Rabbit Heart: a short erotic story (Hollow Book 2)

The Gift of Dark Hollow: Longburrow, Book 2

---

Podkin and his fellow rabbits have been sh The bard tiptoes out of his room, the crow-dream still echoing in his head, making him twitch at imaginary creaks of iron wings. Podkin and his fellow rabbits have been sheltering in Dark Hollow after their battle with Scramashank. Paz tends to the rabbits with sleeping sickness; Crom meets with the war council.

Podkin has nothing to do! Frustrated, Podkin goes exploring and discovers an abandoned underground chamber.

Armed with the Gift of Dark Hollow, Podkin learns to moonstride, and Paz is rewarded with a magical gift of her own. Published September 5th by Faber Faber first published The Five Realms 2. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. To ask other readers questions about The Gift of Dark Hollow , please sign up. Be the first to ask a question about The Gift of Dark Hollow.

Lists with This Book. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. The Five Realms series has the feel of a story being told around a campfire. Each book is told from the vantage point of an old bard, with the first book centered around a holiday gathering and the second a tale told while the bard and his new apprentice travel across the countryside. Occasional the bard pauses his stories of Podkin One-Ear to converse with his audience, in this case, Rue.

The writing style so reminds me of Brian Jacques Redwall series with our hero Podkin One-Ear and his band o The Five Realms series has the feel of a story being told around a campfire. The writing style so reminds me of Brian Jacques Redwall series with our hero Podkin One-Ear and his band of daring rabbits trying to fend off the evil Gorm army by acquiring magical weapons and going off into battle. The black and white illustrations by David Wyatt are gorgeously detailed and I especially loved the ones of Zarza the bonedancer, a new character added to the story.

I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series. They're so compellingly told and exciting - and who doesn't love warrior rabbits?! I'm a huge fan pf Podkin One Ear, and I'm delighted to say that this second book doesn't disappoint. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. The Gift of Dark Hollow continues the story of Podkin One-ear and it is just as good as the first book. Having survived the battle against Scramashank and chopping off one of his legs, Podkin, Paz and Pook along with Crom and the others hole up in Dark Hollow, a warren hidden within Grimheart forest.

Hidden away from immediate danger Podkin starts to feel unappreciated and useless, consequently, he decides to explore their new warren. During this exploration Podkin happens upon the Gift of Dark Hollow and sets into motion a course of events that may just help the rabbits defeat the Gorm. This book introduces several new characters, most notably Zarza, a bonedancer, Yarrow the bard and Vetch, who is a mystery but there are hints of his possible involvement in book 3.

Like with book 1 all the characters are nicely fleshed-out and the relationships between the rabbits is heart-warming at times.

The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse

Yet again I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Dec 07, Lauren Shortle rated it really liked it. I really do love these little series of books. It's full of fun and adventure and you really do fall in love with the characters and the writing of the books always makes you feel like your there having the adventure with Podkin and his family. It's an easy going enjoyable book. Just as fabulous as the first.

Brilliant characters, intriguing story and just god damn awesome! Aug 06, HP Saucerer rated it it was amazing. A gripping, adventurous fantasy even more magical than the first. Beautifully structured and written with wonderful characters. An entirely captivating series - bring on the third installment! Podkin, Paz and Pook have survived - just - and are now holed up in Grimheart forest, avoiding the Gorm at all costs.

Podkin, however, is feeling less than appreciated and goes for a wander in his new surroundings, where he stumbles upon a new Gift. This leads him to overhear a conversation about where another has been hidden, a Gift that can help them end the Gorm forever. And so begins another epic tale of these wonderful rabbits. There are more of them, but this time, instead of running away Podkin, Paz and Pook have survived - just - and are now holed up in Grimheart forest, avoiding the Gorm at all costs. There are more of them, but this time, instead of running away from danger, they are choosing to walk right into it.

As with the first book, the relationships between Podkin and Paz, and Podkin and Crom, show real heart, while new characters such as Zarza and Vetch offer possible hints of what is to come in book 3. Again, my favourite element of the book is the bard, who is on his own journey with an apprentice-to-be, Rue. He looks after Rue in a slightly curmudgeonly manner but ultimately shows the love he was once shown - a thoughtful ending wraps up his story for now very poignantly.

Mar 18, Kieran Fanning rated it it was amazing. Every bit as good as book 1. Beautifully structured and written, this series already has the feel of a classic. Lord of the Rings with rabbits. The novel starts to flesh out the bigger picture. We start to see more of the different races of rabbits that occupy the world, as well as the different tribes and orders that they have formed.

The story goes beyond this, providing a few tantalising hints of the ancient race that came before. This really helped to draw me further into Podkin's world a I'm really glad to say that The Gift of Dark Hollow really improved on Podkin One-Ear, addressing a lot of the issues that I found with this story.

This really helped to draw me further into Podkin's world and want to learn more about it. The story is structured in much the same way as the first instalment, framed as a travelling bard telling the tale of a legendary hero. This story in question is a snapshot of Podkin's life, telling the story of his adventures as he seeks out another one of Gifts. While the story is perhaps a little slow to start, it quickly becomes enthralling as Podkin is once again forced to find his courage and face the terrifying Gorn.

This novel felt a lot better paced than the last, balancing the quieter scenes and action nicely to build to a satisfying climax. The novel also started to hint at a large story for the Bard, as much more time was spent on the present day plot. While nothing really comes of this in this book beyond him taking on an apprentice, it does set the groundwork for the danger that will inevitably follow.

My only small issue with this story was really its ending as, much like the previous instalment, this was quite abrupt and gave the story an episodic feel. The characters in this book were a lot stronger than last time. Podkin gradually learns that there are more important things than being the hero and the importance of acting in interest of the greater good. While he does receive a second gift in this story, I was glad to see that these were underused this time, giving Podkin plenty of time to use his wits rather than magical deus ex machinas.

Parents say

Better still was the character development for Paz. While she was sidelined in the last novel quite horribly, this time she really came into her own. She finally seems to have settled into a role in which she is comfortable and gains an incredible Gift of her own. This time around, Paz's role is vitally important in the climax and it was nice to see her and Podkin working together to save the day.

All in all, I thought that this story was great. It really improved on the first book with its great world building and strong characters. I can't wait to see where Larwood will take the series next. Nov 18, Jack rated it really liked it. Podkin; his sister, Paz; his baby brother, Pook; their erstwhile guardians, Crom and Brigid, and a whole host of rabbits rescued from the grips of the merciless Gorm - including their comatose mother - are taking shelter in the warren of Dark Hollow, deep in the heart of Grimwood Forest.

Meanwhile, in the other part of the story, our Bard has decided he had best be moving on from Thornwood, joined by Rue, a younger son of the chieftain, with him as a potential apprentice. This adds a whole new element to the story and one which I enjoyed. As in the previous book, Podkin is joined by a whole host of characters.

The Gift of Dark Hollow

From the last book, we still have Crom, Brigid, and Mish and Mash. Of these, Brigid was easily my favourite. We got a young, adventurous bard out for a good story, a masked assassin and a coward, who, in my opinion, only cares about one person: They all added something extra to the group, forcing the acrobatic brother and sister of act, Mish and Mash, further back on my list of characters. The characters from the old book all got on so well, were harmonious in their goals, where as the new ones add an element of conflict and mistrust, making the interactions that much more interesting to read.

One thing that I have been really impressed with in both the Five Realms books is the strength of the opening chapters. For both, Larwood has hit the nail on the head with the sense of intrigue inspired from both. Like the previous book in the series, I would certainly recommend this book to people looking for a fun, quick read — and of course to children. Though, as with most sequels, it goes without saying that you should read the previous book in the series first!

Catch more of my reviews at: Apr 12, Katy Noyes rated it it was amazing Shelves: Like a shorter Redwall - rabbit fantasy adventure series. I devoured the Redwall books as a pre-teen, a wonderful saga over many thick books about mice and others battling an evil character, with mythological elements.

This series reminds me of those, but are much more accessible for a slightly younger audience, and have a wonderful bookend narrative structure, with a storyteller telling an apprentice or audience the internal tale. It works brilliantly, as the narrator himself is a character i Like a shorter Redwall - rabbit fantasy adventure series.

It works brilliantly, as the narrator himself is a character in his own stories we are readers know this , and he has his own story outside of the one he is telling. Podkin One-Ear, told about previously, has another of his long backstory told to the storyteller's new apprentice, as the Gorm mechanised rabbits intent on destruction continue to ravage the land. Still young himself, and along with his sister and baby brother, he forms alliances and comes into the possession of magical items that may be useful in the fight against evil.

A gripping adventurous fantasy, with some mature touches one character must kill something every day without fail and a story that doesn't pander to a young audience. Love the period feel of this, and the structure is refreshingly different. I look forward to more stories from Podkin's 'bard'.

The audio version works well, as the story is 'told' to us, as it is to the listener within the book. It was easy enough to follow both the plot and who is speaking. I didn't listen with my son as we haven't read the first together, but I think he would enjoy the adventure in a year or two. With thanks to Nudge Books for providing a sample Audible copy. Aug 17, Cindy Hudson rated it it was amazing. The Gift of Dark Hollow continues the tale of Podkin One-Ear, a young rabbit determined to save his community from the threat of the Gorm—evil mutations of rabbitkind.

Teaming up once again with his older sister Paz and younger brother Pook, Podkin sets off in search of a Gift of the Goddess that may be able to cut through iron and defeat the enemy. Strong messages of courage, determination, kindness, friendship, family. Also the importance of individual strengths and talents in getting a task accomplished or overcoming an evil force.

See a Problem?

Former brat and fledgling hero Podkin is appealing and relatable as he tries to be worthy of his brave father, killed by the Gorm, even as he constantly struggles with his own fears and also moments of petty jealousy. Baby Pook, the future bard, shows a great talent for sneaking along uninvited on adventures, but proves to have essential talents.

The Gorm, who killed Podkin's father and many others in Book 1, are still a looming threat, roaming the countryside and enslaving entire rabbit settlements. One of the characters, who wears a bone mask, belongs to an ancient order of hired assassins that serves the Goddess of Death. A rabbit priestess is held captive and tortured by the Gorm. Not all rabbits survive battles and imprisonment. Occasional references to bottoms, as in landing on yours, and warnings to avoid food that may cause trouble on the way out.

Adult rabbits drink mead, and some, especially bards, overindulge. It's not presented as glamorous, especially when you have to sleep through the drunken singing. Parents need to know that The Gift of Dark Hollow is the second installment of Kieran Larwood 's Longburrow series, a rabbit epic apparently destined to extend far beyond its originally planned two volumes. Not all characters survive the battles, imprisonments, and other dangers, and the young rabbits encounter someone who belongs to an order of assassins and has to kill something every day to survive usually, it's a beetle.

All of this may be a bit intense for some, but it's an exciting, often funny, ultimately upbeat story with plenty of positive messages about courage, family, the importance of everybody's particular talents, and overcoming your fears -- and it leaves plenty to be developed in future volumes. Bold adventures, scary situations, and more than a few sweet, funny moments follow. The saga of young rabbit brat-turned-hero Podkin continues with lots to keep young readers enthralled, including epic battles, brave deeds, scary monsters, helpful magic, and sweet humor.

Along the way, there's a lot of sadness, loss, and heroic sacrifice, as not all characters survive the evil Gorm, but that often inspires more courage in the youthful heroes. David Wyatt's detailed illustrations make the brave young heroes and scary villains all the more relatable. Why is this such a popular theme?

What are some examples you like, and why do you like them? Sometimes life isn't fair -- as when Paz can't be chieftain because she's a girl, even though she's perfect for the job -- and you have to just deal with it and do the best you can. Have you ever not been able to do or have something you really wanted, no matter what? How did you deal with it?

Have you ever thought you might want to be a storyteller? What would be the first tale you'd tell? Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate. Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization, earns a small affiliate fee from Amazon or iTunes when you use our links to make a purchase. Thank you for your support. Our ratings are based on child development best practices. We display the minimum age for which content is developmentally appropriate. The star rating reflects overall quality and learning potential. Learn how we rate. For Your Family Log in Sign me up. Is it OK for kids to read books outside their reading levels? Column 4 Our impact report: How Tech Is Changing Childhood.

Want personalized picks that fit your family? Set preferences to see our top age-appropriate picks for your kids. The Gift of Dark Hollow:

• Aphasia After Therapy
• BE MY ENEMY
• Practicing Pagan (The Guardian Trilogy Book 1)
• Weak Lungs and How To Make Them Strong
• Ingredients of Influence