Hollow Kingdom
| Industry | Publishing |
|---|---|
| Products | Books |
Hollow Kingdom is a science fiction novel released in 2019 by Kira Jane Buxton, which presents a zombie apocalypse narrative through the eyes of a pet crow. The book was issued by Grand Central Publishing.
Plot Summary
Set in Seattle, the story follows a pet crow named Shit Turd (S.T.), who resides with his owner, Big Jim, and a bloodhound called Dennis. Having been raised indoors, S.T. identifies more closely with humans than with other crows. After Big Jim’s eyeball detaches and he attempts to consume S.T., the crow and Dennis venture into a deteriorating human world. Animals refer to humans as Hollows due to their estrangement from the natural environment. Determined to preserve what remains of humanity’s legacy, S.T. focuses on saving domesticated animals.
While exploring the Seattle zoo, S.T. finds no living humans and suffers a wing injury. He uncovers that Hollows are attracted to electronic devices and uses a cell phone to lure them into shattering a window, which allows him to free a dog named Cinnamon from her deceased owner’s residence. Together, they save multiple pets before Cinnamon falls victim to an aggressive rabid dog.
Joining forces with Kraai, the leader of a crow murder, S.T. embraces his avian nature, instructing others on how to infiltrate buildings and establishing a base at the University of Washington Bothell campus. The Hollows undergo mutations, developing features such as wings and feathers. After Dennis is killed by Hollows, S.T. and his feathered allies defend their sanctuary against wild wolves and these mutated creatures.
During a covert expedition to an isolated First Nations community in Canada, S.T. and his group discover a human infant who remains unaffected by the apocalypse, pledging to protect her.
Reception
Hollow Kingdom was shortlisted for the 2020 Thurber Prize and placed #53 on Good Housekeeping’s compilation of the 60 best books published in 2019.
National Public Radio lauded it as "joyfully original," praising S.T. as an exceptional narrator whose genuine sorrow enriches the story. Publishers Weekly described it as "hilarious," "innovative [and] unsettling," and a "skillful mix of humor and tragedy," emphasizing its poignant portrayal of survival amid disaster. The Washington Independent Review of Books characterized it as "uplifting," highlighting the relatability of its crow protagonist.
Locus admired the "rich" writing style and classic elements of pet adventure but criticized the novel’s hopeful depiction of nature as somewhat "naïve," also noting that S.T.'s narrative tone might alienate some readers. Kirkus Reviews initially found the voice “vibrant and bold” but later described it as “confused” and “overdone.”