4 Stars because it was published in paperback. I would have been far less generous if I'd been compelled to purchase a hardcover just because it has Nora's name on it.

Paranormal has never been my favorite genre, however Nora Roberts has always handled it well. What I enjoy most about her stories are the relationships - between guy friends, family, neighbors, community. These are the relationships we so often forget to look at when trying to concentrate on romance and I believe Roberts does a lovely job of reminding all of us.

That being said, this trilogy is definitely not my favorite. The story just lacks oomph! (for want of a better word). I will say it's worth the price of a paperback and a lazy afternoon read!

In typical Nora Roberts fashion, she weaves the mysterious and the romance in a wonderful way that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout the book.

This is a part of a trilogy including Blood Brothers, The Hollow and The Pagen Stone I am waiting to get The Pagen Stone

I've read every book she's written as Robb and Roberts and this is the only dissapointment. Her metaphysical trilogies have been intriguing entertainment but this was just ridiculous and predictable. The last one isn't out yet and I'll bet I can tell you what's going to happen.

The only thing bad about this book is that I have to wait so long for the next one.

No author can write a better book each time, still this is a good read. I had just read another new author; Jan Dynes book Refraction ahead of this one. It had the new, give it all you've got, of a great debut novel and is very close to Roberts style. Roberts will always be a master at romance suspense, but she has some competition coming in Jan Dynes. If you love Nora Roberts, you should try this new author too.

Here's the thing: generally Nora Roberts' books are formulaic, but the fun is getting from beginning to end in each situation. Still, lately, the formula's been just a been too predictable. So it was a delightful surprise to find this book, and in the middle of a trilogy too. The main characters are well fleshed-out, the incident in the rain with Fox is just... graphic is the word that comes to mind, and there's a sense of a real world to step into and feel. It's so much fun! Can't wait for the final book in the trilogy. Too bad December's a looong way away.

Once upon a time, three young boys performed a dark ritual to bind their friendship, but in doing so, awakened an ancient evil that has gone on a killing spree at seven year intervals in their small hometown. As the time for its return approaches, the trio unites to stop it. Now adults, the men need their other halves, the women who are their soul mates, to help them use the powers that the ceremony bequeathed them, in order to put the chaos to an end and atone for their foolish act. Fox's resultant "gift" from that night was the ability to read minds, and in Layla, he finds a soul with a similar blessed curse. For her the emphasis is on the curse side, and she is unable to deal with having such a power, or the sudden connection she finds with this man. Despite her struggle, it is something she must learn to accept, for herself, for Fox, and for everyone she cares for's sakes.

**** The drama and tension continue to cast their spells over Ms. Roberts' legions of fans. Her ability to weave relationships is fantastic, and she makes the utterly unrealistic seem totally believable. You will never go wrong with one of her books, and this is not the exception to the rule. ****

I bought this as one of the books to take on vacation, well I started book one of the trilogy and couldnt put it down and then of course I picked up book 2. ( Not even close to vacation time yet) I can hardly wait for book 3 to see the outcome. One of my favorite trilogy series.

I didn't much like the first book in this trilogy and said so in an Amazon review. So why did I bother to read the second volume? Because I hoped it would be better, because I know that Ms. Roberts is capable of better. Or perhaps I'm a glutton for dumbness.

The story is lame and unconvincing. Six supposedly educated and supposedly rational adult yuppies see blood, giant slugs, ghosts, destruction, snakes coming out of shower drains, millions of spiders, a laughing imp, fires that aren't fires, etc. etc. And they react and talk seriously and at excruciating length about these paranormal events. There are but two explanations: (1) They have lost their collective sanity and need to go to the funny farm or; (2) They have all had too much wine and are experiencing the DTs.

The setting isn't any better or clearer. The story is ludicrous, e.g., divining the location of the lost jourals in the side of a stone shed. The characters are one dimensional--a writer, a lawyer, a gambler.... The dialogue is stiff and unconvincing. The writing cried out for a good editor. "Prune, Ernest, prune," as Gertrude Stein said to Hemingway. Nora Roberts has done better.

Paranormal stories can be fun, but the premise doesn't work here, not at all. Robets has used witches and ghosts before in much better novels. I enjoyed the movie "Betelgeuse" and the cumputer game, "Myst." Harry Potter books use demons and witches, but in a light vein that works. Anne Rice vampire books are engaging. Ditto for Bram Stoker, some of Stephen King, and others. However, "The Blair Witch Project" was downright stupid and insulting, and the current Nora Roberts trilogy is but a slight cut above that.

A wise man said that the two things that separate mankind from the beasts are pointless ritual and mindless superstition. I would add to that, endless, boring talk.

I didn't much like the first book in this trilogy and said so in an Amazon review. So why did I bother to read the second book? Because I hoped it would be better, because I know that Ms. Roberts is capable of better.

The story is lame. Six educated and supposedly rational adult yuppies see blood, ghosts, a laughing imp, fires that aren't fires, etc. etc. And they react and talk seriously and at excruciating length about these paranormal events. There are but two explanations: (1) They have all lost their minds and need to go to the funny farm or; (2) They have all had too much wine and are experiencing the DTs.

The setting isn't any better or clearer. The story is ludicrous, e.g., divining the location of the lost jourals in the stone shed. The characters are one dimensional. The dialogue is stiff and unconvincing. The writing cried out for a good editor. "Prune, Ernest, prune," as Gertrude Stein said to Hemingway. Nora Roberts has done better.

Paranormal stories can work, but the premise doesn't work here. Robets has used witches and ghosts before in excellent novels. Harry Potter books use demons and witches, but in a light vein that works. Anne Rice vampire books are engaging. Ditto for Bram Stoker, some of Stephen King, and others. However, "The Blair Witch Project" was downright stupid, and the current Nora Roberts trilogy is but a slight cut above that.

I picked this one up to read on a flight, so didn't have much expectation one way or another as long as it kept me occupied for a day of flying. I didn't read the first in the series, but that didn't seem to hinder following the storyline. The plot is quite interesting and has a lot of potential, but unfortunately, the poor writing quality really detracts from the plot. It was bland, almost technical, and riddled with awkward sentences.

The book also ends without tying up anything. While I recognize it's part of a trilogy, I expect books in a trilogy to still be self-contained and sufficiently interesting to persuade one to want to read the next in the series, not end in a way that might as well have been "To be continued..."

Despite ending in a "to be continued" fashion, I'm not inspired to pick up the next in the series. The poor writing simply didn't entice me to want to read more.

I rated it "okay" because there was an interesting story line beneath the writing. It was a quick read, finished in a day, so a good length to start and finish while flying, which was why I bought it. It wasn't so bad that I set it aside and gave up reading entirely. So, it gets an "I can take it or leave it" rating from me. It's about what I would expect of a book chosen randomly at an airport book shop.

Very Good book,Followed on from Blood Brothers perfectly.I am now awaiting the Third book to see how the trilogy will finish.

Intriguing sequel to "Blood Brothers" and an enjoyable journey toward the demolition of the demon spell brought on as far back as the 1600's in the town of Hawkins Hollow, MD! Cal and Quinn are a romantic duo now and this part of the trilogy, while highlighting the supernatural talents of all six main characters, (Cal, Quinn, Fox, Layla, Gage and Cybil), focuses on the budding romance of town lawyer, Fox O'Dell and Layla, the New York shopkeeper, drawn to the doomed town by her mysterious and very real dreams/nightmares. The story is sci-fi, Nora style, and a completely enjoyable experience. I am really looking forward to the big finale set to be released in December 2008 - "The Pagan Stone." This story will be the culmination of the planning and workings of the group in their effort to end the evil destruction of the "seven-year curse" once and for all.

Another winner by one of my favorite authors! A real page turner! I was only disappointed when I came to the last page .... I wanted more and am eagerly awaiting book number three!

I was hesitant to buy this book given that the first one of the series didn't really do anything for me, but I was on vacation and needed something to read at the last minute so I broke down and got it. I will say that it was definitely more interesting than the first book of this series, which I feel dragged on a little bit and got bogged down with setting the stage for the trilogy.

I was glad that the focus was almost entirely on Fox and Layla in this book but was at the same time frustrated that we learned almost nothing new about Layla at all! It's like Ms. Roberts got so busy developing the pasts of the male characters of the series that she forgot to give us any information about the female ones. Who is this woman anyway? All I know about her is that she used to manage a clothing store in NYC and can't deal with her emotions unless she compartmentalizes them, which she herself says, by the way. How can an author go through an entire 300+ page novel without giving any background story on one of the main characters?

Other than that it was a better read than Blood Brothers but not up to her usual standard of excellence in my opinion. There were some laugh out loud moments for me, which is something I always love about Nora's dialogue and was glad to see present here. The action was a little creepier in this book too, which I think made it more interesting as well. I'll look forward to reading the Pagan Stone because now I do actually care about what happens to these people, something that I didn't really feel after the first book, but I'll probably forget all the stuff that happened between now and then because it doesn't even come out until December. WTH?

I enjoyed this book and i like the story,but its pretty normal as in any trilogy fills space and continues the second rommance.

Being a fan of Roberts from the early days and thinking the woman could do no wrong as far as writing I can't express my disappointment with this latest book. I'm not enthusiastic about futuristics and paranormals, but this is outrageouly disgraceful and downright awful. Another writer may not have gotten this book in print and that is disgraceful as well. Nora seems to be getting along on past performance and name recognition. I think I'm mad at myself for buying the darn thing when the first book was so ridiculous but I'll probably always be a sucker for her early work which I so well enjoyed.

While good, this isn't her best book. The first book of the series was a better read.

I have read book 1 & 2 in this trilogy. I can't wait till the 3rd one comes out. It is one of those books you can't put down until it is done.

I love how this story is going. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as only Nora Roberts can. What will happen to these intrepid 6 young people. Follow along as things get really hair raising!

Nora Roberts was introduced to me just last year. I read her Circle Trilogy and got hooked on LaNora. I loved The Hollow and I am anxiously waiting for the next book in the trilogy to come out.

I enjoy the way Nora develops her characters and storylines. Her trilogies always appear to be seamless. Each book builds upon each other making you want more and more information. I have thoroughly enjoyes Ms. Roberts books and I am looking forward to continue reading her books.

I enjoyed this book, as I always do Nora's work, but I wish we didn't have to wait so long between trilogy books. I forget who is who by the time the next one comes out. It is pretty much to her standard senario: mystery with romance, but I always like to see how she gets to the conclusion I'm expecting.

This is an awesome book! I can't wait for the last one to come out! Wish I didn't have to wait so long....

I used to be a big fan of Nora Roberts, but has anyone else noticed that most of her recent works include a ridiculous amount of psychobabble? The characters are almost too in touch with their emotions for their own good. Each character speaks as if they have spent a good portion of their life lying on a psychiatrist's couch. I thought that the dialogue in The Hollow was the absolute worst. I mean, it's kind of a fun idea for a story, but the dialogue and over-emoting sucked the life right out of the book. Sigh. Unlike most authors who improve over time, I feel like Roberts has moved from creating realistic characters and dialogue to creating increasingly irritating characters who don't have an unpublished thought. I guess I will go re-read some of her older books if I want to be entertained.

"Sign of Seven" and "The Hollow" had me hooked. Can't wait to see what else she brings to "The Paegon Stone". Did they really stop "the big evil" or is he not through with them yet?

I was so looking forward to this book and the wait seemed like forever. I did enjoy the first book, but this was soooooo slow. And, it took forever for anything to get going. Yes, we know the two main characters will fall madly, madly in love, but that didn't need 318 pages to happen. The first book had a lot of excitement, this was a romance novel with a bit of spooky-doings -- bit being the keyword. I will wait yet again for the next one to come out -- too long by the way, you forget what happens in the first one. I do love trilogies, but next time will wait and by all three at once. Hope the next one has more pizzaz.

The book is excellent, as with all Nora Robert's novel. I read the book in two days. It was hard to put down.

Nora Roberts knows how to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Hollow doesn't disappoint. The second of the trilogy is just as good as the first. You may want to re-read Blood Brothers again first to refresh your memory. I can't wait for December and the third installment. I will re-read Blood Brothers and The Hollow in November to be ready for it.

If you have never read a Nora Roberts book you are just missing out on the best author alive today. I reccomend anything by this author you just can't go wrong. If you want to read one of her trilogies make sure you read them in order. If you like futuristic suspense pick up a J.D. Robb novel. Start with the first book and read the entire series in order, it's a great escape. I read Nora Roberts to escape from the hectic pace of my life and take a little mini trip into a land she has created in the pages of her latest best seller. Nora's characters leap off the page and you get the feeling that you may run into one of her characters when you step out of your home. I have not loved all of her books but her worst book is a masterpiece compared to about 80% of the authors that are publishing today.

We are long time fans of Nora's work. A new entry from her is a reason to buy a book, an intellectual, emotional and sometimes spiritual generator. Imagine our excitement when The Sign of Seven Trilogy hit the shelves. The plot in Blood Brothers had left us a little flat, but surely the plot would quicken and the characters would rise in The Hollow. Alas. We've been to The Hollow and it is only that. The formulaic writing, vapid characters and uninspired prose left us wanting - no more. We won't be helping ourselves to a third serving.

The book itself was Fabulous! The only complaint I have is that the binding broke on the first reading and I am not a reader that folds the covers or over extended the covers. I am very particular with my books and this really upset me. I was reading the book and the binding split. This is not Amazons fault but the publishers fault in choosing an inferior company who puts the books together.The Hollow (Thorndike Press Large Print Core Series)

Just as good as the first, once I picked it up I couldn't put it down! Anxiously counting the days til the final book comes out!

I love Nora Robert's books, and especially her trilogies. This was Book #2 of 3. Loved it. Just wish Book #3 was coming out earlier than December 2008!

I really like Nora Roberts, but I think that this novel fell somewhat short compared to her other works. This series feels diluted and underdeveloped in some areas and overdeveloped in others. I don't really feel the sexual tension and attraction between Fox and Layla, like I have in some of her other novels, it feels kinda forced. I feel like the setup in this series is very predictable- Cal and Quinn, Fox and Layla, Gage and Cybil, yawn. The backstory is somewhat interesting and that is probably the only thing that saves this series. I love Nora Roberts and have read everything she's put out, but I feel like some of the other reviewers: that her heart wasn't in this series.

I have not read the book as of yet but I really enjoy the author. The book is in perfect shape.

As usual, Nora Roberts is great! Book arrived in a very timely manner and in very good condition. I enjoyed it very much.

Magnificent, as all Nora Robert's books. I'm really looking forward to read book 3. It's fantastic and so real at the same time... lovely!

After reading the first book, we couldn't wait until The Hollow came to the library. Was very glad to find it in Amazon and now we hate waiting until December to read the sequel.

I read the first book in this trilogy in about two days and loved the story! Had to wait several months to finally get this one! I read this one in about two days as well, so now I find myself waiting until December for the third and final book in this trilogy. I love Nora Robert's novels and this one is right up there with my favorites! It's a great read!

-Sam

I am amazed that some of the reviewers "loved it" and "couldn't put it down". They must not have very high expectation from the author.

The only good thing going for this book is the friendship between the 6 characters. Roberts has managed to define that very well in this book.

Other than that, it's everyone either drinking Coke or consuming copious amount of alcohol. Coke is mentioned at least 10 times in the book so I suspect product placement unless the author is as much into it as she is into alcohol consumption. The main characters who are supposed to save this town from an invincible evil, but they seem busy getting drunk - when they are not guzzling down Coke that is.

It took me a few days to finish this book. I found myself falling asleep several time while reading it - in the middle of the day.

The second book of this new trilogy by Nora Roberts, it followed the vein of her previous books. Oh, wow, a female character opening a store! *gasp, mock astonishment* How used has that plot turn been used in her stories? Several, and I haven't read all of her books. I know some authors tend to have familiar plot lines as time goes on in their career, but after reading the Key trilogy not so long ago, and of course the Dream trilogy, this is starting to get a little old. However, I do hope it's very much on the side of the main story when the third book comes out.

Of course big breakthroughs must occur during the second book because how else can the big bad fight happen in the final one? It's a little cheesy, the ending, but that's how some of the her stories come along.

Regardless of all this, I know I'll be reading the final book when it comes out. It's good mindless fluff.

This is the second book in a trilogy, so the content of the story was somewhat expected. However, it makes for a nice little read.

This book was just as amazing as the first. All the thrills and romance. The group really shows how smart they are and willing to win. I can't wait for the last one to come out

This was absolutely wonderful, if you're a Nora Roberts fan. I don't want to give much away, so I'll just say that I can't wait until December for the final book!

This is Layla and Fox's story. They were relatively cardboard characters. It was difficult to care whether or not they got together. Most of the book consisted of just talk, talk, talk. The whole demon blood thing really got talked to death, as if any of the girls would really be evil.

This whole series is pleasant if you have nothing else to do. Roberts has written better. Perhaps she should take a longer break between books these days.

Very good story and follow through from book I "Blood Brothers"... can hardly wait till the third book comes out. A reminder of the "good old books" of Stephen King.

Once again volume two in the trilogy is a fantastic read. I can hardly wait for the December release of part three.

This second book picks up the story two weeks later. Fox tries to help Layla hone her senses, so they can present a united front, and be as useful as Cal, Quinn, Sybil, and Gage is with their gifts. Since they sense things in the present, he knows how important it is for them to be at full strength when the demon next makes an appearance. Fox felt fortunate for the two-week lull in activity, but knew that had come to an end when he and Layla were attacked by a swarm of crows in the middle of Main Street. Layla got to see first hand the healing powers Fox possessed when his pecking wounds healed almost instantly.

As the group tries to figure out more about the puzzles from the past, the demon escalates the attacks. Instead of just focusing on one person, they are all in jeopardy at any given time. They realize that his strength is nothing like anything that they have ever encountered in the past, but that makes sense now that they know this cycle of seven is the final showdown.

The creepiness just gets better with each book. I enjoyed this second installment in the trilogy, and don't like having to wait until the end of the year for the conclusion with Gage and Sybil though. This book was Layla and Fox's story, but again as in the last book, all characters had a strong presence, which really adds a strong element.

I love Nora Roberts' trilogies! This is another winner. Second of three, I sure hate the idea of waiting till December for the conclusion! I wasn't sure I'd like it after Blood Brothers, but it really grabbed you!