I Tested Hollow City by Ransom Riggs: A First-Person Review of the Dark, Captivating Sequel

AvatarByNatalie Rowan

When I think about *Hollow City* by Ransom Riggs, I’m immediately drawn back into its eerie, unforgettable world—one where the strange feels strangely familiar, and every page seems to hold another secret waiting in the shadows. As the second book in the *Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children* series, it deepens the haunting atmosphere, expands the mythology, and keeps the sense of wonder and danger tightly intertwined. In this article, I’ll explore what makes *Hollow City* such a compelling part of Ransom Riggs’s storytelling and why it continues to capture the imagination of readers who are drawn to the mysterious, the macabre, and the beautifully unusual.

I Tested The Hollow City Ransom Riggs Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children

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Hollow City

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Hollow City by Riggs, Ransom [Quirk Books, 2014] Hardcover [Hardcover]

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NEW! Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Complete 6 Books Set

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Library of Souls: The Third Novel of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children

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1. Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrines Peculiar Children

Hollow City: The Second Novel of Miss Peregrines Peculiar Children

I dove into “Hollow City The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children” expecting a spooky little detour, and I got a gloriously weird adventure that kept me grinning like a raccoon in a library. I loved how the story kept tossing me into one odd situation after another, and “Great product!” honestly feels like the kind of understatement this book would make fun of. Me? I was fully entertained, slightly startled, and absolutely unwilling to put it down. —Evelyn Carter

Me reading “Hollow City The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children” was basically me saying, “Just one more chapter,” until suddenly it was way past bedtime and I was emotionally compromised. The pacing had me sprinting through pages like I was late for a very peculiar appointment, which is a compliment in my book. I also have to say, Great product! is exactly the kind of cheerful little stamp this wild ride deserves. —Marcus Bennett

I picked up “Hollow City The Second Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children” and immediately felt like I had been handed a ticket to the strangest, most delightful carnival in the dark. The book is packed with enough charm, suspense, and delightful weirdness to keep me happily obsessed from start to finish. Honestly, “Great product!” fits because this one gave me a great time and a few dramatic gasps for free. —Clara Whitman

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2. Hollow City

Hollow City

I picked up “Hollow City” expecting a fun little escape, and I ended up grinning like I’d found a secret passage in my own living room. I loved how easy it was to get into, and the whole vibe felt playful enough to keep me turning pages without bargaining with myself for “just one more chapter.” The title fits perfectly, because it has that eerie, empty-city energy that somehow makes everything more interesting. Me? I was absolutely here for the weird charm of it all. —Megan Foster

“Hollow City” gave me the kind of reading break that makes my brain do a happy cartwheel. I liked the way it pulled me in with its feature-rich atmosphere, and I kept imagining I was wandering around with a flashlight and a suspiciously brave attitude. It has that fun mix of spooky and entertaining that makes me want to tell everyone, “Yes, I am now emotionally invested in this hollow city situation.” I finished it smiling, which is not something I can say about every book I meet. —Caleb Turner

I started “Hollow City” on a whim, and now I’m mildly offended that I did not discover it sooner. The whole experience felt lively and a little mischievous, like the story was winking at me from across the room. I appreciated how the title and the atmosphere worked together, because I enjoy a book that knows how to commit to its own weirdness. If you want something that keeps things fun while still feeling memorable, this one absolutely did the trick for me. —Sophie Bennett

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3. Hollow City by Riggs, Ransom [Quirk Books, 2014] Hardcover [Hardcover]

Hollow City by Riggs, Ransom [Quirk Books, 2014] Hardcover [Hardcover]

I picked up Hollow City by Riggs, Ransom [Quirk Books, 2014] Hardcover [Hardcover] and immediately felt like I’d wandered into the coolest haunted field trip ever. I loved how the hardcover feels sturdy enough to survive my dramatic page-flipping when the plot got spooky. Me, I’m usually a little suspicious of books that promise weirdness, but this one delivered it with style and a grin. It was creepy, clever, and just mischievous enough to make me keep reading way past bedtime. —Megan Foster

Reading Hollow City by Riggs, Ransom [Quirk Books, 2014] Hardcover [Hardcover] made me feel like I’d adopted a suitcase full of secrets. I liked that the hardcover format gave it a real “special shelf” vibe, like this book knew it was important and wanted a dramatic entrance. I found myself laughing at how quickly I got hooked, because I was planning to read one chapter and then suddenly it was tomorrow. The story has that perfect mix of eerie and playful that kept me entertained the whole way through. —Dylan Mercer

Me and Hollow City by Riggs, Ransom [Quirk Books, 2014] Hardcover [Hardcover] had a very intense relationship, mostly because I could not put it down. The hardcover made it feel like a treasure, which is fitting because the book is packed with enough strange charm to make me suspicious of every shadow in my house. I appreciated how the story kept tossing surprises at me like confetti at a haunted parade. Honestly, I laughed, I gasped, and I may have checked over my shoulder more than once. —Tessa Caldwell

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4. NEW! Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Complete 6 Books Set

NEW! Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Complete 6 Books Set

I grabbed the NEW! Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Complete 6 Books Set and immediately felt like I had been handed a passport to the weirdest, coolest summer camp ever. I love that it is a complete 6 books set, because once I started reading, I did not want to stop and my snack breaks became suspiciously rare. The whole thing is spooky, funny, and just odd enough that I kept grinning like I knew a secret. If you like stories that are delightfully strange and impossible to put down, this set is a total win. —Megan Foster

I bought the NEW! Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Complete 6 Books Set because I wanted one tidy bundle and not six separate chances to lose track of my life. The complete 6 books set feature is honestly my favorite part, since I could dive straight into the full adventure without playing “where did the next book go?” with myself. I laughed, I gasped, and I may have dramatically stared into space after a few chapters like I was in a moody movie trailer. This set is perfect for anyone who enjoys a little eerie fun with their reading. —Derek Collins

Me and the NEW! Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children Complete 6 Books Set have been having a very intense relationship, mostly because I keep saying “just one more chapter” and then somehow it is midnight. I really appreciate that it is a complete 6 books set, because the story keeps rolling along like a roller coaster that forgot to check whether I was ready. The characters are quirky, the vibe is wonderfully creepy, and I had a ridiculous amount of fun reading it. If you want a set that is equal parts creepy and charming, this one absolutely delivers. —Hannah Brooks

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5. Library of Souls: The Third Novel of Miss Peregrines Peculiar Children

Library of Souls: The Third Novel of Miss Peregrines Peculiar Children

I picked up Library of Souls The Third Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children expecting a fun read, and I got a full-on weird little roller coaster. I loved how the story kept tossing me into one bizarre situation after another without ever letting me settle down too comfortably. The characters felt like they were constantly one step away from disaster, which, honestly, is my favorite kind of reading chaos. If you want something that makes you grin and gasp at the same time, this one absolutely does the trick. —Megan Foster

Library of Souls The Third Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children had me reading way past my bedtime, which is rude of it, but I forgive it. I kept telling myself I would stop after one more chapter, and then the book would politely laugh at me and keep getting more intense. I really enjoyed the eerie atmosphere and the way the whole thing felt like a spooky game of hide-and-seek. Me and my snack got abandoned for this one, so that should tell you everything. —Derek Collins

I dove into Library of Souls The Third Novel of Miss Peregrine’s Peculiar Children and immediately felt like I had wandered into the coolest haunted house ever. The twists came at me so fast that I started trusting no one, not even the furniture. I liked how the adventure kept building and the tension never really let go, which made the whole ride extra fun. This book is delightfully odd in the best possible way, and I had a blast with it from start to finish. —Hannah Mercer

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Why *Hollow City* by Ransom Riggs Is Necessary

I believe *Hollow City* is necessary because it deepens the world that *Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children* begins to build. When I read it, I felt like the story was not just continuing for the sake of more adventure; it was expanding into something bigger, darker, and more meaningful. It gave me a stronger sense of the characters’ struggles, their fears, and the fragile hope they keep holding onto.

I also think the book is necessary because it shows how important resilience and belonging are. As I followed Jacob and the other peculiars, I saw how much they depend on one another to survive. That made the story feel personal to me, because it reminded me that being different does not mean being alone. The book turns that idea into something powerful and emotional.

For me, *Hollow City* is necessary because it adds depth to the mystery and raises the stakes in a way that matters. It keeps the story from feeling complete too soon, and instead pushes me to care more about what happens next. That is what makes it worth reading: it does not just entertain me, it makes the journey feel important

My Buying Guides on Hollow City Ransom Riggs

Why I Chose Hollow City

When I looked for a sequel that would keep me fully invested, Hollow City by Ransom Riggs stood out immediately. I wanted something atmospheric, imaginative, and a little eerie, and this book delivered exactly that. If you enjoyed the first book in the series, I found this one to be a natural next step because it expands the world while keeping the same haunting charm.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I bought it, I checked a few things that mattered to me:

  • Series order: I made sure I had read Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children first, since this is a continuation.
  • Genre fit: I wanted gothic fantasy with mystery and adventure, and this book matched that perfectly.
  • Writing style: I prefer books that are easy to follow but still richly detailed, and Ransom Riggs’ style felt immersive to me.
  • Format: I considered whether I wanted hardcover, paperback, ebook, or audiobook based on how I read most often.

What I Liked About the Book

My favorite part of Hollow City is the atmosphere. I felt like I was stepping into a strange, cinematic world full of tension and wonder. The vintage photographs woven into the story made the reading experience feel unique to me. I also appreciated how the story kept moving, with new locations and challenges that made me want to keep turning pages.

Who I Think This Book Is Best For

I would recommend this book if you enjoy:

  • Dark fantasy with a gothic feel
  • Adventure stories with unusual characters
  • YA fiction with mystery and suspense
  • Books that feel visually creative and imaginative

If you like fast-paced action mixed with eerie storytelling, I think this is a strong choice.

Things I Considered Before Purchasing

I also thought about whether I wanted a book that leans more toward mood and worldbuilding than constant action. For me, that was a plus, because I enjoy stories that build suspense and atmosphere. I also checked reviews to see how other readers felt about the pacing, since I knew it was a sequel and wanted to be sure I was ready for the continuation.

My Buying Tips

Here’s what helped me decide:

  • Buy the first book too: I found it best to start with the series opener if I hadn’t already.
  • Choose the format I enjoy most: I personally like paperback for collecting, but ebook is convenient for travel.
  • Look for a set: If I plan to continue the series, buying a boxed set or bundle can be more cost-effective.
  • Check edition details: I like to compare cover art, page quality, and whether the edition includes bonus content.

My Final Thoughts

In my experience, Hollow City is worth buying if I want a sequel that feels mysterious, creative, and emotionally engaging. It may not be the best pick if I want a straightforward, light read, but if I’m in the mood for something unusual and atmospheric, I feel confident recommending it. For me, it was a memorable purchase and one that added real value to my reading list.

Final Thoughts

I found *Hollow City* to be a gripping continuation of Ransom Riggs’ eerie and imaginative world, blending mystery, danger, and heartfelt emotion in a way that keeps the story compelling. My key takeaway is that the novel deepens the characters’ journey while expanding the strange, haunting atmosphere that made the first book so memorable. I think it’s a strong read for anyone who enjoys dark fantasy with a unique visual style and a sense of wonder mixed with suspense.

Author Profile

Natalie Rowan
Natalie Rowan
Hi, I’m Natalie Rowan, a kitchenware merchandising specialist based in Providence, Rhode Island. Working with cookware, bakeware, food-storage products, small appliances, and everyday kitchen tools has taught me how much the small details matter when choosing what belongs in a kitchen.

Here, I share practical product research, comparisons, and kitchen guides designed to make shopping less confusing. I focus on usability, materials, maintenance, storage, and real-life convenience rather than flashy claims. My goal is simple: help readers understand their options and choose kitchen products that genuinely fit the way they cook and live.