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The Hollow and the Haunted
The Hollow and the Haunted
In this darkly magical, romantic YA fantasy debut, a closeted teenage psychic in small-town Washington foresees the death of his sworn enemy, and is forced to work with him to save his life. Sparks fly, but the dead are restless, and some ghosts don't want to stay buried...
Perfect for fans of The Raven Cycle, Cemetery Boys and Sixteen Souls.
Sixteen-year-old Miles Warren hails from a long line of psychics. Resigned to a life in the (not especially profitable) family business, Miles is perfectly happy, thank you very much―except for the part where he's constantly exhausted from long nights digging up graves, hiding his sexuality from his family, and unable to fulfil his dream of going to art school one day. Perfectly happy.
But Miles' comfortable routine is interrupted when has a premonition of a violent supernatural murder. He soon discovers that the victim is none other than Gabriel Hawthorne, whose family have a mysterious, decades-long feud with Miles' own. Gabriel is everything Miles expects from a Hawthorne―rude, snobbish, and irritatingly good-looking―but Miles isn't just going to stand by and let someone murder him. The two form an uneasy alliance, trying to solve Gabriel's murder and prevent it from taking place.
The odds are against them; death premonitions are notoriously hard to alter. As they uncover secrets about their families' feud and dark magic swirls around the pair, Miles is horrified to realize that he doesn't hate Gabriel as much as he's supposed to. He might even like him.
Too bad Gabriel is almost certainly going to die.
Perfect for fans of The Raven Cycle, Cemetery Boys and Sixteen Souls.
Sixteen-year-old Miles Warren hails from a long line of psychics. Resigned to a life in the (not especially profitable) family business, Miles is perfectly happy, thank you very much―except for the part where he's constantly exhausted from long nights digging up graves, hiding his sexuality from his family, and unable to fulfil his dream of going to art school one day. Perfectly happy.
But Miles' comfortable routine is interrupted when has a premonition of a violent supernatural murder. He soon discovers that the victim is none other than Gabriel Hawthorne, whose family have a mysterious, decades-long feud with Miles' own. Gabriel is everything Miles expects from a Hawthorne―rude, snobbish, and irritatingly good-looking―but Miles isn't just going to stand by and let someone murder him. The two form an uneasy alliance, trying to solve Gabriel's murder and prevent it from taking place.
The odds are against them; death premonitions are notoriously hard to alter. As they uncover secrets about their families' feud and dark magic swirls around the pair, Miles is horrified to realize that he doesn't hate Gabriel as much as he's supposed to. He might even like him.
Too bad Gabriel is almost certainly going to die.
384 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 22, 2024
About the author
Camilla Raines
1 book80 followersCamilla Raines was born and raised in a small town in Northern Washington with lots of Evergreen trees, seaside fog, and rainy days. Her writing career began in elementary school, where she spent years scribbling down stories for friends that were usually just knock-offs of whatever book she was devouring at the time. As a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community and someone who openly struggles with chronic anxiety and depression, the most important things to her as a writer are representation, diversity, identity, and acceptance.
When she’s not writing, Camilla is reading to her heart’s content, running local writer meet-ups, living her best PNW life with two spoiled cats in a tiny house on wheels, and hunting down exciting finds at local thrift stores.
When she’s not writing, Camilla is reading to her heart’s content, running local writer meet-ups, living her best PNW life with two spoiled cats in a tiny house on wheels, and hunting down exciting finds at local thrift stores.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 27, 2024
Pitched for fans of Raven Boys and Cemetery Boys, but in my opinion closest to F.T. Lukens’ Spell Bound and their The Rules series.
I love the rival to lovers trope, but I like the grumpy-sunshine trope even more, and I loved that one the most in The Hollow and the Haunted. Miles is the empath, always helpful and thinking about others. Gabriel is the brooding one, distant and cold. But when a friendship grows, Gabriel opens up, and Miles finds out, that a sweet boy is hiding underneath all those layers of coldness. Be aware this is a slow, slow, slow-burn and that the romance isn’t the main theme. This story is about two rivaling families, and Miles and Gabriel find themselves in the middle of the feud.
Camilla Raines writing is incredibly vivid and made this story such a pleasure to read. Miles and Gabriel, including the side characters, splashed of the pages, and I smiled so many times. At Miles’ and Gabriel’s banter, but also at Miles’ car because Camilla managed to make Blanche almost human.
To be honest, while reading that ending, I was like ‘WHAT?’, but now I can’t wait to read the sequel! I’d love to be back with Miles and Gabriel again.
Thank you, Titan Books, for this wonderful ARC!
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I love the rival to lovers trope, but I like the grumpy-sunshine trope even more, and I loved that one the most in The Hollow and the Haunted. Miles is the empath, always helpful and thinking about others. Gabriel is the brooding one, distant and cold. But when a friendship grows, Gabriel opens up, and Miles finds out, that a sweet boy is hiding underneath all those layers of coldness. Be aware this is a slow, slow, slow-burn and that the romance isn’t the main theme. This story is about two rivaling families, and Miles and Gabriel find themselves in the middle of the feud.
Camilla Raines writing is incredibly vivid and made this story such a pleasure to read. Miles and Gabriel, including the side characters, splashed of the pages, and I smiled so many times. At Miles’ and Gabriel’s banter, but also at Miles’ car because Camilla managed to make Blanche almost human.
To be honest, while reading that ending, I was like ‘WHAT?’, but now I can’t wait to read the sequel! I’d love to be back with Miles and Gabriel again.
Thank you, Titan Books, for this wonderful ARC!
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September 29, 2024
Y'ALL THIS IS WILDLY HEARTBREAKINGLY GOOD. Rivals to lovers plus grumpy and sunshine pairing always slaps, that's the rule. None of you are ready for this new obsession, I think I'm actually going feral over this romance.
RIP me with this book hangover
RIP me with this book hangover
September 27, 2024
A warm-hearted, cozy, queer fantasy perfect for spooky season, perfect for fans of Cemetery Boys and Beautiful Creatures.🫶
Sometimes, getting the job done was as easy as a quick ritual to release a spirit or cleanse a possessed object. Sometimes, it required midnight gravedigging in a cemetery. And sometimes, Miles was unlucky enough that an angry spirit showed up to make things difficult when all he wanted was to go home, eat a mountain of pancakes, and go to sleep.
Miles is introverted, shy, anxious, and a massive people pleaser. He also helps out in his family business helping the spirits of the dead move on. Recently, he has started seeing a bloody boy in the mirror. And then he sees him in real life - Gabriel Hawthorne - part of the family feuding with Miles’s.
Gabriel makes it clear he does not need nor want Miles’s help in saving his life. In return, Miles is determined to figure out what the premonitions mean, if solely for the chance to prove him wrong and rub his stupid smug face in it.
"Well, at least now I know why you're so invested in saving him."
"What — what's that supposed to mean?"
"Please." She all but rolled her eyes. "He looks like the handsome-but-tortured love interest in every teen drama ever. Don't tell me he reads depressing poetry, stares wistfully out at the rain, and he's mean to you, but in a mysteriously sexy kind of way?"
This was so sweet!
Learning to stand up for yourself, snarky reluctant partners-in-uncovering-crime, dark generational family secrets… 🐈⬛
Not to mention, the family relationships were great! Miles’s cousin deserves a spin-off book of her own.
The ending to book one’s arc was slightly anti-climatic, but the last few pages certainly ramps things up for the next book.
An enjoyable three stars!✨
Thank you to Titan Books for sending me the physical arc in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
Sometimes, getting the job done was as easy as a quick ritual to release a spirit or cleanse a possessed object. Sometimes, it required midnight gravedigging in a cemetery. And sometimes, Miles was unlucky enough that an angry spirit showed up to make things difficult when all he wanted was to go home, eat a mountain of pancakes, and go to sleep.
Miles is introverted, shy, anxious, and a massive people pleaser. He also helps out in his family business helping the spirits of the dead move on. Recently, he has started seeing a bloody boy in the mirror. And then he sees him in real life - Gabriel Hawthorne - part of the family feuding with Miles’s.
Gabriel makes it clear he does not need nor want Miles’s help in saving his life. In return, Miles is determined to figure out what the premonitions mean, if solely for the chance to prove him wrong and rub his stupid smug face in it.
"Well, at least now I know why you're so invested in saving him."
"What — what's that supposed to mean?"
"Please." She all but rolled her eyes. "He looks like the handsome-but-tortured love interest in every teen drama ever. Don't tell me he reads depressing poetry, stares wistfully out at the rain, and he's mean to you, but in a mysteriously sexy kind of way?"
This was so sweet!
Learning to stand up for yourself, snarky reluctant partners-in-uncovering-crime, dark generational family secrets… 🐈⬛
Not to mention, the family relationships were great! Miles’s cousin deserves a spin-off book of her own.
The ending to book one’s arc was slightly anti-climatic, but the last few pages certainly ramps things up for the next book.
An enjoyable three stars!✨
Thank you to Titan Books for sending me the physical arc in exchange for a review!
Bookstagram
April 25, 2024
✰ 3.75 stars ✰
“Fate had made their families enemies, bound by death and tragedy. As surely as it had placed Gabriel in Miles’s path, it would take him away.
One way or another.”
Even though I did fall asleep twice while reading - which, honestly, is no fault to the book itself,- I really was just bone-tired after work 😣 - there was plenty to enjoy of Camilla Raines' YA debut novel. And while the story lines may be familiar, what stood out for me was not only how fluid her writing was or how smooth and well-paced the plot flowed, but how engaging the dynamic between her two main characters - Miles and Gabriel - was for me.
I really enjoyed reading it; it was a pleasant read from start to finish. The writing appealed to me in a lot of ways, and Miles was a very likeable and relatable protagonist. He's living a life he doesn't really want to be a part of, but for the family's sake, he's willing to bear the burden as a psychic, despite how he doesn't feel all too assured in his own capabilities. 😟 He's one who firmly believes in the right order of doing things - never one to dabble with forbidden dark magic and 'to use that which was natural and pure, to respect the balance between nature and their gifts.' But after he witnesses a violent premonition of the son of his family's sworn enemy, he's forced to team up with him to try and prevent it from happening; despite how he really does not want to spend any more time than necessary with him. Until it comes to a point where spending time with Gabriel is actually something he looks forward to. 😊
“You don’t have to be so rude all the time,” he snapped, trying to will away the heat creeping up his neck.
“I know, but I find insulting you rather therapeutic, if I’m being honest.”
Miles' refreshing narration was one of the strongest highlights of the story; he's compelled into a situation he really has no idea how to get out of, but his better good nature won't allow him to leave someone helpless to fend for himself - even if that someone is someone as pretentious and enigmatic as Gabriel. 😥 Gabriel, who he slowly learns - albeit the hard way, how very much unlike he is from the first impression and daunting and dismissive air he first gives off to others. And it is that notion that made watching their dynamic change slowly but surely from 'unavoidable acquaintances. Reluctant allies. Not friends' to something that they both sought to protect the other - that they started to care for each other - that really appealed to me. 🩶🩶
At a believable and steady pace that was heightened by their lighthearted and refreshingly funny banter, but never laced with any real animosity. It made me smile and sometimes chuckle at how easily Gabriel could volley a scathing if not deadpan insult that Miles could follow up with a simple retort, capturing so perfectly how they were still very much teenagers, despite the dangerous situation they found themselves in - almost earnest, if not affectionate in what was happening, but not quite realizing. 🥹🥹 'We, uh… it’s complicated.' I loved how as they worked alongside one another, they learned to trust one another and share their inner truths and revealed parts of themselves no one else knew - a kindred understanding of how they both were gifted with powers not entirely their own, but somehow compelled to act upon. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I’m going to keep helping you,” he said seriously, “because I want to. Because I can’t stand the thought of you doing it alone.
Because,” he felt his cheeks redden and hoped Gabriel couldn’t see, “I care about you and I want you to be okay.”
For as they faced down deadly ghostly encounters and stumbled upon hidden secrets of their families' past, the author steadily captured how their initial feelings for each other were slowly changing. It is that really slow build that is touched upon in those intimate, if not challenging moments that give each of them a glimpse into the person that they are - when they allow the cracks in their walls to peek through that proves that they're not what their families have cautioned them against ever interacting with. 'For a moment, he allowed himself to wander to the frightening and dangerous possibility: what if?' 🥲 It was in those moments where the balance between the creepy and emotional intensity of their relationship really stood out for me. And it just gave the warm fuzzies watching their feelings change from simply tolerating each other, their interactions became laced with an earnest if not affectionate way that made the chemistry between them so palpable in those scenes. 🥹 🤍 I'm trying not to spoil it because they were woven so seamlessly into the story -I was just impressed that even in the midst of danger, the subtle intensity in which the air crackled with their lingering if not burgeoning fond attraction for each other - I felt it deep in my core. 👌🏻👌🏻
It is not only romantic sentiments that keeps this story alive - a well-meaning pun - but also a great side of supporting characters - both the living and the dead - that each offered a little something to make the story come alive. Blanche, especially, stole my heart; that scene with her - so taut with emotion and fear. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 And as a mystery lover, I love that the deathly visions that haunt Miles are tied to an intriguing mystery that culminates in some alarming if not threatening paranormal threats - from deadly possessions to ghastly spirits that they have to chase off in order to prevent Gabriel's death from happening. 😟 'Our gifts will always be what we make of them. That’s what matters.' A mystery that the author slowly shed light on, just enough hints and clues that kept me fully immersed and curious till it's heartbreaking conclusion - that again, I really appreciated how she heightened the tension leading up to it. Safe to say, that it was a really worthwhile and satisfying Young Adult debut for me; it makes me anxiously look forward to when the sequel releases, for the way it ended makes me so very eager to know what happens next. 🥺🥺
*Thank you Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
“Fate had made their families enemies, bound by death and tragedy. As surely as it had placed Gabriel in Miles’s path, it would take him away.
One way or another.”
Even though I did fall asleep twice while reading - which, honestly, is no fault to the book itself,- I really was just bone-tired after work 😣 - there was plenty to enjoy of Camilla Raines' YA debut novel. And while the story lines may be familiar, what stood out for me was not only how fluid her writing was or how smooth and well-paced the plot flowed, but how engaging the dynamic between her two main characters - Miles and Gabriel - was for me.
I really enjoyed reading it; it was a pleasant read from start to finish. The writing appealed to me in a lot of ways, and Miles was a very likeable and relatable protagonist. He's living a life he doesn't really want to be a part of, but for the family's sake, he's willing to bear the burden as a psychic, despite how he doesn't feel all too assured in his own capabilities. 😟 He's one who firmly believes in the right order of doing things - never one to dabble with forbidden dark magic and 'to use that which was natural and pure, to respect the balance between nature and their gifts.' But after he witnesses a violent premonition of the son of his family's sworn enemy, he's forced to team up with him to try and prevent it from happening; despite how he really does not want to spend any more time than necessary with him. Until it comes to a point where spending time with Gabriel is actually something he looks forward to. 😊
“You don’t have to be so rude all the time,” he snapped, trying to will away the heat creeping up his neck.
“I know, but I find insulting you rather therapeutic, if I’m being honest.”
Miles' refreshing narration was one of the strongest highlights of the story; he's compelled into a situation he really has no idea how to get out of, but his better good nature won't allow him to leave someone helpless to fend for himself - even if that someone is someone as pretentious and enigmatic as Gabriel. 😥 Gabriel, who he slowly learns - albeit the hard way, how very much unlike he is from the first impression and daunting and dismissive air he first gives off to others. And it is that notion that made watching their dynamic change slowly but surely from 'unavoidable acquaintances. Reluctant allies. Not friends' to something that they both sought to protect the other - that they started to care for each other - that really appealed to me. 🩶🩶
At a believable and steady pace that was heightened by their lighthearted and refreshingly funny banter, but never laced with any real animosity. It made me smile and sometimes chuckle at how easily Gabriel could volley a scathing if not deadpan insult that Miles could follow up with a simple retort, capturing so perfectly how they were still very much teenagers, despite the dangerous situation they found themselves in - almost earnest, if not affectionate in what was happening, but not quite realizing. 🥹🥹 'We, uh… it’s complicated.' I loved how as they worked alongside one another, they learned to trust one another and share their inner truths and revealed parts of themselves no one else knew - a kindred understanding of how they both were gifted with powers not entirely their own, but somehow compelled to act upon. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“I’m going to keep helping you,” he said seriously, “because I want to. Because I can’t stand the thought of you doing it alone.
Because,” he felt his cheeks redden and hoped Gabriel couldn’t see, “I care about you and I want you to be okay.”
For as they faced down deadly ghostly encounters and stumbled upon hidden secrets of their families' past, the author steadily captured how their initial feelings for each other were slowly changing. It is that really slow build that is touched upon in those intimate, if not challenging moments that give each of them a glimpse into the person that they are - when they allow the cracks in their walls to peek through that proves that they're not what their families have cautioned them against ever interacting with. 'For a moment, he allowed himself to wander to the frightening and dangerous possibility: what if?' 🥲 It was in those moments where the balance between the creepy and emotional intensity of their relationship really stood out for me. And it just gave the warm fuzzies watching their feelings change from simply tolerating each other, their interactions became laced with an earnest if not affectionate way that made the chemistry between them so palpable in those scenes. 🥹 🤍 I'm trying not to spoil it because they were woven so seamlessly into the story -I was just impressed that even in the midst of danger, the subtle intensity in which the air crackled with their lingering if not burgeoning fond attraction for each other - I felt it deep in my core. 👌🏻👌🏻
It is not only romantic sentiments that keeps this story alive - a well-meaning pun - but also a great side of supporting characters - both the living and the dead - that each offered a little something to make the story come alive. Blanche, especially, stole my heart; that scene with her - so taut with emotion and fear. 🤌🏻🤌🏻 And as a mystery lover, I love that the deathly visions that haunt Miles are tied to an intriguing mystery that culminates in some alarming if not threatening paranormal threats - from deadly possessions to ghastly spirits that they have to chase off in order to prevent Gabriel's death from happening. 😟 'Our gifts will always be what we make of them. That’s what matters.' A mystery that the author slowly shed light on, just enough hints and clues that kept me fully immersed and curious till it's heartbreaking conclusion - that again, I really appreciated how she heightened the tension leading up to it. Safe to say, that it was a really worthwhile and satisfying Young Adult debut for me; it makes me anxiously look forward to when the sequel releases, for the way it ended makes me so very eager to know what happens next. 🥺🥺
*Thank you Edelweiss for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2024
👻🔮The Hollow and the Haunted is a great YA supernatural rivals to lovers story with magic, ghosts, visions, and family feuds🔮👻
Miles gets a vision of Gabriel dying, and reluctantly sets out to help him undo whatever led to his death. Miles' and Gabriel's families have been feuding for generations, and the boys consider each other enemies by extension, so their work together is initially filled with distrust and secrecy.
"He was going to figure out what the premonitions meant and save Gabriel’s life, if solely for the chance to prove him wrong and rub his stupid smug face in it.
And, you know, because it was the right thing to do."
The book does a great job with both the supernatural setting/plot, and with the characters. While Miles works for his family's business where they exorcise spirits and deal with the undead, he struggles to define his own life and future, like any teen would, and balancing all that is quite a feat. Having Gabriel thrown into the mix doesn't exactly make things easier since he's keeping it secret from his family, but not approaching Gabriel was never an option for Miles.
At the outset, Miles and Gabriel couldn't be more different. Miles is engaging and funny, as well as an empath, and he comes from a closeknit but financially struggling family. On the other hand, Gabriel is cold and solitary, born into a wealthy family that doesn't like to show affection or any emotion really, which makes it that much more thrilling once we get to see beneath Gabriel's exterior and get to know him better.
As the two spend time together, chasing ghosts, and working on solutions for how Miles' fatal vision of Gabriel can be undone, they realize they might not hate each other as much as their families do.
A heads up that this is NOT a standalone. I feel like that should've been made clearer because the book ends on an evil cliffhanger that made me wish I had the second one in my hands already 😆
Read this book if you like:
🔴Magic, visions, and ghosts
🟡Slowww burn
🟢Rivals to lovers
🔵Funny banter
🟣Grumpy/Sunshine
The Hollow and the Haunted by Camilla Raines // ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Thanks to Titan Books and Netgalley for the ARC. The Hollow and the Haunted is out October 22
Miles gets a vision of Gabriel dying, and reluctantly sets out to help him undo whatever led to his death. Miles' and Gabriel's families have been feuding for generations, and the boys consider each other enemies by extension, so their work together is initially filled with distrust and secrecy.
"He was going to figure out what the premonitions meant and save Gabriel’s life, if solely for the chance to prove him wrong and rub his stupid smug face in it.
And, you know, because it was the right thing to do."
The book does a great job with both the supernatural setting/plot, and with the characters. While Miles works for his family's business where they exorcise spirits and deal with the undead, he struggles to define his own life and future, like any teen would, and balancing all that is quite a feat. Having Gabriel thrown into the mix doesn't exactly make things easier since he's keeping it secret from his family, but not approaching Gabriel was never an option for Miles.
At the outset, Miles and Gabriel couldn't be more different. Miles is engaging and funny, as well as an empath, and he comes from a closeknit but financially struggling family. On the other hand, Gabriel is cold and solitary, born into a wealthy family that doesn't like to show affection or any emotion really, which makes it that much more thrilling once we get to see beneath Gabriel's exterior and get to know him better.
As the two spend time together, chasing ghosts, and working on solutions for how Miles' fatal vision of Gabriel can be undone, they realize they might not hate each other as much as their families do.
A heads up that this is NOT a standalone. I feel like that should've been made clearer because the book ends on an evil cliffhanger that made me wish I had the second one in my hands already 😆
Read this book if you like:
🔴Magic, visions, and ghosts
🟡Slowww burn
🟢Rivals to lovers
🔵Funny banter
🟣Grumpy/Sunshine
The Hollow and the Haunted by Camilla Raines // ⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Thanks to Titan Books and Netgalley for the ARC. The Hollow and the Haunted is out October 22
Want to read
September 4, 2024Thank you NetGalley and Titan Books for granting my request for an Advance Reader’s Copy of this book in exchange for my honest and personal opinion!!!
May 20, 2024
Many thanks to Titan and the author for an ARC of this wonderful book!
The Hollow and the Haunted is a winning combination of sweet, hilarious and intense.
This was such a fun and feelsy read! The voice immediately leaps off the page, and Miles is not only funny but also relatable, which makes him very easy to root for from the very beginning. His dynamic with the spiky recluse Gabriel is perfectly set up, and their rivals to lovers arc is beautifully done.
I also loved the supporting cast in this, which is often a difficult thing to pull off. Both the main characters have intriguing siblings (and a cousin!) which I'd love to see more of in future books. Because there better be another book. THAT ENDING!!
The Hollow and the Haunted is a winning combination of sweet, hilarious and intense.
This was such a fun and feelsy read! The voice immediately leaps off the page, and Miles is not only funny but also relatable, which makes him very easy to root for from the very beginning. His dynamic with the spiky recluse Gabriel is perfectly set up, and their rivals to lovers arc is beautifully done.
I also loved the supporting cast in this, which is often a difficult thing to pull off. Both the main characters have intriguing siblings (and a cousin!) which I'd love to see more of in future books. Because there better be another book. THAT ENDING!!
September 26, 2024
4.5 Stars
An irresistibly eerie, yet heartfelt YA fantasy debut that blends the paranormal elements of Sixteen Souls with an emotionally complex and endearing MC, Miles, determined to solve a murder that has yet to happen.
Delving into identity, relationships, grief and trauma (as well as Mile’s personal struggles with chronic anxiety), Raine’s skilful prose is all but guaranteed to resonate with readers.
Especially when paired with such gorgeously lush (and suspenseful) world building. I was particularly intrigued by the long standing animosity between Miles and Gabriel’s families’, which definitely had a Shakespearean star-crossed feel that really enhanced their chemistry together.
Miles was a phenomenal character to explore, with a sharp, sarcastic sense of humour that he uses to mask his awkward teen vulnerabilities, which brought a sense of authenticity I found really endearing.
But, it was his capacity for compassion, and his selfless determination to help others (including the son of his family’s sworn enemy,) in-spite of his own struggles with anxiety and family expectations —that really impressed me the most.
I also adored Miles’ blossoming, opposites attract relationship with Gabriel, whose snarky nature and rather lonely upbringing really had me (just like Miles) wanting to give him a big hug.
Gabriel’s brother Bram (and cat Balthazar) was really adorable too and I enjoyed seeing a softer, less prickly side to him. I really hope we get to see more of his brothers (as well as Miles’ Twin sisters and cousin) in the sequel. We do get a bit of a cliffhanger ending that’s left me with a quite a few of questions, but I’m definitely eager to get my hands on the sequel!
If you love a pacy read with plenty of action (via death premonitions, ghost shenanigans and general teen angst) then you’re probably gonna enjoy this one. Though I do suggest checking TWs first.
Also, thanks to Charlotte over at Titan Books for the finished copy (and my spot on the blog tour.)
An irresistibly eerie, yet heartfelt YA fantasy debut that blends the paranormal elements of Sixteen Souls with an emotionally complex and endearing MC, Miles, determined to solve a murder that has yet to happen.
Delving into identity, relationships, grief and trauma (as well as Mile’s personal struggles with chronic anxiety), Raine’s skilful prose is all but guaranteed to resonate with readers.
Especially when paired with such gorgeously lush (and suspenseful) world building. I was particularly intrigued by the long standing animosity between Miles and Gabriel’s families’, which definitely had a Shakespearean star-crossed feel that really enhanced their chemistry together.
Miles was a phenomenal character to explore, with a sharp, sarcastic sense of humour that he uses to mask his awkward teen vulnerabilities, which brought a sense of authenticity I found really endearing.
But, it was his capacity for compassion, and his selfless determination to help others (including the son of his family’s sworn enemy,) in-spite of his own struggles with anxiety and family expectations —that really impressed me the most.
I also adored Miles’ blossoming, opposites attract relationship with Gabriel, whose snarky nature and rather lonely upbringing really had me (just like Miles) wanting to give him a big hug.
Gabriel’s brother Bram (and cat Balthazar) was really adorable too and I enjoyed seeing a softer, less prickly side to him. I really hope we get to see more of his brothers (as well as Miles’ Twin sisters and cousin) in the sequel. We do get a bit of a cliffhanger ending that’s left me with a quite a few of questions, but I’m definitely eager to get my hands on the sequel!
If you love a pacy read with plenty of action (via death premonitions, ghost shenanigans and general teen angst) then you’re probably gonna enjoy this one. Though I do suggest checking TWs first.
Also, thanks to Charlotte over at Titan Books for the finished copy (and my spot on the blog tour.)
September 19, 2024
Wow! Just wow.
THAT ENDING!
I immediately want to turn around, go back to the start and read this all over again.
There wasn't one single moment in this book where I wasn't completely entranced and transported by it. Two winning characters surrounded by a true-to-life cast; world-building in 4K Ultra High Definition; a plot that had me panting for more; and a lovestory worthy of Becky Albertalli.
Now, when's Book Two coming out?
THAT ENDING!
I immediately want to turn around, go back to the start and read this all over again.
There wasn't one single moment in this book where I wasn't completely entranced and transported by it. Two winning characters surrounded by a true-to-life cast; world-building in 4K Ultra High Definition; a plot that had me panting for more; and a lovestory worthy of Becky Albertalli.
Now, when's Book Two coming out?
August 12, 2024
***ARC COPY***
Absolutely loved it. It was a "I tore through it without even realizing I had" type of read. I laughed regularly throughout the entire book. The banter was great, the characters engaging and relatable. It was SO relatable and the character relationships were nuanced. It was a great mix of "funny and awkward teenage things" and "creepy ghost and death visions and possession". The descriptions and comparisons are so creative and really make you feel it all. It was just funny and heart-wrenching and wonderful. I am so looking forward to book 2.
Absolutely loved it. It was a "I tore through it without even realizing I had" type of read. I laughed regularly throughout the entire book. The banter was great, the characters engaging and relatable. It was SO relatable and the character relationships were nuanced. It was a great mix of "funny and awkward teenage things" and "creepy ghost and death visions and possession". The descriptions and comparisons are so creative and really make you feel it all. It was just funny and heart-wrenching and wonderful. I am so looking forward to book 2.
September 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
Ooooh I so enjoyed this.
Though I didn’t realise it wasn’t a stand-alone!!! How could you leave me on that ending?
Was getting near the end and desperate for a HEA and then bam, cliffhanger. Don’t know if I’m annoyed, or if it’s genius? 🤔
Either way ill be picking up the next book 🤣
I’m such a sucker for a ghosty young adult read. Love a bit of creepiness, but not so much that it’ll give me nightmares. This hit that spot perfectly.
A few ghosts, a mystery, family dynamics and a slow burn queer romance! I’m here for it.
Adored Miles and Gabriel. I really enjoy an enemies, to friends to lovers type situation and this one was so good and so slow burn. Lots of long looks, flushes and uncertainty. Just how a teen romance should play out in my opinion! Gotta love an earnest kind-hearted boy chipping away at the cold exterior of a troubled, grumpy one.
I perhaps would have liked a little bit more about Miles’ family business, as well as the main mystery. Loved the first chapter following Miles doing a job for the family business. I’d have liked maybe one or two more direct examples of their family work. I can see why there wasn’t room for that, but it was so fun and one of the creepiest bits! Give me more!
Found this such an enjoyable and compelling read with great characters. Will very much look forward to more and be keeping my fingers crossed that it won’t be too long of a wait!
I received an advanced digital copy of this through Netgalley.
Ooooh I so enjoyed this.
Though I didn’t realise it wasn’t a stand-alone!!! How could you leave me on that ending?
Was getting near the end and desperate for a HEA and then bam, cliffhanger. Don’t know if I’m annoyed, or if it’s genius? 🤔
Either way ill be picking up the next book 🤣
I’m such a sucker for a ghosty young adult read. Love a bit of creepiness, but not so much that it’ll give me nightmares. This hit that spot perfectly.
A few ghosts, a mystery, family dynamics and a slow burn queer romance! I’m here for it.
Adored Miles and Gabriel. I really enjoy an enemies, to friends to lovers type situation and this one was so good and so slow burn. Lots of long looks, flushes and uncertainty. Just how a teen romance should play out in my opinion! Gotta love an earnest kind-hearted boy chipping away at the cold exterior of a troubled, grumpy one.
I perhaps would have liked a little bit more about Miles’ family business, as well as the main mystery. Loved the first chapter following Miles doing a job for the family business. I’d have liked maybe one or two more direct examples of their family work. I can see why there wasn’t room for that, but it was so fun and one of the creepiest bits! Give me more!
Found this such an enjoyable and compelling read with great characters. Will very much look forward to more and be keeping my fingers crossed that it won’t be too long of a wait!
I received an advanced digital copy of this through Netgalley.
September 16, 2024
I received this book as an ARC and oh boy I am happy I did. I loved this book!
First of all, I didn't know it was going to be a series, otherwise I would have braced myself for that ending! I did not see that coming! The ending was a definite cliff hanger.
Overall, I love a story about "warring" families with years long grudges. Especially when it involves magic or a type of magic. Miles is a great main character, and very relatable to anyone who suffers from anxiety or panic attacks. To give him EMPATHIC powers is brilliant yet twisted in a way. He is a likable and goofy kid, and makes decisions based on his heart.
The relationship between he and Gabriel naturally progresses and doesn't feel forced. There are quick quips and fun banter- despite the dire situation of the story, the author did a wonderful job making it fun to read.
I was worried we wouldn't get all the answers and I was right. This makes for a great way to continue a series but I need answers now! I am on the edge of my seat for the next book.
First of all, I didn't know it was going to be a series, otherwise I would have braced myself for that ending! I did not see that coming! The ending was a definite cliff hanger.
Overall, I love a story about "warring" families with years long grudges. Especially when it involves magic or a type of magic. Miles is a great main character, and very relatable to anyone who suffers from anxiety or panic attacks. To give him EMPATHIC powers is brilliant yet twisted in a way. He is a likable and goofy kid, and makes decisions based on his heart.
The relationship between he and Gabriel naturally progresses and doesn't feel forced. There are quick quips and fun banter- despite the dire situation of the story, the author did a wonderful job making it fun to read.
I was worried we wouldn't get all the answers and I was right. This makes for a great way to continue a series but I need answers now! I am on the edge of my seat for the next book.
August 30, 2024
As a fan of both The Raven Cycle and Cemetery Boys, this was exactly up my alley. The Hollow and The Haunted is the perfect spooky paranormal mystery with a rich atmospheric setting and intriguing family secrets. Miles as a narrator is engaging and funny and it was lovely following how his dynamic changes with the colder, solitary Gabriel as they reluctantly try to prevent Gabriel’s untimely end. The enmity between their families and uncovering the sordid history that begun it was incredibly absorbing. My only negative for the book is that the ending is absolutely diabolical—I can’t wait for book two!
August 22, 2024
7/17/24: that ending….rtc
8/22/24:
whew!!! i had to take a month off and come back to review this one! buckle up because i usually don’t believe blurbs that say “perfect for fan who enjoy….” but this book? this book right here? they aren’t lying in the blurbs.
i must confess, i’m a little bitter by the ending. i’m still am. which just makes me 10x more excited to (hopefully) continue reading miles & gabriel’s adventures in another book!
one thing i personally loved about this book is the differences in miles & gabriel’s family—not just economically, but the way their families treat them. family themes are ones i adore and relate too, so i especially enjoy reading them in books.
the mystery and plot itself is super compelling, and it’s definitely a spooky book to read while warming yourself up new a fireplace this october. super excited to grab this book for myself this spooky season!
👻 5 stars!!!! 👻
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
thank you netgalley & titan books for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
8/22/24:
whew!!! i had to take a month off and come back to review this one! buckle up because i usually don’t believe blurbs that say “perfect for fan who enjoy….” but this book? this book right here? they aren’t lying in the blurbs.
i must confess, i’m a little bitter by the ending. i’m still am. which just makes me 10x more excited to (hopefully) continue reading miles & gabriel’s adventures in another book!
one thing i personally loved about this book is the differences in miles & gabriel’s family—not just economically, but the way their families treat them. family themes are ones i adore and relate too, so i especially enjoy reading them in books.
the mystery and plot itself is super compelling, and it’s definitely a spooky book to read while warming yourself up new a fireplace this october. super excited to grab this book for myself this spooky season!
👻 5 stars!!!! 👻
★ ★ ★ ★ ★/☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
thank you netgalley & titan books for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
August 30, 2024
4 Stars
This book could have been a five star read (or at least a 4.5). You know what knocked that last star off? The cliffhanger. This is the worst cliffhanger I've read in a while because it doesn't just set up for the next book. It basically requires the next book. There's very little resolution in this volume--so little, in fact, I wondered if my eARC wasn't fully complete (though I do think it is, based on other reviews). Up until that point, I was really enjoying this book (hence all the other stars). It's creepy. It's chilly. It's the perfect pick for curling up to read this fall. I just wish I had some resolution at the end; waiting for the next volume is inevitable, but I was missing that bit of satisfaction that an ending needs (even if it isn't, well, THE END).
My full review will be available at Gateway Reviews on October 4, 2024. Stop by if you get the chance.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
This book could have been a five star read (or at least a 4.5). You know what knocked that last star off? The cliffhanger. This is the worst cliffhanger I've read in a while because it doesn't just set up for the next book. It basically requires the next book. There's very little resolution in this volume--so little, in fact, I wondered if my eARC wasn't fully complete (though I do think it is, based on other reviews). Up until that point, I was really enjoying this book (hence all the other stars). It's creepy. It's chilly. It's the perfect pick for curling up to read this fall. I just wish I had some resolution at the end; waiting for the next volume is inevitable, but I was missing that bit of satisfaction that an ending needs (even if it isn't, well, THE END).
My full review will be available at Gateway Reviews on October 4, 2024. Stop by if you get the chance.
Note: I was provided with an ARC by the publisher through Edelweiss+ in exchange for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
June 20, 2024
ARC REVIEW~
I normally do not leave reviews on goodreads for books but seeing as this was an advanced reader copy i was fortunate enough to be able to read early and I ended up loving it more than I had anticipated I though I should write one! Normally, when I see a book blurbed as “ perfect for fans of xyz” I get a little nervous because more often than not I’ve been let down however— whoever chose the raven cycle series and cemetery boys as a good comparison was more than correct, in fact I’d say if you loved the raven cycle books this one has so much of everything I loved dearly about that series and then adds even more to it( atmosphere, character dynamics, banter, complicated families, queer romance!). I think the best reviews are those that leave you curious and excited but also dont oversell any aspect of a book and so, goodreads, all I will say is this: If you are curious about this book, intrigued but unsure, if you think the cover is pretty and thats all that really caught your eye, then I highly recommend you to read this book and then come back to this review & leave a reply so we can all collectively scream into a void because of the ending and wait eagerly for the second book of this duology. I was in a pretty bad reading slump prior to now and this book whisked me away with characters I’ve co,me to love and relate to so so much and a plot I was invested in. I highlighted this book so much that I’ll have to transfer them into my physical copy as soon as it comes out! Miles, Gabriel, Charlee and their respective families have grown on me and I cant wait to continue this story and be in this world again. I will definely be doing a reread in october but Camilla Raines does a great job with this debut!
PS: I don’t know if this is just me and my pjo heart has taken over my senses but Miles and Gabriel made me think of the Solangelo ship from the percy jeckson series! Take that as you will fellow readers, I know i was smiling ear to ear the entire time! someone come back and let me know if you get these vibes too! Gabriel is definitely a child of hades in another universe lol
PSST: I also started reading this while playing the game OXENFREE and the two definitely paired well.
I normally do not leave reviews on goodreads for books but seeing as this was an advanced reader copy i was fortunate enough to be able to read early and I ended up loving it more than I had anticipated I though I should write one! Normally, when I see a book blurbed as “ perfect for fans of xyz” I get a little nervous because more often than not I’ve been let down however— whoever chose the raven cycle series and cemetery boys as a good comparison was more than correct, in fact I’d say if you loved the raven cycle books this one has so much of everything I loved dearly about that series and then adds even more to it( atmosphere, character dynamics, banter, complicated families, queer romance!). I think the best reviews are those that leave you curious and excited but also dont oversell any aspect of a book and so, goodreads, all I will say is this: If you are curious about this book, intrigued but unsure, if you think the cover is pretty and thats all that really caught your eye, then I highly recommend you to read this book and then come back to this review & leave a reply so we can all collectively scream into a void because of the ending and wait eagerly for the second book of this duology. I was in a pretty bad reading slump prior to now and this book whisked me away with characters I’ve co,me to love and relate to so so much and a plot I was invested in. I highlighted this book so much that I’ll have to transfer them into my physical copy as soon as it comes out! Miles, Gabriel, Charlee and their respective families have grown on me and I cant wait to continue this story and be in this world again. I will definely be doing a reread in october but Camilla Raines does a great job with this debut!
PS: I don’t know if this is just me and my pjo heart has taken over my senses but Miles and Gabriel made me think of the Solangelo ship from the percy jeckson series! Take that as you will fellow readers, I know i was smiling ear to ear the entire time! someone come back and let me know if you get these vibes too! Gabriel is definitely a child of hades in another universe lol
PSST: I also started reading this while playing the game OXENFREE and the two definitely paired well.
July 22, 2024
Charming and ghostly paranormal adventure with just the right amount of teen angst and romance.
Miles and Gabriel's families have been at odds for years in the paranormal community. Gabriel's rich family uses their abilities as a privilege to be sold to the highest bidder, where as Miles and his family aid any who needs it and let's them pay in any way they can.
When Miles sees a deathly vision about Gabriel, they are reluctantly dragged together to change the future.
While the supernatural elements drive the central plot of this story, Raines ability to combine that with the everyday struggles of being a teenager flawlessly. Miles may be part of a family who exorcises spirts, but he struggles with his own anxiety, panic attacks, how to come out to his family and coming to terms with his future prospects not being his own but tied to the "family business".
This would appeal to fans of
- forbidden love
- slow burn
- grumpy X sunshine
- dark academic
If I could draw one negative from this is that's one evil cliffhanger to leave us on!!!
Miles and Gabriel's families have been at odds for years in the paranormal community. Gabriel's rich family uses their abilities as a privilege to be sold to the highest bidder, where as Miles and his family aid any who needs it and let's them pay in any way they can.
When Miles sees a deathly vision about Gabriel, they are reluctantly dragged together to change the future.
While the supernatural elements drive the central plot of this story, Raines ability to combine that with the everyday struggles of being a teenager flawlessly. Miles may be part of a family who exorcises spirts, but he struggles with his own anxiety, panic attacks, how to come out to his family and coming to terms with his future prospects not being his own but tied to the "family business".
This would appeal to fans of
- forbidden love
- slow burn
- grumpy X sunshine
- dark academic
If I could draw one negative from this is that's one evil cliffhanger to leave us on!!!
September 15, 2024
The Hollow and the Haunted by Camilla Raines
This is a brilliant YA novel exploring a young boy's journey into manhood. The way we get to watch Miles grow in such a short space of time was really heartwarming. We watch as he explores his sexuality, learns how to express his feelings and express boundaries. I found it a beautiful coming of age story which I'm sure many young readers could relate to in some way. Also, Gabriel and Miles's romeo & Julie style enemies to lovers relationship was very cute to watch unfold.
I enjoyed the supernatural elements to the book and found them to be well conceptualised, even for a YA. The world of ghosts, premonitions and mystery in which the readers find themselves in gripping, keeping us entertained right to the end. I found the plot to be quite thrilling, yet I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. However, I am hoping there will be a second book which will eventually satisfy my annoyance at the cliffhanger.
Overall I rated this 4 out of 5 stars. This is a fast-paced, fun read which I would highly recommend if you're looking for a lighthearted yet enjoyable read.
This is a brilliant YA novel exploring a young boy's journey into manhood. The way we get to watch Miles grow in such a short space of time was really heartwarming. We watch as he explores his sexuality, learns how to express his feelings and express boundaries. I found it a beautiful coming of age story which I'm sure many young readers could relate to in some way. Also, Gabriel and Miles's romeo & Julie style enemies to lovers relationship was very cute to watch unfold.
I enjoyed the supernatural elements to the book and found them to be well conceptualised, even for a YA. The world of ghosts, premonitions and mystery in which the readers find themselves in gripping, keeping us entertained right to the end. I found the plot to be quite thrilling, yet I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. However, I am hoping there will be a second book which will eventually satisfy my annoyance at the cliffhanger.
Overall I rated this 4 out of 5 stars. This is a fast-paced, fun read which I would highly recommend if you're looking for a lighthearted yet enjoyable read.
July 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this! It is delightfully creepy and the mystery was fascinating. Miles was a great protagonist, he was a very well-rounded character — everything from his worries to his relationship with his mother felt super realistic. I like that the romantic relationship developed slowly and it wasn't forced. The side characters were also really interesting and I would love to learn more about them. I thought this was a standalone, but after reading that ending, there needs to be a sequel!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
August 2, 2024
This is WILD! I always know it'll be good if I suddenly imagine a voice over when I'm reading. That just indicates a connection between the reader and the book itself. It's a no-nonsense story packed with all the goodness tidbits. Honestly, looking for more and just didn't want it to end
Read
June 2, 2024RTC!
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 14, 2024this reads a little too young for me!
September 16, 2024
5 stars.
This was the perfect book I could have picked to start off spooky season!
It has psychics, ghosts, spirits, family feuds, a dreary setting! I loved everything about this book.
I found the writing style so easy to loose myself in and I can't wait to see where Raines takes these characters next.
The dynamics between Charlie and Miles and Gabriel- they have my heart. I loved Gabriel's snarky lines so much.
Gabriel and Miles being rivals to lovers AND grumpy/sunshine was such a brilliant pairing. It's been a while since I read a book with those tropes and I absolutely devoured it.
I cannot wait for the sequel and I urge people to read this!
This was the perfect book I could have picked to start off spooky season!
It has psychics, ghosts, spirits, family feuds, a dreary setting! I loved everything about this book.
I found the writing style so easy to loose myself in and I can't wait to see where Raines takes these characters next.
The dynamics between Charlie and Miles and Gabriel- they have my heart. I loved Gabriel's snarky lines so much.
Gabriel and Miles being rivals to lovers AND grumpy/sunshine was such a brilliant pairing. It's been a while since I read a book with those tropes and I absolutely devoured it.
I cannot wait for the sequel and I urge people to read this!
August 12, 2024
I screamed when the book ended on a cliff hanger because now I have to wait to find out what happens!
I absolutely loved this book. It's a great YA paranormal mystery with a developing romantic subplot.
I was thoroughly engaged in the mystery. There were several different elements to it, each one interesting. I liked how the characters would draw conclusions based on the information they had and then had to revise it when they learned more. It was very realistic and kept me invested.
The romance was a slow burn and came about very organically. The author managed to capture the awkwardness of teenagers developing feelings and not knowing what to do with it. It was very relatable.
I loved the banter and relationship between the characters. The focus wasn't just on the romantic relationship which I liked, the relationships with other characters were also developed.
The world felt very vibrant and real. I can't wait to revisit it in the second book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
I absolutely loved this book. It's a great YA paranormal mystery with a developing romantic subplot.
I was thoroughly engaged in the mystery. There were several different elements to it, each one interesting. I liked how the characters would draw conclusions based on the information they had and then had to revise it when they learned more. It was very realistic and kept me invested.
The romance was a slow burn and came about very organically. The author managed to capture the awkwardness of teenagers developing feelings and not knowing what to do with it. It was very relatable.
I loved the banter and relationship between the characters. The focus wasn't just on the romantic relationship which I liked, the relationships with other characters were also developed.
The world felt very vibrant and real. I can't wait to revisit it in the second book.
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC
August 11, 2024
This book was difficult to put down, I read it in one sitting. It's relatable and humorously written, and the ending left me wanting more. A well-written and enjoyable read!
August 29, 2024
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Copy received through Netgalley
~
The Hollow and the Haunted, by Camilla Raines
★★★★★
384 Pages
3rd person, single character POV
Content Warning: mentions of anxiety, grief, loss, death of a parent (off-page), violence, implied homophobia, possession, family feud, panic attacks, visions, family curse, ghost attack, premonitions
Themes: rich boy x poor boy, privilege, enemies-to-lovers, psychic abilities, close knit community, hurt-comfort
The Hollow and the Haunted, by Camilla Raines is – for me – The Frighteners meets Sixteen Souls. It is everything that I wanted Cemetery Boys to be!
Full disclosure: I didn't know this was part of a series when I requested it or read it. It does end on a cliffhanger, but that didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book. In fact, this is one of my Best books of 2024.
~
The Hollow and the Haunted is a brilliant YA PNR story with an MM romance. It's got everything I could have asked for – romance, intrigue, ghosts, a haunting, feuding families and enemies to lovers, and cursed family heirlooms.
The book started with an incredible opening of a teen MC – Miles – grave digging! However, instead of having nefarious plans, Miles is there to return an item to the deceased woman, as his family have been hired to resolve a haunting. Things don't quite go to plan...and then Miles sees a strange boy in the mirror – bloody, dead and asking Miles to 'find me'.
Miles doesn't know what to do with the warning, until he meets the boy – alive and unaware of the threat. To his dismay, Gabriel Hawthorne is the son of the Hawthorne family, the arch-nemesis of Miles' family!
When it comes to characters, I LOVED Miles: the happy-go-lucky, well-meaning, hard-working teen who just wants to do his family proud, and use his gift for good; and Gabriel: the grumpy, rich boy with an ego and a habit of dismissing others, having learned to be cold from his distant mother. Between the two of them, their amazing chemistry and their witty banter, they make an incredible couple as well as great main characters.
The secondary characters are brilliant too: their mothers, Felicity and Sarah, have some of the best insults and banter in the book. I loved the relationship dynamics in the novel: Miles and Charlee's friendship, despite being cousins; Gabriel's protective instincts for his brothers; Bram and his clever cat; the chemistry between Miles and Gabriel. The relationships ranged from family to friendship to romance, and each one was completely unique and well-explored in a natural, organic way.
Miles is the only POV of the novel, but he's the perfect choice. He's a surprisingly level-headed and smart teenager; instead of screaming and throwing tantrums (like some teenagers in YA books lately), he's quietly disappointed in people, more frustrated with being hurt or getting mad rather than the person he's fighting with.
There are a wide range of psychic abilities explored throughout the book, in various ways. There's a wide network of witches/magical families in the community so there are a lot of ways to explore the magical gifts in this world. There's lots of teen life, anxiety and shenanigans throughout, family issues and in-the-closet drama.
The pacing was great, the plot clever and well-explored, with false leads and twists, so many suspects and problems to creep in.
Although I knew there would be a cliffhanger by around 60-70% – because there was so much story left to tell – this is a duology and it ends on a huge cliffhanger that sort-of resolves the plot of this book while leaving plenty more for the next to settle. This cliffhanger was a real surprise, leaving us with one heck of an ending.
I'm really looking forward to Book 2, and I hope it will be in Gabriel's POV, so that we can see more of his side of events.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Fate had made their families enemies, bound by death and tragedy. As surely as it had placed Gabriel in Miles's path, it would take him away. One way or another.”
“Gabriel hesitated. “It's...home. The only place I've ever lived.” He watched the flames. “It's also cold sometimes, empty. Hollow. I have all this space, but nothing to fill it with.” His eyes flicked over to Miles, there and gone. “Sometimes, I feel like a ghost living here. Invisible. Intangible.”
Copy received through Netgalley
~
The Hollow and the Haunted, by Camilla Raines
★★★★★
384 Pages
3rd person, single character POV
Content Warning: mentions of anxiety, grief, loss, death of a parent (off-page), violence, implied homophobia, possession, family feud, panic attacks, visions, family curse, ghost attack, premonitions
Themes: rich boy x poor boy, privilege, enemies-to-lovers, psychic abilities, close knit community, hurt-comfort
The Hollow and the Haunted, by Camilla Raines is – for me – The Frighteners meets Sixteen Souls. It is everything that I wanted Cemetery Boys to be!
Full disclosure: I didn't know this was part of a series when I requested it or read it. It does end on a cliffhanger, but that didn't dampen my enjoyment of the book. In fact, this is one of my Best books of 2024.
~
The Hollow and the Haunted is a brilliant YA PNR story with an MM romance. It's got everything I could have asked for – romance, intrigue, ghosts, a haunting, feuding families and enemies to lovers, and cursed family heirlooms.
The book started with an incredible opening of a teen MC – Miles – grave digging! However, instead of having nefarious plans, Miles is there to return an item to the deceased woman, as his family have been hired to resolve a haunting. Things don't quite go to plan...and then Miles sees a strange boy in the mirror – bloody, dead and asking Miles to 'find me'.
Miles doesn't know what to do with the warning, until he meets the boy – alive and unaware of the threat. To his dismay, Gabriel Hawthorne is the son of the Hawthorne family, the arch-nemesis of Miles' family!
When it comes to characters, I LOVED Miles: the happy-go-lucky, well-meaning, hard-working teen who just wants to do his family proud, and use his gift for good; and Gabriel: the grumpy, rich boy with an ego and a habit of dismissing others, having learned to be cold from his distant mother. Between the two of them, their amazing chemistry and their witty banter, they make an incredible couple as well as great main characters.
The secondary characters are brilliant too: their mothers, Felicity and Sarah, have some of the best insults and banter in the book. I loved the relationship dynamics in the novel: Miles and Charlee's friendship, despite being cousins; Gabriel's protective instincts for his brothers; Bram and his clever cat; the chemistry between Miles and Gabriel. The relationships ranged from family to friendship to romance, and each one was completely unique and well-explored in a natural, organic way.
Miles is the only POV of the novel, but he's the perfect choice. He's a surprisingly level-headed and smart teenager; instead of screaming and throwing tantrums (like some teenagers in YA books lately), he's quietly disappointed in people, more frustrated with being hurt or getting mad rather than the person he's fighting with.
There are a wide range of psychic abilities explored throughout the book, in various ways. There's a wide network of witches/magical families in the community so there are a lot of ways to explore the magical gifts in this world. There's lots of teen life, anxiety and shenanigans throughout, family issues and in-the-closet drama.
The pacing was great, the plot clever and well-explored, with false leads and twists, so many suspects and problems to creep in.
Although I knew there would be a cliffhanger by around 60-70% – because there was so much story left to tell – this is a duology and it ends on a huge cliffhanger that sort-of resolves the plot of this book while leaving plenty more for the next to settle. This cliffhanger was a real surprise, leaving us with one heck of an ending.
I'm really looking forward to Book 2, and I hope it will be in Gabriel's POV, so that we can see more of his side of events.
~
Favourite Quotes
“Fate had made their families enemies, bound by death and tragedy. As surely as it had placed Gabriel in Miles's path, it would take him away. One way or another.”
“Gabriel hesitated. “It's...home. The only place I've ever lived.” He watched the flames. “It's also cold sometimes, empty. Hollow. I have all this space, but nothing to fill it with.” His eyes flicked over to Miles, there and gone. “Sometimes, I feel like a ghost living here. Invisible. Intangible.”
May 23, 2024
A Boo-tiful, ghostly debut that will leave you haunted!
Thank you to Titan Books for providing a DRC of THE HOLLOW AND THE HAUNTED because this ghostly beautiful YA queer fantasy enchanted me from the very beginning. With spooky death premonitions of cute boys, an intricate spiderweb of dark magic spanning centuries, and a spellbindingly gorgeous romance between two boys from feuding psychic families, The Hollow and the Haunted grips readers by their throats and refuses to let go. If you need a Spooky Season read, Camilla Raines' YA debut novel is the perfect trick-or-treat gift to add to your TBR list! 👻🎃
✨Spoiler Alert✨
Immediately, Miles charmed me with his hilarious internal monologue and relatable personality. I constantly found myself bursting out laughing at his witty responses to his daily struggles of balancing school as a “normal” teenager and the supernatural problems that came from his duties as a psychic from a well-known psychic family. Miles’ hatred of sweating in gym class AND cracking open smelly coffins at 1 a.m. to banish ghosts makes him such a likable and easy character to root for. Especially when Miles shows his kind heart when he takes ghostly jobs from his overworked parents in the hopes of relieving the financial burden that haunts their family—despite Miles’ true desire to leave the family business behind to attend art school. But without protest, Miles accepts his magical family’s centuries-old duty to protect their hometown from the creatures that go bump in the night, and as a reader, I greatly admired Miles’ devotion to his family and their legacy.
And that devotion is greatly tested when Miles suddenly starts having painful death premonitions in his high school bathroom of a cute, mysterious boy covered in blood. A cute, mysterious boy who turns out to be the one and only, Gabriel Hawthorne—the arrogant and pretentious son from a rival psychic family. Despite their ancestors hating each other for centuries, Miles refuses to allow an innocent person to be killed and teams up with the pompous Gabriel Hawthorne to solve his murder and prevent Gabriel’s death before it could ever happen. Between many snarky arguments, coffee-tea research binges in the library, and late-night conversations sharing secrets they’ve never told another soul, Miles and Gabriel slowly learn to work together, and maybe, catch more than only ghosts together. But the psychic pair soon discover preventing Gabriel’s death might take more dangerous magic than either of them is willing to sacrifice. Can you truly stop someone’s death if it's already fated?
Pardon my screaming, but THE SLOW-BURN QUEER RIVALS-TO-LOVERS ROMANCE IS SO GOOD IN THIS BOOK!!!! 😍💖 I’m in awe of Raines' writing ability to craft a hauntingly delicious slow-burn that has me YEARNING for Miles and Gabriel to just hold hands, damn it! With every new scene of repressed sexual tension and witty banter, I was yelling for Miles and Gabriel to kiss already!! If you’re searching for a slow-burn romance worthy of hundreds of fanfics, then THE HOLLOW AND THE HAUNTED is the perfect novel to stay up until 3 a.m. binge-reading instead of sleeping. 🥰
I truly ADORED this book, and it’s an extraordinary debut for Camilla Raines. The Hollow and the Haunted is a killer (pun intended) ghostly murder mystery that will live rent-free in your head long after you’ve finished it. With its relatable characters, spooky storytelling with gorgeously written prose, and a queer love story that will have you screaming to the heavens, the Hollow and the Haunted lived up to its hype. I CANNOT WAIT for book 2 in this hypnotic series 🥺 (I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
Thank you to Titan Books for providing a DRC of THE HOLLOW AND THE HAUNTED because this ghostly beautiful YA queer fantasy enchanted me from the very beginning. With spooky death premonitions of cute boys, an intricate spiderweb of dark magic spanning centuries, and a spellbindingly gorgeous romance between two boys from feuding psychic families, The Hollow and the Haunted grips readers by their throats and refuses to let go. If you need a Spooky Season read, Camilla Raines' YA debut novel is the perfect trick-or-treat gift to add to your TBR list! 👻🎃
✨Spoiler Alert✨
Immediately, Miles charmed me with his hilarious internal monologue and relatable personality. I constantly found myself bursting out laughing at his witty responses to his daily struggles of balancing school as a “normal” teenager and the supernatural problems that came from his duties as a psychic from a well-known psychic family. Miles’ hatred of sweating in gym class AND cracking open smelly coffins at 1 a.m. to banish ghosts makes him such a likable and easy character to root for. Especially when Miles shows his kind heart when he takes ghostly jobs from his overworked parents in the hopes of relieving the financial burden that haunts their family—despite Miles’ true desire to leave the family business behind to attend art school. But without protest, Miles accepts his magical family’s centuries-old duty to protect their hometown from the creatures that go bump in the night, and as a reader, I greatly admired Miles’ devotion to his family and their legacy.
And that devotion is greatly tested when Miles suddenly starts having painful death premonitions in his high school bathroom of a cute, mysterious boy covered in blood. A cute, mysterious boy who turns out to be the one and only, Gabriel Hawthorne—the arrogant and pretentious son from a rival psychic family. Despite their ancestors hating each other for centuries, Miles refuses to allow an innocent person to be killed and teams up with the pompous Gabriel Hawthorne to solve his murder and prevent Gabriel’s death before it could ever happen. Between many snarky arguments, coffee-tea research binges in the library, and late-night conversations sharing secrets they’ve never told another soul, Miles and Gabriel slowly learn to work together, and maybe, catch more than only ghosts together. But the psychic pair soon discover preventing Gabriel’s death might take more dangerous magic than either of them is willing to sacrifice. Can you truly stop someone’s death if it's already fated?
Pardon my screaming, but THE SLOW-BURN QUEER RIVALS-TO-LOVERS ROMANCE IS SO GOOD IN THIS BOOK!!!! 😍💖 I’m in awe of Raines' writing ability to craft a hauntingly delicious slow-burn that has me YEARNING for Miles and Gabriel to just hold hands, damn it! With every new scene of repressed sexual tension and witty banter, I was yelling for Miles and Gabriel to kiss already!! If you’re searching for a slow-burn romance worthy of hundreds of fanfics, then THE HOLLOW AND THE HAUNTED is the perfect novel to stay up until 3 a.m. binge-reading instead of sleeping. 🥰
I truly ADORED this book, and it’s an extraordinary debut for Camilla Raines. The Hollow and the Haunted is a killer (pun intended) ghostly murder mystery that will live rent-free in your head long after you’ve finished it. With its relatable characters, spooky storytelling with gorgeously written prose, and a queer love story that will have you screaming to the heavens, the Hollow and the Haunted lived up to its hype. I CANNOT WAIT for book 2 in this hypnotic series 🥺 (I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
September 29, 2024
4.5 🌟
*Trying to stay calm…* “WHEN is the next book?!?!”
Such an addictive read and I feel quite on edge now not knowing when the next book is 😅
~~~
Premise:
Growing up in a family of mystics, Miles Warren has a vision of a dying boy. And is shocked to learn it’s the son of his family’s rivals, the Hawthornes.
Miles feels a duty to save, Gabriel, the spoilt and rude son. And together they set out on an investigation to uncover his potential killer.
There’s lots of dark history between the Hawthornes and the Warrens to be uncovered though. And despite Gabriel’s attitude, Miles finds himself slowly developing feelings for him.
~~~
Ahhhh I adored it! Especially:
🔮 The development of Gabriel and Miles. It’s a slow burn, and still has a long way to go, but I love them together. They have such great banter. And Gabriel’s jealously at the beginning is so good!!
🔮 And the general magic. It’s very witchy vibes, full of crystals and charging water under the full moon. Their abilities add an extra element to their relationship, with Gabriel basically overhearing many of Miles’ thoughts and when he has to dig through his mind! And I squealed when Miles used his happy thoughts about Gabriel to fight off a dark spirit! Love them ���🥰
🔮 The mystery! I still don’t entirely get all the bad blood between the families, and it seems there is so much to uncover. The initial discoveries were great though with the spirits, the old grimoire and the creepy house.
🔮 The emotional complexity. Both Miles and Gabriel have a lot of depth and I especially feel for Gabriel with his cold upbringing. And Miles is so relatable with his anxiety. And then with the added elements of the magic, like being forced to come out to people who can read him and the stress of not being able to block out strong emotions. I like the way their characters were approached and I’m excited to see how everything is navigated in the next book!
🔮 The wider families. I really wonder if Camilla Raines will set this world up for more stories and I love some of the characters she has developed, especially the siblings and Charlee! Bram is adorable with his strange cat, Charlee seems she has a lot of trauma to uncover, and Edmund! And I love Jenna’s creepy obsession with dead bodies!
Anyway, may buy a physical copy of this as I really loved it! Bring on book 2!
[Netgalley ARC read]
*Trying to stay calm…* “WHEN is the next book?!?!”
Such an addictive read and I feel quite on edge now not knowing when the next book is 😅
~~~
Premise:
Growing up in a family of mystics, Miles Warren has a vision of a dying boy. And is shocked to learn it’s the son of his family’s rivals, the Hawthornes.
Miles feels a duty to save, Gabriel, the spoilt and rude son. And together they set out on an investigation to uncover his potential killer.
There’s lots of dark history between the Hawthornes and the Warrens to be uncovered though. And despite Gabriel’s attitude, Miles finds himself slowly developing feelings for him.
~~~
Ahhhh I adored it! Especially:
🔮 The development of Gabriel and Miles. It’s a slow burn, and still has a long way to go, but I love them together. They have such great banter. And Gabriel’s jealously at the beginning is so good!!
🔮 And the general magic. It’s very witchy vibes, full of crystals and charging water under the full moon. Their abilities add an extra element to their relationship, with Gabriel basically overhearing many of Miles’ thoughts and when he has to dig through his mind! And I squealed when Miles used his happy thoughts about Gabriel to fight off a dark spirit! Love them ���🥰
🔮 The mystery! I still don’t entirely get all the bad blood between the families, and it seems there is so much to uncover. The initial discoveries were great though with the spirits, the old grimoire and the creepy house.
🔮 The emotional complexity. Both Miles and Gabriel have a lot of depth and I especially feel for Gabriel with his cold upbringing. And Miles is so relatable with his anxiety. And then with the added elements of the magic, like being forced to come out to people who can read him and the stress of not being able to block out strong emotions. I like the way their characters were approached and I’m excited to see how everything is navigated in the next book!
🔮 The wider families. I really wonder if Camilla Raines will set this world up for more stories and I love some of the characters she has developed, especially the siblings and Charlee! Bram is adorable with his strange cat, Charlee seems she has a lot of trauma to uncover, and Edmund! And I love Jenna’s creepy obsession with dead bodies!
Anyway, may buy a physical copy of this as I really loved it! Bring on book 2!
[Netgalley ARC read]
October 4, 2024
More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/
The enemies to lovers/grumpy-sunshine tropes often go very bad: too often one character ends up unlikable while the other overidealized in sweetness. But here a good balance is made and the attraction between the two MCs is organic and logical. This is solidly written and doesn't have a lot of downtown; as well, there are plenty of twists and reveals to keep you hooked.In a world of magical families, Miles' parents always concentrated more on honesty and helping others rather than amassing a fortune. That is in contrast to the Hawthornes: snobbishly rich and happy to take fools money for the magic they perform. Where Miles lives in town and goes to the local school, the Hawthornes live in a mansion on the hill and few have seen their home=schooled sons. That is, until Miles begins to have premonitions of Gabriel's death and Gabriel suddenly enrolls in his school. Despite his (and others') misgivings, Miles wants to help Gabriel avoid a grim fate. Unfortunately, Gabriel is his own worst enemy and the killer is elusive both in Miles' visions and in real life.
This is a whodunnit with Miles and Gabriel uncomfortably teaming together to see if they can prevent Gabriel's murder. There are slow reveals as the boys learn to work together and then uncover more clues that may help save Gabriel's life. As they spend more time together, Gabriel learns to socialize while Miles learns to come out of his shell.
There is a fun set of side characters and the rivalry between the parents is amusing. The author has written nice character development but yes, the focus is mostly on the mystery. In this first volume, the story unfolds at a good pace and even the romance isn't rushed. By the end one mystery is solved but there are several others that could still affect whether Gabriel lives or dies. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.
October 2, 2024
Another little spooky young adult book that really surprised me.
It's not a secret that I try to avoid reading books with teenage main characters, they usually annoy me with their behavior. But the description of this book sounded too good to not read it. And I can confirm that the story is also excellent.
Our two main characters couldn't be different. One is cold and seems to hate everyone, while the other is really kind and helpful. The only thing they have in common is the hatred their families have for each other. And their unnatural abilities. Both Gabriel and Miles come from families of mediums, empaths and seers. One day, Miles gets a vision that suggests to him that Gabriel will die soon, and he puts his prejudice towards the Hawthorns aside to try and help him.
That's the main plot of this book; two teenage boys with a very different upbringing trying to change the future, while figuring out why their families hate each other.
Both the romance and the main plot develop quite slowly, but I think it's quite fitting for this story. It made me really care about the characters and what was happening to them.
I loved the side characters and the world building. I was thinking that it would be an easy 5* rating but then the ending happened.
Without spoiling it, I will just say that it felt really anticlimatic. I was expecting a little more from this. Especially since just a few pages, the book
ends on a cliffhanger...
So there's an ending to this story, but actually there isn't. And while I wouldn't mind picking up the next part (actually I want it asap), I felt betrayed that there wasn't any information that I should expect such an ending.
Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for the digital copy of this book.
It's not a secret that I try to avoid reading books with teenage main characters, they usually annoy me with their behavior. But the description of this book sounded too good to not read it. And I can confirm that the story is also excellent.
Our two main characters couldn't be different. One is cold and seems to hate everyone, while the other is really kind and helpful. The only thing they have in common is the hatred their families have for each other. And their unnatural abilities. Both Gabriel and Miles come from families of mediums, empaths and seers. One day, Miles gets a vision that suggests to him that Gabriel will die soon, and he puts his prejudice towards the Hawthorns aside to try and help him.
That's the main plot of this book; two teenage boys with a very different upbringing trying to change the future, while figuring out why their families hate each other.
Both the romance and the main plot develop quite slowly, but I think it's quite fitting for this story. It made me really care about the characters and what was happening to them.
I loved the side characters and the world building. I was thinking that it would be an easy 5* rating but then the ending happened.
Without spoiling it, I will just say that it felt really anticlimatic. I was expecting a little more from this. Especially since just a few pages, the book
ends on a cliffhanger...
So there's an ending to this story, but actually there isn't. And while I wouldn't mind picking up the next part (actually I want it asap), I felt betrayed that there wasn't any information that I should expect such an ending.
Thank you to Netgalley and Titan Books for the digital copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews