Hollow Dolls

September 15, 2019
A young girl with the power to read minds searches for her lost family. This novel picks up immediately after the events of Connolly's Shadow Weaver (2018) and Comet Rising (2019) and is set in the same world. A brief prologue summarizes the previous books' events as mind reader Simone introduces herself. She and her best friend, Sebastian, a memory thief, were among "the talented" held captive by Lady Aisling. They are now free, and together they hope to find Simone's family. Simone, Sebastian, and Jemma--Sebastian's sister and now their guardian--set out for the Archives, hoping information found there will lead them to Simone's village, visiting Lady Aisling in prison first. When a body walker takes Jemma over, Simone and Sebastian must continue their journey alone. They meet Maeve, who is also headed to the Archives; the foreshadowing is blatant as the pair debates Maeve's trustworthiness before ultimately deciding to join her. While this is written as a stand-alone companion, readers unfamiliar with the previous books will be at a disadvantage in understanding the magical world and the terror surrounding Lady Aisling, which affects character development. The main characters aren't well developed enough for readers without that background to empathize with their plight; Sebastian stands out as especially fretful throughout the book. Characters are presumed white. This fantasy quest will be best appreciated by those familiar with the earlier books. (Fantasy. 8-12)

COPYRIGHT(2019) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

November 18, 2019
In this entertaining start to a new series set in the same world as the Shadow Weaver duology, a young woman whose memories were magically stripped away searches for her long-lost family, only to discover that a terrifying foe may be hunting her. Simone, whose talent for mind reading led to her prolonged enslavement by the wicked Lady Aisling, is finally free to seek her own destiny. With her friend Sebastian, who still feels guilty for his part in stealing her memories, Simone travels to the Parillan Archives, where she hopes the librarians can aid her. Soon, though, she realizes that they’ve been followed by a body walker intent on using Simone’s talents to pursue its own sinister agenda. Picking up threads begun in the Shadow Weaver titles, the story relies heavily on knowledge of the previous entries. And much of the setting remains vaguely described, leading to a feeling of distance and disconnect. However, Connolly does continue to expand upon her world, and Simone’s attempt to unravel the secrets of her past is relatable. Ages 8–14. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary.

December 1, 2019

Gr 4-6-Recently released from the clutches of evil Lady Aisling, best friends Simone and Sebastian are eager to finally reunite with their families. The Lady captured them because they are among the "talented"-those granted special abilities when the Cerelia Comet passed by in the year of their birth. Simone is a mind reader, and Sebastian is a memory stealer. The "comet-blessed" used to be important members of society, but things have changed, and many now hide their talents. Sebastian is delighted to find his sister, Jemma, but there is no trace of Simone's family. All she remembers is the name of her hometown, Wren. The three set off on an arduous journey to the Parillan Archives, hoping that the librarians there will help find answers for Simone. While their talents protect them from some dangers along the way, their constant fear is encountering a body walker, someone who can take control of another's body and mind. This fantasy covers a lot of ground-suspense, friendship, bravery, family, and magic. Plot twists will surprise even readers paying close attention, and loose ends lay the groundwork for a sequel. VERDICT Simone's desire and drive to recover what she's lost will resonate with readers. A recommended purchase for most libraries.-Sara-Jo Lupo Sites, George F. Johnson Memorial Library, Endicott, NY

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 1, 2019
Grades 5-8 Evil Lady Aisling (Shadow Weaver duology) is imprisoned, but dark magic still lurks in Parilla. After Emmaline, the shadow weaver, and her friends free the magical children Lady Aisling trapped, relatives and friends come for them. However, no one comes for Simone, a mind weaver (reader). She refers to herself and the others Lady Aisling used as hollow dolls. With her memories erased, Simone only has the names of a town and four people to serve as a starting point for her search for family and answers. Simone and her friend Sebastian decide to set out for the Parillian Archives, where they receive help from Rachel, a library assistant. As answers to Simone's questions emerge, dangers and fears arise, as well. While retaining the familiar fantasy setting and some characters from the Shadow Weaver duology, Connolly deftly answers the questions left dangling at the end of Comet Rising (2019), even as she introduces new characters and a gripping plot with a twist?all sure to captivate readers who devoured the first set.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)