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Hall of the Hopeless

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Nineteen-year-old Thea Starsea has a secret. Living in the human lands where a faerie heritage could get her killed, Thea guards the fact that she is not only Fae-but the missing Heir of the fallen Hall of Aphaedia. She has lived her life in hiding, but when Fae slave-traders abduct her adoptive, human family, she ventures into the faerie lands to find them.
She allies herself with Gar-a hardy assassin on a similar mission. Gar believes her family's abductor to be Hrokr, the cold and cruel Lord of the northern Hall. Gar has plans both to liberate Hrokr's slaves-and destroy his entire kingdom.
But ancient oaths bind Thea's land to Hrokr's. His very magic calls to her, appealing to her birthright as the Heir of Aphaedia. To preserve her relationship with Gar, Thea guards this truth with her life. . . Until she is forced to choose. Embrace the destiny she was born for and risk losing Gar-and his help finding her family-or live a comfortable lie and walk away from the fate laid for her.

340 pages, Hardcover

Published December 1, 2022

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About the author

Haley D. Brown

3 books42 followers
Haley D. Brown is the American fantasy author of the Hall of the Hopeless series. She was born and raised in Oklahoma and still lives in her hometown with her husband. They are happily raising their four-legged, furry child.

She is a Christian, a popcorn enthusiast, and has a terrible habit of rooting for the villain. She has always been a big nerd that preferred the fantasy worlds of books and games to real life, and now works to create worlds and characters that are loved as deeply as she has loved others.

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5 stars
57 (66%)
4 stars
25 (29%)
3 stars
3 (3%)
2 stars
1 (1%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Morgan Scarr.
89 reviews3 followers
December 1, 2022
I just have to say that I am FURIOUS! Furious that I have to wait for book number 2 that is!! My mind is reeling, my gut is wrenching, my heart is breaking, and I have to wait to know more! 😭

I was not sure what to expect when I first opened this book up, but was immediately met with action and intrigue. If I had my way I likely would have devoured this in one sitting but alas, adult responsibilities 😫

Anyway, this book was incredible, and held my attention throughout. There was action, romance, heartbreak, secrets, betrayals, enemies, lovers, magic, faeries, friends, family and more.

I very excited to see where this story goes in the next book!

* Thank you so much Haley Brown for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review, I truly truly enjoyed your novel!! *
Profile Image for Becca.
41 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2022
Let me just say, if you love Sarah J Maas, Holly Black, and Victoria Aveyard you will LOVE Haley's work😍. She is an amazing writer that captures the reader by exciting plots and deep characters. The story follows a character named Thea, who lives with a very important secret that could change the course of her life. There's adventure, magic, action, romance, suspense. I was hooked on every page. I was so impressed and enthralled by this book and can't wait for others to read it!!! Also might I add that Hrokr is🥵🔥😏

So excited and can't wait for book two!!!😆
Profile Image for Chelsea Tabor.
39 reviews
September 24, 2022
Hall of the Hopless was an amazing read! If you are a fan of SJM fantasy style this book will definitely peak your interests! Action, drama, mystery and intriguing characters light up the pages. I'm giving this one a four star read, simply because I do think that we needed just a little more world building. The middle of the book seems to get a little disjointed and choppy. However, the surprise twist has me yearning for book 2!

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
Profile Image for Alexis Collins.
103 reviews13 followers
September 15, 2022
Hall of the Hopeless starts off with a bang! Right away, we learn Thea’s backstory and motivation. The beginning is action-packed and heart wrenching, and I really felt for Thea. Moments of the story and Thea’s character gave me Throne of Glass vibes, which I was here for.

I found her to be a great and balanced main character. Yes, she’s a fighter and a badass, but Brown doesn’t shy away from revealing her feelings, innermost fears, anxiety, and rage.

I especially enjoyed reading the fighting scenes. And the ending! Prepare for plot twists. I’m definitely looking forward to finding out what happens next and to learn even more about the secondary characters and their motivations. 

Thanks so much to author Haley D. Brown for sending me an e-ARC for review.
Profile Image for Emma Ilene.
Author 1 book38 followers
September 5, 2022
This book was truly * chef kiss *

From the lyrical, haunting writing to the complicated charcaters themselves that never lack in ✨️drama✨️ I loved following Thea through this book, and screaming about literally every detail from the romance to the fantastical world I found myself in.

That ending was like a punch to the face. I am still in recovery. I might never be healed again, actually.

O sequel, O sequel wherefore art thou sequel? HAND IT OVER TO ME!
Profile Image for Elie Quiroz.
313 reviews1 follower
December 1, 2022
Wow. Wow, this book was so SO GOOD. OMG. The world-building? The main character? The action? I had no idea where this was going but I held on for the ride and wasn’t disappointed!
If you are scrolling through reviews on this book, stop now and JUST READ IT. It’s got magic, fae, action, chapters that will leave you on the edge, and more! I finished the last half of the book in one night! I NEED to know more.
Profile Image for Laken.
47 reviews
April 3, 2023
I received a free copy of Hall of the Hopeless from the author. All opinions are my own.

What if Throne of Glass and ACOTAR had a baby? And the main character was also a cellist who walks in dreams with her apparent enemy? That is Hall of the Hopeless by Haley D. Brown. I first heard of this book on TikTok and fell in love with the premise! Our main character Thea is the hidden heir of a fae throne and living in human lands with an adoptive human family, until they're taken by slave traders. Thea goes on a quest to find them after she's found by Gar, an assassin. They believe that fae King Hrokr is responsible for her family's abduction. Thea struggles with what she wants and her fae heritage.

There's many delightful scenes. Thea is thankfully trained in how to fight before the novel begins, so she's not someone who walks in and instantly knows how to do all of the things. When it's time for Gar to begin going over who Hrokr is, I love how Thea explains how to pronounce it in the middle of the novel so I don't have to look for a pronunciation guide. And as Gar explains who the higher ups in Hrokr's employ are, it reads like a heist movie scene as the "bad guys" are introduced. It's the perfect amount of description. It was really fun!

A few thoughts before I get to the end. I want a friend like Sage. The descriptions of the places are magnificent and really help you to visualize what is going on. Brown describes warm summer glens and freezing oceans really well.

The end of the novel wrecked me. I had to move into reading book two immediately and stayed up very late past my bedtime reading it because I had to know what happened next. I really want to talk more and more, but I don't want to spoil anything. It's so good and a fun journey to read!

I give Hall of the Hopeless a 5/5. It was really really good, and I'm already reading an ARC of book two. I really recommend it if you want to read a novel reminiscent of Throne of Glass and stands tall as its own unique story.
Profile Image for Holly.
10 reviews
October 3, 2022
Wow. I wish I could have stayed in this world a little longer. After finishing, I still felt like I was encompassed in this magical world the author created. If you enjoy being surrounded by magical, mythical and fantastical worlds, you would love this book.
From every twist and turn I felt like I was apart of this journey with Thea. I never wanted it to end. I cant wait for more from this author!! 💜🌌 🧚
Profile Image for Maggie Logan.
38 reviews
September 20, 2022
Oh my goodness! This book was amazing! Wonderful descriptions and character building. I am on the edge of my seat wanting the next book in the series to be out, so I can keep reading!! So much suspense!
Profile Image for Erin McGregor.
46 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2023
First off, I’m so upset. I can’t wait to get my hands on the second one.

While there were details or parts of the story that didn’t seem to matter or play as big of a role as I expected, I couldn’t put my phone down. Even when Thea was making me mad, I still couldn’t put it down. I was the same kind of frustrated with Thea, as I was with Feyre when I read ACOTAR. Which isn’t necessarily bad. I keep rooting for her, even through her blind rage.

The twists and turns kept me glued to the pages. I kept rooting for her. I eventually had to stop assuming what I thought was going to happen.

I do wish there had been more time spent explaining some of the background parts. I also feel like the middle was a little choppy, slightly disjointed. However, by the end of the book, I didn’t care about that anymore. I felt like the pace had finally gotten consistent about 2/3 of the way through and was picking up steam. I just wasn’t ready for it to be over.

The vibes of the book are similar to those in Throne of Glass with almost some pirate feels. Dark and wrought with power. Many of the characters are complex. Thea is someone I desperately want to see to the end. I am excited to read more of the world building in the next book (there better be a next book. I’m looking at you, Haley…)

Thank you Haley for sending an e-arc to some random woman on tiktok. I can’t wait to read what you write next!


**I received an advanced readers copy and am leaving this review voluntarily**
Profile Image for Jenna Kopecky.
4 reviews
November 13, 2022
Wow!! I was lucky enough to get to read this wonderful book before it was released. The stronghold that this book had over me was astounding. I devoured it over a weekend. It had action, romance, betrayal and most definitely hope. I did not see these plot twists and my goodness I can’t wait for book two. Definitely going in my top 5 books of this year!

** Thank you so much Haley D. Brown for letting me read this e-arc book, I am in love with your writing and I can’t wait to see what else you have in store!!!
Profile Image for Scarlett Hathaway.
Author 1 book12 followers
December 1, 2022
I had the absolute pleasure to see this book transform from its early stages to the finished product. Hall of the Hopeless is a read that'll have you screaming your head off once you get to the last page in the most delightful way possible
Profile Image for Brittany.
24 reviews
November 30, 2022
It was honestly one of my favorites this year! If you love a good fantasy romance, this is your book! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Malorie  (Firereader).
300 reviews60 followers
April 22, 2023
If you're looking for adventure, fantasy, romance, a main female character that shows personal growth and kicks butt, then look no further! It's been a while since I came across a series like this. I was so in to the story I was making facial expressions and noises and hoping no one noticed.

This is a taste of how cool the FMC (Thea) is,"I felt safer in the dark, wrapped in the blanket of nightfall. 'But monsters can hide in the dark', Mellian had said when we were little. 'Sure', I agreed, 'but so can I'." She had just completed her first solo mission and was carrying a severed head through town when she had this memory. The girl has all the guts!

The romance is done so well that before you know it you'll be sighing over Gar's scene's too. "I want you Thea. He said plainly. 'I will have all of you, secrets and hopes and fears-or I will have none of you at all." This book was absolutely written by a woman and it shows in the best way possible!

I love the addition of the little mushroom creature named Letti. She is so stinking cute and encouraging to Thea appearing to her when needs a pep-talk.

There's also a morally gray bad boy that makes an appearance and will be around heavily in book 2 so there is that *wink wink*...

In conclusion, if you love magic, fantasy, romance, and badass characters, this book (and series) is for you. It's helped fix my ACOTAR hangover and that's saying a LOT. I have read book 2 and it is even more amazing so it's a series worth investing your time in. FYI there will be a 3rd book (I hope soon!), happy reading! 📚
Profile Image for Ameri.
4 reviews
September 17, 2022
Wow just wow! I just finished binge reading this book in like 4 hours cause of how sucked into it I was. This book has great world building, great characters, and amazing unique storyline. The writing is amazing, the amount of detail and information to ensure that you are fully immersed into the book is refreshing.
I can not wait for the next book and this one isn’t even released yet.
The twists and turns that are in the plot keep you on your toes especially the last 1hr of the book.
Our heroine is a badass who can take care of herself plenty. She has tons of secrets that she can’t share and unknown power. There is love and betrayal. There is action and plenty of fight scenes. If you loved Throne of Glass by Sarah j Maas you will love this it is similar but not so similar that it feels like you’re reading the same book. This book definitely stands on its own and I’m anxious to see where she takes it because there are so many paths this can go. But I know that what ever she ends up writing will be worth me reading.
I am so grateful that I got to be apart of the Arc team and read this text early. Thank you so much!
Profile Image for Emily.
24 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2022
*I received this book as an ARC but all thoughts and opinions are my own*

Oh my halls! This was such a good book!

✅ badass female main character
✅ hot dark haired villain
✅ dark secret
✅ great banter
✅ found family

If you liked ACOTAR, FBAA, or Elise Kova vibes then this is a book for you!! It looks like this will be a series too! I cannot wait for book two, I saw on the authors tiktok that she is already working on the sequel.

This book immediately starts you off into the action, you don’t have to wait 100 pages to get going like some fantasy books. I was instantly drawn in to the story of Thea Starsea. She’s a badass who can hold her own and isn’t really afraid of anything. She’s fighting to bring her family home and she’ll do anything to achieve this.

The romance in this book is decent and I believe it’ll be even steamier in the next book. 😉

This story has really good pacing in my opinion. There weren’t any slow parts in the story that made me want to put this book down.

My only complaint is I would’ve liked a little more thorough world building and descriptions of characters.
Profile Image for Tanya Volkert.
174 reviews4 followers
September 26, 2022
Wow. I don't know where to start with this review. I really loved this book. It may be the best new novel I've read this year. The book starts off with you dropped in the middle of action and the plot never slows from there. I was hooked by the first page- and that is rare for me! As a debut novel, can I saw wow again?

I don't want to say too much because the twists and turns really made this book enjoyable, so I think it's best to go in semi-blind to this one. I will say, I get major Aelin, Feyre, and Jude vibes here.

I do have to say though, I feel a little robbed... I NEED more of Hrokr and his council. I laughed out loud several times when they came into play. There was so much chemistry between the characters themselves, let alone between them and Thea. The dance scene... it was like a cross between Pride & Prejudice and ACOTAR (I can't imagine a more beautiful thing).

I am immediately ready for Book 2 because I am enthralled with this cast and I can envision several directions for what happens next.

*Thank you to Haley Brown for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Sapph.
106 reviews
September 27, 2022
- I got an ARC for an honest review -

Well, my friend, where is the next one? It was THAT good and I need book 2 now.

Let's review this:

🔥 Characters [4.5] - That FMC don't value her life. I'm telling you that she gave 0 flying ducks everytime she was about to die she just opened her mouth and I GASPED. Dear god...
🌙 Setting [3.5] - Well, my friend I'm sure this world will grow in the next books and I cant wait to go to the other halls. Sometimes, when the situation was tense, the description of the surroundings felt rushed or barely skipped but she did a good job balancing this things. The fast pace and the action compensate for this if you are into fast paced books.
🔥 Plot [4] - My beautiful Haley... you shattered my heart! When I tell you I was afraid to keep reading I am not lying. The betrayal, those deaths, the lies... THE LIES!!! Yeah... the lies.
🌙 Spice [0] - This book is not meant to be steamy or spicy. The good stuff is something else. 100% worth reading it.
10 reviews
September 25, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! We follow the main character Thea through some harrowing events and we hear a bit of her background story in this book as well. She’s absolutely a strong, well rounded character, and I’m a little sad I need to wait to hear more of her story!

I enjoyed the world building in this book as I like to be able to visualize where certain events are taking place.

Overall, the book was well written, engaging, and I didn’t want to put it down. Can’t wait to read more!

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

********************************
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Molly.
3 reviews5 followers
September 29, 2022
Oh boy. I LOVED this. Truly, I have been in a book hangover since acotar and unable to find something that compares. This did that for me. It’s not often I watch the % creep towards the end of the book, and I’m dreading it. This isn’t even released yet and @haley.d.brown I am ready to beg you for more.
In all seriousness, the writing was fast paced. None of that we are traveling on a boat for weeks let’s narrate every minute. This gave us room for so much more to happen in the space of 1 book. The main character while not entirely relatable to me, I still feel a sense of attachment. The way the author attached is to side characters, amazing. And I won’t even get into the status of my heart after that. Besides, we looooove a morally gray villain. I’m definitely looking forward to more and can’t wait to see what Thea has in store for us!!
Profile Image for Emma.
3 reviews
October 1, 2022
This book has everything friendship, love, found family, adventure, bloodshed, and things that you would never see coming. You will learn about the world as the main character does; she knows very little, so we know very little as well. I love the aspect of knowing just as much as the character. I would’ve read this in one sitting but then I would’ve been longing for the second book even more. I need to know what happens next. Also love a good villain best part by far.
Profile Image for Erin Geyer.
19 reviews
September 30, 2022
This was my first ever ARC that I got to read. This book was such a smooth read and the twist at the end had me in shock. I’m looking forward to having a paper copy when the book releases and any future sequels since it ended on a total cliff hanger.
Profile Image for Kellie McCann.
217 reviews12 followers
November 5, 2022
The twist at the end of this book was enough to make me want to read it again!

It has:

Assassins
Enemies to Lovers (in a way)
Strong female characters

Haley Brown came out strong with her first book and I cannot wait to see more from her and more of these characters!

A cellist with a royal secret turned huntress, who could ask for more?!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Emily Morrison.
6 reviews
September 20, 2022
This action packed book had me sitting on the edge of my seat all day. I physically couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting. The characters and the dialogue were well written and easy to follow along with. There was also enough detail on the scenery to picture the background and follow along with the characters journeys and fighting without it dragging out to much and taking away from the suspense. Would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoyed books like ACOTAR & Assassin’s blade by SJM, or Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers.
1 review
December 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this! I loved reading part of Thea’s story and can’t wait to see what happens next!

This book has
*Action
*Suspense
*Romance
*Assassins
*Magic
*Betrayals
*Twists

I absolutely loved the characters, the dream-walking, and the art headings!

I struggled a little with some of the pacing, but is definitely worth it to keep reading and can’t wait for book two!

Thank you so much Haley Brown for sending me an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Mia Lonnet.
1 review
November 27, 2022
*rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

This book had me hooked from start to finish!

I met the author through Tik Tok and was given the ability to be an ARC reader. I can easily say I am in awe of the turnout of this book and cannot wait for the second book. The craft of character growth is the most substantial element that binds the story together. As we witness the main character (M.C), Thea, we also witness her pain and her uprising throughout the plot. Overall, I know things related to Thea is not done - I can feel it. Between her, Gar, Hrokr, and her friend, there is more than what meets the eye.

The description shows just enough to paint a picture of where we are as readers. However, there are times when scenes can be given more detail to allow us to sink into it further. Nonetheless, the world itself is beautiful, and I cannot wait to see what else is in store for the next book.

If you are a fan of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer Armentrout, and/or Holly Black, as well as lust after a tremendous buildup of characterization of a badass FMC, worldbuilding, and solid plot with a dash of heated romance, this is your new/next read!

**Thank you, Haley D. Brown, for this great opportunity to be an ARC reader of your book! I cannot wait to read more :-) I am leaving this review voluntarily.**
Profile Image for skyla.
24 reviews
August 11, 2023
LOVED this book. Although the plot felt slightly disjointed in the middle it was still a great read.

There was literally everything you could ask for like romance, action and suspense. If you like books by SJMaas this book is a MUST read.

so so excited for book 2.


** I received a free ARC online copy and chose to write this review**
Profile Image for Kayla White.
2 reviews
March 28, 2023
*I am an ACR, but this is my honest opinion and review*

I don’t even know where to entirely start! This book is a beautiful blend of Holly Black and Sarah J Maas. Fantasy, fae, magic, violence, romance, and a never ending vendetta! It was beautifully written, and I was immediately sucked into the story by the end of the first chapter!

The only critical thing I would mention is that at times some explanations felt rushed. To clarify, the story itself is not rushed at all, only certain descriptive parts seem to be. However, it is so few that it did not impede on the story whatsoever.

THE PLOT WAS BEAUTIFUL! The twist and turns that had my heart jumping with excitement was unreal! There were multiple times I had to set down my phone and take a breath, but I would be reaching back for it seconds later!

I absolutely love the characters, and their development that we see throughout the story! I am left wanting more!

•FOR-WARNING•
This book DOES end in a cliffhanger that will leave you scrambling to grab the second. If you’re like me, I highly recommend getting both, so you have the ability to do just that!
5 reviews
December 2, 2022
Thea Starsea wants nothing more from life than to be a simple human cellist. Easier said than done when you're the missing Fae heir to a throne that has sat empty for hundreds of years.
Hall of the Hopeless is an enthralling tale of one woman's quest to rescue her family whilst grappling with inner conflict regarding what she wants out of life and what she's willing to sacrifice for those dreams. Once I started reading I found myself unable to set it down and now I find myself eagerly awaiting the next chapter in Thea's tale. While I expected a twist or two I am pleased to say the biggest twist took me by complete surprise. Filled with magic, murder, and mystery there's something here for almost everyone. Fair warning though, there are multiple instances of descriptive violence done by and to the main character. If that doesn't bother you, then I highly recommend you put Hall of the Hopeless at the top of your TBR immediately.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Lucy.
112 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2022
This was such a good read!!! This is Haley's debut novel and she did not disappoint! This book is packed with adventure, fights, magick, daggers, banter, mystery, and love! I think for a first novel, this did a great job captivating the audience. If you enjoy SJM's style of fantasy writing, this book is right up your alley. I gave this book a four-star read because I think there is room for improvement. I would have liked to have seen a little more world-building in this book to really set the stage. There were at times I would get a little lost in the middle part of the book as it was slightly choppy. But be ready for plot twists and the ENDING?! I need the sequel soon - like yesterday soon.
Great job Haley Brown on this amazing first novel, and thank you for giving me an e-Arc to review it for you.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews