"Hollow Kingdom" is a unique, contemporary novel that intertwines the perspective of animals with the troubling reality of human existence. The protagonist, a domesticated crow named S.T., navigates a world altered by a cataclysmic event that wipes out humanity, allowing nature and animals to reclaim the environment. Through S.T.'s eyes, the reader experiences the shift in the ecosystem and how other creatures adapt to their newfound freedom. S.T. wrestles with the challenges of survival while reflecting on the bond shared with his human owner, further emphasizing the story's emotional depth.
The narrative insightfully examines themes of grief, loss, and resilience as it follows S.T. on his journey across a post-apocalyptic landscape. With a mix of humor and poignant observations, S.T. encounters other wildlife, and together they form new communities. These interactions explore the idea of instinct versus learned behavior, shedding light on how different species cope with the absence of humans and the return of the wild.