Hungry is the Hollow Review | A Dark YA Fantasy Worth Reading

Hungry is the Hollow by K. E. Ganshert | Book Review

As promised, I read this book as soon as it was released and now I am giving my review!

If you thought Wicked is the Hollow was atmospheric and addictive, Hungry is the Hollow raises the stakes in every possible way. K.E. Gernshert returns readers to the mysterious town of Foggy Hollow with even darker secrets, higher tension, and a supernatural mystery that refuses to let go.

This series continues to surprise me. One of the things I love most is how it blends magical mystery, suspense, romance, and coming-of-age themes into one unforgettable story. If I had to describe it to another reader, I'd say it's like Harry Potter and the Fourth Wing series wrapped in an eerie Appalachian setting full of haunted forests, ancient secrets, and unforgettable characters.

Synopsis

Following the shocking events of the first novel, Foggy Hollow is still reeling after two teenage girls disappeared on Halloween night. When one unexpectedly returns alive, the town celebrates-but Selah Whitlock and Jude Vandenberg know something is terribly wrong.

They witnessed her death.

As more teenagers begin disappearing and a sinister force stalks the town, Selah, Jude, Twig, and their friends find themselves racing against time to uncover what escaped from the cemetery that Halloween night. With winter closing in and fear spreading through Foggy Hollow, they must confront an ancient darkness before it consumes everything they love.

What I Loved

The Atmosphere

Foggy Hollow continues to be one of my favorite fictional settings. The Appalachian forests, abandoned cemeteries, sprawling Vandenberg estate, and constant feeling that something is watching from the woods create an atmosphere that feels spooky without relying on excessive horror. It feels like the perfect book to curl up with during autumn, spooky season, or a rainy weekend.

The Characters Continue to Grow

One of the strengths of this series is watching the characters evolve Selah becomes increasingly courageous while still feeling realistic, and Jue remains one of my favorite brooding heroes. Y'all know I love a brooding hero. Anyway, their relationships deppen naturally as they face impossible situations together.

Even the supporting cast adds heart and humor, making the friendships feel just as important as the romance.

Bigger Stakes

Book two expands everything that made the first novel enjoyable. The mystery grows larger, the danger becomes more personal, and the supernatural mythology develops in fascinating ways. Every answer seems to reveal an even bigger question, making it difficult to stop reading.

The Perfect Blend of Genres

This is what keeps me recommending this series.

If you enjoy magical mysteries, gothic settings, paranormal suspense, slow-burn romance, found family, ancient secrets, small-town mysteries, and high-stakes fantasy then this series deserves a place on your reading list.

To me, it captures some of the magical wonder and mystery that made Harry Potter so unforgettable while also delivering the danger, romance, and fast pacing that readers love in Fourth Wing. It feels familiar enough to satisfy fans of those books while still creating a world that is entirely its own.

Final Thoughts

Hungry is the Hollow proves that this series wasn't just a one-book success. K.E.Ganshert expands the mythology of Foggy Hollow while delivering even more suspense, emotion, and supernatural intrigue than the first instalment.

If you're searching for a YA fantasy that blends mystery, romance, gothic horror, and magical adventure into one compelling story, this series is absolutely worth reading. I'm already hoping we'll get to spend more time in Foggy Hollow because I'm not ready to leave this wonderfully strange town behind.

Ms. Ganshert, if you are reading this, please write at least ten more books for this series. Thanks,

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