The Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson
MG Fantasy Adventure. 368 Pages. 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Now in hardcover for the first time, featuring all-new illustrations! Things are about to go from bad to wolf in the howlingly entertaining third book of the Wingfeather Saga.
Janner, Tink, and Leeli Igiby, the Lost Jewels of Anniera, are hiding from Gnag the Nameless in the Green Hollows, one of the few places in the land of Aerwiar not overrun by the Fangs of Dang. But there’s a big problem. Janner’s little brother–heir to the throne of Anniera–has grown a tail. And gray fur. Not to mention two pointed ears and long, dangerous fangs. To the suspicious folk of the Green Hollows, he looks like a monster.
But Janner knows better. His brother isn’t as scary as he looks. He’s perfectly harmless. Isn’t he?
Full of characters rich in heart, smarts, and courage, The Monster in the Hollows is a tale children of all ages will cherish, families can read aloud, and readers’ groups are sure to enjoy discussing for its many layers of meaning. Extra features include new interior illustrations from Joe Sutphin, funny footnotes, a map of the fantastical world, inventive appendices, and fanciful line art in the tradition of the original Frank L. Baum Wizard of Oz storybooks.
My Review:
Alright, this is a little overdue, but here it is!
I think book 3 may be my favorite in the quartet. There were so many pieces of this one I really enjoyed.
Of course, I’m hook-line-and-sinker for the characters. We started the series following a loving family and through each part of the story, we get to see a piece of each sibling grow up a little, which is really cool! It’s a bittersweet thing, to watch someone grow a little harder, a little taller, and a little stronger. Something always happens to steal that carefree innocence, but when they grow right and true, you can’t help but cheer them on. I’ve loved seeing Leeli especially come into her own here in this book.
But even the boys continued to grow deeper and stronger in this story. Watching the guilds and the training they went through was fascinating. (I’ll just note, I was upset Janner didn’t get his first choice! As a reader, I would have been allll for those scenes!) I loved watching the boys grow closer together and deal with the tension between them as they struggled to do that. But it was also really rewarding to watch how the siblings all interacted in the face of the school kids, both inside of and outside of their guilds. I definitely related to the whole outcast situation. Been there done that.
Oh man! All the bits with Sara Cobbler! I got so mad when we would leave the rest of the story on a cliffhanger and then so mad when we wouldn’t get to see more of Sara XD She was one of my favorite characters and I definitely couldn’t wait to see how her story ended in the last book!
Just as in the previous book, we get to dig into such a fun world. The culture of the Hollows was simple, but distinct. It kind of drove me nuts for the first part of the book. The Wingfeather family was just…going to go to school? Try to live like normal?? I was so confused as to why they were ignoring the world they knew faced issues, but…they were just kids. And I can understand why their mother would want a normal life for them for as long as they could have it. But I think it went even deeper than that: the whole culture of the Hollowsfolk was very “ignore everyone else and just do what’s best for us.” So, it was interesting to watch the dynamics of the people who clung to that mentality and those who began to split off and see the need to grow beyond their beloved home.
And I can’t properly leave a review without noting how incredibly in awe I am of Peterson’s ability to tap into the emotional side of storytelling. I mean, I just love the yearning and homesickness he stirs in all of his work. But dude! The end of this story was worse than the end of the last one! Nia had me tearing up again and the brothers love for one another and then the spoilery thing that I can’t say because SPOILERS! But I tell you what, I was UP-SETTED. Again! Partially because I had a suspicion early in the book and shoved it aside. Then partially because I was right even though I connected the dots moments before the reveal. And then because it all ended in a huge mess again! I was not a happy camper at the end of this book. Peterson forms these strong ties between these characters and I just wish I had that myself. I love how fiercely loyal each of the Wingfeathers are to each other. It’s such an incredibly beautiful thing to behold.
Just all of the things, guys. All of the things. This tale is such a sweet, heart-wrenching one. I highly recommend it.
MG, clean fantasy, no foul language, some mild romance, and a little mild violence here and there. There’s some prejudice and captivity, and thematically the book explores hope and hopelessness, darkness and light, right and wrong. It offers a lot to start conversations around, but I’d feel fine giving it to a middle school kid or pre-teen.
More:
The first book in the Wingfeather Saga is On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness (4 Stars)
The second book is North! Or Be Eaten (5 Stars)
The fourth book is The Warden and the Wolf King (5 Stars)
I rated and reviewed the above on Goodreads. This series should be read in order. Click the links above for more info.
On GraceBought
If you missed it, see my thoughts on the previous books below!
On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and North! Or Be Eaten