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Lost Girls of Hollow Lake
After a group of teens visit a dangerous island where three are left behind, the surviving girls realize they must return to confront the sinister force hunting them. This dark YA thriller is perfect for fans of Yellowjackets.
Eight were lost. Five were found. None will ever be free.
For Evie Williams, life is about to get a lot more complicated. Haunted by the events of a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park that went disastrously wrong, Evie and her friends returned changed, their lives forever marked by the mysterious Island they encountered—and the three girls they left behind.
Now, someone is picking off those who were involved, one by one. Their families, friends, and even online investigators are all caught in a deadly game. The stakes are raised when Evie receives a chilling to save her loved ones, she must return to the Island.
As Evie and the other "Lost Girls" navigate the treacherous terrain of the Island once more, they must confront the secrets they’ve buried, the horrors they witnessed, and the person—or thing—that’s hunting them. But some secrets refuse to stay hidden, and the Island demands a price for freedom.
Eight were lost. Five were found. None will ever be free.
For Evie Williams, life is about to get a lot more complicated. Haunted by the events of a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park that went disastrously wrong, Evie and her friends returned changed, their lives forever marked by the mysterious Island they encountered—and the three girls they left behind.
Now, someone is picking off those who were involved, one by one. Their families, friends, and even online investigators are all caught in a deadly game. The stakes are raised when Evie receives a chilling to save her loved ones, she must return to the Island.
As Evie and the other "Lost Girls" navigate the treacherous terrain of the Island once more, they must confront the secrets they’ve buried, the horrors they witnessed, and the person—or thing—that’s hunting them. But some secrets refuse to stay hidden, and the Island demands a price for freedom.
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 27, 2026
19 people are currently reading
6697 people want to read
About the author
Rebekah Faubion
4 books165 followersRebekah Faubion is a queer author and screenwriter living in Los Angeles. Her books include the YA dark speculative thriller Lost Girls of Hollow Lake out now from Delacorte Press, sapphic rom-coms The Lovers and The Sun and the Moon, and her adult horror debut What a Nightmare, releasing October 13th, 2026 from Berkley Pub. She enjoys reading tarot, bingeing horror novels way past her bedtime, and thinking up places to bury the body—for the plot, of course.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
September 29, 2025
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake to me felt like a perfect blend of thriller and horror. The writing is really good, the atmosphere got me checking if I wasn't possibly on a magical island in the middle of a lake fighting for my life. I loved the characters and the ending was very satisfactory, something that is very important to me when it comes to thrillers.
I can't believe this is a debut.
If you are looking for a creepy, slightly unhinged read with a cute dog and a bit of sapphic romance, this is perfect for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte for the ARC.
I can't believe this is a debut.
If you are looking for a creepy, slightly unhinged read with a cute dog and a bit of sapphic romance, this is perfect for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte for the ARC.
August 14, 2025
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake is the kind of haunting thriller that doesn’t just keep you on edge—it gets under your skin and lingers long after the final page. From the eerie whispers of the Island to the fractured memories of the survivors, Rebekah Faubion crafts a chilling tale about what it means to survive... and what surviving actually costs.
Evie, our brave and haunted narrator, is still reeling from a school trip that ended in tragedy and silence. Three girls were left behind on a mysterious, cursed island—and the five who made it home didn’t return whole. Now, one by one, someone—or something—is coming for them. When Evie receives a terrifying message, she realizes there’s only one way to stop the cycle of death: return to the place that broke them.
What follows is a dark, immersive journey that blends supernatural horror with emotional depth. The Island is more than just a setting—it’s a force, a character, a mirror of the trauma these girls carry. Faubion explores the weight of guilt, the resilience of sisterhood, and the idea that sometimes, confronting the past is scarier than any monster.
With sharp pacing, eerie imagery, and heart-pounding twists, Lost Girls of Hollow Lake is a wild ride through grief, mystery, and survival. Fans of Yellowjackets, The Forest, and I Know What You Did Last Summer will find themselves obsessed.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books | Delacorte Press for sharing this unforgettable, darkly emotional YA thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!
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Evie, our brave and haunted narrator, is still reeling from a school trip that ended in tragedy and silence. Three girls were left behind on a mysterious, cursed island—and the five who made it home didn’t return whole. Now, one by one, someone—or something—is coming for them. When Evie receives a terrifying message, she realizes there’s only one way to stop the cycle of death: return to the place that broke them.
What follows is a dark, immersive journey that blends supernatural horror with emotional depth. The Island is more than just a setting—it’s a force, a character, a mirror of the trauma these girls carry. Faubion explores the weight of guilt, the resilience of sisterhood, and the idea that sometimes, confronting the past is scarier than any monster.
With sharp pacing, eerie imagery, and heart-pounding twists, Lost Girls of Hollow Lake is a wild ride through grief, mystery, and survival. Fans of Yellowjackets, The Forest, and I Know What You Did Last Summer will find themselves obsessed.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Children’s Books | Delacorte Press for sharing this unforgettable, darkly emotional YA thriller’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
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August 19, 2025
This young adult thriller novel was great! It was extremely well written, entertaining and incredibly engaging! It is dark, tense, atmospheric haunting and has mystery to it! This novel was easy to read, outrageous at times, came with emotional depth and had a great storyline! I enjoyed the characters in the novel and the plot. I found that the plot was well executed! Even though this is a young adult novel, I felt like it definitely had strong horror elements in it. It was definitely giving me the show “Yellowjackets” vibes! I think this is the perfect read for around Halloween season, or anytime you’re in the mood for a good thriller! Overall, I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars!
Content warnings include psychological horror, gore and graphic violence. I think people that liked the movie “The Ritual” and the book “Five Survive” by Holly Jackson would really enjoy this book! As I mentioned above, this book does completely give off Yellowjackets vibes as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Rebekah Faubion and Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press for this eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on January 27, 2026!
Content warnings include psychological horror, gore and graphic violence. I think people that liked the movie “The Ritual” and the book “Five Survive” by Holly Jackson would really enjoy this book! As I mentioned above, this book does completely give off Yellowjackets vibes as well.
Thank you to NetGalley, author Rebekah Faubion and Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press for this eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on January 27, 2026!
January 9, 2026
Blending a dark thriller feel with supernatural survival horror vibes, Lost Girls of Hollow Lake was a YA novel that offered up plenty for adults as well. You see, from the emotional depth to the thought-provoking themes, it wasn’t just a fun, wild trip into a series of dark secrets. Oh, don’t get me wrong…it had plenty of that too. But thanks to a long look at guilt, grief, resilience, and friendship, it was also one heck of a reflective read. At its core, though, it delivered a heart-pounding rollercoaster ride of suspense that I couldn’t put down. Oh, yes. I absolutely inhaled it in one single evening. After all, the haunting atmosphere alone made the magical island feel more like a character than just a setting as it chilled me down to the bone in no time at all.
All said and done, despite some immature behavior here and there due to their age, the eerie mysteries and spooky vibes meant this book was everything I look for in a binge-able read. Fast-paced, immersive, and chillingly atmospheric, the slightly unhinged feel only made it better in my humble opinion. I mean, how could I not love a creepy island alongside of an adorable dog? Don’t get me wrong, the gore level on this one was somewhat high, but, paired with a bit of sapphic romance, the bodies dropping like flies only made it into more of an utter home run. Perfect for fans of Yellowjackets, Holly Jackson, and I Know What You Did Last Summer, I’m truly floored by this stunning debut and think everyone should read it ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
For Evie Williams, life is about to get a lot more complicated. Haunted by the events of a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park that went disastrously wrong, Evie and her friends returned changed, their lives forever marked by the mysterious Island they encountered—and the three girls they left behind.
Now, someone is picking off those who were involved, one by one. Their families, friends, and even online investigators are all caught in a deadly game. The stakes are raised when Evie receives a chilling message: to save her loved ones, she must return to the Island.
As Evie and the other "Lost Girls" navigate the treacherous terrain of the Island once more, they must confront the secrets they’ve buried, the horrors they witnessed, and the person—or thing—that’s hunting them. But some secrets refuse to stay hidden, and the Island demands a price for freedom.
Thank you Rebekah Faubion and Delacorte Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 27, 2026
Content warning: graphic violence
All said and done, despite some immature behavior here and there due to their age, the eerie mysteries and spooky vibes meant this book was everything I look for in a binge-able read. Fast-paced, immersive, and chillingly atmospheric, the slightly unhinged feel only made it better in my humble opinion. I mean, how could I not love a creepy island alongside of an adorable dog? Don’t get me wrong, the gore level on this one was somewhat high, but, paired with a bit of sapphic romance, the bodies dropping like flies only made it into more of an utter home run. Perfect for fans of Yellowjackets, Holly Jackson, and I Know What You Did Last Summer, I’m truly floored by this stunning debut and think everyone should read it ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
For Evie Williams, life is about to get a lot more complicated. Haunted by the events of a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park that went disastrously wrong, Evie and her friends returned changed, their lives forever marked by the mysterious Island they encountered—and the three girls they left behind.
Now, someone is picking off those who were involved, one by one. Their families, friends, and even online investigators are all caught in a deadly game. The stakes are raised when Evie receives a chilling message: to save her loved ones, she must return to the Island.
As Evie and the other "Lost Girls" navigate the treacherous terrain of the Island once more, they must confront the secrets they’ve buried, the horrors they witnessed, and the person—or thing—that’s hunting them. But some secrets refuse to stay hidden, and the Island demands a price for freedom.
Thank you Rebekah Faubion and Delacorte Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: January 27, 2026
Content warning: graphic violence
August 27, 2025
ARC for review. To be published January 27, 2026.
3 stars
Evie Williams and seven other girls are on a school trip in Hollow Lake National Park when they sneak off to an island in the middle of the lake that only they can see. Only five girls come home and there’s no trace of the three missing girls. The five who returned are all traumatized by their experience.
Now some is killing the people involved in the disappearance. Who is the killer?
All the girls in the book act oddly; they don’t seem very real. Despite the stilted affect of all the characters, however, young adults may like this. There’s a delicious sense of menace throughout.
3 stars
Evie Williams and seven other girls are on a school trip in Hollow Lake National Park when they sneak off to an island in the middle of the lake that only they can see. Only five girls come home and there’s no trace of the three missing girls. The five who returned are all traumatized by their experience.
Now some is killing the people involved in the disappearance. Who is the killer?
All the girls in the book act oddly; they don’t seem very real. Despite the stilted affect of all the characters, however, young adults may like this. There’s a delicious sense of menace throughout.
December 25, 2025
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake by Rebekah Faubion is a chilling, atmospheric YA horror‑thriller about Evie Williams and seven classmates who vanish during a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park after exploring a mysterious island that few even believe exists, only for five of them to return changed, haunted, and hiding terrifying secrets as something unknown begins stalking them back home. The story weaves present‑day danger with flashbacks to what really happened on the island, creating a layered mystery that is eerie, emotionally resonant, and unnervingly suspenseful.
From the first pages, I felt the looming dread of Hollow Lake itself, where a local legend about a phantom “Dead Refuge Island” hangs over the characters like a storm cloud, making every tree‑lined trail or foggy lakeshore moment feel alive with threat. Evie’s narration pulled me into her tightrope walk between trying to live a normal life before college and confronting the guilt and trauma of what she and the other “Lost Girls” left behind, while mysterious messages and deaths force them back together to face what hunted them. Faubion balances the psychological horror of their shared experience with a slow‑burn mystery that kept me guessing, and the inclusion of tender moments, a heartfelt bond between Evie and her dog Tiger and a quietly sweet queer romance with Sunny added emotional grounding amid the tension. The island’s supernatural presence feels almost like another character, and the dual timelines deepen both fear and empathy as the truth unfolds.
Rating: 4 out of 5. I’m giving this score because the novel’s eerie atmosphere, compelling mystery structure, and layered character work made the fear feel real and the emotional stakes hit hard, even if a few pacing moments get dense in places. If you love YA thrillers with supernatural unease, psychological complexity, and friendships tested under horrific circumstances, this one will haunt you in the best way.
From the first pages, I felt the looming dread of Hollow Lake itself, where a local legend about a phantom “Dead Refuge Island” hangs over the characters like a storm cloud, making every tree‑lined trail or foggy lakeshore moment feel alive with threat. Evie’s narration pulled me into her tightrope walk between trying to live a normal life before college and confronting the guilt and trauma of what she and the other “Lost Girls” left behind, while mysterious messages and deaths force them back together to face what hunted them. Faubion balances the psychological horror of their shared experience with a slow‑burn mystery that kept me guessing, and the inclusion of tender moments, a heartfelt bond between Evie and her dog Tiger and a quietly sweet queer romance with Sunny added emotional grounding amid the tension. The island’s supernatural presence feels almost like another character, and the dual timelines deepen both fear and empathy as the truth unfolds.
Rating: 4 out of 5. I’m giving this score because the novel’s eerie atmosphere, compelling mystery structure, and layered character work made the fear feel real and the emotional stakes hit hard, even if a few pacing moments get dense in places. If you love YA thrillers with supernatural unease, psychological complexity, and friendships tested under horrific circumstances, this one will haunt you in the best way.
August 25, 2025
This was a fantastic thriller. Super spooky and haunting vibes. The entire premise was chilling and captivating. I was immediately hooked. At no point during this was I bored. AND we have a sweet dog named Tiger.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
September 10, 2025
Out January 27th, 2026
Evie Williams thought the worst was behind her after a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park ended in tragedy. Eight girls went in, only five came back—and the three left behind haunt every moment of Evie’s life. The survivors have tried to move on, but the Island they visited holds secrets that refuse to stay buried. When someone begins targeting those who returned, Evie realizes the nightmare isn’t over. A chilling message forces her to confront the past: to protect the people she loves, she must go back.
As the remaining girls reunite and return to the Island, they’re met with a landscape that’s just as eerie and unforgiving as they remember. The terrain is treacherous, the memories are raw, and something—or someone—is hunting them. Each step forward unearths more of the truth they tried to forget, and the bonds between them are tested by fear, guilt, and the weight of survival. The Island demands a price, and this time, it might not let anyone leave.
This dark, emotional thriller blends supernatural suspense with the raw intensity of trauma and friendship. The story dives deep into the complexities of grief, the power of secrets, and the resilience of young women forced to face horrors both real and imagined. With danger closing in and the past clawing its way to the surface, the girls must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice—and whether freedom is even possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this ARC!
Evie Williams thought the worst was behind her after a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park ended in tragedy. Eight girls went in, only five came back—and the three left behind haunt every moment of Evie’s life. The survivors have tried to move on, but the Island they visited holds secrets that refuse to stay buried. When someone begins targeting those who returned, Evie realizes the nightmare isn’t over. A chilling message forces her to confront the past: to protect the people she loves, she must go back.
As the remaining girls reunite and return to the Island, they’re met with a landscape that’s just as eerie and unforgiving as they remember. The terrain is treacherous, the memories are raw, and something—or someone—is hunting them. Each step forward unearths more of the truth they tried to forget, and the bonds between them are tested by fear, guilt, and the weight of survival. The Island demands a price, and this time, it might not let anyone leave.
This dark, emotional thriller blends supernatural suspense with the raw intensity of trauma and friendship. The story dives deep into the complexities of grief, the power of secrets, and the resilience of young women forced to face horrors both real and imagined. With danger closing in and the past clawing its way to the surface, the girls must decide what they’re willing to sacrifice—and whether freedom is even possible.
Thank you to NetGalley and Delacorte Press for this ARC!
January 27, 2026
*Thank you to Delacorte Press & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake by Rebekah Faubion completely surprised me. I don’t usually reach for thrillers, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially with its Yellowjackets meets I Know What You Did Last Summer energy. A group of girls goes missing on a school trip, only some return, and whatever happened at Hollow Lake refuses to stay buried.
I loved how the story balances past and present, slowly unraveling secrets layered with guilt, trauma, and betrayal. The supernatural elements are woven in really effectively, and the tension builds in a way that kept me fully hooked. I also really appreciated the underlying sapphic plotline which added an extra layer of emotional depth without overtaking the central mystery.
Overall, this is a fast, immersive, and haunting YA horror. Even as someone who doesn’t usually read thrillers, this absolutely worked for me and is well worth picking up if you love eerie survival stories and haunting, secret-filled narratives.
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake by Rebekah Faubion completely surprised me. I don’t usually reach for thrillers, but I thoroughly enjoyed this one, especially with its Yellowjackets meets I Know What You Did Last Summer energy. A group of girls goes missing on a school trip, only some return, and whatever happened at Hollow Lake refuses to stay buried.
I loved how the story balances past and present, slowly unraveling secrets layered with guilt, trauma, and betrayal. The supernatural elements are woven in really effectively, and the tension builds in a way that kept me fully hooked. I also really appreciated the underlying sapphic plotline which added an extra layer of emotional depth without overtaking the central mystery.
Overall, this is a fast, immersive, and haunting YA horror. Even as someone who doesn’t usually read thrillers, this absolutely worked for me and is well worth picking up if you love eerie survival stories and haunting, secret-filled narratives.
January 4, 2026
this book is like if I Know What You Did Last Summer and Yellowjackets had a baby
November 20, 2025
Book Report: Lost Girls of Hollow Lake
This dark…atmospheric YA thriller follows Evie and her friends as they’re forced back to the eerie island at Hollow Lake…the same place where three girls vanished and where something sinister is now hunting them. Set in the misty Pacific Northwest the story leans hard into foggy forests…cold water and that uniquely haunting PNW vibe I love🌲👀
I loved this one. The chill factor was perfection…the kind that creeps up your spine in the best way and the island atmosphere felt so vivid I swear I could feel the fog settling around me💀 The supernatural horror mixed with real emotional depth hit so well. I was genuinely a little scared reading at night and had to follow it with a fluffy romcom before bed 😂💞
I couldn’t wait to dive back in each night. Highly recommend if you love moody survival vibes…eerie mysteries…the PNW aesthetic or a Yellowjackets-esque twist🖤📖
Thank you Books Forward & Delacorte Press for the gifted ecopy
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
This dark…atmospheric YA thriller follows Evie and her friends as they’re forced back to the eerie island at Hollow Lake…the same place where three girls vanished and where something sinister is now hunting them. Set in the misty Pacific Northwest the story leans hard into foggy forests…cold water and that uniquely haunting PNW vibe I love🌲👀
I loved this one. The chill factor was perfection…the kind that creeps up your spine in the best way and the island atmosphere felt so vivid I swear I could feel the fog settling around me💀 The supernatural horror mixed with real emotional depth hit so well. I was genuinely a little scared reading at night and had to follow it with a fluffy romcom before bed 😂💞
I couldn’t wait to dive back in each night. Highly recommend if you love moody survival vibes…eerie mysteries…the PNW aesthetic or a Yellowjackets-esque twist🖤📖
Thank you Books Forward & Delacorte Press for the gifted ecopy
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
January 2, 2026
Thank you to Netgalley for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was a fun yellowjackets inspired thriller but it wasn’t a huge standout in my opinion. I think for a young adult horror thriller novel it was very entertaining and could easily be read in one sitting but it’s not something that was super mind blowing. The twist wasn’t super predictable but it wasn’t anything show stopping in my opinion and the book moves kind of slow throughout the middle. This is a perfectly fine book and if anyone is looking for something to scratch that yellowjackets itch then I highly recommend.
December 8, 2025
Thank you net galley and Simon and schuster for the EARC!
Lost girls of hollow lake was phenomenal! From the writing to the charters and setting you can’t go wrong with this novel. As Rebekah’s debut thriller this one is one you won’t want to miss. Everything about the atmosphere that was described fit perfectly with the story. This book although a thriller has a great vantage point on the relationship with trauma and how it affects us in our future and future relationships. I loved that even though it wasn’t the island was a prominent character. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast paced exciting YA Thriller! 🤩
Lost girls of hollow lake was phenomenal! From the writing to the charters and setting you can’t go wrong with this novel. As Rebekah’s debut thriller this one is one you won’t want to miss. Everything about the atmosphere that was described fit perfectly with the story. This book although a thriller has a great vantage point on the relationship with trauma and how it affects us in our future and future relationships. I loved that even though it wasn’t the island was a prominent character. I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a fast paced exciting YA Thriller! 🤩
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was such a good, atmospheric thriller with a sprinkling of sapphic romance and some horror elements thrown in. I was on the edge of my seat with this one and could hardly put it down. Of all the disturbing young adult sapphic thrillers/horror novels I've read taking place in a haunted woods, this is my favorite by far. I really had no idea what to expect at any moment in this story.
I really cannot believe this is a debut. I can't wait to see what Faubion comes out with next!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
I really cannot believe this is a debut. I can't wait to see what Faubion comes out with next!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this arc!
September 23, 2025
8 girls go missing on a school trip. 5 return. But do they return whole?
This book gave me such strong Yellowjackets vibes, and I was absolutely here for it. The writing is eerie and atmospheric, adding an extra layer to an already chilling horror tale.
The story follows Evie, one of the 8 girls who vanish on a school trip to Hollow Lake. There’s a local legend surrounding the place—Dead Refuge Island, an island that only appears sometimes, and those who venture there are never seen again. Naturally, this group of girls explores the island. But while 5 of them do make it back, what did they leave behind… and at what cost?
I loved the way the supernatural elements and ghost stories were woven in—it was almost as if the island itself was its own character. As the girls try to go back to their normal lives and prepare for college, strange deaths and other eerie things start happening. It feels like someone, or something, is calling them back to the island.
One of my favorite parts of the story was Evie’s relationship with her dog, Tiger. It was so special and so relatable to anyone who has ever found their spirit pet. My emotions really didn’t need that Tiger POV chapter, but I adored every second with that sweet boy!
I also really appreciated the satisfying conclusion. So many horror novels leave it open ended, but this one delivered something satisfying and fitting, which I really appreciated.
Overall, this is an amazing, eerie, and atmospheric horror story—perfect for curling up with as the weather starts to chill.
This book gave me such strong Yellowjackets vibes, and I was absolutely here for it. The writing is eerie and atmospheric, adding an extra layer to an already chilling horror tale.
The story follows Evie, one of the 8 girls who vanish on a school trip to Hollow Lake. There’s a local legend surrounding the place—Dead Refuge Island, an island that only appears sometimes, and those who venture there are never seen again. Naturally, this group of girls explores the island. But while 5 of them do make it back, what did they leave behind… and at what cost?
I loved the way the supernatural elements and ghost stories were woven in—it was almost as if the island itself was its own character. As the girls try to go back to their normal lives and prepare for college, strange deaths and other eerie things start happening. It feels like someone, or something, is calling them back to the island.
One of my favorite parts of the story was Evie’s relationship with her dog, Tiger. It was so special and so relatable to anyone who has ever found their spirit pet. My emotions really didn’t need that Tiger POV chapter, but I adored every second with that sweet boy!
I also really appreciated the satisfying conclusion. So many horror novels leave it open ended, but this one delivered something satisfying and fitting, which I really appreciated.
Overall, this is an amazing, eerie, and atmospheric horror story—perfect for curling up with as the weather starts to chill.
January 19, 2025
Wow I love this book it’s got heart, intense kills, the creepiest haunted forest island, an amazing dog, and girls kissing. Perfection.
December 10, 2025
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake follows Evie Williams as she navigates life after a disastrous school trip that ended up with three missing girls. Evie and seven of her friends went to the Island, but only five came back. When the body of one of the girls shows up in the lake, Evie is forced to deal with the past. Someone begins picking off those involved. The only way to save Evie and the remainder of her friends is to go back to the Island and face the horrors.
If you like Yellowjackets, like me, I’d definitely recommend picking this up. It was such a fun time and seriously so spooky and haunting. My favourite part of Yellowjackets is when the girls are in the forest when they’re teens. I loved that in this one we got the same dual narrative and present and past. The whole concept of the Island was super creepy and super well done. It’s incredibly atmospheric and there’s such a sense of deep foreboding while reading. I thought the twist was great! It was a very satisfying read.
You really root for everyone of the remaining girls. They’ve all been through so much and are treated so horribly when they get back. I loved that we got to see a couple chapters from their perspectives in addition to Evie. Evie was a really great main character. I enjoyed her narrative and especially enjoyed her romance with Sunny. It was really sweet and well done.
If you’re a fan of Yellowjackets or mystery/thrillers with a supernatural twist, I’d highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Teen CA for the arc!
If you like Yellowjackets, like me, I’d definitely recommend picking this up. It was such a fun time and seriously so spooky and haunting. My favourite part of Yellowjackets is when the girls are in the forest when they’re teens. I loved that in this one we got the same dual narrative and present and past. The whole concept of the Island was super creepy and super well done. It’s incredibly atmospheric and there’s such a sense of deep foreboding while reading. I thought the twist was great! It was a very satisfying read.
You really root for everyone of the remaining girls. They’ve all been through so much and are treated so horribly when they get back. I loved that we got to see a couple chapters from their perspectives in addition to Evie. Evie was a really great main character. I enjoyed her narrative and especially enjoyed her romance with Sunny. It was really sweet and well done.
If you’re a fan of Yellowjackets or mystery/thrillers with a supernatural twist, I’d highly recommend this one!
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Teen CA for the arc!
January 9, 2026
I rarely read thrillers, but loved Faubion's romance novels so gave Lost Girls of Hollow Lake a try. This was super creepy and had an element of YA that kept things from getting too dark. I loved Tiger's and the romantic subplot inclusion, they felt like a light in the darkness of this story. The method of storytelling through alternating timelines was well done and kept the air of mystery steady throughout the book. The mix of possible mental illness, local urban legend, and maybe some kind of evil magic left me curious and invested in the outcome. Even though I don't dabble in this genre much, I can tell the plot was very unique and believe thriller fans will eat this one up!
Thank you to Delacorte Press, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!
Thank you to Delacorte Press, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!
January 26, 2026
Very “I Know What You Did Last Summer” with a dash of Yellowjackets.
January 12, 2026
This was one of those reads that lands squarely in the “it was fine” category—and unfortunately doesn’t move much beyond that.
I enjoyed the experience while I was reading it, especially the blend of thriller elements with light horror, but it faded from memory just days later. This isn’t the kind of horror that creeps under your skin or lingers in the dark corners of your mind, so if nighttime reading is a concern, you’re safe here.
The characters didn’t feel particularly authentic, which I think played a big role in the forgettable overall experience. I did find myself wondering if the audiobook might have smoothed out some of those rough edges and added dimension. On the positive side, while I personally pieced together many of the twists early, I don’t think the story would feel predictable for most readers. It’s easy to sink into and does a solid job of keeping the tension moving forward.
Ultimately, this feels like a book whose impact depends heavily on the individual reader and how much their imagination fills in the gaps. The writing itself is competent and polished enough to allow readers to take the story in different emotional directions, even if it didn’t fully land for me.
I’d recommend this to readers looking for a quick genre mashup with light chills—especially if you’re in the mood for something fast, atmospheric, and perfect for a stormy afternoon.
This may work best for readers newer to horror or those who prefer tension without lingering dread.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Ransom House Children’s via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
I enjoyed the experience while I was reading it, especially the blend of thriller elements with light horror, but it faded from memory just days later. This isn’t the kind of horror that creeps under your skin or lingers in the dark corners of your mind, so if nighttime reading is a concern, you’re safe here.
The characters didn’t feel particularly authentic, which I think played a big role in the forgettable overall experience. I did find myself wondering if the audiobook might have smoothed out some of those rough edges and added dimension. On the positive side, while I personally pieced together many of the twists early, I don’t think the story would feel predictable for most readers. It’s easy to sink into and does a solid job of keeping the tension moving forward.
Ultimately, this feels like a book whose impact depends heavily on the individual reader and how much their imagination fills in the gaps. The writing itself is competent and polished enough to allow readers to take the story in different emotional directions, even if it didn’t fully land for me.
I’d recommend this to readers looking for a quick genre mashup with light chills—especially if you’re in the mood for something fast, atmospheric, and perfect for a stormy afternoon.
This may work best for readers newer to horror or those who prefer tension without lingering dread.
I was fortunate to receive a complimentary eARC from Ransom House Children’s via NetGalley, which gave me the opportunity to share my voluntary thoughts.
October 8, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for providing me with an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I struggled to connect with the story due to the large cast of characters and a plot that felt a bit too tangled to follow easily. While the premise initially hooked me—and I kept reading to see how it all came together—I was ultimately left feeling more confused than satisfied.
That said, I think readers who enjoy YA paranormal thrillers with a nostalgic I Know What You Did Last Summer or Pretty Little Liars vibe may have a better time with this one. It has all the eerie secrets, small-town drama, and supernatural tension that fans of those stories might appreciate—it just didn’t quite land for me personally.
Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me. I struggled to connect with the story due to the large cast of characters and a plot that felt a bit too tangled to follow easily. While the premise initially hooked me—and I kept reading to see how it all came together—I was ultimately left feeling more confused than satisfied.
That said, I think readers who enjoy YA paranormal thrillers with a nostalgic I Know What You Did Last Summer or Pretty Little Liars vibe may have a better time with this one. It has all the eerie secrets, small-town drama, and supernatural tension that fans of those stories might appreciate—it just didn’t quite land for me personally.
October 1, 2025
4/5 stars
If you like: horror, Yellow Jackets, thrillers, LGBTQ+ books, survival stories
Big thanks to Delacorte, Netgalley, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book picks up at the end of summer, around 2-3mos after the Lost Girls were rescued. Told with alternating flashbacks, we get to see what happened to the girls in the first place and the danger they're facing now. I liked getting to see both timelines, I feel like the tension wouldn't've been there as much if we were only told about the time the girls spent lost in the woods. I liked getting to see how the girls survived, what they struggled with, and how things slowly devolved into something worth murder.
That being said, I wish we got to explore that time a little more. Being lost for 46 days is, I mean, it's a lot, but in terms of fiction, it really isn't that long. Since one of the comps for this book was the Yellow Jackets, I knew what I was getting into and really, 46 for that doesn't feel long enough either. Likewise, with the comp to YJ I knew what to expect, but the reality of it didn't feel that bad...if that's not terrible of me to say, lol. I think it could've been recovered if the psychological horror aspect had been explored a bit more, but that too was left to the wayside. There are some very interesting elements there, but I don't think Faubion really got to the juicy bits of them.
Similarly, Evie acts like she committed some terrible crime, à la Yellow Jacket cannibal style, but once we get the truth of the flashback, she didn't really do anything? While it makes obvious sense why being lost in the wilderness for over a month would fuck with your head, especially when stuck with this particular group of people, but Evie acts like they were committing these terrible acts while in the woods and for the most part they really just...weren't.
Evie is a very closed off character. She got back from island and put distance between herself and the four other Lost Girls--Sunny, Gaby, Callie, and Adalyn--wanting to forget the events that occurred earlier in the summer. She's also put distance between herself and her parents, partly a necessity since she and the girls are lying about what happened, but I think part of Evie is just naturally a very very closed person. The one person she really seems to let in is her dog, Tiger, though it's clear she craves a deeper connetion with Sunny. While Evie is known for being rebellious, it mostly just seems like she wants to be left alone. I enjoyed reading from her POV, but I'm not sure I really got a solid grasp on who her character is. She has the capacity to be the group's leader, but wasn't, and her separation from others means we don't really get to see her relationships with other characters very much.
The other half of the plot, the one that takes place in 'present' tense and involves the killing off of everyone involved in the Hollow Lake debacle, has a nice amount of psychological horror to it. We actually get to 'see' the attacks as they happen, with short chapters giving us insight into how the targets were found and killed. It's from limited 3rd so we get the creeping sense of fear the victims feel leading up to their murder, and the details of how the killer decided to make them pay.
I will say, the ending felt a bit abrupt. I feel like we kind of hit the last 80-90% of the book and everything just happens very quickly and gets swept away. I was expecting more of a buildup to the reveal, and longer time with the reveal. As it stands, I think everything wound down way too quickly and, as a result, the reveal of who the killer is just kind of felt meh. The motivation was also just...whatever.
If you like: horror, Yellow Jackets, thrillers, LGBTQ+ books, survival stories
Big thanks to Delacorte, Netgalley, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book picks up at the end of summer, around 2-3mos after the Lost Girls were rescued. Told with alternating flashbacks, we get to see what happened to the girls in the first place and the danger they're facing now. I liked getting to see both timelines, I feel like the tension wouldn't've been there as much if we were only told about the time the girls spent lost in the woods. I liked getting to see how the girls survived, what they struggled with, and how things slowly devolved into something worth murder.
That being said, I wish we got to explore that time a little more. Being lost for 46 days is, I mean, it's a lot, but in terms of fiction, it really isn't that long. Since one of the comps for this book was the Yellow Jackets, I knew what I was getting into and really, 46 for that doesn't feel long enough either. Likewise, with the comp to YJ I knew what to expect, but the reality of it didn't feel that bad...if that's not terrible of me to say, lol. I think it could've been recovered if the psychological horror aspect had been explored a bit more, but that too was left to the wayside. There are some very interesting elements there, but I don't think Faubion really got to the juicy bits of them.
Similarly, Evie acts like she committed some terrible crime, à la Yellow Jacket cannibal style, but once we get the truth of the flashback, she didn't really do anything? While it makes obvious sense why being lost in the wilderness for over a month would fuck with your head, especially when stuck with this particular group of people, but Evie acts like they were committing these terrible acts while in the woods and for the most part they really just...weren't.
Evie is a very closed off character. She got back from island and put distance between herself and the four other Lost Girls--Sunny, Gaby, Callie, and Adalyn--wanting to forget the events that occurred earlier in the summer. She's also put distance between herself and her parents, partly a necessity since she and the girls are lying about what happened, but I think part of Evie is just naturally a very very closed person. The one person she really seems to let in is her dog, Tiger, though it's clear she craves a deeper connetion with Sunny. While Evie is known for being rebellious, it mostly just seems like she wants to be left alone. I enjoyed reading from her POV, but I'm not sure I really got a solid grasp on who her character is. She has the capacity to be the group's leader, but wasn't, and her separation from others means we don't really get to see her relationships with other characters very much.
The other half of the plot, the one that takes place in 'present' tense and involves the killing off of everyone involved in the Hollow Lake debacle, has a nice amount of psychological horror to it. We actually get to 'see' the attacks as they happen, with short chapters giving us insight into how the targets were found and killed. It's from limited 3rd so we get the creeping sense of fear the victims feel leading up to their murder, and the details of how the killer decided to make them pay.
I will say, the ending felt a bit abrupt. I feel like we kind of hit the last 80-90% of the book and everything just happens very quickly and gets swept away. I was expecting more of a buildup to the reveal, and longer time with the reveal. As it stands, I think everything wound down way too quickly and, as a result, the reveal of who the killer is just kind of felt meh. The motivation was also just...whatever.
August 11, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Delacorte Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Rebekah Faubion’s debut “Lost Girls of Hollow Lake” is an eerie, atmospheric combination of supernatural horror and twisty thriller that lingers like a nightmare you can’t quite shake. Equal parts survival story, murder mystery, and exploration of trauma, it’s a book that keeps you guessing while burrowing deep under your skin.
The story follows Evie, a hardened, haunted survivor of a disastrous school trip to Hollow Lake National Park. Three months ago, eight girls went missing during a camping trip to a mysterious island. After over a month in the wilderness, only five returned, and the town suspects they know more than they’re saying. Many believe the survivors, especially Evie, were responsible for the three girls’ deaths. The truth is far more unsettling: the island itself seemed alive, demanding sacrifice for survival, and Evie carries both the scars and the secrets of what happened there.
Now, one by one, people connected to the disappearances are being murdered. As secondary characters begin to fall victim, Faubion intersperses the main story with chilling point-of-view chapters from the victims, vividly describing each death in graphic detail (not for squeamish readers). When Evie receives a disturbing message, she realizes the only way to stop the killings is to confront her past and return to the island that nearly destroyed her.
Faubion excels at crafting atmosphere. The island is more than a backdrop; it’s a sentient, sinister presence, a forested labyrinth of whispers, shadows, and hunger. Flashback chapters gradually reveal the horrifying events that unfolded three months earlier, offering glimpses of the girls’ descent into survival-driven madness. The tension is heightened by the emotional complexity of the group: the “Lost Girls” may not have been close before, but their shared ordeal has bound them in an unbreakable, if uneasy, bond.
Evie herself is a standout protagonist. She is toughened by trauma yet deeply vulnerable, with her loyal dog, Tiger, serving as her emotional anchor and occasional savior. (Dog lovers can rest easy: Tiger survives, though there are tense moments.) The book also features a tender queer romance between Evie and Sunny. Though I did find it a bit odd they got together under dire circumstances on the island, but this romance is handled with restraint and doesn’t overwhelm the plot.
The pacing is sharp for most of the story, building a mounting sense of dread as the body count rises. However, it does take awhile for the final revelations about what truly happened to the missing girls to take place, leaving the climax slightly less explosive than the setup promised. Still, the ending is emotionally satisfying, with the survivors finding ways to move forward and lean on one another, highlighting the power of friendship, love, and resilience.
Overall, “Lost Girls of Hollow Lake” is a haunting, slightly unhinged thriller that will appeal to fans of supernatural survival horror. With its unforgettable setting, moments of heartwarming connection, and a satisfying balance of gore and emotional depth, it’s a strong debut that promises great things from Faubion. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy atmospheric thrillers, survival horror, sapphic romance, and stories where the setting feels just as dangerous and alive as the characters.
Rebekah Faubion’s debut “Lost Girls of Hollow Lake” is an eerie, atmospheric combination of supernatural horror and twisty thriller that lingers like a nightmare you can’t quite shake. Equal parts survival story, murder mystery, and exploration of trauma, it’s a book that keeps you guessing while burrowing deep under your skin.
The story follows Evie, a hardened, haunted survivor of a disastrous school trip to Hollow Lake National Park. Three months ago, eight girls went missing during a camping trip to a mysterious island. After over a month in the wilderness, only five returned, and the town suspects they know more than they’re saying. Many believe the survivors, especially Evie, were responsible for the three girls’ deaths. The truth is far more unsettling: the island itself seemed alive, demanding sacrifice for survival, and Evie carries both the scars and the secrets of what happened there.
Now, one by one, people connected to the disappearances are being murdered. As secondary characters begin to fall victim, Faubion intersperses the main story with chilling point-of-view chapters from the victims, vividly describing each death in graphic detail (not for squeamish readers). When Evie receives a disturbing message, she realizes the only way to stop the killings is to confront her past and return to the island that nearly destroyed her.
Faubion excels at crafting atmosphere. The island is more than a backdrop; it’s a sentient, sinister presence, a forested labyrinth of whispers, shadows, and hunger. Flashback chapters gradually reveal the horrifying events that unfolded three months earlier, offering glimpses of the girls’ descent into survival-driven madness. The tension is heightened by the emotional complexity of the group: the “Lost Girls” may not have been close before, but their shared ordeal has bound them in an unbreakable, if uneasy, bond.
Evie herself is a standout protagonist. She is toughened by trauma yet deeply vulnerable, with her loyal dog, Tiger, serving as her emotional anchor and occasional savior. (Dog lovers can rest easy: Tiger survives, though there are tense moments.) The book also features a tender queer romance between Evie and Sunny. Though I did find it a bit odd they got together under dire circumstances on the island, but this romance is handled with restraint and doesn’t overwhelm the plot.
The pacing is sharp for most of the story, building a mounting sense of dread as the body count rises. However, it does take awhile for the final revelations about what truly happened to the missing girls to take place, leaving the climax slightly less explosive than the setup promised. Still, the ending is emotionally satisfying, with the survivors finding ways to move forward and lean on one another, highlighting the power of friendship, love, and resilience.
Overall, “Lost Girls of Hollow Lake” is a haunting, slightly unhinged thriller that will appeal to fans of supernatural survival horror. With its unforgettable setting, moments of heartwarming connection, and a satisfying balance of gore and emotional depth, it’s a strong debut that promises great things from Faubion. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy atmospheric thrillers, survival horror, sapphic romance, and stories where the setting feels just as dangerous and alive as the characters.
November 30, 2025
📚Lost Girls of Hollow Lake
✍🏻Rebekah Faubion
Blurb:
After a group of teens visits a dangerous island where three are left behind, the surviving girls realize they must return to confront the sinister force hunting them. This dark YA thriller is perfect for fans of Yellowjackets.
Eight were lost. Five were found. None will ever be free.
For Evie Williams, life is about to get a lot more complicated. Haunted by the events of a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park that went disastrously wrong, Evie and her friends returned changed, their lives forever marked by the mysterious Island they encountered—and the three girls they left behind.
Now, someone is picking off those who were involved, one by one. Their families, friends, and even online investigators are all caught in a deadly game. The stakes are raised when Evie receives a chilling to save her loved ones, she must return to the Island.
As Evie and the other "Lost Girls" navigate the treacherous terrain of the Island once more, they must confront the secrets they’ve buried, the horrors they witnessed, and the person—or thing—that’s hunting them. But some secrets refuse to stay hidden, and the Island demands a price for freedom.
My Thoughts:
8 girls go missing on a school trip. 5 return. But do they return whole?
This book gave me such strong Yellowjackets vibes, and I was absolutely here for it. The writing is eerie and atmospheric, adding an extra layer to an already chilling horror tale.
The story follows Evie, one of the 8 girls who vanish on a school trip to Hollow Lake. There’s a local legend surrounding the place—Dead Refuge Island, an island that only appears sometimes, and those who venture there are never seen again. Naturally, this group of girls explores the island. But while 5 of them do make it back, what did they leave behind… and at what cost?
I loved the way the supernatural elements and ghost stories were woven in—it was almost as if the island itself was its own character. As the girls try to go back to their normal lives and prepare for college, strange deaths and other eerie things start happening. It feels like someone, or something, is calling them back to the island.
One of my favorite parts of the story was Evie’s relationship with her dog, Tiger. It was so special and so relatable to anyone who has ever found their spirit pet. My emotions really didn’t need that Tiger POV chapter, but I adored every second with that sweet boy!
I also really appreciated the satisfying conclusion. So many horror novels leave it open ended, but this one delivered something satisfying and fitting, which I really appreciated.
Overall, this is an amazing, eerie, and atmospheric horror story—perfect for curling up with as the weather starts to chill.
Thanks NetGalley, Delacorte Press and Author Rebekah Faubion for the advanced copy of "Lost Girls of Hollow Lake" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DelacortePress
#RebekahFaubion
#LostGirlsofHollowLake
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Rebekah Faubion
Blurb:
After a group of teens visits a dangerous island where three are left behind, the surviving girls realize they must return to confront the sinister force hunting them. This dark YA thriller is perfect for fans of Yellowjackets.
Eight were lost. Five were found. None will ever be free.
For Evie Williams, life is about to get a lot more complicated. Haunted by the events of a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park that went disastrously wrong, Evie and her friends returned changed, their lives forever marked by the mysterious Island they encountered—and the three girls they left behind.
Now, someone is picking off those who were involved, one by one. Their families, friends, and even online investigators are all caught in a deadly game. The stakes are raised when Evie receives a chilling to save her loved ones, she must return to the Island.
As Evie and the other "Lost Girls" navigate the treacherous terrain of the Island once more, they must confront the secrets they’ve buried, the horrors they witnessed, and the person—or thing—that’s hunting them. But some secrets refuse to stay hidden, and the Island demands a price for freedom.
My Thoughts:
8 girls go missing on a school trip. 5 return. But do they return whole?
This book gave me such strong Yellowjackets vibes, and I was absolutely here for it. The writing is eerie and atmospheric, adding an extra layer to an already chilling horror tale.
The story follows Evie, one of the 8 girls who vanish on a school trip to Hollow Lake. There’s a local legend surrounding the place—Dead Refuge Island, an island that only appears sometimes, and those who venture there are never seen again. Naturally, this group of girls explores the island. But while 5 of them do make it back, what did they leave behind… and at what cost?
I loved the way the supernatural elements and ghost stories were woven in—it was almost as if the island itself was its own character. As the girls try to go back to their normal lives and prepare for college, strange deaths and other eerie things start happening. It feels like someone, or something, is calling them back to the island.
One of my favorite parts of the story was Evie’s relationship with her dog, Tiger. It was so special and so relatable to anyone who has ever found their spirit pet. My emotions really didn’t need that Tiger POV chapter, but I adored every second with that sweet boy!
I also really appreciated the satisfying conclusion. So many horror novels leave it open ended, but this one delivered something satisfying and fitting, which I really appreciated.
Overall, this is an amazing, eerie, and atmospheric horror story—perfect for curling up with as the weather starts to chill.
Thanks NetGalley, Delacorte Press and Author Rebekah Faubion for the advanced copy of "Lost Girls of Hollow Lake" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#DelacortePress
#RebekahFaubion
#LostGirlsofHollowLake
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 25, 2025
The Lost Girls of Hollow Lake by Rebekah Faubion is a chilling, twisty survival tale that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. It opens with a group of friends who once endured a nightmare school trip to Hollow Lake National Park where they’re lured to this mysterious island. Something happened on that Island—something no one can fully explain—and though five of them made it home, three never did. Today, the survivors are still haunted, and now someone (or something) has begun targeting everyone connected to that trip. To save their loved ones, Evie and the others have no choice but to return to the Island and face the horrors they left behind.
What I loved most was the atmosphere—Faubion makes the Island feel alive, like it’s pulsing with secrets just beneath the surface. The story balances supernatural unease with the raw psychological weight of survival and grief. I was especially drawn to the way Evie and her friends carried their trauma; it added depth and made me care about them as more than just characters in a scary story. The tension is constant, the danger feels real, and the mystery kept me glued to the pages. Also, there is an incredibly lovable pup named Tiger that I couldn’t get enough of!
I ended up rating this four stars. My biggest wish is that the mystery of the Island had been explained more thoroughly. There are hints, glimpses, and unsettling truths, but I wanted a deeper dive into what exactly makes the Island appear (or not) and to whom. Also, the ending, while exciting, felt a little too rushed compared to the slow, deliberate build of the rest of the book. The summary stated the girls return to the island but that doesn’t actually happen until the last few pages and I wanted more out of that return.
Still, this was a dark and memorable read—perfect for fans of survival horror with a supernatural twist. It’s unsettling in the best way and definitely left me curious to see what Rebekah Faubion will write next.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Delacorte Press, for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based off of an uncorrected proof which did not sway my opinion either way. Be sure to grab this on January 27th, you don’t want to miss this one!
What I loved most was the atmosphere—Faubion makes the Island feel alive, like it’s pulsing with secrets just beneath the surface. The story balances supernatural unease with the raw psychological weight of survival and grief. I was especially drawn to the way Evie and her friends carried their trauma; it added depth and made me care about them as more than just characters in a scary story. The tension is constant, the danger feels real, and the mystery kept me glued to the pages. Also, there is an incredibly lovable pup named Tiger that I couldn’t get enough of!
I ended up rating this four stars. My biggest wish is that the mystery of the Island had been explained more thoroughly. There are hints, glimpses, and unsettling truths, but I wanted a deeper dive into what exactly makes the Island appear (or not) and to whom. Also, the ending, while exciting, felt a little too rushed compared to the slow, deliberate build of the rest of the book. The summary stated the girls return to the island but that doesn’t actually happen until the last few pages and I wanted more out of that return.
Still, this was a dark and memorable read—perfect for fans of survival horror with a supernatural twist. It’s unsettling in the best way and definitely left me curious to see what Rebekah Faubion will write next.
*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Delacorte Press, for sharing this eARC with me in exchange for my honest opinion. This review is based off of an uncorrected proof which did not sway my opinion either way. Be sure to grab this on January 27th, you don’t want to miss this one!
September 15, 2025
Some islands never let you leave—Hollow Lake isn’t just haunted, it’s hungry.🛶🖤
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake- by Rebekah Faubion
🛶Blurb🛶
After a group of teens visits a dangerous island where three are left behind, the surviving girls realize they must return to confront the sinister force hunting them.
This dark YA thriller is perfect for fans of Yellowjackets.
Eight were lost. Five were found. None will ever be free.
For Evie Williams, life is about to get a lot more complicated. Haunted by the events of a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park that went disastrously wrong, Evie and her friends returned changed, their lives forever marked by the mysterious Island they encountered-and the three girls they left behind. Now, someone is picking off those who were involved, one by one. Their families, friends, and even online investigators are all caught in a deadly game. The stakes are raised when Evie receives a chilling to save her loved ones, she must return to the Island. As Evie and the other "Lost Girls" navigate the treacherous terrain of the Island once more, they must confront the secrets they've buried, the horrors they witnessed, and the person-or thing-that's hunting them. But some secrets refuse to stay hidden, and the Island demands a price for freedom.
🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶
Some places hold memories. Hollow Lake holds grudges.
Evie is still haunted by the traumatic events that occurred on what was supposed to be a gleeful school trip to Hollow Lake National Park. Eight went missing, but only five came back.. leaving them to forever hold the status of being one of the “Lost Girls.
But now.. something has came back to remind them of everything and everyone they left on that island.
When the Island calls you back… you don’t come home the same..
Think Yellowjackets meets I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake is a dark, twisted, haunted and terrifying tale that will have you on the edge of your seat and begging to go home.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the Author, and NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read this for you.
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake- by Rebekah Faubion
🛶Blurb🛶
After a group of teens visits a dangerous island where three are left behind, the surviving girls realize they must return to confront the sinister force hunting them.
This dark YA thriller is perfect for fans of Yellowjackets.
Eight were lost. Five were found. None will ever be free.
For Evie Williams, life is about to get a lot more complicated. Haunted by the events of a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park that went disastrously wrong, Evie and her friends returned changed, their lives forever marked by the mysterious Island they encountered-and the three girls they left behind. Now, someone is picking off those who were involved, one by one. Their families, friends, and even online investigators are all caught in a deadly game. The stakes are raised when Evie receives a chilling to save her loved ones, she must return to the Island. As Evie and the other "Lost Girls" navigate the treacherous terrain of the Island once more, they must confront the secrets they've buried, the horrors they witnessed, and the person-or thing-that's hunting them. But some secrets refuse to stay hidden, and the Island demands a price for freedom.
🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶🛶
Some places hold memories. Hollow Lake holds grudges.
Evie is still haunted by the traumatic events that occurred on what was supposed to be a gleeful school trip to Hollow Lake National Park. Eight went missing, but only five came back.. leaving them to forever hold the status of being one of the “Lost Girls.
But now.. something has came back to remind them of everything and everyone they left on that island.
When the Island calls you back… you don’t come home the same..
Think Yellowjackets meets I Know What You Did Last Summer.
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake is a dark, twisted, haunted and terrifying tale that will have you on the edge of your seat and begging to go home.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to the Author, and NetGalley for allowing me to ARC read this for you.
September 19, 2025
Very haunting and creepy story that I devoured! Perfect story for fall spooky season vibes! This book gave Yellowjackets TV show vibes, which I love.
The plot of the story is somewhat mysterious from the beginning of the book in that all you know is that 8 girls went to a mysterious island that not everyone believes is real and only 5 returned.
The book then slowly unravels the story of how they got to the island and what happened while they were there. While also jumping back and forth between the present when there's only 5 of them left.
They all are somewhat estranged in the present and dont want to think or talk about the things that happened on the island. But then one of the missing girls is found and they slowly start to try to unravel what happened to them on the island and is still happening in the present.
I'll admit the beginning intrigued me but felt slow getting to the more exciting parts which happen around the halfway point or so. But in the end I am very happy I got to read it because it was a good and very different type of read then I'm used to. There are some supernatural type things happening throughout the book which is part of the reason none of them can talk about what happened because no one will believe them.
Once about the halfway point hits and you start to understand more of what's going on it just amps up from there and I couldnt wait to see how it ended. At first I wasnt sure about connecting with the characters. But by the end of the book I definitely did and understood everything they'd been through.
There are some content warnings throughout of psychological horror, violence and gore. I love a good horror novel and this delivered in such a fresh way in my opinion. It will stick with me long after I've finished it.
Thank you to the author Rebekah Faubion, the publishers Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Definitely check this book out when it releases January 27, 2026
The plot of the story is somewhat mysterious from the beginning of the book in that all you know is that 8 girls went to a mysterious island that not everyone believes is real and only 5 returned.
The book then slowly unravels the story of how they got to the island and what happened while they were there. While also jumping back and forth between the present when there's only 5 of them left.
They all are somewhat estranged in the present and dont want to think or talk about the things that happened on the island. But then one of the missing girls is found and they slowly start to try to unravel what happened to them on the island and is still happening in the present.
I'll admit the beginning intrigued me but felt slow getting to the more exciting parts which happen around the halfway point or so. But in the end I am very happy I got to read it because it was a good and very different type of read then I'm used to. There are some supernatural type things happening throughout the book which is part of the reason none of them can talk about what happened because no one will believe them.
Once about the halfway point hits and you start to understand more of what's going on it just amps up from there and I couldnt wait to see how it ended. At first I wasnt sure about connecting with the characters. But by the end of the book I definitely did and understood everything they'd been through.
There are some content warnings throughout of psychological horror, violence and gore. I love a good horror novel and this delivered in such a fresh way in my opinion. It will stick with me long after I've finished it.
Thank you to the author Rebekah Faubion, the publishers Random House Children's Books | Delacorte Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Definitely check this book out when it releases January 27, 2026
November 27, 2025
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake is a fast-paced, compulsively readable YA horror–mystery that quickly pulls you into its eerie atmosphere. With its dual timelines—one following the girls’ harrowing time on Dead Refuge Island and the other tracing the aftermath once they return home—the story maintains suspense while steadily revealing what really happened. The structure, combined with vivid pacing, makes the book incredibly immersive.
Fans of Yellowjackets and Pretty Little Liars will likely find a lot to love here. The story blends survival horror with twisty secrets and teen drama, all wrapped in a gruesome, lore-rich mystery. The mythology surrounding Dead Refuge Island and the Mad Woman is particularly strong, giving the book an unsettling undertone that lingers throughout.
I did find it frustrating that while the girls are dealing with very real and very dangerous threats far beyond their control, instead of confiding in the adults who could help keep them safe, they choose to handle everything alone.
I felt that the main character, Evie, could have benefitted from deeper exploration. We’re told she’s rebellious, but the story never dives into why, leaving a gap where meaningful character development could have been.
For those like me, who can’t read a book where an animal is harmed, Evie’s dog is not harmed! He’s a very important character to Evie and although he is scared at one point which was emotional, he was never hurt.
While the journey is engaging, the ending lands a bit anticlimactically. The epilogue offers a glimpse of closure, but it feels brief, and I found myself wishing for more. I wanted more answers, more emotional resolution, and more insight into the long-term impact of what these characters endured.
Overall, Lost Girls of Hollow Lake delivers a gripping, gruesome, and atmospheric mystery with strong horror elements and memorable lore. Despite some missed opportunities in character depth and final payoff, it remains a highly readable and intriguing YA thriller.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
Fans of Yellowjackets and Pretty Little Liars will likely find a lot to love here. The story blends survival horror with twisty secrets and teen drama, all wrapped in a gruesome, lore-rich mystery. The mythology surrounding Dead Refuge Island and the Mad Woman is particularly strong, giving the book an unsettling undertone that lingers throughout.
I did find it frustrating that while the girls are dealing with very real and very dangerous threats far beyond their control, instead of confiding in the adults who could help keep them safe, they choose to handle everything alone.
I felt that the main character, Evie, could have benefitted from deeper exploration. We’re told she’s rebellious, but the story never dives into why, leaving a gap where meaningful character development could have been.
For those like me, who can’t read a book where an animal is harmed, Evie’s dog is not harmed! He’s a very important character to Evie and although he is scared at one point which was emotional, he was never hurt.
While the journey is engaging, the ending lands a bit anticlimactically. The epilogue offers a glimpse of closure, but it feels brief, and I found myself wishing for more. I wanted more answers, more emotional resolution, and more insight into the long-term impact of what these characters endured.
Overall, Lost Girls of Hollow Lake delivers a gripping, gruesome, and atmospheric mystery with strong horror elements and memorable lore. Despite some missed opportunities in character depth and final payoff, it remains a highly readable and intriguing YA thriller.
Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for an honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
On a school trip to Hollow Lake National Park, the girls of Cabin 9 are all pulled into the mystery of the disappearing island. Steeped in lore with everyone who ever set out in search of it disappearing, Evie, Callie, Gaby, Vivian, Adalyn, Blake, Megan and Sunny all begin to hear the island's call and set out in the middle of the night to find it. When the girls make landfall, a fire is burning for them and they fear the stories may be true. When their boat disappears, the eight girls must survive on the island with whatever forces brought them there. After months, five of the girls find their way off the island and back home, bringing their own traumas, followed by an investigation. However, when the body of one of the missing girls washes up, the investigation reopens and the other people involved in the girl's disappearance are targeted. Evie decides she must return to the island to give it what it wants.
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake is a fast-paced young adult thriller mixing paranormal and psychological horror. I was hooked on the mystery from the beginning. The writing bounces back and forth between the present, featuring the five girls who have returned from the island and their time on the island with the other eight girls, creating tension between what we know happened and how it came about. Told mostly from Evie's point of view, the story masterfully blends terrifying and dark events with Evie's emotional journey on the island and after her return home. Evie's insights into her survival, the island girls' dynamics, and how she dealt with death, love, and friendship during their ordeal showed great emotional depth. I especially loved the chapters from Evie's dog, Tiger's point of view, which made him an integral part of the story. Amazing imagery made me feel like I was on the island with the girls and could hear the water lapping even when they were home. The story kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to decipher the island's mystery.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
Lost Girls of Hollow Lake is a fast-paced young adult thriller mixing paranormal and psychological horror. I was hooked on the mystery from the beginning. The writing bounces back and forth between the present, featuring the five girls who have returned from the island and their time on the island with the other eight girls, creating tension between what we know happened and how it came about. Told mostly from Evie's point of view, the story masterfully blends terrifying and dark events with Evie's emotional journey on the island and after her return home. Evie's insights into her survival, the island girls' dynamics, and how she dealt with death, love, and friendship during their ordeal showed great emotional depth. I especially loved the chapters from Evie's dog, Tiger's point of view, which made him an integral part of the story. Amazing imagery made me feel like I was on the island with the girls and could hear the water lapping even when they were home. The story kept me on the edge of my seat as I tried to decipher the island's mystery.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
LOST GIRLS OF HOLLOW LAKE by Rebekah Faubion (Jan 27, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley, RHC (Delacorte), and GetUnderlined for the earc
When a group of girls goes missing on a school trip, only five return. They try to make peace with they're lives, but the mysterious island haunts them---and everything has changed. Now, someone is picking off those involved one by one. As the bodies and threats pile up, Evie and the other lost girls must figure out how to stop it---confront their secrets---before it's too late.
LOST GIRLS OF HOLLOW LAKE is a YA mystery/thriller with missing girls, a lot of drama, and a lake where secrets run deep. This dual-timeline read gripped me from the first chapter and held me there until I had read the whole thing.
This book is a genre-blend, and the author does it in a way that is seamless mystery, thriller, horror, sci-fy/paranormal esque).
These characters. Oh my goodness, some of these adults were harsh. Like, the girls went through something---yes, because it is dual-timeline we don't actually know what they went through---but to be treated so cruel when you survived something so terrible is, just, wrong.
I think my favorite part was the way the author used dual-timeline as I mentioned above. That coupled with the chapters imbedded with the k*ller, att*cks, and other pov's helped make the story feel more in-depth. Plus, seeing the other characters when they weren't with Evie was a nice touch because I was rooting for everyone---and seeing how they were coping, and what was happening to them added another layer to the book. And then, of course, that reveal at the end shocked me.
LOST GIRLS OF HOLLOW LAKE gave KILL CREATURES (Rory Powers) vibes, and I am here for it. Missing girls, urban legends, creepy island, and a whodunit that left me stunned...if these are what you're looking for, this book is for you.
LOST GIRLS OF HOLLOW LAKE by Rebekah Faubion (Jan 27, 2026)
Thank you Netgalley, RHC (Delacorte), and GetUnderlined for the earc
When a group of girls goes missing on a school trip, only five return. They try to make peace with they're lives, but the mysterious island haunts them---and everything has changed. Now, someone is picking off those involved one by one. As the bodies and threats pile up, Evie and the other lost girls must figure out how to stop it---confront their secrets---before it's too late.
LOST GIRLS OF HOLLOW LAKE is a YA mystery/thriller with missing girls, a lot of drama, and a lake where secrets run deep. This dual-timeline read gripped me from the first chapter and held me there until I had read the whole thing.
This book is a genre-blend, and the author does it in a way that is seamless mystery, thriller, horror, sci-fy/paranormal esque).
These characters. Oh my goodness, some of these adults were harsh. Like, the girls went through something---yes, because it is dual-timeline we don't actually know what they went through---but to be treated so cruel when you survived something so terrible is, just, wrong.
I think my favorite part was the way the author used dual-timeline as I mentioned above. That coupled with the chapters imbedded with the k*ller, att*cks, and other pov's helped make the story feel more in-depth. Plus, seeing the other characters when they weren't with Evie was a nice touch because I was rooting for everyone---and seeing how they were coping, and what was happening to them added another layer to the book. And then, of course, that reveal at the end shocked me.
LOST GIRLS OF HOLLOW LAKE gave KILL CREATURES (Rory Powers) vibes, and I am here for it. Missing girls, urban legends, creepy island, and a whodunit that left me stunned...if these are what you're looking for, this book is for you.
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