Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Review: The Hollow City

Title The Hollow City
By Dan Wells
Genre Adult suspense
Pages 336
Recommended by Me

First sentence "Who are you?"

Synopsis
Michael Shipman is a paranoid schizophrenic. He suffers from hallucinations; the worst being the faceless men. The doctors tell him it's not real. It shouldn't be real. It couldn't be real. It isn't real......or is it?


What is has going for it
I love having Suey as a friend! Not only do I have someone awesome to go to bookish events with but she works at a library and got this little book way back in March. So, lucky me, I got to share in the wealth. I consumed this book in two sittings, which would have been one had it not been for my priorities telling me sleep wins over reading an amazing book. First off, I love Dan Wells’ books and I adore his writing even more. You know how picky I am about books and especially about writing so when I say this guy can write, I mean this guy can write. In this book, my favorite so far, he proves how amazingly well he can write by capturing what it might be like to be schizophrenic, and not only that, but writes it so well he makes you think you’re going crazy. The insanity and desperation that the MC Michael feels bleeds from the pages and makes you relate so well. Which, let’s face it, is freaky because, unless you have schizophrenia you should not be relating to this character, but you do! The story was very unique and while some may think it’s too far out there I thought it was just perfect. I loved the way the whole thing ended as well. It left just enough open for more books but it can stand on its own, and, honestly, I hope that it does just that. The ending was satisfyingly disturbing. What more could you ask for?

What's lacking
Nothing! There’s nothing about this book that I didn’t like. If I had to complain, absolutely had to, I’d say that while I’ll never forget the crazy story or Michael…I might not remember some of the other characters. They just not might me memorable enough.

Favorite moment
The very ending. Startling and satisfying all at once.

Yea or Nay? 
Don't tell me this isn't you're type of book because there is NO other book out there like this! It comes out today. Go buy it! Seriously!

28 comments:

  1. Okay Okay, I have added this to my TBR. I want to try and read Partials first but this one sounds almost too good to pass up. Anyone who can make crazy seem relatable must have some mad writing skills.

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    1. LOL! Yay, my book pushing worked. I hope you like it. He really is a good writer!

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  2. This sounds so good! I am definitely going to have to get my hands on it!

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  3. Great review! Loved the book. And I hope everyone buys it and reads it and comes and talks to us about it! :)

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    1. Yes, let's just keep pushing and pushing. ;)

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  4. The synop doesn't really sound like my sort of book, BUT I am a sucker for great writing. And a relatable schizophrenic?? Sounds like an amazing read for characterization! Thanks for the recomendation!

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    1. This book is so different than anything I've ever read before. I can't do it justice in my crappy synopsis so don't judge it on that. ;)

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  5. This one sounds intriguing... I may have to check it out! :)

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  6. I do love crazy characters! I might have to check this one out. Great review. :)

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    1. So, good! You really should check it out.

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  7. Let's see, Kate and Steph are big Dan Wells fans. And it turns out you are too. The only book of his I've read is Partials and everyone says his other ones are better so... yeah, I think I'll check this one out!

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    1. Yep, Dan is awesome! You need to read his other books and definitely this one.

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  8. Well, shucks, I'd buy it immediately if I didn't have to pack up thousands of books! LOL Remind me in an end-of-the-year wrap-up, would you?

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    1. LOL! Yeah, packing books was awful! They take up so much room and are HEAVY! I'll definitely talk about this one again at the end of the year. It will be on my favorites of the year list.

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  9. Between you and Suey, I now know I need to read this book.

    I will tell you though, your command of "go buy it" found me saying very immediately, "okay, I will" with such an impulse to head on over to Amazon and hit the the button. I managed to out that impulse in pause. I do have a book buying agreement with myself. I need to see where I am at with the number of books bought for the year before I stop resisting this urge to buy the darn book. :)

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    1. LOL! I've never had that effect on anyone before. I understand book budgets, though. So don't stress but this one is worth the money. ;)

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  10. Sounds interesting. I'll put it on my ever-expanding list.

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    1. I think you just might like this one. I can't always say that.

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  11. I've not heard of this before, but since you said there's "no other book out there like this" I'm gonna have to check it out! Really glad you enjoyed it and you definitely have me intrigued. Great review!

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  12. This is going on my to-read list right now! It sound fantastic! I'm definitely in the mood for something creepy and different, and while suspense isn't typically my genre of choice I'm willing to give it a try! Awesome review! :)

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    1. I don't want to be too spoilery but it's not just suspense. It has some supernatural elements.

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  13. OMG this sounds so amazing, like you said, I don't think I've ever seen anything like this before. I might have to check it out, especially as it has your glowing recommendation

    Cait x

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    1. You should check it out. I doubt you've read anything quite like this before.

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  14. I haven't read any books by this author but things like "satisfyingly disturbing" and possible faceless men sound good.

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    1. You should try this one. His others are good to but this one is my favorite so far!

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