We are no different than the machines we ourselves have made. Like clocks, we spin around the same axis without alternative, infinitely, as though to turn in circles is the very purpose for which we were made. And all the while the world passes us by. We erode, and yet we continue to tick and tick and tick until the axis itself grows weary of our burdens, unhinges, and finally, we break.

The Hollow Gods is budding author A. J. Vrana's beautifully surreal, captivating, and genre-bending debut novel. At its heart, it's a tale of suspending your disbelief and opening your heart to the mysteries the world has to offer, accepting what's meant to be is what's meant to be. Told in a contemporary tone, this book delves far down the psychological rabbit hole, urging readers to question the realities of our own world, insisting we embrace the unknown and the inevitable. As human beings, we strive to perfect although we are flawed, to seek answers that should remain shrouded in shadow, to force reason by suppressing wonder and faith; The Hollow Gods promotes the idea that the cycle of history will repeat itself until we learn to just let go and enjoy the ride. A tale of mysteries and folklore with splashes of horror, all balanced with rakish humor, this Dark Fantasy/Magical Realism blend is truly a unique and engrossing read.

Vrana's complex characters take center stage, each coping with their own pains of the past on their rocky road to redemption. Miya, a young woman struggling with the cards she's been dealt, suffering from crippling anxiety and depression. She's her own worst enemy, and witnessing her emergence from within her fragile shell, becoming the woman she was always meant to be, is definitely something special to behold. Mason, a resident doctor who has learned the damaging effects of arrogance, he believes he's left with nothing but tragedy and guilt. His intended escape from his own dire reality leads to his world views crumbling to dust at his feet. Kai, the lone wolf living beyond the world of man, hunted and haunted and hurting, finds comfort in the most unexpected of places. Although Vrana labels the POV of the chapter being read, each is told with a specific voice, there's no mistaking whose eyes we're peering though.

"Because you're not afraid of the dark. You came looking for it."

As expected, there's a convergence of these characters, each so distinctly different, yet each complementing the others. There's no shortage of snark and sass, barely veiled insults, and gorgeous transformation. There's also an underlying romantic element to this book; tender moments and playful banter leading to sexual tension you could cut with a knife. While it does seem a bit rushed and unrealistic, things become clear as the story continues, all the pieces carefully falling into place.

An area this book excels is the atmospheric and immersive worldbuilding. Set in the quaint and quiet Black Hollow, this small British Columbia town harbors many ghastly secrets and superstitions. Local lore has the people on edge, always looking to horizon for the next string of unfortunate events to begin yet again. Beyond its borders lies a dark forest blanketed in fog, a dreamlike setting that houses histories long forgotten. While the fear of sinister fables torments the townspeople, there's magic and mysteries to be discovered along the meandering paths beneath the forest canopy, and solace to be found beneath the languid branches of the ancient willow. Vrana easily transports readers to another place and time, so perfectly crafted and portrayed.

Creation…destruction…we think of them as opposites, and yet they are like brothers–two sides of the same coin.

The narrative itself is told in exceptionally polished prose, infused with subtle metaphors and surreal elements that requires attention and an open mind to navigate. Beneath what is presented on the surface lies an intelligent discussion inviting readers to dig deeper, not only into the book's content, but into their own beliefs, as well. To be clear, this is not an epic adventure, but a highly personal account of finding the truth, of finding your true self and purpose. A story within a story, Vrana seamlessly shifts between timelines, points of view, and states of consciousness, allowing for a charming and comfortable read that's nearly impossible to put down.

The Hollow Gods was one of my most anticipated reads of 2020, and this beautiful tale of acceptance has far exceeded any and all expectations I had prior to falling deeply into A. J. Vrana's dark and magical world. Utterly consuming with palpable emotion, an engaging mystery, and absolutely delicious tension, this is one that lingers after you've turned the final page, an itch that needs to be scratched. The conclusion of the book is left open for readers to discern on their own, but the fateful ending is not meant to be the end, but just the beginning.

If you're on the hunt for something a bit dark yet cozy, and unafraid to color outside the lines, then The Hollow Gods may just be what you're looking for.

My Rating: 4.5, but I'll round up!

Note: A huge thank you to the author for providing me with a complementary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

P.S. Despite what others are saying, this is not a werewolf book. This is the story of the Dreamwalker, her wolf, and the coming darkness.