Hollow Kingdom

Hollow Kingdom cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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Technical
  • ID: 4294
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781472268648
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2019-08-06
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

In this humorous and heartfelt tale, S.T., a domesticated crow, finds himself at the center of an unfolding apocalypse. Once content with his simple life alongside his owner Big Jim, S.T.'s world is turned upside down when Big Jim's eyeball falls out, signaling the start of a catastrophic event. With his owner incapacitated, S.T. ventures into a terrifying new world where humanity is on the brink of extinction, and the rules of survival are rewritten. As S.T. navigates this dangerous new landscape, he encounters a cast of characters, from dim-witted dogs to wild crows, each with their own quirks and challenges. With his sharp wit, foul mouth, and unexpected bravery, S.T. becomes an unlikely hero determined to save humanity from its own demise. Blending dark humor, poignant moments, and a unique perspective on the apocalypse, 'Hollow Kingdom' offers a fresh take on the end of the world, where even the smallest creatures can make a big impact.

Reviews
Books, Bones, Buffy · Tammy · 2019-12-16
emotional 4.50

The book is cruel but also a wonderful emotional experience. It balances devastating moments with heartfelt connections.

Tammy describes Hollow Kingdom as a cruel yet wonderful read. The book doesn't shy away from devastating moments of sadness and death, but it also offers heartfelt connections and emotional depth. The reviewer appreciates the balance of these elements, making it a profound reading experience. Tammy highlights the emotional journey, noting how the book manages to be both heartbreaking and uplifting, creating a unique and memorable narrative.


Quick quotes

    This is a cruel book in many ways, but it's also a wonderful, emotional reading experience.

    There are devastating moments of sadness and death, but also moments of hope and connection.

    The emotional journey is what makes this book so powerful.

immersive 4.00

The sense of place is amazing and everything feels authentic. This book will make you want to learn more about the world it depicts.

The reviewer praises the sense of place in Hollow Kingdom, noting that everything feels completely authentic and lived in. This attention to detail makes the world feel real and immersive. The book's depiction of a post-apocalyptic world is so compelling that it inspires readers to research and learn more about the settings and scenarios presented. The reviewer appreciates the depth and authenticity of the world-building, which enhances the overall reading experience.


Quick quotes

    The sense of place is amazing – everything feels completely authentic and lived in.

    This is the kind of book which will lead you to google “[insert location]” to see if it’s real.

    The world-building is so detailed and immersive that it feels like a real place.

NPR · 2019-08-10
thought-provoking 4.20

The novel offers a unique perspective on a viral apocalypse from the animals left behind. It's a thought-provoking and engaging read.

The reviewer highlights the unique perspective of Hollow Kingdom, which imagines a viral apocalypse from the viewpoint of the animals left behind. This fresh perspective adds a layer of thought-provoking depth to the story. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and compelling, appreciating the way the author explores the consequences of human absence through the eyes of animals. The book's imaginative approach makes it a standout in the apocalyptic genre.


Quick quotes

    Kira Jane Buxton's novel imagines a viral apocalypse from the perspective of the animals left behind.

    Specifically, a crow named S.T. is the protagonist, offering a unique and engaging narrative voice.

    The book's imaginative approach makes it a standout in the apocalyptic genre.