Title: The Hallowed Ones
Author: Laura Bickle
Published: September 25, 2012
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Series: N/A
Source: Publisher for review
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Katie is on the verge of her Rumspringa, the time in Amish life when teenagers can get a taste of the real world. But the real world comes to her in this dystopian tale with a philosophical bent. Rumors of massive unrest on the “Outside” abound. Something murderous is out there. Amish elders make a rule: No one goes outside, and no outsiders come in. But when Katie finds a gravely injured young man, she can’t leave him to die. She smuggles him into her family’s barn—at what cost to her community? The suspense of this vividly told, truly horrific thriller will keep the pages turning.
Oh… wow! The Hallowed Ones is such a good book! I devoured it during a late night sitting. I was completely sucked into this world and didn’t want to leave, no matter how frightening it got. I don’t get scared easy, so it’s always a huge plus anytime a book can get me to feel some of the fear. It’s not exactly action packed, but it will get your heart going.
The Hallowed Ones begins with Katie and Elijah making plans for Rumspringa, something Katie has looked forward to for a long time. She’s Amish, so this is her only chance to truly experience Outside with the freedom to make her own decisions. Unfortunately her dreams may be dashed when strange and terrifying things start to happen on the Outside. People are literally being ripped apart by something evil.
Bickle did a wonderful job at painting the setting of The Hallowed Ones. I had such a clear picture of everything in this book, even the not so pleasant scenes. This is one of those books that really takes you there. She also does a great job with the characters. They are all very well done, and I got a real feel for them. And the vampires, -shivers- there will be no romancing these creatures.
I liked Katie a lot! She is in a constant struggle with being obedient and being rebellious. She’s strong, smart, and a little bit naughty… by Amish standards, anyway. I mean really, every girl should have Wonder Woman comics. Then there is Alex… mmmm. Some of you know how picky I am about my fictional men, but Alex is a great secondary character. Ginger, who is an Outsider that takes refuge with the Amish, is another character I really liked. I felt so bad for her at times, but she was a small source of strength for Katie.
Overall, The Hallowed Ones is put together really well. I don’t know if there will be a sequel, but I hope so. Though, part of me likes leaving it the way it ended. Either way, I’ll be happy. Honestly, the more time that passes, the more I realize just how much I loved this super creepy book.
You know, I’d not have picked up this book for myself. The raven in the cover looks good, but the whole Amish thing just didn’t prick my interest. Until you told me that works, of course! Now I think I really need to pick it up. I mean, I love it when a book can scare you, not just disgust you with inordinate amounts of cheap blood. I’m definitely giving this one a try… Thanks, Christy!
Ron C. Nieto recently posted..The Protectors Blog Tour: Promising Hope Soundtrack
Yeah, the Amish thing is done very good in this book, and a big part of what makes the story so cool.
I’ve been SO curious about this one…I love creepy and since we are nearing Halloween…haha! I’m definitely going to have to get my hands on it. Great review.
Yup, this would definitely be a good Halloween read!
I am so glad you liked this one too! I loved it!! So different and very creepy! Plus it kept me on my toes always wondering who they were and what was going to happen next.
I loved the slight romance in it too. It wasn’t a huge part of the book but enough to keep you going.
Great review Christy!
kindlemom1 recently posted..Review: The Secret Of Ella and Micha by Jessica Sorenson
I wasn’t sure if I was necessarily going to love it, but I totally did!
This is so on my want list!! I promised myself that if I read a few of the books I already purchased..i could have it. I have been entering tons of giveaways and hops to try and win it sooner..hehehe
Awesome review!
kimbacaffeinate recently posted..Kiss of the Butterfly by James Lyon {guest post-giveaway}
Lol – yeah, this one definitely belongs on your list.
There will be a sequel, apparently!
I’m so glad you loved this one too, Christy! I thought it was a very original and well though-out novel. Amazing review.
Sam @ Realm of Fiction recently posted..Review: Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel
There will be?? Yes! Now I’m REALLY happy
Agreed about the originality, and I can’t wait to see what Bickle does next.
I usually tend to stay away from Amish books, but this one sounds good. I like mixing the horror with something completely different. You know, in all of my thinking about upcoming apocalypses, I’ve never considered what will happen to the Amish…. Thanks for posting about this book!
Liz @ Fictional Candy recently posted..Review: Raven In The Grave by Rae Hachton
The Amish setting is REALLY good and original. I love horror books that actual stand out, and this one does.
I wasn’t sure when I read ‘Amish’, but you and your fabulous review convinced me! I want the FEAR!! Adding this one today!! Thank you, lovely! <3
Cheles Bells recently posted..Call of the Wild by Jack London
Seriously, don’t let the the Amish thing detour you, because that is a big part of what make the story so cool. Definitely add this one, Michele!
I remember seeing this cover but I don’t think I really knew what the book was about. I’m definitely more interested now! I find the Amish fascinating and adding paranormal is very creative!
Candace recently posted..Confident Reads (11): Indie Recommended Reading, I Need Your Help!
Yeah, it’s pretty original and really stands out. So good!!
Did you eat a bucket of chicken while reading it?
Heidi recently posted..Something Wicked Comes: Day 10 Dirty Blood by Heather Hildenbrand Guest Post, Review and Giveaway!
No, but I ate some Ruffles. lol … a little decapitation isn’t going to bother me.
Sounds really good. I look forward to reading it really soon. Great review!
Fictitious Musings recently posted..Fu Man Chu’s Vampire by Guido Henkel
I hope you do read it, because it was goooood!
I just saw this on someone’s wishlist and I immediately wanted it – it does sound very good!!! Growing up somewhat near the Amish, I’m really interested in reading the otherside
Kristin @ My ParaHangover recently posted..Review: Ironskin by Tina Connolly
You totally need to read this one!
I LOVED this one!! I agree with you though, while I want to know what happens next, it would be ok to leave it where it is. I’ve heard a rumour that there might be another one, but I don’t know.
I’m glad you liked it! Thanks for the review!
Jenn@OwlReadIt recently posted..Review: Endless by Jessica Shirvington
After I posted this I was told that there WILL be a sequel! Now I’m really excited, even though I liked the setting of the Amish community.
I was very intrigued with this one! So glad to hear it is actually creepy! I also read a lot of scary books but never really feel much of it. I thought this was about zombies lol so cool that it is about vampires but not any romantic ones. I always like to have the deadly ones every now and then. I am also fascinated with the Amish and it is true that they would probably handle a crisis really well since they don’t depend on electricity or stores or anything outside of what they can do for themselves. Can’t wait to red it.
I’m glad you liked this one, I’v e ben struggling to decide if I should read it! I love the concept and the creepy but pretty cover.