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The Hollow
Leah has spent her entire life believing magic isn’t real… until the day her only family member vanishes on her eighteenth birthday—leaving behind a forbidden book bound to her blood.
The moment she opens it, her power awakens, tearing open visions and glimpses of the past and future she cannot control.
Eighteen years ago, her entire bloodline was slaughtered for possessing this power. Now, the Order wants it back.
Dragged into a hidden world she never knew existed; Leah discovers the book doesn’t predict fate—it reveals where fate can be broken.
Her only ally is Nico, a shadow mage the Order believes long dead. Once one of their most lethal weapons, he knows exactly how they hunt… and how easily trust can be weaponized.
Training her means risking exposure. Trusting him may be even more dangerous.
Because if Leah cannot master a power never meant to stand alone, the Order won’t just control the future— They’ll rewrite it.
The moment she opens it, her power awakens, tearing open visions and glimpses of the past and future she cannot control.
Eighteen years ago, her entire bloodline was slaughtered for possessing this power. Now, the Order wants it back.
Dragged into a hidden world she never knew existed; Leah discovers the book doesn’t predict fate—it reveals where fate can be broken.
Her only ally is Nico, a shadow mage the Order believes long dead. Once one of their most lethal weapons, he knows exactly how they hunt… and how easily trust can be weaponized.
Training her means risking exposure. Trusting him may be even more dangerous.
Because if Leah cannot master a power never meant to stand alone, the Order won’t just control the future— They’ll rewrite it.
353 pages, Paperback
Published May 22, 2026
About the author
Leslie Lenz
2 books12 followersLeslie Lenz has been a creative her whole life. She writes fantasy romance stories filled with magic, and emotional depth. When she isn’t writing, she is balancing life with her three children, drawing or crafting, and believing wholeheartedly that it is never too late to start doing what you love. This is her debut novel, and she hopes her characters stay with you long after the final page.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
May 29, 2026
5/5 ✨
Review of Advance Copy Received from NetGalley
Some futures are better left unseen…but not this one, there’s a broody MMC
If you need me, I will be sitting here impatiently waiting for book two.
There is nothing that I love more in a fantasy book than detailed world building and a well thought out magic system. When I tell you this story had both, it had BOTH.
The plot in itself was very immersive, I loved the time we spent with our FMC Leah as she learned her powers. As readers we get to experience and learn alongside her and the author clearly put so much attention to detail into each plotline.
I highly suggest this read if you love fantasy! Especially if you love fantasy’s where romance is a subplot and not the main focus.
Tropes
~ Power Discovery
~ Slow Burn Romance
~ Long Journey/Quest
A special thank you to Leslie Lenz, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for this ARC.
Review of Advance Copy Received from NetGalley
Some futures are better left unseen…but not this one, there’s a broody MMC
If you need me, I will be sitting here impatiently waiting for book two.
There is nothing that I love more in a fantasy book than detailed world building and a well thought out magic system. When I tell you this story had both, it had BOTH.
The plot in itself was very immersive, I loved the time we spent with our FMC Leah as she learned her powers. As readers we get to experience and learn alongside her and the author clearly put so much attention to detail into each plotline.
I highly suggest this read if you love fantasy! Especially if you love fantasy’s where romance is a subplot and not the main focus.
Tropes
~ Power Discovery
~ Slow Burn Romance
~ Long Journey/Quest
A special thank you to Leslie Lenz, Victory Editing, and NetGalley for this ARC.
March 23, 2026
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review:
The Hollow by Leslie Lenz is the kind of story that doesn’t just pull you in—it brands itself onto your bones.
From the very first page, you’re dropped into Leah’s world, where grief, mystery, and magic coil together like something ancient and watching. The premise alone is irresistible, but it’s the execution that truly dazzles. The forbidden book, the blood-bound magic, the fractured visions of past and future—it all unfolds with a tension that feels like standing on the edge of a storm, waiting for lightning to strike.
Leah is a compelling, raw protagonist. Her journey isn’t just about power—it’s about control, identity, and survival in a world that has already tried to erase her. And then there’s Nico… shadowed, dangerous, and threaded with secrets. Their dynamic crackles with distrust and reluctant reliance, making every interaction feel like it could either save them or destroy them.
The world-building is lush without being overwhelming, revealing its layers at just the right pace. The concept that fate isn’t fixed—but can be broken—adds a delicious, almost dangerous edge to the narrative. It turns every decision into a high-stakes gamble.
And that ending? Sharp, haunting, and impossible to forget.
If you love dark magic, hidden worlds, morally complex allies, and stories where destiny itself is up for debate, this book will have you completely spellbound. 🖤📖✨
The Hollow by Leslie Lenz is the kind of story that doesn’t just pull you in—it brands itself onto your bones.
From the very first page, you’re dropped into Leah’s world, where grief, mystery, and magic coil together like something ancient and watching. The premise alone is irresistible, but it’s the execution that truly dazzles. The forbidden book, the blood-bound magic, the fractured visions of past and future—it all unfolds with a tension that feels like standing on the edge of a storm, waiting for lightning to strike.
Leah is a compelling, raw protagonist. Her journey isn’t just about power—it’s about control, identity, and survival in a world that has already tried to erase her. And then there’s Nico… shadowed, dangerous, and threaded with secrets. Their dynamic crackles with distrust and reluctant reliance, making every interaction feel like it could either save them or destroy them.
The world-building is lush without being overwhelming, revealing its layers at just the right pace. The concept that fate isn’t fixed—but can be broken—adds a delicious, almost dangerous edge to the narrative. It turns every decision into a high-stakes gamble.
And that ending? Sharp, haunting, and impossible to forget.
If you love dark magic, hidden worlds, morally complex allies, and stories where destiny itself is up for debate, this book will have you completely spellbound. 🖤📖✨
April 9, 2026
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley and Victory Editing and I am voluntarily leaving a review:
This book grabbed my attention immediately. The world building and secrecy behind the FMC life is what kept me reading.
Leah, living a simple life with her eccentric grandmother finds her life flipped upside down on her eighteenth birthday. Girl living a normal life suddenly is thrust into a world of magic and is now the keeper of an ancient text that holds the secrets of the magical world. The catch? She shouldn't even be alive and the one person that has the answers vanished. She ends up on a journey with a man she's never met and now has to trust to teach her how to use her magic and read this powerful book.
The FMC grows into her own throughout the book, but with all the secrecy and not trusting the people around her completely, she is scared to find the answers to the questions riddling her brain.
The relationship in this book has amazing tension and the immediate close proximity has you questioning will they, wont they. I do wish there was a bit more to grasp on to in the middle of the book, I would've loved more accidental touches and more pushback from the FMC toward the MMC Nico. I felt there was a bit of a lull even though you could tell they were both attracted to each other.
Nico had everything an MMC should, brooding and mysterious and a shadow daddy to boot. Again I wish he opened up to her more and we do get a glimpse into what he's hiding from her towards the end, but it just left me wanting.
The side characters really shined in this book and they held their own-- adding humour and intrigue along the way.
The ending is what grasped me back into the story and for that reason I can't wait for the next book.
This book grabbed my attention immediately. The world building and secrecy behind the FMC life is what kept me reading.
Leah, living a simple life with her eccentric grandmother finds her life flipped upside down on her eighteenth birthday. Girl living a normal life suddenly is thrust into a world of magic and is now the keeper of an ancient text that holds the secrets of the magical world. The catch? She shouldn't even be alive and the one person that has the answers vanished. She ends up on a journey with a man she's never met and now has to trust to teach her how to use her magic and read this powerful book.
The FMC grows into her own throughout the book, but with all the secrecy and not trusting the people around her completely, she is scared to find the answers to the questions riddling her brain.
The relationship in this book has amazing tension and the immediate close proximity has you questioning will they, wont they. I do wish there was a bit more to grasp on to in the middle of the book, I would've loved more accidental touches and more pushback from the FMC toward the MMC Nico. I felt there was a bit of a lull even though you could tell they were both attracted to each other.
Nico had everything an MMC should, brooding and mysterious and a shadow daddy to boot. Again I wish he opened up to her more and we do get a glimpse into what he's hiding from her towards the end, but it just left me wanting.
The side characters really shined in this book and they held their own-- adding humour and intrigue along the way.
The ending is what grasped me back into the story and for that reason I can't wait for the next book.
June 30, 2026
Leah's life is turned upside down when her only family disappears leaving behind a mysterious book that awakens powerful magic within her. Hunted by The Order she must learn to control her rare abilities or she might not survive.
📖 Packed with tension from beginning to end.
📖 Every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery.
📖 Plenty of shocking moments that kept me second-guessing everything.
📖 Beautiful writing that made it incredibly easy to get lost in the story.
📖 The ending absolutely delivered and I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing and Leslie Lenz for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
📖 Packed with tension from beginning to end.
📖 Every chapter pulled me deeper into the mystery.
📖 Plenty of shocking moments that kept me second-guessing everything.
📖 Beautiful writing that made it incredibly easy to get lost in the story.
📖 The ending absolutely delivered and I can't wait for the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley, Victory Editing and Leslie Lenz for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 24, 2026
This is a review of an Advanced Reader Copy via Netgally
This book was something I wasn't sure really want I was getting into. Let me tell you, as someone who is refinding their love for reading, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
Leslie has a way with world building where you feel like you are actually there along side our FMC Leah. Everything flows in a way that feels natural. The tension in dialogue, the banter, the slow burn. It's alllllllllllllllll there.
A huge thank you to Leslie for sharing Leah's world with us.
This book was something I wasn't sure really want I was getting into. Let me tell you, as someone who is refinding their love for reading, YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK.
Leslie has a way with world building where you feel like you are actually there along side our FMC Leah. Everything flows in a way that feels natural. The tension in dialogue, the banter, the slow burn. It's alllllllllllllllll there.
A huge thank you to Leslie for sharing Leah's world with us.
April 16, 2026
I couldn’t put this novel down! Following Leah uncover the world of magic and her place in it with the help of Nico was so captivating. What an exciting debut, I literally cannot wait for the next book in the series and any other magical worlds this author creates!
Note: I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
Note: I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
March 29, 2026
I was an ARC reader for The Hollow, and I’m so happy that I was selected to be an early reader! Leslie is a beautiful writer. She has such a natural way with dialogue, story flow, and character arcs! Can’t wait for book 2!
April 2, 2026
Received an ARC of this book and oh my goodness I’m so glad I took the chance on this author! I loved the writing and the story guiding you in and out of the secrets weaved through the book. I can’t wait to see what is to come in The Hollows! Take a chance on this book, you won’t regret it! Very cool magical elements, slow burn romance, unexpected twists in characters!
May 24, 2026
YES!!!
Such a good book! Ahhh! I love the whole storyline! I love the secrets, the way the truth is revealed, and what some may perceive as betrayal! It was very refreshing to read something that had no spice! I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I’ll say that I love that the FMC was kept hidden and protected, and when the hunt for her began, there were people there to protect her and to rescue her when she found herself in an unconventional situation. I loved each of the characters, the way the magic was described and how the author not only caught your attention, but how she kept it. Respectfully, I need more. Yesterday. I absolutely love this book! Yes, yes, abso-freaking-lutely yes!!
Such a good book! Ahhh! I love the whole storyline! I love the secrets, the way the truth is revealed, and what some may perceive as betrayal! It was very refreshing to read something that had no spice! I don’t want to give any spoilers away so I’ll say that I love that the FMC was kept hidden and protected, and when the hunt for her began, there were people there to protect her and to rescue her when she found herself in an unconventional situation. I loved each of the characters, the way the magic was described and how the author not only caught your attention, but how she kept it. Respectfully, I need more. Yesterday. I absolutely love this book! Yes, yes, abso-freaking-lutely yes!!
May 22, 2026
I had the honor of being a arc reader for this book. And I have to say I absolutely adore it! It is an and debut book that is absolutely amazing. MFC Leah s suddenly thrown into a world that she never knew existed.and had to figure it all out while experiencing things she never expected to experience. The MMC Nico is giving Shadowsinger vibes very everyone’s favorite Fae book. I absolute love him. I definitely have a type the dark shadowy type. The world building and the character building and the plot building is absolutely amazing. This is one of those books that I just could not stop reading and I definitely became a super fan! If you love the tall dark and magical. I need to find my path in life since I was never prepared for who I really am. Type of fantasy books this is absolutely it. I cannot wait for the next book. Come out.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Hollow had such an eerie atmosphere from the very beginning and that was probably my favorite part of the whole book. It felt unsettling in a quiet way the entire time, like something was wrong just beneath the surface even during the slower moments. I love books that make you feel slightly uncomfortable the whole way through and this definitely did that for me.
The setting was incredibly vivid too. The small town felt isolated and heavy with secrets, which added so much to the tension. Leslie Lentz did a really good job making the world feel immersive without overexplaining everything, and I kept wanting to know more about what was actually happening underneath all the mystery.
I also liked that the characters felt flawed and emotional instead of overly polished. Everyone seemed to be carrying grief, fear, guilt, or secrets in some way, which made the relationships feel more believable. The emotional tension honestly hit just as hard for me as the darker supernatural elements did.
The pacing started a little slower but once things picked up I was fully invested. There were several moments where I genuinely felt anxious trying to figure out where the story was going and who could actually be trusted.
Overall this was a creepy, atmospheric read that balanced mystery, emotion, and darker themes really well. If you like unsettling small town horror with emotional depth and a lingering sense of dread, this one is definitely worth reading.
The setting was incredibly vivid too. The small town felt isolated and heavy with secrets, which added so much to the tension. Leslie Lentz did a really good job making the world feel immersive without overexplaining everything, and I kept wanting to know more about what was actually happening underneath all the mystery.
I also liked that the characters felt flawed and emotional instead of overly polished. Everyone seemed to be carrying grief, fear, guilt, or secrets in some way, which made the relationships feel more believable. The emotional tension honestly hit just as hard for me as the darker supernatural elements did.
The pacing started a little slower but once things picked up I was fully invested. There were several moments where I genuinely felt anxious trying to figure out where the story was going and who could actually be trusted.
Overall this was a creepy, atmospheric read that balanced mystery, emotion, and darker themes really well. If you like unsettling small town horror with emotional depth and a lingering sense of dread, this one is definitely worth reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2026
Leah has spent her entire life believing magic isn’t real… until the day her only family member vanishes on her eighteenth birthday—leaving behind a forbidden book bound to her blood.
The moment she opens it, her power awakens, tearing open visions and glimpses of the past and future she cannot control.
Eighteen years ago, her entire bloodline was slaughtered for possessing this power. Now, the Order wants it back.
Dragged into a hidden world she never knew existed; Leah discovers the book doesn’t predict fate—it reveals where fate can be broken.
Her only ally is Nico, a shadow mage the Order believes long dead. Once one of their most lethal weapons, he knows exactly how they hunt… and how easily trust can be weaponized.
Training her means risking exposure. Trusting him may be even more dangerous.
Because if Leah cannot master a power never meant to stand alone, the Order won’t just control the future— They’ll rewrite it.
Tropes: Book Bound to FMCs Blood, Power Awakens, Rips Open Visions/Glimpses of the Past & Future FMC Can’t Control, Family Unalived For Possessing This Power, Book Doesn’t Predict Fate, Reveals Where Fate Can Be Broken, MMC is FMCs Only Ally, MMC Knows how to Hunt, Trust can be Weaponized, FMC Trains, Risking Exposure, Master a Power Never Meant To Stand Alone, The Order Won’t Just Control The Future – They’ll Rewrite It, Power Discovery, Slow-Burn Romance, Long Journey/Quest, Hidden Magical Worlds, Forbidden Magic & Prophecy, Morally Gray Shadow Men, Secret Organizations & Corruption, Slow-Burn Tension, Emotional Damage, Disguised as Fantasy, Captivating/Atmospheric Romance, Brooding Shadow Mage, Intriguing Magic System, Cliffhanger, Humour, Banter, Dark Magic, Morally Complex Characters, Hidden/Secret Identity, Veil/Other Realms, Multi POVs, Multi Mages/Shadow/Blood/Seer/Wind/Fire/Healing etc., Self Sacrifice, On the Run, Slow-Burn -So Much Yearning, Secrets, Push & Pull, Trust, Forbidden Book, Secrets on top of Secrets, Found Family, Addictive Fantasy, Suspense, Action, Emotion, Intensity, Clean Romance (With Kissing), Elemental Magic.
The Hollow is the 1st book of The Veil Series by Leslie Lenz.
“The Hollow” is Leslie Lenz’s debut novel. Over the last 4 years since I started ARC reading, I have had the opportunity to read a lot of authors debut novels and I have come to consider it a great honour. Every book an author entrusts to me is an honour, but there’s just something so special about reading an author’s debut novel, and “The Hollow” is one of those rare books that not only pulls you into the story and enthralls you – you find it branding itself on your heart, soul and the very fabric of your being.
Right from the very beginning of this book, you find that you’ve been dropped right into the middle of Leah’s world. A world where grief, mystery, and magic all coil and wrap around one another like there’s something ancient watching and waiting.
The entire premise of this book is irresistible, but what truly dazzles is Leslie’s execution. Her use of the forbidden book, the blood-bound magic, the use of fractured visions of the past and the future – every perfectly unfolds with a tension that coils around you and makes you feel like you’re standing on the edge of a cliff with a storm coming at you, and you’re just waiting for the first lighting to strike.
Leah herself is this raw, compelling, real protagonist. And I loved the way her entire journey isn’t just about the power that lies within her – it’s about learning control, her full identity and her true identity, and it’s about Leah’s survival in this world that’s already tried to erase her once.
Up until her 18th birthday Leah has been living the simple life with her rather eccentric grandmother. But, on her 18th birthday, Leah finds her entire life flipped upside down when she finds herself suddenly thrust into a world of magic, she’s now the keeper of this ancient text, a text that holds all the secrets of the magical world itself. There is a catch though. Leah isn’t supposed to be alive, and the one person who has the answers to Leah’s questions has up and vanished.
Now Leah finds herself on this journey with Nico, a man she has never met before, a man she doesn’t know if she can trust or not. And now Leah has to trust him to teach her how to use her magic – magic she didn’t even know she possessed – and how to read this powerful book.
Through the book Leah continues to grow and change and gain confidence in her power and abilities. She still doesn’t completely trust everyone around her through as there is so much secrecy surrounding everyone, especially Nico. And Leah finds that she fears to find all the answers to the questions she’s been asking herself constantly.
And standing next to her we have Nico…her stands in shadows, he feels dangerous, and you can feel all the secrets that are threaded through him and are swirling around him. I loved how the dynamic between Leah and Nico sizzles with this deep distrust and yet at the same time there’s this reluctant reliance between them, and this makes every interaction between them feel like it could either save Nico and Leah or it could be the one step that destroys them.
Nico is everything you could possibly want in an MMC. He was brooding, mysterious, and he was a shadow daddy on top of that. I do wish he would have opened up to Leah more and while we get a glimpse of what he’s hiding from her closer to the end of this book, all that did was just leave me wanting even more.
I do have to mention Kasper. He is one character I would die for. And I get the feeling Leslie is setting us up for something of a love triangle between Leah, Nico, and Kasper. But we’re going to have to wait and see what happens in the next book, I guess.
I love the secondary characters that we got to meet in this book. They really did shine and hold their own, and they added their own humour and intrigue along the way helping to move the story forward.
Leah did such an amazing job with the world-building. She made it lush and yet it wasn’t overwhelming, she revealed the different layers to the world at the perfect moments at the perfect moments. And the idea that fate isn’t actually this fixed idea but can actually be broken in certain moments – that adds this perfect, delicious and an almost dangerous edge to the storyline. And that dangerous edge turns Leah and Nico’s every decision going forward into this high-stakes gamble that could change an entire world’s fate.
One of the things that I loved the most out of this book other than the characters themselves was the dialogue. Leslie gave us some amazing banter that’s sharp, sarcastic, emotionally charged, and honestly genuinely funny. She’s taken the dialogue and used it to balance out some of the darker atmosphere perfectly in my opinion. And I loved the way it injected life and essence into the characters and the story while also helping to deepen the relationships between all the characters.
One concept that I found unique and interesting was that of the Echodex and the idea that “fate can break”. This element along side the Echodex helped to add this constant tension to the undercurrent of the story that you constantly feel.
And that ending. Leah leaves us on a cliffhanger that is sharp, haunting, and one that will live rent-free in your head as there’s just no way you could possibly forget it.
If you are a fantasy reader who loves dark magic, hidden worlds, hidden identities, forbidden books, morally complex allies, and a story where fate itself is up for debate and can be change with the tip of a hat, then this book is going to enthrall you for page 1 and have you spellbound to the last word. And then, after you’ve closed the book, you’re going to be left begging for book 2, just like I am.
The moment she opens it, her power awakens, tearing open visions and glimpses of the past and future she cannot control.
Eighteen years ago, her entire bloodline was slaughtered for possessing this power. Now, the Order wants it back.
Dragged into a hidden world she never knew existed; Leah discovers the book doesn’t predict fate—it reveals where fate can be broken.
Her only ally is Nico, a shadow mage the Order believes long dead. Once one of their most lethal weapons, he knows exactly how they hunt… and how easily trust can be weaponized.
Training her means risking exposure. Trusting him may be even more dangerous.
Because if Leah cannot master a power never meant to stand alone, the Order won’t just control the future— They’ll rewrite it.
Tropes: Book Bound to FMCs Blood, Power Awakens, Rips Open Visions/Glimpses of the Past & Future FMC Can’t Control, Family Unalived For Possessing This Power, Book Doesn’t Predict Fate, Reveals Where Fate Can Be Broken, MMC is FMCs Only Ally, MMC Knows how to Hunt, Trust can be Weaponized, FMC Trains, Risking Exposure, Master a Power Never Meant To Stand Alone, The Order Won’t Just Control The Future – They’ll Rewrite It, Power Discovery, Slow-Burn Romance, Long Journey/Quest, Hidden Magical Worlds, Forbidden Magic & Prophecy, Morally Gray Shadow Men, Secret Organizations & Corruption, Slow-Burn Tension, Emotional Damage, Disguised as Fantasy, Captivating/Atmospheric Romance, Brooding Shadow Mage, Intriguing Magic System, Cliffhanger, Humour, Banter, Dark Magic, Morally Complex Characters, Hidden/Secret Identity, Veil/Other Realms, Multi POVs, Multi Mages/Shadow/Blood/Seer/Wind/Fire/Healing etc., Self Sacrifice, On the Run, Slow-Burn -So Much Yearning, Secrets, Push & Pull, Trust, Forbidden Book, Secrets on top of Secrets, Found Family, Addictive Fantasy, Suspense, Action, Emotion, Intensity, Clean Romance (With Kissing), Elemental Magic.
The Hollow is the 1st book of The Veil Series by Leslie Lenz.
“The Hollow” is Leslie Lenz’s debut novel. Over the last 4 years since I started ARC reading, I have had the opportunity to read a lot of authors debut novels and I have come to consider it a great honour. Every book an author entrusts to me is an honour, but there’s just something so special about reading an author’s debut novel, and “The Hollow” is one of those rare books that not only pulls you into the story and enthralls you – you find it branding itself on your heart, soul and the very fabric of your being.
Right from the very beginning of this book, you find that you’ve been dropped right into the middle of Leah’s world. A world where grief, mystery, and magic all coil and wrap around one another like there’s something ancient watching and waiting.
The entire premise of this book is irresistible, but what truly dazzles is Leslie’s execution. Her use of the forbidden book, the blood-bound magic, the use of fractured visions of the past and the future – every perfectly unfolds with a tension that coils around you and makes you feel like you’re standing on the edge of a cliff with a storm coming at you, and you’re just waiting for the first lighting to strike.
Leah herself is this raw, compelling, real protagonist. And I loved the way her entire journey isn’t just about the power that lies within her – it’s about learning control, her full identity and her true identity, and it’s about Leah’s survival in this world that’s already tried to erase her once.
Up until her 18th birthday Leah has been living the simple life with her rather eccentric grandmother. But, on her 18th birthday, Leah finds her entire life flipped upside down when she finds herself suddenly thrust into a world of magic, she’s now the keeper of this ancient text, a text that holds all the secrets of the magical world itself. There is a catch though. Leah isn’t supposed to be alive, and the one person who has the answers to Leah’s questions has up and vanished.
Now Leah finds herself on this journey with Nico, a man she has never met before, a man she doesn’t know if she can trust or not. And now Leah has to trust him to teach her how to use her magic – magic she didn’t even know she possessed – and how to read this powerful book.
Through the book Leah continues to grow and change and gain confidence in her power and abilities. She still doesn’t completely trust everyone around her through as there is so much secrecy surrounding everyone, especially Nico. And Leah finds that she fears to find all the answers to the questions she’s been asking herself constantly.
And standing next to her we have Nico…her stands in shadows, he feels dangerous, and you can feel all the secrets that are threaded through him and are swirling around him. I loved how the dynamic between Leah and Nico sizzles with this deep distrust and yet at the same time there’s this reluctant reliance between them, and this makes every interaction between them feel like it could either save Nico and Leah or it could be the one step that destroys them.
Nico is everything you could possibly want in an MMC. He was brooding, mysterious, and he was a shadow daddy on top of that. I do wish he would have opened up to Leah more and while we get a glimpse of what he’s hiding from her closer to the end of this book, all that did was just leave me wanting even more.
I do have to mention Kasper. He is one character I would die for. And I get the feeling Leslie is setting us up for something of a love triangle between Leah, Nico, and Kasper. But we’re going to have to wait and see what happens in the next book, I guess.
I love the secondary characters that we got to meet in this book. They really did shine and hold their own, and they added their own humour and intrigue along the way helping to move the story forward.
Leah did such an amazing job with the world-building. She made it lush and yet it wasn’t overwhelming, she revealed the different layers to the world at the perfect moments at the perfect moments. And the idea that fate isn’t actually this fixed idea but can actually be broken in certain moments – that adds this perfect, delicious and an almost dangerous edge to the storyline. And that dangerous edge turns Leah and Nico’s every decision going forward into this high-stakes gamble that could change an entire world’s fate.
One of the things that I loved the most out of this book other than the characters themselves was the dialogue. Leslie gave us some amazing banter that’s sharp, sarcastic, emotionally charged, and honestly genuinely funny. She’s taken the dialogue and used it to balance out some of the darker atmosphere perfectly in my opinion. And I loved the way it injected life and essence into the characters and the story while also helping to deepen the relationships between all the characters.
One concept that I found unique and interesting was that of the Echodex and the idea that “fate can break”. This element along side the Echodex helped to add this constant tension to the undercurrent of the story that you constantly feel.
And that ending. Leah leaves us on a cliffhanger that is sharp, haunting, and one that will live rent-free in your head as there’s just no way you could possibly forget it.
If you are a fantasy reader who loves dark magic, hidden worlds, hidden identities, forbidden books, morally complex allies, and a story where fate itself is up for debate and can be change with the tip of a hat, then this book is going to enthrall you for page 1 and have you spellbound to the last word. And then, after you’ve closed the book, you’re going to be left begging for book 2, just like I am.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you liked the Legendborn Series or Creatures of Chaos Series you will like this book! Leslie Lenz’s The Hollow is the kind of fantasy that consumes you from the very first page and refuses to let go long after the final chapter. I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving this review.
This story draws you into its world, from the opening chapters, readers are thrown into Leah’s world, where grief, mystery, blood bound magic, and fractured visions of the past and future intertwine in a way that feels both haunting and intoxicating. The premise itself is incredibly compelling, but it’s the execution that truly elevates the book.
Leah is a wonderfully layered protagonist whose journey is about far more than discovering power. Her story explores survival, identity, control, and what it means to reclaim yourself after the world has tried to break you. Her growth throughout the novel feels natural and earned, making her easy to root for even during her difficult moments.
And then there’s Nico the main male character.
Mysterious, dangerous, secretive, and fascinating, Nico consumes every scene he’s in. The author masterfully drip feeds information about him, which is both brilliant and maddening because it leaves you desperate to uncover more. His dynamic with Leah is one of the strongest aspects of the book full of distrust, reluctant dependence, sharp banter, and undeniable tension. Every interaction feels loaded, as though they could either save each other or completely destroy one another.
One of the highlights of the novel is the dialogue. The banter is sharp, sarcastic, emotionally charged, and genuinely funny, balancing the darker atmosphere perfectly. It injects so much life into the story while also deepening the relationships between the characters.
The world building is another standout element. Leslie Lenz carefully constructs a layered magical system filled with powerful figures, hidden rules, dangerous histories, and evolving mysteries. What makes it work so well is how organically the information is revealed. Because Leah is discovering this world alongside the reader, the exposition never feels overwhelming or forced. Instead, the lore unfolds naturally and steadily, making the world immersive without becoming confusing.
The Hollow will leave you wanting to read the next book in the series!!!!
An easy five-star read, and I will absolutely be waiting impatiently for the sequel.
NetGalley - ARC
This story draws you into its world, from the opening chapters, readers are thrown into Leah’s world, where grief, mystery, blood bound magic, and fractured visions of the past and future intertwine in a way that feels both haunting and intoxicating. The premise itself is incredibly compelling, but it’s the execution that truly elevates the book.
Leah is a wonderfully layered protagonist whose journey is about far more than discovering power. Her story explores survival, identity, control, and what it means to reclaim yourself after the world has tried to break you. Her growth throughout the novel feels natural and earned, making her easy to root for even during her difficult moments.
And then there’s Nico the main male character.
Mysterious, dangerous, secretive, and fascinating, Nico consumes every scene he’s in. The author masterfully drip feeds information about him, which is both brilliant and maddening because it leaves you desperate to uncover more. His dynamic with Leah is one of the strongest aspects of the book full of distrust, reluctant dependence, sharp banter, and undeniable tension. Every interaction feels loaded, as though they could either save each other or completely destroy one another.
One of the highlights of the novel is the dialogue. The banter is sharp, sarcastic, emotionally charged, and genuinely funny, balancing the darker atmosphere perfectly. It injects so much life into the story while also deepening the relationships between the characters.
The world building is another standout element. Leslie Lenz carefully constructs a layered magical system filled with powerful figures, hidden rules, dangerous histories, and evolving mysteries. What makes it work so well is how organically the information is revealed. Because Leah is discovering this world alongside the reader, the exposition never feels overwhelming or forced. Instead, the lore unfolds naturally and steadily, making the world immersive without becoming confusing.
The Hollow will leave you wanting to read the next book in the series!!!!
An easy five-star read, and I will absolutely be waiting impatiently for the sequel.
NetGalley - ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Hollow absolutely wrecked me in the best way.
This is one of those books that slowly wraps around your throat and by the end you’re just sitting there staring at the wall wondering what the hell you’re supposed to do with your life now.
From page one there’s this constant feeling of unease and mystery — hidden magic, forbidden books, fractured visions, corrupt people lurking behind everything, and a girl who realizes her entire life has basically been built on secrets. I was OBSESSED.
And the worldbuilding?? Exactly how I like fantasy. Detailed enough to feel immersive without dumping ten million rules on you every chapter. You learn alongside Leah, so everything feels natural and addictive instead of overwhelming. The Echodex concept was genuinely so interesting to me and the whole “fate can break” element added this constant tension underneath the story.
Leah felt messy and real in a way I really appreciated. She’s overwhelmed, grieving, confused, angry, trying to survive while being thrown into a world she doesn’t understand — and it made her feel HUMAN instead of instantly powerful and untouchable.
And then there’s Nico. Broody. Morally gray. Secretive. Shadow-wielding. Emotionally constipated. Exactly my type unfortunately.
The tension between them was SO good because it’s built on distrust, reluctant reliance, sarcasm, and that constant push and pull where you know they’re hiding things from each other but you still want them together anyway. The banter carried this book for me at times because it balanced the darker atmosphere perfectly.
Also Kasper? I would die for him actually.
This book feels dark and atmospheric without losing the emotional core underneath it, and by the end I was fully attached to these characters. The ending had me stressed, emotional, and immediately needing book two.
If you like: 🖤 hidden magical worlds 🕯️ forbidden magic & prophecy 🌑 morally gray shadow men ⚔️ secret organizations & corruption ✨ slow burn tension 🥀 emotional damage disguised as fantasy
…you need this on your TBR immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Leslie Lenz for giving me the opportunity to read the eARC! These are my 100% honest thoughts and opinions.
#romantasy #darkfantasy #shadowdaddy #emotionallydamaged
This is one of those books that slowly wraps around your throat and by the end you’re just sitting there staring at the wall wondering what the hell you’re supposed to do with your life now.
From page one there’s this constant feeling of unease and mystery — hidden magic, forbidden books, fractured visions, corrupt people lurking behind everything, and a girl who realizes her entire life has basically been built on secrets. I was OBSESSED.
And the worldbuilding?? Exactly how I like fantasy. Detailed enough to feel immersive without dumping ten million rules on you every chapter. You learn alongside Leah, so everything feels natural and addictive instead of overwhelming. The Echodex concept was genuinely so interesting to me and the whole “fate can break” element added this constant tension underneath the story.
Leah felt messy and real in a way I really appreciated. She’s overwhelmed, grieving, confused, angry, trying to survive while being thrown into a world she doesn’t understand — and it made her feel HUMAN instead of instantly powerful and untouchable.
And then there’s Nico. Broody. Morally gray. Secretive. Shadow-wielding. Emotionally constipated. Exactly my type unfortunately.
The tension between them was SO good because it’s built on distrust, reluctant reliance, sarcasm, and that constant push and pull where you know they’re hiding things from each other but you still want them together anyway. The banter carried this book for me at times because it balanced the darker atmosphere perfectly.
Also Kasper? I would die for him actually.
This book feels dark and atmospheric without losing the emotional core underneath it, and by the end I was fully attached to these characters. The ending had me stressed, emotional, and immediately needing book two.
If you like: 🖤 hidden magical worlds 🕯️ forbidden magic & prophecy 🌑 morally gray shadow men ⚔️ secret organizations & corruption ✨ slow burn tension 🥀 emotional damage disguised as fantasy
…you need this on your TBR immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Leslie Lenz for giving me the opportunity to read the eARC! These are my 100% honest thoughts and opinions.
#romantasy #darkfantasy #shadowdaddy #emotionallydamaged
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!
I initially wasn't completely sure about this book. Leah turns 18 and discovers she has magical powers, her grandmother has been keeping this and other secrets from her and she's plunged into a whole new world. But once the story really got going, I appreciated the slightly slower beginning as it allowed me to familiarise myself with the characters a bit more than perhaps I'd normally get to. And man, when it got going it really went for it!
The characters all worked really well together i think. Leah goes through a lot of expected character growth but Nico does too. He's an especially fascinating character and it's clever (but so frustrating because i wanted more!) the way the author really drip feeds info about him. There's clearly a lot more to him and his story than we know and I'm really hoping we'll find out more about that in the coming sequels.
I found the world-building to be done really well too, which I always really appreciate. The author does a great job at slowly laying a foundation then building on from that. There are clearly a lot of different layers to the world, the magic system, the different levels of powerful figures, but I found it all consistently explained clearly enough that I didn't struggle to keep up. Leah not having any idea about the world or anything in it meant that she needed everything explained to her, thus giving us as the readers the necessary explanations at the same time.
This book reads like it was written by someone who has put a huge amount of time, effort and care into carefully constructing the story, the characters and the world surrounding them. It reads like a huge labour of love someone has worked hard on crafting so intricately, and I mean all of this in a positive sense. I honestly really enjoyed this book and am definitely going to be on the lookout for any upcoming sequels!
I initially wasn't completely sure about this book. Leah turns 18 and discovers she has magical powers, her grandmother has been keeping this and other secrets from her and she's plunged into a whole new world. But once the story really got going, I appreciated the slightly slower beginning as it allowed me to familiarise myself with the characters a bit more than perhaps I'd normally get to. And man, when it got going it really went for it!
The characters all worked really well together i think. Leah goes through a lot of expected character growth but Nico does too. He's an especially fascinating character and it's clever (but so frustrating because i wanted more!) the way the author really drip feeds info about him. There's clearly a lot more to him and his story than we know and I'm really hoping we'll find out more about that in the coming sequels.
I found the world-building to be done really well too, which I always really appreciate. The author does a great job at slowly laying a foundation then building on from that. There are clearly a lot of different layers to the world, the magic system, the different levels of powerful figures, but I found it all consistently explained clearly enough that I didn't struggle to keep up. Leah not having any idea about the world or anything in it meant that she needed everything explained to her, thus giving us as the readers the necessary explanations at the same time.
This book reads like it was written by someone who has put a huge amount of time, effort and care into carefully constructing the story, the characters and the world surrounding them. It reads like a huge labour of love someone has worked hard on crafting so intricately, and I mean all of this in a positive sense. I honestly really enjoyed this book and am definitely going to be on the lookout for any upcoming sequels!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you so much for the ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op & Author Leslie Lenz
5 Star Read!
A captivating, atmospheric romance with rich world building, forbidden magic, and a brooding shadow mage that you can't help but root for.
I was immediately drawn into Leah's world from the first chapter, which she felt was normal until her 18th birthday altered everything she thought she knew. The premise is instantly compelling, featuring a bloodbound forbidden book, vanished family, and an interesting magic system. The author's imagery is vibrant and cinematic, bringing every vision, shadow, and unravelled secret to life on the page.
Leah is an excellent protagonist, determined, vulnerable and suddenly wielding a power that was never meant to exist. Her adventure into a hidden magical world is filled with suspense, peril, and emotional depth. And then there's Nico, the gloomy, brooding shadow mage with a history of betrayal and bloodshed. Their slowburn relationship is built with desire, careful trust, and a partnership that seems earned, not rushed.
The magic system is intricate yet easy to follow, and the concept of a book that reveals where fate might be broken is fresh and interesting. The Order keeps the suspense high by adding just the right amount of danger and corruption.
The pacing is solid throughout, with unexpected twists and a satisfying finish that left me anxious for the next installment. The "no spice" approach works exceptionally well, allowing the emotional tension and character chemistry to emerge.
To summarise; incredible imagery, an intriguing magic system, layered characters, and a storyline that builds beautifully toward a cliffhanger that left me wanting so much more. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next installment!!!!
5 Star Read!
A captivating, atmospheric romance with rich world building, forbidden magic, and a brooding shadow mage that you can't help but root for.
I was immediately drawn into Leah's world from the first chapter, which she felt was normal until her 18th birthday altered everything she thought she knew. The premise is instantly compelling, featuring a bloodbound forbidden book, vanished family, and an interesting magic system. The author's imagery is vibrant and cinematic, bringing every vision, shadow, and unravelled secret to life on the page.
Leah is an excellent protagonist, determined, vulnerable and suddenly wielding a power that was never meant to exist. Her adventure into a hidden magical world is filled with suspense, peril, and emotional depth. And then there's Nico, the gloomy, brooding shadow mage with a history of betrayal and bloodshed. Their slowburn relationship is built with desire, careful trust, and a partnership that seems earned, not rushed.
The magic system is intricate yet easy to follow, and the concept of a book that reveals where fate might be broken is fresh and interesting. The Order keeps the suspense high by adding just the right amount of danger and corruption.
The pacing is solid throughout, with unexpected twists and a satisfying finish that left me anxious for the next installment. The "no spice" approach works exceptionally well, allowing the emotional tension and character chemistry to emerge.
To summarise; incredible imagery, an intriguing magic system, layered characters, and a storyline that builds beautifully toward a cliffhanger that left me wanting so much more. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the next installment!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If you are looking for a captivating new fantasy series that will keep you guessing until the very last page, The Hollow is definitely worth adding to your TBR. As the first installment of a series, this book focuses on world-building, laying down a solid foundation for what promises to be an epic overarching plot. While the story feels like it is just getting started, it successfully does exactly what a first book should do: it leaves you craving for more.
One of the absolute highlights of the book is the dialogue. The banter is sharp, sarcastic, and genuinely funny, injecting a great sense of energy into the story. It contrasts perfectly with the more mysterious and tense atmosphere of the plot.
Speaking of the characters, the female protagonist is highly intriguing. She possesses a hidden double power and carries a mysterious book of magic—a gift from her grandmother, who shielded her until she turned 18. On the other hand, the male lead falls into the classic "broody shadow wielder" trope. While it feels a bit familiar, his dynamic with the protagonist works well and adds to the overall tension.
What really kept me hooked, though, was the sheer unpredictability of the plot. The Hollow is packed with unexpected twists and turns. The author creates a suspenseful environment where absolutely no one tells the whole truth. Because everyone has something to hide, you never truly know who to trust, keeping you constantly on the edge of your seat.
Overall, The Hollow is a thrilling, dialogue-driven fantasy opener with great potential. It sets up a fascinating world, and I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us. Highly recommended for fans of magic, secrets, and witty banter!
One of the absolute highlights of the book is the dialogue. The banter is sharp, sarcastic, and genuinely funny, injecting a great sense of energy into the story. It contrasts perfectly with the more mysterious and tense atmosphere of the plot.
Speaking of the characters, the female protagonist is highly intriguing. She possesses a hidden double power and carries a mysterious book of magic—a gift from her grandmother, who shielded her until she turned 18. On the other hand, the male lead falls into the classic "broody shadow wielder" trope. While it feels a bit familiar, his dynamic with the protagonist works well and adds to the overall tension.
What really kept me hooked, though, was the sheer unpredictability of the plot. The Hollow is packed with unexpected twists and turns. The author creates a suspenseful environment where absolutely no one tells the whole truth. Because everyone has something to hide, you never truly know who to trust, keeping you constantly on the edge of your seat.
Overall, The Hollow is a thrilling, dialogue-driven fantasy opener with great potential. It sets up a fascinating world, and I cannot wait to see where the next book takes us. Highly recommended for fans of magic, secrets, and witty banter!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
this was such a strong start to a series and it sucked me in quite quickly.
we follow Leah, who has gone her whole life thinking magic isn’t real and then suddenly everything changes all at once
her family disappears, she’s left with this forbidden book, and next minute she’s being thrown into a world she didn’t even know existed
and then it just goes down from there for her, i really liked how fast this pulls you in, it doesn’t take long before things start happening, and it keeps that momentum going the whole time the magic system was really interesting too the idea that the book doesn’t predict fate but shows where it can be broken was such a cool concept it made everything feel a bit unpredictable, like nothing is fully set in stone
leah felt like a really real character she’s overwhelmed, confused, and trying to figure everything out while everything keeps getting thrown at her
and i liked that she wasn’t instantly strong or confident you actually see her struggling with the things thrown at her.
Nico was also really interesting he’s definitely morally grey and you can tell he’s hiding things, which made their dynamic way more interesting
the world-building was also really good not complicated hidden magic, secret organizations, people hunting her it all worked really well together
this is definitely more of a fast-paced fantasy but it still gives enough time to build the characters and their relationships.
overall i really enjoyed this and i’m definitely keen to see where the series goes next.
thank you to Net galley, the publisher & Leslie Lenz for the arc
this was such a strong start to a series and it sucked me in quite quickly.
we follow Leah, who has gone her whole life thinking magic isn’t real and then suddenly everything changes all at once
her family disappears, she’s left with this forbidden book, and next minute she’s being thrown into a world she didn’t even know existed
and then it just goes down from there for her, i really liked how fast this pulls you in, it doesn’t take long before things start happening, and it keeps that momentum going the whole time the magic system was really interesting too the idea that the book doesn’t predict fate but shows where it can be broken was such a cool concept it made everything feel a bit unpredictable, like nothing is fully set in stone
leah felt like a really real character she’s overwhelmed, confused, and trying to figure everything out while everything keeps getting thrown at her
and i liked that she wasn’t instantly strong or confident you actually see her struggling with the things thrown at her.
Nico was also really interesting he’s definitely morally grey and you can tell he’s hiding things, which made their dynamic way more interesting
the world-building was also really good not complicated hidden magic, secret organizations, people hunting her it all worked really well together
this is definitely more of a fast-paced fantasy but it still gives enough time to build the characters and their relationships.
overall i really enjoyed this and i’m definitely keen to see where the series goes next.
thank you to Net galley, the publisher & Leslie Lenz for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
We meet Leah our FMC who seems to live an ordinary and slightly boring life but things change quickly when she turns 18. There is mystery, magic and hidden lands beyond the veil. She meets the MMC Nico who is giving us all the broody shadow daddy vibes!
The plot and romance was perfectly balanced and we get slow burn and yearning whilst watching our FMC find herself, get stronger and learn everything about the truths that have been hidden from her.
The world building is fed to us naturally throughout the story which stops it from feeling overwhelming and means we don’t get any huge chunks of info dumping. We learn as the FMC learns and for me this is perfect. I find I much prefer fantasy that reads in this way.
The pace was spot on. I found myself not wanting to put it down but when I had to, it was then easy to follow and pick back up where I left off.
There were moments of humour and banter that was *chefs kiss* especially once I met Kasper. He is actually now up there on my fav characters list. His entire personality is perfection and every book needs a character just like him. Truly this book has everything I love and what an absolutely epic debut novel! 👏🏼
I got 4 star vibes from the start but had to give it 5 stars by the end. It’s just a feeling and this had it! I found myself really caring for the characters. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one!
We meet Leah our FMC who seems to live an ordinary and slightly boring life but things change quickly when she turns 18. There is mystery, magic and hidden lands beyond the veil. She meets the MMC Nico who is giving us all the broody shadow daddy vibes!
The plot and romance was perfectly balanced and we get slow burn and yearning whilst watching our FMC find herself, get stronger and learn everything about the truths that have been hidden from her.
The world building is fed to us naturally throughout the story which stops it from feeling overwhelming and means we don’t get any huge chunks of info dumping. We learn as the FMC learns and for me this is perfect. I find I much prefer fantasy that reads in this way.
The pace was spot on. I found myself not wanting to put it down but when I had to, it was then easy to follow and pick back up where I left off.
There were moments of humour and banter that was *chefs kiss* especially once I met Kasper. He is actually now up there on my fav characters list. His entire personality is perfection and every book needs a character just like him. Truly this book has everything I love and what an absolutely epic debut novel! 👏🏼
I got 4 star vibes from the start but had to give it 5 stars by the end. It’s just a feeling and this had it! I found myself really caring for the characters. I highly recommend this book and cannot wait for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy that allowed me to read this masterpiece!
The Hollow is a book I honestly won't soon forget, the protagonist, Leah, is a deeply relatable character especially for women today. Her story isn't simply about gaining power, or surviving, it's about control. This theme is what really drew me to her more than the others, it's not often that I see women in fiction depicted this way but it is always incredibly powerful to me when it is, and especially when it's done right. The Hollow for sure does it right.
Nico is an incredible character, he's one of the more memorable characters I've read in a while, and what truly stands out to me about him is how he's morally complex, and how everything he says, and everything about his circumstances makes you really understand exactly why he is this way. He's mysterious and compelling, filled to the brim with dark history and secrets and his circumstances are tied into the world building beautifully.
The world of The Hollow feels real and so full of life and magic without being too intense in its explanations that it draws me in an incredible amount. I truly, truly enjoyed the world building of The Hollow and I am incredibly eager for more from this series and from this author.
I absolutely recommend this for fans of dark magic, morally complex characters and themes, and enticing world building.
The Hollow is a book I honestly won't soon forget, the protagonist, Leah, is a deeply relatable character especially for women today. Her story isn't simply about gaining power, or surviving, it's about control. This theme is what really drew me to her more than the others, it's not often that I see women in fiction depicted this way but it is always incredibly powerful to me when it is, and especially when it's done right. The Hollow for sure does it right.
Nico is an incredible character, he's one of the more memorable characters I've read in a while, and what truly stands out to me about him is how he's morally complex, and how everything he says, and everything about his circumstances makes you really understand exactly why he is this way. He's mysterious and compelling, filled to the brim with dark history and secrets and his circumstances are tied into the world building beautifully.
The world of The Hollow feels real and so full of life and magic without being too intense in its explanations that it draws me in an incredible amount. I truly, truly enjoyed the world building of The Hollow and I am incredibly eager for more from this series and from this author.
I absolutely recommend this for fans of dark magic, morally complex characters and themes, and enticing world building.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Leah has always believed magic belonged in fairytales, until her grams disappears on her eighteenth birthday and leaves behind a forbidden book tied to Leah’s powerful seer bloodline.
Soon, Leah is pulled into The Hollow, a hidden magical world where the Order is searching for The Echodex, a relic that holds the legacy of the bloodlines and possibly the key to taking down Ezren, the feared ruler of The Hollow. Leah is not only a seer, but a hybrid with blood magic, making her a dangerous threat to the Order.
I really enjoyed the focus on training, self discovery, and Leah slowly uncovering the truth about her lineage. Nico, a shadow mage believed to be dead, becomes her protector and trainer, and I loved his guarded, dangerous energy. The side characters were also such a fun addition, especially Kasper, Nico’s wind magic frienemy, who brought humor, and Kaya, who added softness to the group.
The worldbuilding was so interesting, with the four pillars of magic, the Drift, the Triarch, and Ezren’s rule built on fear. I also loved the emotional reveals surrounding Selene and Leah’s parents.
Overall, this was a strong start to a fantasy series full of magic, secrets, hidden bloodlines, and found family vibes. I’m excited to see where the series goes next.
Perfect for fantasy girlies who want magic and mystery with no spice.
Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for this ARC!
Soon, Leah is pulled into The Hollow, a hidden magical world where the Order is searching for The Echodex, a relic that holds the legacy of the bloodlines and possibly the key to taking down Ezren, the feared ruler of The Hollow. Leah is not only a seer, but a hybrid with blood magic, making her a dangerous threat to the Order.
I really enjoyed the focus on training, self discovery, and Leah slowly uncovering the truth about her lineage. Nico, a shadow mage believed to be dead, becomes her protector and trainer, and I loved his guarded, dangerous energy. The side characters were also such a fun addition, especially Kasper, Nico’s wind magic frienemy, who brought humor, and Kaya, who added softness to the group.
The worldbuilding was so interesting, with the four pillars of magic, the Drift, the Triarch, and Ezren’s rule built on fear. I also loved the emotional reveals surrounding Selene and Leah’s parents.
Overall, this was a strong start to a fantasy series full of magic, secrets, hidden bloodlines, and found family vibes. I’m excited to see where the series goes next.
Perfect for fantasy girlies who want magic and mystery with no spice.
Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4 Stars! I really enjoyed The Hollow by Leslie Lenz.
One of the strongest aspects for me was the slow, thoughtful character development. The pacing allowed me to truly settle into Leah’s perspective and grow alongside her as she discovered more about herself and the world around her. I especially appreciated the slow-burn, yearning, and budding romance. Because our FMC, Leah, has just turned 18 while the MMC is 25, I like the fact that the relationship is unfolding gradually. The restraint and emotional build make the connection feel more appropriate and believable, focusing on tension and longing rather than rushing into anything.
I also loved learning about the magical world at the same time as Leah. The discovery felt immersive, and the world-building came about naturally, without overwhelming exposition. It feels like stepping into something mysterious and layered alongside the main character.
Overall, this was a great read. The atmosphere, character growth, and slow-building romance kept me engaged, and I’m very interested to see where the story goes next. I can’t wait for the second book!
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for this ARC read! The Hollow will be published May 22nd and I recommend grabbing a copy for yourself!
One of the strongest aspects for me was the slow, thoughtful character development. The pacing allowed me to truly settle into Leah’s perspective and grow alongside her as she discovered more about herself and the world around her. I especially appreciated the slow-burn, yearning, and budding romance. Because our FMC, Leah, has just turned 18 while the MMC is 25, I like the fact that the relationship is unfolding gradually. The restraint and emotional build make the connection feel more appropriate and believable, focusing on tension and longing rather than rushing into anything.
I also loved learning about the magical world at the same time as Leah. The discovery felt immersive, and the world-building came about naturally, without overwhelming exposition. It feels like stepping into something mysterious and layered alongside the main character.
Overall, this was a great read. The atmosphere, character growth, and slow-building romance kept me engaged, and I’m very interested to see where the story goes next. I can’t wait for the second book!
Thank you to Victory Editing and NetGalley for this ARC read! The Hollow will be published May 22nd and I recommend grabbing a copy for yourself!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5) - ARC read provided by author
I went into this ARC with high hopes, and while it delivered in some areas, it didn’t fully stick the landing for me for a 5 star read.
The worldbuilding was easily the strongest aspect—rich, intriguing, ethereal and immersive enough to keep me turning pages even when other elements somewhat lagged. There’s a clear sense of potential in the setting, and I found myself wanting to explore more of it. I always love when a book opens to a map!!
That said, the characters felt underdeveloped in my brain - I struggled to connect with them (minus Leah, the FMC) on a deeper level, as their motivations and personalities weren’t explored as fully as I would’ve liked. A bit more depth and descriptive detail could have made a big difference in bringing them to life in my head. I do find myself as an imaginative reader.
The pacing was also a challenge, particularly at the beginning. I was hooked in some chapters and not in others.
Overall, this was a mixed read for me—an enticing world with a lot of promise, but held back by character development and uneven pacing. I’d still be open to reading more from this author, especially if those elements are strengthened in future work. I would visit The Hollows series again!
I went into this ARC with high hopes, and while it delivered in some areas, it didn’t fully stick the landing for me for a 5 star read.
The worldbuilding was easily the strongest aspect—rich, intriguing, ethereal and immersive enough to keep me turning pages even when other elements somewhat lagged. There’s a clear sense of potential in the setting, and I found myself wanting to explore more of it. I always love when a book opens to a map!!
That said, the characters felt underdeveloped in my brain - I struggled to connect with them (minus Leah, the FMC) on a deeper level, as their motivations and personalities weren’t explored as fully as I would’ve liked. A bit more depth and descriptive detail could have made a big difference in bringing them to life in my head. I do find myself as an imaginative reader.
The pacing was also a challenge, particularly at the beginning. I was hooked in some chapters and not in others.
Overall, this was a mixed read for me—an enticing world with a lot of promise, but held back by character development and uneven pacing. I’d still be open to reading more from this author, especially if those elements are strengthened in future work. I would visit The Hollows series again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really liked the overall concept and thought the worldbuilding was actually really interesting. That being said, I personally had a really hard time getting fully invested in the beginning. It took me quite a while to really feel hooked into the story and connected to the characters. There is a lot of information introduced early on, and at times it felt a little overwhelming and hard to fully settle into the pace.
I think my biggest struggle was with the character development and emotional connection. I wanted more depth between the characters and more buildup in their relationships because I never fully felt emotionally attached to them. I especially wanted more moments that really showed why the characters were drawn to each other instead of just being told they were.
I did enjoy the humor and some of the dialogue throughout the book though, and once the story started picking up more later on, I found myself much more interested in what was happening. The ending definitely leaves things open in a way that makes me curious about where the next book is going to go.
Overall, while this one was a little harder for me to get into personally, I still think the foundation of the story and world is really strong and has a lot of potential moving forward in the series.
I think my biggest struggle was with the character development and emotional connection. I wanted more depth between the characters and more buildup in their relationships because I never fully felt emotionally attached to them. I especially wanted more moments that really showed why the characters were drawn to each other instead of just being told they were.
I did enjoy the humor and some of the dialogue throughout the book though, and once the story started picking up more later on, I found myself much more interested in what was happening. The ending definitely leaves things open in a way that makes me curious about where the next book is going to go.
Overall, while this one was a little harder for me to get into personally, I still think the foundation of the story and world is really strong and has a lot of potential moving forward in the series.
April 27, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op for this ARC
This was unexpected and I really enjoyed it!
✨forbidden magic
✨hidden/secret identity
✨veil/other realms
✨multi POVs
✨multi magics- shadow, blood, seer, wind, fire, healing, etc
✨self sacrifice
✨on the run
✨slow burn- SO MUCH YEARNING 😍😍😍
-I do have one gripe, and that’s the repetitive phrasing.
“Softened” was used so many times it became a major focus.
“His face softened” “His voice softened” “his tone softened” “his expression softened”
Every single character “softened” in some capacity, many times. The MMC specifically over and over and over. We’re talking multiple times per chapter.
-I noticed several other words/phrases being used enough times to be noticeable, but the “softened” is what stuck out most.
With that being said, I still really liked reading this. The characters had depth and layers. The imagery was dark and beautiful. The different magics (Pillars) and the Order governing the magic world were all intriguing and well done.
The ending was fantastic! I’m stressed and nervous and so exited for book two!!
4.25⭐️
This was unexpected and I really enjoyed it!
✨forbidden magic
✨hidden/secret identity
✨veil/other realms
✨multi POVs
✨multi magics- shadow, blood, seer, wind, fire, healing, etc
✨self sacrifice
✨on the run
✨slow burn- SO MUCH YEARNING 😍😍😍
-I do have one gripe, and that’s the repetitive phrasing.
“Softened” was used so many times it became a major focus.
“His face softened” “His voice softened” “his tone softened” “his expression softened”
Every single character “softened” in some capacity, many times. The MMC specifically over and over and over. We’re talking multiple times per chapter.
-I noticed several other words/phrases being used enough times to be noticeable, but the “softened” is what stuck out most.
With that being said, I still really liked reading this. The characters had depth and layers. The imagery was dark and beautiful. The different magics (Pillars) and the Order governing the magic world were all intriguing and well done.
The ending was fantastic! I’m stressed and nervous and so exited for book two!!
4.25⭐️
June 15, 2026
This is a debut fantasy novel full of excellent world building and slow burn tension that will leave readers begging for more.
I’ll start by saying, the writing in this story is phenomenal. The descriptive language and sentence structure is beautiful and paints a very thorough picture. The world building and the magic system is really interesting and keeps the reader entertained as we slowly learn information with the FMC.
Leah (the FMC) herself is a character that is easy to feel empathy for. She’s been lied to her whole life and heavily sheltered, so her naivety and slow trickle of learning make total sense for her development.
Nico is the brooding shadow daddy the genre loves and Kasper was some much needed comedic relief who is definitively less guarded.
My primary issue with the story was pacing. While I understand that training was integral to the story and we learned information throughout, these training scenes taking up a good chunk of the first half made it a little slow moving. The last 30-40% made up for it by being action packed, so I think this book is best for readers who really like to sink into the story and meander with it, versus having a ton of action up front.
Overall, it was an intriguing story with slow burn tension that I think shows great potential for a rich world full of adventure.
I’ll start by saying, the writing in this story is phenomenal. The descriptive language and sentence structure is beautiful and paints a very thorough picture. The world building and the magic system is really interesting and keeps the reader entertained as we slowly learn information with the FMC.
Leah (the FMC) herself is a character that is easy to feel empathy for. She’s been lied to her whole life and heavily sheltered, so her naivety and slow trickle of learning make total sense for her development.
Nico is the brooding shadow daddy the genre loves and Kasper was some much needed comedic relief who is definitively less guarded.
My primary issue with the story was pacing. While I understand that training was integral to the story and we learned information throughout, these training scenes taking up a good chunk of the first half made it a little slow moving. The last 30-40% made up for it by being action packed, so I think this book is best for readers who really like to sink into the story and meander with it, versus having a ton of action up front.
Overall, it was an intriguing story with slow burn tension that I think shows great potential for a rich world full of adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hollow by Leslie Lenz was a fantastic read that pulled me in from the very first page. The story immediately grabs your attention and keeps you invested, with world-building so vivid that the Hollows feels like a real place you could step into and explore.
Leah was an absolute joy to follow. Watching her growth unfold as she discovers and hones her powers was one of my favorite parts of the book; it almost feels like you’re learning right alongside her. On the flip side, I struggled to connect with Nico’s character; his personality just didn’t resonate with me and at times felt a bit grating.
That said, the book is packed with creativity, heart, and wonder. There’s so much richness woven into each chapter, making it a joy to read from start to (almost) finish. My only complaint is that the momentum slowed somewhat toward the end, creating a slight lull before the conclusion.
Overall, Hollow is an immersive, beautifully crafted fantasy that’s absolutely worth picking up—a four-star adventure for me.
Leah was an absolute joy to follow. Watching her growth unfold as she discovers and hones her powers was one of my favorite parts of the book; it almost feels like you’re learning right alongside her. On the flip side, I struggled to connect with Nico’s character; his personality just didn’t resonate with me and at times felt a bit grating.
That said, the book is packed with creativity, heart, and wonder. There’s so much richness woven into each chapter, making it a joy to read from start to (almost) finish. My only complaint is that the momentum slowed somewhat toward the end, creating a slight lull before the conclusion.
Overall, Hollow is an immersive, beautifully crafted fantasy that’s absolutely worth picking up—a four-star adventure for me.
May 8, 2026
Big thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!!
To start I must say what a promising debut novel! Ticking a lot of the boxes: witty banter, loyal friendships and mysterious brooding men!
What I liked about this book:
- The pacing for me was almost always perfect straight in with the action and only a couple of moments that I felt like it was slow.
- Brilliant world building I can’t wait to explore more of this world in the next book!
- I like the mystery surrounding the antagonists although we know quite a bit about the leader of the Order I’m left wanting to know more about Grigori and Silas
Why I haven’t given 5 ⭐️
- The romance plays out a little too quickly for my preference however I will say there is still some great yearning!!
- I struggled to connect with the characters to start with however about a quarter of the way through they began to grow on me
All in all I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next - I will definitely be reading the next book in this series
#netgalley
To start I must say what a promising debut novel! Ticking a lot of the boxes: witty banter, loyal friendships and mysterious brooding men!
What I liked about this book:
- The pacing for me was almost always perfect straight in with the action and only a couple of moments that I felt like it was slow.
- Brilliant world building I can’t wait to explore more of this world in the next book!
- I like the mystery surrounding the antagonists although we know quite a bit about the leader of the Order I’m left wanting to know more about Grigori and Silas
Why I haven’t given 5 ⭐️
- The romance plays out a little too quickly for my preference however I will say there is still some great yearning!!
- I struggled to connect with the characters to start with however about a quarter of the way through they began to grow on me
All in all I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next - I will definitely be reading the next book in this series
#netgalley
May 13, 2026
2.5 rounded down.
The actual sentence structure and the way the author used language to tell the story or set a scene was perfectly fine, if sometimes formulaic, and this was a very quick read.
I was pretty disappointed by the actual story though. The plot of this book is 90% training montage with exposition, and yet the world and magic and lore were all still very vague and hand wavy by the end of the book.
I’m also very frustrated by a recurring theme in Romantasy of romance being fully unearned, with no development on the page of the relationship, and authors simply relying on implied chemistry. That’s not limited to this book by any means but it bothered me quite a bit in this book, especially since we have so many time jumps where this relationship apparently develops off page. On top of that, making the characters 18 and 25 was an unfortunate choice.
My thought is that most of this book could have been a flashback, and we could have started the book at the 70% mark.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The actual sentence structure and the way the author used language to tell the story or set a scene was perfectly fine, if sometimes formulaic, and this was a very quick read.
I was pretty disappointed by the actual story though. The plot of this book is 90% training montage with exposition, and yet the world and magic and lore were all still very vague and hand wavy by the end of the book.
I’m also very frustrated by a recurring theme in Romantasy of romance being fully unearned, with no development on the page of the relationship, and authors simply relying on implied chemistry. That’s not limited to this book by any means but it bothered me quite a bit in this book, especially since we have so many time jumps where this relationship apparently develops off page. On top of that, making the characters 18 and 25 was an unfortunate choice.
My thought is that most of this book could have been a flashback, and we could have started the book at the 70% mark.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received this book as an ARC reader from the author.
From the jump, the vibes were cautiously cozy because you know there are secrets being kept from our FMC, but you have no idea how her day to day working at a cafe is going to change just yet. I love how we learn everything right along with Leah. And when everything hits, it allll changes.
The Hollow is a story dissecting the push and pull with trust and how the FMC manages a crumbling foundation she thought she knew. There’s a lot of humanization that is relatable to harsh changes in life.
When we meet the MMC, Nico, we’re immediately hooked by their dynamic. Truly. He’s the perfect amount of the brooding shadow wielder with the tender micro trope moments that makes a reader salivate. There are so many scenes to love and one liners worth highlighting.
And then. THE ENDING. you guys aren’t ready so just prepare yourself. I cannot wait for book two!!!
Truly an honor to be able to read the author’s debut. She writes beautifully and her command in the world she builds is a treat for the reader.
From the jump, the vibes were cautiously cozy because you know there are secrets being kept from our FMC, but you have no idea how her day to day working at a cafe is going to change just yet. I love how we learn everything right along with Leah. And when everything hits, it allll changes.
The Hollow is a story dissecting the push and pull with trust and how the FMC manages a crumbling foundation she thought she knew. There’s a lot of humanization that is relatable to harsh changes in life.
When we meet the MMC, Nico, we’re immediately hooked by their dynamic. Truly. He’s the perfect amount of the brooding shadow wielder with the tender micro trope moments that makes a reader salivate. There are so many scenes to love and one liners worth highlighting.
And then. THE ENDING. you guys aren’t ready so just prepare yourself. I cannot wait for book two!!!
Truly an honor to be able to read the author’s debut. She writes beautifully and her command in the world she builds is a treat for the reader.
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