Hollow Dolls

In this entertaining start to a new series set in the same world as the Shadow Weaver duology, a young woman whose memories were magically stripped away searches for her long-lost family, only to discover that a terrifying foe may be hunting her. Simone, whose talent for mind reading led to her prolonged enslavement by the wicked Lady Aisling, is finally free to seek her own destiny. With her friend Sebastian, who still feels guilty for his part in stealing her memories, Simone travels to the Parillan Archives, where she hopes the librarians can aid her. Soon, though, she realizes that they’ve been followed by a body walker intent on using Simone’s talents to pursue its own sinister agenda. Picking up threads begun in the Shadow Weaver titles, the story relies heavily on knowledge of the previous entries. And much of the setting remains vaguely described, leading to a feeling of distance and disconnect. However, Connolly does continue to expand upon her world, and Simone’s attempt to unravel the secrets of her past is relatable. Ages 8–14. [em]Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary. (Jan.) [/em]