In Hollow Houses

This book was flat out excellent. It lost a star for having some pointlessness toward the middle, but the ending and characters can make up for everything. The actual storyline uses the campaign steeting that far exceeded the actual game's quality for a base. The Dark Matter setting is one of strict paranoia and rampant paranormal activity, and this lives up to the standard. Plus, this is the precursor to one of the most entertaining books I've ever read, If Whispers Call. Think a less overly mysterious X-files mixed with NYPD Blue. Quality.

Damn good book. I've played the RPG it's based on, which is in itself an excellent game, and the book lives up to and surpasses it's inspiration. Dark, gritty, and suspensful only begin to describe it. It's only flaw was that the metaphysical musings were overly drawn out. The book also manages to stay true to the game setting, without requiring the reader to know a single thing about the game beforehand (or ever, for that matter). Reminds me a little bit of the X-files, but much, much darker and more suspensful, with cooler main characters and more colorful and developed supporting characters.

I picked up this book because I was curious about the RPG that it's based on and wanted to get some idea what it was all about before plunging into the game. The book just blew me away. If you've read anything from TSR/WOTC in the past, you're in for a big surprise with this book. It's a major departure for the kings of safe fantasy. It is extremely well written and surprisingly thought-provoking. I'm definitely IN and can't wait for the rest of the series. Unfortunately the game falls short of the book's promise, but the first book at least is way more than worth it.

This book is an excellent read. From the very beginning you keep wondering what will happen next. The story is full of unexpected details that truly add to the experience. The book also includes many references to actual details and environments. This makes the book a truly interesting story to read. In Hollow Houses is the perfect mix of truth and fantasy. It makes you really wonder "Could this be true or What If..." I highly recommend this book to any fans of sci-fi literature.