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In the Hollows
Not yet published
Expected 1 Oct 26A standalone companion novella in the Wynterhyll Chronicles, set between Book One, A Vampire's Lament and the epilogue.
Ishmael and Edric wished to spend a week in seclusion together, traveling to a quaint town to do so. What awaits is a cottage infested with a curse that seeps into Edric's lungs.
Ishmael and Edric wished to spend a week in seclusion together, traveling to a quaint town to do so. What awaits is a cottage infested with a curse that seeps into Edric's lungs.
82 pages, ebook
Expected publication October 1, 2026
About the author
R.J. Webb
2 books11 followersR.J. Webb is a queer writer crafting her tales in the hollers of Appalachia. She writes paranormal romance and gothic fantasy filled with soft monsters and love that lingers. When not writing, she can be found with her girlfriend and their cats, and helping her community.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
Review of advance copy
Disclaimer: I have not read the first book in the Wynterhyll Chronicles upon which this novella is based. But honestly, I think that worked in my favor.
Not only was it fun to discover the dynamic between Ishmael and Edric, and to soak up the dark, cold, and gothic atmosphere of this novella, but it piqued my interest about the happenings of book one; I'm so curious as to Alaric's character and how a vampire becomes a father lol. And telepathy aside, the bond between Ishmael and Edric in this novella was wonderful, right from the get-go—their protectiveness, their trust in each other, the way they grounded each other, it all spoke to me in such a small number of pages.
There were a few issues here and there—dialogue tags, character names, seasonal descriptions—but as a critical reader, while they took me out of the story slightly, they didn't ruin my enjoyment of the overall plot.
If, like me, you've not read the first installment, A Vampire's Lament, I would definitely welcome you to start w/ this novella. It sets the tone for Ishmael and Edric's relationship and paints a very vivid picture of the fantastical world in which they live. I would absolutely recommend (especially now; this novella has perfect Summerween vibes) if you're looking for something quick and engaging, or aren't sure whether or not to pick up the first installment. I think readers will find this spooky, romantic, suspenseful, and ultimately, heartwarming.
Not only was it fun to discover the dynamic between Ishmael and Edric, and to soak up the dark, cold, and gothic atmosphere of this novella, but it piqued my interest about the happenings of book one; I'm so curious as to Alaric's character and how a vampire becomes a father lol. And telepathy aside, the bond between Ishmael and Edric in this novella was wonderful, right from the get-go—their protectiveness, their trust in each other, the way they grounded each other, it all spoke to me in such a small number of pages.
There were a few issues here and there—dialogue tags, character names, seasonal descriptions—but as a critical reader, while they took me out of the story slightly, they didn't ruin my enjoyment of the overall plot.
If, like me, you've not read the first installment, A Vampire's Lament, I would definitely welcome you to start w/ this novella. It sets the tone for Ishmael and Edric's relationship and paints a very vivid picture of the fantastical world in which they live. I would absolutely recommend (especially now; this novella has perfect Summerween vibes) if you're looking for something quick and engaging, or aren't sure whether or not to pick up the first installment. I think readers will find this spooky, romantic, suspenseful, and ultimately, heartwarming.
August 12, 2026
ARC Review
Immediately, I fell right back into the world that RJ Webb created. That eerie and haunting feeling from the first book carried over perfectly into this novella, and I was so glad to be back!
One thing I really, really enjoyed was that, even though this is only a novella, it felt like a fully thought-out piece of literature. Never once did I feel rushed into the story, nor did I feel like things were moving too slowly. The pacing was genuinely well done, and everything happened exactly when it needed to.
The comforting yet alluring atmosphere this novella creates is truly something to marvel at. Everything was described so vividly that I never had to work hard to picture the scenes unfolding in front of me. The imagery was incredibly clear, and that’s something I genuinely admire in a book. And, of course, the dark vampire aesthetic is something I will always get behind!
Even if you haven’t read the first book in this series, I would still recommend giving this novella a try. While it is set in the same world and features the same characters, I think it could work well enough as a standalone.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this one! Can’t wait for book two.
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Immediately, I fell right back into the world that RJ Webb created. That eerie and haunting feeling from the first book carried over perfectly into this novella, and I was so glad to be back!
One thing I really, really enjoyed was that, even though this is only a novella, it felt like a fully thought-out piece of literature. Never once did I feel rushed into the story, nor did I feel like things were moving too slowly. The pacing was genuinely well done, and everything happened exactly when it needed to.
The comforting yet alluring atmosphere this novella creates is truly something to marvel at. Everything was described so vividly that I never had to work hard to picture the scenes unfolding in front of me. The imagery was incredibly clear, and that’s something I genuinely admire in a book. And, of course, the dark vampire aesthetic is something I will always get behind!
Even if you haven’t read the first book in this series, I would still recommend giving this novella a try. While it is set in the same world and features the same characters, I think it could work well enough as a standalone.
Regardless, I really enjoyed this one! Can’t wait for book two.
4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
this review is based off of a digital ARC copy of the book, retrieved from net galley.
The dynamic between Edric and Ishmael had me scrambling to grab a vampire’s lament! Cannot wait to revisit these two love birds.
The formatting of this book took me by surprise, though it’s always subject to change a before the official publication.
The writing was descriptive enough to keep my imagination flowing, yet simple enough to get to the point and not feel boring.
Lovely novella, and brilliant characters, left me with a warm fuzzy feeling <3
The dynamic between Edric and Ishmael had me scrambling to grab a vampire’s lament! Cannot wait to revisit these two love birds.
The formatting of this book took me by surprise, though it’s always subject to change a before the official publication.
The writing was descriptive enough to keep my imagination flowing, yet simple enough to get to the point and not feel boring.
Lovely novella, and brilliant characters, left me with a warm fuzzy feeling <3
Review of advance copy received from Author
Arc review
I was so happy to be back in Wynterhyll and after reading this, I can say I officially have a vampire comfort character. It opens with a dark atmosphere that RJ does so well, and the creepiness continues with a missing caretaker and rundown cottage. The love that Ishmael and Edric have for each other is so sweet and romantic, and the mystery was welldone. The story never felt like it dragged or was too quick, I would recommend to readers who are looking for gothic and cozy read.
I was so happy to be back in Wynterhyll and after reading this, I can say I officially have a vampire comfort character. It opens with a dark atmosphere that RJ does so well, and the creepiness continues with a missing caretaker and rundown cottage. The love that Ishmael and Edric have for each other is so sweet and romantic, and the mystery was welldone. The story never felt like it dragged or was too quick, I would recommend to readers who are looking for gothic and cozy read.
September 5, 2026
This is an ARC review and my honest opinion!
I'm also a first-time reader to the series, but I honestly really enjoyed myself; beautiful writing, a lovely couple, and a really well written mystery. The atmosphere was super enjoyable, and Edric and Ishmael are SO freaking adorable. Their love for each other is beautifully written, and I found myself kicking my feet and giggling for them.
Very charming, and a super fun read.
I'm also a first-time reader to the series, but I honestly really enjoyed myself; beautiful writing, a lovely couple, and a really well written mystery. The atmosphere was super enjoyable, and Edric and Ishmael are SO freaking adorable. Their love for each other is beautifully written, and I found myself kicking my feet and giggling for them.
Very charming, and a super fun read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book wasn't what I expected, but I'm always down for a good mystery!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews