On My Bookshelf: Hollow Dolls by MarcyKate Connolly

The basic plot from Amazon: Simone is a mind-reader. She knows a great many things, but she can't seem to remember anything about her past. So when she gets the chance to search for her family, she sets off to finally find her home.

When she stumbles across a man with two minds inside him—the real one, shoved deep down, and one of a body walker, someone who can take over a person's body against their will—Simone is even more eager to leave her old life behind.

As Simone dives deeper into her history, she learns truths she never could have imagined. But as those she loves start disappearing around her, Simone knows only she can stop the evil, before it's too late.

Why I liked it: Hollow Dolls is the perfect mix of fantasy and thriller. The opening scene was a little abrupt (I'm thinking there's room for a prequel), but then the plot moves along at a more even pace as Simone and Sebastian try to settle into their life after being freed from a cruel master who had been abusing their special talents. Simone is in search of what and who might be left of her past while simultaneously trying to avoid the evil forces that have also been freed.

Simone and Sebastian's nemesis, the body walker, is a particularly fearful foe because the mind walker takes control of another persons mind and body leaving the true identity of the mind walker a mystery (this reminded me of the struggle in Serafina and the Black Cloak to identify who was snatching the children

Classroom application: This title is perfect for middle grade students and would appeal to students who like fantasy or thrillers. This is the first book (and as of summer 2020, the only one published), so if students are hooked you can recommend other titles in the series. Students may also enjoy other books by the same author. 

If you are interested in purchasing a copy of Hollow Dolls for yourself, you can find it on Amazon here.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The Literary Maven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.