What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hollows #1
Skeleton Lake
Unsure if she's drowning or being saved, all Marlow wants to do is run away. Ensnared in a haunting love triangle, she realizes both boys have holes in their hearts; gaping spaces she can never hope to fill.
Scars from loving the same girl, a girl who managed to stay dead.
Now she is being hunted, for what she has become and what she never asked to be. Even as a Skeleton Marlow isn’t the worst thing in the night—she isn’t even close.
Scars from loving the same girl, a girl who managed to stay dead.
Now she is being hunted, for what she has become and what she never asked to be. Even as a Skeleton Marlow isn’t the worst thing in the night—she isn’t even close.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2011
101 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Angela Kulig
58 books567 followersAngela Kulig should really consider updating her biography.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
October 5, 2016
This is well written and definitely something a bit different. The creativity scale is huge and Angela Kulig has created a unique world where death becomes an extra part of life, with new threats which also creates a whole realm of new fears.
If you want a paranormal romance which takes you on a different journey of life, because let's face it - what is life, then this is for you.
If you want a paranormal romance which takes you on a different journey of life, because let's face it - what is life, then this is for you.
January 11, 2012
This is a rough book to review because I really liked a lot of the elements, but in the end there were such massive gaping holes in the plot I wanted to bash my head against the wall.
Warning: Spoilers ahead
What I Liked:
I enjoyed the teenage characters quite a bit. I felt they were well-defined in personality and interacted with each other in what I felt was a believable way (outside the main character, that is).
The concept of the Skeletons and Skeleton Lake was really a cool idea. I LOVED it (though the mythos seemed spotty about why they had "flesh" when out of the lake).
The opening chapter was a beautiful piece of writing. It was vivid, emotional, and lovely to read.
The writer wrote some really lovely passages that I gobbled up and savored.
The descriptions of the Skeletons were AWESOME.
The love triangle (while it lasted) was scorching hot.
What I Didn't Like:
Nothing in this book makes any sense. At all. The massive holes in the plot made me crazy. At first I just thought I was skipping passages and kept going back to make sure I hadn't missed something. But, no. Major plot points were just not divulged to the reader. It took me awhile to realize that it was being done on PURPOSE and not just the mistake of a first-time writer. This was quite evident multiple times.
For example: Marlow (our heroine) is torn between Conrad and Raiden for most of the book. She is our narrator and we have insight into her thought process. So at some point she realizes why she loves Conrad...
"I hadn’t loved Conrad for myself, or even because of Cassie. I had loved him because— The door slammed behind us. The bang was so loud it seemed to push Raiden even further into the ground, but I jumped up immediately."
We never find out what she was thinking. Ever.
Then we skip ahead in time and the love triangle is over. Conrad has moved on and they are now like brother and sister.
Then lastly, the big bad through most of the book is killed off rather easily...then we end up with another big bad that sounds like he's stolen every cheesy line from every 80's movie bad guy and he dies in one sentence.
When I finished the book, I literally started skimming over it trying to figure out what I missed. Slowly, I had to accept that the author had deliberately kept us in the dark over and over again.
And because of that...the book really makes no sense.
Yet, Angela Kulig is a very good writer. She knows how to write excellent characters(Conrad will break your heart), her descriptions are vivid and bring life to the book, and she had an AWESOME idea with the lake and the Skeletons. The love triangle was pretty steamy and I just didn't see it ending well, but it died faster than I could blink (and off screen).
I think a better editor would have really helped this book a lot. Leaving so much hidden from the reader to tease them, then to finish the book without answering really left a bitter taste in my mouth. I wouldn't have felt upset about it if not for the book feeling like it had already ended...only to end up with a jump in time and Conrad suddenly in "brother" mode and a really lame big bad showing up.
Will I read the next book. Absolutely. There is something magical in Angela's writing and her idea about the lake and the Skeletons. It just wasn't fully realized in this first book. I'm hoping the second book will elevate the first one.
Warning: Spoilers ahead
What I Liked:
I enjoyed the teenage characters quite a bit. I felt they were well-defined in personality and interacted with each other in what I felt was a believable way (outside the main character, that is).
The concept of the Skeletons and Skeleton Lake was really a cool idea. I LOVED it (though the mythos seemed spotty about why they had "flesh" when out of the lake).
The opening chapter was a beautiful piece of writing. It was vivid, emotional, and lovely to read.
The writer wrote some really lovely passages that I gobbled up and savored.
The descriptions of the Skeletons were AWESOME.
The love triangle (while it lasted) was scorching hot.
What I Didn't Like:
Nothing in this book makes any sense. At all. The massive holes in the plot made me crazy. At first I just thought I was skipping passages and kept going back to make sure I hadn't missed something. But, no. Major plot points were just not divulged to the reader. It took me awhile to realize that it was being done on PURPOSE and not just the mistake of a first-time writer. This was quite evident multiple times.
For example: Marlow (our heroine) is torn between Conrad and Raiden for most of the book. She is our narrator and we have insight into her thought process. So at some point she realizes why she loves Conrad...
"I hadn’t loved Conrad for myself, or even because of Cassie. I had loved him because— The door slammed behind us. The bang was so loud it seemed to push Raiden even further into the ground, but I jumped up immediately."
We never find out what she was thinking. Ever.
Then we skip ahead in time and the love triangle is over. Conrad has moved on and they are now like brother and sister.
Then lastly, the big bad through most of the book is killed off rather easily...then we end up with another big bad that sounds like he's stolen every cheesy line from every 80's movie bad guy and he dies in one sentence.
When I finished the book, I literally started skimming over it trying to figure out what I missed. Slowly, I had to accept that the author had deliberately kept us in the dark over and over again.
And because of that...the book really makes no sense.
Yet, Angela Kulig is a very good writer. She knows how to write excellent characters(Conrad will break your heart), her descriptions are vivid and bring life to the book, and she had an AWESOME idea with the lake and the Skeletons. The love triangle was pretty steamy and I just didn't see it ending well, but it died faster than I could blink (and off screen).
I think a better editor would have really helped this book a lot. Leaving so much hidden from the reader to tease them, then to finish the book without answering really left a bitter taste in my mouth. I wouldn't have felt upset about it if not for the book feeling like it had already ended...only to end up with a jump in time and Conrad suddenly in "brother" mode and a really lame big bad showing up.
Will I read the next book. Absolutely. There is something magical in Angela's writing and her idea about the lake and the Skeletons. It just wasn't fully realized in this first book. I'm hoping the second book will elevate the first one.
May 8, 2013
Death permeates this story perfectly from beginning to end. Paranormal romance is not my usual genre of choice, but I'm glad I stepped out and tried this book. The writing flows so well and although the pace is fast, it was really easy to keep up with what happens in the story. I was a bit upset with how dependent the main character is upon a guy in her death, until I started to understand the reason behind the closeness. Most everything in the book was explained to my satisfaction, but especially the setting. The lake and its surroundings really popped for me. I could see Skeleton Lake as I was reading and that's a lovely feeling to get from a book. Awesome concept, 4 stars.
September 28, 2014
I don't know what book the 4- and 5-star raters read, but it wasn't this one. The concept was, quite literally, the only redeeming quality of this book. The author has potential, but needs to hire an editor, and get a good co-writer that can help her turn what is an interesting idea into an actually interesting book. The plot holes in this book are significant, and the writing itself needs a good once-over from a capable copy editor.
October 29, 2011
The idea of soulmates is one I cling to. I like to believe that somewhere in the world we each have someone with whom we were meant to be (in case you didn't know, I'm a little bit of a hopeless romantic). What I like best about Skeleton Lake is the fact that Raidan and Marlow are in fact soulmates. Instantly drawn together and destined to love one another. Yeah, swoon.
Of course at this point enter Conrad because, after all, you can't have a love triangle without three sides. I didn't love Conrad, but I found myself sympathizing with him a lot. Something about unrequited love and being the odd man out will pull at my heartstrings every time. I felt so bad for him. I couldn't imagine loving someone knowing that they would never love me back. I couldn't break my heart like that over and over.
I think the funny thing is that despite the two possible love interests presented for Marlow in Skeleton Lake, I fell for Alex. All of the characters were well-rounded, fully fleshed out. And Alex was strong, kind, and brave. And I loved the portrayal of his relationship with Lena, his soulmate. So I'm officially declaring myself Team Alex. Unfortunately this will probably be a team of one since Raidan and his heart-melting words will inevitably get all the love.
I truly loved this book. It's full of action and romance. And, um, skeletons. Does it get more unique than that? Throw in a mystical lake that I'm still not certain isn't alive and evil, and well, I'm hooked.
Is it perfect? No. I could point out a few stray commas here and there, or some run-on sentences. As a reader, does it matter? Not at all. Because there's something that Angela does better than some of the most well edited authors out there. She tells a good story. She understands the elements that make outstanding fiction and she executes each of them flawlessly. She sucks you in, and once you're in, you're in. There's no escaping her writerly clutches until you reached The End.
And when it was over, I was sad. I wanted more. I know a sequel is in the works, so I'll have to wait a few months. Highly recommend to lovers of the paranormal romance genre and for anyone looking for a fresh mythos.
Of course at this point enter Conrad because, after all, you can't have a love triangle without three sides. I didn't love Conrad, but I found myself sympathizing with him a lot. Something about unrequited love and being the odd man out will pull at my heartstrings every time. I felt so bad for him. I couldn't imagine loving someone knowing that they would never love me back. I couldn't break my heart like that over and over.
I think the funny thing is that despite the two possible love interests presented for Marlow in Skeleton Lake, I fell for Alex. All of the characters were well-rounded, fully fleshed out. And Alex was strong, kind, and brave. And I loved the portrayal of his relationship with Lena, his soulmate. So I'm officially declaring myself Team Alex. Unfortunately this will probably be a team of one since Raidan and his heart-melting words will inevitably get all the love.
I truly loved this book. It's full of action and romance. And, um, skeletons. Does it get more unique than that? Throw in a mystical lake that I'm still not certain isn't alive and evil, and well, I'm hooked.
Is it perfect? No. I could point out a few stray commas here and there, or some run-on sentences. As a reader, does it matter? Not at all. Because there's something that Angela does better than some of the most well edited authors out there. She tells a good story. She understands the elements that make outstanding fiction and she executes each of them flawlessly. She sucks you in, and once you're in, you're in. There's no escaping her writerly clutches until you reached The End.
And when it was over, I was sad. I wanted more. I know a sequel is in the works, so I'll have to wait a few months. Highly recommend to lovers of the paranormal romance genre and for anyone looking for a fresh mythos.
December 21, 2011
All the reviews I read made me want to read this book. I was so excited when I received my copy and couldn't wait to read it.
From the first chapter, I was completely lost. I had no clue what was being said. Maybe this was deliberate since Marlow was "drowning". So, I kept reading. The story began to work itself out over the next few chapters and I could see it more clearly.
The characters were not very deep. Even though the story was told through the eyes of Marlow, I just couldn't get into her, deep into her, to really feel any emotion towards her. Each character presented only provided more complication to the reader's ability to keep them straight. There was nothing discerning about the characters, nothing that made them want to be loved (or hated) by you. There were hints, don't get me wrong. But there was nothing that went deeper. I felt as I was reading this, it was just being "told" to me.
The story has a great premise, overall. Although the book is an easy read and the chapters are short, I just couldn't finish reading. I wanted to finish. I tried. But with the amount of grammatical errors, typos, cliches, and "telling, not showing", I just couldn't manage to finish. I got to Chapter 42. Maybe I will, one day, plow through the rest just so I know what happens.
Even though it's a self-pubbed book, with a little work and a couple more revisions it could have been a great read! I just feel it wasn't ready.
From the first chapter, I was completely lost. I had no clue what was being said. Maybe this was deliberate since Marlow was "drowning". So, I kept reading. The story began to work itself out over the next few chapters and I could see it more clearly.
The characters were not very deep. Even though the story was told through the eyes of Marlow, I just couldn't get into her, deep into her, to really feel any emotion towards her. Each character presented only provided more complication to the reader's ability to keep them straight. There was nothing discerning about the characters, nothing that made them want to be loved (or hated) by you. There were hints, don't get me wrong. But there was nothing that went deeper. I felt as I was reading this, it was just being "told" to me.
The story has a great premise, overall. Although the book is an easy read and the chapters are short, I just couldn't finish reading. I wanted to finish. I tried. But with the amount of grammatical errors, typos, cliches, and "telling, not showing", I just couldn't manage to finish. I got to Chapter 42. Maybe I will, one day, plow through the rest just so I know what happens.
Even though it's a self-pubbed book, with a little work and a couple more revisions it could have been a great read! I just feel it wasn't ready.
October 30, 2013
I got his book from the author, free of cost, in exchange of an honest review from my side.
Firstly I would like to thank Angela Kulig, author of The Skeleton Lake, for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this fabulous book.
Wow! This is an awesome-sauce story and I fell in love with the total concept on Skeletons. The heroine Marlow is a skeleton, Can you believe it guys? Well I felt the same when I read this book and enjoyed every bit of it.
It is a real page-turner and I completed it in one go. There is mystery that killed me in anticipation and the suspense sent chills down my spine. Some of the scary scenes really scared the hell out of me. The characters are developed and fully flourished and we get to see the different aspects of them. The projection of the emotional whirlwind through which the characters went was perfect and it drew me in instantly and connected me to the plot as well. The writing style is great and comfy yet enriched with the use of skilled words. I liked the action scenes very much and the unexpected twists really made the read intriguing. Over all a great and must read for ya all. Enjoy!!!
Firstly I would like to thank Angela Kulig, author of The Skeleton Lake, for giving me this opportunity of reading and reviewing this fabulous book.
Wow! This is an awesome-sauce story and I fell in love with the total concept on Skeletons. The heroine Marlow is a skeleton, Can you believe it guys? Well I felt the same when I read this book and enjoyed every bit of it.
It is a real page-turner and I completed it in one go. There is mystery that killed me in anticipation and the suspense sent chills down my spine. Some of the scary scenes really scared the hell out of me. The characters are developed and fully flourished and we get to see the different aspects of them. The projection of the emotional whirlwind through which the characters went was perfect and it drew me in instantly and connected me to the plot as well. The writing style is great and comfy yet enriched with the use of skilled words. I liked the action scenes very much and the unexpected twists really made the read intriguing. Over all a great and must read for ya all. Enjoy!!!
April 7, 2012
I really wanted to like this book, but it is one of the worst books I have ever read. While the concept was truly unique and had a lot of potential, the story was chaotic and made no sense whatsoever.
I'm already put off after reading the first chapter. I don't know from personal experience, of course, but you can't just drown by throwing yourself into the water. There's a reason why you weigh yourself down because you float and you have a natural instinct to save yourself when you begin running out of air. Your body just automatically stuggles to survive so you can't just jump in and wait until you lose consciousness. Right?
Like I said, the concept of skeletons had a lot of potential, but I never truly understood the concept. Kulig tried to explain, but the explanations were first of all dragged out with "I'll tell you everything later" and they were scattered throughout the book without really connecting as a whole. The were so many holes, and I still can't grasp the concept if they're born or made, how they came to be, what they truly are and what their purpose is.
And about the romance. I'm one of those girls who has to have romance in the book and can really wrapped into the relationships. In this book, however, I felt that Kulig focused way too much on the love triangle than the actual story. And when it came to the love triangle, I felt everything was rushed, and it was as chaotic as the rest of the book and I felt like I was watching a ping pong match. It wouldn't have been a problem except that Marlow just loved both guys without rhyme or reason. I understand the concept of soulmates and everything, but the relationships was very surface deep on the feelings part and she just all of sudden kissed them and you're left thinking what the heck? And that the end, when she finally does decide, it's like she totally dismissed him as a brother so easily like she hadn't spent all this time creating a lot of tension.
I could not STAND Marlow. I felt she was always dumb creating a bunch of senseless drama. Yes, some may argue it was because of Cassie, but Marlow had such strong feelings and accepted them easily. But not only that, I hated how she's such a weak character. I always love a guy who can defend and protect me, but she was always getting into trouble and she never fought back. And she was always feeling sick or throwing up. I understand she's going through some unbelievable things, and I wouldn't be so mad about it if the whole thing hadn't been so contradicting - as in how easily she accepted her feelings with Raiden and Conrad, but how helpless she was with the actual theory of what she is now.
I don't know, this whole book was so chaotic and confusing (not in the I don't understand way but in the this doesn't make sense way), that I just found myself actually really disliking the book.
I'm already put off after reading the first chapter. I don't know from personal experience, of course, but you can't just drown by throwing yourself into the water. There's a reason why you weigh yourself down because you float and you have a natural instinct to save yourself when you begin running out of air. Your body just automatically stuggles to survive so you can't just jump in and wait until you lose consciousness. Right?
Like I said, the concept of skeletons had a lot of potential, but I never truly understood the concept. Kulig tried to explain, but the explanations were first of all dragged out with "I'll tell you everything later" and they were scattered throughout the book without really connecting as a whole. The were so many holes, and I still can't grasp the concept if they're born or made, how they came to be, what they truly are and what their purpose is.
And about the romance. I'm one of those girls who has to have romance in the book and can really wrapped into the relationships. In this book, however, I felt that Kulig focused way too much on the love triangle than the actual story. And when it came to the love triangle, I felt everything was rushed, and it was as chaotic as the rest of the book and I felt like I was watching a ping pong match. It wouldn't have been a problem except that Marlow just loved both guys without rhyme or reason. I understand the concept of soulmates and everything, but the relationships was very surface deep on the feelings part and she just all of sudden kissed them and you're left thinking what the heck? And that the end, when she finally does decide, it's like she totally dismissed him as a brother so easily like she hadn't spent all this time creating a lot of tension.
I could not STAND Marlow. I felt she was always dumb creating a bunch of senseless drama. Yes, some may argue it was because of Cassie, but Marlow had such strong feelings and accepted them easily. But not only that, I hated how she's such a weak character. I always love a guy who can defend and protect me, but she was always getting into trouble and she never fought back. And she was always feeling sick or throwing up. I understand she's going through some unbelievable things, and I wouldn't be so mad about it if the whole thing hadn't been so contradicting - as in how easily she accepted her feelings with Raiden and Conrad, but how helpless she was with the actual theory of what she is now.
I don't know, this whole book was so chaotic and confusing (not in the I don't understand way but in the this doesn't make sense way), that I just found myself actually really disliking the book.
May 19, 2013
“Skeleton Lake” is wonderfully original.
It’s seems harder and harder to find a story that will capture your attention but still be new and invigorating. Kulig manages to do this with her beautiful prose and creative storytelling about skeletons.
The story is told in the first person from Marlow’s point of view and it moves very quickly. However at points it does move to swiftly leaving you to piece together key points that would have made the story more coherent if explained better.
As for the characters Marlow is inexperienced and trying hard to understand the world she has been thrust into while Raiden wants to do anything he can to protect her. Since there is always one bad seed this would be Conrad who is full of angst but as his tale unfolds it becomes easy to root for him as the underdog. While they are all vibrant, rich and full of life (or not) none are as important as the lake which is full of magic and mystical powers and ultimately holds truths of its own.
Too many books have over used love triangles, insta-love and soul mates which this book offers up as well. Yet the unique twist that the author put on these concepts definitely gives it an edge making it once again somewhat unique and original.
The weak point of this book is the shallow plot which doesn’t hold enough attention to the things that go bump in the night however there is enough strength in the love story to draw you into the next chapter of the saga with the novella “Skeleton Song” and then “Dust of the Dead Sea”.
It’s seems harder and harder to find a story that will capture your attention but still be new and invigorating. Kulig manages to do this with her beautiful prose and creative storytelling about skeletons.
The story is told in the first person from Marlow’s point of view and it moves very quickly. However at points it does move to swiftly leaving you to piece together key points that would have made the story more coherent if explained better.
As for the characters Marlow is inexperienced and trying hard to understand the world she has been thrust into while Raiden wants to do anything he can to protect her. Since there is always one bad seed this would be Conrad who is full of angst but as his tale unfolds it becomes easy to root for him as the underdog. While they are all vibrant, rich and full of life (or not) none are as important as the lake which is full of magic and mystical powers and ultimately holds truths of its own.
Too many books have over used love triangles, insta-love and soul mates which this book offers up as well. Yet the unique twist that the author put on these concepts definitely gives it an edge making it once again somewhat unique and original.
The weak point of this book is the shallow plot which doesn’t hold enough attention to the things that go bump in the night however there is enough strength in the love story to draw you into the next chapter of the saga with the novella “Skeleton Song” and then “Dust of the Dead Sea”.
August 10, 2016
Skeleton Lake grips you in it's bony embrace and doesn't let you go. When Marlow gets the shock of her life (so far), she runs away and ends up in Skeleton Lake. She is found by Raiden and given a new gift and new love. Can Marlow choose the right path or will she end up finishing what she started the night she came to Skeleton Lake?
Skeleton Lake is a story that is fresh and unique. The characters were well-developed and you learned their back stories as the events unfolded. I read Skeleton Lake in one sitting and I really appreciated the new mythos created - it was unlike anything I'd read before. With just a few words, the world and characters of Skeleton Lake were painted into vivid life. Ms. Kulig has a way with words that is poetic and enchanting. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in this ever-evolving world.
Skeleton Lake Series: Skeleton Lake (1), Dust of the Dead Sea (2), The Skeleton Song (Novella)
Skeleton Lake is a story that is fresh and unique. The characters were well-developed and you learned their back stories as the events unfolded. I read Skeleton Lake in one sitting and I really appreciated the new mythos created - it was unlike anything I'd read before. With just a few words, the world and characters of Skeleton Lake were painted into vivid life. Ms. Kulig has a way with words that is poetic and enchanting. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in this ever-evolving world.
Skeleton Lake Series: Skeleton Lake (1), Dust of the Dead Sea (2), The Skeleton Song (Novella)
May 25, 2015
I was immediately drawn into Kulig's Skeleton Lake from the start. Her descriptions are vivid, her narrative voice lilting. It's always exciting to come across a paranormal premise for a story I've not yet read, so the idea of skeletons had me from the start. And I have to admit, I'm drawn to this cover. The gothic feel of the tones, subject, and font are all very pleasing to the eye. I loved Marlow and Raiden's connection and the idea of being so connected with another soul. I can't wait to continue this series and see where it leads.
November 15, 2011
Fantastic book! Wonderful idea.
I was hooked immediately and couldn't put the 600 page book down! And the pages flew by. Once I was done, I immediately contacted the author and asked when the next one was coming out.
The descriptions were well done and allowed me to believe I was standing by Skeleton Lake. I could almost feel my clothes being absorbed from my body.
The relationships were angst filled which to me, is extremely important in YA.
If you haven't yet, you have to check this book out.
I was hooked immediately and couldn't put the 600 page book down! And the pages flew by. Once I was done, I immediately contacted the author and asked when the next one was coming out.
The descriptions were well done and allowed me to believe I was standing by Skeleton Lake. I could almost feel my clothes being absorbed from my body.
The relationships were angst filled which to me, is extremely important in YA.
If you haven't yet, you have to check this book out.
August 24, 2014
Loved it!
Such a unique spin on the paranormal genre. Dude they are skeletons!! I mean how awesome is that right?!
I find I would have liked a little more background info on the characters but it doesn't really matter you get so caught up in the story and get lost in this world of soul mates and skeletons.
I really hope there is going to be more books in this series, this is a world I could get lost in again and again.
Such a unique spin on the paranormal genre. Dude they are skeletons!! I mean how awesome is that right?!
I find I would have liked a little more background info on the characters but it doesn't really matter you get so caught up in the story and get lost in this world of soul mates and skeletons.
I really hope there is going to be more books in this series, this is a world I could get lost in again and again.
September 11, 2016
OMG! I can't praise this enough. Hopefully my future review will suffice. I want everyone to pick up a copy! It's full of awesomeness!
February 9, 2018
When Marlow shows up unexpectedly at a party and discovers that her boyfriend and best friend are a couple, she’s distraught. When she realizes everyone already knew this but her, she is publicly humiliated and runs away, hysterical and hopeless, thinking to end it all in the lake. The next thing she knows she wakes up, being taken care of, in the bed of Raiden Mast, a boy from her school. She’s surprised and confused but even more so when Raiden tells her “Last night you ... died.” And thus begins this highly imaginative and addictive story of the “Skeletons” of Skeleton Lake, the “Hollows,” and the “Fleshies.”
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
The Skeletons are former humans (Fleshies.) As children they had been sick and brought to Skeleton Lake where they are freed from their incurable bodies in the waters of the lake. To everyone else, they still look, act, and age like a human but they depend on the special water of the lake to heal their flesh-like coverings, their colorful glowing bones underneath, and maintain their strength. They mingle with the locals, go to school, shop, whatever, yet still pretty much keep to themselves living around the lake (which to human eyes appears to be a giant cornfield.) Skeletons only possess one half of a soul: sharing it with their intended life companion. If a Skeleton couple has a child, it will not have a soul such as their parents and are known as “Hollows” and seen as inferior. When a Skeleton dies, their half of the soul goes to a “replacement.” Marlow is the replacement for Cassie, the Skeleton girl who committed suicide when she became entangled with the “Hollow” Conrad, the brother of her intended, Raiden.
Just as Marlow is beginning to understand her new life and her feelings for Raiden and Conrad while keeping her parents in the dark, unexpected danger from outside arrives. Hollows from a distant community try to kidnap the young women of Skeleton Lake to take them back to their leader for breeding purposes.The story is complicated and fascinating and just the beginning of this exciting, and totally different, series. This is recommended for readers that enjoy young adult, paranormal, and horror genres.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader copy of this book.
January 15, 2022
An eerie kind of normal…
A party gone horribly wrong, a dip in a lake that isn’t there, and Marlow is thrust into a world that shouldn’t exist. To the “fleshies” she is still the same girl as before but they can’t see her like she really is. Marlow should be screaming in terror but somehow this new body feels right. Living in both worlds is tricky but being with Raiden completes her.
What an imagination! Angela Kulig creates a new kind of paranormal that is as creepy as it is thrilling! This is the “striking new extended tenth-anniversary edition” of this book and this retelling is stunning. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout but my review is honest and voluntary.
A party gone horribly wrong, a dip in a lake that isn’t there, and Marlow is thrust into a world that shouldn’t exist. To the “fleshies” she is still the same girl as before but they can’t see her like she really is. Marlow should be screaming in terror but somehow this new body feels right. Living in both worlds is tricky but being with Raiden completes her.
What an imagination! Angela Kulig creates a new kind of paranormal that is as creepy as it is thrilling! This is the “striking new extended tenth-anniversary edition” of this book and this retelling is stunning. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout but my review is honest and voluntary.
February 1, 2022
Skeleton Lake is the first book in The Hollows series by Angela Kulig.
Marlow is a teenage girl and the story begins with her death. Her hometown isn’t what it appeared to be when she was alive. She must learn about her new world while keeping up appearances in her old life.
This isn’t a genre I usually read, but I was pulled in. This was a whole new world and I found myself worrying about what would happen to these already dead characters. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I want to thank the author and Booksprout for the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Marlow is a teenage girl and the story begins with her death. Her hometown isn’t what it appeared to be when she was alive. She must learn about her new world while keeping up appearances in her old life.
This isn’t a genre I usually read, but I was pulled in. This was a whole new world and I found myself worrying about what would happen to these already dead characters. I can’t wait to read the next book!
I want to thank the author and Booksprout for the ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
October 9, 2018
Skeleton Lake!
Amazingly written, and so unique. This book has quickly become another favorite, and I can't wait to buy the next one!
These characters, the skeletons, and even the hollows, are nothing I could have ever imagined. I kept panicking, the closer I got to the ending--I didn't want it to end.
The close group or family and friends is real, you feel their pain, their loss, their love for one another and the circumstances in which they live.
This is a must-read book, and I can't wait to read the next! 5 stars!
Amazingly written, and so unique. This book has quickly become another favorite, and I can't wait to buy the next one!
These characters, the skeletons, and even the hollows, are nothing I could have ever imagined. I kept panicking, the closer I got to the ending--I didn't want it to end.
The close group or family and friends is real, you feel their pain, their loss, their love for one another and the circumstances in which they live.
This is a must-read book, and I can't wait to read the next! 5 stars!
February 4, 2022
Skeleton Lake by Angela Kulig is Book 1 in The Hollows series. A well written adventure with an intriguing storyline, world of living skeletons and a mystical lake. The characters are well written and interesting. Marlow, MFC, is a teenage girl that is dead who must figure out what happens next. Her town was weird while she was alive and now that she is dead even more so. You are drawn into the story and kept turning pages to the end. Looking forward to the next in series. Received an ARC from StoryOrigin and this is my voluntary review.
September 14, 2022
I got this book from a free reading list i follow (FreeBooksy), and I’m not sure that I am getting the final version (since it’s free and all). I say this because the first twenty chapters are good, then the confusion and errors begin. I was very bothered by how unclear some of it was (who was speaking, etc), and grammar mistakes. It was an alrighty story, gave me twilight vibes. Not interested in continuing the series.
February 3, 2022
I loved the characters. They felt real, and well rounded. However, the overall story and writing weren't really my thing. I can, however, see why people would enjoy it. It's entertaining and you can't help, but to love the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2022
Good story with some regrettable characters
The tale itself was intriguing and I wish there had been more depth to it. The main character was not incredibly likable and behaved oddly at times without explanation. This had the potential to be an incredible story but it lacked depth and fullness for me.
The tale itself was intriguing and I wish there had been more depth to it. The main character was not incredibly likable and behaved oddly at times without explanation. This had the potential to be an incredible story but it lacked depth and fullness for me.
October 24, 2022
Potential
The story had potential. The writing needs to be edited. It would have been better if the story was more fleshed out. Ended too abruptly. The live triangle was the focus but then dropped out of the story. It was almost like the author gave up on the book but was required to write it.
The story had potential. The writing needs to be edited. It would have been better if the story was more fleshed out. Ended too abruptly. The live triangle was the focus but then dropped out of the story. It was almost like the author gave up on the book but was required to write it.
October 29, 2024
I really wanted to like this more.
This was a good concept. Living skeletons among us. I wished there was a little more substance to it. There are several scenes that seemed to be the same. They start kissing. They get interrupted. I am still no completely clear as to why they came into being. Or how the soul mate system worked.
This was a good concept. Living skeletons among us. I wished there was a little more substance to it. There are several scenes that seemed to be the same. They start kissing. They get interrupted. I am still no completely clear as to why they came into being. Or how the soul mate system worked.
March 2, 2017
I adored the beginning of this book! I loved the early descriptions of Raiden, and the flashbacks of Marlow trying to remember him from school (and I love his name!) I loved the desolation of Marlow as she attempted to commit suicide and was rescued, only to have her world turned upside down as she was told that she was now a skeleton. And I loved that the author attempted to create an entirely new supernatural creature for once. Everything out there right now is vampires, and werewolves, and dragon shifters. But that in itself creates the problem of having to create new rules, which quite a few of them contradicted each other (like if only Lake water reveals the skeletons underneath, how were we able to see the Hollow’s skeletons without any Lake water? And honestly, I didn’t see just why the Hollows were so much different from the regular skeletons since they both appeared as skeletons (honestly, I wasn’t getting a good mental image of the Hollows and then when I realized they looked like regular humans, it didn’t seem right fighting them and even trying to kill them). After a while, I realized there actually wasn’t too much special about the skeletons themselves. I mean, they jump into the lake, get brought back from the dead and we can see their skeletons with the lake water, and they automatically have a soulmate (which here just seems like lazy way of giving Marlow a true boyfriend, rather than have her fall in love), and it’s hard to break their bones once they’re skeletons. But beyond that, they’re like normal teenagers and humans. They look human, they still age normally, they don’t have any super strength or abilities, they still have all the emotions and then some of normal humans, and they can still be killed by all of the usual methods. This piece isn’t absent of typos. I was finding them every couple of pages. And then there’s the larger problem of Marlow is a major waterworks. She cries at the drop of a hat and she is beyond over-emotional, even for a teenager. In fact, most of the kids seemed more like 13 year olds rather than late teens. I think I had the largest problem that the kids didn’t seem to have anything in their lives other than obsessing about their dramas with each other (and swimming in the Lake), they didn’t even seem all that worried about the Hollows in comparison to being with their partner. And I got all the parents confused. They didn’t really seem all that differentiated from each other, especially the women, other than their names. In all, though I do like Raiden, I probably won’t be continuing on with the series.
February 2, 2022
This was a new-to-me author so I went in blind. I was pleased by what I discovered. This book has a good storyline and some good characters. It does leave off on a cliffhanger so be aware of that going in.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2022
Allow a full day for this macabre PG15 contemporary paranormal high school love triangle involving Skeleton Lake set in the cornfields of Iowa.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2022
Slow and tedious
I will not be reading and more books in the series. What a boring book! The female protagonist comes across as stupid. You obviously loved the Twilight saga and tried to write your own. I'm afraid you failed at it.
I will not be reading and more books in the series. What a boring book! The female protagonist comes across as stupid. You obviously loved the Twilight saga and tried to write your own. I'm afraid you failed at it.
September 21, 2022
I'm not sure how I feel about this.... I wanted to keep reading because the story line was... good in the very beginning but the ending was super abrupt and the typos and other general errors drove me insane. Not sure if I will finish the rest of the series.
September 30, 2022
This book was riddled with so many typos and sentences that were grammatically incorrect that it made it impossible to enjoy. It’s very distracting to go back and reread sentences to make sense of them because they were either written incorrectly or not corrected with an editor.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews