The Monster in the Hollows Review

The Monster in the Hollows by Andrew Peterson is the third book in the Christian middle grade fantasy Wingfeather Saga. It continues the story of Janner Igiby Wingfeather and his family as they reach his mother’s native land of "The Green Hollows”. There they try to make a new life for themselves and deal with all that has happened up to now, but darkness has reached even the Hollows.

This book got 4.5 out of 5 stars. It was heartbreaking and beautiful and a simply wonderful read. We were able to get some of the answers to the questions that have been building since the first book. The story took a direction I never anticipated and the big twist at the end wrenched my heart. I’m not entirely sure where the story is going (just a large, vauge idea) but I can’t wait to see it. I feel like we have been given all the information we need to set out on the final leg of the journey (which doesn’t always happen with the book before the last in a series).

The characters continue to amaze me, in both good and bad ways. But it isn’t just the old familiar characters. The new characters are so well developed and interesting and weave themselves into the fabric of the story so fluidly. It’s like making new friends myself.

The only thing I had a problem with was one specific part of a scene where, I feel, a case of seriously bad parenting took place. Others may disagree with me, but this was clear favoritism of Nia’s younger two children (different standards for them and the oldest) along with clear emotional manipulation. Her excuse of sometimes wishing she didn't have her responsibilities as a queen do not hold weight in her argument because that was her choice, but Janner was born into his resposibility (that is very different). As the reader we are lead to believe that Janner made the choice for the right reasons through his internal dialogue, but that does not excuse his mother’s behavior. And her giving him his favorite meal and saying nice things like “you’re the bravest person I know” afterwards don’t make it right, that is just further emotional manipulation to ensure he sticks with that decision. Peterson may have wanted us to believe that this was the right choice for Janner to make, and perhaps it was, but then Janner should have got himself there without the pressure and manipulation. What makes me the most angry about this scenario is that this is put out there as if it is okay for parents (or any adults in authoritative positions) to treat children this way. Double standards and emotional manipulation are never okay (especially between parents and children).

Outside of that one scene, this would have been a 5 star book. In all other respects it really wowed me and gave me all the feelings you want from an “epic” tale. This is most definitely still worth reading, it just hit a trigger for me as a parent.