Overview

In The Hollow and the Haunted, Camilla Raines introduces us to Miles Warren, a teenage psychic living in a small town in Washington. Miles comes from a long family line of mediums, but instead of feeling proud of his abilities, he is frightened by them. His life is shaped by rules, secrecy, and the pressure to live up to his family name.

Everything changes when Miles begins seeing visions of Gabriel Hawthorne, a boy linked to his family’s bitter feud. The visions suggest Gabriel is in danger, and as Miles digs deeper, long buried ghosts and family secrets begin to surface. What starts as fear slowly turns into connection, forcing Miles to confront both the supernatural and his own feelings.

Writing & Voice

We found Raines’s writing clear and emotionally grounded, with a strong sense of place. The ghostly elements are unsettling without overwhelming the story, and the quieter moments allow the characters to breathe. Miles’s voice feels honest and relatable, especially in his confusion, fear, and growing sense of self.

The balance between mystery and emotion keeps the story moving, even when the lore becomes more complex.

Characters

Miles is an easy character to care about. His fear of his powers and his struggle with identity feel real and well handled. Gabriel begins as distant and guarded, but gradually becomes more open as the story unfolds.

Their relationship develops slowly and naturally, shaped by shared danger and mutual curiosity. Family members and townsfolk add tension and history, reinforcing the weight of the past on both boys.

Themes

This novel explores identity, inheritance, and the cost of silence. It asks how much of ourselves we owe to our families, and when it is time to step out of their shadows. The divide between the living and the dead mirrors the emotional distance Miles feels from those around him.

What Worked

• Atmospheric setting – The town and its ghosts feel vivid and unsettling.
• Slow-burn romance – The connection between Miles and Gabriel grows with care.
• Strong emotional core – Family pressure and self-discovery drive the story.

Minor Quibbles

• Some side characters could have used more page time.
• The family history and psychic rules may feel heavy early on.

Final Thoughts

The Hollow and the Haunted is a thoughtful and atmospheric debut that blends ghosts, family history, and first love with real care.

Rating: ★★★★☆ / 5