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Among the Hollow
An empire steeped in cutthroat politics and black magic wavers upon the knife’s edge of civil war. The empress has been overthrown, and her only remaining heir taken into the custody of her killers, leaving the empire divided between the old imperial family and the zealous general who has seized the capital.
Meanwhile Aurel, a disemboded soul with no memory of their former self, must forge an uneasy pact with Sevila, a mysterious traveller from across the southern sands. In the hunt for Aurel’s body, strange alliances form and dark secrets emerge, threatening to plunge the empire into a crisis far greater than they could imagine.
Meanwhile Aurel, a disemboded soul with no memory of their former self, must forge an uneasy pact with Sevila, a mysterious traveller from across the southern sands. In the hunt for Aurel’s body, strange alliances form and dark secrets emerge, threatening to plunge the empire into a crisis far greater than they could imagine.
297 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2018
12 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 9, 2020
This was brilliant and deeply creative. The world building was thorough and expounded upon in a manner that never led to more confusion than the plot called for. The magic system was intuitive and logical. The characters were well fleshed out and the relationships/alliances created throughout were believable and natural.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. Highly, and I mean HIGHLY, recommended.
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I absolutely loved everything about this book. Highly, and I mean HIGHLY, recommended.
Let's be friends!
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October 8, 2021dnf @ 20% prose is too purple for me i had to quit out at 'the gibbous moon waxed' as a full sentence :(
April 21, 2022
snarky, sapphic necromancers, you say? sounds like something i'm very fond of
i loved the egyptian-and-greek-inspired world-building and magic system of this book so much. i just wish this was longer, so i could munch on the rich details of it more. as it was, the rules of necromancy and the world were not entirely fleshed out; i would've loved to learn more about both tho, because they're sooo interesting. honestly if a book centers around necromancy i would eat it all up. the prose is immaculate, albeit not entirely perfect—there are some ungrammatical and sloppy sentences, along with a few errors, probably because this is self-published. the protagonists are loveable!! i adored both sevila and aurel, their banter, and their somewhat endearing relationship with one another. i appreciated that they're not glaringly romantic or what, if anything, they're bffs!! theirs is the strong bond that grew from a necromancer in contract with a severed soul to find their body and in the long journey, allowed them to know each other deeply than any other being could.
i know i would've enjoyed this much more if not for my hectic school schedule that rendered me unable to consume this in one-go, but still, it's a great read.
i loved the egyptian-and-greek-inspired world-building and magic system of this book so much. i just wish this was longer, so i could munch on the rich details of it more. as it was, the rules of necromancy and the world were not entirely fleshed out; i would've loved to learn more about both tho, because they're sooo interesting. honestly if a book centers around necromancy i would eat it all up. the prose is immaculate, albeit not entirely perfect—there are some ungrammatical and sloppy sentences, along with a few errors, probably because this is self-published. the protagonists are loveable!! i adored both sevila and aurel, their banter, and their somewhat endearing relationship with one another. i appreciated that they're not glaringly romantic or what, if anything, they're bffs!! theirs is the strong bond that grew from a necromancer in contract with a severed soul to find their body and in the long journey, allowed them to know each other deeply than any other being could.
i know i would've enjoyed this much more if not for my hectic school schedule that rendered me unable to consume this in one-go, but still, it's a great read.
August 20, 2018
This book was a very fun romp with some excellent worldbuilding. The setting is filled with potential, particularly when looking at the interaction between the worshippers and the gods themselves. Among The Hollow fits firmly into the YA reading style and is extremely deft in its use of lgbt characters. I look forward to seeing more in this world in the future!
July 21, 2023
(2.5)
Rep: nonbinary mc, lesbian mc
Rep: nonbinary mc, lesbian mc
September 5, 2019
There were few things that didn't surprise me about this book. The plot unfolded slowly, giving me time to get attached to the characters, and then the action and revelations sped up until my head spun.
Wow. I loved this book. I love the relationship between Aurel and Sevila, and I love both of their character arcs. I loved the unpredictable plot and the rampant necromancy. I loved the weirdness and the originality of the story.
I love when a book ends but the story doesn't. There is more. These characters have more to do and are about it, whether the account is written down or not.
Wow. I loved this book. I love the relationship between Aurel and Sevila, and I love both of their character arcs. I loved the unpredictable plot and the rampant necromancy. I loved the weirdness and the originality of the story.
I love when a book ends but the story doesn't. There is more. These characters have more to do and are about it, whether the account is written down or not.
March 22, 2018
It took me a while to figure out where to begin with this review, to be honest. Should I start with the amazing world building and rich mythology? The plot, with its engaging mystery, twists, and intrigue? There's just so much to love, but honestly if I'm gonna rave about one aspect, it's going to be the characters.
The interaction and relationship between the two leads in particular is amazing. On the one hand you have Aurel, who due to their particular situation has amnesia, a generally moral, ethical, and upstanding soul. And then you have Sevila, who has never met a moral or ethic that she liked. The power dynamic between the two is very interesting because of their hastily negotiated contract, and the relationship that develops is contentious, hilarious, and heartfelt all at once. I love both of them and could go on and on, but I want to talk about some of the other cool stuff too.
So, cool stuff. The world Roman has built is fantastic, and I know what they've revealed here is just the tip of the iceberg of what they've developed. I honestly can't say enough, so I'll just do the Will Smith pose in text form and leave it at that. And finally the plot, which builds up from something very small into something earth shattering, with a couple of twists that are hinted at just enough that you saw them coming but were stunned by what they were when they arrived.
In closing, if you're reading this you should buy Among the Hollow. If you are NOT reading this you should ALSO buy Among the Hollow. Just buy the book and read it, you'll be glad you did.
The interaction and relationship between the two leads in particular is amazing. On the one hand you have Aurel, who due to their particular situation has amnesia, a generally moral, ethical, and upstanding soul. And then you have Sevila, who has never met a moral or ethic that she liked. The power dynamic between the two is very interesting because of their hastily negotiated contract, and the relationship that develops is contentious, hilarious, and heartfelt all at once. I love both of them and could go on and on, but I want to talk about some of the other cool stuff too.
So, cool stuff. The world Roman has built is fantastic, and I know what they've revealed here is just the tip of the iceberg of what they've developed. I honestly can't say enough, so I'll just do the Will Smith pose in text form and leave it at that. And finally the plot, which builds up from something very small into something earth shattering, with a couple of twists that are hinted at just enough that you saw them coming but were stunned by what they were when they arrived.
In closing, if you're reading this you should buy Among the Hollow. If you are NOT reading this you should ALSO buy Among the Hollow. Just buy the book and read it, you'll be glad you did.
February 10, 2025
What an absolute gem of a debut novel. I’ve literally been meaning to read this for. The full seven years? And now I’m kicking myself like literally why did it take me this long to get around to it. I really can’t do it justice with the 4 am brain that just got to the end but.
- Absolutely one of the fucked up lesbians of all time
- Prose that was doing just enough interesting things to be an absolute vibe without distracting me
- Story construction that just had me going YOO every couple chapters bc it would deliver a glorious, shocking new element of character or plot of lore twist that I didn’t see coming but the minute it was in front of me I INSTANTLY connected it back to 3-4 little foreshadowed details that had left an impression without feeling out of place earlier on and just. Ugh you love to see it and you don’t see it enough!!!
10/10 I would hang out with these fantastically awful ladies and one particular gentlethem again any day
- Absolutely one of the fucked up lesbians of all time
- Prose that was doing just enough interesting things to be an absolute vibe without distracting me
- Story construction that just had me going YOO every couple chapters bc it would deliver a glorious, shocking new element of character or plot of lore twist that I didn’t see coming but the minute it was in front of me I INSTANTLY connected it back to 3-4 little foreshadowed details that had left an impression without feeling out of place earlier on and just. Ugh you love to see it and you don’t see it enough!!!
10/10 I would hang out with these fantastically awful ladies and one particular gentlethem again any day
May 25, 2020
This is an incredible debut book. Clearly self published, too. There were a few spelling errors and grammatically wonky sentences.
That said, it’s a very inspired work. The setting - a fantasy Byzantium - is inspired. The characters are rich. Sevila in particular is extremely nuanced and gripping. She is both an unlikeable and likeable deuteragonist. The prose is inspired but not overly self-important. The magic system is soft and believable. This is possibly one of my favorite interpretations of Necromancy as a magic system.
If I was pressed to find structural flaws I would perhaps mention that it is a mere 299 pages - I would have liked to have spent at least 400 pages with these characters. Some scenes - such as the prison scene or the scene with the city officials and what they have in their prison cells - could have been fleshed out further. I would have liked more explanation of how the Necromancy system worked, as it was largely left vague.
However, again, these would be flaws I would point to if I HAD to mention them - I don’t think they hamper the story at all and in fact I think it has a good pace.
Overall, it feels that there is more story to tell. More adventures for Sevila and Aurel to have. I would like to see these stories told.
That said, it’s a very inspired work. The setting - a fantasy Byzantium - is inspired. The characters are rich. Sevila in particular is extremely nuanced and gripping. She is both an unlikeable and likeable deuteragonist. The prose is inspired but not overly self-important. The magic system is soft and believable. This is possibly one of my favorite interpretations of Necromancy as a magic system.
If I was pressed to find structural flaws I would perhaps mention that it is a mere 299 pages - I would have liked to have spent at least 400 pages with these characters. Some scenes - such as the prison scene or the scene with the city officials and what they have in their prison cells - could have been fleshed out further. I would have liked more explanation of how the Necromancy system worked, as it was largely left vague.
However, again, these would be flaws I would point to if I HAD to mention them - I don’t think they hamper the story at all and in fact I think it has a good pace.
Overall, it feels that there is more story to tell. More adventures for Sevila and Aurel to have. I would like to see these stories told.
April 29, 2018
Must read. Absolutely captivating and original.
This author is amazing. The magic system and history of the world we are put in is deep, but unlike some fantasies, you don’t feel lost at the beginning with the newness of it all.
There are definitely a few unexpected twists, and although the lore of this world is pretty original, there is some basis legends/stories most people are familiar with. The location seems to be somewhat inspired by the Middle East, based on the general setting and some cultural references, but this fact does not overwhelm the story, nor is it exoticised inappropriately. I find this a breath of seriously needed fresh air over a saturation of medieval-European-resembling fantasy settings.
I started reading this around midnight ‘last night’ and it is now just after 6am that I have finished it. It is now rare for me to lose an entire night’s sleep over a book, but this ride was definitely worth it. Do yourself a favor and buy this book
This author is amazing. The magic system and history of the world we are put in is deep, but unlike some fantasies, you don’t feel lost at the beginning with the newness of it all.
There are definitely a few unexpected twists, and although the lore of this world is pretty original, there is some basis legends/stories most people are familiar with. The location seems to be somewhat inspired by the Middle East, based on the general setting and some cultural references, but this fact does not overwhelm the story, nor is it exoticised inappropriately. I find this a breath of seriously needed fresh air over a saturation of medieval-European-resembling fantasy settings.
I started reading this around midnight ‘last night’ and it is now just after 6am that I have finished it. It is now rare for me to lose an entire night’s sleep over a book, but this ride was definitely worth it. Do yourself a favor and buy this book
June 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book -- and think you will too, if you're all-in for a roadtrip romp following a genderless, long-suffering, decent human soul just trying to find their missing body, with the rather dubious help of a snarky, gloriously unpleasant lesbian necromancer.
The setting is a fantasy Byzantine Empire, with just enough world-building to carry the story and give an immediate sense of place, without getting into lore-dumping.
The characters' interactions were the highlight of the book for me, but the plot is respectable too.
15/20.
The setting is a fantasy Byzantine Empire, with just enough world-building to carry the story and give an immediate sense of place, without getting into lore-dumping.
The characters' interactions were the highlight of the book for me, but the plot is respectable too.
15/20.
August 19, 2018
A thoroughly enjoyable read
Fantastic world building and character development draws the reader in and keeps you interested. The three lead characters are all extremely unique and rarely get along or approach a problem in the same way, creating interesting dynamics. The use or Aurel as the main pov is great for the reader as we get to discover the world and the rules of society at the same time as Aurel is relearning them.
Fantastic world building and character development draws the reader in and keeps you interested. The three lead characters are all extremely unique and rarely get along or approach a problem in the same way, creating interesting dynamics. The use or Aurel as the main pov is great for the reader as we get to discover the world and the rules of society at the same time as Aurel is relearning them.
January 15, 2019
A surprisingly interesting read. The story plunges us straight into a confusing world full of souls and contracts, but over the book, the rules of the world become obvious. The two protagonists are very unique and their dynamic is interesting and very funny from the start. It felt like the climax of the story was a bit rushed, but mostly I just wanted to stay with the world and the characters a bit longer.
April 3, 2019
One of the most creative and engaging works of fantasy I've ever had the pleasure of reading, with an elegantly detailed world and characters and a well paced mystery that makes it impossible to put down. Ankenbrandt excels at putting complex characters of all stripes in front of the audience and letting us learn about them in either drips or a torrent, to our delight and to our torment.
I can't recommend this book highly enough.
I can't recommend this book highly enough.
January 1, 2021
1. What an absolutely compelling story with a memorable cast of heartfelt and humorous characters. The language is evocative, the necromantic magic system is dark and wholly unique, and the plot's pacing ramps to a perfect crescendo. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a new take on fantasy.
2. I simp for Sevila.
2. I simp for Sevila.
August 13, 2018
For what is a self published (?) debut, this is very solid. Prose wasn't overly impressed with itself as newer authors sometimes can be, and story was fresh. Slight issues with characterisation and pacing but still thoroughly enjoyable.
August 9, 2018
A delightfully dark fantasy full of intrigue. The characters are subtly developed and feel real. I think this is going to garner a second reading at the very least!
November 27, 2020
Pretty amusing action-adventure. The witty quips were hit-or-miss, and happened way too often for my taste, but the world was neat.
April 30, 2024
Wonderful worldbuilding, a fun and interesting dynamic between the main characters, good and engaging writing. Just an overall lovely read. Really happy I've found this book.
October 24, 2021
This book was so incredible! I loved the world building, the story is incredible the characters are fantastic! This is my new favorite book! I am literally buying this book for everyone I know for there birthdays and holidays so I can talk to them about it I love it so much
May 10, 2025
EXCEPTIONALLY fun and original read. Good pacing, likeable characters, interesting world building. everything done right. 5/5 and I would die for a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews