Hollow Summary, Characters and Themes | Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti  

Hollow by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti is an immersive fantasy novel set in a world plagued by a cursed forest known as the Taking Trees. The forest is alive with malevolent forces, constantly growing and consuming everything in its path

The protagonist, Ferris, is a young woman bound by a promise to her lost sister, Rissa, who was taken by the forest. As the villagers prepare for the Great Hunt, humanity’s last hope to break the forest’s curse, Ferris embarks on a dangerous journey into the depths of the forest. Along the way, she confronts spirits, deadly creatures, and powerful forces, grappling with her past, her loyalty, and her role in the fate of her world. Themes of survival, sacrifice, and destiny pervade this gripping tale of a woman determined to break a curse that holds her land in its dark grip.

Summary

The story takes place in a village bordered by the cursed forest known as the Taking Trees. This forest grows with a dark magic that devours land, homes, and lives, threatening the very existence of the people who live near it.

Ferris, the protagonist, has been haunted by a mysterious song for years, a song that calls her toward the forest. She is bound by an oath to her sister, Rissa, who was taken by the forest long ago, and she is determined to break the curse that has claimed her sister.

As the village prepares for the Great Hunt, an event that occurs once every fifty years, Ferris is torn between her own desires and her mother’s hopes for her future. Her mother wishes for her to marry Axel Bradey, a local suitor, but Ferris is resolute in her decision to honor her promise to Rissa.

The Great Hunt, an event where the village’s Champions enter the forest to reclaim lost land, is humanity’s last chance to stop the forest’s advance. Ferris, however, is not interested in glory or marriage proposals; she is focused solely on fulfilling her promise and breaking the curse that has plagued her family.

On the day of the Hunt, the village is tense. The forest has already claimed much of the land, and the people live in constant fear.

The Fae, once allies to the humans, have abandoned them, leaving them to face the forest alone. The Hunt is humanity’s final hope, but it has failed countless times in the past.

Ferris, despite the pressure from her family, decides to participate in the Hunt, knowing that the only way to save her sister and the land is to venture into the cursed forest.

As Ferris prepares for the Hunt, her emotions are conflicted. She knows that the danger is real and that the forest is more treacherous than anyone can imagine.

The Great Hunt begins with the Champions gathering in the town square, ready to face the deadly forest. The trees part to create a path, allowing the Champions to enter the forest, and Ferris follows, determined to honor her oath to Rissa.

Inside the forest, Ferris and the other Champions encounter terrifying spirits and creatures, each more dangerous than the last. One of the Champions, Axel, tries to stop Ferris from entering, fearing for her safety, but he is soon drawn into the forest himself.

The group faces numerous threats, including monstrous creatures and the spirits of the forest, which are both malevolent and protective in nature. Ferris, however, is determined to break the curse, and her knowledge of ancient rituals becomes crucial in navigating the forest’s dangers.

The forest is filled with spirits that are tied to the land, each holding an amulet that may be the key to breaking the curse. Ferris and the other Champions must find and reclaim these spirits in order to weaken the forest’s power.

Along the way, Ferris confronts her own fears and doubts, growing from a sheltered village girl into a woman determined to survive the dangers of the forest. Her encounters with Colton, another Champion, bring out complex emotions, including attraction and rivalry, as they struggle to survive the forest’s hostile environment.

As the journey continues, Ferris’s resolve strengthens. She realizes that the forest is not just a physical place but a reflection of the curses that have plagued her people for generations.

The spirits and the amulets they guard are part of a larger scheme, one that Ferris must navigate carefully to break the curse. Despite the growing dangers, Ferris’s determination to find Rissa and fulfill her promise keeps her moving forward.

The Champions face unimaginable dangers as they journey deeper into the forest. The spirits of the forest are not easily tamed, and the forest itself is alive with powerful forces that seek to destroy anyone who enters.

Ferris must rely on her growing knowledge of the forest and its magic to survive. Along the way, she confronts the dark legacy of her people and the forces that have kept them bound to the forest’s curse for centuries.

As Ferris and the remaining Champions continue their trek, the forest becomes even more treacherous. The spirits they encounter are increasingly hostile, and Ferris’s efforts to break the curse grow more desperate.

At the same time, she must navigate the tensions between the Champions, who are all competing to reclaim the amulets and break the curse for themselves. The forest, with its unpredictable magic, forces each of them to make difficult decisions that will ultimately shape their fates.

Ferris’s journey is one of survival, redemption, and sacrifice. As the Champions face the dangers of the forest, Ferris is forced to confront her own past and the promises she has made.

Her relationship with Colton becomes more complicated, and she must decide how far she is willing to go to break the curse and fulfill her promise to Rissa. With each step, Ferris learns more about the nature of the forest and the true cost of breaking the curse.

The Great Hunt is not just a physical battle against the forest but a test of the Champions’ inner strength. As Ferris faces the horrors of the forest, she must also face the darkness within herself.

Her determination to break the curse and free her sister is tested at every turn, and she must decide whether she is willing to sacrifice everything, including her own life, to save her world.

As the story unfolds, Ferris’s journey becomes a battle for her survival and the fate of her people. The forest, with its dark magic and malevolent spirits, is a constant threat, but Ferris’s determination and courage give her the strength to keep going.

She is willing to do whatever it takes to break the curse and free her sister, even if it means confronting the most terrifying forces of the forest and the darkest parts of herself.

Characters

Ferris Creed

Ferris Creed is the central character of Hollow and her journey is one of survival, redemption, and the unraveling of a centuries-old curse. A young woman marked by the haunting loss of her sister Rissa, Ferris is initially driven by a need to fulfill the promise she made to her sister, whose life was claimed by the forest.

Despite the pressure from her family, particularly her mother, to pursue a more conventional path—like a marriage proposal from the suitor Axel—Ferris remains resolute in her decision to face the dangers of the forest. She is determined to break the curse that has gripped her village, showing a deep commitment to practicality and resolve.

Throughout her journey, Ferris grapples with her own inner conflict, confronting her fears and doubts, but also evolving from a sheltered village girl into a resilient, brave woman. Her determination to protect those she loves, including Rissa, and her search for self-redemption drive her actions.

Ferris is not only shaped by her personal connections but also by her deep understanding of the ancient spirits and forces in the forest, which becomes her key to survival. As Ferris moves deeper into the forest, her journey is punctuated by difficult decisions, particularly as she navigates relationships with fellow Champions like Colton and Hendrix, which complicate her focus.

Despite the terror surrounding her, Ferris remains grounded in her ultimate goal: breaking the curse and fulfilling her sister’s memory.

Bane

Bane is a complex character who plays a pivotal role in Hollow. Initially introduced as a necromancer, Bane’s deep connection to the dark magic of the forest is tied to his troubled past and a sinister deal made with a Hag.

He is feared for his ruthless use of necromantic powers, which allow him to summon the terrifying Hollows—undead beings that do his bidding. This dark ability makes him an intimidating figure, and his motivations throughout the story are driven by a desire to reclaim his family’s peace and to break free from the shadow of his past.

Bane’s relationship with Ferris is one of tension and complexity. While he initially sees her as an obstacle, particularly when she becomes involved in the hunt for the amulets, his feelings for her evolve over time.

Despite his brutal and violent nature, Bane is revealed to have layers of vulnerability, especially in his interactions with Ferris. He desires the boon from the labyrinth, which he believes could grant him the redemption or peace he craves, yet Ferris’s selflessness and her decision to relinquish the amulets for the greater good force him to confront his own need for retribution and control.

His desperation leads him to betrayal, ultimately driving a wedge between him and Ferris, leaving him to wrestle with the consequences of his actions.

Hendrix

Hendrix, a Fae warrior, is another key character in Hollow, whose complicated relationship with Ferris evolves throughout the story. He is a reluctant ally, initially wary of Ferris due to her human heritage, yet over time, a bond forms between them, complicated by both attraction and rivalry.

Hendrix’s past as an outcast Fae plays a significant role in shaping his worldview. His prior encounters with dangerous Fae, particularly the ruthless Lord Protector Islasees Bellatorn, have left him with scars—both physical and emotional—that make him hesitant to trust anyone, particularly humans.

Despite this, Hendrix finds himself drawn to Ferris as she displays remarkable strength and resilience in the face of the dangers surrounding them. Their journey through the cursed forest becomes an intense crucible for their relationship, testing both their survival instincts and emotional boundaries.

Hendrix is reluctant to aid Ferris in mastering the Dragon amulet, recognizing the inherent danger of controlling such a powerful spirit, but his concerns stem from a deeper understanding of the complexities of magic. His protective instincts toward Ferris are evident, though he also struggles with his feelings for her, torn between his Fae heritage and his growing attachment to her.

Hendrix’s role in the story is one of both guidance and caution, as he constantly warns Ferris of the forest’s deceptive spirits and the dangers of following the voice of her lost sister. As their journey unfolds, Hendrix becomes an integral figure in Ferris’s fight against the curse and the powerful forces that threaten them both.

Axel Bradey

Axel Bradey is a pivotal character in Hollow, acting as a suitor to Ferris and representing the conventional path that her family hopes for her. Though his role is less central than some of the others, Axel’s character highlights the contrast between Ferris’s obligations and her personal desires.

He is portrayed as a charming, well-meaning individual, but his attempts to win Ferris’s affection are often met with resistance, as she remains focused on her mission to break the curse. Axel’s relationship with Ferris is strained by her resolve to fulfill her promise to Rissa, and his involvement in the Great Hunt serves as a reminder of the societal expectations placed on Ferris.

While he is well-intentioned, Axel does not fully grasp the depth of Ferris’s inner turmoil and the urgency of her quest. His attempts to protect her, including trying to prevent her from entering the forest, ultimately result in his own tragic fate, as he becomes embroiled in the forest’s dangers.

Axel’s death serves as a poignant moment in the story, underscoring the high stakes of the Hunt and Ferris’s unyielding commitment to her goals, no matter the cost.

Rissa

Rissa is the lost sister of Ferris, whose fate is intertwined with the cursed forest. Her disappearance, sacrificed to the forest during a blood moon, is a defining event in Ferris’s life and acts as the catalyst for her journey.

Rissa’s presence in the narrative is felt more through Ferris’s memories and the haunting pull of the forest’s magic than through direct interaction. However, her role is crucial as Ferris seeks to fulfill her promise to her lost sister, which drives much of her actions throughout the story.

Rissa, now transformed into one of the Lost Children, appears before Ferris as a twisted version of her former self, showing the effects of the forest’s malevolent forces. The realization that Rissa is no longer the person Ferris once knew adds a layer of tragedy to Ferris’s journey.

Her appearance in the story forces Ferris to confront the harsh reality that the forest’s power is more insidious and cyclical than she had imagined, and that her struggle may be part of an unending cycle of suffering. Rissa’s transformation into a Lost Child is a haunting reminder of the cost of the curse, and her role in the story underscores the theme of loss, sacrifice, and the complex relationship between the living and the dead.

Caelan

Caelan is a Fae warrior who plays a key role in Hollow as an antagonist. His connection to the protagonist is fraught with tension, as he represents the royal faction of the Fae that the protagonist despises.

Caelan’s encounter with the protagonist is violent and tense, culminating in a brutal fight that leads to his death. His role in the story emphasizes the bitter divide between the Fae and the humans, particularly the protagonist, who is driven by a deep disdain for both.

Caelan’s death at the hands of the protagonist reflects the protagonist’s ruthless nature and their resolve to eliminate any threat to their mission, no matter the cost. Caelan’s presence in the narrative also serves to highlight the complex political dynamics within the Fae realm, as his affiliation with a royal faction adds a layer of intrigue and animosity between the characters.

Though his time in the story is brief, Caelan’s death plays a significant role in advancing the protagonist’s journey, forcing them to confront their own choices and the consequences of their actions within the forest’s unforgiving landscape.

Princess Drava

Princess Drava is another significant character in Hollow, representing the power struggle among the various factions vying for control over the magical amulets. She is a member of the royal Fae family and comes to the labyrinth with her own champions, eager to unlock its secrets and claim the power within.

Drava’s ambition and desire for control are evident in her attempts to open the labyrinth’s door using blood, though this method proves futile. Her determination to succeed, even at the cost of others, brings her into direct conflict with Ferris and Bane, as the group’s struggle to gain the boon becomes increasingly tense.

Drava’s character is defined by her sense of entitlement and her willingness to manipulate others to achieve her goals. However, as the story progresses, it becomes clear that her pursuit of power is not without its own risks.

Her interactions with the other characters highlight the complicated and often adversarial relationships between the Fae and humans, and her role in the story underscores the theme of ambition and the dangers of unchecked power.

Colton

Colton is another Champion in Hollow, whose role is defined by his rivalry with Ferris. As the story unfolds, Colton’s interactions with Ferris reveal a mix of attraction, competition, and survival instincts.

He is portrayed as a skilled and capable individual, yet his connection to Ferris is marked by tension, particularly as they navigate the dangers of the cursed forest. Colton’s motivations and backstory are less fleshed out than those of some of the other characters, but his presence adds to the emotional and physical challenges Ferris faces as she works to break the curse.

His actions, particularly in the context of the Great Hunt, force Ferris to confront not only the forest’s dangers but also the brutal dynamics among the Champions, where survival often depends on making difficult choices and forming alliances with those who may not be entirely trustworthy.

Themes

Sacrifice and Redemption

In Hollow, the theme of sacrifice and redemption plays a central role throughout the protagonist’s journey. Ferris’s path is paved with numerous sacrifices, both personal and external, as she seeks to break the curse that binds her village to the malevolent forces of the forest.

Her deep connection to her lost sister, Rissa, shapes her actions and decisions, underscoring the lengths she is willing to go for redemption. Ferris’s commitment to her promise to Rissa takes precedence over her own safety, her desires, and even her family’s expectations, highlighting the complex nature of selflessness.

As the story unfolds, Ferris must grapple with the consequences of her choices and the painful realizations that sometimes, to break the cycle of suffering, one must give up what they hold dear. The forest itself, with its ominous magic and cursed spirits, becomes a reflection of the sacrifices demanded by fate.

The ultimate test of her sacrifice comes when she decides to relinquish her claim to the amulets, choosing instead to free the Lost Children and her sister. This act of self-sacrifice ultimately results in the lifting of the curse, but it also costs Ferris her own claim to the boon.

The notion of redemption is intertwined with this sacrifice; Ferris’s journey is not just about saving others but also about her own transformation. By giving up what she desires most, she gains redemption, not only for herself but for those around her, suggesting that true redemption often comes with a heavy personal price.

The Nature of Power and Control

The theme of power and control is explored in Hollow through the interactions between Ferris and the forces she faces within the forest, particularly the spirits and the magic that binds them. Ferris, though initially seen as a powerless village girl, finds herself slowly gaining control over the powerful forces within the forest, especially with her connection to the Dragon amulet.

However, the control she seeks is not easily achieved. The forest resists her, and the Dragon, though bound to her, proves difficult to master.

Ferris’s struggle to command the Dragon mirrors her internal struggle with the nature of power itself. She learns that control over the forest’s magic is not about brute force but rather understanding and harmonizing with the forces at play.

This theme is further explored through the character of Bane, a former Fae prince who has embraced the darker aspects of power, using necromantic forces to further his own goals. His attempts to control the forest and its spirits ultimately backfire, showing that power, when wielded recklessly or selfishly, can lead to one’s downfall.

The contrast between Ferris’s evolving understanding of power and Bane’s corrupt use of it highlights the importance of balance and restraint in wielding such forces. Power in Hollow is depicted as something that must be respected and carefully navigated, or it can destroy those who seek to control it.

Betrayal and Loyalty

Betrayal and loyalty are two contrasting but equally powerful themes in Hollow that are interwoven throughout the narrative, especially through the complex relationships between Ferris, Bane, and the other characters in the forest. Ferris, though initially betrayed by the Fae and her own family’s expectations, maintains a sense of loyalty to those she loves, particularly to Rissa, whose loss motivates much of her actions.

This loyalty leads Ferris into the dangerous depths of the forest, where she faces numerous threats. Despite the peril, she remains committed to her mission to break the curse, even when others question her choices or try to sway her path.

However, betrayal rears its head in the form of Bane, who, after developing a bond with Ferris, ultimately turns against her. His desperation to claim the boon and his need for retribution cloud his judgment, leading him to betray Ferris in the end.

This betrayal is particularly poignant because Bane’s actions are driven by his own trauma and desire for peace, which complicates his motivations. The theme of betrayal is further explored through the forest’s spirits, who manipulate and deceive the characters, often leading them into danger.

The tension between loyalty and betrayal is evident in the characters’ shifting alliances, especially as Ferris must navigate the volatile relationships within the group of Champions. By the story’s end, Ferris’s loyalty to her cause and the sacrifices she makes in the face of betrayal illustrate the complexity of these themes, where loyalty can drive one to sacrifice everything, even in the face of treachery.

The Struggle Between Humanity and Magic

The tension between humanity and magic is a recurring theme in Hollow, embodied in the relationship between humans, Fae, and the forest’s malevolent spirits. The humans in the village are constantly at odds with the forest, which represents the magic they can neither control nor fully understand.

The Fae, once allies to the humans, have abandoned them, leaving them vulnerable to the forest’s encroaching power. This abandonment creates a sense of distrust and resentment toward the Fae, particularly from characters like Ferris, who feels betrayed by their departure.

However, Ferris’s journey into the forest forces her to confront her own views on magic and the Fae. While she initially views the magic of the forest as an enemy, she slowly comes to realize that the forest’s magic is not entirely evil; it serves a greater purpose that she must understand in order to break the curse.

This realization challenges the simplistic dichotomy between good and evil, showing that magic, like humanity, is complex and multifaceted. The forest’s spirits, particularly the Raven and the Lost Children, embody this ambiguity, as they are both protectors and destroyers.

The protagonist, Ferris, must navigate this delicate balance, learning to coexist with the magic that threatens her and the people she loves. By the end, the struggle between humanity and magic transforms into one of understanding and reconciliation, as Ferris learns to harness the power of the forest to achieve her goals, ultimately breaking the cycle of destruction.

Fate and Free Will

In Hollow, the theme of fate versus free will is explored through Ferris’s journey and her attempts to change the destiny that the forest and the curse seem to have set for her. From the beginning, Ferris is marked by an oath to her sister, Rissa, and the haunting song that leads her toward the forest, compelling her to act in ways she might not have otherwise chosen.

This sense of being bound to fate is reinforced by the forest itself, which is portrayed as an inescapable force that draws people in and shapes their destinies. As Ferris moves deeper into the forest, however, she begins to question the extent of her control over her actions.

Her encounters with the forest’s spirits and her growing understanding of the forest’s magic reveal that while fate may have a strong influence, it is not absolute. Ferris’s decisions, her willingness to sacrifice, and her efforts to break the curse demonstrate the power of free will in shaping the future.

Throughout the story, Ferris is faced with choices that challenge her predetermined path, and her ability to make these choices defines her character. The ultimate question of whether she can escape the cycle of fate that the forest has set for her is a central part of her journey, and by the end, her free will triumphs as she makes a decision that not only alters her own future but also the future of those around her.

The tension between fate and free will in Hollow is not just about individual choice but about how those choices affect the larger world, emphasizing the impact of personal agency in the face of seemingly insurmountable forces.