A Dark and Hollow Star by Ashley Shuttleworth Review

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4/5

β€œπ‘΄π’š 𝒅𝒖𝒅𝒆….π’Žπ’†π’•π’‰π’Šπ’π’Œπ’” 𝒕𝒉𝒆 π’π’‚π’…π’š 𝒅𝒐𝒕𝒉 π’”π’‚π’š π’‡π’–π’„π’Œ 𝒐𝒇𝒇.”

Four queer outcasts; a banished fury, a half fae loner, a fae Prince and his solemn bodyguard find themselves fighting for the same cause when mysterious murders are being committed all over their city.
This unlikely group of teenagers must put aside their differences and uncover the truth; the world literally depends on it. 

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The imagery conjured in this novel is breathtaking and the language Shuttleworth uses to describe everything from the characters appearance to the enchanting landscapes is sensational.Β 
It is no surprise then that the dialogue is also a strong aspect of A Dark and Hollow Star. Transitioning from script to screen would be a breeze if this was ever on the cards as the conversation between every character screams realism.

The downfalls lie within the heavy world building, but this is often the case with a new fantasy as how else will you get to grips with the magical realms? Half way through the book you’re able to pick up certain elements but that doesn’t mean you don’t refer back to earlier explanations for clarity.
The magic is familiar but the concept is original and it is the same with the characters; you feel as if you know them yet they’re all somehow unique. 

The inclusivity in A Dark and Hollow Star isn’t the focus but it’s still apparent and it makes you wonder why representation is lacking in so many other novels. 

A sequel is on the way which means more faeries, flirting and fighting- where do I sign up? 

Emily xo