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Hollowborn
Together, we rise.
Five hundred years after the end of the world, Halion stands as a monument to rebirth. A sunlit oasis of peace, enfolded between gleaming towers, hanging gardens, and flawless order. A promise of safety and progress. Beneath it lies the Hollow, a vast undercity where those left behind fight for scraps of light and air.
Nova was raised there, a career criminal who survives by doing what the Hollow demands of her, no questions asked. Trained into a weapon by a woman with ties to Halion itself, she has learned that survival comes before morality, and trust is a luxury she cannot afford. But when a routine job goes violently off-script, Nova is dragged into a web of secrets that threaten to unravel everything she believes about her world, and herself.
A Halion commander stands directly in Nova’s way, ruthless, brilliant, and everything Nova should despise. He is the face of the enemy, the bane of her existence, and the one person she cannot seem to escape. As their paths collide over and over again, something far more dangerous begins to simmer beneath the surface—something forbidden, unwelcome, and impossible to extinguish.
In a city built on lies, loyalty is fragile. And the deeper Nova descends into Halion’s truth, the clearer it becomes that she may be the weapon the system fears most.
HOLLOWBORN is a dystopian, post-apocalyptic science fantasy romance novel with morally gray characters, mounting tension, a rich, layered world, and a gripping slow-burn. A gritty, character-driven debut about self-determination, identity, and what happens when the forgotten stop clawing for survival and start fighting back.
Five hundred years after the end of the world, Halion stands as a monument to rebirth. A sunlit oasis of peace, enfolded between gleaming towers, hanging gardens, and flawless order. A promise of safety and progress. Beneath it lies the Hollow, a vast undercity where those left behind fight for scraps of light and air.
Nova was raised there, a career criminal who survives by doing what the Hollow demands of her, no questions asked. Trained into a weapon by a woman with ties to Halion itself, she has learned that survival comes before morality, and trust is a luxury she cannot afford. But when a routine job goes violently off-script, Nova is dragged into a web of secrets that threaten to unravel everything she believes about her world, and herself.
A Halion commander stands directly in Nova’s way, ruthless, brilliant, and everything Nova should despise. He is the face of the enemy, the bane of her existence, and the one person she cannot seem to escape. As their paths collide over and over again, something far more dangerous begins to simmer beneath the surface—something forbidden, unwelcome, and impossible to extinguish.
In a city built on lies, loyalty is fragile. And the deeper Nova descends into Halion’s truth, the clearer it becomes that she may be the weapon the system fears most.
HOLLOWBORN is a dystopian, post-apocalyptic science fantasy romance novel with morally gray characters, mounting tension, a rich, layered world, and a gripping slow-burn. A gritty, character-driven debut about self-determination, identity, and what happens when the forgotten stop clawing for survival and start fighting back.
479 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
6 people are currently reading
1502 people want to read
About the author
Eleanor G. Fraser
1 book16 followersEleanor G. Fraser creates fiction that leans into alternate yet strikingly familiar worlds. In her works, she explores enduring themes such as freedom, stubborn hope, and guilt through compelling, deeply human characters whose flaws and individual journeys shape the heart of each story.
She also enjoys leaving subtle clues throughout her narratives, small details that reward readers who like to look closer.
Hollowborn, her debut in print and the first novel in The Age of Noutherra, grew out of years spent writing for a dedicated online readership that followed her work through more than twelve million reads. She grew up devouring sci-fi and fantasy, found comfort in romance and drama, and eventually folded those influences into a voice known for its color and richness.
Time away from the page nurtures the seeds of new ideas and lays the groundwork for the worlds she’ll build next.
She also enjoys leaving subtle clues throughout her narratives, small details that reward readers who like to look closer.
Hollowborn, her debut in print and the first novel in The Age of Noutherra, grew out of years spent writing for a dedicated online readership that followed her work through more than twelve million reads. She grew up devouring sci-fi and fantasy, found comfort in romance and drama, and eventually folded those influences into a voice known for its color and richness.
Time away from the page nurtures the seeds of new ideas and lays the groundwork for the worlds she’ll build next.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 28, 2025
The Hollow is the reality below the surface inhabited by outkasts, criminals and everything that is not appropriate for Halion, spotless reign of the oligarchs, above the ground, desire and hate of anyone living in the Hollow.
Both set and character itself, the world of Hollowborn is unfolding in front of us, hiding dangers, fascinating devices and shrines from the past.
Immediately thrown into action, we find ourselves immersing in the story through the eyes of Nova, a mercenary tasked with missions above and below the surface. Would mere survival be enough for her?
Never boring, Fraser’s storytelling alternates action and introspection, danger and wit, tracing vividly every character and encounter in the arc, keeping us on our tippy toes and hungry for more.
Both set and character itself, the world of Hollowborn is unfolding in front of us, hiding dangers, fascinating devices and shrines from the past.
Immediately thrown into action, we find ourselves immersing in the story through the eyes of Nova, a mercenary tasked with missions above and below the surface. Would mere survival be enough for her?
Never boring, Fraser’s storytelling alternates action and introspection, danger and wit, tracing vividly every character and encounter in the arc, keeping us on our tippy toes and hungry for more.
December 11, 2025
Okay, okay, hear me out this is one of the best sci-fi/dystopian books I’ve ever read. I love the strong female protagonist, unlike in other books where she tends to be weak or clueless. The worldbuilding is great, and I really enjoyed how the story explores complex emotions and situations, the characters feel deep and well-developed. There’s a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers arc that makes the story even more addictive. A 100% recommended read!
December 5, 2025
I've never really been into alternate realities, but this sci-fi/romance novel pulled me in so hard it didn’t let go until the very last page. The dystopian world it portrays throws us forward in time, past an end-of-the-world scenario that feels disturbingly plausible. The plot twists are genuinely unexpected and keep you glued to the book, which also delivers plenty of psychological depth and characters who stand out for their vivid humanity.
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the protagonist—a young woman who faces the twists of fate with courage and passion. As a devoted (and demanding) reader, I can honestly say this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
It’s impossible not to fall in love with the protagonist—a young woman who faces the twists of fate with courage and passion. As a devoted (and demanding) reader, I can honestly say this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.
December 5, 2025
As a fan sci-fi, and a distopia aficionado, this was the most exciting and refreshing read of the year.
Well developed characters, lots of personal drama surrounding Nova (the protagonist), and a setting so immersive that I could feel myself stealing from it (oops) in my own D&D game. Honestly, I can't wait to dive deep again into Halion and The Hollow as soon as the sequel hits the shelves. Also, the political tension?? Luigi would approve. Honestly, if you loved Hunger Games this is going to be your book of the year.
Well developed characters, lots of personal drama surrounding Nova (the protagonist), and a setting so immersive that I could feel myself stealing from it (oops) in my own D&D game. Honestly, I can't wait to dive deep again into Halion and The Hollow as soon as the sequel hits the shelves. Also, the political tension?? Luigi would approve. Honestly, if you loved Hunger Games this is going to be your book of the year.
November 21, 2025
A bold, atmospheric dystopian story that hooked me so fast.
This book surprised me in the best way. The worldbuilding is the kind that pulls you in without ever slowing the pace: detailed, original, and genuinely cinematic. Every setting feels purposeful, and every reveal lands. Think Arcane meets Divergent. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in this genre that I couldn’t put down.
The characters are the real standout. They’re layered, flawed, and real, with relationships that feel tense and true. The story keeps tightening as it goes, and by the final chapters I was reading faster than I meant to.
If you’re into character-driven dystopian stories with big stakes and a world you can practically see around you, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I can’t wait for the next book!
This book surprised me in the best way. The worldbuilding is the kind that pulls you in without ever slowing the pace: detailed, original, and genuinely cinematic. Every setting feels purposeful, and every reveal lands. Think Arcane meets Divergent. It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book in this genre that I couldn’t put down.
The characters are the real standout. They’re layered, flawed, and real, with relationships that feel tense and true. The story keeps tightening as it goes, and by the final chapters I was reading faster than I meant to.
If you’re into character-driven dystopian stories with big stakes and a world you can practically see around you, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I can’t wait for the next book!
January 26, 2026
Oh my gaaawd. I’m just going to say it, if you’re a fantasy/sci-fi/dystopian fan, Hollowborn is a must-read. The story is so good and perfectly paced, and the world is so immersive that I genuinely felt like I was walking the dark, gloomy streets of the Hollow right alongside the gang.
Nova is easily my favorite part of the book. Starting with her morally gray “career path” and lifestyle choices, then following her through her journey of self-discovery, inner struggles, love, and heartbreak made her feel incredibly real and fully fleshed out. She’s messy, complex, and deeply relatable in a way that really stuck with me.
Also, the romance in this book… AY AY AY
And that ending?? It absolutely broke me. Book two cannot come soon enough.
Nova is easily my favorite part of the book. Starting with her morally gray “career path” and lifestyle choices, then following her through her journey of self-discovery, inner struggles, love, and heartbreak made her feel incredibly real and fully fleshed out. She’s messy, complex, and deeply relatable in a way that really stuck with me.
Also, the romance in this book… AY AY AY
And that ending?? It absolutely broke me. Book two cannot come soon enough.
November 24, 2025
ELEANOR WHEN I CATCH U!!!!!!!!
jokes aside: I'm kind of sad I read this book so fast, and it's already over. I knew Eleanor from books she published on wattpad, and they were VEERY different from this. but I genuinely liked this story so much. everything, from the setting, to the characters- the characters!!!! they're all so different and fascinating to read about. i hope we'll get to know even more about them in the second book. nova is a very complex character to read about. sometimes i hated her (ngl) but she was also easy to understand in her motives and the trauma she lived. i liked that it feels like the narrator is not fully reliable, that she's lying to herself at times, or changing her mind, like a real person would. it feels natural.
kali, where do i even start with her... she's so complex, too. it feels like there was such a parallel between wadi and kali at times. it was implied in many ways: the forced motherhood, having to make decisions that are going to hurt the people they love in the name of something bigger... while i do believe wadi somewhat loved nova, i also think she felt similarly about raising her as kali felt about raising her sister. i might be wrong idk. i did like this detail and i wonder how nova and kali's relationship will develop in the following book.
daryen was SUCH A KILLJOY, but i lowkey loved it lmaooo he was so bitter. and rightfully so. but he kinda grew on me by the end of it. APPROVED.
izzy was also fun to read about, but i feel like so far i just don't know enough about her. besides a bit of backstory, she's still a bit of a mystery.
ARIS.
aris was such a surprise, honestly. i thought i would despise him once i figured out he was not the one we were supposed to root for, and lowkey ended up rooting for him too even though I longed for Evran to appear on the page again. so yeah... i'm a mess right now. if you know you know.
IF I READ "SAY IT ANYWAY" IN THE NEXT BOOK I MIGHT LOSE MY MIND.
having said this, this was me as i read the book (SPECIFIC SPOILERS AHEAD - BEWARE):
nova bumps into a mysterious commander in wick's end. oh well. surely, it's no coincidence, right? RIGHT???
it was no coincidence.
me, when evran lets her run away from headquarters for no reason AND SUGGESTS A WAY OUT
AND THEN THE ELEVATOR JUST STOPS BEFORE THEY HIT THE FLOOR????
anyhoooooooo
back to aris, i almost bawled my eyes out multiple times. they did him so wrong ALL HIS LIFE. he was always second-best, even to his family. and yet he wanted to get his sister back. and when they finally reunite............... eleanor pls. why. just why.
when nova said she hated evran for the hundredth time. BUT I KNOW BETTER. stop lying sis
AND OMG THE SYNCED IMPLANTS i almost screamed. like obviously that sucks for her, but yk
not for me tho
i feel like there's just so much we don't know about evran, still. i feel like he's lied multiple times, but i can't prove it yet... only time will tell. and still oh my goodness let me just say, new favorite book boyfriend. like, genuinely, when she asks him "tell me something i haven't heard before" and he says "you're the most beautiful woman i've ever seen" I GOT BUTTERFLIES. BUTTERFLIES!!!!!!!!
i could go on with this review for years.
i loved the book, i hope it gets the hype it deserves. and i hope the next one comes out soon.
jokes aside: I'm kind of sad I read this book so fast, and it's already over. I knew Eleanor from books she published on wattpad, and they were VEERY different from this. but I genuinely liked this story so much. everything, from the setting, to the characters- the characters!!!! they're all so different and fascinating to read about. i hope we'll get to know even more about them in the second book. nova is a very complex character to read about. sometimes i hated her (ngl) but she was also easy to understand in her motives and the trauma she lived. i liked that it feels like the narrator is not fully reliable, that she's lying to herself at times, or changing her mind, like a real person would. it feels natural.
kali, where do i even start with her... she's so complex, too. it feels like there was such a parallel between wadi and kali at times. it was implied in many ways: the forced motherhood, having to make decisions that are going to hurt the people they love in the name of something bigger... while i do believe wadi somewhat loved nova, i also think she felt similarly about raising her as kali felt about raising her sister. i might be wrong idk. i did like this detail and i wonder how nova and kali's relationship will develop in the following book.
daryen was SUCH A KILLJOY, but i lowkey loved it lmaooo he was so bitter. and rightfully so. but he kinda grew on me by the end of it. APPROVED.
izzy was also fun to read about, but i feel like so far i just don't know enough about her. besides a bit of backstory, she's still a bit of a mystery.
ARIS.
aris was such a surprise, honestly. i thought i would despise him once i figured out he was not the one we were supposed to root for, and lowkey ended up rooting for him too even though I longed for Evran to appear on the page again. so yeah... i'm a mess right now. if you know you know.
IF I READ "SAY IT ANYWAY" IN THE NEXT BOOK I MIGHT LOSE MY MIND.
having said this, this was me as i read the book (SPECIFIC SPOILERS AHEAD - BEWARE):
nova bumps into a mysterious commander in wick's end. oh well. surely, it's no coincidence, right? RIGHT???
it was no coincidence.
me, when evran lets her run away from headquarters for no reason AND SUGGESTS A WAY OUT
AND THEN THE ELEVATOR JUST STOPS BEFORE THEY HIT THE FLOOR????
anyhoooooooo
back to aris, i almost bawled my eyes out multiple times. they did him so wrong ALL HIS LIFE. he was always second-best, even to his family. and yet he wanted to get his sister back. and when they finally reunite............... eleanor pls. why. just why.
when nova said she hated evran for the hundredth time. BUT I KNOW BETTER. stop lying sis
AND OMG THE SYNCED IMPLANTS i almost screamed. like obviously that sucks for her, but yk
not for me tho
i feel like there's just so much we don't know about evran, still. i feel like he's lied multiple times, but i can't prove it yet... only time will tell. and still oh my goodness let me just say, new favorite book boyfriend. like, genuinely, when she asks him "tell me something i haven't heard before" and he says "you're the most beautiful woman i've ever seen" I GOT BUTTERFLIES. BUTTERFLIES!!!!!!!!
i could go on with this review for years.
i loved the book, i hope it gets the hype it deserves. and i hope the next one comes out soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2025
I devoured Hollowborn in one sitting and immediately wanted to talk about it with everyone I know. Eleanor G. Fraser’s world is dark, gritty, and utterly immersive—The Hollow, the danger at every turn, and the oppressive society make the stakes feel real and immediate. What’s even more intriguing are the glimpses of the world beyond—the references to the wider Noutherra make you desperately curious about what else exists outside Nova’s immediate reality.
Nova is the kind of heroine you root for even when she makes tough, messy choices. And she does make quite a lot. Her journey kept me on edge, and the story hits hard with betrayal, heartbreak, and shocking twists, yet Fraser sprinkles in just enough hope and defiance to keep you rooting for her.
This book is gripping, emotional, and brilliantly written. I laughed, gasped, and held my breath all the way through.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
Nova is the kind of heroine you root for even when she makes tough, messy choices. And she does make quite a lot. Her journey kept me on edge, and the story hits hard with betrayal, heartbreak, and shocking twists, yet Fraser sprinkles in just enough hope and defiance to keep you rooting for her.
This book is gripping, emotional, and brilliantly written. I laughed, gasped, and held my breath all the way through.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – I can’t wait to see where the series goes next.
December 8, 2025
I stumbled across this book since I've been a longtime reader of Eleanor's stories. And what can I say – this book is FANTASTIC.
Nova is such a chaotic, morally gray anti-heroine, and I loved every second of her being a menace. The world is super gritty in a way that actually feels cool instead of overexplained. I was immersed from the beginning.
Also… the enemies-to-lovers energy? It’s THERE. Not in-your-face romance, but the tension is chef’s kiss and I kept yelling at the book like “just admit you care already.”
If you like found family, rebellion, messy choices, and characters who are a little feral but still lovable, this book is it. I tore through it way too fast and now I’m annoyed I don’t have the sequel yet.
Nova is such a chaotic, morally gray anti-heroine, and I loved every second of her being a menace. The world is super gritty in a way that actually feels cool instead of overexplained. I was immersed from the beginning.
Also… the enemies-to-lovers energy? It’s THERE. Not in-your-face romance, but the tension is chef’s kiss and I kept yelling at the book like “just admit you care already.”
If you like found family, rebellion, messy choices, and characters who are a little feral but still lovable, this book is it. I tore through it way too fast and now I’m annoyed I don’t have the sequel yet.
December 5, 2025
There’s not much to say, from the very first chapter, the story pulls you straight in and refuses to let go.
I never would have thought i could enjoy a story like this, yet this book managed to win me over almost instantly, and i’m glad it did. A huge part of that comes from the author’s remarkable ability to craft such distinctive characters. Every personality makes it impossible not to get invested. Nova, in particular, becomes someone you can’t help but follow.
It’s one of those reads you pick up out of curiosity and suddenly find yourself completely absorbed in. Definitely one you shouldn’t miss!
December 6, 2025
This book is an awesome, fast-paced ride into a broken future world. It’s exciting from the very start!
Nova, the main character, is the best part. She’s tough, real, and a bit of a mess, which makes her journey super interesting to follow. The author makes you feel like you are right there with her.
The story has great action and some surprising twists, but it’s really about Nova finding out who she is. It’s a very satisfying read.
Highly recommended if you want a sci-fi story with great characters and a plot that keeps you hooked! I need the sequel immediately!
Nova, the main character, is the best part. She’s tough, real, and a bit of a mess, which makes her journey super interesting to follow. The author makes you feel like you are right there with her.
The story has great action and some surprising twists, but it’s really about Nova finding out who she is. It’s a very satisfying read.
Highly recommended if you want a sci-fi story with great characters and a plot that keeps you hooked! I need the sequel immediately!
November 21, 2025
Wow, what a thrilling sci-fi dystopian debut! Right from the start the story grabs you.
Nova is such a compelling anti-hero, and the journey of self-discovery and rebellion is totally immersive.
Definitely one you need to pick up!
Nova is such a compelling anti-hero, and the journey of self-discovery and rebellion is totally immersive.
Definitely one you need to pick up!
December 5, 2025
An amazing dark sci-fi book with great characters and storytelling. I really enjoyed reading about Nova's character arc, or at least the beginning of it, and I am looking forward to the sequel. As a fan of fantasy and sci-fi, I thought the world-building was really great.
November 21, 2025
I can't wait for you to read Hollowborn and discover the world of Noutherra!
I hope you enjoy the journey!
I hope you enjoy the journey!
December 3, 2025
wow. found this book thanks to tiktok and honestly... no regrets. this should already be a booktok favorite imo
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews