Book Review: The Hollow-Hearted by C.A. Bryers
Things are not going well for Natke Orino. After having to leave her old job as a secret agent, Natke has moved to the Odyssan Archipelago to form her own exploration company. But her rivals seem to be always one step ahead getting to new archaeological sites and Natke’s financial backers have stopped funding her. Also, her barely-kept-secret relationship with her second in command Fuorento is at a crisis point. If she doesn’t have a success soon, she may need to admit defeat and go to work for a smug competitor.
That’s when Natke’s information expert L’Anne reveals that there’s been an earthquake on a remote island associated with legendary assassin Cary the Hollow-Hearted. It’s exposed what may be the cave system that Cary made her final stand in, and if an explorer found proof of Cary’s existence, they’d be set for life! Natke quickly gets her small (and rapidly dwindling) company aship, and they are on their way to Hollow Rock.
But although they seem to be the first expedition to arrive, it’s soon clear the explorers are not alone, and whoever or whatever else is on the island, it’s hostile. Natke must battle for both her life and her career, but will victory cost her heart?
This novella is a prequel to The 13th Paragon duology by the same author. The genre is unclear, so let’s call it science fiction for now. It’s set in a world where technology was once at a higher level, but is swiftly regaining ground. Natke and Fuorento were supporting characters in the duology, and this fills in an important piece of their mutual background.
As a short work, this is fast-paced, and sheds characters quickly (not all by death, thankfully.) Sadly, some of the characters I liked best were vanished from the story for the all-important final confrontation to work better. And those who have read the work this is a prequel to will know at least some of the end already.
Overall, this is a light read that will most appeal to fans of the author’s other works.
