Sounds a bit like "The Craft" meets "Heathers"

3.5 stars ( )

ISBN: 9781444004816
Publisher: Orion
Pages: 416

Something wicked this way comes... She thought she'd be safe in the country, but you can't escape your own nightmares, and Lis London dreams repeatedly that someone is trying to kill her. Lis thinks she's being paranoid - after all who would want to murder her? She doesn't believe in the local legends of witchcraft. She doesn't believe that anything bad will really happen to her. You never do, do you? Not until you're alone in the woods, after dark - and a twig snaps... Hollow Pike - where witchcraft never sleeps.

I was sent an ARC copy of Hollow Pike to review by James Dawson, and I absolutely loved every moment of reading it! I found this book to be a bit like a paranormal version of Mean Girls or Pretty Little Liars. My favourite characters were Lis and Laura. Laura was the classic popular girl, that everyone both admired and hated and Lis was the new girl. Laura was one of my favourite characters because of her sharp tongue and fierceness. Lis was also one of my favourite characters because of her independence and determination. I love the cover of Hollow Pike! The colours are amazing, as are the aspects of the image with hidden meanings such as the branches and the birds.

Available at Amazon.co.uk. ( )

Hollow Pike tells the story of Lis London, a teenager who moves in with her older sister to escape bullying at her old school. When she’s befriended by the popular girls at her new school, she hopes she’ll get the new start she hoped for.

It soon becomes apparent however, that she’s drawn to three outsiders, and she has to make a decision between the two groups. However, when a prank ends horribly, she has to question everyone.

On one level, this is a tale about fitting in, friendship, finding out who you are, and dealing with the effects of bullying. James has captured the thoughts and actions of this age group, and he’s created some rather brilliant characters, especially Kitty and Delilah.

On another level is a murder mystery, which leads Lis to question who could be responsible, and who she can trust.

Finally, there’s a supernatural element – the witchcraft mentioned on the cover is essential to the story, but is subtly done. The writing is very atmospheric, and the tension builds to a crescendo at the end.

These various elements work so well together, it has a creepy feel without being too scary, and I would highly recommend it to fans of most YA genres – and there’s plenty to appeal to adults as well. It’s a contemporary tale which blends seamlessly with ancient tales of witchcraft, all brought together by some excellent writing.

James Dawson is another author I knew nothing about until invited to a Foyles YA event. I’m glad that changed, because Hollow Pike was one of my favourite reads this year, and I look forward to whatever comes next. It has been hinted that if Hollow Pike is popular enough, we may get to hear Kitty’s story next. That’s something I’d love to read, so please go ahead and buy!