One pet crow fights to save humanity from an apocalypse in this uniquely hilarious debut from a genre-bending literary author.
S.T., a domesticated crow, is a bird of simple pleasures: hanging out with his owner Big Jim, trading insults with Seattle's wild crows (those idiots), and enjoying the finest food humankind has to offer: Cheetos®.
Then Big Jim's eyeball falls out of his head, and S.T. starts to feel like something isn't quite right. His most tried-and-true remedies - from beak-delivered beer to the slobbering affection of Big Jim's loyal but dim-witted dog, Dennis - fail to cure Big Jim's debilitating malady. S.T. is left with no choice but to abandon his old life and venture out into a wild and frightening new world with his trusty steed Dennis, where he discovers that the neighbors are devouring each other and the local wildlife is abuzz with rumors of dangerous new predators roaming Seattle. Humanity's extinction has seemingly arrived, and the only one determined to save it is a foul-mouthed crow whose knowledge of the world around him comes from his TV-watching education.
Hollow Kingdom is a humorous, big-hearted, and boundlessly beautiful romp through the apocalypse and the world that comes after, where even a cowardly crow can become a hero.
The series
In a world that has been turned upside down, where humans are no longer the dominant species, Hollow Kingdom invites readers to step into the paws of Shrum, a foul-mouthed, rebellious crow who navigates a post-apocalyptic Seattle in search of answers. Kira Jane Buxton’s unforgettable series offers an unexpected lens into a collapsed world—one where the dead roam and the animals are left to pick up the pieces.
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What sets Hollow Kingdom apart is its ability to balance dark humor with raw emotion, its sharply intelligent observations of human nature, and its deeply relatable, if often surprising, protagonist. As Shrum ventures through the ruined landscape, readers are offered a quirky yet profound meditation on life, survival, and identity, all seen through the eyes of an animal who is far more insightful than any human might expect.
The series’ strength lies in its beautifully odd world-building. Buxton paints a picture of a world where animals have taken over and humans are a haunting memory. Through Shrum's journey, we see what remains of the world from a truly unique perspective—both comical and heart-wrenching at once. It’s a story of adaptation, of loss, and of finding family in the most unexpected places.
Hollow Kingdom is the beginning of a series that defies expectations, offering something truly original in a genre often defined by its grim depictions of the apocalypse. With its blend of humor, insight, and emotional depth, this series will leave readers questioning what it means to be human, while never failing to entertain with its wit and charm. If you're looking for a post-apocalyptic adventure that’s as heartwarming as it is darkly funny, you’ve found your next read.
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