Review by Karl Verhoven

Despite her grey hair Rosefinch is seventeen, a travelling witch lifting curses as she follows a prepared path. It’s disclosed to readers that she’s vulnerable despite pretending otherwise, and while in most stories witches are powerful and feared, in Hollow Magic it’s the fey who wield the strongest magic. That’s known courtesy of Mars Lauderbaugh’s introductory pages to each chapter, which offer extra information about the world created and Rosefinch’s journey within it.

She’s investigating a castle in the town of Harp, inaccessible due to powerful old spells, the starter being a glass knight that comes to life when anyone moves past them. It’s not enough to put Rosefinch off, and as she moves further into the castle she acquires companions. Hollow Magic definitely slots into the category of fantasy quest, but unlike most fantasy stories it’s an unfolding mystery limited to the exploration of a single venue, and as it’s searched Rosefinch’s past and purpose are gradually aired.

Lauderbaugh’s art is extremely attractive, predominantly built around well drawn people in innumerable poses, but frequently skipping backgrounds, which often seem empty, a common signifier of an artist working digitally. There’s a scene where a portrait is seen, vague and blurred instead of visible, yet it’s subsequently referenced, so why not go that extra inch and shop it in clearly?

“A name can be something given to you or something you give to yourself. As long as it’s important to you it will protect you” is an essential early lesson standing Rosefinch in good stead as it becomes clear her mission involves the powerful Dawn Queen. Rosefinch knows her of old, knows how malign her influence and character is, and knows she accumulates magic. When she does appear, though, her sheer power disguises that she’s somewhat the blank slate with little motivation other than being evil.

She appears in one of very few scenes involving more than talking, which means Hollow Magic is going to be slow going for those who want their fantasy to build toward something more frequently active. Readers with greater patience will find themselves enthralled by a tale that unfurls slowly and effectively.