 | Hollow inside Author: Davis, Brooke Lauren | |
| Price: $9.83 | ||
Summary:
After years on the run, sixteen-year-old Phoenix and mom Nina travel back to Nina's hometown to get revenge on the man she says ruined her life.
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (05/25/21)
School Library Journal (05/00/21)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 04/15/2021 Phoenix has been on the run with Nina, who calls herself Phoenix’s mother, since Phoenix was nine. But now Nina has a plan. She drives them to her hometown of Jasper Hollow, Ohio, in the Appalachian foothills, in order to force Ellis Bowman to confess to ruining her life. Ellis is a hero, credited with using the proceeds of his wildly popular books to save his dying town. Nina drops Phoenix off with instructions to track down incriminating evidence. After lying her way into Ellis’ household, Phoenix learns of a recent accident that has tainted his reputation. Phoenix also finds herself enjoying the comforts of a home, the kindness of Ellis’ wife, and friendship with their teen children. Flashbacks fill in the shocking events of Nina’s adolescence, even as Nina becomes increasingly unhinged and violent in the present. Phoenix is smart and nimble enough to keep Nina satisfied, even as she begins to perceive the truth of her own childhood. An engaging debut that propels readers through a dark tangle of lies and secrets. - Copyright 2021 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 05/01/2021 Gr 7 Up—Debut author Davis takes readers on a wild ride in this suspense novel featuring abduction, murder, revenge, and redemption. At age nine, Phoenix left her father's home with his girlfriend, Nina, who she now calls "Mom." Phoenix and Nina have been planning for the day when they will return to Nina's idyllic hometown of Jasper Hollow, OH, to exact revenge on Ellis Bowman, Nina's nemesis. When Phoenix comes to care for many of the people in the Ellis family and becomes romantically involved with Ellis Bowman's daughter, Melody, allegiances are tested. While readers may struggle to understand Phoenix's loyalty to Nina, who took her from a comfortable life to live in a van and steal food, the story's action and pace are compelling. The unfolding relationship between Phoenix and Melody is believable and engaging. Most characters are coded as white. VERDICT Recommended where there is demand for YA suspense.—Carly Wiggins Searcy, formerly at Calcasieu Parish P.L., LA - Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
