Hollow Blood (Sleepy Hollow Horrors, #1) by Austin Dragon

Hollow Blood (Sleepy Hollow Horrors, #1) Reviews

• 
  Olivia-Savannah

  This review can originally be found on Olivia's Catastrophe:
  http://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/20...
  
  This was a very decent read. I hoped it would be more horror related, but it wasn’t. It still made for an interesting story.
  
  Although presented as a horror, I truly didn’t feel like it was creepy enough or delved deep enough into the subject to give me the shivers at all. But we did have the rumors of the Headless Horseman, who would murder people and had his ways of doing so. That was the most I got out of the horror. It was also poised as a bit of a mystery. Julian Crane doesn’t believe Ichabod was taken by this horror creature because it doesn’t exist, and insist on a man having killed him. The only question he has to answer is who has done it?
  
  This also had a historical fiction feel to it, seeing as it was set in 1800. The descriptions in the book were lovely, and I loved being set in this time period. I am someone who always loves historical fiction, and even though it wasn’t the focus the author did use it to make a great setting. It had a good impact on the storyline as well. You do have to be a bit give and take though. I had a hard time believing that a single rumor could ruin someone’s reputation when there is no evidence to back the words yet, but in that time period it is understandable.
  
  The main character, Julian Crane, was too confident and hot headed for my liking. I felt like he went about some things the wrong way, and I couldn’t really connect to him much. However, I really liked Hans Van Ripper who was quiet and kept to his own business (I could imagine myself being like him most) and Katarina who is a rich woman. She makes her husband the man he is in the book, and is kind and graceful. She really does bring out the best in him, and I can certainly admire a woman like that!
  
  The middle of the book seemed to deviate from the main plot a bit and I didn’t feel like a lot of the story was necessary. We could have easily cut a lot of the scenes in the middle and still had a book that made sense. It was a bit slow when we got off topic, but as soon as we were back on the right track I was happy enough.
  
  The ending of the book is okay. It was a good set up for book two, but it didn’t necessarily blow me away or creep me out, which I think was the intent.
  
  In conclusion this was a pretty mixed review. There were some things I did like, some things I didn’t. Buy overall it was a good enough read.
• 
  books are love

  Being a fan of the Legend of Sleepy Hollow this book excited me. I gobbled it up. This was a exquisitely written fun twist to the tale of Ichabod Crane.
  
  Here Ichabod has a nephew who comes to Sleepy Hollow to learn the truth behind his uncle’s disappearance. Small town gossip has him believing his uncle was murdered and that the horsemen did not take him away. He is adamant about this. Julian Crane will draw you into his tale and have you wanting to believe like he does. That the headless horsemen does not exist. That he is a fireside folk tale. But is he? This starts to nag at you as things and events unfold.
  
  You have the wild animals that when you read their descriptions will freak you out. You have the feeling of evil and dark throughout the forest but especially the marshal. You have those nagging feelings of Julian’s about dark forces. The descriptions have you feel the dread and darkness. As you read about the trip after his showdown in Tarry town you get a uneasy feeling. What is to happen and the ending twist in the forest and the Marshal wow not what I thought. The revealing of the truth is unnerving..
  
  this is the story of what happened to Ichabod Crane and how Julian Crane becomes to believe in evil and the supernatural. This is a gripping and dark tale that will creep you out at just the right moments and have you questioning what you know and don’t know. A great new twist on the legend of sleepy hollow .
• 
  Steve Wiggins

  Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” lends itself to further development. It is, after all, a short story with characters that beg for further development. What’s the story with Brom Bones? What is Katrina Van Tassel really thinking? As a classic of American literature, it has been made into films and brave novelists have taken up the pen to further flesh out the story.
  
  Austin Dragon is mostly known for his science fiction stories. I get the impression that this book (part one of two) may have been inspired by the Fox run of “Sleepy Hollow,” starting in 2013. The idea of adding new, action-oriented figures to the story is a way of developing this further. Dragon does this by introducing a nephew of Ichabod Crane, Julian, who believes his uncle was murdered and who sets out to avenge him.
  
  As I mention elsewhere (
  Sects and Violence in the Ancient World), there are several elements of the old west thrown into this sequel. Indeed, the original story mentions “cowboys,” but these were ruthless loyalists during the revolution who lawlessly murdered civilians, not men who kept cattle. Still, this is a creative take on an old tale, and although clearly self-published, it takes the story in new directions.
  
• 
  Sarah

  Hollow Blood is the first book in the Sleepy Hollow horror series. The book can be enjoyed by young adults and adults alike.
  
  The story in parts can be classed as horror but I would say mainly it is a story steeped in mystery and suspense.
  
  I loved the film Sleepy Horror so when I came across this book I couldn't wait to read it.
  
  Ichabod Crane is sadly dead, even though the towns folk know what happened to him they don't seem to keen on talking about it, especially as the headless horseman disappeared at the same time. Even though ten years have passed, the town folk very much still fear that he may at some point return.
  
  There are a few gruesome parts in the story but mainly this is a journey of one man who decides to find out the truth about Ichabod's disappearance which leads to some shocking discoveries.
  
  I love the whole setting of the town and the darkness that is portrayed in the actual film comes across very much in this novel. It certainly is a great book to get lost into and taken back in time to what life is like in the town.
  
  Julian Crane, the main character, is obviously on a mission. He wants to find out what really happened to his uncle. Even though he is met by negativity where ever he turns, he doesn't let this stop him.
  
  Overall Hollow Blood is a good read it just didn't quite capture me as much as I would have liked, with being a reader who likes my horror novels to be quite horrific it was slightly to tame for me but this is why it is probably perfect for the YA market as well as adults who don't like their books to gruesome.
  
  My thanks to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Darlene

  OMG what can I say THIS IS A MUST READ BY ALL HORROR FANS!!! I rec'd an ARC from the author Austin Dragon, in exchange for an honest review. And here is mousiey very honest review of HOLLOW BLOOD. When I first started reading this story I thought it was going to be just like the regular Sleepy Hollow story. But boy was I wrong. And I do mean- WRONG!! Mr Dragon has written this book so well and with so much detail. That it is impossible not to get wrapped up in this unbelievable and remarkable horror. He has included in his horror story a touch of mystery also. As young Julian Crane is trying to solve the death of his uncle Ichabod Crane. Now Julian rides into town as a stranger but will not say his name only that he is there to settle the estate of someone and that in order to do so. That he has to have proof that Ichabod is either dead or alive. He has to have a body. Before news get back about a stranger being in town to Brom and he sends his men after the stranger. Mr Brom does not the stranger asking Mrs Brom any questions about Ichabod. Someone is out to get Julian though and stop him from his answers. who is it?? Did Brom kill Ichabod?? Did the Headless Horsemen actually get him?? Or was it someone else?? For these answers yo have to read this luscious horror story!!! I recommend this book for everyone especially those that love a real good horror book. Mousiey gives this book a 50 out of 5 stars! Now Mr Dragon please sir I have to have more of this wonderful story!! I do hope you plan on a book 2 soon. And MAN YOU ROCK!!!!
• 
  Rosemary

  Hollow Blood - a review by Rosemary Kenny
  
  Subtitled The Hunt for the Foul Murderer of Ichabod Crane, Austin Dragon's spine-chilling novel begins with the North American folk tale of Ichabod Crane and his supposed disappearance and death, while riding through the eponymous Hollow, at the hands of the so-called Headless Horseman. So far, so traditional - but...ten years later, correspondence with a local resident brings Ichabod's nephew to Tarry Town...to find and kill the man, (or demon), he holds responsible.
  Whom does Julian later accuse to his face?
  What events then transpire in the town?
  
  What do locals believe happened to Mr Crane, the popular schoolmaster? Why is Julian surprised to find out that Ichabod's intended wed his tormentor? Is this person the killer?
  When Julian learns the truth - does he believe it?
  
  Austin Dragon tells the tale of the demise of Ichabod Crane and the following events, in his own inimitable and fascinating way...are you sitting comfortably?
  You won't be sleeping well tonight, once you're gripped by nightmares of the Headless Horseman!
• 
  Ceh131973

  I was given this book in exchange for a honest review and it was amazing. I will read almost anything but my wheelhouse is science fiction and history, this book was both.
  
  Everyone knows the legend of Sleepy Hollow but the Headless Horseman had been scarce for ten years. His last victim, Ichabod Crane. A stranger shows up questioning the story and believing this was a cover for foul play. He may get more than he bargained for.
  
  [Austin Dragon] does a wonderful job being true to the original story while writing [Hollow Blood] and asking the "what if"? The superstitions of the era led to many stories but few as well known as the Legend of Sleepy Hollow. The idea that there may have been more to it is a great twist.
  
  I have read some of [Dragon's] futuristic science fiction and it was nice to see an author with versatility. I have enjoyed all the books of have read by him but so far [Hollow Blood] is my favorite.
• 
  Cobwebby Reading Reindeer

  Review: HOLLOW BLOOD by Austin Dragon
  
  
  In quite the departure from his previous philosophical futuristic science fiction, author Austin Dragon brings to vivid life the real story of Ichabod Crane, the Headless Horsemen, and the storied events at little Sleepy Hollow. In finely-tuned historical detail, a lively cast of characters is introduced to catch readers' attention. What a different, excitingly new, perspective!
   
• 
  John Chamberlain

  Very good book, interesting spin on the Sleepy Hollow tale. The story picks up 10 years after Ichabod's disappearance as his nephew tries to solve the mystery of why his uncle, and others, disappeared. It had a good pace, moved fast, interesting characters-good stuff.
• 
  Gypsy Madden

  Summary: Julien arrives in the small town of Sleepy Hollow to investigate the murder of his uncle Ichabod Crane. After the usual round of questioning, he launches in on the obvious suspect Brom Bones, since the whole legend of the Headless Horseman is just a fiction by superstitious small town folk. Only to have the local marshal tell him otherwise and that he’ll actually take him to see Ichabod.
  
  Comments: It was an interesting read. It definitely captured the feel of close-knit Sleepy Hollow as well as plenty of historical facts along the way and the feel of the time period it’s rooted in. Though this really didn’t come off as being a horror book. I thought Julien reminded me of Batman more than anything else. Seriously, he’s a detective vigilante. Even his fighting moves reminded me of the Caped Crusader, especially how he was able to take out an entire posse of thugs on his own. As other reviews have mentioned, it did feel like it got off to a slow start (and I was tempted to set it aside since I really don’t care for investigationals. I was really hoping for the horror and misty atmosphere of the quaint little town). But then it did pick up when Julien confronted Katrina and Brom (Katrina was rather one-dimensional, but I did like Brom Bones as being practically a school bully). It did feel like it borrowed from both the old Disney cartoon and the Tim Burton movie. Brom and Ichabod felt like the Disney characters, while the investigational and the insistence that the Horseman was myth was right out of the movie. Even the orchestration of the Horseman was out of the movie. But then it felt like it took a very large veer off into a different direction when it actually left Sleepy Hollow and felt almost like another book that spent its time relating historical moments rather than focusing on the legend of the Horseman and the Hollow (seriously, I was rather bored following around the marshal). The book comes to an abrupt end without really resolving much of anything. I know it’s book one in a series, but usually book ones come to some sort of an end. And there was even a chapter right before the end that didn’t feel like it fit in with a completely separate character.
• 
  Stan Hutchings

  This story is the investigation into the disappearance, 10 years ago, of Ichabod Crane. The investigator does not believe in the supernatural, or a headless horseman - he believes Ichabod was murdered. He's found the motive, and who he believes is the murderer. Can he bring the suspect to justice? Or will he be run out of town by the powerful suspect? A surprise ending to the confrontation. Part II takes a more sinister turn as Julian hears Ichabod is not dead, but living in a town nearby. A Marshal Marshall offers to guide him. But omens are ill, and there are hints not all is well. Julian decides to see his quest for the murderer through to the end. The tension rises as suspicions are voiced, and incidents recalled, as to who the murderer actually is. Julian finds out to his dismay. Part III is the end of the first part of the story. It continues in "The Devil's Patch" (Book Two). Don't stop at Book 1 - Book 2 is integral to the story.
• 
  Tina Lincoln

  This was a well written, thrilling, and enjoyable read. I wasnt sure at first if a new spin could be taken on The Headless Horseman without being boring, but Austin Dragon did just that! I liked that it did have some of a horror factor, but not overly. It told of the history of the men who were the main characters and how they came to be in the Final Posse. I liked the family stories and the bad stories that brought them all together. The detail also to what happend to the Head, and the people who were killed. The ending was also good, and I was not left hanging, Austin kindly put together where the men went after the Hunt, who stayed in Sleepy Hollow, and who left. I look forward to the next story! Thank You Austin Dragon for a great story!
• 
  Jake

  enjoyed this re-take on the old Sleepy Hollows legend very much. dark gothic feel throughout, the suspense is maintained throughout. Strong characters and a strong sense of place and time. Fast paced through out, and a quick read. Well done as most of Austin Dragon's works tend to be. Highly recommend.
• 
  Annemarie

  A very different, highly enjoyable, retelling of the horror known as The Headless Horseman and the disappearance of Ichabod Crane.
  I enjoyed Hollow Blood so much, I can't wait to read The Devil's Patch, the final book in this mini-series.
  
  I received a free copy of this book through BookFunnel and have chosen to leave a review.
• 
  WonderfulWorlds

  This is very descriptive and very graphic. I have read many accounts of Sleepy Hollow but this is certainly more in depth and more immersive. I could imagine myself staring up at his magnificent horse and his coattails flapping in the wind. Incredible work.
• 
  Sherry Vaughan

  This was not as good as his Liquid Cool books. The story was not what I expected at all. It was wordy and muddled. Not at all what I have come to expect from Austin Dragon.
• 
  Sam

  I did enjoy this story tale urban legend book. Not my usual thing really but I can see the appeal for those that love this genre. Well written & a little different!
• 
  Zhana

  Disclaimer: This book was sent to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
  
  Let's start this review by saying that this book is not a horror, so if you're expecting something scary while reading it, you definitely won't get it. Having said that, I won't judge this book as one from the horror genre, but for what it actually is - a really good mystery novella.
  As short as it is, this book is really action packed and fast paced. The historical setting of the book was a really nice touch and it was appropriate for the mysterious atmosphere of the story. Once you are through with the beginning, which is rather slow, you can fully enjoy the rest of the book.
  One of the things I liked most about this book is, that you never know what to expect going from one scene to another, which is to be expected from each well written mystery book. There are some scenes, that I felt were unnecessary and didn't add anything to the story, except may be a little bit of an insight on some of the main characters.
  When it comes to the characters, I must admit that they were well introduced, but there wasn't any character growth throughout the book. Nevertheless, they were interesting and obscure, which made this a really pleasant read. I was really fond of Katarina and Julian and I'm hoping for some development of their characters in the second novella.
  Overall "Hollow Blood" has its ups and downs, but in the end it's a really enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to finding out how the story will wrap up in the second book in the series.
• 
  Liz Barnsley

  I spent a very pleasant (and horrifying) Sunday afternoon reading Austin Dragon’s take on the Sleepy Hollow legend – very clever and a storming read, if you are a fan of horror then this one is definitely for you.
  
  There is a lovely little twist of horror and mystery to be found here – Julian Crane comes to Sleepy Hollow incognito to investigate the disappearance of Ichabod. Someone does not want him asking questions however, his belief being that his Uncle was murdered, is this the case or was he truly taken by the Horseman?
  
  This is beautifully written descriptively speaking – a pervading sense of menace creeping up on the reader as it does Julian, whose beliefs are tested to the limits as he tries to discover the truth. The historical flavour of the story is excellent, a real sense of place and time where superstition is rife and anything could happen. The supernatural elements are blended seamlessly into the plot and there is an eclectic and genuinely intriguing bunch of characters to give the whole thing some punch.
  
  A very compelling take on an age old tale – the ending was perfect and I really hope that there will be more soon.
• 
  Kristi

  3.5 out of 5 stars. Received a free copy from the author in exchange for a honest review. A book about the death of Ichabod Crane as a historical fiction, with just a touch of fantasy. I feel like I could take it or leave it, not bad enough to quit half way through the book but, not good enough to make me scream with delight. I found a nice level of mystery involved, enough to make me want to finish reading the book, no trudging through boring muddling go nowhere pages. I have read a book like this in the past where I did not care for it but, it will make you think about it when you least expect it so, this book receives a higher rating because of this fact. I feel like I just did not connect with this book but, I have a feeling that this book will pop up in my thoughts later on down the months. This is a book that will marinade in your thoughts, you think that you don't need to read the next one in the series but, bam, now you have these questions popping up in your head. Your only hope is to reread the book a couple of times and hope that the next book in the series is out already.
• 
  Leila

  I haven’t really read books in the ‘horror’ genre. Mystery, suspense, thriller – those are up my alley. I love being kept on the edge of my seat and that is exactly what Hollow Blood did.
  
  We have all heard the legend of the Headless Horseman and Ichabod Crane. While I have heard the story, I have to admit, I never paid much attention so being able to read Hollow Blood and get more details was incredibly intriguing to me.
  
  The stranger that enters the town is one that I had suspicions of from the very beginning. You know how you get that “feeling” about people that something isn’t what it says it is. That was him. There was… something… about that man and his inquiring. His story didn’t quite match up and neither did he.
  
  I am telling you, I could not read this book fast enough and fell asleep with it many times because I refused to put it down and go to sleep.
  
  I cannot wait to get my hands on book 2. This is definitely a read that I am sure I could read more than once (which is quite unusual for me) but I really did enjoy reading it! Austin Dragon seems like a great author and I look forward to checking out some of his other books.
• 
  Donna Thompson

  I've never used this terminology before when reviewing a book, but in this case, it is extremely applicable, even though it might sound a bit cliche - this is a rollicking good read! From the opening pages of Austin Dragon's "Hollow Blood," the first in his Sleepy Hollows series, I knew it was going to be an exciting and atmospheric tale. The author uses language in such a way that it puts you right back in the 1800s, without making you feel that it's forced or sounds false in any way. I was immediately immersed in the tale of Icabod Crane and all the other characters from Washington Irving's story; however, in this book, the author takes you in a different direction, steering more towards a mystery rather than horror per se. There is a lot that happens in this book, and many twists and turns, so I don't want to say too much, you'll just have to read it for yourself. The quality of writing, the uniqueness of the story and the interesting and varied characters, make it a "must-read" if you enjoy these types of stories. You won't be disappointed.
  
  ***I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review***
• 
  Kirsty Hoggons

  I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
  
  When i first started reading this book it felt a bit slow to me. It took a while to really get into the story but once I was in I was hooked! I absolutely loved it. It was so interesting and every part of the story added up together. There were so many twists and turns in the story that I never knew what was going to happen next. It was also not a very predictable story which I liked because there is nothing worse than getting halfway through a book and realising that you already know how the book is going to end. This book was also very well written and very descriptive; this helped a lot because I am a very visual reader. I did not find this book too scary so don't let that put you off. Once you get into this book you are not going to want to put it down!
  Hollow Blood
  Austin Dragon