Lidérfölde 1.

Hollow Fields #1

by Madeleine Rosca

A kis Lucy Snow-nak a városka barátságos általános iskolájában kellett volna eltöltenie egy kellemes első napot; de ehelyett a sors bizarr tréfájának köszönhetően Miss Weaver intézetébe került, a Tudós és Etikátlan Tehetségek Akadémiájára, amit úgy is neveznek: Lidércfölde.

A Senkifalva peremén fekvő zord internátust az alattomos Gépmesterek irányítják, és céljuk, hogy kineveljék az őrült tudósok és elvetemült zsenik új generációját! Itt olyan tárgyak vannak, mint az Élvepreparálás, a Fajok közti szervátültetés vagy a Gyilkológép-építés, és Lucynak hamar bele kell tanulnia, ha kedves az élete. Ugyanis minden iskolai hét végén a leggyengébb tanulót büntetésből a szélmalomba küldik – és onnan eddig még egy gyerek sem tért vissza!

Genres: Manga, Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Comics, Steampunk, Middle Grade, Science Fiction

188 pages, Paperback

First published July 24, 2007

About the author

Madeleine Rosca is an Australian based manga creator who is well known for her award winning, completed, series Hollow Fields. She has a 37 page short story titled Haunted Housecall that can be found on YenPlus and is currently working on her next project.

You can keep up to date with the mangaka through her twitter, livejournal, and DeviantArt journal updates.

Reviews

[Christine]

I'm not rating this because while I found it very trying and annoying. However, if I was years younger, I would have loved it. It's like a magic school gone bad. If you have kids, they might enjoy it.

[harlequin {Stephanie} · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sky high, non stop, over the top fun. Looking forward to seeing where this goes.

The art is spot on in every way, not like most manga which exaggerates and over sexualises the female form, irritating the brain. The age group this is marketed to is around 10 to 12, but will appeal to most adults as well.

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the story of Lucy Snow who stumbles into a boarding school for children learning to be mad scientists. There's robots and creepy taxidermy, grave robbing and all sorts of evil experiments going on, but the worst mystery is that when the principal sends children to detention... they never come back! As Lucy strives to pass all her classes, she begins to realize that she will have to escape somehow or be thrown into the mysterious Windmill for detention.

The teachers at the school are so old that they've been stitched up like Frankenstein's monster to keep them alive, giving them a frightening appearance. And all the students at the school are the children of evil scientists and villains, who want their kids to grow up and take over their villainous dynasties. So all the classes are things like Cross-Species Body Part Transplantation and Killer Robot Construction. haha!

Everything in the school is run on steam power or clockwork; even the maids and kitchen staff are steam-powered robots. I love the imaginative classes and world building! The backstory of the principal and the mysterious Windmill has kept me guessing and in suspense. I like the art too!

Lucy is a fun character with lots of pluck and humor, and I think it's completely adorable that she takes her stuffed dinosaur, Dino, with her everywhere! After all, she's only nine years old. Because all the other students are children of villains, Lucy doesn't really make any friends. She can't trust any of those kids! But that doesn't mean she is completely alone. She finds allies in unexpected places, and receives guidance on her mission to escape and maybe liberate the children in detention.

I'm enjoying this great manga and can't wait to read the rest! I mean, it's not mind-blowing or life-changing or anything, but it's fun and entertaining.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty good manga about a young girl named Lucy who accidentally enrolls at a creepy mad scientist school. Definitely check it out wherever books are sold.

[D.M. Dutcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why is this not better known? It's one of the best western manga I have ever read.

Lucy Snow is your average 9 1/2 year old girl. She's just arrived into Nullsville, and is supposed to attend her new school. However, she gets lost, and accidentally finds a place named Hollow Fields-a massive, decaying old school in the deepest part of the forest. Once there, she is mistaken for a new student, and since the inside is a lot comfier and cozier than she expects, she signs a contract and decides to stay.

The only problem is that this is a school for mad scientists, and you really, really, don't want to get detention...

Honestly, it's wonderful. It has a great steampunk manga style to it, with characters that are memorable and well drawn. The kids act like kids, and the adults like adults. It's awfully cute, and but at the same time the story is serious and even dark, and deeper than you'd expect. It's intelligent, too. Plus, you can't help but want to hug even the villains-the way-too-cheerful Miss Notch or the big shapeless Stinch are awfully cute for being so bad. It's criminally low priced on Kindle, and perfectly translated to ebook form.

I kick myself for not picking it up sooner. A very welcome surprise.

[D.T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not too bad! The idea of a school for (up and coming) mad scientists and the classes they take is interesting. For example, the school prides itself on some cross-species transplantations/Frankenstein experiments and killer robots.

I found the MC too stupidly naive, and it's not in an endearing way. How many times does it take for her to learn this gothic, eldritch school is immune to her tears and whining!?! Still, she's nine, so I get it.

I thought the ending was nice and subverted a few things.

SN: The artwork on the cover and the artwork inside is drastically different

2.5

[LMA Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend for anyone. The language and action are pretty clean.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love it. How would you fell if you went to a school that you weren't supposed go to? A school that does not have human adults as teachers. Detention like you've seen no other!

[Daniel Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm love that always kind of robot like from old school I'm like good? The good or bad reason have problem!

[kuristina- tabreez · Rating 3 out of 5]

So, a month or so before I actually began to read this graphic novel, I was reminded of its existence when I saw the third volume of it in my local library. I became elated, because it brought back memories from when I was very much in love with my current boyfriend, when he was a very different person. I had thought he really liked this series, but upon further speculation, and talking with him about it, the case actually was more so that he found it in a store for cheap. A lot of the copies, actually. I remember this. He found a bunch of them and was asking me if I wanted one. I said I wasn't sure, because I had never read it or had much interest in reading it. So, he bought me a copy just in case anyway. He read it too, in order to prove it was entertaining, or good, or something. I'm not sure. But I do know that we didn't talk about it much a little while after he bought it. But for some odd reason, its existence brings back very happy feelings from that time. I had thought it was from when he was in middle school, but I was mistaken. He was in ninth grade, in Arkansas, or Oklahoma, or something. It was near-ish the beginning of ninth grade. Probably near the end of the first semester, I'd say. Or perhaps the middle? We certainly were not dating yet, but I wasn't really jealous of anyone at the time either. All I know is that I was in love with him and what I thought was his innocence at the time. And Hollow Fields brings back the memories of him when he was like that, and the love and admiration I had for him at the time.
He never actually gave me the book though, I guess I refused it a few times and he gave up. But a couple weeks ago, we agreed to a trade. I give him a Kill la Kill manga, and he gives me the Hollow Fields graphic novel. If only I had accepted it long ago... I really only want it because it was originally intended for me anyway. And it reminds me of such happy moments.
Anyway! On to the actual story of Hollow Fields. It's peculiar. It's... cute? It's unique, that's for sure. And it doesn't really remind me of much except for perhaps the feel that Soul Eater has, and kind of The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, in regards to the art. I really like Dino, and the fact that Lucy Snow carries him everywhere. I don't want to see him hurt though. He reminds me so much of my precious toy horse, Blueberry, which I still took around with me everywhere when I was Lucy's age.
In regards to my expectations, I had no idea this was going to be about an academy of mad scientists! I went into this story not really knowing much of anything about it, and having little expectations except that it would have some level of innocence, and it would be at least somewhat good. Maybe that's why I enjoyed the first half so much, but not as much the second half. I read the second half a few days later, when I was expecting more out of it than I had when I started reading the volume. I was really surprised though that Hollow Fields was a school. Although, I don't really know what I ever expected Hollow Fields to be, I don't think I ever had any idea, but I certainly never suspected for a second that it would be an academy, nor that this would be a story set in school life. Why do almost all manga series revolve around school...? Now that I'm in actual public school, in college, this appeals to me much less.
Really though. I wonder what happens at the old Windmill? I bet those graves are filled with the bodies of old students. AND I bet that they use students for experiments, as top priority. Probably when they accidentally (most of the time) kill them is when they send their bodies to the graveyard to be buried. I wonder if any of the Engineers were ever alive. Miss Weaver probably was, however, I think she used herself as an experiment far too many times. But she likely did so in order to enhance herself AND learn and experiment.
Really though. This series is interesting. And I kept thinking that Lucy would make a side-kick best friend of some sorts, but all her candidates except for one keep being doomed to detention. The one that remains is a jerk and hates girls, he likely is more of an important story character later on, rather than her best friend. As a matter of fact, her best friend it appears to be talking box. Is he a man trapped in a box by some means? Was his consciousness transferred from his body and into the robot/box? Who can say? What I do know is that the homework he helped Lucy with did everything that it was supposed to. He purposely made it go crazy and destroy school buildings and try to kill Miss Weaver, all before hitting the, what was supposed to be, intended target. He is a smart man, indeed. But how and why was he ever at that school and how and why is he in a box now, under a book shelf in the school library?
Oh, and Summer (who shares that name with someone in my church that is childhood friends with my boyfriend...weird), apparently has lilac hair, not blonde. I thought that was an interesting fact. The author seems to be doing everything within her power to use stereotypes in order to gain readers while she is also doing everything within her power to also stray from those stereotypes by changing them just enough for her story and its set up and characters to be considered unique. She does a good job, not a wonderful job, but still a good job.
Also, Miss Weaver, and... basically everyone in this story, except for Lucy, is mean to some extent. It makes the world feel cold and harsh and wicked, because right now, that school will be her world until the year is done. And all the children are only about the age of ten! They really were raised by mad scientists. They're cute for having be born of mad scientists though. Oh, and funny thing, this series made reference to some other series, claiming that Hollow Fields is the root of many science things in other worlds, or whatever the word they used was. Interesting, huh? Apparently they've been around for a VERY long time, especially Miss Weaver.
There is a lot I want to write about, and if I ever re-read this, I'll likely never want to write about it again. But I'm lazy. And my wrist is sprained.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

I've probably chosen all the wrongs sorts of genres to lump this in, just know this is mad scientists and grave robbers and evil sorts of people from an alternate reality and they have children. Where do they send those adorably dangerous tots to be schooled? Hollow Fields, of course!

Lucy Snow, 9-years-old, should have paid better attention to directions when she was heading out to her new school. Lucy Snow should have read the contract before signing it (always read the contract--Charlie and the Chocolate Factory taught me that as a child!). Lucy Snow should have done a LOT of things! But it's a bit late for that.

Fortunately for Lucy Snow, she is one of those characters in books who while suffering also is mysteriously helped along the way. Yeppers. Will she land on her feet time and again? You bet! And in a spunky fashion, to boot! I liked her, but she annoyed me a bit sometimes, quite honestly. Would I read a second book? Maybe...yes?

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw this manga on shelves at bookstores over the years. I never managed to pick it up. It's only three volumes, so I figured I could read it quickly. The art is nice, the main character is cute, and the story is somewhat interesting.

I actually really liked Lucy. I know she's very young; but I liked her optimism, naivety, and cheerful demeanor. Her personality is a stark contrast when compared to the schools' dark and seedy underbelly. This series actually got pretty dark at times, which I did not expect from a children's manga. This first volume does have me intrigued as to what happens to Lucy and the disappearing students at Hollow Fields.

[Declan Waters · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely start to a story about Lucy Snow, an intelligent student who stumbles into Hollow Fields by accident. Lucy is soon trapped in a place of super-genius children who are being trained to be the next generation of super-villains.

Like any school academic achievement is celebrated, but a bottom student each week is sent to the 'Windmill', from which no-one has yet returned. Can the newcomer avoid being sent there in her first week, despite knowing nothing about her classes?

This is great if you like Steampunk or similar settings, lovely art and a touching story. I'll likely pick up the other 2 books in the series.

[Andrew LaFlame · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is by no means a terrible book.

There is an interesting enough premise and a protagonist who is not objectionable. I think what dropped this to a 3 for me was that instead of the character empowering herself, she just finds a mentor who tells her exactly what to do in the third act.

If nothing else, this has a very accessible story to a young reader who wants to try out graphic novels or read something a little "darker" for the upper elementary/middle school levels.

[Kirsten Simkiss · Rating 2 out of 5]

This manga was just not meant for me. The main character is irritating - which is probably pretty accurate to a 9 year old girl in villain school - and the setting is bizarre. The concepts were interesting enough, but I don't really like the art style much and I'd much rather see nothing but the robotic humans since their style seems to have been handled better.

This is not a series I am likely to continue reading.

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars for the concept and setting, 2 stars for the annoying and dumb MC and for the lack of imagination in depiction of female characters.

Instead of buying the next volume of this I'll just reread Gunnerkrigg Court.

[Selina Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Creepy and Fun!

I enjoyed this! Great graphics with a very sweet albeit overwhelmed young heroine who accidentally finds herself at a sinister school with an extremely strange faculty and staff. This first volume has the poor young thing narrowly escaping a number of very hair raising situations with only her beloved stuffed toy Dino at her disposal for comfort and care because, sadly, she has no friends…😢

[Laura Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (but not for me)

Ultimately I’m not the target audience and that’s fine - I picked this up as I wanted to sus out some graphic novels my stepkids might like. I think this is definitely best in the target age group and that’s totally fine.
I think the story was interesting and well paced and very fun characters. I know this would be a hit with a lot of kids.

[Lauren.S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a good book, but I´d say it is meant for a younger genre of people. I personally don't like to start a series and not finish it, so I finished it to see what the ending was and it seemed a bit too sappy for me.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this dark and twisted children's manga. The storyline pulls you right in and you end up rooting for the young heroine. My daughter has an affinity for the creepy so I think this will be right up her alley.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute! Lucy Snow reminds me of Anya from Spy X Family and the.ln add in a mad scientist school!! Be still my heart. The art work is bright and cute which is different from the expected look of a mad scientist school. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.

[Jo-Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read through. It's at least just as good as I remember it several years ago. I enjoyed the characters, artwork, and the mysterious plot. I wouldn't be opposed to reading more of this at all.

[Kerri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a darkly cute and funny series that I enjoy returning to here and there. I like the Steampunk-ness and how it is unique. The characters are lovable and memorable.

[Lucinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was adorable and freaky all at the same time.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Building up to the action

[Columbo Magnum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting. Planning on having my little brother read it.

[Liz H {Redd's Reads} · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the coloring on this story as well as the mad science feel. Quick read that does a great job introducing protagonist, antagonists, and side characters. Plenty of mysteries to solve and story hooks to explore. Can't wait to finish binging this fun graphic novel series!

[Neeta Amit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

it’s a scary and fun book that gives me mixed feelings every time I read it! A recommended book for people of all ages.

[Nav · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the premise, but much like the protagonist's evil scientist schoolmates I kept waiting for her to display a skill to justify her enrollment/continued survival.

[loui · Rating 3 out of 5]

(reread after +10 years)