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The Hound of Scrying Hollow
Stories creep through Scrying Hollow—whispers of a great beast. Come dusk, the first howl catches the wind and rustles the trees. Make haste, for it’s no wolf bounding through the Hollow.
The Hound comes for you.
Liliwen, the eldest daughter of the Valet family, knows the tales well. You see, her father was the first to die to the Hound. Seven years later, heartbreak threatens again, when Liliwen’s brother is ambushed by the beast. Eviscerated and barely alive, her brother escapes and stumbles home.
Once more, death waits upon Liliwen’s doorstep.
In response, a reward is issued for the Hound’s heart. Believing the queen’s physician might help her dying brother, Liliwen embarks on a solitary hunt. Armed with intimate knowledge of the Hollow, she catches the Hound in a magical net. Before she can deliver the killing blow, the splintering of bones rings out.
Suddenly it’s a man, not a Hound, writhing in Liliwen’s net.
Liliwen frees the man, but the pair are set upon by wolves, forcing them to retreat into the Hound’s home, a ruinous castle within Scrying Hollow. It isn’t until Liliwen attempts to escape that the doors slam shut, trapping her. While her brother inches closer to death, Liliwen remains captive in the crumbling castle with the very beast who murdered her father…
The Hound of Scrying Hollow.
The Hound comes for you.
Liliwen, the eldest daughter of the Valet family, knows the tales well. You see, her father was the first to die to the Hound. Seven years later, heartbreak threatens again, when Liliwen’s brother is ambushed by the beast. Eviscerated and barely alive, her brother escapes and stumbles home.
Once more, death waits upon Liliwen’s doorstep.
In response, a reward is issued for the Hound’s heart. Believing the queen’s physician might help her dying brother, Liliwen embarks on a solitary hunt. Armed with intimate knowledge of the Hollow, she catches the Hound in a magical net. Before she can deliver the killing blow, the splintering of bones rings out.
Suddenly it’s a man, not a Hound, writhing in Liliwen’s net.
Liliwen frees the man, but the pair are set upon by wolves, forcing them to retreat into the Hound’s home, a ruinous castle within Scrying Hollow. It isn’t until Liliwen attempts to escape that the doors slam shut, trapping her. While her brother inches closer to death, Liliwen remains captive in the crumbling castle with the very beast who murdered her father…
The Hound of Scrying Hollow.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2025
124 people are currently reading
1942 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Marley Jones
4 books208 followersBrooke writes fairy tales and nightmares filled with tenderness and terror. Her stories take place in wild woods and gothic buildings, overgrown by roses and forgotten to the world. In this lifetime, Brooke resides in Niagara with her beautiful husband, and two fluffy cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
October 10, 2025
If I could give this book 500 stars I would!! Her book “The Forest Where The Phoenix Sleeps” is amazing & i didn’t think I would find something to surpass it. Well here we are. Her second book surpassing my love for the first one. I love love love Lili & Rook. I love the plot twists & the characters & the whole entire story. Brooke writes so beautifully you just get sucked in to the story. If you love dark gothic romantasy with a side of thriller read this book.
October 10: updating to add that the audiobook was just as great as reading the book!
October 10: updating to add that the audiobook was just as great as reading the book!
May 8, 2025
I first want to kick start this review by thanking Brooke for blessing my eyeballs with an early copy to review, because not only was this one of my most anticipated reads of the year- the hound has clawed its way to the top spot, it has so far been my favourite.
I am in awe. I’m emotionally unstable. I’m feral. Let’s goooooo!
The writing is PHENOMENAL. Like jaw on the floor, soul left the chat, levels of good. I felt genuinely so immersed in the story through the way it was told, I just wanted to actually climb into the book and just live in the hollow and sure, I’m probably cooked for that- but catch me outside thin wolves, ill swing. I’ll fight you to get to the veil, my future is waiting for meeeeeeee 🫣
The FEELINGS this book bought out of me. I was crying from stress, crying from the devastating beauty of it, and crying from JOY. SHEER JOY. Brooke yanked my heartstrings so hard, and then stitched me back together (WOW! Magic stitching maybe? 👀) and now I’m just some kinda gremlin voodoo doll who can’t move on.
The plot kept me on my toes so hard I got fucking whiplash, multiple times. Many screams were scrumpt. And the ending was quite literally the most beautiful jaw dropping, tear jerking, soul healing, wonderful experience my eyes have ever touched.
I made 99 highlights, most with notes- and every single one of them felt important. There’s so much good to be found in this novel, and you all need to get this on your TBR. No- I don’t care what’s on it already, shimmy some shit. Make room for The Hound. I BEG.
The Hound of Scrying Hollow will be a book I read over and over again, and that will stay locked in my brain forever. MAD PROPS TO BROOKE FOR THIS MASTERPIECE!
I am in awe. I’m emotionally unstable. I’m feral. Let’s goooooo!
The writing is PHENOMENAL. Like jaw on the floor, soul left the chat, levels of good. I felt genuinely so immersed in the story through the way it was told, I just wanted to actually climb into the book and just live in the hollow and sure, I’m probably cooked for that- but catch me outside thin wolves, ill swing. I’ll fight you to get to the veil, my future is waiting for meeeeeeee 🫣
The FEELINGS this book bought out of me. I was crying from stress, crying from the devastating beauty of it, and crying from JOY. SHEER JOY. Brooke yanked my heartstrings so hard, and then stitched me back together (WOW! Magic stitching maybe? 👀) and now I’m just some kinda gremlin voodoo doll who can’t move on.
The plot kept me on my toes so hard I got fucking whiplash, multiple times. Many screams were scrumpt. And the ending was quite literally the most beautiful jaw dropping, tear jerking, soul healing, wonderful experience my eyes have ever touched.
I made 99 highlights, most with notes- and every single one of them felt important. There’s so much good to be found in this novel, and you all need to get this on your TBR. No- I don’t care what’s on it already, shimmy some shit. Make room for The Hound. I BEG.
The Hound of Scrying Hollow will be a book I read over and over again, and that will stay locked in my brain forever. MAD PROPS TO BROOKE FOR THIS MASTERPIECE!
October 29, 2025
Such a great book , the ending perfection
February 28, 2025
Please prepare yourself for Brooke Marley Jones to blow your mind with The Hound of Scrying Hollow. A perfect enemies to lovers story in a wonderfully terrifying setting. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable and keeps the reader turning page after page until you realize it’s been 7 hours and you forgot to eat or drink anything (what…nooo that didn’t happen to me or anything………….).
The way Brooke can finesse each chapter to make the reader feel the full spectrum of human emotions at exactly the right time is, honestly, insane.
The way Brooke can make you want to run away and live in The Hollow (again, a terrifying setting where no one would want to live) is also, honestly, insane.
For fans of The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps, Brooke’s debut novel, look out for some perfect Easter eggs through this one!!
The Hound of Scrying Hollow has love and hate, intrigue and suspense, heartbreak and loss, and not to mention some plot twists that will make you actually want to scream on a plane full of people (whaaaaat…. Noooo that also didn’t happen to me or anything…..) and everyone’s favorite- touch her and 💀
The way Brooke can finesse each chapter to make the reader feel the full spectrum of human emotions at exactly the right time is, honestly, insane.
The way Brooke can make you want to run away and live in The Hollow (again, a terrifying setting where no one would want to live) is also, honestly, insane.
For fans of The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps, Brooke’s debut novel, look out for some perfect Easter eggs through this one!!
The Hound of Scrying Hollow has love and hate, intrigue and suspense, heartbreak and loss, and not to mention some plot twists that will make you actually want to scream on a plane full of people (whaaaaat…. Noooo that also didn’t happen to me or anything…..) and everyone’s favorite- touch her and 💀
May 3, 2025
This book is everything you could hope for in a dark, romantasy standalone.
I wasn't expecting to love the main characters so much, and the fairytale feel really upped the story with a BRAND NEW twist on a classic.
Liliwen and Everard the both strong, the banter is hilarious, and the spicy scenes are AMAZINGLY well written (without overpowering the plot!).
3.5 🌶
10 million 🌟. easily.
I wasn't expecting to love the main characters so much, and the fairytale feel really upped the story with a BRAND NEW twist on a classic.
Liliwen and Everard the both strong, the banter is hilarious, and the spicy scenes are AMAZINGLY well written (without overpowering the plot!).
3.5 🌶
10 million 🌟. easily.
June 1, 2025
I’ve been so excited for this book to be released. I devoured it in a day. I will read anything and everything Brooke Marley Jones writes. This was so good. 🥰
February 28, 2025
The Hound of Scrying Hollow brings a modern writing style into the gothic fantasy genre. Featuring haunted castles, overgrown woods filled with horrifying monsters, and a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ inspired love story. It keeps you on your toes, never knowing whether you’ll be swooning or screaming when you flip the page, with an ending that will leave you staring at the wall.
The Plot
What’s becoming a trend with Brooke Marley Jones is that the reader will never be sure where the plot is heading next. Our heroine has a set goal in mind. Kill the Hound, save her brother. However, this quickly becomes a lot more complex and unexpected of a journey than we anticipate. This is one thing I love when reading Brooke’s books, is the path of our FMC is never a straight line. Like real life, there are obstacles and surprises outside of our control, and it’s how we react to them that determines where we end up.
The Characters
Characterization is one of the author's biggest strengths. Each character has a distinct voice. Written with a combination of character consistency and growth throughout their arc. Characters are well-rounded, complex, and imperfect in the best way. I had an immediate emotional reaction to each of the characters I met along the way. Liliwen, our FMC, is a strong willed, intelligent, feisty, and empathetic oldest daughter. Her internal battle between her deepest desires and her familial obligations is something we can all connect with in some way.
The Gothic Fantasy
The world-building occurs naturally throughout the story. With Liliwens lifetime of survival knowledge in the Hollow, we learn about the flora and fauna as we encounter it. It’s delivered in a way that develops an intricate fantasy world without being intimidating for readers who don’t read a lot of fantasy. The familiar gothic elements from stories like Dracula, or dark fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast gives every reader a comfortable grasp on the setting. The author created new creatures we’ve never seen, and revitalized some familiar favourites. The details would fit perfectly in any horror setting, and are elevated in the fantasy world. I still can’t think about one particular creature without shuddering.
The Romance
A true enemies to lovers romance. Nothing gets those sparks flying like attempting to kill each other a few times. Culminating in a thorough open door spicy scene and the happily ever after we deserve. The majority of the story takes place with Liliwen and the Hound together in his haunted castle, allowing their relationship to build naturally as they get to know each other. She’s strong willed and brilliant, while he’s somehow this perfect combination of sassy, thoughtful, attentive, and protective. They fit so well together and it’s truly beautiful.
Summary
The Hound of Scrying Hollow is such a unique blend of fantasy, gothic horror, and romance. It brings new ideas and exceptional twists, along with the vibe of some of the best gothic and monster romance stories to have ever existed. It fits nicely into a handful of genres without being intimidating. It also expands on our knowledge of Hiraeth, the world the author created with her debut The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps. I loved all of the easter eggs I was able to find.
The Plot
What’s becoming a trend with Brooke Marley Jones is that the reader will never be sure where the plot is heading next. Our heroine has a set goal in mind. Kill the Hound, save her brother. However, this quickly becomes a lot more complex and unexpected of a journey than we anticipate. This is one thing I love when reading Brooke’s books, is the path of our FMC is never a straight line. Like real life, there are obstacles and surprises outside of our control, and it’s how we react to them that determines where we end up.
The Characters
Characterization is one of the author's biggest strengths. Each character has a distinct voice. Written with a combination of character consistency and growth throughout their arc. Characters are well-rounded, complex, and imperfect in the best way. I had an immediate emotional reaction to each of the characters I met along the way. Liliwen, our FMC, is a strong willed, intelligent, feisty, and empathetic oldest daughter. Her internal battle between her deepest desires and her familial obligations is something we can all connect with in some way.
The Gothic Fantasy
The world-building occurs naturally throughout the story. With Liliwens lifetime of survival knowledge in the Hollow, we learn about the flora and fauna as we encounter it. It’s delivered in a way that develops an intricate fantasy world without being intimidating for readers who don’t read a lot of fantasy. The familiar gothic elements from stories like Dracula, or dark fairy tales like Beauty and the Beast gives every reader a comfortable grasp on the setting. The author created new creatures we’ve never seen, and revitalized some familiar favourites. The details would fit perfectly in any horror setting, and are elevated in the fantasy world. I still can’t think about one particular creature without shuddering.
The Romance
A true enemies to lovers romance. Nothing gets those sparks flying like attempting to kill each other a few times. Culminating in a thorough open door spicy scene and the happily ever after we deserve. The majority of the story takes place with Liliwen and the Hound together in his haunted castle, allowing their relationship to build naturally as they get to know each other. She’s strong willed and brilliant, while he’s somehow this perfect combination of sassy, thoughtful, attentive, and protective. They fit so well together and it’s truly beautiful.
Summary
The Hound of Scrying Hollow is such a unique blend of fantasy, gothic horror, and romance. It brings new ideas and exceptional twists, along with the vibe of some of the best gothic and monster romance stories to have ever existed. It fits nicely into a handful of genres without being intimidating. It also expands on our knowledge of Hiraeth, the world the author created with her debut The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps. I loved all of the easter eggs I was able to find.
May 24, 2025
Oh why oh why did you have to play with my emotions Brooke? You fucked them up big time! And I love you for that!
You have characters you will hate, some you will totally fall in love with (looking at you Lili and Rook) some you will feel indifferent towards (oh how I didn‘t like Lottie - she reminded me of my youngest sister - sorry not sorry lol)
Honestly this book will live rent free in my head for a life time! I recommended it to so many friends already! It has so many elements that I love! It combines elements from two of my favourite movies „le pacte de loups“ (check it out if you haven‘t yet!), the visuals of the old „La Belle et la Bête“ (oh those gorgeous dresses and Vincent Cassel, again 😏), the gothic horrors from Edgar Allen Poe, Bram Stoker and dare I say maybe even a bit of HP Lovecraft?
The feel of a victorian gothic horror love story! That‘s what I can say about it and will tell everyone! Because that‘s what it is.
The hound that will haunt you forever. But in the best way possible!
You have characters you will hate, some you will totally fall in love with (looking at you Lili and Rook) some you will feel indifferent towards (oh how I didn‘t like Lottie - she reminded me of my youngest sister - sorry not sorry lol)
Honestly this book will live rent free in my head for a life time! I recommended it to so many friends already! It has so many elements that I love! It combines elements from two of my favourite movies „le pacte de loups“ (check it out if you haven‘t yet!), the visuals of the old „La Belle et la Bête“ (oh those gorgeous dresses and Vincent Cassel, again 😏), the gothic horrors from Edgar Allen Poe, Bram Stoker and dare I say maybe even a bit of HP Lovecraft?
The feel of a victorian gothic horror love story! That‘s what I can say about it and will tell everyone! Because that‘s what it is.
The hound that will haunt you forever. But in the best way possible!
June 5, 2025
Okay, I am OBSESSED with this book and I can’t wait to add to my shelf. To me it gave me a Beauty and the Beast vibe with added horror! It had it all the romance, the chemistry, scary and action packed. The twists, oh the twists!! This book had me feeling so many emotions! Thank you Brooke for this masterpiece! I couldn’t get enough!
Brooke is now a favorite author and now I wait very IMpatiently for book two of the forest series!!
Brooke is now a favorite author and now I wait very IMpatiently for book two of the forest series!!
June 5, 2025
I absolutely love how Brooke writes her stories. Not only am I obsessed with "The Forest Where The Phoenix Sleeps", but I am now adding this to the list of books that will live in my mind forever. This is a "Beauty and the Beast" inspired fairytale and it was done beautifully.
Lili & Rooks banter is amazing, Lottie is hilarious and the plot twist... wow. I just love everything about this.
If I could give this a million stars, I would.
Lili & Rooks banter is amazing, Lottie is hilarious and the plot twist... wow. I just love everything about this.
If I could give this a million stars, I would.
June 5, 2025
If you’re looking for a compulsively readable fantasy with mythical creatures, a mysterious abandoned castle, angsty romance, empowered females, and ZERO DRAGONS (praise be) this book is for you. I loved every heart pounding second of this fast paced fairy tale with teeth.
June 12, 2025
This book is excellent! I again fell in love with all of Brooke's characters, even the ones I didn't like in the beginning. Brooke's writing is whimsical and always paints the perfect picture in my mind while the story unfolds.
Absolutely masterpiece once again!!
Absolutely masterpiece once again!!
October 7, 2025
I loved the first 16 chapters of this book. The writing was clear and engaging. The story had twists and turns-plenty of excitement. The characters were interesting, likable, entertaining, and engaging. I was honestly thinking “this might be my new favorite book.” Then chapter 17 came. It’s like the first 16 chapters were edited/AI and the rest was written by at 14 year old. What the hell?! Stuff just started happening without reason or explanation. I kept thinking by the end we���d know how and why certain things happened, but no. Why and how did the family become wolves?! Where was that discussion?! How was the previously dead father the executioner all of a sudden? Did no one suspect? Surely there would have been rumors. How was Marek murdered when he actually didn’t kill the father-just attempted to? And again why is everyone a wolf now?!?!?!?! Why do we have two random Rook chapters? Because it was so random, both times I continued reading as if it were Liliwen (as it had been the entire book), got confused and had to go back and reread, only to find out the narrator had changed. I feel cheated out of a great book. I rated it 3.5⭐️ because I see such amazing potential…if anything there’s a great book woven through the crap.
May 18, 2025
What I love most about this book is that it isn’t structured in chapters, but Lessons. And honestly? I love this. Each Lesson felt like a window into something deeper—something you take with you, not just in the story, but in life. My favourite? "People will show you who they are; you need only watch." It hit me like a truth I didn’t know I needed.
I can’t even tell you how I first stumbled upon Brooke’s debut, The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps, but the moment I opened it, I was obsessed. I treated myself to a signed copy, completely unaware of the beautiful, chaotic bond I’d end up having with the author herself. I picked it as a read for my online book group, and Brooke—gracious as ever—joined us at the end to answer questions. Since then, we’ve kept in touch, mostly through Drag Race memes and me constantly swooning over her husband’s tattoos. (Pssst I am happily happily married and he is sooo gracious to the drool I leave amongst his sleeve)
Now let’s talk about Liliwen & Rook. Brooke doesn’t just write; she paints. Every sentence, every scene, is so vividly crafted that I forget I’m reading. When they’re running—I’m running. When they hurt—I feel it. My heart was racing the entire time, and my feet were genuinely aching by the end. How does she do this?
There’s a scene where they’re reading a story—a dark yet romantic tale about a girl from a far-off land and her lover. No one knows how their story ends, but they live on in folklore. That? That was my favourite moment. I read it and just sat there, foreshadowing.
And then there are the peacocks. To be @Beloved by an author? I get it now. (Wink)
If you’ve ever cried during Homeward Bound, there’s a scene in this book that will absolutely wreck you. I sobbed.
But then there’s Lottie… and I laughed. Oh, how I laughed. Does Lottie get a story
Brooke continues to astound me—not just with her storytelling, but with the way she connects. With her readers, with her characters, and with every little emotional thread that runs through these Lessons.
I can’t even tell you how I first stumbled upon Brooke’s debut, The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps, but the moment I opened it, I was obsessed. I treated myself to a signed copy, completely unaware of the beautiful, chaotic bond I’d end up having with the author herself. I picked it as a read for my online book group, and Brooke—gracious as ever—joined us at the end to answer questions. Since then, we’ve kept in touch, mostly through Drag Race memes and me constantly swooning over her husband’s tattoos. (Pssst I am happily happily married and he is sooo gracious to the drool I leave amongst his sleeve)
Now let’s talk about Liliwen & Rook. Brooke doesn’t just write; she paints. Every sentence, every scene, is so vividly crafted that I forget I’m reading. When they’re running—I’m running. When they hurt—I feel it. My heart was racing the entire time, and my feet were genuinely aching by the end. How does she do this?
There’s a scene where they’re reading a story—a dark yet romantic tale about a girl from a far-off land and her lover. No one knows how their story ends, but they live on in folklore. That? That was my favourite moment. I read it and just sat there, foreshadowing.
And then there are the peacocks. To be @Beloved by an author? I get it now. (Wink)
If you’ve ever cried during Homeward Bound, there’s a scene in this book that will absolutely wreck you. I sobbed.
But then there’s Lottie… and I laughed. Oh, how I laughed. Does Lottie get a story
Brooke continues to astound me—not just with her storytelling, but with the way she connects. With her readers, with her characters, and with every little emotional thread that runs through these Lessons.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
I’m not even surprised that this was a 5 star read. I’m so in love with Brooke’s unique story telling and her ability to captivate you from the first chapter. Her descriptions paint such a clear picture in your head (which can be quite terrifying depending on which creature she’s decided to gift us with 🫣) that it feels like everything is unfolding right in front of your eyes. There really is something to say about how immersive and vivid both of her books have been.
Gothic fantasy is one of my favorite genres and Brooke has set the bar unbelievably high. I couldn’t read this fast enough while simultaneously never wanting it to end. The rollercoaster of anxiety, humor (thank you Lottie), family, revenge, and survival packed into the setting of Scrying Hollow is positively addicting.
I’m not sure what magic Brooke possesses, but her ability to breathe live into her characters is something I will always love. Both main characters are so relatable and I fear I have grown so attached to Lili & Rook that I’ll be thinking of nothing and no one else for the foreseeable future. (Except Lottie, I’ll still have room to think about her) 🤣
If I haven’t already sold you on this book, hopefully this list of tropes/vibes will!
🐺 haunted castle
🐺 dark woods & horrifying creatures
🐺 secrets & mysteries
🐺 beauty & the beast vibes
🐺 found family
🐺 forced proximity
🐺 enemies to lovers
🐺 revenge & betrayal
🐺 eldest daughter
🐺 giggle inducing banter
I absolutely loved The Hound of Scrying Hollow and already wish I could go back and read it for the first time again. HOWEVER, I have so much excitement for what Brooke revealed at the very end. Nell, I’ve missed you sister. 🤍
Gothic fantasy is one of my favorite genres and Brooke has set the bar unbelievably high. I couldn’t read this fast enough while simultaneously never wanting it to end. The rollercoaster of anxiety, humor (thank you Lottie), family, revenge, and survival packed into the setting of Scrying Hollow is positively addicting.
I’m not sure what magic Brooke possesses, but her ability to breathe live into her characters is something I will always love. Both main characters are so relatable and I fear I have grown so attached to Lili & Rook that I’ll be thinking of nothing and no one else for the foreseeable future. (Except Lottie, I’ll still have room to think about her) 🤣
If I haven’t already sold you on this book, hopefully this list of tropes/vibes will!
🐺 haunted castle
🐺 dark woods & horrifying creatures
🐺 secrets & mysteries
🐺 beauty & the beast vibes
🐺 found family
🐺 forced proximity
🐺 enemies to lovers
🐺 revenge & betrayal
🐺 eldest daughter
🐺 giggle inducing banter
I absolutely loved The Hound of Scrying Hollow and already wish I could go back and read it for the first time again. HOWEVER, I have so much excitement for what Brooke revealed at the very end. Nell, I’ve missed you sister. 🤍
June 4, 2025
I am not usually a fan of wolf/shifter romance type books so I was a bit dubious going in to The hound of scrying hollow but I read Brooke’s first book, The forest where the phoenix sleeps and absolutely loved it so definitely wanted to give it a try.
This book, much like her previous book has some horror and spooky elements to it and as I’m a giant baby that is something I usually avoid also.
Well, I think Brooke may have done the impossible and made me a convert! I loved this book so so much! Brooke sets the scene so well so it’s all really easy to imagine. She writes characters that you will immediately fall in love with and some that you will immediately hate but what I love most are the characters Brooke creates that are really divisive. There’s one character in this book that I loved but I know a friend didn’t and that makes for some great discussions!!
Do yourself a favor and grab this books as soon as humanly possible, you won’t regret it!
If you’re a big baby like me, don’t even worry about it, it’s not scary scary!
This book, much like her previous book has some horror and spooky elements to it and as I’m a giant baby that is something I usually avoid also.
Well, I think Brooke may have done the impossible and made me a convert! I loved this book so so much! Brooke sets the scene so well so it’s all really easy to imagine. She writes characters that you will immediately fall in love with and some that you will immediately hate but what I love most are the characters Brooke creates that are really divisive. There’s one character in this book that I loved but I know a friend didn’t and that makes for some great discussions!!
Do yourself a favor and grab this books as soon as humanly possible, you won’t regret it!
If you’re a big baby like me, don’t even worry about it, it’s not scary scary!
June 3, 2025
Wow, wow, wow. Brooke Marley Jones has done it again - created a world and characters so visceral that you cannot put the book down. Seriously, she has magic herself, weaving it through every word until you’re at the last page feeling as if you’ve read a book twice the length from the wild journey her stories take you on. And of course, withdrawal that the beautiful world you’ve escaped to for the past two days is now over…. *sigh*. I’ll be here waiting for the next one!
Some of my favorite annotations:
• The shadows cannot harm what they cannot find. Be safe, my light.
•It was a painful reminder that our minds are clever, and they lose hope easily—but our bodies, where our hearts beat strong, do not so readily forget.
•“Yes,” Rook said, confirming my suspicion. “Another item on my vast list of shortcomings, I suppose.” If I wasn’t trying my best to feign kindness, I might have asked Rook whether he listed illiteracy above or below murder.
• If you inspire suffering, you are no better than the monster you seek to destroy.
Some of my favorite annotations:
• The shadows cannot harm what they cannot find. Be safe, my light.
•It was a painful reminder that our minds are clever, and they lose hope easily—but our bodies, where our hearts beat strong, do not so readily forget.
•“Yes,” Rook said, confirming my suspicion. “Another item on my vast list of shortcomings, I suppose.” If I wasn’t trying my best to feign kindness, I might have asked Rook whether he listed illiteracy above or below murder.
• If you inspire suffering, you are no better than the monster you seek to destroy.
May 11, 2025
I was fortunate to read this as an ARC and wow did it not disappoint!
Brooke's writing is perfectly detailed and her play on words is genius. I felt all the emotions, but was pleasantly surprised by the HEA ending. The story line was compelling and easy to follow and had me on the edge of a panic attack at times.
What a beautiful ride this was! I can't wait for book 3!
Brooke's writing is perfectly detailed and her play on words is genius. I felt all the emotions, but was pleasantly surprised by the HEA ending. The story line was compelling and easy to follow and had me on the edge of a panic attack at times.
What a beautiful ride this was! I can't wait for book 3!
June 17, 2025
This book is excellent!! I absolutely loved this book, was drawn in from the very start. The romance was amazing, the horror was eerie and the twists were jaw dropping. Brooke Marley Jones has a career in front of her.
May 29, 2025
I absolutely loved this book, was drawn in from the beginning. Brooke is one of my Author auto buys because she is just that good. I’m terrible at using my words with reviews, but it’s just so good and you need to read it!
Now i need more!
Now i need more!
May 16, 2025
So absolutely thankful to Brooke for letting me be an ARC reader!
An Unforgettable Read!!!!!!!
Wow, just wow.I don’t even know where to begin because this book completely stole my heart and refused to give it back. From the very first page, Brooke had me hooked. Her storytelling is absolutely electric, and she kept me on my toes until the very last word. Every twist, every turn, I couldn’t pick my jaw up off the floor. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Brooke pulled the rug out from under me in the best possible way.
This wasn’t just a good read, it was an experience. I devoured every chapter, completely immersed in the characters, the world, the emotions. I laughed, I gasped, I held my breath. And when I finished? I immediately wanted to go back and read it all over again.
Hands down, this is my favorite book of 2025 so far. If you're looking for a story that grips you and doesn't let go, this is it.
An Unforgettable Read!!!!!!!
Wow, just wow.I don’t even know where to begin because this book completely stole my heart and refused to give it back. From the very first page, Brooke had me hooked. Her storytelling is absolutely electric, and she kept me on my toes until the very last word. Every twist, every turn, I couldn’t pick my jaw up off the floor. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Brooke pulled the rug out from under me in the best possible way.
This wasn’t just a good read, it was an experience. I devoured every chapter, completely immersed in the characters, the world, the emotions. I laughed, I gasped, I held my breath. And when I finished? I immediately wanted to go back and read it all over again.
Hands down, this is my favorite book of 2025 so far. If you're looking for a story that grips you and doesn't let go, this is it.
November 20, 2025
"𝓘𝓽 𝔀𝓪𝓼 𝓼𝓸 𝓰𝓸𝓸𝓭 𝓘 𝓬𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓭"
If you need to take something from this review it’s this. It was so good I FREAKING CRIED.
—> ℝ𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕖 𝟙𝕤𝕥
The Hound of Scrying Hollow had me feelings all sorts of things, from rage, to sadness, to happiness and to wanting to strangle some people.
It was a perfect enemies to lovers with closed proximity gothic fantasy with a side note of horror. It is a full standalone with a HEA so no worries there ! You just might have to work a bit to get there.
Each and every characters were so perfectly crafted, all having their own story arcs intertwined with the bigger plot.
Brooke did it again and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole damn time with her plot twists after plot twists. She even made me wanna go live in the Hollow.. which is like INSANE ?!? But I wanna become one with the moss and lay down on the forest floor too, who cares if it’s spooky and full of monsters… right ?
Her writing just does something for me. She kept me hooked from start to finish and I just couldn’t stop reading. Devoured the book in less than 24 hours and I was reading past midnight … who needs sleep for school, right now? Certainly not my chronically ill ass.
I will forever be in awe of Brooke’s brain. She came up with such a clever way to present her chapters and it made the reading experience of this story 10 times better.
If you need to take something from this review it’s this. It was so good I FREAKING CRIED.
—> ℝ𝕖𝕝𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕟 𝕁𝕦𝕟𝕖 𝟙𝕤𝕥
The Hound of Scrying Hollow had me feelings all sorts of things, from rage, to sadness, to happiness and to wanting to strangle some people.
It was a perfect enemies to lovers with closed proximity gothic fantasy with a side note of horror. It is a full standalone with a HEA so no worries there ! You just might have to work a bit to get there.
Each and every characters were so perfectly crafted, all having their own story arcs intertwined with the bigger plot.
Brooke did it again and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole damn time with her plot twists after plot twists. She even made me wanna go live in the Hollow.. which is like INSANE ?!? But I wanna become one with the moss and lay down on the forest floor too, who cares if it’s spooky and full of monsters… right ?
Her writing just does something for me. She kept me hooked from start to finish and I just couldn’t stop reading. Devoured the book in less than 24 hours and I was reading past midnight … who needs sleep for school, right now? Certainly not my chronically ill ass.
I will forever be in awe of Brooke’s brain. She came up with such a clever way to present her chapters and it made the reading experience of this story 10 times better.
March 15, 2025
Brooke, you’ve done it again.
Your ability to immerse a reader into the world you’ve created is second to none. The family dynamic, the tension, the pure, unyielding love in this story has me in a chokehold I won’t soon forget. The Hound of Scrying Hollow has the perfect amount of romance, horror, thriller, and fantasy all wrapped up behind one beautiful cover!
Another instant favorite by Brooke Marley Jones to add to the list.
Your ability to immerse a reader into the world you’ve created is second to none. The family dynamic, the tension, the pure, unyielding love in this story has me in a chokehold I won’t soon forget. The Hound of Scrying Hollow has the perfect amount of romance, horror, thriller, and fantasy all wrapped up behind one beautiful cover!
Another instant favorite by Brooke Marley Jones to add to the list.
May 23, 2025
Have you ever read a book so unearthly captivating and beautiful that your mind is lost within the pages long after you put the book down?
Brooke Jones has once again created a world so enthralling that I literally could not stop reading. Not to sound cliche, but this book is a roller coaster of emotions that will have your heart beating like prey being chased by a predator in some chapters, shattering painfully in a few, brimming with laughter in some, or filled with butterflies in others.
The Hound of Scrying Hollow has changed the world of fantasy for me yet again. The world and character building in this book is phenomenal. The way the Hollow and all of the spine-chilling creatures are described in such detail truly had me looking over my shoulder on my couch while I read. Some creatures in this story have reoccurring scenes that I absolutely loved while others have bombshell one time appearances that will have you thanking your lucky stars they don't exist in our world. The FMC and MMC are without a doubt two of my favorite characters I have ever had the honor of reading. Brooke continues to flaunt her skills at writing with this FMC who overflows with strength and resilience while incorporating an MMC that has you obsessed and annoyed all at once. The supporting characters in this book are freaking outstanding. This book has given me a new all-time favorite supporting character from any book I've ever picked up, and if you read it, you'll know who I mean and why!
The story itself is so well written and enrapturing that I'm already looking forward to her next book. There truly is no limit to Brooke's ability to reel you in and send your brain and heart into overdrive with the level of detail and emotion she can pack into the pages of her stories. I really appreciated that while this story is 100% a standalone novel, it has Easter eggs and ties to her debut novel, The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps. These ties are so thoughtfully sprinkled throughout this book and really do add to the story, but not in a way that the reader will miss out on the story if they haven't read her first book.
The Hound of Scrying Hollow is a book that not only appeals to fantasy readers, romance readers, or smut enthusiasts, but also appeals to those readers who enjoy a dark, horrifying story that leaves you with goosebumps wanting more. I will always adore Brooke's ability to write a story that flows and reads so comfortably that I don't have to question how details line up or if I missed something in another chapter. Her stories just please my brain in a way no other author is capable of doing.
Read this book. Just do it. You are missing out on the book of a lifetime if you don't.
Brooke Jones has once again created a world so enthralling that I literally could not stop reading. Not to sound cliche, but this book is a roller coaster of emotions that will have your heart beating like prey being chased by a predator in some chapters, shattering painfully in a few, brimming with laughter in some, or filled with butterflies in others.
The Hound of Scrying Hollow has changed the world of fantasy for me yet again. The world and character building in this book is phenomenal. The way the Hollow and all of the spine-chilling creatures are described in such detail truly had me looking over my shoulder on my couch while I read. Some creatures in this story have reoccurring scenes that I absolutely loved while others have bombshell one time appearances that will have you thanking your lucky stars they don't exist in our world. The FMC and MMC are without a doubt two of my favorite characters I have ever had the honor of reading. Brooke continues to flaunt her skills at writing with this FMC who overflows with strength and resilience while incorporating an MMC that has you obsessed and annoyed all at once. The supporting characters in this book are freaking outstanding. This book has given me a new all-time favorite supporting character from any book I've ever picked up, and if you read it, you'll know who I mean and why!
The story itself is so well written and enrapturing that I'm already looking forward to her next book. There truly is no limit to Brooke's ability to reel you in and send your brain and heart into overdrive with the level of detail and emotion she can pack into the pages of her stories. I really appreciated that while this story is 100% a standalone novel, it has Easter eggs and ties to her debut novel, The Forest Where the Phoenix Sleeps. These ties are so thoughtfully sprinkled throughout this book and really do add to the story, but not in a way that the reader will miss out on the story if they haven't read her first book.
The Hound of Scrying Hollow is a book that not only appeals to fantasy readers, romance readers, or smut enthusiasts, but also appeals to those readers who enjoy a dark, horrifying story that leaves you with goosebumps wanting more. I will always adore Brooke's ability to write a story that flows and reads so comfortably that I don't have to question how details line up or if I missed something in another chapter. Her stories just please my brain in a way no other author is capable of doing.
Read this book. Just do it. You are missing out on the book of a lifetime if you don't.
June 1, 2025
You might need to sink your teeth into this one if you like curses, loosely retold fairytales, slow burn, helpful lessons throughout the book, sassy FMCs, grumpy MMCs, eerie forests, monsters, betrayal and mystery.
Ahem. WTF Brooke. Lemme just go sit myself down over here in love with everything about this book, it’s cool, I definitely needed another book to obsess over, Wait, what’s that? Did you hear that? That’s my bookshelf screaming at me to make space for another favourite book.
I sank myself into the couch so fast when I got this and was excited to lose myself in the pages, but truthfully I’m not great at being quiet about books so it really was just me screeching loudly at Matt every 15 minutes when I had a thought or opinion. You’re welcome Matt. I’m not going to give a lot away from this book because really, you NEED to experience it yourself, but I was hooked. I was battered in an emotional rollercoaster and then shot out the other end still reeling and if Brooke had told me she could hand me another book right then, I would have just handed her my credit card - no questions asked.
Let the countdown until I have a physical copy of this book begin, because I’ve already picked out the spot for it and that bookshelf is ready.
Ahem. WTF Brooke. Lemme just go sit myself down over here in love with everything about this book, it’s cool, I definitely needed another book to obsess over, Wait, what’s that? Did you hear that? That’s my bookshelf screaming at me to make space for another favourite book.
I sank myself into the couch so fast when I got this and was excited to lose myself in the pages, but truthfully I’m not great at being quiet about books so it really was just me screeching loudly at Matt every 15 minutes when I had a thought or opinion. You’re welcome Matt. I’m not going to give a lot away from this book because really, you NEED to experience it yourself, but I was hooked. I was battered in an emotional rollercoaster and then shot out the other end still reeling and if Brooke had told me she could hand me another book right then, I would have just handed her my credit card - no questions asked.
Let the countdown until I have a physical copy of this book begin, because I’ve already picked out the spot for it and that bookshelf is ready.
May 20, 2025
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING… First off Brooke thank you so much for an ARC! I was exited to get my first ARC! I read your first book “The Forest Where The Phoenix Sleeps” and I was instantly impressed with your writing and story telling. That was a 5⭐️ read for me! But this book was definitely so BEAUTIFULLY written! This was a 6⭐️ read for me! This is one of my absolute favorite reads this year! I fell for each character from the start. This reminded me of childhood fairy tales but with a dark twist which was (yasss queen) So good! I was hooked! The way you wrote this story made me feel every emotion and imagine it all so vividly. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to read this book! I don’t want to spoil anything but THIS IS A MUST READ ASAP! FANTASY- LOVE - GRIM - FAIRY TALE- Enemies to Lovers- ALL THE FEELS!
I will be purchasing a copy once she is released to add to my book collection.
I can’t wait to share with everyone!
I will be purchasing a copy once she is released to add to my book collection.
I can’t wait to share with everyone!
May 4, 2025
THIS! If there's any recommendations you take from me, this is the one! It's Brooke's second book and I'm obsessed. Now both her books are comfort reads for me that I will read again and again!
When Liliwen's brother comes home after being attacked by the Hound, who killed her father, she makes a decision. She is going to kill the Hound and take his heart to the queen to save her brother. But entering the hollow is dangerous. It's not only the Hound who stalks there and can kill you.
The romance was amazing, the horror was eerie and the twists was 🤯! I fell in love with the characters and the world and I can wait to reread it.
I could go on and on about this but I don't want to give anything away, you just need to read it!❤️
When Liliwen's brother comes home after being attacked by the Hound, who killed her father, she makes a decision. She is going to kill the Hound and take his heart to the queen to save her brother. But entering the hollow is dangerous. It's not only the Hound who stalks there and can kill you.
The romance was amazing, the horror was eerie and the twists was 🤯! I fell in love with the characters and the world and I can wait to reread it.
I could go on and on about this but I don't want to give anything away, you just need to read it!❤️
May 21, 2025
I feel like I need a solid nap after that book, or well, just to go to bed as I stay up to finish it, lol. I attacked and finished this book in one day, almost as viciously as one of the creatures in the book.
Brooke does such a wonderful job setting the scene. She describes the world in such a way that you're fully immersed. You can envision the creepy woods, the castles, the cottages, and even more so the creepy creatures. This book has so much action and danger. There was a romance there, though too, the perfect combo. The discovery of the Hound, who he is, what his story was, and why he did what he did. In the end, nothing is as it seems. Halfway, I was already having heart-wrenching moments and saying "wow those two words hit me." "I waved" IYKYK. I had theories and hunches just when I thought I saw how it was gonna go, nope, plot twist. Right until the very end, I was shocked.
The main characters, to the side characters, to the folklore and magic, the lessons rather than chapters I loved it all. Brooke really weaved a complex storytelling, but in such an easy to read story that had me hooked right from the beginning. It's easily a 5 star read.
Brooke does such a wonderful job setting the scene. She describes the world in such a way that you're fully immersed. You can envision the creepy woods, the castles, the cottages, and even more so the creepy creatures. This book has so much action and danger. There was a romance there, though too, the perfect combo. The discovery of the Hound, who he is, what his story was, and why he did what he did. In the end, nothing is as it seems. Halfway, I was already having heart-wrenching moments and saying "wow those two words hit me." "I waved" IYKYK. I had theories and hunches just when I thought I saw how it was gonna go, nope, plot twist. Right until the very end, I was shocked.
The main characters, to the side characters, to the folklore and magic, the lessons rather than chapters I loved it all. Brooke really weaved a complex storytelling, but in such an easy to read story that had me hooked right from the beginning. It's easily a 5 star read.
July 11, 2025
“To survive the Hollow, you must be the most treacherous of those who inhabit it.”
Wow, I loved this. It was spooky with cottage core vibes and I just couldn’t get enough of it. The characters were all so lovable, even our feral, chaotic Lottie. I adore the Valet family and their love for each other so much.
But Rook and Lilliwen? Obsessed. If you want enemies to lovers where they try to kill each other that turns into a forbidden love, you need to pick this up.
"How could anyone look at you and not have hope?
The ending brought me to tears and, to avoid any potential spoilers, I’ll leave it at that.
“"Maybe I don't want to change him!" I snarled back. Maybe I want to be right there with him, tearing into all of you!”
Wow, I loved this. It was spooky with cottage core vibes and I just couldn’t get enough of it. The characters were all so lovable, even our feral, chaotic Lottie. I adore the Valet family and their love for each other so much.
But Rook and Lilliwen? Obsessed. If you want enemies to lovers where they try to kill each other that turns into a forbidden love, you need to pick this up.
"How could anyone look at you and not have hope?
The ending brought me to tears and, to avoid any potential spoilers, I’ll leave it at that.
“"Maybe I don't want to change him!" I snarled back. Maybe I want to be right there with him, tearing into all of you!”
May 26, 2025
Wow!! What a truly amazing read!!! After the Forest Where the Pheonix Sleeps, I knew I would read anything Brooke wrote!
This story was so well written - the details take you right into the story. The characters are so detailed, and you will feel like you know them all. I thought I knew what was going to happen right until the plot twist! I did not see that coming and then could not stop reading! I will recommend this book over and over! Absolutely amazing Brooke!!
This story was so well written - the details take you right into the story. The characters are so detailed, and you will feel like you know them all. I thought I knew what was going to happen right until the plot twist! I did not see that coming and then could not stop reading! I will recommend this book over and over! Absolutely amazing Brooke!!
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