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Hollow
Don’t Let the Forest In meets The Whispering Dark in a queer YA cult horror following a recently diagnosed autistic teen who becomes enmeshed in a community of outcasts harboring sinister secrets.
“One of the best horror novels of the year, full stop. Haunting, heartfelt, and downright creepy.” —Kamilah Cole, bestselling author of So Let Them Burn
After a meltdown in her school cafeteria prompts an unwanted autism diagnosis, Cassie Davis moves back to her hometown in upstate New York, where her mom hopes the familiarity will allow Cassie to feel normal again. Cassie’s never truly felt normal anywhere, but she does crave the ease she used to have with her old friends.
Problem is that her friends aren’t so eager to welcome her back into the fold. They extend an olive branch by inviting her on their backpacking trip to Hollow Ridge, in the upper reaches of the Adirondacks. But when a fight breaks out their first night, Cassie wakes to a barren campsite—her friends all gone.
With severe weather approaching and nearing sensory overload, Cassie is saved by a boy named Kaleb, who whisks her away to a compound of artists and outcasts he calls the Roost. As Kaleb tends to her injuries, Cassie begins to feel—for the first time in her life—that she can truly be herself. But as the days pass, strange happenings around the Roost make Cassie question her instincts. Noises in the trees grow louder, begging the question: Are the dangers in the forest, on the trail, or in the Roost itself?
In a world where autistic characters rarely get to be the hero of their own stories, Cassie Davis’s one-step-back, two-steps-forward journey to unmasking makes Hollow as much a love letter to neurodiversity as it is a haunting tale you’ll want to read with the lights on.
Read if You Love:
-Don’t Go in the Woods
-Deadly Road Trips
-CottageGORE
-Malevolent Masks
-Cults
-Nerd-core
-Wound-tending
-First Love
“One of the best horror novels of the year, full stop. Haunting, heartfelt, and downright creepy.” —Kamilah Cole, bestselling author of So Let Them Burn
After a meltdown in her school cafeteria prompts an unwanted autism diagnosis, Cassie Davis moves back to her hometown in upstate New York, where her mom hopes the familiarity will allow Cassie to feel normal again. Cassie’s never truly felt normal anywhere, but she does crave the ease she used to have with her old friends.
Problem is that her friends aren’t so eager to welcome her back into the fold. They extend an olive branch by inviting her on their backpacking trip to Hollow Ridge, in the upper reaches of the Adirondacks. But when a fight breaks out their first night, Cassie wakes to a barren campsite—her friends all gone.
With severe weather approaching and nearing sensory overload, Cassie is saved by a boy named Kaleb, who whisks her away to a compound of artists and outcasts he calls the Roost. As Kaleb tends to her injuries, Cassie begins to feel—for the first time in her life—that she can truly be herself. But as the days pass, strange happenings around the Roost make Cassie question her instincts. Noises in the trees grow louder, begging the question: Are the dangers in the forest, on the trail, or in the Roost itself?
In a world where autistic characters rarely get to be the hero of their own stories, Cassie Davis’s one-step-back, two-steps-forward journey to unmasking makes Hollow as much a love letter to neurodiversity as it is a haunting tale you’ll want to read with the lights on.
Read if You Love:
-Don’t Go in the Woods
-Deadly Road Trips
-CottageGORE
-Malevolent Masks
-Cults
-Nerd-core
-Wound-tending
-First Love
352 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2025
52 people are currently reading
9982 people want to read
About the author
Taylor Grothe
5 books187 followersTaylor is a writer of adult and young adult horror, horror romance, and dark fantasy. They hold a nonfiction MFA from Fairfield University, acted as the graduate Assistant Managing Editor of Brevity, and their short works can be found in esteemed publications such as Brevity’s craft blog, Haven Speculative, and Shortwave Magazine. They are a scholar of medieval literature and Nordic Saga. Taylor lives with three cats, two kids, and their spouse, in SW Connecticut.
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April 29, 2025"Wickedly creepy and unexpectedly tender—Hollow is a fresh spin on cult horror tropes, complete with a beating heart. Cassie’s journey is a fierce, fearless love letter to neurodivergent identity, queer belonging, and finding your people in the unlikeliest of places. As the parent of an AuDHD child, I saw my kid in Cassie—her strength, her struggles, her unique light. This book doesn’t just represent us; it understands us.”
Review and rating soon!
Review and rating soon!
February 12, 2025
Hollow
Author: Taylor Grothe
You might need to walk into the forest and have a break with some tea if you like YA horror, eerie forest vibes, wound tending, autism/anxiety and trichotillomania reps, crows everywhere, morally grey… community?
An absolutely incredible thank you to Taylor for letting me read a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. I am shook.
I think it’s safe to say I’ve been slowly falling into obsession for this book over the last little bit even before I got the chance to read it and now that I’ve read it, the obsession is solidified. When Taylor describes the vibes for Hollow as a mix between an eerie forest horror like Don’t Let the Forest In and Midsommer, she’s really on point, the vibes are right there and I fully ate it up. I’m already planning it’s perfect spot on the shelf with all my other eerie forest books.
Before we go any further in this review it’s important to note that I have a fear of puppets and this book had me glued to the pages still. Those suckers are creepy AF and no one can tell me otherwise. There is warning, as one of the tropes is in fact life size puppets but that didn’t stop me from losing it multiple times over these things. I’m fine. It’s fine. In fact, this book doesn’t hit really scary vibes, deliciously eerie vibes? ABSOLUTELY. But you could stick a puppet in a romance book and I’m going to be terrified.
There were a lot of moments in this book that hit hard. I think a lot of us have lived our lives with different social fears and expectations we’ve put on ourselves to be a certain way even when it was hard on us. Hollow brought out in the open some of even my own biggest fears as a teenager, one of them being a big piece of the book- being left somewhere by my friends. Sometimes seeing things like this in a book reminds me that I’m not necessarily alone in these thoughts and I love that Taylor was able to create a book that had so many pieces outside of just a forest horror element.
The entire atmosphere of this book is eerie and you can sense there’s something building up behind the scenes that you can’t quite put your finger on. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop and devoured it the first day of my vacation and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.
Author: Taylor Grothe
You might need to walk into the forest and have a break with some tea if you like YA horror, eerie forest vibes, wound tending, autism/anxiety and trichotillomania reps, crows everywhere, morally grey… community?
An absolutely incredible thank you to Taylor for letting me read a copy of this in exchange for an honest review. I am shook.
I think it’s safe to say I’ve been slowly falling into obsession for this book over the last little bit even before I got the chance to read it and now that I’ve read it, the obsession is solidified. When Taylor describes the vibes for Hollow as a mix between an eerie forest horror like Don’t Let the Forest In and Midsommer, she’s really on point, the vibes are right there and I fully ate it up. I’m already planning it’s perfect spot on the shelf with all my other eerie forest books.
Before we go any further in this review it’s important to note that I have a fear of puppets and this book had me glued to the pages still. Those suckers are creepy AF and no one can tell me otherwise. There is warning, as one of the tropes is in fact life size puppets but that didn’t stop me from losing it multiple times over these things. I’m fine. It’s fine. In fact, this book doesn’t hit really scary vibes, deliciously eerie vibes? ABSOLUTELY. But you could stick a puppet in a romance book and I’m going to be terrified.
There were a lot of moments in this book that hit hard. I think a lot of us have lived our lives with different social fears and expectations we’ve put on ourselves to be a certain way even when it was hard on us. Hollow brought out in the open some of even my own biggest fears as a teenager, one of them being a big piece of the book- being left somewhere by my friends. Sometimes seeing things like this in a book reminds me that I’m not necessarily alone in these thoughts and I love that Taylor was able to create a book that had so many pieces outside of just a forest horror element.
The entire atmosphere of this book is eerie and you can sense there’s something building up behind the scenes that you can’t quite put your finger on. Once I started reading I couldn’t stop and devoured it the first day of my vacation and haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since.
September 30, 2025
Thanks to Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for the pre-release copy of Taylor Grothe's Hollow. Below is my honest review.
Taylor Grothe's Hollow was their debut YA horror novel, and boy did it deliver hard! You jump right into the story, with neurodivergent Cassie returning to her hometown after leaving four years prior. While she was gone, she fell off the grid and didn't keep up with her old friends, mostly because she was struggling with new diagnoses and her parents' divorce. So stumbling upon said friends, including the girl she had feelings for before leaving, definitely was an awkward situation. As they try to rebuild something, a group camping trip takes a massive turn and the group is split, shoving Cassie into a cultish community living out in the wilderness, The Roost. From there, the story pushes darker and darker, as Cassie tries to balance who she is with who she wants to be and how she wants to relate to other people... and her friends are all in danger, lost in the woods.
1- I love books with cults, even if they're just intentional communities with cult-ish similarities.
2- I loved the neurodivergency rep.
3- I loved the LGBTQ+ rep (but I will note that stopping in the middle of chase scene to ask what pronouns to use was a little awkward).
4- I loved the buildup to a grande finale. It was top notch.
5- Some of the twists aren't as surprising, but how they're revealed is still fantastic.
I'll definitely read more from Taylor Grothe, especially since I've seen they have at least two more novels coming in the next few years.
Highly recommended for YA fans, horror fans of all ages, and people who just like a good page-turner.
Taylor Grothe's Hollow was their debut YA horror novel, and boy did it deliver hard! You jump right into the story, with neurodivergent Cassie returning to her hometown after leaving four years prior. While she was gone, she fell off the grid and didn't keep up with her old friends, mostly because she was struggling with new diagnoses and her parents' divorce. So stumbling upon said friends, including the girl she had feelings for before leaving, definitely was an awkward situation. As they try to rebuild something, a group camping trip takes a massive turn and the group is split, shoving Cassie into a cultish community living out in the wilderness, The Roost. From there, the story pushes darker and darker, as Cassie tries to balance who she is with who she wants to be and how she wants to relate to other people... and her friends are all in danger, lost in the woods.
1- I love books with cults, even if they're just intentional communities with cult-ish similarities.
2- I loved the neurodivergency rep.
3- I loved the LGBTQ+ rep (but I will note that stopping in the middle of chase scene to ask what pronouns to use was a little awkward).
4- I loved the buildup to a grande finale. It was top notch.
5- Some of the twists aren't as surprising, but how they're revealed is still fantastic.
I'll definitely read more from Taylor Grothe, especially since I've seen they have at least two more novels coming in the next few years.
Highly recommended for YA fans, horror fans of all ages, and people who just like a good page-turner.
October 25, 2025
‧₊˚ ݁⊹ ݁᭪ hollow by taylor grothe .ᐟ
˖ 3.5 stars
୭ ˚ ˗ˏˋ started 22.10.25
finished 25.10.25 ˎˊ˗
⊹ ࣪ ˖ ໒🦌 𓂃⊹ ❝you should be careful, out here in this forest. we think we keep the darkness at bay, but we don't. we just play pretend. it's all an act.❞
˖ 3.5 stars
୭ ˚ ˗ˏˋ started 22.10.25
finished 25.10.25 ˎˊ˗
⊹ ࣪ ˖ ໒🦌 𓂃⊹ ❝you should be careful, out here in this forest. we think we keep the darkness at bay, but we don't. we just play pretend. it's all an act.❞
November 23, 2025
thank you to peachtree teen and walker books groups for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
it’s been over a month since i’ve finished hollow and i’ve genuinely thought about this book at least once a day. 2025 has unexpectedly been a year where i’ve learned to love the horror genre and grothe’s book is easily included in that statement.
in hollow, we’re following cassie as she moves back to her childhood home town after four years living in nyc. she’s trying to rekindle her past friendships and decides to go hiking with her friends to mend her relationships with them. but unfortunately a major storm hits them and she is thrown apart from her friend group. she finds an artist’s commune in the forest where she finds shelter and tries to find her friends.
this story was gripping from the very beginning from me. cassie is an autistic protagonist, essentially relearning how to be human after a traumatic event at her school in the city. she uses this commune to learn how to re-express herself but soon learns that this place is not the shining glory she once thought was. and it was truly eerie reading through the experience she had in this commune. it’s a slow build but eventually one creepy thing after another piles up and it’s just deeply disturbing to find out what’s going on in the forest. this book is pitched in tandem to don’t let the forest in and i can completely see why. like that, this story is almost gothic feeling with its’ atmosphere. not only do we have the horrors of the compound that she’s stumbled upon but even the forest feels alive. we slowly depreciate alongside cassie, unable to trust what’s reality and what’s imagination.
it’s spine-chilling and led to me reading it in (basically) one sitting. just like cassie, one second you’ll think you know what happening and then grothe will pull the rug out from underneath you. the twists in this book were so well done. overall, hollow is an incredible and deeply disturbing botanical horror. i can’t wait to see what’s next in their repertoire.
it’s been over a month since i’ve finished hollow and i’ve genuinely thought about this book at least once a day. 2025 has unexpectedly been a year where i’ve learned to love the horror genre and grothe’s book is easily included in that statement.
in hollow, we’re following cassie as she moves back to her childhood home town after four years living in nyc. she’s trying to rekindle her past friendships and decides to go hiking with her friends to mend her relationships with them. but unfortunately a major storm hits them and she is thrown apart from her friend group. she finds an artist’s commune in the forest where she finds shelter and tries to find her friends.
this story was gripping from the very beginning from me. cassie is an autistic protagonist, essentially relearning how to be human after a traumatic event at her school in the city. she uses this commune to learn how to re-express herself but soon learns that this place is not the shining glory she once thought was. and it was truly eerie reading through the experience she had in this commune. it’s a slow build but eventually one creepy thing after another piles up and it’s just deeply disturbing to find out what’s going on in the forest. this book is pitched in tandem to don’t let the forest in and i can completely see why. like that, this story is almost gothic feeling with its’ atmosphere. not only do we have the horrors of the compound that she’s stumbled upon but even the forest feels alive. we slowly depreciate alongside cassie, unable to trust what’s reality and what’s imagination.
it’s spine-chilling and led to me reading it in (basically) one sitting. just like cassie, one second you’ll think you know what happening and then grothe will pull the rug out from underneath you. the twists in this book were so well done. overall, hollow is an incredible and deeply disturbing botanical horror. i can’t wait to see what’s next in their repertoire.
August 13, 2025
This book is such a refreshing, wonderful experience for me as an ND woman. I want to show it to friends and family who don't fully understand what it is to be autistic and say "this is it, this is like my experience." It's so good to see an autistic character in the main role of the story and to see her work through a crazy, creepy experience.
I was locked into the story from the start and the later half of the book had my head spinning. It left me on the edge of my seat straight through to the very last sentence. Plus I'm here for any book based or inspired by the Catskills.
I was locked into the story from the start and the later half of the book had my head spinning. It left me on the edge of my seat straight through to the very last sentence. Plus I'm here for any book based or inspired by the Catskills.
December 11, 2025
↠ 3.75 stars, rounded up ⭐️
If you love a folky cult horror that takes place in the woods, then look no further. Fans of Midsommar will eat this up. But if you have a fear of puppets or dolls, buckle up—because Hollow is full of them.
Hollow is full of suspense, mystery, and anxious uncertainty. The atmosphere of the entire story is downright eerie and unsettling, and Taylor’s prose perfectly captures this. The reader knows something isn’t right, but you can’t really put your finger on it. It felt very uncanny valley, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, trying to find the cracks in the facade. And Cassie was so heartbreakingly relatable.
I think my favorite thing about this book is the representation we see—autism, pan- and bisexuality , non-binary, anxiety, and trichotillomania. And while I’m relatively™ neurotypical (read: no official diagnoses), I think the author did a great job with the autism rep. I think a lot of autistic young adults will feel seen in this story, and it also provides insight of the autistic or neurodivergent experience to those who might not understand. Much of it centered around the concept of masking, or having to put on a performance or play certain roles in life—hiding parts of yourself. And while that was specific to autism here, I related very heavily to this theme throughout the story, and I think other people will too.
The story and build up to the grand reveal was great. However, I did struggle a bit with the ending. Ultimately, the hunch I had the whole time was confirmed, which is fine, because the author planted perfect little seeds for the reader to pick up on throughout the story. However, there were quite a few loose ends that were never fully tied up for me. I reread the last few chapters to really try to grasp it or see if I missed something… but I was still left with a number of questions around the motives and how everything was possible to begin with.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this unique and creepy YA horror, and it was a stellar debut novel! And I will definitely be reading more from this author.
The moral of the story:
Puppets will never not be creepy.
NEVER TRUST PEOPLE WHO LIKE PUPPETS.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Peachtree Teen, and the author this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆. ₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆.₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆. ₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆.
Check out my reviews on bookstagram
If you love a folky cult horror that takes place in the woods, then look no further. Fans of Midsommar will eat this up. But if you have a fear of puppets or dolls, buckle up—because Hollow is full of them.
Hollow is full of suspense, mystery, and anxious uncertainty. The atmosphere of the entire story is downright eerie and unsettling, and Taylor’s prose perfectly captures this. The reader knows something isn’t right, but you can’t really put your finger on it. It felt very uncanny valley, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time, trying to find the cracks in the facade. And Cassie was so heartbreakingly relatable.
I think my favorite thing about this book is the representation we see—autism, pan- and bisexuality , non-binary, anxiety, and trichotillomania. And while I’m relatively™ neurotypical (read: no official diagnoses), I think the author did a great job with the autism rep. I think a lot of autistic young adults will feel seen in this story, and it also provides insight of the autistic or neurodivergent experience to those who might not understand. Much of it centered around the concept of masking, or having to put on a performance or play certain roles in life—hiding parts of yourself. And while that was specific to autism here, I related very heavily to this theme throughout the story, and I think other people will too.
The story and build up to the grand reveal was great. However, I did struggle a bit with the ending. Ultimately, the hunch I had the whole time was confirmed, which is fine, because the author planted perfect little seeds for the reader to pick up on throughout the story. However, there were quite a few loose ends that were never fully tied up for me. I reread the last few chapters to really try to grasp it or see if I missed something… but I was still left with a number of questions around the motives and how everything was possible to begin with.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this unique and creepy YA horror, and it was a stellar debut novel! And I will definitely be reading more from this author.
The moral of the story:
Puppets will never not be creepy.
NEVER TRUST PEOPLE WHO LIKE PUPPETS.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Peachtree Teen, and the author this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆. ₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆.₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆. ₊‧.°.⋆˚₊‧⋆.
Check out my reviews on bookstagram
June 22, 2025
This was equal parts eerie and terrifying and beautiful and suspenseful. As a late diagnosis ADHDer with trichotillomania, I saw so much of myself in Cassie and it made the story that much more deep and meaningful, as well as creepy! The build up was masterful and Grothe did a fantastic job capturing the atmosphere of isolation and general forest-y dread. I had to suspend my disbelief a bit for some of the ending twists but overall, I really really enjoyed this one and cannot wait to see what stories Grothe decides to tell next!
August 12, 2025
Once again, thank you @netgalley @peachtreeteen and @taylorgrothe for the chance to read this ARC!
Hollow follows Cassie Davis after she returns to her hometown of Deep Glen after a breakdown in NY leads to an autism diagnosis, and subsequently, a break down in her family. Her parents have split up. Her NY friends abandoned her. And her Deep Glen friends are on edge at her return. She did ghost them after leaving for NY, after all, ultimately leaving Cassie alone with a mom who only cares about appearances and fitting in. But that’s okay. Cassie’s good at wearing masks. She can be anyone and fix anything, and a week long hiking trip with her old friends is just the way to do it. But when a storm separates the group, and Cassie finds herself hurt and in the care of a strange mountain community, Cassie might just have to drop her mask and face who she really is, or be trapped by it forever.
So to start, Grothe’s writing is so electric and quick that it made flying through this book super easy and accessible, while at the same time, managing to dive deep into Cassie’s feelings in a way that never felt shallow or like an afterthought. At times the writing felt claustrophobic, overwhelming, and desperate, just like Cassie did, and I think a lot of work went into creating a balance that kept the pace interesting and tight.
Representation wise, I also really loved this book, and while I’m not autistic (that I know of) Cassie still felt relatable. She makes mistakes, feels guilt, and struggles to express herself while still trying her best. And I think not only will Cassie help a lot of autistic young adults feel seen, I think she also offers a great insight to neurotypical’s who may not understand someone like her. All in all, this was a banger of a debut, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Grothe does next!
5/5
Hollow follows Cassie Davis after she returns to her hometown of Deep Glen after a breakdown in NY leads to an autism diagnosis, and subsequently, a break down in her family. Her parents have split up. Her NY friends abandoned her. And her Deep Glen friends are on edge at her return. She did ghost them after leaving for NY, after all, ultimately leaving Cassie alone with a mom who only cares about appearances and fitting in. But that’s okay. Cassie’s good at wearing masks. She can be anyone and fix anything, and a week long hiking trip with her old friends is just the way to do it. But when a storm separates the group, and Cassie finds herself hurt and in the care of a strange mountain community, Cassie might just have to drop her mask and face who she really is, or be trapped by it forever.
So to start, Grothe’s writing is so electric and quick that it made flying through this book super easy and accessible, while at the same time, managing to dive deep into Cassie’s feelings in a way that never felt shallow or like an afterthought. At times the writing felt claustrophobic, overwhelming, and desperate, just like Cassie did, and I think a lot of work went into creating a balance that kept the pace interesting and tight.
Representation wise, I also really loved this book, and while I’m not autistic (that I know of) Cassie still felt relatable. She makes mistakes, feels guilt, and struggles to express herself while still trying her best. And I think not only will Cassie help a lot of autistic young adults feel seen, I think she also offers a great insight to neurotypical’s who may not understand someone like her. All in all, this was a banger of a debut, and I absolutely cannot wait to see what Grothe does next!
5/5
April 21, 2025
"She preferred, always and forever, books to people. She could settle into incredible distant lands. She could travel universes in a single flip of a page. She could live the hero story she'd always wanted to be real, but never was."
Terrifying, creepy, messy and real. I was constantly questioning if events were real or supernatural or if it was just paranoia. And then chapter 25 just blew my mind. Well written, thoughtful, and poignant.
Terrifying, creepy, messy and real. I was constantly questioning if events were real or supernatural or if it was just paranoia. And then chapter 25 just blew my mind. Well written, thoughtful, and poignant.
April 5, 2025
I love a book that has some insanely relatable topics throughout despite there also being the most horrific and nightmare inducing aspects to it as well (aka the life sized puppets and creepy ass dolls). Parts gave me the same unsettling vibes watching Midsommar did. Parts made me misty eyed and emotional due to just being someone who has absolutely worn multiple masks to hide parts of herself to fit into certain societal “norms”. Parts made my jaw literally drop…. Chapter freaking twenty-five, CHILLS.
I really loved the representation throughout the book, autism, bi/pan, non-binary, trichotillomania and touches on different mental health disorders. I don’t believe I’ll ever recover. This was an absolute masterpiece from start to finish. I clearly could not put it down, I was absolutely engrossed, but I also wanted to savor every little drop and stay in the Hollow world forever much like I did while reading Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews.
Add to your TBR immediately and preorder a physical copy. Hollow will be available this September and I truly can’t wait to have a copy of my own in my little library. Thank you again Taylor for the ARC and allowing me to be a part of the incredible street team🐦⬛
I really loved the representation throughout the book, autism, bi/pan, non-binary, trichotillomania and touches on different mental health disorders. I don’t believe I’ll ever recover. This was an absolute masterpiece from start to finish. I clearly could not put it down, I was absolutely engrossed, but I also wanted to savor every little drop and stay in the Hollow world forever much like I did while reading Hazelthorn by C.G. Drews.
Add to your TBR immediately and preorder a physical copy. Hollow will be available this September and I truly can’t wait to have a copy of my own in my little library. Thank you again Taylor for the ARC and allowing me to be a part of the incredible street team🐦⬛
May 11, 2025
What a wonderfully creepy story!! If you love YA folk horror books with eerie dark forests, bi/pan rep and too many crows then you must check Hollow out!🖤
When Cassie found refuge in this small community in the woods things became so so creepy and I loved it!
The story kept me on my toes all throughout and I didn’t know who or what to believe. All I could do was hope Cassie would be well and find a way out of it. Sweet Cassie was dealing with so much in this one, keeping her diagnosis hidden from her friends, managing her complicated relationships, and trying to figure out what wasn’t right in this strange community. I felt for her😭 but she was so brave!!
As for the plot itself it was wow!! I adore creepy books where things appear normal on the surface, but one just knows something is very very wrong even if they can’t put their finger on it, it’s like something is lurking under the surface and you don’t know where to look to prepare for it. And things were indeed very wrong…
This book was just so good 😭 and I cannot wait for it to come out so you can all experience it !!
✨Out on 30th September 2025✨
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
When Cassie found refuge in this small community in the woods things became so so creepy and I loved it!
The story kept me on my toes all throughout and I didn’t know who or what to believe. All I could do was hope Cassie would be well and find a way out of it. Sweet Cassie was dealing with so much in this one, keeping her diagnosis hidden from her friends, managing her complicated relationships, and trying to figure out what wasn’t right in this strange community. I felt for her😭 but she was so brave!!
As for the plot itself it was wow!! I adore creepy books where things appear normal on the surface, but one just knows something is very very wrong even if they can’t put their finger on it, it’s like something is lurking under the surface and you don’t know where to look to prepare for it. And things were indeed very wrong…
This book was just so good 😭 and I cannot wait for it to come out so you can all experience it !!
✨Out on 30th September 2025✨
Thank you so much to the author for the eARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
July 4, 2025
If you love a good carabiner and cult horror then Hollow provides. A soon to be classic young adult horror drives into the psyche of adolescence naivety. There is charm to the protagonist development that really shows the horrors we construct around our anxieties. A character with great depth who is Autistic. Suspenseful read to get lost in the ambience of horror!
A fast paced delivery with the right amount of eerie ambience to keep readers on their toes. What is lurking in the forest beyond our fears? The structure of this narrative is direct, complete with snappy quips, and composed with unique cultural references. The middle english scene was a fun one! Keep your blankets close to hide under this fall with this eerie read! Thank you Netgalley and Peachtree Teen publishing for this advanced digital copy.
For more reviews and recommendations visit https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com.
A fast paced delivery with the right amount of eerie ambience to keep readers on their toes. What is lurking in the forest beyond our fears? The structure of this narrative is direct, complete with snappy quips, and composed with unique cultural references. The middle english scene was a fun one! Keep your blankets close to hide under this fall with this eerie read! Thank you Netgalley and Peachtree Teen publishing for this advanced digital copy.
For more reviews and recommendations visit https://brujerialibrary.wordpress.com.
July 15, 2025
This book caught me entirely off guard and I LOVED it. The representation for lgbtqia+ and mental health rep was refreshing. As someone who struggles at times with my own ASD I found myself so drawn to Cassie and emotional over some of her inner dialogue.
This book had all the creepy vibes and I never would have guessed that ending!
So thankful to have recieved this as an ARC 🖤
This book had all the creepy vibes and I never would have guessed that ending!
So thankful to have recieved this as an ARC 🖤
August 27, 2025
•ARC review•
Release date: September 30th
Genre: YA, folk horror, fantasy
Cassie is returning home with her mother after a tumultuous time in New York. Now having to rebuild the broken bridges between her three best friends from her childhood, she finds it difficult to tell the truth and just be herself, having just been diagnosed with autism. During those years in NY, Cassie didn't necessarily reached for her friends, resulting in them not being too keen on welcoming her back. As an olive branch, they embark on a hike journey where ugly feelings get thrown into each other's faces and where everyone just... disappears overnight. Afraid and alone into the woods, Cassie is rescued by Kaleb and brought to the Roost: they will help her find her missing friends and nurse them back to health. Or will they?
Hollow is like a fever dream steeped in steaming lulling tea, disturbing homemade dolls, squawking crows and a deep, dark forest. It was not quite invasive, but... insidious. It's an amazing debut novel, I never would've guessed. It was completely immersive, either it be the characters's development, the creepiness of the tale or the uneasy dread building.
The autism representation, especially from the main character point of view, was well done. I would say that it even helped in creating the atmosphere; since Cassie doesn't pick on behavior, on societal clues as easily or accutely as non-autistic people, she didn't know on which foot to stand (no pun intended), so she was always second-guessing herself. We were second-guessing ourselves. Her fleeting side made the reader alert and it piked the experience. It’s so welcome to have that representation in books!
Hollow is a YA horror, yes, but it's also food for the brain: the idea of pretending to be someone you're not was at the forefront of the story, making me reevaluate today's society. I started reading this book, thinking it would be a certain way and I got punched in more ways than one. I highly enjoyed it. It was expertedly done.
Thanks so much to Peachtree Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Keywords: queer, autistic rep, disability, horror, forestcore, cottagegore, cults.
Release date: September 30th
Genre: YA, folk horror, fantasy
Cassie is returning home with her mother after a tumultuous time in New York. Now having to rebuild the broken bridges between her three best friends from her childhood, she finds it difficult to tell the truth and just be herself, having just been diagnosed with autism. During those years in NY, Cassie didn't necessarily reached for her friends, resulting in them not being too keen on welcoming her back. As an olive branch, they embark on a hike journey where ugly feelings get thrown into each other's faces and where everyone just... disappears overnight. Afraid and alone into the woods, Cassie is rescued by Kaleb and brought to the Roost: they will help her find her missing friends and nurse them back to health. Or will they?
Hollow is like a fever dream steeped in steaming lulling tea, disturbing homemade dolls, squawking crows and a deep, dark forest. It was not quite invasive, but... insidious. It's an amazing debut novel, I never would've guessed. It was completely immersive, either it be the characters's development, the creepiness of the tale or the uneasy dread building.
The autism representation, especially from the main character point of view, was well done. I would say that it even helped in creating the atmosphere; since Cassie doesn't pick on behavior, on societal clues as easily or accutely as non-autistic people, she didn't know on which foot to stand (no pun intended), so she was always second-guessing herself. We were second-guessing ourselves. Her fleeting side made the reader alert and it piked the experience. It’s so welcome to have that representation in books!
Hollow is a YA horror, yes, but it's also food for the brain: the idea of pretending to be someone you're not was at the forefront of the story, making me reevaluate today's society. I started reading this book, thinking it would be a certain way and I got punched in more ways than one. I highly enjoyed it. It was expertedly done.
Thanks so much to Peachtree Publishing, NetGalley and the author for the arc!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Keywords: queer, autistic rep, disability, horror, forestcore, cottagegore, cults.
April 16, 2025
I'd like to start this review by thanking Taylor Grothe and everyone involved with the street team for giving me a chance to read this book early. I am so lucky to not have to wait any longer to experience this story.
Hollow is one of the most beautiful stories about discovery, identity, and how hard it can be to find your place in the world. So many people will be able to see themselves in the stunning representation present throughout the book. Taylor Grothe manages to take so many difficult, complicated topics and weave them into the story with endless care.
This book follows a teenage girl named Cassie Davis as she navigates reconnecting with an old friend group after moving away and being diagnosed with autism. Teenage friendships and relationships can be so complicated, and seeing these done well is one of my favorite parts of the YA genre. Hollow is a masterclass on how to understand and represent the complexities that come with being a teenager. There is so much anger and misunderstanding within the relationship Cassie has with her friends. Watching how these struggles build and change the characters was incredible.
The cast of characters we follow in this book is probably one of the most well-written group of characters I've ever read. They all have their flaws, but they also have things you can't help but love about them. Not a single character, no matter how minor they may be, is anywhere close to being one-dimensional. They all feel so real, it's almost like you're there with them. It's so easy to imagine these being real people you may interact with in your own life. Their relationships with each other, whether they're good or bad, all feel realistic and natural. It's wonderful to see a cast of characters that can really reach to your brain and make you react like them and their stories are real.
I could go on and on about the storytelling in this book. Taylor Grothe is truly one of the best authors I've read from recently. The way they can take a plot and twist it into something so breathtakingly original is nothing short of incredible. Although there are so many great comp titles for this book, I promise it will be like nothing you've read before. No part of this story is predictable because it's never been done quite this way before. It is absolutely one of the most unique books I've read in a long while.
The twists are so well thought out that I was wondering how I didn't guess them. Each reveal seemed like it had been carefully planned for. There were hints hidden throughout the story, but they fit so perfectly that they weren't noticeable until the big reveal happened. There's one chapter in here that I had to read about fifteen times before I was willing to accept it and move on. If this book doesn't shock you, I don't know what will.
One of my favorite elements in any book, especially a horror, is the atmosphere. This book has one of the top five best environments I've ever read about. Everything is so eerie, but absolutely stunning and addictive. This is the type of atmosphere you can imagine yourself sitting in as you read. It feels like you're there and you never want to leave. Every little detail about the setting made the most gorgeous views explode in my mind as the story sucked me in.
Hollow is the type of horror that doesn't necessarily go out of its way to scare you, but instead creeps under your skin one page at a time and haunts you long after you've turned past the last page in its own unique way. Especially with the ending, this is the type of story that will keeps it place in your mind for a long, long while. It's the type of story that will have you losing sleep as you think back over every detail.
I could continue to go on about this book forever, but reviews have to stop somewhere (Recommendations don't, though. Don't expect me to shut up about this book). Anyone who loves YA horror with a little bit of magic needs to pick this up the very second they can get their hands on it. If you want strange puppets, a scary amount of crows, and the most beautifully written story you'll read all year, this is the book you're looking for. Hollow is such a breath of fresh air in the book world and I can't wait for more people to fall in love with it. We are so lucky that Taylor Grothe is sharing their stories with us.
Hollow is one of the most beautiful stories about discovery, identity, and how hard it can be to find your place in the world. So many people will be able to see themselves in the stunning representation present throughout the book. Taylor Grothe manages to take so many difficult, complicated topics and weave them into the story with endless care.
This book follows a teenage girl named Cassie Davis as she navigates reconnecting with an old friend group after moving away and being diagnosed with autism. Teenage friendships and relationships can be so complicated, and seeing these done well is one of my favorite parts of the YA genre. Hollow is a masterclass on how to understand and represent the complexities that come with being a teenager. There is so much anger and misunderstanding within the relationship Cassie has with her friends. Watching how these struggles build and change the characters was incredible.
The cast of characters we follow in this book is probably one of the most well-written group of characters I've ever read. They all have their flaws, but they also have things you can't help but love about them. Not a single character, no matter how minor they may be, is anywhere close to being one-dimensional. They all feel so real, it's almost like you're there with them. It's so easy to imagine these being real people you may interact with in your own life. Their relationships with each other, whether they're good or bad, all feel realistic and natural. It's wonderful to see a cast of characters that can really reach to your brain and make you react like them and their stories are real.
I could go on and on about the storytelling in this book. Taylor Grothe is truly one of the best authors I've read from recently. The way they can take a plot and twist it into something so breathtakingly original is nothing short of incredible. Although there are so many great comp titles for this book, I promise it will be like nothing you've read before. No part of this story is predictable because it's never been done quite this way before. It is absolutely one of the most unique books I've read in a long while.
The twists are so well thought out that I was wondering how I didn't guess them. Each reveal seemed like it had been carefully planned for. There were hints hidden throughout the story, but they fit so perfectly that they weren't noticeable until the big reveal happened. There's one chapter in here that I had to read about fifteen times before I was willing to accept it and move on. If this book doesn't shock you, I don't know what will.
One of my favorite elements in any book, especially a horror, is the atmosphere. This book has one of the top five best environments I've ever read about. Everything is so eerie, but absolutely stunning and addictive. This is the type of atmosphere you can imagine yourself sitting in as you read. It feels like you're there and you never want to leave. Every little detail about the setting made the most gorgeous views explode in my mind as the story sucked me in.
Hollow is the type of horror that doesn't necessarily go out of its way to scare you, but instead creeps under your skin one page at a time and haunts you long after you've turned past the last page in its own unique way. Especially with the ending, this is the type of story that will keeps it place in your mind for a long, long while. It's the type of story that will have you losing sleep as you think back over every detail.
I could continue to go on about this book forever, but reviews have to stop somewhere (Recommendations don't, though. Don't expect me to shut up about this book). Anyone who loves YA horror with a little bit of magic needs to pick this up the very second they can get their hands on it. If you want strange puppets, a scary amount of crows, and the most beautifully written story you'll read all year, this is the book you're looking for. Hollow is such a breath of fresh air in the book world and I can't wait for more people to fall in love with it. We are so lucky that Taylor Grothe is sharing their stories with us.
April 6, 2025
I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have received an advanced copy of Hollow from the author! 🫶
“For the first time in her life, she had told someone her ugliest secrets - and she felt like a human being, not an animal. Not something to be hidden in the back of the closet, in a cage. Not the girl her mom wanted her to be, with the perfect mask, the perfect words. This person saw her and accepted her anyway”
I am officially giving a standing ovation to Hollow by Taylor Grothe because it is beautiful, evocative, and a worldclass masterpiece that has fully consumed my heart and soul! 🥹🖤 It’s safe to say that I am obsessed and love this book to the moon and back! 🫶 I legitimately couldn’t put the book down and it was one of the wildest rides I have ever been on while reading! 😭😱😤🥰🤯 It made me cry, scream, get mad, and get so shocked that I might have accidentally dropped my kindle on the floor! 🙊🙀 When my kindle seriously decided to crash at the 80% mark and I had to reset it I was devastated because I was so deep in the forest and I didn’t want to return to reality just yet but thankfully it started working again and I binge-read the rest! 🖤
Cassie’s journey throughout the story is truly incredible and it was beautiful and emotional! 🥺 It truly allows the reader to see things through the perspective of an individual who is navigating an Autism diagnosis, anxiety, and Trichotillomania! 🫶
One disclaimer I will say is that I am terrified of puppets! 🙀 If a puppet popped up in a hallmark rom-com movie that would honestly freak me out because I find them creepy. Now yes there are puppets in Hollow and I knew that going into this. I will tell you all that I devoured this book like I would with an entire bag of potato chips and it is beyond worth the read!
Taylor Grothe’s writing style gave me goosebumps so many times as I was reading and it truly was so poetic and beautiful. This beautiful story is going to forever hold dearly in my heart! 🐦⬛🖤✨
If you love autism, trichotillomania and anxiety representation, Don’t Let the Forest by CG Drews vibes, bi/pan representation, morally grey community, crows, lots of secrets, mystery, and cottagecore then this is the book for you. To everyone reading my review, my words don’t even begin to capture how amazing this book is so be sure to pick it up and read when it comes out in because it’s an absolute must-read! 🫶
“For the first time in her life, she had told someone her ugliest secrets - and she felt like a human being, not an animal. Not something to be hidden in the back of the closet, in a cage. Not the girl her mom wanted her to be, with the perfect mask, the perfect words. This person saw her and accepted her anyway”
I am officially giving a standing ovation to Hollow by Taylor Grothe because it is beautiful, evocative, and a worldclass masterpiece that has fully consumed my heart and soul! 🥹🖤 It’s safe to say that I am obsessed and love this book to the moon and back! 🫶 I legitimately couldn’t put the book down and it was one of the wildest rides I have ever been on while reading! 😭😱😤🥰🤯 It made me cry, scream, get mad, and get so shocked that I might have accidentally dropped my kindle on the floor! 🙊🙀 When my kindle seriously decided to crash at the 80% mark and I had to reset it I was devastated because I was so deep in the forest and I didn’t want to return to reality just yet but thankfully it started working again and I binge-read the rest! 🖤
Cassie’s journey throughout the story is truly incredible and it was beautiful and emotional! 🥺 It truly allows the reader to see things through the perspective of an individual who is navigating an Autism diagnosis, anxiety, and Trichotillomania! 🫶
One disclaimer I will say is that I am terrified of puppets! 🙀 If a puppet popped up in a hallmark rom-com movie that would honestly freak me out because I find them creepy. Now yes there are puppets in Hollow and I knew that going into this. I will tell you all that I devoured this book like I would with an entire bag of potato chips and it is beyond worth the read!
Taylor Grothe’s writing style gave me goosebumps so many times as I was reading and it truly was so poetic and beautiful. This beautiful story is going to forever hold dearly in my heart! 🐦⬛🖤✨
If you love autism, trichotillomania and anxiety representation, Don’t Let the Forest by CG Drews vibes, bi/pan representation, morally grey community, crows, lots of secrets, mystery, and cottagecore then this is the book for you. To everyone reading my review, my words don’t even begin to capture how amazing this book is so be sure to pick it up and read when it comes out in because it’s an absolute must-read! 🫶
March 30, 2025
Thanks you Edelweiss for allowing me this ARC in exchange for my honest review!!
Okay yall READ THIS BOOK!! It was so amazing that I could not go to sleep unless I finished!! Okay, real talk.
Filled to the brim with suspense and eerie imagery, Hollow is a powerhouse of a debut novel.
Cassie is a character we want to root for. After an autism diagnosis and her parent’s divorce wrecks her life, she’s taken back to her hometown and reunited with a friend group she left behind.
This deals so much with mental health and accepting yourself for who you are. Cassie is flawed and you see her struggling so much. I loved her character and I felt like I was watching a mirror to myself in another universe.
The world that Taylor creates speaks to the best of the YA horror genre. We get a little bit of everything here. I was blown away by how amazing the plot twists were. Even when I knew, I didn’t know if I knew and that was exactly what I needed.
This story is exactly what I needed when I was looking for a spooky read with tension that could make me addicted. It is a must read for everyone’s 2025 TBR!! Also, you want to go into this blind. Trust me.
Okay yall READ THIS BOOK!! It was so amazing that I could not go to sleep unless I finished!! Okay, real talk.
Filled to the brim with suspense and eerie imagery, Hollow is a powerhouse of a debut novel.
Cassie is a character we want to root for. After an autism diagnosis and her parent’s divorce wrecks her life, she’s taken back to her hometown and reunited with a friend group she left behind.
This deals so much with mental health and accepting yourself for who you are. Cassie is flawed and you see her struggling so much. I loved her character and I felt like I was watching a mirror to myself in another universe.
The world that Taylor creates speaks to the best of the YA horror genre. We get a little bit of everything here. I was blown away by how amazing the plot twists were. Even when I knew, I didn’t know if I knew and that was exactly what I needed.
This story is exactly what I needed when I was looking for a spooky read with tension that could make me addicted. It is a must read for everyone’s 2025 TBR!! Also, you want to go into this blind. Trust me.
January 23, 2026
So I preordered this book but couldn't wait so I used an audible credit. Two things: the narrator was amazing and brought even more realness and life into a story that had already captured it rather well, and I have never been so frustrated that I had to go to work in the middle of an audiobook before.
The autism rep was (unsurprisingly) phenomenal and actually led to an easily believable miscommunication for a believable horror plot with no discernible plot holes. I loved how the plot progressed and the twists and turns.
Only thing that was hard to believe was that a friend group would just let someone back in so quickly but also teens are wild human beings so its not that hard to believe either. I do also wish there was a bit more to the side characters but it's not glaringly obvious either.
The atmosphere was absolutely chef's kiss , and we got a final chapter of a year later or so aftermath, of the mental health, and not just some annoying cliffhanger that books like these can tend to do. Still cannot believe this was Taylor Grothe's debut.
The autism rep was (unsurprisingly) phenomenal and actually led to an easily believable miscommunication for a believable horror plot with no discernible plot holes. I loved how the plot progressed and the twists and turns.
Only thing that was hard to believe was that a friend group would just let someone back in so quickly but also teens are wild human beings so its not that hard to believe either. I do also wish there was a bit more to the side characters but it's not glaringly obvious either.
The atmosphere was absolutely chef's kiss , and we got a final chapter of a year later or so aftermath, of the mental health, and not just some annoying cliffhanger that books like these can tend to do. Still cannot believe this was Taylor Grothe's debut.
July 1, 2025
⭐️4.75⭐️
In this queer YA horror story, we follow Cassie Davis as she tries to reintegrate herself back into her childhood friend group after years of being away. Newly diagnosed with autism and desperate to get back in good graces with her old friends, she jumps at the chance to go backpacking to Hollow Ridge. But when Cassie wakes to an empty campsite and a devastating storm approaching, she’s saved by a compound of artists that feels almost too good to be true.
Wow. I absolutely loved this book. I believe this was my first time reading from the POV of an autistic MC, and I absolutely loved the representation. Watching the struggles that Cassie experienced in school brought back a lot of uncomfortable experiences of my own growing up, and I felt so seen, which made this pretty emotional at times. And as a parent, reading this book gave these experiences a whole new meaning on how I can make sure to be better for my own child.
The horror elements were amazing. I always go into books blind, but I was not expecting a YA version of The Puppet Master meets Peter Pan’s The Lost Boys. This book is so atmospheric and had me squirming! AND THAT TWIST!
The overall themes in the book are important for the YA genre, but are also relatable for all ages - wanting to be truly seen and loved for who we really are, and being valued for the person we are right now without changing out the masks society begs us to wear. I loved this so much.
Overall, I loved this. And if you enjoyed Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews, or are looking for an amazingly written debut horror story, I highly recommend checking this story out when it comes out in September!
I have no idea how I got so lucky, but I received a special annotated physical copy from the author in a giveaway which made this reading experience even more incredible. All my opinions in this review are my own.
In this queer YA horror story, we follow Cassie Davis as she tries to reintegrate herself back into her childhood friend group after years of being away. Newly diagnosed with autism and desperate to get back in good graces with her old friends, she jumps at the chance to go backpacking to Hollow Ridge. But when Cassie wakes to an empty campsite and a devastating storm approaching, she’s saved by a compound of artists that feels almost too good to be true.
Wow. I absolutely loved this book. I believe this was my first time reading from the POV of an autistic MC, and I absolutely loved the representation. Watching the struggles that Cassie experienced in school brought back a lot of uncomfortable experiences of my own growing up, and I felt so seen, which made this pretty emotional at times. And as a parent, reading this book gave these experiences a whole new meaning on how I can make sure to be better for my own child.
The horror elements were amazing. I always go into books blind, but I was not expecting a YA version of The Puppet Master meets Peter Pan’s The Lost Boys. This book is so atmospheric and had me squirming! AND THAT TWIST!
The overall themes in the book are important for the YA genre, but are also relatable for all ages - wanting to be truly seen and loved for who we really are, and being valued for the person we are right now without changing out the masks society begs us to wear. I loved this so much.
Overall, I loved this. And if you enjoyed Don’t Let the Forest In by C. G. Drews, or are looking for an amazingly written debut horror story, I highly recommend checking this story out when it comes out in September!
I have no idea how I got so lucky, but I received a special annotated physical copy from the author in a giveaway which made this reading experience even more incredible. All my opinions in this review are my own.
April 12, 2025
I devoured this in two sittings because I could not put it down! Taylor's prose is extraordinary and immersive, and the empathy they imbue in their characters made them feel real and fully dimensional. There were so many moments where I just wanted to wrap poor Cassie in a hug (if she was alright with the physical touch) as she struggles to find her place and voice in the world. I also now have a healthy fear of puppets and will not be hiking in the forest with any friends I have unresolved history with. I'm so excited for more of Taylor's work :)
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2025
Haunting, beautiful, and immersive, HOLLOW by Taylor Grothe explores what it means to be authentic, and whole; a tale to remind us to be true to ourselves without fear. Grothe's rich prose—full of evocative imagery and chilling atmosphere that leaps off the page—will transport you fully into Cassie's perspective. HOLLOW's realistic characters have relationships and motives as sundry and complex as the characters themselves.
It was easy for me to slip into Cassie's world, and the pages flew by, spurred on by tension and intrigue. Who is safe? Who can Cassie trust? I asked myself these questions the whole way to the end, and the *not knowing* was agony (in the best possible way). I'm in a serious book hangover after HOLLOW. No joke.
Ultimately, what spoke to me the most was HOLLOW'S psychological terror. Cassie is trying to figure out her world, how she fits into it. Her intuition says something's wrong, but everyone around her says everything is just fine.
This disconnect is powerful. And terrifying. And the strength it takes for Cassie to trust her intuition—trust herself—despite the pressure to fit into the version of herself most palatable for her situation is inspirational. Cassie's strength has stuck with me well beyond the last page.
HOLLOW may be a horror story, but it's also a *healing* story. Cassie may not think she's a hero, but she *will be* for plenty of neurodivergent readers, of all ages.
Myself included.
5/5 stars, no notes ✨️
It was easy for me to slip into Cassie's world, and the pages flew by, spurred on by tension and intrigue. Who is safe? Who can Cassie trust? I asked myself these questions the whole way to the end, and the *not knowing* was agony (in the best possible way). I'm in a serious book hangover after HOLLOW. No joke.
Ultimately, what spoke to me the most was HOLLOW'S psychological terror. Cassie is trying to figure out her world, how she fits into it. Her intuition says something's wrong, but everyone around her says everything is just fine.
This disconnect is powerful. And terrifying. And the strength it takes for Cassie to trust her intuition—trust herself—despite the pressure to fit into the version of herself most palatable for her situation is inspirational. Cassie's strength has stuck with me well beyond the last page.
HOLLOW may be a horror story, but it's also a *healing* story. Cassie may not think she's a hero, but she *will be* for plenty of neurodivergent readers, of all ages.
Myself included.
5/5 stars, no notes ✨️
July 24, 2025
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book and I have to say that it's one of my 2025 favorites, and dare I say, it just might be one of my favorite books in general.
I read this book in just under a weekend--I was hooked. I loved Cassie and was so invested in her wellbeing, and I can't even tell you how many times I was angry on her behalf (it was a lot).
The horror is delicious, the emotional turmoil delightful (well done, not ACTUALLY delightful) and my mind is still reeling from the last few chapters.
I can't wait for release day and to be able to hold the physical copy of Hollow in my hands. Absolutely job well done, Taylor Grothe. You've done something amazing here.
I read this book in just under a weekend--I was hooked. I loved Cassie and was so invested in her wellbeing, and I can't even tell you how many times I was angry on her behalf (it was a lot).
The horror is delicious, the emotional turmoil delightful (well done, not ACTUALLY delightful) and my mind is still reeling from the last few chapters.
I can't wait for release day and to be able to hold the physical copy of Hollow in my hands. Absolutely job well done, Taylor Grothe. You've done something amazing here.
April 28, 2025
I was biting my nails almost the whole ride and screaming RUN inside my head >> that was how chilling this book was lol. The vibe was immaculate; mysterious and haunting, deliciously angsty. I don't know if I should hate Kaleb or applaud him tbh but... no spoilers lol just read and meet him yourself.
It was a fantastic read!
It was a fantastic read!
October 13, 2025
3.75
2025 reads: 287/300
i received a complimentary finished copy from the publisher as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
content warnings: gaslighting, ableism, fire, kidnapping, toxic friendship
after a meltdown in the school cafeteria prompts an unwanted autism diagnosis, cassie davis moves back to her hometown in upstate new york, where she hopes she can feel “normal” again. her old friends aren’t so willing to welcome her back into the fold, though. they extend an olive branch by inviting her on their backpacking trip to hollow ridge, but after just one night, cassie wakes up to find her “friends” have abandoned her. luckily, with severe weather approaching, a boy named kaleb comes to her rescue, whisking cassie away to a compound of artists and outcasts called the “roost.” there, cassie finally feels like she can be herself. but as strange happenings around the roost occur, cassie is faced with the question: are the dangers in the forest, on the trail, or in the roost itself?
as someone always on the lookout for #ownvoices autistic rep, and someone who tends to enjoy cult horrors, i was so excited for this book! i would say this is more of a character-driven novel due to the primary focus being on cassie’s journey of accepting her autism diagnosis and looking back at how her autism has affected her life, even before knowing she was autistic. with that said, there was still a good plot with the cult aspect, but at least to me, it didn’t seem as prominent as cassie’s character development. while i did love cassie’s internal journey, i do wish the plot had been just a bit more exciting, hence not giving a full 4 star rating. but i really, really did love her character growth and how her autism was depicted, even when it was used against her by the antagonist. i highly recommend this to anyone looking for a cult horror with an autistic girl at the forefront!
2025 reads: 287/300
i received a complimentary finished copy from the publisher as part of their influencer program. i am leaving this review voluntarily.
content warnings: gaslighting, ableism, fire, kidnapping, toxic friendship
after a meltdown in the school cafeteria prompts an unwanted autism diagnosis, cassie davis moves back to her hometown in upstate new york, where she hopes she can feel “normal” again. her old friends aren’t so willing to welcome her back into the fold, though. they extend an olive branch by inviting her on their backpacking trip to hollow ridge, but after just one night, cassie wakes up to find her “friends” have abandoned her. luckily, with severe weather approaching, a boy named kaleb comes to her rescue, whisking cassie away to a compound of artists and outcasts called the “roost.” there, cassie finally feels like she can be herself. but as strange happenings around the roost occur, cassie is faced with the question: are the dangers in the forest, on the trail, or in the roost itself?
as someone always on the lookout for #ownvoices autistic rep, and someone who tends to enjoy cult horrors, i was so excited for this book! i would say this is more of a character-driven novel due to the primary focus being on cassie’s journey of accepting her autism diagnosis and looking back at how her autism has affected her life, even before knowing she was autistic. with that said, there was still a good plot with the cult aspect, but at least to me, it didn’t seem as prominent as cassie’s character development. while i did love cassie’s internal journey, i do wish the plot had been just a bit more exciting, hence not giving a full 4 star rating. but i really, really did love her character growth and how her autism was depicted, even when it was used against her by the antagonist. i highly recommend this to anyone looking for a cult horror with an autistic girl at the forefront!
August 22, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and to Walker Books for the digital ARC, it hasn’t affected my honest review.
Release date: 9th Oct 2025 (UK)
TW: death, ableism, panic attacks, murder, kidnapping, mental illness
After she melts down in her high school cafeteria, Cassie Davis is diagnosed with autism and her mother makes the choice to move them back to her hometown in upstate New York, hoping the familiarity will help her feel normal again. She misses her old friends but is terrified of reconnection, especially after how she left things. In an attempt to fix their broken relationships, her old friends offer an olive branch to Cassie: asking her to come on a hike with them to Hollow Ridge in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains. However, when a fight breaks out on the first night, Cassie wakes up to find her friends gone- and the campsite deserted. On the edge of sensory overload, and severe weather on the horizon, Cassie is rescued by Kaleb who leads her away to a group of artists and outcasts called the Roost. Recovering from her injuries and feeling safe for the first time, Cassie starts to feel like she can truly be herself in this new community. As the days pass, strange things start happening and noises in the trees grow louder, Cassie begins to question whether the Roost truly is a safe place.
I so enjoyed this YA horror/mystery set in the wooded mountains from the first page and I loved the character of Cassie. She’s autistic and struggling with trichotillomania while attempting to be a completely different person now she’s moved back home. Her relationship with herself and those around her (particularly her mother and former friends) is heartbreaking so it’s not surprising that she truly finds comfort in the people of the Roost. The atmosphere of ‘Hollow’ is perfect- tense and suspicious, emotional and hurting and in some parts outright creepy. The isolated location shines, you feel as trapped as Cassie does when the storm rolls in and she’s left alone and just as grateful when she’s saved by Kaleb. The small community of the Roost initially feels so comforting to her after so much time as an outsider and I really wanted it to be what she deserves. You know that there’s something not right with all of it, just like Cassie does, and when those moments of truth finally come they’re done brilliantly. This book is super easy to get into, combining dark themes with a teenage main character who pushes through the impossible to survive. I loved it, this is a great debut novel.
Release date: 9th Oct 2025 (UK)
TW: death, ableism, panic attacks, murder, kidnapping, mental illness
After she melts down in her high school cafeteria, Cassie Davis is diagnosed with autism and her mother makes the choice to move them back to her hometown in upstate New York, hoping the familiarity will help her feel normal again. She misses her old friends but is terrified of reconnection, especially after how she left things. In an attempt to fix their broken relationships, her old friends offer an olive branch to Cassie: asking her to come on a hike with them to Hollow Ridge in the middle of the Adirondack Mountains. However, when a fight breaks out on the first night, Cassie wakes up to find her friends gone- and the campsite deserted. On the edge of sensory overload, and severe weather on the horizon, Cassie is rescued by Kaleb who leads her away to a group of artists and outcasts called the Roost. Recovering from her injuries and feeling safe for the first time, Cassie starts to feel like she can truly be herself in this new community. As the days pass, strange things start happening and noises in the trees grow louder, Cassie begins to question whether the Roost truly is a safe place.
I so enjoyed this YA horror/mystery set in the wooded mountains from the first page and I loved the character of Cassie. She’s autistic and struggling with trichotillomania while attempting to be a completely different person now she’s moved back home. Her relationship with herself and those around her (particularly her mother and former friends) is heartbreaking so it’s not surprising that she truly finds comfort in the people of the Roost. The atmosphere of ‘Hollow’ is perfect- tense and suspicious, emotional and hurting and in some parts outright creepy. The isolated location shines, you feel as trapped as Cassie does when the storm rolls in and she’s left alone and just as grateful when she’s saved by Kaleb. The small community of the Roost initially feels so comforting to her after so much time as an outsider and I really wanted it to be what she deserves. You know that there’s something not right with all of it, just like Cassie does, and when those moments of truth finally come they’re done brilliantly. This book is super easy to get into, combining dark themes with a teenage main character who pushes through the impossible to survive. I loved it, this is a great debut novel.
November 25, 2025
What I thought was JUST going to be a YA Horror novel, ended up being an incredibly insightful and emotional journey into the mind of a neurodivergent teenager who just wants to fit in. So basically my entire existence. 🫠
This is very aptly named Hollow, because in many ways, I finished this feeling complete wrung out and empty inside. The characters are put through a lot, especially the MC Cassie, who is only just beginning to speak with all of her “friends” again after a horrible bullying incident that happened which left her on the outskirts. I can definitely understand wanting to try to fit in and agreeing to go on a camping trip to rekindle their friendships, but… camping? Ughhhhh! The idea makes my skin crawl with thoughts of bugs and snakes.
Not only is camping my idea of the beginning of a horror story, but this is a cult story. A creepy-a$$ tea drinking cult with wooden masks and puppets living in the middle of nowhere called The Roost. A ducking bird cult! 😭 How many times can I say cult in one paragraph, you may ask? Too many!
I’m happy that I read this, even though the majority of my experience happened in the middle of the night with the lights out through an audiobook where I felt like someone was watching me through the window. But that’s the perfect time to read horror, right? RIGHT?!?!!!!
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy of the book.
This is very aptly named Hollow, because in many ways, I finished this feeling complete wrung out and empty inside. The characters are put through a lot, especially the MC Cassie, who is only just beginning to speak with all of her “friends” again after a horrible bullying incident that happened which left her on the outskirts. I can definitely understand wanting to try to fit in and agreeing to go on a camping trip to rekindle their friendships, but… camping? Ughhhhh! The idea makes my skin crawl with thoughts of bugs and snakes.
Not only is camping my idea of the beginning of a horror story, but this is a cult story. A creepy-a$$ tea drinking cult with wooden masks and puppets living in the middle of nowhere called The Roost. A ducking bird cult! 😭 How many times can I say cult in one paragraph, you may ask? Too many!
I’m happy that I read this, even though the majority of my experience happened in the middle of the night with the lights out through an audiobook where I felt like someone was watching me through the window. But that’s the perfect time to read horror, right? RIGHT?!?!!!!
Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy of the book.
July 31, 2025
Cassie and her mom have just moved back to rural upstate NY from NYC after her parents divorce and she's diagnosed with autism and trichotillomania. She left her friends: Melody, Blake, and Jac and hasn't communicated with them while she's been away. After bumping into them at the donut shop in town, Blake invites her on a week long hiking trip to reconnect. Inclement weather separates the group and strands Cassie with Kaleb and members of the Roost in Hollow Ridge. Initially welcoming, not everything is as it seems.
This is queer YA horror and I was stressed reading it. I think that was the point. I don't want to say too much, though if you are a reader that needs a tidy ending, you might be a little frustrated here. That said, this is a debut standalone. I really didn't know how things would wrap up. Give this a read if you enjoy:
- main character with autism
- horror in the wilderness of rural NY
- maybe it's a cult?
- what's with all these dolls?
- crows, lots of crows
Thank you to Holiday House, Peachtree Press for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will be published on 9/30/25.
This is queer YA horror and I was stressed reading it. I think that was the point. I don't want to say too much, though if you are a reader that needs a tidy ending, you might be a little frustrated here. That said, this is a debut standalone. I really didn't know how things would wrap up. Give this a read if you enjoy:
- main character with autism
- horror in the wilderness of rural NY
- maybe it's a cult?
- what's with all these dolls?
- crows, lots of crows
Thank you to Holiday House, Peachtree Press for an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. This book will be published on 9/30/25.
May 13, 2025
ARC Review 🖤🍂
I don’t even know where to start other than by saying that I needed this more than I thought. I went into this thinking I’m going to get a good queer/NDV rep cottagegore story but it was so much more than I could ever ask for. The writing was incredibly well paced, the character’s interactions & development were so intense & you could understand why everyone did what they did (in due time) and the visualization this brought to the forefront of my soul left me awestruck.
As someone who does struggle with similar things that Cassie experiences throughout her life in social & familial circles and internalized struggles that pore out into her everyday life, I cried for her and my younger self. The foreshadowing within these pages are immensely telling of Grothe's ability to write such a compellingly climactic storyline keeping the reader engaged and at the edge of their seat from start to finish. If you’re going camping/hiking anytime soon and are looking for a story that has an off-the-grid compound, forest horror, all the crows you could ever need & friendships that are hanging on by an invisible thread and just so happen to need some redirection in life, give this a try. Maybe have some chamomile tea while you’re reading this by the fire.
~ <3 ~
I was lucky enough to be selected for Hollow’s Street Team and this beautiful community has brought so many giggles/”WTF!!” moments to the table and you could feel everyone’s love for this book and rightfully so. I’m not sure how much I can say about this story so I’ll have to write an extended version after its release on September 30th. And yes, I did pre-order a physical copy after finishing it; *insert meme* “It’s like a reward.”.
I don’t even know where to start other than by saying that I needed this more than I thought. I went into this thinking I’m going to get a good queer/NDV rep cottagegore story but it was so much more than I could ever ask for. The writing was incredibly well paced, the character’s interactions & development were so intense & you could understand why everyone did what they did (in due time) and the visualization this brought to the forefront of my soul left me awestruck.
As someone who does struggle with similar things that Cassie experiences throughout her life in social & familial circles and internalized struggles that pore out into her everyday life, I cried for her and my younger self. The foreshadowing within these pages are immensely telling of Grothe's ability to write such a compellingly climactic storyline keeping the reader engaged and at the edge of their seat from start to finish. If you’re going camping/hiking anytime soon and are looking for a story that has an off-the-grid compound, forest horror, all the crows you could ever need & friendships that are hanging on by an invisible thread and just so happen to need some redirection in life, give this a try. Maybe have some chamomile tea while you’re reading this by the fire.
~ <3 ~
I was lucky enough to be selected for Hollow’s Street Team and this beautiful community has brought so many giggles/”WTF!!” moments to the table and you could feel everyone’s love for this book and rightfully so. I’m not sure how much I can say about this story so I’ll have to write an extended version after its release on September 30th. And yes, I did pre-order a physical copy after finishing it; *insert meme* “It’s like a reward.”.
May 13, 2025
Cassie Davis is every single one of us who have felt out of place. Her journey in these pages is simultaneously heartbreaking & inspiring. I think that the feeling of not belonging is something that we can ALL relate to. Cassie is not only navigating a new diagnosis, her parents’ divorce, & moving home; she’s also forced to confront the friends that she left behind. And that’s all before we even GET to Hollow Ridge. Taylor’s prose perfectly captures the majesty & mysteriousness of the setting, & the emotions that they channel are vivid & real. You’ll see the shadows, hear the crows, & feel the off-putting power of the Roost. You’ll be captivated by these characters, & I guarantee that you’ll never want to go camping again. Seriously, I don’t even like walking under trees now (or near barns…you’ll see). And if you’re not already terrified of dolls, you definitely will be by the time you’ve finished. The story is thrilling, twisty, & tender all at once, & that ending? PHENOMENAL!
Incredible story aside, the levels & depths of representation in this book is unlike anything I’ve read before (HAPPILY accepting similar suggestions!). As someone with an anxiety disorder & a chronic illness, there are SO many moments that brought me to tears, not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’re REAL. I loved every creepy second I spent in these pages, & I’ll absolutely be reading EVERYTHING that Taylor writes!
Incredible story aside, the levels & depths of representation in this book is unlike anything I’ve read before (HAPPILY accepting similar suggestions!). As someone with an anxiety disorder & a chronic illness, there are SO many moments that brought me to tears, not just because they’re beautiful, but because they’re REAL. I loved every creepy second I spent in these pages, & I’ll absolutely be reading EVERYTHING that Taylor writes!
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