Hollow City review by Ananya

Review of Hollow City

            Hollow City, Ransom Riggs’ latest novel, is the sequel to Miss Peregrine’s Home to Peculiar Children. It continues with the adventures of Miss Peregrine and her peculiar wards.

The peculiars are on their way to the peculiar capital of the world: London. Miss Peregrine, their caretaker, is trapped in the form of a bird, and the peculiars hope to find help. However, it quickly becomes evident that their journey is going to be difficult, dangerous, and filled with murderous wights. Will they be able to save Miss Peregrine in time? Or will they (and Miss Peregrine) end up in the hands of the wights?

There are many things about this book that make it a fascinating read. However, one of the most important is that Riggs provides very thorough characterization in his novel. For instance, Jacob, the protagonist and narrator of this story, has recently discovered his powers and joined the peculiar world. He has left his parents behind with limited knowledge of his whereabouts in order to save Miss Peregrine, whom he feels he owes as it was she who truly showed him the peculiar world. Additionally, Jacob struggles with his emotions for Emma Bloom, a “spark.” Throughout the novel, readers witness Jacob’s transformation from a self-doubting teenager to a courageous, confident hero. Using character development, Riggs creates a credible and complex hero whom teenagers can relate to.

Hollow City is an enjoyable, well-written sequel to Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

~Ananya Swaminathan