Thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: August 4th, 2020
336 Pages
Synopsis: Odessa Hardwicke’s life is derailed when she’s forced to turn her gun on her partner, Walt Leppo, a decorated FBI agent, who turns suddenly, inexplicably violent while apprehending a rampaging murderer. The shooting, justified by self -defense, shakes the young FBI agent to her core. Devastated, Odessa is placed on desk duty pending a full investigation. But what most troubles Odessa isn’t the tragedy itself—it’s the shadowy presence she thought she saw fleeing the deceased agent’s body after his death.
Questioning her future with the FBI and her sanity, Hardwicke accepts a low-level assignment to clear out the belongings of a retired agent in the New York office. What she finds there will put her in the trail of a mysterious figure named John Silence, a man of enormous means, who claims to have been alive for centuries, and is either an unhinged lunatic, or humanity’s best and only hope against unspeakable evil.
The Hollow Ones isn’t quite as good as the authors’ previous joint venture, The Strain Trilogy, but I do think it’s a promising start to this new series. The biggest issue I have is with the character of John Silence. As a fervent fan of The Pendergast Series, by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Silence shares far too many similarities to Aloysius Pendergast, the enigmatic FBI agent, including living in the same building and driving the same style of car. Once more of his backstory is revealed, there are some differences, but I still found it off putting, especially in the beginning. Thankfully, I loved the other two main characters, Odessa and Solomon, and enjoyed reading how Silence came into and effected both their lives. I thought the plot itself very imaginative and quite frightening, and it kept me turning the pages. I’m hopeful that as Silence’s backstory is fleshed out even more in subsequent novels, the shared traits between him and Pendergast won’t be as noticeable. I assume from the ending The Hollow Ones is the first book in a planned trilogy or series, so I will definitely be checking out the next book.
I didn’t know Guillermo wrote books! Or is he an homonym?
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He’s written a few including The Strain trilogy with Chuck Hogan, his middle grade series Trollhunters, and a lovely book adaptation of his film Pan’s Labyrinth.
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Didn’t realise Del Toro wrote books too, he’s written quite a few I see on wiki.
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He’s a man of many talents.
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I wonder if he will make his own film of it?
Best wishes, Pete.
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I could see this happening.
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I love that del Toro is creating his own IP!
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IP?
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Sorry, using shorthand: “Intellectual Property.” He seems to be creating his own new world to explore in books, and I assume he will take it to TV or film next!
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I should have figured that out. I know The Strain was an FX series for four years. I can easily see The Hollow Ones being adapted as well. My only issue is with the character of John Silence because he really is a rip-off of Pendergast.
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I’ll have to grab a copy of this!
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Awesome! You have to let me know what you think!
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I’m torn. I ADORE Pendergast, so the similarities could be a little off-putting, but this does sound intriguing. And I love “Silence” for a last name. I think I’ll be looking into this one.
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I think you should definitely read this Mae. The Pendergast comparison was more in your face near the beginning. As the book goes on and you find out more, it’s less so. I know several others on Goodreads had the same reaction, so I’m hoping the authors and publisher take note.
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It’s on my radar, Kim. It definitely appeals to me!
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