The Hollow Boy

The Lockwood & Co. series is set in an alternate version of London where ghosts and spirits are a common occurrence. The story follows a team of young ghost hunters who work for their own agency, Lockwood & Co. The team consists of the charismatic and reckless Anthony Lockwood, the logical and cautious George Cubbins, and the narrator and protagonist, Lucy Carlyle.

The Hollow Boy picks up where the previous book, The Whispering Skull, left off. Lockwood & Co. has gained a reputation for their successful ghost-hunting missions, but their latest case proves to be their most challenging yet. A mysterious outbreak of ghostly activity has been plaguing a wealthy neighborhood in London, and the team is hired to investigate.

As they delve deeper into the case, they discover that the source of the outbreak is a powerful and malevolent ghost known as the Hollow Boy. The Hollow Boy is unlike any ghost they have encountered before, and his presence threatens not only the safety of the neighborhood but also the entire city.

The audiobook is narrated by Emily Bevan, who does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life. Her narration is clear and engaging, and she does a great job of conveying the emotions and personalities of each character. Bevan’s narration adds an extra layer of depth to the story, making it even more enjoyable to listen to.

One of the strengths of The Hollow Boy is its characters. Lucy Carlyle, the narrator, is a relatable and likable protagonist. She is smart, resourceful, and brave, but she also has her flaws and insecurities. Her relationships with Lockwood and George are complex and nuanced, and their interactions are some of the highlights of the book.

Anthony Lockwood is the charismatic leader of the team. He is charming, reckless, and often puts himself in danger to protect his friends. George Cubbins is the logical and cautious member of the team. He is often the voice of reason and provides a counterbalance to Lockwood’s impulsiveness.

The supporting characters in The Hollow Boy are also well-developed and add depth to the story. The team’s rival agency, Fittes, plays a significant role in the book, and their interactions with Lockwood & Co. add tension and conflict to the story. The Hollow Boy himself is a terrifying and formidable villain, and his presence looms over the entire book.

The world-building in The Hollow Boy is also impressive. Stroud has created a rich and detailed alternate version of London, where ghosts and spirits are a part of everyday life. The rules and mythology of the ghost world are well-established, and the book explores the consequences of living in a world where the dead can come back to haunt the living.

The plot of The Hollow Boy is fast-paced and engaging. The mystery of the Hollow Boy and the outbreak of ghostly activity keeps the reader/listener on the edge of their seat. The book is full of twists and turns, and the ending is both satisfying and unexpected.

One of the themes of The Hollow Boy is the idea of trust and betrayal. Lucy, Lockwood, and George must navigate their relationships with each other and with the other characters in the book. The book explores the consequences of betrayal and the importance of trust in relationships.

Another theme of the book is the idea of power and responsibility. Lockwood & Co. are tasked with protecting the citizens of London from the dangers of the ghost world. The book explores the consequences of having power and the responsibility that comes with it.

Overall, The Hollow Boy is an excellent audiobook that is sure to delight fans of the Lockwood & Co. series. The characters are well-developed, the world-building is impressive, and the plot is engaging. Emily Bevan’s narration adds an extra layer of depth to the story, making it a must-listen for fans of the series.