The Hollow and the Haunted by Camilla Raines

This is a brilliant YA novel exploring a young boy's journey into manhood. The way we get to watch Miles grow in such a short space of time was really heartwarming. We watch as he explores his sexuality, learns how to express his feelings and express boundaries. I found it a beautiful coming of age story which I'm sure many young readers could relate to in some way. Also, Gabriel and Miles's romeo & Julie style enemies to lovers relationship was very cute to watch unfold.

I enjoyed the supernatural elements to the book and found them to be well conceptualised, even for a YA. The world of ghosts, premonitions and mystery in which the readers find themselves in gripping, keeping us entertained right to the end. I found the plot to be quite thrilling, yet I wasn't a huge fan of the ending. However, I am hoping there will be a second book which will eventually satisfy my annoyance at the cliffhanger.

Overall I rated this 4 out of 5 stars. This is a fast-paced, fun read which I would highly recommend if you're looking for a lighthearted yet enjoyable read.

I absolutely loved this book. It is advertised as perfect for readers of “The Raven Cycle” and “Cemetery Boys”, and it definitely lives up to that. With the focus on psychic powers and other fantasy elements, I think this release will be a highlight of the fall season. Miles, the main character is relatable and likable, while also having realistic flaws and fears. The plot was well thought out and complex, while also being easy to follow. Overall, I would recommend this book because it was enjoyable, and I hope to see a sequel in the future!

4.5 ⭐️
Ooooh I so enjoyed this.
Though I didn’t realise it was a stand-alone!!! How could you leave me on that ending?
Was getting near the end and desperate for a HEA and then bam, cliffhanger. Don’t know if I’m annoyed, or if it’s genius? 🤔
Either way ill be picking up the next book 🤣

I’m such a sucker for a ghosty young adult read. Love a bit of creepiness, but not so much that it’ll give me nightmares. This hit that spot perfectly.
A few ghosts, a mystery, family dynamics and a slow burn queer romance! I’m here for it.

Adored Miles and Gabriel. I really enjoy an enemies, to friends to lovers type situation and this one was so good and so slow burn. Lots of long looks, flushes and uncertainty. Just how a teen romance should play out in my opinion! Gotta love an earnest kind-hearted boy chipping away at the cold exterior of a troubled, grumpy one.

I perhaps would have liked a little bit more about Miles’ family business, as well as the main mystery. Loved the first chapter following Miles doing a job for the family business. I’d have liked maybe one or two more direct examples of their family work. I can see why there wasn’t room for that, but it was so fun and one of the creepiest bits! Give me more!

Found this such an enjoyable and compelling read with great characters. Will very much look forward to more and be keeping my fingers crossed that it won’t be too long of a wait!

For whatever reason. I had a hard time getting into this book. But I kept pushing through for whatever reason. And thank god I did.

The banter/bickering between Miles and Gabriel was so damn good.
The paranormal system and how both families are different was interesting.
and I loved going on this "adventure" to get answers. Who kills Gabriel and why? Why do the two families hate each other? And everything in-between.
Definitely glad I kept reading.

I was given a copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Many thanks to Titan Books and NetGalley for a complimentary eARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

Miles Warren is your typical teenager, dealing with your typical teenage problems: math class, parental expectations, sleep deprivation...only he can conjure the dead. The Warrens are a family of psychics and Miles's gifts keep him busy helping with the family business on weekends and in the evenings. His toughest challenge is how he will come out to his parents (who seem intent on setting him up with every teenaged girl in town) until he has a sudden and shocking vision -- a death premonition -- of the son of a rival psychic family, Gabriel Hawthorne. Putting the family feud aside, Miles seeks to help avert Gabriel's death, despite Gabriel's aloofness and moodiness. Dark family secrets come to light during this mission and an unlikely bond forms between the two would-be enemies.

The Hollow and the Haunted is an atmospheric fantasy novel with a lot of heart. Miles and Gabriel's growing connection is full of tension and twists and the two overcome family animosity to work together. The background cast, particularly Charlee, is well-characterised. Enemies-to-lovers is not an uncommon trope these days but Camilla Raines still manages to give a fresh take on the trope. I couldn't help but be reminded of Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas whilst reading this novel so if you enjoyed that novel, you might like this one too! I found Miles's difficulty in dealing with his parents' expectations while trying to be true to himself to be very relatable. The novel ends on an absolutely nail-biting cliffhanger which left me screaming! This is the perfect read going into spooky season and I highly recommend it.

In a town steeped in dark magic and old rivalries, Miles Warren’s life takes a sharp turn when he starts having visions of Gabriel Hawthorne’s murder—his sworn enemy from a family with a deep, bitter history against his own. What begins as a mission to prevent Gabriel's death slowly becomes something more as the two teens uncover secrets that challenge everything they’ve been told. The dynamic between Miles and Gabriel is electric, filled with tension, wit, and a surprising depth that makes their reluctant alliance compelling. The rich atmosphere and sharp dialogue keep you hooked until the very last page, where the story leaves you hanging on a cliff edge, eagerly anticipating what comes next.

As a fan of both The Raven Cycle and Cemetery Boys, this was exactly up my alley. The Hollow and The Haunted is the perfect spooky paranormal mystery with a rich atmospheric setting and intriguing family secrets. Miles as a narrator is engaging and funny and it was lovely following how his dynamic changes with the colder, solitary Gabriel as they reluctantly try to prevent Gabriel’s untimely end. The enmity between their families and uncovering the sordid history that begun it was incredibly absorbing. My only negative for the book is that the ending is absolutely diabolical—I can’t wait for book two.

This was such an interesting read. Miles is a socially awkward high schooler who has a large secret from his classmates, well...more than one secret. He is supernatural as well as the rest of his family. When he gets a death premonition of a member of his rival supernatural family in town he tries to do the right thing and warn him of the danger he is in. Gabriel Hawthorne may seem as bad as the rest of his family, however, once we get to know him it is clear that he needs someone to have his back. Miles and Gabriel's friendship may turn to more. However, they need to take care of his imminent death first.

that ending….rtc

<b>8/22/24</b>

whew!!! i had to take a month off and come back to review this one! buckle up because i usually don’t believe blurbs that say “perfect for fan who enjoy….” but this book? this book right here? they aren’t lying in the blurbs.

i must confess, i’m a little bitter by the ending. i’m still am. which just makes me 10x more excited to (hopefully) continue reading miles & gabriel’s adventures in another book!

one thing i personally loved about this book is the differences in miles & gabriel’s family—not just economically, but the way their families treat them. family themes are ones i adore and relate too, so i especially enjoy reading them in books.

the mystery and plot itself is super compelling, and it’s definitely a spooky book to read while warming yourself up new a fireplace this october. super excited to grab this book for myself this spooky season!

<b>👻 5 stars!!!! 👻</b>

★ ★ ★ ★ ★/☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

<b><i>thank you netgalley & titan books for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!</b></i>

On rare occasions, we find books where the author has an engaging style, writes endearing and charming characters with a fun and entertaining plot... and Camilla Raines has managed it with The Hollow and the Haunted.

Sixteen-year-old empath Miles is struggling to juggle school, the family business (which often includes gravedigging and being assaulted by the odd ghost) and being a closeted gay teen, when his life is complicated further when he has a premonition of the murder of Gabriel Hawthorne. Miles is of course the type of person who wants to step up and help someone in trouble, but what happens when that someone just happens to be the son of his family's enemy? When a feud goes back decades, how do you manage to save a life?

Miles is a thoroughly likeable protagonist, and it really made reading the book a pleasure. He was adorable and charismatic, and he was popped perfectly into engaging narrative.

I really loved the relationships in the books, especially between Miles and Gabriel, and Miles and his cousin. Miles and Gabriel are obviously heading towards enemies to lovers, but it was actually more rewarding seeing their friendship blossom and seeing the effects it has on them as people. Importantly, conversations seemed very natural and felt realistic. The supporting characters were also interesting and likeable, which really helped strengthen the novel overall.

There's a really lovely mix of humour and adventure, and reading it was just a lot of fun. Raines has clearly managed to balance realistic characters with a paranormal plot, and it really works without anything feeling forced at all.

The only thing that upset me was the cliffhanger ending because I need book two now, please!

What a cracking read this was.

An atmospheric and haunting debut, The Hollow And The Haunted is a queer dark fantasy with a romantic core perfect for fans of the Raven Cycle or Cemetery Boys.

““You don’t have to be so rude all the time,” he snapped, trying to will away the heat creeping up his neck. “I know, but I find insulting you rather therapeutic, if I’m being honest.”

The Hollow and the Haunted is a bundle of fun; full of witty banter, an engaging cast and fulfilling relationships. Book 1 in a duology, this is a melting pot of awkward teen shenanigans and spooky paranormalities, Miles making for an endearing protagonist you can’t help but root for, and Gabe his endearing narrative foil. Strong Stranger Things vibes from this one - the atmosphere in this ghostly queer romance is absolutely to die for ;D Oh, and that cliffhanger!!! So excited for a sequel!

Thank you to Titan Books for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review :)

Thank you Titan Books and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. A thrilling take on magic! Miles family is gifted, or so they believe. Miles would rather be able to pursue art then go into the family business of working with ghosts and spirits. But with his empathy gifts he’s always felt everything so strongly that he just wants to make his parents proud. He’s also keeping the fact that he’s gay to himself, he’s just not ready to tell anyone (except his cousin Charlee). Then he starts seeing a gentleman in the mirror, he has blood dripping down his face and tells Miles to find him. To Miles surprise his visitor is non other then Gabriel Hawthorne. The Hawthorne’s do not get along with Miles’s family. They are a cold bunch who everyone knows has unnatural gifts. Miles warns Gabriel thinking that will be the end of it. But then Gabriel shows up at his school. This time Miles has a premonition of Gabriel dying. Miles shouldn’t see premonitions, he’s not a Seer, and they are supposed to only have one gift. Together the two will work, secretly, on stopping Gabriel’s death. But the Hawthorne’s have a darker history then even Gabriel knew. Also the two are getting closer but with their families hating each other things become even more complicated. Can they save Gabriel? Or with the darkness win? I enjoyed this so much! I was captivated from start to finish! I loved the magic gifts and the darkness, I cannot wait to see what happens next! It does end it a crazy cliffhanger! Exciting, mysterious, and magical! Highly recommend!

The Hollow and the Haunted

In this darkly magical fantasy debut set in Washington State, a closeted teenage psychic foresees the death of his sworn enemy, and is forced to work with him to save his life. Sparks fly, but some ghosts don't want to stay buried...

I loved this book it was like being swept up in a big scary blanket. I always enjoy characters that start off cold and then thaw out. My only complaint is now I have to wait for the next instalment.

Amazing book . Love the plot line and character development. Will definitely recommend to friends and family

I screamed when the book ended on a cliff hanger because now I have to wait to find out what happens!

I absolutely loved this book. It's a great YA paranormal mystery with a developing romantic subplot.

I was thoroughly engaged in the mystery. There were several different elements to it, each one interesting. I liked how the characters would draw conclusions based on the information they had and then had to revise it when they learned more. It was very realistic and kept me invested.

The romance was a slow burn and came about very organically. The author managed to capture the awkwardness of teenagers developing feelings and not knowing what to do with it. It was very relatable.

I loved the banter and relationship between the characters. The focus wasn't just on the romantic relationship which I liked, the relationships with other characters were also developed.

The world felt very vibrant and real. I can't wait to revisit it in the second book.

This is so well written - elegant prose, but also a grounded and authentically teenaged voice. Miles is a wonderful main character, with a wry sense of humour that masks deep vulnerabilities, and the supporting cast of other characters are equally well-rounded and intriguing. The plot is fun and engaging - the only thing I didn't like was its major cliffhanger ending! The next book had better hurry up.

This book was difficult to put down, I read it in one sitting. It's relatable and humorously written, and the ending left me wanting more. The most relatable part of the book is how the main character deals with anxiety. A well-written and enjoyable read!

This book had everything that I love about a supernatural ghost-y YA style novel. And on top of that, the cutest mlm couple with a bit of slow burn style pining. I was very invested in the mystery in this book and had a hard time putting this down. It ends on a cliff hanger, so of course I can't wait for the next book already!

I loved this book! i thought the mystery was compelling and I’m such a sucker for a good dynamic and good banter. I thought the character development was phenomenal and I can’t wait to recommend this when it gets to my library!