“Ash & Hollow” by MW Newson

Ash & Hollow

MW Newson
Phoenix Publishing (2026)
ISBN: 979-8994840016
Reviewed by Jennifer Bishop for Reader Views (07/2026)

How do you handle seeing friends and fellow students slowly lose themselves to something mysterious? What will it take to save them from it? Will the adults in the school help or continue to deny what is happening? Ash & Hollow: A Raven & Sparrow Novel by MW Newson is about a group of students who come across a mysterious room that always has what they need. The room brings them together just in time before a mysterious dark force begins rapidly preying on the students of Stella’s Academy. They are now being tasked with finding out what the cause is and how to stop it before more students are left “hollow.” What exactly is this dark force? Will they be able to stop it before it’s too late?

This is one of those books that creates its own space and vibes. The writing style was very unique; I’ve only ever seen it once before. Newson uses a style that is sometimes repetitive but for the purpose of emphasizing what’s important. It creates a more integrated experience for the reader in that many times we will think the same things over and over to fully process what is going on. He writes it in the third-person POV, but will elaborate on the specific thoughts of each individual when needed to further understand what is going on in the story.

The characters themselves are mostly students of the academy. There are also teachers, parents, and administrators mentioned throughout, but the main group is these students. We get to understand their different backgrounds, although there is even more to be unraveled in future novels, and what makes them process in different ways. I loved how Newson slowly connected them together. It was not one of instant connection, but more that they began gravitating towards each other.

The school itself was quite wonderful. There was a sentience to it that made the story more mystical and continued to leave me wondering what might happen next. The mysterious room almost gave off cozy fantasy vibes, but very much in the sense of “this is a safe place and I always have what you need” type of way.

Ash & Hollow by MW Newson is a young adult dark academia novel that has found family and being there for those who feel alone. There is no cursing and very minimal romance (quick kisses and hand holding). Also, there isn’t really violence other than to shadow beings, but it’s more a light vs dark magical type. There are moments of sadness and grief, but also hope and resilience. The author has mentioned this is the beginning of a three-part series!