In fact, Marak, the male protagonist, is absolutely grotesque. Dunkle isn’t scared of putting off the readers by making her mythical creatures horrifying. I am most impressed by the diversity of the goblins. I absolutely love the goblin kingdom and I think it’s one of the most unique and interesting fantasy worlds that I’ve ever read. What really keeps calling me back to this book however, is the world building. Despite ignoring her wishes at the beginning, towards the end all the characters grow to respect her and to realize the mistake they made by underestimating her. Even when she loses a battle, she does so on her own terms.

Even though the people around her ignore her, Kate never stops fighting for what she wants. However, I was willing to forgive this substantial flaw because Kate is a really strong heroine. Often, they discredit her words and ignore her wishes for their own personal ideas. Whether its the king of the goblins or her guardians, Kate has difficulties getting other characters to listen to what she has to say.

The book is definitely darker now that I read it as an adult, especially the fact that Kate is often made powerless. A battle of wits ensues as Kate desperately tries to avoid being stolen away to become a goblin bride.

Soon Kate discovers that her secret admirer is none other than the Goblin King. Enchanted by her mysterious surroundings, Kate enjoys her new life until she starts to have the reoccurring feeling that she’s being watched. The Hollow Kingdom is about a girl named Kate who, newly orphaned along with her sister, Emily, travels to Hallow Hill to live with her new guardians. This was one of my favorite books as a child, and it was an absolute pleasure to read it again.

The Hollow Kingdom by Clare B. Dunkle