-torn England. The story begins in the peculiar time loop of September 1940, and the group of children heads to London, which is described in great detail by the author:
“The sun was setting behind the city, and rain clouds were struggling to move past the hills and through the streets. Sometimes a beam of light escaped, and the light fell on every side of the street, like a tiny spotlight on the grimy stage of the old city.”
Author Ransom Riggs skillfully uses the setting to create a vivid portrayal of the atmosphere, mood, and tone of the story. Additionally, the setting forms an integral part of the Miss Peregrine series, with various locations and time periods used to weave an intricate narrative.
Themes
In “Hollow City,” Ransom Riggs explores a variety of themes that are relevant to the story and the characters. One of the most prominent themes in the book is the battle between good and evil. Throughout the story, the children face numerous challenges and obstacles, from wights and hollowgasts to the looming threat of World War II. Despite these challenges, the children remain steadfast in their quest to protect each other and find a way to save Miss Peregrine and all the other ymbrynes.
Another theme that is explored in “Hollow City” is the importance of friendship and loyalty. Throughout the book, the children rely on each other for support and guidance, and their bond grows stronger as they face new challenges together. Additionally, the book touches on the theme of self-discovery, as many of the characters must come to terms with their own unique abilities and how they fit into the wider world.
Overall, the themes presented in “Hollow City” give the book depth and complexity, elevating it beyond a simple adventure story and making it a must-read for fans of the Miss Peregrine series.
Narration
One of the most striking features of the audiobook version of “Hollow City” is the unique and captivating narration. Expertly performed by Kirby Heyborne, listeners are transported into the world of the story with vivid imagery and emotional depth. Heyborne’s narration brings each character to life, evoking their individual personalities and quirks through voice acting and intonation. The pacing of the narration also adds tension and suspense to the story, making it difficult to stop listening.
Overall, the audiobook version of “Hollow City” is a must-listen for fans of the series or those seeking a thrilling and immersive listening experience. The narration enhances the story’s strengths and nuances, drawing listeners deeper into the world of the peculiar children and their adventures.
Pacing
The pacing in “Hollow City” is one of its biggest strengths. Riggs masterfully keeps the story moving forward while still allowing room for character development and a deeper exploration of the world. The action scenes are well-timed and exciting, while the lulls in between never feel tedious or slow. The pacing also helps build tension and suspense, keeping the reader engaged and invested in the story.
Overall, the pacing in “Hollow City” is superb and contributes greatly to the overall reading experience. It keeps the story moving while allowing for important character and plot development, making for a truly riveting sequel in the Miss Peregrine series.
Plot Development
“Hollow City” presents a gripping narrative that provides a seamless continuation from its predecessor in the Miss Peregrine series. Throughout the book, readers are rapidly enveloped in a thrilling tale that takes them on a supernatural journey featuring jaw-dropping abilities and otherworldly challenges.
The plot development is delicately woven with heartwarming moments that explore the characters’ emotional psyche, giving the story a rich and rounded feel. Ransom Riggs takes readers on a journey that presents many twists and turns, which leaves fans of the series on the edge of their seats.
However, the intricate plot development in “Hollow City” is not presented in a confusing manner. Instead, it lets readers unravel this intricate story at their pace while immersing themselves in the world of the peculiar.
Key Takeaways:
- Ransom Riggs has finely crafted the plot development in “Hollow City.”
- The narrative seamlessly continues from its predecessor in the Miss Peregrine series.
- The plot is not presented in a confusing manner, allowing readers to unravel the story at their pace.
Emotional Impact
The emotional impact of “Hollow City” is undeniably powerful, leaving a lasting impression on readers. Ransom Riggs skillfully weaves together elements of suspense, heartwarming moments, and heart-wrenching situations, creating a rollercoaster of emotions that readers can’t help but feel deeply. The relatable characters and their struggles, combined with the vividly described setting, make for a truly immersive experience that tugs at readers’ heartstrings.
“Hollow City is an emotional rollercoaster that had me on the edge of my seat. It’s one of those stories that stays with you long after you finish it.”
“Riggs has a unique ability to create a connection between his readers and the characters on the page. I found myself rooting for them, crying with them, and celebrating their victories.”
Comparison to Predecessor
In comparison to its predecessor, “Hollow City” takes readers on an even more thrilling adventure through the peculiar world of the Miss Peregrine series. While the first book, “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” introduces us to the time loops and peculiar children, “Hollow City” delves deeper into their abilities and the challenges they face.
| Factors | Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children | Hollow City |
|---|---|---|
| Introduction of peculiar children | Yes | Continues from first book |
| Location setting | Wales | London |
| Antagonist | Dr. Golan | Wights and Hollows |
| Plot focus | Introduction to peculiar world | Resistance against Wights and Hollows |
| Main character’s growth | Discovering of peculiarity | Leadership and maturity |
Overall, “Hollow City” expands upon the world-building and character development from the first book, providing an even more action-packed and emotionally resonant story. It’s a must-read for fans of the Miss Peregrine series.
Critical Reception
The release of “Hollow City” by Ransom Riggs was well-received by both readers and critics. The book has an average rating of 4.07 out of 5 on Goodreads, indicating a positive response to the sequel.
The audiobook version of “Hollow City” has also garnered favorable reviews from listeners, with many praising the performance of narrator Kirby Heyborne.
“The audiobook narration by Kirby Heyborne was excellent, and it was easy to become fully immersed in the world of ‘Hollow City’ – Audiofile Magazine
Overall, “Hollow City” has been praised for its imaginative storytelling, unique characters, and thrilling plot. Fans of the Miss Peregrine series have eagerly embraced this sequel and look forward to the next installment.
Critical Reception Summary
| Source | Rating | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Goodreads | 4.07/5 | Many readers found “Hollow City” to be a worthy sequel to the popular “Miss Peregrine” series, praising its imaginative storytelling and unique characters. |
| Audiofile Magazine | N/A | The audiobook version of “Hollow City” received high marks from critics for Kirby Heyborne’s excellent narration, which helped to further immerse readers in the story. |
Final Verdict
After delving into the plot, characters, style, themes, and narration of “Hollow City” by Ransom Riggs, we have come to our final verdict.
The sequel to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children is beautifully written, with an intricate and intriguing plot that keeps readers engaged till the end. Ransom Riggs delivers a story that is emotionally charged, adding depth to the characters and the overall series.
Although the audiobook narration is exceptional, we recommend reading the print version to fully appreciate the immersive world and minute details.
We highly recommend “Hollow City” to lovers of fantasy, adventure, and mystery, particularly to those who enjoyed the first book in the series. This book is an excellent continuation of the Miss Peregrine series and sets the stage for an unmissable third installment.
Conclusion
Overall, “Hollow City” is a gripping sequel in the Miss Peregrine series that does not disappoint. Ransom Riggs’ writing style and plot development keep the reader engaged from start to finish, while the key characters and themes add depth and complexity to the story.
The setting and emotional impact of the book are also noteworthy, and the audiobook narration is a great option for those who prefer to listen rather than read.
While there are some similarities to its predecessor, “Hollow City” stands out on its own and is a must-read for fans of the series.
In conclusion, we highly recommend “Hollow City” for anyone looking for a thrilling adventure filled with mystery, danger, and unforgettable characters.
