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Hollow Earth #1
Hollow Earth
Lots of twins have a special connection - being able to finish each other's sentences; sensing what the other is thinking; perhaps even knowing when the other is in trouble or in pain - but for 12-year-old twins, Matt and Emily Calder, the connection is beyond special. Together, the twins have extraordinary powers. They are able to bring art to life, or enter paintings at will. Their abilities are sought by villains trying to access the terrors of Hollow Earth - a place where all the demons, devils and creatures ever imagined lie trapped for eternity. The twins flee with their mother to the security of an island, off the west coast of Scotland, where their grandfather has certain protective powers of his own. But too much is at stake, and the twins aren't safe there either. The villains will stop at nothing to find Hollow Earth and harness the powers within...
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2012
About the author
John Barrowman
74 books919 followersJohn Barrowman was born in Scotland, and moved to Illinois when he was eight years old. He is bi-dialectal, doing much of his stage and acting work in his American accent, but speaking with family in his Scottish accent.
He moved back to Britain in 1989 when he was hired to play the lead in Anything Goes. He took on a number of West End roles, including the leads in Sunset Boulevard and Miss Saigon and a dramatic play entitled Rope, while working as a children's television presenter and came back to America briefly to work on short lived shows such as Central Park West and Titans. He then bounced around Broadway, West End and the LA Stage for a number of years before moving back to Britain permanently. He won the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the new Doctor Who series and went on to star as Captain Jack in its adult spin-off Torchwood.
John married Scott Gill, his partner of fifteen years, in December 2006.
He moved back to Britain in 1989 when he was hired to play the lead in Anything Goes. He took on a number of West End roles, including the leads in Sunset Boulevard and Miss Saigon and a dramatic play entitled Rope, while working as a children's television presenter and came back to America briefly to work on short lived shows such as Central Park West and Titans. He then bounced around Broadway, West End and the LA Stage for a number of years before moving back to Britain permanently. He won the role of Captain Jack Harkness in the new Doctor Who series and went on to star as Captain Jack in its adult spin-off Torchwood.
John married Scott Gill, his partner of fifteen years, in December 2006.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
February 27, 2012
Usually when a celeb writes a book there is something of a fanfare but if there was a lot of hype running up to the release of this book then I missed it all. I only heard about it through my mother-in-law who mentioned that she has see John Barrowman talking about it in a TV interview. On the very next day we had several pupils ask if we were going to be buying it for the library. Feeling something of a failure I did a little online digging and contacted its publisher, Buster Books, who very kindly sent me a copy to review.
I like John Barrowman. He always comes across as a really nice (if somewhat manic) guy when I watch him interviewed on TV, and I loved his Captain Jack character in Doctor Who and Torchwood (although like many others I was disappointed with Miracle Day). I had high hopes for this book being more than just another celebrity-cashes-in-on-the-children's-book-market as my research showed me that a) it was a product of John's crazy imagination and b) Carole E. Barrowman, the book's co-author has been teaching English and Creative Writing for more than twenty years and is also a journalist. I am happy to report that I was not disappointed - in fact, I read it in a single sitting.
Hollow Earth tells the story of twins Matt and Emily Calder, a pair of children who have an incredible power - they can make art come to life. Through the power of their imaginations, anything they draw will come into being, and they can also enter paintings or make/allow others to enter paintings. They are not the first to possess these abilities - they are the latest in a long history of equally gifted people known as Animare - but they could potentially be the most powerful Animare of all time. The reason for this is that their mother is an Animare, and their long-missing father a Guardian (people tasked with protecting Animare and creating a psychic bond that helps them keep their powers under control). Ancient laws forbid the two from ever having children together, but sometimes ancient laws are broken (i.e. the twins' parents were a little but naughty). Now that the twins are approaching their teens their powers seem to be growing, and of course someone notices, tells someone else, and before we know it the twins and their mother, Sandie, are having to escape from London for the sanctuary of their grandfather's Abbey stronghold, on a small Scottish island.
I gather that some reviewers have started to suggest that this could be the new Harry Potter. It isn't - when will people realise that there will never be another Harry Potter? However, when Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was first published (before all the hype and success) reviewers praised it for being a magical story about good versus evil. And that is exactly what Hollow Earth is. To compare any book using Rowling's series as the yardstick is unfair, and it makes my blood boil when reviewers do this. If Harry Potter had never existed we would be comparing Hollow Earth to the likes of Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising books, or the many books of the late, great Diana Wynne Jones, and I believe it would stand up pretty well in this respect.
One thing that really jumped out at me from the pages of Hollow Earth is just how passionate the Barrowman's are about art. From when we first meet the twins, sitting in the National Gallery in front of Georges Seurat's Bathers at Asnières waiting impatiently for their mother, to quotes by William Blake and a cheeky revelation about Vincent Van Gogh, art is more than just a bystander in this story. The authors' love of art resonates throughout the story, and I would imagine that it will have huge appeal to any young person who shares this fascination with painting and drawing. I also feel that it will encourage many more children to explore the arts for themselves.
This book is not perfect though. I understand that the Barrowman's spent the early parts of their lives living in Scotland (hence the story's setting, I am guessing), but the bulk of their lives have been spent in the USA. Unfortunately this has led to more than a handful of Americanisms appearing in their writing. I'm sorry, but when a story is set in Britain with British characters I personally become something of a snob and prefer 'proper' English. Others may totally disagree with me, including perhaps many of this book's target audience. Secondly, the whole Hollow Earth thing. The title refers to "a place where all the devils, demons and monsters ever imagined lie trapped for eternity". And yet, this 'place' is not as integral a part of the story as I had expected/hoped for. I have managed to track down the interview that John Barrowman did on This Morning, and he explains that this is the first in (hopefully) a trilogy. If this is so then he and his sister have done a perfectly good job of establishing the characters, their back-stories and the concept of the Animare and their Guardians, but in the second instalment I am fully expecting there to be much more about this mythical Hollow Earth 'place'. Please.
As the first in a series, the ending of Hollow Earth leaves us with a number of loose ends. However, it does not leave us dangling with a nasty cliffhanger (thank you Barrowmans), and the story is brought to a satisfying conclusion. I don't think it will be to everyone's taste, but what book is? After all, I know a number of kids and adults who really cannot stand Harry Potter. However, if your 10+ child loves stories full of ancient magic and mystery then it is well worth adding Hollow Earth to their collection.
I like John Barrowman. He always comes across as a really nice (if somewhat manic) guy when I watch him interviewed on TV, and I loved his Captain Jack character in Doctor Who and Torchwood (although like many others I was disappointed with Miracle Day). I had high hopes for this book being more than just another celebrity-cashes-in-on-the-children's-book-market as my research showed me that a) it was a product of John's crazy imagination and b) Carole E. Barrowman, the book's co-author has been teaching English and Creative Writing for more than twenty years and is also a journalist. I am happy to report that I was not disappointed - in fact, I read it in a single sitting.
Hollow Earth tells the story of twins Matt and Emily Calder, a pair of children who have an incredible power - they can make art come to life. Through the power of their imaginations, anything they draw will come into being, and they can also enter paintings or make/allow others to enter paintings. They are not the first to possess these abilities - they are the latest in a long history of equally gifted people known as Animare - but they could potentially be the most powerful Animare of all time. The reason for this is that their mother is an Animare, and their long-missing father a Guardian (people tasked with protecting Animare and creating a psychic bond that helps them keep their powers under control). Ancient laws forbid the two from ever having children together, but sometimes ancient laws are broken (i.e. the twins' parents were a little but naughty). Now that the twins are approaching their teens their powers seem to be growing, and of course someone notices, tells someone else, and before we know it the twins and their mother, Sandie, are having to escape from London for the sanctuary of their grandfather's Abbey stronghold, on a small Scottish island.
I gather that some reviewers have started to suggest that this could be the new Harry Potter. It isn't - when will people realise that there will never be another Harry Potter? However, when Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was first published (before all the hype and success) reviewers praised it for being a magical story about good versus evil. And that is exactly what Hollow Earth is. To compare any book using Rowling's series as the yardstick is unfair, and it makes my blood boil when reviewers do this. If Harry Potter had never existed we would be comparing Hollow Earth to the likes of Susan Cooper's The Dark Is Rising books, or the many books of the late, great Diana Wynne Jones, and I believe it would stand up pretty well in this respect.
One thing that really jumped out at me from the pages of Hollow Earth is just how passionate the Barrowman's are about art. From when we first meet the twins, sitting in the National Gallery in front of Georges Seurat's Bathers at Asnières waiting impatiently for their mother, to quotes by William Blake and a cheeky revelation about Vincent Van Gogh, art is more than just a bystander in this story. The authors' love of art resonates throughout the story, and I would imagine that it will have huge appeal to any young person who shares this fascination with painting and drawing. I also feel that it will encourage many more children to explore the arts for themselves.
This book is not perfect though. I understand that the Barrowman's spent the early parts of their lives living in Scotland (hence the story's setting, I am guessing), but the bulk of their lives have been spent in the USA. Unfortunately this has led to more than a handful of Americanisms appearing in their writing. I'm sorry, but when a story is set in Britain with British characters I personally become something of a snob and prefer 'proper' English. Others may totally disagree with me, including perhaps many of this book's target audience. Secondly, the whole Hollow Earth thing. The title refers to "a place where all the devils, demons and monsters ever imagined lie trapped for eternity". And yet, this 'place' is not as integral a part of the story as I had expected/hoped for. I have managed to track down the interview that John Barrowman did on This Morning, and he explains that this is the first in (hopefully) a trilogy. If this is so then he and his sister have done a perfectly good job of establishing the characters, their back-stories and the concept of the Animare and their Guardians, but in the second instalment I am fully expecting there to be much more about this mythical Hollow Earth 'place'. Please.
As the first in a series, the ending of Hollow Earth leaves us with a number of loose ends. However, it does not leave us dangling with a nasty cliffhanger (thank you Barrowmans), and the story is brought to a satisfying conclusion. I don't think it will be to everyone's taste, but what book is? After all, I know a number of kids and adults who really cannot stand Harry Potter. However, if your 10+ child loves stories full of ancient magic and mystery then it is well worth adding Hollow Earth to their collection.
March 5, 2013
I first found John Barrowman through Doctor Who. He played the sexy, omni-sexual Captain Jack. I watched him through his appearances in that show and the spin-off show, Torchwood. I started looking up things about him online. And, recently, I picked up his first autobiography, Anything Goes. Reading it made me realize even more what a talented, funny and great man he was. And as I was looking for more things by or about him, I found that he and his sister, Carole, had written a YA Fantasy book. For all that I'd seen his creativity in his acting and on the stage, I was curious if he'd have the same amount of creativity in a fantasy novel. And the answer was "yes".
Hollow Earth is the story of a pair of twins with a very special gift - the ability to make their art come to life. The are what is known as Animare - a group of superbly talented artists going back centuries at least with this ability. But when, at the start of the book, they are rushed out of London by their mother to their grandfather's home in Scotland, they've start to realize that there's a whole lot more happening than they could have ever expected. Everyone wants them - and they need to find out why before it's too late.
A majority of the story takes place in modern day, with occasional flashbacks to the middle ages and another boy who apprenticed under a monk with these same abilities. At first, it's an interesting look into the past but, beyond them both involving Animare, it didn't seem to have much to do with the story in the present. By the end of the book, however, it became necessary for the plot in the present. I am curious, however, if we'll see more of Solon (the character from the past) in the future books.
I enjoyed watching Emily and Matt (the twins) power grow as they progressed through the story. I could relate to their frustrations knowing that adults around them refused to trust them with what was happening around them. I couldn't blame them some of the risks they were taking with their power. I also really liked the bond that was growing between Emily and Zach, the son of an old friend of their parents. Zach is training to become a Guardian - one who bonds with an Animare to help keep them safe from the world and the world safe from them (since the powers can get pretty dangerous). I also thought it very believable that both the kids and the adults thought they were getting one over on the other generation, only to be partially successful.
There were some times when I felt that the characters weren't quite as deep as I would have liked. Matt, in particular, had a lot of moments where he seemed only like an angry young boy. But by the end of the book, even that was smoothed out some and we were able to see more of who he was.
In closing, while this wasn't the best book that I've read this year, it was a very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the saga, The Bone Quill, due out in February. Because the Barrowmans did an excellent job in tying up the immediate loose ends while leaving more than enough questions to pull you in for the next ride.
Hollow Earth is the story of a pair of twins with a very special gift - the ability to make their art come to life. The are what is known as Animare - a group of superbly talented artists going back centuries at least with this ability. But when, at the start of the book, they are rushed out of London by their mother to their grandfather's home in Scotland, they've start to realize that there's a whole lot more happening than they could have ever expected. Everyone wants them - and they need to find out why before it's too late.
A majority of the story takes place in modern day, with occasional flashbacks to the middle ages and another boy who apprenticed under a monk with these same abilities. At first, it's an interesting look into the past but, beyond them both involving Animare, it didn't seem to have much to do with the story in the present. By the end of the book, however, it became necessary for the plot in the present. I am curious, however, if we'll see more of Solon (the character from the past) in the future books.
I enjoyed watching Emily and Matt (the twins) power grow as they progressed through the story. I could relate to their frustrations knowing that adults around them refused to trust them with what was happening around them. I couldn't blame them some of the risks they were taking with their power. I also really liked the bond that was growing between Emily and Zach, the son of an old friend of their parents. Zach is training to become a Guardian - one who bonds with an Animare to help keep them safe from the world and the world safe from them (since the powers can get pretty dangerous). I also thought it very believable that both the kids and the adults thought they were getting one over on the other generation, only to be partially successful.
There were some times when I felt that the characters weren't quite as deep as I would have liked. Matt, in particular, had a lot of moments where he seemed only like an angry young boy. But by the end of the book, even that was smoothed out some and we were able to see more of who he was.
In closing, while this wasn't the best book that I've read this year, it was a very enjoyable read. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the saga, The Bone Quill, due out in February. Because the Barrowmans did an excellent job in tying up the immediate loose ends while leaving more than enough questions to pull you in for the next ride.
January 28, 2014
This book was a train wreck!! There could have been an interesting story or idea hidden under all the poor execution...but it was so badly written that I couldn't tell. Point of view shifted between characters in the SAME paragraph...so confusing! I could hardly ever tell when a certain character was speaking or thinking. There was a lot of telepathy going on, and most of the time, no indication as to who was doing the talking. I'm not sure what the point of having a deaf character was, because it seemed completely unrealistic having the twins learn perfect sign language within a few days and from then on, with that and telepathy, there were no communication issues. I didn't feel like I got to know any character and I certainly didn't care about any of them. Really, really weird book...in great need of an editor. The world-building was pretty much non-existent and I couldn't figure out how a supposed ability to "animate" drawings on paper suddenly manifested with fears or dreams or imagination. Why would they even bother with paper if all they have to do is imagine or be afraid of something?? This "world" really needed some rules set down in stone and then followed. SO confusing.
May 19, 2012
I loved this book. I admit to purchasing it because it had John Barrowman's name on the cover, but as soon as I started reading I was entranced by this book. It's a great read. I've read some of the other reviews saying it's the next Harry Potter... but I don't think there will be another Harry Potter. This instead is a great start to a new trilogy, and reminded me more of Under The Mountain by Maurice Gee than HP.
I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down, and now that I've finished it I don't want to let it go, and wish there was more to read.
It's got everything, excitement, magic, fantasy, it's written so that boys and girls will read it. The setting is special, the characters are special.
I can't work out whether this is a totally mutually written book between Carole and John, or whether ideas are from one and writing from the other, but it's a partnership that really works.
This book does what all good books should do - it is a great story which kids should want to read. Best of all, it's a movie begging to be made.
I can't wait for the second book in the trilogy.
I highly recommend this book for children, but also for anyone who loves a good fantasy story.
I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down, and now that I've finished it I don't want to let it go, and wish there was more to read.
It's got everything, excitement, magic, fantasy, it's written so that boys and girls will read it. The setting is special, the characters are special.
I can't work out whether this is a totally mutually written book between Carole and John, or whether ideas are from one and writing from the other, but it's a partnership that really works.
This book does what all good books should do - it is a great story which kids should want to read. Best of all, it's a movie begging to be made.
I can't wait for the second book in the trilogy.
I highly recommend this book for children, but also for anyone who loves a good fantasy story.
March 18, 2012
I don't normally read YA fiction, but I'm a big fan of John Barrowman and when I saw John and his sister, Carole discussing their new book Hollow Earth on TV Book Club on More4 Channel in UK, I was intrigued and wanted to give it a try.
Hollow Earth is a story about two impressively gifted children, twins, Matt and Emily Calder, they are Animares, people that can draw art which then comes to life. They can jump into their own artwork and bring creatures or objects they have drawn alive. Along with their mother, Sandie they find themselves in a terrifying position of being chased by an evil group of people intent on using the twins power to access Hollow Earth, a fabled place mentioned in antiquity where all of the devils, demons and evil beings lay trapped.
A fantastic book, fast paced and enjoyable for both children and adults alike. The ending is dramatic and easily sets up for a sequel.
Hollow Earth is a story about two impressively gifted children, twins, Matt and Emily Calder, they are Animares, people that can draw art which then comes to life. They can jump into their own artwork and bring creatures or objects they have drawn alive. Along with their mother, Sandie they find themselves in a terrifying position of being chased by an evil group of people intent on using the twins power to access Hollow Earth, a fabled place mentioned in antiquity where all of the devils, demons and evil beings lay trapped.
A fantastic book, fast paced and enjoyable for both children and adults alike. The ending is dramatic and easily sets up for a sequel.
May 12, 2020
Imagine if your drawings and doodles became animated and flitted, stomped, flew, and otherwise moved around the room. That is a talent that the Calder twins, Em and Matt, have in abundance. In fact, they are the most powerful Animares in history. They are also abominations because their mother is an Animare while their father was a Guardian. it was totally against the rules for them to have children. Now they are on the run from sinister forces who want to use their powers to open Hollow Earth and loose the monsters and demons. This was a good read for an afternoon with nasty characters who are nasty and good characters who are good. I especially liked Zach.
January 21, 2024
Ein sicherlich spannendes Buch, aber für die Zielgruppe ab acht über weite Strecken zu grausames Buch mit so abgedroschenen Rollenklischees, wie ich sie seit Jahrzehnten nicht mehr erlebt habe. Das Mädchen immerzu vernünftig und ängstlich, der Zwillingsbruder ideenreich und mutig - da hätte ich einfach mehr erwartet.
Meine ausführliche Rezension befindet sich auf Bibliophilis.de
Meine ausführliche Rezension befindet sich auf Bibliophilis.de
April 24, 2012
A good forty or more years ago we visited Great Cumbrae for the first and so far only time. It was winter, the New Year in fact, we were entirely inappropriately dressed (loons, for heaven’s sake!), we had meant to take the ferry to Arran but had come to the wrong port, and we were young and inexperienced. There was nothing to do but walk round the island (it kept us warm, at least!) and catch the ferry back to Largs, so that’s what we did. So it was a bit of a shock recently to pick up the Barrowmans’ book Hollow Earth and discover that the island of Auchinmurn in the story was recognisably Great Cumbrae by another name (called after their Scottish grandmother, we are told). True, some of the geography was changed, even the orientation, but John Barrowman, who was born in Glasgow, and his older sister Carole Emily will both have had strong childhood memories of the island (no doubt from those same early seventies) and will have tried to infuse that excitement into the writing of Hollow Earth.
To a large extent I was impressed by this tale of twins, Matt and Emily, who have genetically acquired the abilities to not only communicate to each other telepathically but also to animate images, both ones they have sketched and then increasingly those merely envisioned. Together with their new deaf friend Zach they fight to understand and counteract the power struggles that the adults round them are waging in order to further dangerous and mysterious ends. The action, which begins in London, moves swiftly to the two small islands in the Firth of Clyde, and after a rather confusing start we are pitched into a sequence of nightmarish events. There is a resolution, of sorts, but there are also many loose threads which you sense will be followed in subsequent volumes.
I’ve seen mentioned the inevitable comparisons with the Harry Potter books, and of course there is magic, a trio of close-knit youngsters, an avuncular Dumbledore figure and shadowy figures who mean harm. But a much closer parallel will be with the Famous Five books of Enid Blyton, acknowledged as among the Barrowmans’ favourite childhood reading: all that messing around in boats, secret passages, old houses, mysterious adults and island adventures. Another aspect of the Famous Five books that seems to have also leached into the events of Hollow Earth is the youngsters’ relative freedom to do what they choose and go where they please, a feature of British life in the fifties but less common in these days when concern over ‘stranger danger’ looms larger. Despite the obvious perils that emanate from both the natural and the supernatural worlds, the adults responsible for the trio seem increasingly irresponsible and on occasions inexplicably unconcerned about their safety which, as a reader, I found alarming and unconvincing.
At the inconclusive conclusion of the book a surprisingly large number of adults have been badly injured or have disappeared, so it is clear that a sequel or sequels are planned; in fact, the Hollow Earth of the title is only alluded to a few times during the course of the story, and we are left expecting to hear more in due course. I’ll probably read any follow-up for the sake of completeness though not with as much enthusiasm as I started this; the narrative was exciting enough but I was not over-impressed by character motivation. Still, there was a lot of background detail to get one’s teeth into, especially the references to art history and art works (the related website for this book is particularly informative), and one has to admire the sheer inventiveness that melds together the authors’ invention. What with their backgrounds (John Barrowman from Doctor Who and Torchwood and Carole as an English professor) that’s only to be expected of course!
To a large extent I was impressed by this tale of twins, Matt and Emily, who have genetically acquired the abilities to not only communicate to each other telepathically but also to animate images, both ones they have sketched and then increasingly those merely envisioned. Together with their new deaf friend Zach they fight to understand and counteract the power struggles that the adults round them are waging in order to further dangerous and mysterious ends. The action, which begins in London, moves swiftly to the two small islands in the Firth of Clyde, and after a rather confusing start we are pitched into a sequence of nightmarish events. There is a resolution, of sorts, but there are also many loose threads which you sense will be followed in subsequent volumes.
I’ve seen mentioned the inevitable comparisons with the Harry Potter books, and of course there is magic, a trio of close-knit youngsters, an avuncular Dumbledore figure and shadowy figures who mean harm. But a much closer parallel will be with the Famous Five books of Enid Blyton, acknowledged as among the Barrowmans’ favourite childhood reading: all that messing around in boats, secret passages, old houses, mysterious adults and island adventures. Another aspect of the Famous Five books that seems to have also leached into the events of Hollow Earth is the youngsters’ relative freedom to do what they choose and go where they please, a feature of British life in the fifties but less common in these days when concern over ‘stranger danger’ looms larger. Despite the obvious perils that emanate from both the natural and the supernatural worlds, the adults responsible for the trio seem increasingly irresponsible and on occasions inexplicably unconcerned about their safety which, as a reader, I found alarming and unconvincing.
At the inconclusive conclusion of the book a surprisingly large number of adults have been badly injured or have disappeared, so it is clear that a sequel or sequels are planned; in fact, the Hollow Earth of the title is only alluded to a few times during the course of the story, and we are left expecting to hear more in due course. I’ll probably read any follow-up for the sake of completeness though not with as much enthusiasm as I started this; the narrative was exciting enough but I was not over-impressed by character motivation. Still, there was a lot of background detail to get one’s teeth into, especially the references to art history and art works (the related website for this book is particularly informative), and one has to admire the sheer inventiveness that melds together the authors’ invention. What with their backgrounds (John Barrowman from Doctor Who and Torchwood and Carole as an English professor) that’s only to be expected of course!
September 3, 2016
Twins Matt and Emily have very unusual abilities - anything that they draw they can bring to life and they can step into a painting or picture and visit another world for an adventure. Although their abilities are fun to use they are also rare and highly sought after by people who want to use them to do harm. The twins are only just learning about the danger they are in and why their mother has always tried to keep their powers secret. Forced to go into hiding they go to stay with their grandfather on a remote island off the coast of Scotland, there they will learn more about their heritage and find out about Hollow Earth.
As a massive fan of John Barrowman as soon as I discovered he had written a YA book with his sister Carole I knew I wanted to read it. I was intrigued by the synopsis and looking forward to reading about characters with such unusual abilities. I'm not sure why I thought that the story was going to be aimed at older teens but it is actually meant for the younger end of the market. The main characters are 12 and I think the story is fantastic for children around that age or younger but as an adult I didn't find it as captivating as I'd hoped to. Although it was an enjoyable story it didn't wow me as much as I hoped it would.
Having said that I really enjoyed finding out about Matt and Emily's abilities. When the twins get in trouble after jumping into a painting at an art gallery I couldn't help but picture the scenes in Mary Poppins where they end up inside the chalk drawings and it brought a smile to my face. I liked the fact that the twins were so close and looked out for each other and I also enjoyed finding out about their family and the history of the Animare. I felt like I wanted more though, we don't really find out much about Hollow Earth which surprised me considering the title of the book. I have heard that this is the first book in a planned trilogy (although I couldn't find official confirmation of that) so hopefully that explains why I was left with so many questions.
Hollow Earth is a great adventure story for younger readers and I can see it becoming a popular bedtime story but it might not have enough to capture the attention of older readers. If you have a particular interest in art or enjoy reading younger YA fiction then you'll probably love it too. I am curious to find out what happens to Emily and Matt in the next book but I'm not sure if I enjoyed this one enough to continue reading the series.
As a massive fan of John Barrowman as soon as I discovered he had written a YA book with his sister Carole I knew I wanted to read it. I was intrigued by the synopsis and looking forward to reading about characters with such unusual abilities. I'm not sure why I thought that the story was going to be aimed at older teens but it is actually meant for the younger end of the market. The main characters are 12 and I think the story is fantastic for children around that age or younger but as an adult I didn't find it as captivating as I'd hoped to. Although it was an enjoyable story it didn't wow me as much as I hoped it would.
Having said that I really enjoyed finding out about Matt and Emily's abilities. When the twins get in trouble after jumping into a painting at an art gallery I couldn't help but picture the scenes in Mary Poppins where they end up inside the chalk drawings and it brought a smile to my face. I liked the fact that the twins were so close and looked out for each other and I also enjoyed finding out about their family and the history of the Animare. I felt like I wanted more though, we don't really find out much about Hollow Earth which surprised me considering the title of the book. I have heard that this is the first book in a planned trilogy (although I couldn't find official confirmation of that) so hopefully that explains why I was left with so many questions.
Hollow Earth is a great adventure story for younger readers and I can see it becoming a popular bedtime story but it might not have enough to capture the attention of older readers. If you have a particular interest in art or enjoy reading younger YA fiction then you'll probably love it too. I am curious to find out what happens to Emily and Matt in the next book but I'm not sure if I enjoyed this one enough to continue reading the series.
April 18, 2016
I've managed to get through 50 pages of this, so take this review with a grain of salt.
There's a few things here that really bothered me. For one, it's written more like a collection of scenes than a novel - generally, if your chapters are a few pages at most (especially if a lot of them are one or two pages long), you're kind of missing a lot of what makes a novel a novel. Mainly, something that makes me like the characters, or care about what's happening, or even UNDERSTAND what is happening. Up to this point, the book is very much trying to make me care by not telling me anything about, well, anything. There's evil people turning up. Oooh, some more evil people over there. And now we've got to run! OR maybe hide! Or do something! Why should I care, when I have no idea what's happening? It felt a lot like a tv episode in a way, where you're meant to be so impressed by the special effects you don't ever stop to ask 'why?'
On top of that, character actions were... weird. Twelve year olds aren't generally idiots. Why would they act the way they do and use abilities no-one else has in a public space with video cameras and the like? And why do parents never ever tell their children vital information, like 'by the way you have powers and there's people who will try to kidnap you so maybe be careful'?
And then we have the actual writing, that jumps wildly between different focalizations. And things like this 'The liquid (coffee) splashed across the desk like dark tears'. End of chapter.
Meh.
There's a few things here that really bothered me. For one, it's written more like a collection of scenes than a novel - generally, if your chapters are a few pages at most (especially if a lot of them are one or two pages long), you're kind of missing a lot of what makes a novel a novel. Mainly, something that makes me like the characters, or care about what's happening, or even UNDERSTAND what is happening. Up to this point, the book is very much trying to make me care by not telling me anything about, well, anything. There's evil people turning up. Oooh, some more evil people over there. And now we've got to run! OR maybe hide! Or do something! Why should I care, when I have no idea what's happening? It felt a lot like a tv episode in a way, where you're meant to be so impressed by the special effects you don't ever stop to ask 'why?'
On top of that, character actions were... weird. Twelve year olds aren't generally idiots. Why would they act the way they do and use abilities no-one else has in a public space with video cameras and the like? And why do parents never ever tell their children vital information, like 'by the way you have powers and there's people who will try to kidnap you so maybe be careful'?
And then we have the actual writing, that jumps wildly between different focalizations. And things like this 'The liquid (coffee) splashed across the desk like dark tears'. End of chapter.
Meh.
February 29, 2016
I was pleasantly surprised when reading Hollow Earth. Even though the book is geared towards young adults, I found it to be both unique and entertaining. I had not picked up many Sci-fi or Fantasy novels prior to reading this one for lack of interest in the unknown. However, once I was past the first few chapters I was hooked! I became genuinely interested in the plot and the imaginary world of Hollow Earth. The relationship between the twins, Matt and Em, is fascinating and heartwarming. Their animations and ability to telepathically communicate drive the novel forward at a rapid pace. It is difficult to put the book down when reading the exquisite imagery and exceptional use of language. The reader's imagination is ignited instantaneously when the twins animations come to life. What I also found particularly intriguing was the use of a deaf character who uses sign language to communicate. It is not often there are characters of this nature and it was refreshing to read about sign language versus just speaking as a way of understanding one another. Overall, while the novel seems to be inspired by the elements of fantasy, the characters are extremely relatable and their relationships with each other, despite communicating telepathically, are undoubtedly realistic. It is remarkable how much I empathized with each one of them. Definitely pick this novel up if you are searching for an entertaining read!
June 11, 2013
So are Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone knock-off's their own gengre at this point? Pre-teen kids with amazing powers whisked-off from thier homes to amazing castles where wise old men teach them of their powers and inform them of their dangerous family history!
From a technical standpoint I have issues with this book. The writing just cannot seem to settle on a POV. Some pulpy tropes are tossed-out so quickly that you end up assuming the details (of course, if Zach can hear Em in his head, then they will be boud as Guardian and Animare forever - it'll be true love! at age twelve, ech!). The world-building in particular seems under-baked. It seems Anime are essentially Green Lanterns with sketch pads. Ask DC comics how easy it is to keep powers like that in a reasonable storyline.
But I think I'm most annoyed at the title. There already is a massive (and crazy) mythology of the Hollow Earth that leads to mercury-powered spaceships and Antarctic Space-Nazis! And this book is going to swipe that name and say its some kind of artistic demon purgatory imagined by a crazy Scotsman? No, I don't think so.
From a technical standpoint I have issues with this book. The writing just cannot seem to settle on a POV. Some pulpy tropes are tossed-out so quickly that you end up assuming the details (of course, if Zach can hear Em in his head, then they will be boud as Guardian and Animare forever - it'll be true love! at age twelve, ech!). The world-building in particular seems under-baked. It seems Anime are essentially Green Lanterns with sketch pads. Ask DC comics how easy it is to keep powers like that in a reasonable storyline.
But I think I'm most annoyed at the title. There already is a massive (and crazy) mythology of the Hollow Earth that leads to mercury-powered spaceships and Antarctic Space-Nazis! And this book is going to swipe that name and say its some kind of artistic demon purgatory imagined by a crazy Scotsman? No, I don't think so.
March 18, 2012
What a fun read. This book is aimed at 8-13 year olds, but I can say without shame that this 40+ loved it and not just because of John and Carole. A clever story, fun characters, interesting and fast-paced plot. Bad guys, good guys who are bad guys, bad guys who are good guys, etc. etc. What more does one need? For those who know John and Carole's world (real world)there are a ton of "Easter Eggs" hidden all over the story. I laughed out loud a the line "You're not my Mother!" If that is a head-scratcher for you, read "Anything Goes" by John and Carole Barrowman...all will be explained. Hollow Earth is totally for children, no language warnings or awkward bedroom encounters. (Anything Goes is NOT for young childre, but it is a jolly fun read anyway!)
The story wraps up, but I see room for more. Bring 'em on, Carole and John. Hop in your car and drive from Cardiff to Glasgow this time!
The story wraps up, but I see room for more. Bring 'em on, Carole and John. Hop in your car and drive from Cardiff to Glasgow this time!
April 2, 2012
John Barrowman is good at pretty much everything and I doubted he could write a decent children's novel, even with his sister's help. Apparently he can. The story is about twins Em and Matt who are animare and have the power to animate things they draw in real life. They're not the only ones though and there's lots of secret plots and you're not really sure who's good and who's bad.
It's a great universe they've created and the characters are hugely likeable. Occasionally the language is a little awkward and the kids say things that very few kids would ever say. But they are minor quibbles in a book which is otherwise very well written and very gripping. Pleasantly surprised by this one and can easily see a sequel coming at some point in the future.
It's a great universe they've created and the characters are hugely likeable. Occasionally the language is a little awkward and the kids say things that very few kids would ever say. But they are minor quibbles in a book which is otherwise very well written and very gripping. Pleasantly surprised by this one and can easily see a sequel coming at some point in the future.
Shelved as '_dnf'
September 9, 2018Unfortunately, this one isn't for me. I can see how a bunch of 10-13 year olds would enjoy this. As much as I adore John and his sister, the writing just isn't as good as I thought it would be and the story is kind of cringe. I know they're writing a story for child but it's trying too hard to sound like children and honestly, every time an "adult" character explains anything, it's like they're dumbing things down instead of taking into consideration that children aren't stupid.
November 9, 2012
This is the kind of book I would have adored when I was 12. As an adult, I still found it well-written and enjoyable. It was creative enough to hold my attention, and I love the London and isles off of Scotland settings. The best part is that it really treats creativity and the arts with love and affection.
September 26, 2016
I have no idea how much of the input for this book from John (Captain Jack) Barrowman, and how much from his sister Carole, who was already a published author. Still, there are some interesting ideas, with some very cool possibilities for artists, and it was an enjoyable read, even if the kids acted like idiots at times.
April 4, 2016
One thing I hate more than a book ending in a cliffhanger is when I don't have the next book in a series yet and have to wait so long until I can get it. Unfortunately, I can't find a copy of book 2 anywhere (This book didn't end in a cliffhanger, btw. It just felt like one to me. Haha.)
September 6, 2020
Cute story and unique concept. Writing could have been a little tighter for middle grade I think.
March 24, 2019
I quite enjoyed the book. Read other works by this author/actor. Hollow Earth begins with some "choppy" scene transitions. The story telling is quite good. As the the book progresses the transitions smooth out and plot-lines interweave making it a riveting read by the culmination and pulling the readers into the next iteration. Worth your time. (Former YA librarian).
May 3, 2018
Really really enjoyed this. It had so many good plot elements that I enjoy, such as psychic twins and drawings that come alive. I'm hoping (assuming) that there will be more to come as there are questions left unanswered. I just love the idea of them drawing their imaginations to life - what a brilliant super-ability to have! I thought the part where she had no paper or pen and so drew on his imagination directly using her own imagination was a great idea! There's lots of family secrets to be revealed and mysteries to be solved by the children - the story is a hybrid of Harry Potter and the Famous Five.
I have a few small criticisms - the book is supposed to be set in Britain but the writing is a tiny bit American sometimes. I know the authors are American but I wasn't particularly looking out for Americanisms - they jumped out at me. I know a lot of UK children are talking more and more 'American' so perhaps it doesn't matter.
Secondly, the deaf character seemed a bit rushed. I can see how it was necessary that he was deaf so that he could lip-read some people, but I felt that the issue of deafness could have been better researched. The twins were able to fluently use sign language in a very short period of time, for example, and British Sign Language is a very complex language. Also, I noticed that at one point the deaf boy was signing something to the twins when they weren't looking at him (they were concentrating hard on drawing). I wondered if John & Carole added his deafness as an afterthought.
Thirdly - I could easily have read more! :)
August 2013: I re-read this book to prepare for the 2nd book. Still a great read, but yes that fast-learned fluent signing still niggles me!
I have a few small criticisms - the book is supposed to be set in Britain but the writing is a tiny bit American sometimes. I know the authors are American but I wasn't particularly looking out for Americanisms - they jumped out at me. I know a lot of UK children are talking more and more 'American' so perhaps it doesn't matter.
Secondly, the deaf character seemed a bit rushed. I can see how it was necessary that he was deaf so that he could lip-read some people, but I felt that the issue of deafness could have been better researched. The twins were able to fluently use sign language in a very short period of time, for example, and British Sign Language is a very complex language. Also, I noticed that at one point the deaf boy was signing something to the twins when they weren't looking at him (they were concentrating hard on drawing). I wondered if John & Carole added his deafness as an afterthought.
Thirdly - I could easily have read more! :)
August 2013: I re-read this book to prepare for the 2nd book. Still a great read, but yes that fast-learned fluent signing still niggles me!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2013
I picked up Hollow Earth because I loved the cover. Upon closer inspection, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it features twins... to be more exact, magic wielding twins who can manipulate artwork. I wasn't aware until after I'd read the novel (and absolutely adored it) that the half of the brother-sister author duo, John Barrowman, is well-known among Dr. Who and Torchwood fans from his role as Captain Jack Harkness. The remaining half of this writing team, Carole E. Barrowman, may also be familiar, as she has authored five other book with John before Hollow Earth.
This book reminded me, in a very good way, of Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds. Both books focus on creativity and art as a means to combat dark forces and feature twins. Though the two books do have these themes in common, the execution and characters in Hollow Earth are unique... I never felt myself confusing details or characters and I wasn't left with the impression that I'd read the story before.
Hollow Earth is nearly 400 pages long, but is an extremely quick read. The action was non-stop and the details and explanations about the magical gift the twins share never bogged down the pace of the novel.
The title of the novel refers to the place where the dark, evil creatures of the world are banished, a place that few can access. Among those that have the ability to open Hollow Earth are, of course, the twins, making them a target for those who would use their power for their own nefarious gain. The stakes are high for Matt and Emily Calder: they must learn how to control and use their powers for good before they're forced to use them for evil.
I highly recommend Hollow Earth to both MG and YA readers. It's a quick, satisfying read that left me anxious for book two, Bone Quill.
This book reminded me, in a very good way, of Lisa McMann's The Unwanteds. Both books focus on creativity and art as a means to combat dark forces and feature twins. Though the two books do have these themes in common, the execution and characters in Hollow Earth are unique... I never felt myself confusing details or characters and I wasn't left with the impression that I'd read the story before.
Hollow Earth is nearly 400 pages long, but is an extremely quick read. The action was non-stop and the details and explanations about the magical gift the twins share never bogged down the pace of the novel.
The title of the novel refers to the place where the dark, evil creatures of the world are banished, a place that few can access. Among those that have the ability to open Hollow Earth are, of course, the twins, making them a target for those who would use their power for their own nefarious gain. The stakes are high for Matt and Emily Calder: they must learn how to control and use their powers for good before they're forced to use them for evil.
I highly recommend Hollow Earth to both MG and YA readers. It's a quick, satisfying read that left me anxious for book two, Bone Quill.
March 17, 2019
[2.5 stars]
It started it out with a fun idea: Twins being able to animate things into life while drawing them. I especially liked how remnants of Em's imagination floated around her in her dreams or manifested when she became scared. Unfortunately, the story couldn't hold my attention throughout and I got bored by the halfway point. The idea of the Hollow Earth was promising but not really explored (this will probably happen in the sequels).
I think what bothered me a lot was how patriarchal it ended up being. The majority of characters is male and they are also the ones who are in power (which is displayed most dubiously in the Guardian-Animare relationship in which the (male) Guardians are supposed to guide and control the Animare). There are about 4 female characters: the twin's mother (disappears halfway through the story), the housekeeper (who has no powers and always provides food), Mara (who kind of turns out to be gullible and powerless too, even though she had potential), and Em, one of the twins, who always acts emotionally (in opposition to her brother's rational demeanor) and is constantly saved by her brother. I don't think the authors intended to send a specific message through this, but I also don't think they paid enough to attention to the power structures they were creating.
One last thing I'd like to mention is that there is a deaf character, a friend of the twins, and while I appreciate the diversity I'm not sure it was handled all that well. His deafness never really impacts any situation, he reads lips perfectly and every character either knows sign language or picks up on it quickly. I don't think his deafness should be represented as a disadvantage but I also don't think it was portrayed realistically.
It started it out with a fun idea: Twins being able to animate things into life while drawing them. I especially liked how remnants of Em's imagination floated around her in her dreams or manifested when she became scared. Unfortunately, the story couldn't hold my attention throughout and I got bored by the halfway point. The idea of the Hollow Earth was promising but not really explored (this will probably happen in the sequels).
I think what bothered me a lot was how patriarchal it ended up being. The majority of characters is male and they are also the ones who are in power (which is displayed most dubiously in the Guardian-Animare relationship in which the (male) Guardians are supposed to guide and control the Animare). There are about 4 female characters: the twin's mother (disappears halfway through the story), the housekeeper (who has no powers and always provides food), Mara (who kind of turns out to be gullible and powerless too, even though she had potential), and Em, one of the twins, who always acts emotionally (in opposition to her brother's rational demeanor) and is constantly saved by her brother. I don't think the authors intended to send a specific message through this, but I also don't think they paid enough to attention to the power structures they were creating.
One last thing I'd like to mention is that there is a deaf character, a friend of the twins, and while I appreciate the diversity I'm not sure it was handled all that well. His deafness never really impacts any situation, he reads lips perfectly and every character either knows sign language or picks up on it quickly. I don't think his deafness should be represented as a disadvantage but I also don't think it was portrayed realistically.
September 23, 2018
During the first 3 parts of the book, I was considering one star, after the fourth part I decided on 2. It was rather boring and the writing style is so simplistic that it felt as if a 10-year-old was the author. (Example: "Renard, Simon, and Sandie rushed into the kitchen. Zach and Em came running too.") The idea is great but the execution is just bad.
Also there are things in the book that make no sense and some proofreading might have helped... I didn't know John Barrowman before so I guess I might not be the right audience. I know that fans of celerities are willing to pay even for shopping lists and I'm sure that some would give 5 stars even to those...
Here are some of the nonsensical sentences:
"Even better, his singing wasn't bothering Em and Zach in the slightest." - well, Zach is deaf so I don't see how anyone's singing could bother him.
"Draw something!" Zach shoved the sketch pad into Matt's hands... - Zach can only sign, he doesn't speak. How can he sign with a sketch pad in his hands?
"Yeah, eventually," signed Zach, tossing each of them their raincoats... - again, how can Zach sign and toss something at the same time?
"We're losing him," signed Zach, watching the stranger receiding through the binoculars. - if he was holding the binoculars to his eyes, how could he be signing at the same time???
And there were other sentences like this. Plus he also signed in complete darkness (He and Matt almost killed themselves stumbling over something in the dark, yet Zach signed and Matt saw him do it???), could read lips from ridiculous distances etc.
So I am going to avoid the next story in the series.
Also there are things in the book that make no sense and some proofreading might have helped... I didn't know John Barrowman before so I guess I might not be the right audience. I know that fans of celerities are willing to pay even for shopping lists and I'm sure that some would give 5 stars even to those...
Here are some of the nonsensical sentences:
"Even better, his singing wasn't bothering Em and Zach in the slightest." - well, Zach is deaf so I don't see how anyone's singing could bother him.
"Draw something!" Zach shoved the sketch pad into Matt's hands... - Zach can only sign, he doesn't speak. How can he sign with a sketch pad in his hands?
"Yeah, eventually," signed Zach, tossing each of them their raincoats... - again, how can Zach sign and toss something at the same time?
"We're losing him," signed Zach, watching the stranger receiding through the binoculars. - if he was holding the binoculars to his eyes, how could he be signing at the same time???
And there were other sentences like this. Plus he also signed in complete darkness (He and Matt almost killed themselves stumbling over something in the dark, yet Zach signed and Matt saw him do it???), could read lips from ridiculous distances etc.
So I am going to avoid the next story in the series.
December 4, 2013
We read mistakenly read the second book in this series first, which was very confusing. It was great to read this first book and fill in all the gaps. Logan really liked the adventure of it all and the close bond between the twins and their friend Zach. The premise of these books is that there are some people in the world (including such artists as Van Gogh, and the illuminators of the middle ages) who can bring to life, or animate, things they draw. These people are called animare. Because of their powers, which put them in danger of others forcing them to use their skills for evil ends, they have to follow rules about not animating in public and not giving away their skills. Each animare also has a guardian, who has special skills to telepathically communicate with and feel the emotions of their charge, as well as the ability to calm a frantic or mentally ill animare.
There are some pretty scary characters in the story, monsters animated from paintings, and I skipped over some of the more graphic descriptions of them. If they made this into a movie, there's no way Logan could watch it. One is a demon baby from a fictitious painting the authors call, "Witch with Changeling Child." They based it on the horrible little witch and demon baby in the bottom right corner of Henry Fuseli’s "Titania and Bottom." The other is a reptilian demon based on William Blake's "The Ghost of a Flea." One thing I like about this series is that it causes us to look up paintings. Here is a web site that lists some of the paintings referenced in both books: http://archive.is/Ql5Y
There are some pretty scary characters in the story, monsters animated from paintings, and I skipped over some of the more graphic descriptions of them. If they made this into a movie, there's no way Logan could watch it. One is a demon baby from a fictitious painting the authors call, "Witch with Changeling Child." They based it on the horrible little witch and demon baby in the bottom right corner of Henry Fuseli’s "Titania and Bottom." The other is a reptilian demon based on William Blake's "The Ghost of a Flea." One thing I like about this series is that it causes us to look up paintings. Here is a web site that lists some of the paintings referenced in both books: http://archive.is/Ql5Y
Read
January 22, 20133 stars.
I wanted to like this so much more than I ended up liking it, but there were several issues that plagued the book.
I would like to talk about the concept first, and the fact that it was really interesting.
Em and Matt are twins, and they have special powers. They can make things come to life when they draw them, using the power of their imaginations. They can even go in and out of paintings. The Animare (or people who can animate paintings) are helped by Guardians, who help them keep their powers under control. One day, Matt and Em and their mother have to go to their grandfather's to escape the dangerous people chasing them. This is a fascinating idea, and combining it with beautiful scenery and secret societies seems like it would be a home run.
HOWEVER, this suffered from a couple of pitfalls. First of all, I was annoyed by the main characters. Matt was such a bratty little kid, and I know I should feel bad for him, but I didn't-and I think that is a sign of something the authors failed to accomplish. I just wanted him to be quiet or listen to someone else for a change, and that greatly dampened the enjoyment of this book. More than that, the plot moved a little slowly, and some of the wording was clunky. It felt a little over-explained, and it felt like the authors were patronizing the audience, instead of connecting with them.
3 out of 5 stars. Sorry Captain Jack.
I wanted to like this so much more than I ended up liking it, but there were several issues that plagued the book.
I would like to talk about the concept first, and the fact that it was really interesting.
Em and Matt are twins, and they have special powers. They can make things come to life when they draw them, using the power of their imaginations. They can even go in and out of paintings. The Animare (or people who can animate paintings) are helped by Guardians, who help them keep their powers under control. One day, Matt and Em and their mother have to go to their grandfather's to escape the dangerous people chasing them. This is a fascinating idea, and combining it with beautiful scenery and secret societies seems like it would be a home run.
HOWEVER, this suffered from a couple of pitfalls. First of all, I was annoyed by the main characters. Matt was such a bratty little kid, and I know I should feel bad for him, but I didn't-and I think that is a sign of something the authors failed to accomplish. I just wanted him to be quiet or listen to someone else for a change, and that greatly dampened the enjoyment of this book. More than that, the plot moved a little slowly, and some of the wording was clunky. It felt a little over-explained, and it felt like the authors were patronizing the audience, instead of connecting with them.
3 out of 5 stars. Sorry Captain Jack.
July 13, 2023
13 year old twins Matt and Emily Calder are in the National Gallery in London and they are bored, it's summer, it's hot, their mother is talking to someone and they just want to go swimming. Seurat's Bathers at Asnieres is tormenting with them with its vision of people dozing in the sun on the banks of the Seine. They take out a drawing pad to entertain themselves, but these children are extraordinary. As they draw their picture it comes to life and they get the swim they wanted, and a world of grief from their mother.
The incident sets in motion a series of consequences and before long the family are fleeing for Scotland and the home of their grandfather, their father's father: the ancient Monastery of Era Mina on a tiny island off the coast at Largs. Here they meet others who can do what they do and the people who guard them, a new friend Zach and find out more about the mysterious disappearance of their father and the Hollow Earth and the history of Era Mina.
Brilliantly paced and written, the Barrowmans' book carried me through and left me eager for the next instalment. The characters are well delineated and vibrant, setting and descriptions so clear that the magic could really be real.
The incident sets in motion a series of consequences and before long the family are fleeing for Scotland and the home of their grandfather, their father's father: the ancient Monastery of Era Mina on a tiny island off the coast at Largs. Here they meet others who can do what they do and the people who guard them, a new friend Zach and find out more about the mysterious disappearance of their father and the Hollow Earth and the history of Era Mina.
Brilliantly paced and written, the Barrowmans' book carried me through and left me eager for the next instalment. The characters are well delineated and vibrant, setting and descriptions so clear that the magic could really be real.
May 25, 2017
Hollow Earth introduces us to Matt and Em, twins with the ability to bring their drawings to life. Whilst the use of twin telepathy from the beginning with no introduction or explanation (I know lots of books and films use it, but I've never actually read anything that does before so it took a few lines before I realised that their telepathy was being treated as 'normal' because they were twins) annoyed me, I liked these two. Matt was your typical preteen boy- he was a bit rash sometimes which made him feel realistic. Em, on the other hand, was cautious and struggled to control her emotions. If she was scared, the world knew it. Again, this didn't make her weak or annoying, just real. The third member of their trio was Zach. Aside from the plot convenience of , he was an awesome addition to the cast.
I liked the novelty of their powers- the ability to summon things from drawings -and I liked the variety of ways that it was used. I was particuarly impressed by the fact that Matt could because I didn't expect their powers to be quite that flexible.
Overall, I really enjoyed Hollow Earth and I hope that the sequel is just as good.
I liked the novelty of their powers- the ability to summon things from drawings -and I liked the variety of ways that it was used. I was particuarly impressed by the fact that Matt could because I didn't expect their powers to be quite that flexible.
Overall, I really enjoyed Hollow Earth and I hope that the sequel is just as good.
June 1, 2013
Well I didn't dislike it but I don't think I will pass it on to my 9 year old, it just didn't capture my imagination. By the end of the book the writing seemed very flat and I found I was reading the words without becoming involved in the story, which is never a good thing in a fantasy book. The characters had no humour or personality and just didn't seem to interact with each other as they should. I know this book is meant for a young audience but that doesn't mean that it should be dumbed down. I love to read books that I can then recommend to my 9 year old so that we can talk about them together (Abby Linford and her imaginary friend by Christopher Smith remains a firm favourite) but this is not one of them.
March 21, 2013
FANTASTIC! I loved this book! It is filled-to-bursting with mystery and suspense, fabulous characters, and an amazing storyline that had the writer in me drooling. Wow. This is without question one of my favorite reads of 2013 so far. If you are a fan of MG fantasy and adventure, DO NOT MISS this one!!
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