Howdy all!

This is just a quick message to note that my blog will be moving from its current address to http://randomactsofdarcy.blogger.com. I haven't been happy with what I've been doing with this blog, so I decided to get a fresh start, and broaden out my scope a bit.

This will be the last post from this blog, I hope to hear from you on my new and improved blog, Random Acts of Darcy!

The Hollow Kingdom

The Hollow Kingdom, by Clare B. Dunkle is actually the first book in a trilogy, but the book works well as a stand-alone (I know this from experience; I had no clue it was a trilogy the first time I read it).

This story is about two sisters, Kate and Emily, who come to live with their aunts at Hollow Hill. Their new home is enormous, and surrounded by a beautiful forest, which the girls love to explore. It isn't long, however, before Kate begins to feel like someone is watching her. This feeling only occurs at night, and no matter where she goes,she can't shake the feeling. One night, her worst nightmares are realized as she comes face-to-face with a hideous monster who declares himself to be the king of the goblins, Marak. After introducing himself, Marak continues to tell Kate that he has chosen her to be his bride. The rest of the story consists of Kate's struggle with the goblin king, and the adventures that follow.

I love this book; it's rich with great descriptions and humor; Clare B. Dunkle has a real talent with words and makes every word count for something. Kate is resourceful and serene, a great mix of characteristics, and Marak, even though he is described as ugly, shows such kindness and humor towards the other characters that you can't help wishing he were real.

One of my favorite segments from the book is when Marak informs Kate of his intentions to make her his bride (sorry, it's pretty long):

"'Yes, i should have seen myself,' said Kate, finding her voice with an effort. 'I'm looking in a mirror, aren't I? I want my reflection back where it belongs.'

'I'll be your reflection.' Marak teased. 'You'll come and sit before me, and I'll tell you how beautiful you are. I'll tell you that there's no woman in the whole land to compare with you, just like magical mirrors are supposed to.'

Kate decided to ignore his impertinence. It was the only ladylike thing to do. 'Why did you came here?' she demanded angrily. 'Why are you bothering me?'

'I'm here tonight for the same reason that I was here last night,' he replied. 'Are you sure you really want to know why? You look a little upset.' He crossed his wiry arms and leaned forward to study her carefully. 'There's no insanity in your family, is there?'

The irony of this question coming out of the mouth of a grotesque illusion left Kate speechless for a few seconds. Insanity? Not until he came along. She shrugged, looking blank.

'No insanity,' Marak concluded in relief. 'That's good. You do keep surprising me,' he admitted. 'I thought I had you sound asleep. Then there you were, sitting up and shrieking like a teakettle. Really, Kate!' he reproved, shaking his bony head at her. What if someone had heard you?'

'Are you a ghost?' Kate asked quickly before she could lose her nerve. Suppose he did something dreadful!

'No,' he answered. 'I am alive, just as you are.'

'Then you're a devil?' she guessed.

How wicked do you think I am?' He chuckled. 'You think I'm evil incarnate just because I irritate you? There must be a special place in hell for people who use your first name without permission.' He threw back his head and laughed loudly at his own joke.

Kate glared at him in embarrassed rage. 'Then what are you?' She demanded.

Marak considered her shrewdly.

'I'm a goblin,' he replied and grinned at her. Kate shuddered. Those frightful teeth! She stared at him, completely at a loss. She tried to think of everything she had ever heard about goblins, but it wasn't much."

I could go on and on, giving you the entire book, but I had better stop now so I don't give too much away!