- ASIN: B0D7F215GL
- Publisher: Donna S. Frelick; 1st edition (10 July 2024)
- Language: English
- Print length: 335 pages
- Genre: Science Fiction Romance
The BookViral Review:
Lost Hollow by Donna S. Frelick is an engaging mix of science fiction, romance, and suspense, set against the eerie and atmospheric backdrop of a small town. The first book in the Alienvilleseries introduces readers to Allenville, a mysterious town surrounded by thick forests, strange disappearances, and deeply hidden secrets.
The story begins with Claire McCann, a woman not particularly adept at navigation, who embarks on a road trip to visit her twin sister, Moira. Claire quickly finds herself lost due to a detour, leading her to the small town of Allenville. The novel builds its tension masterfully from here, as Claire encounters something terrifying in the woods and subsequently disappears, leaving Moira in a desperate search for her sister.
The plot is driven by two alternating perspectives—Claire’s terrifying ordeal and Moira’s investigation into her sister’s disappearance. Claire’s experience in the dark, mysterious woods, encountering a massive, animalistic creature, provides a captivating mixture of suspense and survival. Meanwhile, Moira’s search introduces the reader to the peculiar town of Allenville and its inhabitants, including Chief Seth Call, who is not only responsible for the town’s safety but also holds hidden knowledge about its dark secrets.
A central aspect of Lost Hollow is the hidden conflict between the Daliahns and Varkans, two alien species with a long and troubled history. The Daliahns, including the town’s police chief Seth Call, strive to maintain peace and keep their true nature hidden from human outsiders. In contrast, the Varkans are more aggressive, prone to violence, and driven by ancient instincts, especially during their dangerous mating season. This rivalry adds depth to the story, providing a unique twist to the typical small-town setting and elevating the stakes as both alien factions fight to keep their existence secret while struggling for dominance.
Dalton represents the darker side of Allenville’s undercurrent of secrecy and danger. While outwardly charming and polished, he conceals a seething rage and a deep loyalty to his Varkan heritage. His ruthless ambition and desire to control the town make him a formidable antagonist, as he seeks to bend the town’s future to his will. His role is not just that of a power-hungry businessman but also a protector of the Varkan way of life, ready to defend his people’s traditions—even if it means causing harm to humans.
As Seth helps Moira navigate the strange world of Allenville, he is drawn to her strength and resilience. Moira, in turn, begins to trust Seth despite her initial reservations. Their shared moments—whether they are piecing together the mystery of Claire’s disappearance or navigating the town’s secrets—allow them to see each other’s vulnerabilities. Seth’s protective instincts towards Moira go beyond duty, evolving into a genuine desire to keep her safe, not only from the external dangers of the town but also from the emotional burden of potentially losing her sister.
In the context of the larger narrative, their relationship also acts as a bridge between the human and alien elements of the story. Moira’s growing connection to Seth mirrors her deeper entanglement in the conflict between the Daliahns and Varkans, and their romance is intertwined with the larger stakes of the town’s future. Frelick’s ability to balance romance with sci-fi elements is one of the novel’s strengths, ensuring that the emotional beats are just as engaging as the plot’s twists and turns.
Overall, Lost Hollow is a thrilling and emotional start to the Alienville series. Seth and Moira’s evolving relationship adds depth and heart to the story, grounding the science fiction elements in a human connection that readers can root for. Donna S. Frelick has crafted a captivating romance amidst the tension and mystery of Allenville, making this an unreservedly must-read for fans of both romance and sci-fi.
