I loved this continuation of Podkin's story as much as the first book! I will definitely be recommending the series to reader's who love fantasy.

Podkin is an old rabbit approaching death but his little brother, the bard, remembers his tales from the past.

Clarion Books and Net Galley gave me the opportunity to read this book for review (thank you). It will be published August 7th.

I always enjoy reading stories with animal characters. This series is has lots of info about rabbit's instincts and character as well as an exciting adventure that goes against nature.

The Gorm are an ugly enemy that even scared me, so don't let real young ones read this yet. And don't read it at bedtime...

They are on a quest to get the powerful talisman artifacts to protect themselves against the Gorm. The Gorm want them so they can take over the earth. There are more Gorm than rabbits. Who will win?

This is a super cute book that any age can appreciate. Lots of bunny related action and adventure. What's not to love?

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, which I voluntarily chose to review.

Kieran Larwood knocks it out of the park with THE GIFT OF DARK HOLLOW, the personally much anticipated follow up to the first book in the Five Realms series. Maybe it's because I grew up when anthropomorphism was hugely popular, but I can't get enough of Podkin One Ear and all his zany exploits. This one starts after the battle against Scramashank and finds Podkin feeling, well, a little useless and overlooked. When he discovers the Gift of Dark Hollow, he sets into motion the events that could help the rabbits defeat the Gorm.

Larwood brings back some our favorite rabbits while also introducing us to new characters. I was really surprised at how well-fleshed out all of the side characters are... and I can't wait to see where this series takes us!

Even more captivating than The Tale of Podkin One Ear. I like how the characters are progressing in their personalities as well as the overall story! Brilliantly written

Larwood, Kieran. The Gift of Dark Hollow. Faber Faber, 2017.

The rabbits are at war with some evil borg-like creatures that take rabbits and turn them into monstrous part-machines. Podkin and his siblings are living in hiding, but they learn that there is a special gift that has been hidden. If they can acquire the gift, then they can forge some weapons and possible defeat their enemies. But there is a long journey between their hiding place and that of the gift.

This is a perfect gift for fans of fantasy involving talking animals such as the Redwall series. The story is intense at times but not overly violent or scary. There is some great world-building in this story and the characters are well-developed. Highly recommended.

Recommended for: tweens
Red Flags: minor fantasy violence
Overall Rating: 4/5 stars

Read-Alikes: Watership Down, Redwall, the Warriors series

I received a complimentary copy of this book through Netgalley for the purpose of review.