Book Review – Into the Hollow by Karina Halle

Into the Hollow (Experiment in Terror #6) -New to the series? Check out the Series Reading Order
OMG I’m soooooo looooonnnnnely. So lonely! Dex? Deeeexxx??? Perry? Where are you guys? I miss you guys like… so much. I thought about you guys all day today. All day. Okay, maybe a bit more about Dex, 😉 but you too, Perry. You rock, I don’t care how mad I was at you last night, I still think you rock.

I mean, I know I’m a bit clingy but I can’t help it. I CAN’T!! After all, we were together for almost 48 hours now, and we really weathered some bad stuff. You know what they say… life and death circumstances cause people to forge unbreakable bonds. So… why am I all alone now, after all we’ve been through, huh? I know… I was finally forced to let you go at what? 2:30am? I’m sorry I kept you guys so late (really I am) but even though I get to look forward to seeing you both a few times a year (thank you Karina!!), it’s always so awesome, but y’all leave me so quickly. I always feel like, just as it’s getting really good, you guys always gotta go.

In fact, I’m thinking about… you know… *sniff sniff* re-reading our time together. I bet it would be even BETTER the second time around. I bet I could realllllly enjoy those special moments now that I know… stuff.

Emma: Just finished and Ohmigod… I couldn’t possibly LOVE Dex any more *swoon*

Maryse’s Book Blog: I ADORE HIM!!! I need help. That darn book is all I can think about. Dex, Dex, Dex everything Dex.

Emma: I know… Karina really pulled a doozy on us with Dex. I need to go over some scenes again and again *starry eyes*

I feel like I’ve just spent the last couple of days in an extreme, non-stop bond-fest with my two absolute best friends, one that I have a HUGE honking crush on (sorry Perry, I heart your man, and it can’t be denied). Or wait… is he your man? *grins mischievously* Considering all of the emotional turmoil and love-angst (YES!! My favorite!!)… it could’ve gone either way, right? *shrug*

Whether this was “the one” or not, that’s a secret I won’t let out until y’all finish this book.

Okay, without trying to sound redundant, may I just say… to me, this was one of the best books EVER! I’ve been absolutely SMITTEN with this series, and this book just solidified my love. I mean it was already solidified but it’s like diamond-tough now. Ya can’t break my love for it. You just can’t.

Tracy: Into the Hollow blew me away! The best book of the series! So, don’t mean to be pushy, but how long til the next one?

Kirsten: You know I feel like a lot of series each book gets worse, but with Karina each of these EIT books gets better and better…

Agreed!! This book took the cake for me. I was absolutely thrilled and overwhelmed after book #4, and #5 brought me some added relief, and then the Dex-Files couldn’t have come at a better time, but THIS ONE? AWESOME overload.

Ok so… Yep. It’s time to tell you what it’s about. But… I’m gonna keep it short and sweet (spoilers and all that):

So… circumstances arise, and well, after that last “incident” Dex and Perry have sort of… made up. Sort of!! Don’t go getting any ideas. After all. Dex destroyed Perry’s heart once, and the whole “fool me once, I won’t get fooled again” thing is front row and center. Perry’s one tough cookie!

I don’t know why things felt awkward between us when the last time I had seen him, he was holding me, promising that they’d never take me. Of course, that didn’t work and I didn’t fault him for that. But being apart again, even for just a few days, reminded me of how much had changed between us.

Perry needs a job, and most of all, Perry needs to get out of her mother’s house. And as much as she resents Dex, he is her best friend and understands her more than anybody. So what does she do? She moves in with him. YES!!!!!! YES!!!!! Ahhh I couldn’t have been happier. Although she… wasn’t.

I closed my eyes and a warm tear ran slowly down my cheek.

“Perry,” he said again, softer. His fingers tightened. “Baby, please.”

That word was like a nail into my chest. My reaction was instinctive.

I whirled around at him, my eyes aflame and throwing as much venom as possible.

“You don’t get to call me that anymore,” I spat at him. “I am not that to you. I never was.”

*gulp* My heart… over and over again… my heart.

Yet, life must go on, and they get a job opportunity. Sasquatch sightings in the Canadian rockies. Sasquatch? Well, despite what she’s seen and dealt with, she has no belief of “Big Foot” and thinks this’ll be an easy (and possibly entertaining) “debunking”. After all, even if Sasquatch exists, he’s not a ghost or a demon, so she’s safe, right?

HA!

‘Cause these two have everything against them. From the icy temperatures, the wild outdoors, the creepy possibilities, and maybe even worse, their creepier “tour guide”. The hunter that can’t stop staring… at Perry. Alone. In the woods. With snow. And no cell reception. When will they ever learn? WHEN???!!!

And yet, these are the very circumstances that keep us on the edge of our seat, and I thank them for their occasional bouts of “nitwit-ness”. Hey, if they’re gonna throw themselves in, I’m in for the fun. Better them, than me. 😉

But above and beyond all of the crazy action, are their personal reactions. To each other. Their feelings for each other (good and bad) are  always hovering over them. Clouding their thought processes… always threatening… tempting them to succumb. Or inciting them to make the biggest most irrational mistakes of their lives. But sometimes there is plenty of rational in the “irrational”, and this one indulges us in all of those details.

“And I’ll keep trying,” he quickly said, voice low and somber. “Until I get it right.”

Oh God, it felt like my heart was shrinking. I tightened my hands into fists and quickly loosened them.

“Please don’t try,” I told him, even though saying those words made my stomach roll. “That’s in the past. It’s over. It’s done.”

He rubbed the heel of his palm against his chest.

“But it’s not over. It’s not done. I can see it in your eyes.”

My heart!!!!

And when at 2:00am, I only had 10% left of the book to go but needed a quick break, my husband said: —> (you might want to skip this “husband conversation” in case of spoilers. Not that they are significant or detailed or anything… but you know. I let “silly-loose” here)

Husband: “wow… you look tired. 2:00am and you’re still up, that’s late for you.”

Me: “Yah but you don’t even know the half of it.” *full palms swipe down face*

“Ohhhh help me I’m exhauuuuusssted. I’ve been creeped out, freezing cold, shivering, attacked, soaking wet after being forced into glacial waters, attacked again, chased, scared out of my mind, I’ve fallen off a cliff or two (or was I thrown off?), lost stuff, lost MYSELF, seen stuff beheaded, had to shoot things and the shotgun kick knocked me on my butt, and then… on top of all of that… OMG. Then. There’s Dex.” *sigh*

‘Nuff said. 😉 But it was SO worth it. And I didn’t have to wait until the “end” for the “worth it” ’cause it was front, row and center through the WHOLE book. So much story here, and so much to connect to, and CONNECT we do.

I mean this is real life folks. This stuff happens!! The push and pull, fear of love, fear of losing, fear of changing “something” into “something more” and possibly losing it all. Possibly losing the best thing that ever happened to you, just for wanting… and “trying” for more. The lies (especially to themselves). Perfection. Plus… you know. Significant others, and all of that. This stuff is real life! REAL!! Errrr. *blush* Well. I mean… well, ‘cept for the ghosts. You know. And the demons. Oh and erm… *smirks* Sasquatch.  LOL!!! 😛

Ohhhhhh yes… these books are exciting, and scary. Exhaustingly exhilarating. And HILARIOUS (but perfectly timed in their hilarity – not over-the-top, but absolutely relieving)

… the cabin was filled with stark white light.

I gasped and squinted at the light coming from outside. “What the hell?”

Dex stood up. “Aliens!”

“Sit down, Mulder” I said, tugging him back to his seat.

LOL!!!! Oh Dex… you made me laugh and giggle out loud, over and over again. Although considering what they’ve encountered so far, aliens wouldn’t be that far-fetched. *shakes head* Dex, Dex, Dex…. you’re a smart-ass, sarcastic, and so freakin’ full of yourself, but there is SO much more to you. You’re my PERFECT book hero. In fact, you’re now officially my #1 book hero of all time. Well, there are a couple up there with you, but only a couple! I promise. You’re #1! Umm… you know. With “them”. 😉

Okay, back to my gush-fest. To me, what really makes this series one of my favorites (in addition to the fear and funny) is the potential romance/heartbreak and deep friendship. The relatable characters and personal introspection. Emotionally ADDICTING!!! I can’t say enough to make you understand. Each book has a problem to solve, an episode to film, and unconceivable circumstances to overcome, but the personal, human, RAW connection (or dis-connection in some cases) is what keeps us HOOKED. And each installment just keep getting better and better.

Do yourself a favor and indulge in this six-book (plus some awesome novellas) series and you’ll come out starry-eyed and dying for more… and then you’ll know. You’ll know. Our “Dex” club awaits you. Oh wait. Dex is mine! Hands off! Er. I mean… welcome!!! Tee hee!!!

Oh and Karina? Thank you so much for sending me this awesome installment. It made my day/night/week etc… 😉 How about… like… for the next book… can we just have Dex and Perry all angsty/cuddly/arguing in his apartment (all warm and fuzzy) snuggling with “Fat Rabbit” or something? I mean it doesn’t have to be all roses and such (after all, we are talking about “Dex” here). I did say “arguing” right? Just… warm and snuggly and “safe”. I’m all shivered out. My teeth don’t wanna chatter anymore ( I swear I think they were last night!!).

What say you?

LOL!!!

No? Okay… no. I mean, I must concede that despite my current exhaustion, their “supernatural show” subjects rock, so of course, I can understand continuing the theme. What. A. Thrill ride!

By the time the next book is out, I know I’ll be ready for more. Bring on the aching physical pain and the chill-induced & fear-induced shivery nights. 😉

5 STARS PLUS!!!!

P.S.—> Book #5 (On Demon Wings) is nominated for an award on “Goodreads” and I voted for it. ABSOLUTELY. You can too, if you want!

Oh wow, this is a wordy review!! 😉 I just couldn’t help but gush. I’ve been wanting to talk about it alllll day, and now I finally get to, so please excuse my excessive enthusiasm. It all just came spilling out and i just couldn’t stop, until I finally felt relief. *ahhhhhhhhh I’m better now*. It’s a jumbled mess, but it’s my jumbled mess and I’m better for it.

Oh and… pretty much the whole bunch of us “EIT enthusiasts” went NUTS for this book. Before, and ESPECIALLY AFTER! Here’s a sample of how excited we were:

Tracy: Okay my awesome girlfriends…when you read INto the Hollow in a couple of days, I want you all to remember this and comment back to me…49% in, and if I didn’t love Dex before, I totally, completely LOVE HIM NOW!

Johanna: This book is TOP PRIORITY!!!!!! Even my kids will be neglected.. No food, no cleaning, and no homework.. ALL FOR DEX 🙂 LOL

Maryse’s Book Blog: *squeeeeee* me toooo! 59% in and I heart Dex more than I ever have. In fact… Dex, to me, is now absolutely equal to Travis in terms of my infatuation level. #1

Tracy: Maryse…didn’t you just die with Dex at 49%…and Holy Moley space blankets!!!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Ohhhhhh wow. Just wow. 75% wow. 80% double ohhhhh wow! Wow.

Maryse’s Book Blog: I am sooooooo happy. 80% and I’m delightfully floored. It’s been amazing all the way… but what a scene I just hit.

Tracy: I am 84% thru Hollow…and i want to smack Perry! No really, total sucker punch. Ugh!!!!

Maryse’s Book Blog: Yah but… but… you see… No wait. I love DEX, so yah. You’re right.;)

Emma: It’s all good…. no freaking Fantastic… just wait and see.

Kirsten: Damn falling asleep! Now I have to see what happens. I loved your ok Dex’s 49% moment Tracy! Oh I admit it I just love Dex.

Claudia: Just finished..WOW..one of the best …no..this is the best book of 2012!!!

Joanna: I’m saving it for tonight with a glass of wine and a warm bath (NO CHILDREN)

Kimberly: 17% in of Into the Hollow OMG I am loving this

Kimberly: i am smiling/brow frowns the whole time I am reading and my hubby is like “whats wrong or what are you up to” I just say its Dex and I get the eye roll :)and I agree Dex is in my top favs right with Travis

Maryse’s Book Blog: Oh we are gonna be such a DEX fog over the next couple of days… I think he’s my #1 hero for 2012. Yep.

Tiffany: Im super excited…Can’t wait to read it and than read your review!! You are ALWAYS spot on with your reviews!!!!

Maryse’s Book Blog: *hug* I’ll likely be all DEEEEEXXXXXX fan-girly and such. 😉 Ah well. It’s all in good fun. There WILL be squeeing.

Jessica C: I have only read the first one. It was a little slow for me?!! I should keep going Maryse??

Maryse’s Book Blog: OMG Jessica YES!!! #2 *might* be slow too (some say) but I loved it. BUT… by #3 … look out! #4… you will FREAK… and so on … and so on…

Jessica N:  Thanks for the update…I never would have kept reading this series if not for your gushing about it. The first couple of books were a little slow but once I got hooked, it was over with. Can’t wait to read this one 🙂

Jessica C: I just bought the second book and I had The Benson downloaded when it was free a while ago. Ahh!! I want to know more now!!

Yvette: trust us keep reading!!!!!!!!!!!

Tami: I’ve recently started this series. I’m on book 3 and I’m head over heels in love! I’m sad it took me so long to start it.

Mary: Yay!!! I was up all of last night reading and was about to crash for the night until I saw this. Dex and Perry trump sleep.

Kimberly: so good already im only at 23%

Samantha: just finished it. goshhh I love me some dex…Yummm

Maryse’s Book Blog: Ohhhhhh it was fantastic!! Just fantastic. Exhilaratingly exhausting and 5 star squee-worthy for me. LOVED it like I did #4 and even more… *sigh*

Amy: Loved loved loved. At the risk of sounding like Meg Ryan in When Harry Met Sally – Yes yes yes!!! I’ll have what she’s having!

Sarah: Well that only took me like 5 hours to read! Lol is it spring/summer 2013 yet? Can’t wait for the next one to come out!

Carlamia: gutted as i’ve now finished Into the Hollow and already want more Dex…. very satisfying evening though!

Sabrina: You guys are killing me— !!!!! Can’t wait to start — after work!!!

Erin: Just finished it this morning. Don’t think it was my fav out of the series so far, but man now I’m ready for the next one so I can see what happen

Anita: Just bought it and am sooo looking forward to what happens in this installment. Maryse you are so right on about DEX

Shawna: YAY! I’m allowing myself a work out, and then straight home to READ!!!!! Oh gosh, were we right Maryse Black? Is this THE ONE????!!!???

Maryse’s Book Blog: I am the happiest girl in the world for having read that book!

For more about what I’ve written on the Experiment in Terror series, see below (lots, right? haha. I LOVE this series soooo much. In fact I’ve been in a “Dex-daze” all day today…):

• Karina Halle – Experiment in Terror Series Reading Order
• The Experiment in Terror Series – Intrigued Readers Want to Know…
• Behind The Books – Interview With Karina Halle
• Book Review – Darkhouse by Karina Halle
• Book Review – Red Fox by Karina Halle
• Book Review – Dead Sky Morning by Karina Halle
• Just Finished Reading Lying Season by Karina Halle & I’m Freaking Out!! The Torture Is Just So Gooood!!
• Book Review – Lying Season by Karina Halle
• Book Review – On Demon Wings by Karina Halle
• Book Review – Old Blood by Karina Halle
• Book Review – The Dex-Files by Karina Halle
• Book Review – Into the Hollow by Karina Halle

➔➔➔  Looking for more of my must-read recommendations? Browse my 5 star and 4.5 star and 4 star reviews. 😀