When it comes to reading, fantasy novels for young adults crackle with magic, mystery and peril. YA fantasy thrusts its teenage readers into extremely lively worlds where courage and friendship are tested to the max at a fast pace. At Young Page Turners, we love how these adventurous tales spark time-bending YA fantasy adventures that you just can’t put down. One of my particular favourites in the YA fantasy genre is Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children so I was looking forward to reading the second instalment in the series – Hollow City.
Hollow City picks up the story immediately after the dramatic escape from Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and the Loop. Sixteen year old Jacob Portman and his band of nine young peculiars, each with their own uncanny and unique ability, are thrust from the safety of their 1940s island loop into the chaos of wartime London. Their mission is urgent: find another ymbryne (time-shifting guardian) who can restore Miss Alma Peregrine from her bird form back into human shape before the sinister Wights and Hollowgasts (who have invaded the Loop) catch up with them.
This sequel expands the world of the Peculiars beyond the Welsh island’s tranquil routine to the bomb-scarred streets of World War II London with cryptic underground hideouts and every twist growing the danger to new heights. The novel races across multiple time zones, weaving historical spectacle with supernatural peril and keeping readers riveted from start to finish.
In the first book, we were introduced to an excellent cast of characters, this time the connection to each character deepens, unveiling both strengths and vulnerabilities.
- Jacob Portman: the main hero of the story is a 16-year-old American boy who has travelled back in time to 1940. He has an emerging peculiar talent in that he can sense and track Hollowgasts. Once a wide-eyed innocent newcomer, he has grown into a determined leader. Still coming to terms with the loss of his grandfather he has the weight of responsibility for his friends on his shoulders.
- Emma Bloom: is Jake’s love interest and shapes fire with her hands. With her fierce loyalty she has grown from an ally into a brave protector.
- Bronwyn Bruntley: her super-strength is in contrast with her tender heart. Her compassion is her real strength.
- Millard Nullings: the invisible scholar of all things peculiar. He has become the emotional anchor, teaching Jacob about the value of intellect and strategy.
- Fiona, Enoch, Olive, Horace and the rest of the Peculiar children: each one faces their own personal trials that challenge their peculiar gifts, forging unexpected bonds and showcasing the series’ found-family ethos.
Overall, I found Hollow City a very compelling, exciting and enjoyable read. It’s an excellent sequel, a fantastic continuation of a time-travelling fantasy adventure chronicling the quest of some very unique children with peculiar traits, to find a cure for their guardian ymbryne, Miss Peregrine. At its heart, Hollow City is about belonging and trying to find a home. Set mainly in 1940s war ravaged London it travels to various locations including some very unique and strange ones, it is packed with action through fractured timelines and bombed-out streets, chases, escapes & captures, and lots of suspense, building the characters up more as we discover and learn more about them.
The story is beautifully told and I love the evocative use of language by Ransom Riggs – it sets out a very imaginative world that could just be very real. It has an exciting fast-paced plot with superb twists and some truly wonderful characters.
An engaging sequel that balances high-stakes fantasy with tender coming-of-age moments, but you do need to read Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children first as it is essential to fully appreciate the character dynamics and world lore. It is an excellent blend of fantasy horror, time travel, historical adventure, love story and an exciting thriller. A compelling read that uses real, strange and sometimes grotesque photos littered throughout the pages to help tell the story.
This is definitely a book for readers age 13+, especially due to themes of violence throughout the book, including vicious killings using a range of weapons and methods that include exploding chicken eggs – younger readers may find it a bit scary, although any featured violence and romance doesn’t go into any graphic detail.
If you enjoyed reading the first book of the series, then you will really enjoy Hollow City. I thought it was a little bit weaker than its predecessor, but it did have a lot to live up to, it is still a fantastic story continuing the series. It delivers an unforgettable journey through time, loyalty and the true meaning of family.
Rating: 4.5/5
RRP: £14.99 (Hardback) / £8.99 (Paperback) / £6.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit ransomriggs.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
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