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A Fable for Hollow Creatures
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Expected 27 Oct 26Win a free print copy of this book!
25 days and 13:29:38
5 copies available
U.S. only
A vengeful monster hunter is forced to work with a charming monster in this addictive blend of horror and fantasy from R.R. Schaeffer.
In a world teeming with monsters and even more monstrous gods, Jierz lost everything to a creature that ate the minds of her family and friends and then puppeted their corpses for its own purpose. After three years working as a monster hunter, now she's ready to get her vengeance. But to hunt the creature down and kill it, she'll need to team up with the only other survivor from her home—a man who used to be her best friend, until she found out that he was a type of monster who'd been stealing and manipulating emotions, including hers. He's desperate to rekindle their friendship, and even if she's still angry at him, she believes she can use him to get revenge. Together, they're going to hunt down the creature that killed everyone from their home. But it's very easy for the hunter to become the hunted....
In a world teeming with monsters and even more monstrous gods, Jierz lost everything to a creature that ate the minds of her family and friends and then puppeted their corpses for its own purpose. After three years working as a monster hunter, now she's ready to get her vengeance. But to hunt the creature down and kill it, she'll need to team up with the only other survivor from her home—a man who used to be her best friend, until she found out that he was a type of monster who'd been stealing and manipulating emotions, including hers. He's desperate to rekindle their friendship, and even if she's still angry at him, she believes she can use him to get revenge. Together, they're going to hunt down the creature that killed everyone from their home. But it's very easy for the hunter to become the hunted....
- GenresFantasy
400 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 27, 2026
About the author
R.R. Schaeffer
1 book26 followersThis author also writes under the name Rebecca Schaeffer
RR Schaeffer is the critically acclaimed author of Not Even Bones, Only Ashes Remain, and When Villains Rise. The Webtoon adaptation of the trilogy has garnered over a hundred million reads and 2 million subscribers. Her duology, City of Nightmares, was one of the BBC's most anticipated books of 2023, and her original comic, Dead But Not Gone, airs weekly on Webtoon.
RR Schaeffer is the critically acclaimed author of Not Even Bones, Only Ashes Remain, and When Villains Rise. The Webtoon adaptation of the trilogy has garnered over a hundred million reads and 2 million subscribers. Her duology, City of Nightmares, was one of the BBC's most anticipated books of 2023, and her original comic, Dead But Not Gone, airs weekly on Webtoon.
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May 24, 2026This book is my homage to monsters, whimsical fantasy characters plopped into horror settings, epic fantasy with deep, creepy lore, and characters forced to grapple with complicated problems that have no easy answers.
I wanted to use this space to share some information on the book, as well as promotions, giveaways, etc. I'll try and update this as I can.
Right now, there's a Goodreads giveaway running: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
The short official summary of the book:
Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Fairies meets the Witcher, for fans of T Kingfisher, Naomi Novik, and Katherine Arden, in this dark fantasy about a monster hunter who must work with the monster who betrayed her to hunt down something much worse.
The slightly more unhinged, but definitely more accurate summary:
A jaded monster hunter who wants to kill the creature that slaughtered her hometown teams up with an eldritch horror of joy who thinks everyone should be happy all the time. He's got to learn about toxic happiness and respecting people's minds, she's got to decide whether she wants to reconcile with him after their complicated messy history where he tried to solve all her problems by using magic to make her happy. And all the while, they're being chased by a variety of increasingly bizarre and terrifying monsters.
Clarifications! Seen a bunch of stuff online and been getting some asks about this, so wanted to set the record straight for anyone who needs it (will add to this as things come to my attention):
--This is the first in a series.
--While the genre is epic fantasy, neither the world nor the fables are based on any specific real world place or stories.
--Pronunciation: The "J" is pronounced as a "Y" in their language, the "zh" sound is the same sound as the French J or the s in words like "pleasure" or "measure," and the "sz" sound is a soft "sh." Long vowels such as 'aa' don't change pronunciation, you just hold the vowel sound longer. All other consonants and vowels operate on the same principles as English.
I also write other books as R Schaeffer, Rebecca Schaeffer, among others. You can check out that Goodreads page for more of my books here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Trigger warnings: The book contains some on page monster hunting related violence and death, and some anecdotal mentions of a variety of different types of monster violence that the hunters have faced. There is some discussion of grief and details of loved ones passing, as well as discussions of past emotional manipulation and abuse. However, there is no sexual violence or animal cruelty. If you have specific triggers, you can reach out to me via my author email or check out my website, where I have more details.
I wanted to use this space to share some information on the book, as well as promotions, giveaways, etc. I'll try and update this as I can.
Right now, there's a Goodreads giveaway running: https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
The short official summary of the book:
Emily Wilde's Encyclopedia of Fairies meets the Witcher, for fans of T Kingfisher, Naomi Novik, and Katherine Arden, in this dark fantasy about a monster hunter who must work with the monster who betrayed her to hunt down something much worse.
The slightly more unhinged, but definitely more accurate summary:
A jaded monster hunter who wants to kill the creature that slaughtered her hometown teams up with an eldritch horror of joy who thinks everyone should be happy all the time. He's got to learn about toxic happiness and respecting people's minds, she's got to decide whether she wants to reconcile with him after their complicated messy history where he tried to solve all her problems by using magic to make her happy. And all the while, they're being chased by a variety of increasingly bizarre and terrifying monsters.
Clarifications! Seen a bunch of stuff online and been getting some asks about this, so wanted to set the record straight for anyone who needs it (will add to this as things come to my attention):
--This is the first in a series.
--While the genre is epic fantasy, neither the world nor the fables are based on any specific real world place or stories.
--Pronunciation: The "J" is pronounced as a "Y" in their language, the "zh" sound is the same sound as the French J or the s in words like "pleasure" or "measure," and the "sz" sound is a soft "sh." Long vowels such as 'aa' don't change pronunciation, you just hold the vowel sound longer. All other consonants and vowels operate on the same principles as English.
I also write other books as R Schaeffer, Rebecca Schaeffer, among others. You can check out that Goodreads page for more of my books here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Trigger warnings: The book contains some on page monster hunting related violence and death, and some anecdotal mentions of a variety of different types of monster violence that the hunters have faced. There is some discussion of grief and details of loved ones passing, as well as discussions of past emotional manipulation and abuse. However, there is no sexual violence or animal cruelty. If you have specific triggers, you can reach out to me via my author email or check out my website, where I have more details.
Want to Read
July 5, 2026🩸🗡️ A Fable for Hollow Creatures 🗡️🩸
📖 Bookish Thoughts
A full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Dark Fantasy
• Monster Hunter FMC
• Monster MMC
• Enemies to Allies
• Revenge Quest
• Eldritch Horror
• Forced Alliance
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 27, 2026
Thank you to Berkley, Ace, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
📖 Bookish Thoughts
A full review will be shared closer to the publication date.
✨ What to Expect
• Dark Fantasy
• Monster Hunter FMC
• Monster MMC
• Enemies to Allies
• Revenge Quest
• Eldritch Horror
• Forced Alliance
_ _ _ _
📅 Pub Date: October 27, 2026
Thank you to Berkley, Ace, and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book ahead of its publication. I’ve loved Rebecca Schaeffer’s previous works, so I was very excited to dive into her latest release.
A Fable to Hollow Creatures follows Jierz, a monster hunter who’s out for revenge after a creature destroyed her home by literally eating people’s minds and puppeteering their bodies. To track it down, she ends up teaming up with the only other survivor, Halesz, her former best friend who she later discovered is actually a monster himself, one who can manipulate emotions… including hers.
As they hunt the creature together, lingering resentment, complicated feelings, and the dangers of their world blur the line between ally and enemy, raising the question of whether they’ll succeed in their revenge, or become the next victims.
Rebecca Schaeffer comes back with a completely original world, rich, immersive, and truly captivating. She never stops surprising me. Even though she often writes about monsters, each of her stories feels completely different, exploring the idea of “monstrosity” from a new angle every time
I really loved how the novel opens, throwing us straight into the darkness and the harsh reality of the world we’re about to live in for the next 400 pages. The writing is simple, never overdone, but it conveys emotion effortlessly (like making me shiver during scenes where wounds have to be cauterized with a blade heated in fire…).
It also knows exactly how to drip-feed information to keep us hooked. There isn’t a ton of action, but it never feels slow, because there’s enough tension and mystery to keep you fully invested.
I also really enjoyed the fables that appear at the end of certain chapters, centered on the legends of the creatures in the book. It fits the story perfectly, since these oral tales are such an important part of this world.
The plot stays surprising overall, even if a couple of elements are fairly predictable, but honestly that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all, since I was completely invested. There’s also this recurring thread about a character who’s constantly mentioned but never actually appears, and it comes up several times throughout the book. I’m really excited to read the sequel and finally get answers to all my questions about that subplot. It’s not central, but it’s definitely intriguing...
I absolutely loved the world Rebecca Schaeffer created : it’s a complete reinvention of our own, both in terms of history and everything that comes with it. She builds an entirely new mythology that’s really well explained, yet still leaves you wanting to explore it even more.
The synopsis doesn’t hint at what you end up discovering, so I’d rather not say too much to avoid spoilers, it’s genuinely a great surprise.
There’s one element in particular that really caught me off guard. It’s only briefly mentioned, and I’m really hoping it will be explored more in the sequel!!
The novel explores themes of grief, self-trust, and learning to trust others, especially in the aftermath of deep trauma. It also deconstructs the idea of monstrosity, touching on tolerance and acceptance of difference, and suggesting that humans can be far more monstrous than a creature with eight arms and shark-like teeth
The characters are all compelling and easy to get attached to, well-developed with distinct personalities and solid backstories—even if some of them remain a bit mysterious. I really enjoyed following them and genuinely worried about what might happen to them.
Special mention to Haleszs, who really moved me, a little ray of sunshine in the storm.
A Fable to Hollow Creatures follows Jierz, a monster hunter who’s out for revenge after a creature destroyed her home by literally eating people’s minds and puppeteering their bodies. To track it down, she ends up teaming up with the only other survivor, Halesz, her former best friend who she later discovered is actually a monster himself, one who can manipulate emotions… including hers.
As they hunt the creature together, lingering resentment, complicated feelings, and the dangers of their world blur the line between ally and enemy, raising the question of whether they’ll succeed in their revenge, or become the next victims.
Rebecca Schaeffer comes back with a completely original world, rich, immersive, and truly captivating. She never stops surprising me. Even though she often writes about monsters, each of her stories feels completely different, exploring the idea of “monstrosity” from a new angle every time
I really loved how the novel opens, throwing us straight into the darkness and the harsh reality of the world we’re about to live in for the next 400 pages. The writing is simple, never overdone, but it conveys emotion effortlessly (like making me shiver during scenes where wounds have to be cauterized with a blade heated in fire…).
It also knows exactly how to drip-feed information to keep us hooked. There isn’t a ton of action, but it never feels slow, because there’s enough tension and mystery to keep you fully invested.
I also really enjoyed the fables that appear at the end of certain chapters, centered on the legends of the creatures in the book. It fits the story perfectly, since these oral tales are such an important part of this world.
The plot stays surprising overall, even if a couple of elements are fairly predictable, but honestly that didn’t take away from my enjoyment at all, since I was completely invested. There’s also this recurring thread about a character who’s constantly mentioned but never actually appears, and it comes up several times throughout the book. I’m really excited to read the sequel and finally get answers to all my questions about that subplot. It’s not central, but it’s definitely intriguing...
I absolutely loved the world Rebecca Schaeffer created : it’s a complete reinvention of our own, both in terms of history and everything that comes with it. She builds an entirely new mythology that’s really well explained, yet still leaves you wanting to explore it even more.
The synopsis doesn’t hint at what you end up discovering, so I’d rather not say too much to avoid spoilers, it’s genuinely a great surprise.
There’s one element in particular that really caught me off guard. It’s only briefly mentioned, and I’m really hoping it will be explored more in the sequel!!
The novel explores themes of grief, self-trust, and learning to trust others, especially in the aftermath of deep trauma. It also deconstructs the idea of monstrosity, touching on tolerance and acceptance of difference, and suggesting that humans can be far more monstrous than a creature with eight arms and shark-like teeth
The characters are all compelling and easy to get attached to, well-developed with distinct personalities and solid backstories—even if some of them remain a bit mysterious. I really enjoyed following them and genuinely worried about what might happen to them.
Special mention to Haleszs, who really moved me, a little ray of sunshine in the storm.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5 stars rounded up
There was a lot to like here and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised that the horror elements were so visceral. The monsters were very unique and each were gruesome in their own special and disgusting way. You learn about each monster (and some about how they were created) and their characteristics and how they attacked humans which I found really fun to read about. You also learn some monsters had surprisingly hidden depths and I'm not just talking about the monster our main character Jierz teamed up with.
I also found the lore regarding the gods very interesting and loved how the characters interacted with one of the gods at the very end. Initially I wasn't terribly sure why we were getting so much god lore, it seemed more beyond basic worldbuilding, but as the story progressed it became clear why we were learning so much so I was grateful for their backstory in a way that didn't feel heavy handed or info dump-y. And the gods were truly scary and unhinged, I loved it!
But more than everything else, I loved the fables you got about the gods or monsters as they became relevant to the story. The characters would discuss a certain monster or god and then you'd get a small fable to read about each of them. I thought this was a really fun way to introduce information to a reader without making the characters say things they absolutely wouldn't have said for the sake of exposition. The fables were some of my favorite parts to read. This is a book that I absolutely would have loved at 16!
Unfortunately I personally didn't really like the FMC Jierz. Now, don't get me wrong, I understand her trauma and her motivations. I understand why she is how she is, but I just found her to be grating. She was kind of overdramatic in a way that I didn't like and while I understood her complicated feelings about Halesz, it was torture to be in her head when she was thinking about him or what happened to her village. I think the problem for me is I didn't really understand how old she was supposed to be. She acted about 17, however at one point she called out that another character in her monster hunting group was about 33 so I just didn't know what was going on there. If she was supposed to be 17 then I can find it in my heart to understand why she acted like that. If she was supposed to be somewhere in her late 20s to early 30s then I have concerns. And honestly it just annoyed me how annoyed she was with Halesz's personality overall, she did learn why he was the way that he was later in the book but at some point it got tiring. Like girl idk sorry he doesn't act as miserable as you all the time??
This was a good and interesting book and the author confirmed that it will be a series, however for me this is where I get off at the station. I just personally find the main character too annoying to be invested in, but I can see this book and this series really taking off and being a hit with other readers!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review and advance DRC, all opinions are my own.
There was a lot to like here and to be honest I was pleasantly surprised that the horror elements were so visceral. The monsters were very unique and each were gruesome in their own special and disgusting way. You learn about each monster (and some about how they were created) and their characteristics and how they attacked humans which I found really fun to read about. You also learn some monsters had surprisingly hidden depths and I'm not just talking about the monster our main character Jierz teamed up with.
I also found the lore regarding the gods very interesting and loved how the characters interacted with one of the gods at the very end. Initially I wasn't terribly sure why we were getting so much god lore, it seemed more beyond basic worldbuilding, but as the story progressed it became clear why we were learning so much so I was grateful for their backstory in a way that didn't feel heavy handed or info dump-y. And the gods were truly scary and unhinged, I loved it!
But more than everything else, I loved the fables you got about the gods or monsters as they became relevant to the story. The characters would discuss a certain monster or god and then you'd get a small fable to read about each of them. I thought this was a really fun way to introduce information to a reader without making the characters say things they absolutely wouldn't have said for the sake of exposition. The fables were some of my favorite parts to read. This is a book that I absolutely would have loved at 16!
Unfortunately I personally didn't really like the FMC Jierz. Now, don't get me wrong, I understand her trauma and her motivations. I understand why she is how she is, but I just found her to be grating. She was kind of overdramatic in a way that I didn't like and while I understood her complicated feelings about Halesz, it was torture to be in her head when she was thinking about him or what happened to her village. I think the problem for me is I didn't really understand how old she was supposed to be. She acted about 17, however at one point she called out that another character in her monster hunting group was about 33 so I just didn't know what was going on there. If she was supposed to be 17 then I can find it in my heart to understand why she acted like that. If she was supposed to be somewhere in her late 20s to early 30s then I have concerns. And honestly it just annoyed me how annoyed she was with Halesz's personality overall, she did learn why he was the way that he was later in the book but at some point it got tiring. Like girl idk sorry he doesn't act as miserable as you all the time??
This was a good and interesting book and the author confirmed that it will be a series, however for me this is where I get off at the station. I just personally find the main character too annoying to be invested in, but I can see this book and this series really taking off and being a hit with other readers!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review and advance DRC, all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In a world full of cautionary tales, terrifying creatures, and vengeful gods, humans do their best to survive. Monster hunters travel together to defend those willing to pay for their services. The lucky few who survive deadly encounters share their grim tales in hopes that it’ll save someone. Jierz loses all that is dear to her when a rare monster suddenly appears and consumes her town. Her best friend Halesz helps her stay alive during the siege, but soon reveals himself to be a monster too. The gentle, charming person she thought she knew reveals himself to be a monster capable of stealing and manipulating emotions. Years later, Jierz becomes a monster hunter determined to find the creature that still haunts her dreams. When she unexpectedly reconnects with Halesz she finds herself unable to move past their history, even as she can’t help but want to be near him. Eager to stay by her side and prove he’s changed, Halesz joins Jierz on her journey to find and kill the monster from their past.
The Witcher meets Grimm in this epic story. For fans who enjoy twisted fables, monsters, hunters, and tricky gods who live to cause mischief, you won’t be able to put this book down! This book was a page-turner from chapter one and didn’t stop. It’s set in a world that is full of interesting creatures, some more deadly than others. There is much lore left to explore beyond the first book, and it leaves the reader itching for more. The characters make complex, questionable decisions throughout their journey, which often feel ambiguous. In this dangerous world, it’s hard to land on one right decision for everyone. You can’t help but want to root for the main male character even though he isn’t human. The main female character is haunted by her past. She has a strong moral compass and often clashes with others when her stubbornness gets the better of her. The world is rich in lore and has a dark atmosphere that readers will enjoy.
Overall, this was a fantastic fantasy story! It had some nail-biting moments, raw conversations, and a bit of mystery as they go monster hunting. It was incredibly entertaining and fun.
For readers who enjoy twisted fairy tale creatures and monster hunters…
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is an advance reader copy (ARC) and may contain errors or changes before final publication. My review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts.
The Witcher meets Grimm in this epic story. For fans who enjoy twisted fables, monsters, hunters, and tricky gods who live to cause mischief, you won’t be able to put this book down! This book was a page-turner from chapter one and didn’t stop. It’s set in a world that is full of interesting creatures, some more deadly than others. There is much lore left to explore beyond the first book, and it leaves the reader itching for more. The characters make complex, questionable decisions throughout their journey, which often feel ambiguous. In this dangerous world, it’s hard to land on one right decision for everyone. You can’t help but want to root for the main male character even though he isn’t human. The main female character is haunted by her past. She has a strong moral compass and often clashes with others when her stubbornness gets the better of her. The world is rich in lore and has a dark atmosphere that readers will enjoy.
Overall, this was a fantastic fantasy story! It had some nail-biting moments, raw conversations, and a bit of mystery as they go monster hunting. It was incredibly entertaining and fun.
For readers who enjoy twisted fairy tale creatures and monster hunters…
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This is an advance reader copy (ARC) and may contain errors or changes before final publication. My review is voluntary and reflects my personal thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing/ Ace for the eARC!
Although this book got off to a slow start and took me a bit longer than usual to get through, I did end up enjoying the story. The last 20% or so flew by. I am really interested in seeing where the story goes in the sequel (which I will be reading).
One of my favorite parts was the fables that were interwoven into the story, providing a deeper glimpse into the world. This allowed a glimpse into the monsters that populate the world as well as the (terrible) gods who seem to enjoy causing mayhem. I also liked how this story really leaned heavily into horror with some truly skin-crawling monsters. Honestly, it was creepier than some of the straight horror novels I’ve read recently (which is a compliment because I love me some pitch black fantasy).
The downside was this was a bit slow in the beginning. There is a ton of world-building which is done well, but still caused a bit of a lag in a few parts. Jierz, the protagonist, sometimes felt a bit flat emotionally and I didn’t always connect with her or her motivations.
However, I did end up understanding her more in the end. I also felt the three other main side characters added a lot to the story and were easier to relate to. Medja is a strong leader who struggles with her self confidence and her devotion to a person she might need to question a bit more. Karlitz is a good partner to the other monster hunters but struggles with a past he isn’t sure he wants to dwell on. And Halesz is just an unhinged golden retriever of a delight. He really was the best character and I enjoyed watching him try to find his feet with people who have every reason to be wary of him.
Overall, I do recommend this one if you don’t mind a bit of a slow start with a whole lot of world-building and lore. And don’t mind a lot of horror and gore with your fantasy. I am curious to see what happens in the next installment and excited to learn more about these complicated characters. And read some more creepy folk tales about monsters and gods. (They really were my favorite part)
Although this book got off to a slow start and took me a bit longer than usual to get through, I did end up enjoying the story. The last 20% or so flew by. I am really interested in seeing where the story goes in the sequel (which I will be reading).
One of my favorite parts was the fables that were interwoven into the story, providing a deeper glimpse into the world. This allowed a glimpse into the monsters that populate the world as well as the (terrible) gods who seem to enjoy causing mayhem. I also liked how this story really leaned heavily into horror with some truly skin-crawling monsters. Honestly, it was creepier than some of the straight horror novels I’ve read recently (which is a compliment because I love me some pitch black fantasy).
The downside was this was a bit slow in the beginning. There is a ton of world-building which is done well, but still caused a bit of a lag in a few parts. Jierz, the protagonist, sometimes felt a bit flat emotionally and I didn’t always connect with her or her motivations.
However, I did end up understanding her more in the end. I also felt the three other main side characters added a lot to the story and were easier to relate to. Medja is a strong leader who struggles with her self confidence and her devotion to a person she might need to question a bit more. Karlitz is a good partner to the other monster hunters but struggles with a past he isn’t sure he wants to dwell on. And Halesz is just an unhinged golden retriever of a delight. He really was the best character and I enjoyed watching him try to find his feet with people who have every reason to be wary of him.
Overall, I do recommend this one if you don’t mind a bit of a slow start with a whole lot of world-building and lore. And don’t mind a lot of horror and gore with your fantasy. I am curious to see what happens in the next installment and excited to learn more about these complicated characters. And read some more creepy folk tales about monsters and gods. (They really were my favorite part)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When the last of your hope is lost, is it worth swallowing your pride to ask for help? Especially if the person to help you is a monster, quite literally?
In A Fable for Hollow Creatures by R.R. Schaefer, we meet Ji, imprisoned in a cell alongside the few surviving members of her monster-hunting group. She became a hunter to seek revenge for the deaths of everyone she lost to a monster called the ruseizhe, whose parasites eat people from the inside out and manipulate their corpses like puppets. Against all odds, Ji survived but only because of Halesz, a kerzin whom society also considers a monster.
Ji once considered Halesz a friend until she discovered he had manipulated her emotions with his supernatural abilities. Even though the trust is gone, she sends for him out of desperation, and he comes to help without hesitation. Hoping to rebuild what was lost, Halesz joins Ji, Medja, and Karlitz on their monster hunts, where buried secrets begin to surface, and strange connections between seemingly unrelated events emerge.
The world-building in this novel is rich, from the monsters to the landscape. While there are plenty of tense and unsettling moments, this isn't purely horror, nor is it a traditional fantasy adventure. (And I am hoping beyond hope that there isn’t some horrible portmanteau of horror and fantasy floating around like the word “romantasy”. But I digress.) This book is as much about personal growth, trust, and forgiveness as it is about hunting monsters.
I enjoyed this book. The characters are compelling, the discoveries kept me turning the pages, and the emotional journey felt just as important as monster hunting. If you enjoy dark fantasy with memorable creatures, layered relationships, and thoughtful character development, A Fable for Hollow Creatures is well worth picking up. I'll definitely be looking forward to the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. Many thanks to the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group/Ace, the author, R.R. Schaefer, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
In A Fable for Hollow Creatures by R.R. Schaefer, we meet Ji, imprisoned in a cell alongside the few surviving members of her monster-hunting group. She became a hunter to seek revenge for the deaths of everyone she lost to a monster called the ruseizhe, whose parasites eat people from the inside out and manipulate their corpses like puppets. Against all odds, Ji survived but only because of Halesz, a kerzin whom society also considers a monster.
Ji once considered Halesz a friend until she discovered he had manipulated her emotions with his supernatural abilities. Even though the trust is gone, she sends for him out of desperation, and he comes to help without hesitation. Hoping to rebuild what was lost, Halesz joins Ji, Medja, and Karlitz on their monster hunts, where buried secrets begin to surface, and strange connections between seemingly unrelated events emerge.
The world-building in this novel is rich, from the monsters to the landscape. While there are plenty of tense and unsettling moments, this isn't purely horror, nor is it a traditional fantasy adventure. (And I am hoping beyond hope that there isn’t some horrible portmanteau of horror and fantasy floating around like the word “romantasy”. But I digress.) This book is as much about personal growth, trust, and forgiveness as it is about hunting monsters.
I enjoyed this book. The characters are compelling, the discoveries kept me turning the pages, and the emotional journey felt just as important as monster hunting. If you enjoy dark fantasy with memorable creatures, layered relationships, and thoughtful character development, A Fable for Hollow Creatures is well worth picking up. I'll definitely be looking forward to the next installment.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. Many thanks to the publisher, Berkley Publishing Group/Ace, the author, R.R. Schaefer, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of ARC received from NetGalley
This book was such a fun read! The details about the different types of monsters, the backstories to the gods, and the world-building overall was amazing. There was so much lore behind this world, it actually felt like I was a kid learning about fables in school again. Albeit creepy, gory fables—but nonetheless well written.
I loved the characters, main and background included. I did feel like it lacked a certain chemistry, like I didn’t get “best friend” vibes from any of them despite them seeing each other that way. Maybe from Halesz toward Ji, but that was it. However, Ji does realize that at some point towards the end—when she realizes that she and her friends hardly knew anything about each other. So I hope they will start to build their relationships even more in book two.
I found this book to be very well-written. I was intrigued from the start, and never once did I get pulled from the story due to continuity errors or anything like that. You could tell the writer was very organized and spent a lot of time fleshing out the background, lore, and people/monsters of this world—especially compared to some more popular books I’ve read.
I also love the cover, as it’s very enticing. The only thing I do hope is included in the finished/final/physical copies (which I will be buying as a shelf trophy) is a pronunciation guide and maybe a map! I’m not super well-versed on the sort of language and letter combinations that were used frequently throughout the story, so I found myself just sort of making up my own words in their place. I also had a hard time visualizing how The Hook looked or where it was located in relation to other towns they discussed/visited, which is why I hope there’s a map. I supposed I’ll update and remove this paragraph if the physical version ends up having those things!
This book was such a fun read! The details about the different types of monsters, the backstories to the gods, and the world-building overall was amazing. There was so much lore behind this world, it actually felt like I was a kid learning about fables in school again. Albeit creepy, gory fables—but nonetheless well written.
I loved the characters, main and background included. I did feel like it lacked a certain chemistry, like I didn’t get “best friend” vibes from any of them despite them seeing each other that way. Maybe from Halesz toward Ji, but that was it. However, Ji does realize that at some point towards the end—when she realizes that she and her friends hardly knew anything about each other. So I hope they will start to build their relationships even more in book two.
I found this book to be very well-written. I was intrigued from the start, and never once did I get pulled from the story due to continuity errors or anything like that. You could tell the writer was very organized and spent a lot of time fleshing out the background, lore, and people/monsters of this world—especially compared to some more popular books I’ve read.
I also love the cover, as it’s very enticing. The only thing I do hope is included in the finished/final/physical copies (which I will be buying as a shelf trophy) is a pronunciation guide and maybe a map! I’m not super well-versed on the sort of language and letter combinations that were used frequently throughout the story, so I found myself just sort of making up my own words in their place. I also had a hard time visualizing how The Hook looked or where it was located in relation to other towns they discussed/visited, which is why I hope there’s a map. I supposed I’ll update and remove this paragraph if the physical version ends up having those things!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed reading this and it's unique mythology. It follows a small group of people (well, and one 'monster') which at times can feel very intimate while placing them in a much wider spread story. A group of 'monster hunters' that explores what the definition of 'monster' is, what qualifies someone to have second chances, and ultimately what it means to be human. The themes are not subtle but they also are well integrated into the plot and I never felt like I was being hit over the head with lessons (which a few recent reads have done). I especially enjoyed the 'Monster' who joins the group, Halesz, who can remove and consume emotions, and brings a very unique view of the world.
I though the mythologies were really well thought out and intriguing, both with individual creatures they encounter as well as the overall history of the gods.
I was a little blindsided that this appears like it will be the first in a series even though I saw no mention of it anywhere. The biggest story threads are not resolved and the last 15-20% of the book contains a lot of new information. This made the ending not as satisfying for me as it could have been but I would definitely continue on reading the series (and I do hope it is one).
I though the mythologies were really well thought out and intriguing, both with individual creatures they encounter as well as the overall history of the gods.
I was a little blindsided that this appears like it will be the first in a series even though I saw no mention of it anywhere. The biggest story threads are not resolved and the last 15-20% of the book contains a lot of new information. This made the ending not as satisfying for me as it could have been but I would definitely continue on reading the series (and I do hope it is one).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A fascinating world of cruel gods, monster species that feed off humans and sometimes each other, and monster hunters. I liked the exploration of good and bad, personal intentions, and actions that are enough to redeem someone.
The world building and monster explanations would be much helped by a map and glossary of terms (gods, monsters) at the start of the book. Without such a tool, combined with names anchored in non-English language, I struggled to keep track of characters and the world, on top of following the story. So much mental labor, I was almost too exhausted to enjoy the book.
DNF’d at 30%, but picked it up again after taking a break. By that point the world and monster framework had been fully introduced, and I could focus on the story and relationship between Jierz and Halesz. One could read this book alone, but it sets up well for the sequel without a crazy cliffhanger.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Ace for the advance reader copy.
The world building and monster explanations would be much helped by a map and glossary of terms (gods, monsters) at the start of the book. Without such a tool, combined with names anchored in non-English language, I struggled to keep track of characters and the world, on top of following the story. So much mental labor, I was almost too exhausted to enjoy the book.
DNF’d at 30%, but picked it up again after taking a break. By that point the world and monster framework had been fully introduced, and I could focus on the story and relationship between Jierz and Halesz. One could read this book alone, but it sets up well for the sequel without a crazy cliffhanger.
Thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Ace for the advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Though not billed as such, this book is an obvious YA read. It's a new take on monster hunting that isn't very exciting. It's filled with all the chummy tropes of pre-industrial fantasy: ye olde ragtag group of disparate souls who struggle as they set out on an all too familiar quest to take down the boss baddie, sailing ships, plenty of low-ceilinged inns, and the like. There are too many types of monsters and how they kill humans to easily keep track of. On the plus side, there is an interesting interplay between the protagonist and a monster who have a harrowing mutual past. However, their relationship is undercut by poor writing. The protagonist is meant to be a female but I had to keep reminding myself of that since the author writes her as if she were a man. Disappointing.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘈𝘤𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘱𝘺!
An incredibly fascinating novel with unique world-building, great character development, and original creatures and fables! I couldn't help but root for Halesz throughout the book and his development and loved the dynamic between him and Jierz. I went into this thinking it was a standalone and now, especially after that ending, I have to wait for a sequel?! Brb while I cry. (4.75★)
An incredibly fascinating novel with unique world-building, great character development, and original creatures and fables! I couldn't help but root for Halesz throughout the book and his development and loved the dynamic between him and Jierz. I went into this thinking it was a standalone and now, especially after that ending, I have to wait for a sequel?! Brb while I cry. (4.75★)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*Thank you to the publisher, R.R. Schaeffer, and Netgalley for providing me witha E-ARC of "A Fable for Hollow Creatures" in exchange for a honest review.*
RTC closer to publication.
RTC closer to publication.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
DNF. Almost everyone in this book has a name that ends with the letter 'z'. Interesting concept, potential world building, but the execution was just not it. I found it hard to follow when the monsters' names were just thrown here and there (mostly) in dialogues without explanation.
I figured that so maybe that's why her narration felt so flat and very boring. But it completely didn't work for me. I found this book annoying, and I have no desire to continue reading it. This book just isn't for me.
I figured that so maybe that's why her narration felt so flat and very boring. But it completely didn't work for me. I found this book annoying, and I have no desire to continue reading it. This book just isn't for me.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have not previously read any books by this author but this was excellent. Her writing style flows so easily creating beautiful and horrific scenes. She writes without any extra fluff which I appreciate. She thoroughly explores concepts of grief, trauma, trust issues, and monstrosity. The monsters in this tale are absolutely terrifying, however the gods and humans who appear less monstrous are equally if not more deadly and twisted.
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