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The Hollows #8
Black Magic Sanction
In New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison's most complex and nuanced adventure yet, bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan fights a deadly battle—mind, body, and soul
Black Magic Sanction
Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter—and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind . . . until now. Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment—at worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief.
It takes a witch to catch a witch, but survival bears a heavy price.
Black Magic Sanction
Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter—and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind . . . until now. Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment—at worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom, but trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and an ex-boyfriend turned thief.
It takes a witch to catch a witch, but survival bears a heavy price.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2010
1015 people are currently reading
11116 people want to read
About the author
Kim Harrison
82 books18.8k followersKim Harrison is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 best selling Hollows series, but she has written more than urban fantasy and has published over two-dozen books spanning the gamut from young adult, thriller, several anthologies, and has scripted two original graphic novels. She has also published traditional fantasy under the name Dawn Cook. Kim is currently working on a new Hollows book between other, non related, urban fantasy projects.
Kim reaches out to her audience at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KimHarrisons...
Instagram
https://instagram.com/kim_harrison_au...
and her blog http://kimharrison.wordpress.com/
other pseudonyms: Dawn Cook
Kim reaches out to her audience at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KimHarrisons...
https://instagram.com/kim_harrison_au...
and her blog http://kimharrison.wordpress.com/
other pseudonyms: Dawn Cook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,425 reviews
August 20, 2012
That was annoying
You know the relationship you are in is in trouble when you start to be annoyed by your partner... a lot. They probably aren't doing anything different than they were doing a month ago, but one morning you wake up and think to yourself, "Man, the way she baby-talks to the dog is annoying" or "Oh my God, if he clips his toenails in the living room one more time I'm going to scream." I'm not saying your relationship is doomed, but you are now past being blinded by how great you feel when they smile at you, and you'd better hope there was more there than initial chemistry or it's over.
I woke up this morning and realized Rachel Morgan and Kim Harrison have begun to really annoy me.
Now, to be fair, I came to Black Magic Sanction pre-annoyed at having to wait an additional month for the Kindle edition. Yes, I realize that Ms Harrison had no control over that, but I was never-the-less annoyed. I also understand that this is the eighth book in the Hollows series, and that any review of something this far along is more to vent than anything else. My secret fantasy is that Ms Harrison reads all of these reviews and takes them to heart.
Bottom line. If White Witch, Black Curse already had you questioning Ms Harrison's abilities, then I would borrow her latest from a friend or the library. If you've been enjoying the series up until now, then a bunch of negative reviews aren't going to mean a whole lot. They wouldn't have stopped me from getting it. Until now, I've been a big fan. Black Magic Sanction is strike 1. I've not gone back to re-read earlier Hollows books to see if the bloom is off the rose or if this is really the first failure in the lot. I really hope it's the latter.
And now, a rant-ish list of spoiler-filled grievances...
**** MASSIVE SPOILER ALERT ****
I am annoyed that the rationale Rachel uses to not be with Ivy is "I don't swing that way, Pierce" when the far less homophobic, and compelling explanation is that to consummate the relationship with Ivy would mean to be essentially become enslaved to Ivy -- especially when (if) she turns. If the goal is to make Rachel a homophobe, fine, but just do it already. All Rachel's mewling and whining about wishing she could be the friend she wanted to be got old a while ago.
I am annoyed that Nick is still alive. Not because I find his character loathsome -- in that regard Harrison does a great job -- but because Ivy, Trent, and/or Al should all have killed him by now. We know that Rachel won't because we learn in this book that she is so adverse to taking a life that murderers go free, loved ones go unavenged, and she probably loses sleep at night for all the micro-organisms she kills from respiration.
I am annoyed that Nick is apparently a Master Thief, capable of figuring out Trent's vault: "I've been trying to get into my father's vault since he died... I didn't even know I could do it until Nick suggest you could.", arranging an insanely elaborate play of Trent versus Rachel, and when found out and captured by Trent, escaping as a trivial matter: "Nick is gone... he slipped my guards yesterday." He slipped my guards?! Really? How... eff'n lame. Why don't you check his mommy's basement. That's apparently where Master Thieves live when they're not stealing priceless magical artifacts, cracking impenetrable vaults or running elaborate cons.
I am annoyed that Pierce, who is essentially hundreds of years old with more tragic experiences than someone twice even that age, is apparently hopelessly in love with Rachel. Let me explain something to you, Ms Harrison, because you make the same mistake every other female author I have read makes when hooking up really old (steamy vampire, reincarnated spirit, angel, etc) men with twenty-something, kick-ass heroines. Take it from a man in his 40s, after Pierce (or Bill, or Dante, or Dracula...) is finished enjoying being with a way younger woman, he will grow annoyed to the point of aneurism with her because what he has in common with the person in his bed is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. In fact, the whole dynamic of you-aren't-even-10%-my-age is at best a creepy "I'm super-experienced and you're not" power play, and at worst, smacks of pedophilia.
I am annoyed that Ms Harrison's solution for how to get the Coven off of Rachel's un-shunned back is to have Trent and the Coven essentially go on record with a hastily concocted lie so preposterous that no one in their right mind would believe it. Never mind that just a few pages prior to the unveiling of Rachel's ridiculous plan, we learn that lie-detection rings are standard issue among reporters so the public statements Rachel needs to have made by Trent and the Coven will be known to be false.
I am still annoyed (prior book carryover) that Jenks is alive. Don't get me wrong, I love the Jenks character. It was with almost dread that I approached his (seemingly) inevitable demise, but at the same time I was wholly impressed by Ms Harrison's choice to make a pixy's life span so short and was really looking forward to how she would handle so traumatic an event in the dynamic of her characters. Oh, never mind. Silly plot contrivance and Jenks gets to live... apparently indefinitely... given how trivial the secret to pixy longevity is.
And on the subject of pixy death, I am annoyed... scratch that... enraged at the handling of the death of Jenks' wife, Matalina. As someone who found themselves a widower at 39, trust me when I say that a few heartfelt platitudes do not transform someone from suicidally-grief-stricken to I-miss-her-a-bunch-but-I'm-wholly-functional. I especially loved Rachel's whole, "I know what you're going through because my dad died when I was 10 and my boyfriend of... what was it?... a few months also died." But it was when Rachel said "Jenks, it's my fault that Matalina is dead. I'm the reason they attacked." instead of "Jenks, it's my fault that Matalina is dead because I was unwilling to kill the assassins that your family was defending me from" that I actually started to despise Rachel. I think, Ms Harrison, that either you or your editor need to have your world shattered by loss before attempting another such subplot. As it is, I found your handling of Jenks and Matalina sophomoric and offensive.
I am annoyed with Rachel's seeming inability to learn from repeatedly making the same mistakes.
I am annoyed with trying to understand why Rachel's cadre see her as some sort of leader when she is portrayed as an immature, serial screw-up.
I am annoyed the most interesting characters (Al, Trent, Jenks, Ivy and Ceri) are not the leads. Instead, we get Rachel, I never stop whining, Morgan and Gordian, I'm a one-note control-freak, Pierce.
And finally, out of the myriad other plot failings of Black Magic Sanction I've not mentioned, I am annoyed lawyering is apparently more binding that magic. "If you own me in the ever-after, I'm going to own you here, " says Trent who then produces not some arcane blood-drawn contract on human flesh, but rather some legalese that he wants Rachel to sign. Or how about the Coven? "Never mess with a witch. Never. They fight with magic and red tape." Hey Rachel. We want to abduct you, give you a lobotomy, and then use you as a vegetative baby maker... please sign this release. And let's not forget that the primary tension device in the climatic end-scene is whether or not David will show up on time with... a magic sword? a pack of werewolves? the power of love? Nope, a bunch of legal papers. I assume Matlock will be showing up as some sort of guardian wraith in the next book.
Please, Ms Harrison, find an editor who has both the intellect and the stones to tell you when what you are writing is stupid.
You know the relationship you are in is in trouble when you start to be annoyed by your partner... a lot. They probably aren't doing anything different than they were doing a month ago, but one morning you wake up and think to yourself, "Man, the way she baby-talks to the dog is annoying" or "Oh my God, if he clips his toenails in the living room one more time I'm going to scream." I'm not saying your relationship is doomed, but you are now past being blinded by how great you feel when they smile at you, and you'd better hope there was more there than initial chemistry or it's over.
I woke up this morning and realized Rachel Morgan and Kim Harrison have begun to really annoy me.
Now, to be fair, I came to Black Magic Sanction pre-annoyed at having to wait an additional month for the Kindle edition. Yes, I realize that Ms Harrison had no control over that, but I was never-the-less annoyed. I also understand that this is the eighth book in the Hollows series, and that any review of something this far along is more to vent than anything else. My secret fantasy is that Ms Harrison reads all of these reviews and takes them to heart.
Bottom line. If White Witch, Black Curse already had you questioning Ms Harrison's abilities, then I would borrow her latest from a friend or the library. If you've been enjoying the series up until now, then a bunch of negative reviews aren't going to mean a whole lot. They wouldn't have stopped me from getting it. Until now, I've been a big fan. Black Magic Sanction is strike 1. I've not gone back to re-read earlier Hollows books to see if the bloom is off the rose or if this is really the first failure in the lot. I really hope it's the latter.
And now, a rant-ish list of spoiler-filled grievances...
**** MASSIVE SPOILER ALERT ****
I am annoyed that the rationale Rachel uses to not be with Ivy is "I don't swing that way, Pierce" when the far less homophobic, and compelling explanation is that to consummate the relationship with Ivy would mean to be essentially become enslaved to Ivy -- especially when (if) she turns. If the goal is to make Rachel a homophobe, fine, but just do it already. All Rachel's mewling and whining about wishing she could be the friend she wanted to be got old a while ago.
I am annoyed that Nick is still alive. Not because I find his character loathsome -- in that regard Harrison does a great job -- but because Ivy, Trent, and/or Al should all have killed him by now. We know that Rachel won't because we learn in this book that she is so adverse to taking a life that murderers go free, loved ones go unavenged, and she probably loses sleep at night for all the micro-organisms she kills from respiration.
I am annoyed that Nick is apparently a Master Thief, capable of figuring out Trent's vault: "I've been trying to get into my father's vault since he died... I didn't even know I could do it until Nick suggest you could.", arranging an insanely elaborate play of Trent versus Rachel, and when found out and captured by Trent, escaping as a trivial matter: "Nick is gone... he slipped my guards yesterday." He slipped my guards?! Really? How... eff'n lame. Why don't you check his mommy's basement. That's apparently where Master Thieves live when they're not stealing priceless magical artifacts, cracking impenetrable vaults or running elaborate cons.
I am annoyed that Pierce, who is essentially hundreds of years old with more tragic experiences than someone twice even that age, is apparently hopelessly in love with Rachel. Let me explain something to you, Ms Harrison, because you make the same mistake every other female author I have read makes when hooking up really old (steamy vampire, reincarnated spirit, angel, etc) men with twenty-something, kick-ass heroines. Take it from a man in his 40s, after Pierce (or Bill, or Dante, or Dracula...) is finished enjoying being with a way younger woman, he will grow annoyed to the point of aneurism with her because what he has in common with the person in his bed is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. In fact, the whole dynamic of you-aren't-even-10%-my-age is at best a creepy "I'm super-experienced and you're not" power play, and at worst, smacks of pedophilia.
I am annoyed that Ms Harrison's solution for how to get the Coven off of Rachel's un-shunned back is to have Trent and the Coven essentially go on record with a hastily concocted lie so preposterous that no one in their right mind would believe it. Never mind that just a few pages prior to the unveiling of Rachel's ridiculous plan, we learn that lie-detection rings are standard issue among reporters so the public statements Rachel needs to have made by Trent and the Coven will be known to be false.
I am still annoyed (prior book carryover) that Jenks is alive. Don't get me wrong, I love the Jenks character. It was with almost dread that I approached his (seemingly) inevitable demise, but at the same time I was wholly impressed by Ms Harrison's choice to make a pixy's life span so short and was really looking forward to how she would handle so traumatic an event in the dynamic of her characters. Oh, never mind. Silly plot contrivance and Jenks gets to live... apparently indefinitely... given how trivial the secret to pixy longevity is.
And on the subject of pixy death, I am annoyed... scratch that... enraged at the handling of the death of Jenks' wife, Matalina. As someone who found themselves a widower at 39, trust me when I say that a few heartfelt platitudes do not transform someone from suicidally-grief-stricken to I-miss-her-a-bunch-but-I'm-wholly-functional. I especially loved Rachel's whole, "I know what you're going through because my dad died when I was 10 and my boyfriend of... what was it?... a few months also died." But it was when Rachel said "Jenks, it's my fault that Matalina is dead. I'm the reason they attacked." instead of "Jenks, it's my fault that Matalina is dead because I was unwilling to kill the assassins that your family was defending me from" that I actually started to despise Rachel. I think, Ms Harrison, that either you or your editor need to have your world shattered by loss before attempting another such subplot. As it is, I found your handling of Jenks and Matalina sophomoric and offensive.
I am annoyed with Rachel's seeming inability to learn from repeatedly making the same mistakes.
I am annoyed with trying to understand why Rachel's cadre see her as some sort of leader when she is portrayed as an immature, serial screw-up.
I am annoyed the most interesting characters (Al, Trent, Jenks, Ivy and Ceri) are not the leads. Instead, we get Rachel, I never stop whining, Morgan and Gordian, I'm a one-note control-freak, Pierce.
And finally, out of the myriad other plot failings of Black Magic Sanction I've not mentioned, I am annoyed lawyering is apparently more binding that magic. "If you own me in the ever-after, I'm going to own you here, " says Trent who then produces not some arcane blood-drawn contract on human flesh, but rather some legalese that he wants Rachel to sign. Or how about the Coven? "Never mess with a witch. Never. They fight with magic and red tape." Hey Rachel. We want to abduct you, give you a lobotomy, and then use you as a vegetative baby maker... please sign this release. And let's not forget that the primary tension device in the climatic end-scene is whether or not David will show up on time with... a magic sword? a pack of werewolves? the power of love? Nope, a bunch of legal papers. I assume Matlock will be showing up as some sort of guardian wraith in the next book.
Please, Ms Harrison, find an editor who has both the intellect and the stones to tell you when what you are writing is stupid.
July 25, 2015
If I'm being honest then this did not live up to my expectations. I expected something more than some random action. While this, like its predecessors, was highly entertaining it lacked the thrill the others gave me. By the time I had finished the book I was feeling as if the plot had become extremely thin on the last few pages. The ending was nowhere near satisfying..
Now, as for the characters, in this one my disappointment in Rachel skyrocketed.. I hate how she can't control her sexual attraction, and yes, sometimes it's good to keep that thing in check instead of sleeping with whomever makes her blood run high because for her, that means T-R-O-U-B-L-E.
This book also has a returning character. Won't mention his name, but I'm sure you know who I'm talking about. I also didn't like how judgmental Rachel was of him.. She's done some pretty bad things for the sake of her friends, she's taken lots of smut and she keeps on getting more and more tangled up in her mess. Meanwhile, she just won't let the guy forget what he's done, and I'll admit he's not a saint, but has she ever stopped to think about what made HIM do the things he does? Nope.
The only part in this book that made me feel some thrill was something that has to do with an important loss in Jenks life. I won't delve into that one because the wound is fresh for me and Jenks both..
I just hope that the next novel in the series works out some of the malfunctions this one had for me..
Now, as for the characters, in this one my disappointment in Rachel skyrocketed.. I hate how she can't control her sexual attraction, and yes, sometimes it's good to keep that thing in check instead of sleeping with whomever makes her blood run high because for her, that means T-R-O-U-B-L-E.
This book also has a returning character. Won't mention his name, but I'm sure you know who I'm talking about. I also didn't like how judgmental Rachel was of him.. She's done some pretty bad things for the sake of her friends, she's taken lots of smut and she keeps on getting more and more tangled up in her mess. Meanwhile, she just won't let the guy forget what he's done, and I'll admit he's not a saint, but has she ever stopped to think about what made HIM do the things he does? Nope.
The only part in this book that made me feel some thrill was something that has to do with an important loss in Jenks life. I won't delve into that one because the wound is fresh for me and Jenks both..
I just hope that the next novel in the series works out some of the malfunctions this one had for me..
April 23, 2015
Reviewed by: Rabid Reads
4.5 stars
So check this out.
Rachel and Ivy are minding their own business, doing a bit of grocery shopping, when this blonde chick in a frumpy suit starts making eyes at Rachel.
Or so she thinks.
And Rachel’s a little bit embarrassed, a little bit flattered, but not even a little bit interested . . . so that’s AWK-ward.
Except Frumpy isn’t checking Rachel out! Frumpy is a member of the coven of moral and ethical standards, and she’s trying to take Rachel into custody.
Pfft. Like that’s going to happen. But the attempt does make quite a mess (one word—PRODUCE). And wait a minute, what’s going on? Yeah, Rachel’s been shunned, but there’s a world of difference between shunning a witch and actively pursuing her.
I smell a rat . . . (<——did you see what I did there? *snickers*)
A couple of books ago, Rachel very sneakily stole Al’s summoning name so he couldn’t be called out of the Ever After and let loose on her or her loved ones. They’ve since resolved their issues . . . *snorts* mostly . . . but Rachel still has his name.
And that is how we find out not only can Rachel’s blood kindle demon magic, but she can also be summoned like a demon, and my, doesn’t that complicate things.
Especially when the previously thwarted coven of moral and ethical standards becomes privy to this information, using it to, yes, summon Rachel.
Which puts her in a bit of a JAM. (<——I did it AGAIN). B/c strawberries . . . in the grocery store . . . never mind. *sighs*
It also makes her angry.
It makes me angry too, b/c guess who summoned Rachel for the straight-laced coven (whose members would rather DIE than have a bit of smut on their auras)? Go on . . . guess . . . I’ll give you hint—his name has four letters, and is also slang for stealing, which is ironic, b/c that’s what he does.
YEP. Nick just can’t stay gone. Which is unfortunate, b/c I HATE HIM. *takes a calming breath*
Black Magic Sanction is my favorite book in the series up to this point. Al and Rachel grow in their new roles as teacher and student, and Rachel finally shows some caution on the romance front. Trent is consistently NOT evil, and even shows that he values Rachel as a person. (<——YES!!) And Rachel finally starts to accept what she is, understanding that it’s who she is that matters. LOVE it. Love it ALL.
My other reviews for this series:
Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows #1)
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows #2)
Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows #3)
A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows #4)
For a Few Demons More (The Hollows #5)
The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows #6)
White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows #7)
Pale Demon (The Hollows #9)
The Undead Pool (The Hollows #12)
Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond
4.5 stars
So check this out.
Rachel and Ivy are minding their own business, doing a bit of grocery shopping, when this blonde chick in a frumpy suit starts making eyes at Rachel.
Or so she thinks.
And Rachel’s a little bit embarrassed, a little bit flattered, but not even a little bit interested . . . so that’s AWK-ward.
Except Frumpy isn’t checking Rachel out! Frumpy is a member of the coven of moral and ethical standards, and she’s trying to take Rachel into custody.
Pfft. Like that’s going to happen. But the attempt does make quite a mess (one word—PRODUCE). And wait a minute, what’s going on? Yeah, Rachel’s been shunned, but there’s a world of difference between shunning a witch and actively pursuing her.
I smell a rat . . . (<——did you see what I did there? *snickers*)
A couple of books ago, Rachel very sneakily stole Al’s summoning name so he couldn’t be called out of the Ever After and let loose on her or her loved ones. They’ve since resolved their issues . . . *snorts* mostly . . . but Rachel still has his name.
And that is how we find out not only can Rachel’s blood kindle demon magic, but she can also be summoned like a demon, and my, doesn’t that complicate things.
Especially when the previously thwarted coven of moral and ethical standards becomes privy to this information, using it to, yes, summon Rachel.
Which puts her in a bit of a JAM. (<——I did it AGAIN). B/c strawberries . . . in the grocery store . . . never mind. *sighs*
It also makes her angry.
It makes me angry too, b/c guess who summoned Rachel for the straight-laced coven (whose members would rather DIE than have a bit of smut on their auras)? Go on . . . guess . . . I’ll give you hint—his name has four letters, and is also slang for stealing, which is ironic, b/c that’s what he does.
YEP. Nick just can’t stay gone. Which is unfortunate, b/c I HATE HIM. *takes a calming breath*
Black Magic Sanction is my favorite book in the series up to this point. Al and Rachel grow in their new roles as teacher and student, and Rachel finally shows some caution on the romance front. Trent is consistently NOT evil, and even shows that he values Rachel as a person. (<——YES!!) And Rachel finally starts to accept what she is, understanding that it’s who she is that matters. LOVE it. Love it ALL.
My other reviews for this series:
Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows #1)
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows #2)
Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows #3)
A Fistful of Charms (The Hollows #4)
For a Few Demons More (The Hollows #5)
The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows #6)
White Witch, Black Curse (The Hollows #7)
Pale Demon (The Hollows #9)
The Undead Pool (The Hollows #12)
Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond
April 14, 2021
Tink's tampons, I really hate that witch council! And Nick! And Trent (though somewhat less than the two afore-mentioned parties)!
Rachel has been shunned. She now is depending on Ivy and Jenks since she can’t make payments, can’t earn money, can’t even buy groceries alone.
When going shopping with Ivy one day, she’s attacked by a white witch - which is … odd. Until Nick summons her and it becomes clear that there is a plot worked by the witch council to eliminate Rachel (imprisonment in Alcatraz or being magically neutered) and Nick is helping them while, of course, blaming Rachel for everything. And Trent is in on it as a member of the city council, claiming that he can control her (his revenge for her only having one way of saving him in the Ever After).
So there’s a prison break followed by Rachel trying to stay one step ahead of the council.
I was sooo fucking irritated by the arrogance on display from the council witches (especially Brook, of course), their guard dogs, Trent, Nick and a number of other people.
Not to mention the prison itself and Rachel’s time there (though I loved the creativity behind Alcatraz being the witch prison due to its location surrounded by salt water).
The hardest part, without a doubt, was dying and losing it from grief. The rescue mission, if you can call it that, was equally heartwarming and I can’t believe was against it and what was said to justify that stance. It’s one thing to have had different experiences but that things are different here has been evident so there is no excuse for saying what was said. It was absolutely time to break traditions and break them hard!
Though I agree that Rachel shouldn’t have shown so much „compassion“ for their enemies. Honorable deaths, if they so desired, would have been better for everyone. Though it wouldn’t have prevented this particular death - it was a long time coming.
In contrast, I loooved the lessons Rachel had with Al and how their relationship developed. Almost cute. Cute enough to make me barf fairy-farts. :D
And that heist in the end was HILARIOUS despite it not really going according to plan!
So yeah, drowning in feelings again. Not every author can pull this off and definitely not in such a way.
Rachel has been shunned. She now is depending on Ivy and Jenks since she can’t make payments, can’t earn money, can’t even buy groceries alone.
When going shopping with Ivy one day, she’s attacked by a white witch - which is … odd. Until Nick summons her and it becomes clear that there is a plot worked by the witch council to eliminate Rachel (imprisonment in Alcatraz or being magically neutered) and Nick is helping them while, of course, blaming Rachel for everything. And Trent is in on it as a member of the city council, claiming that he can control her (his revenge for her only having one way of saving him in the Ever After).
So there’s a prison break followed by Rachel trying to stay one step ahead of the council.
I was sooo fucking irritated by the arrogance on display from the council witches (especially Brook, of course), their guard dogs, Trent, Nick and a number of other people.
Not to mention the prison itself and Rachel’s time there (though I loved the creativity behind Alcatraz being the witch prison due to its location surrounded by salt water).
The hardest part, without a doubt, was dying and losing it from grief. The rescue mission, if you can call it that, was equally heartwarming and I can’t believe was against it and what was said to justify that stance. It’s one thing to have had different experiences but that things are different here has been evident so there is no excuse for saying what was said. It was absolutely time to break traditions and break them hard!
Though I agree that Rachel shouldn’t have shown so much „compassion“ for their enemies. Honorable deaths, if they so desired, would have been better for everyone. Though it wouldn’t have prevented this particular death - it was a long time coming.
In contrast, I loooved the lessons Rachel had with Al and how their relationship developed. Almost cute. Cute enough to make me barf fairy-farts. :D
And that heist in the end was HILARIOUS despite it not really going according to plan!
So yeah, drowning in feelings again. Not every author can pull this off and definitely not in such a way.
April 15, 2021
The great Hollows Re-Read continues, and it's consistently getting better and better. Or rather, it is never failing to travel on to greater intrigues, terrible shunning, constant hounding, and even a little romance on the run to keep things spicy.
Let's face it. Rachel is having a bad life. Good friends, sure, but it's the bad choices in men that keep on haunting her: the dying, lying, or even ex-dying/currently lying, or just plain nice-guy-can't-handle-her-shit counts as bad choices in men.
That, with black magic, aura-smut, breaking out of Alcatraz, going on the run, breaking INTO a massively fortified compound, performing a massive heist, AND keeping her best friend from committing suicide, it's a heavy tale.
But an EXCELLENT UF. Delicious, even. Flabbergastingly good. And funny and heartbreaking all at the same time.
I feel blessed to have this in my life. Again.
Let's face it. Rachel is having a bad life. Good friends, sure, but it's the bad choices in men that keep on haunting her: the dying, lying, or even ex-dying/currently lying, or just plain nice-guy-can't-handle-her-shit counts as bad choices in men.
That, with black magic, aura-smut, breaking out of Alcatraz, going on the run, breaking INTO a massively fortified compound, performing a massive heist, AND keeping her best friend from committing suicide, it's a heavy tale.
But an EXCELLENT UF. Delicious, even. Flabbergastingly good. And funny and heartbreaking all at the same time.
I feel blessed to have this in my life. Again.
March 3, 2010
So there I was, innocently going about my day while listening to this book, and it’s all demon plot shenanigans and hilariously unintentionally awful pixie funeral poetry, and then bam, we get a casual aside about how female witches have extra vaginal muscles compared to human women, and there I am sitting on the curb in the middle of the block, laughing helplessly with my guide dog hovering over me doing “now what?” in Labrador (it’s all in the ears).
Extra vaginal muscles! The better the orgasm, the longer they clamp down and keep the participating penis in place! Ahahahahaha, oh God.
…Does anyone actually remember when this series was something I laughed with, not at? No? Yeah, me either.
Extra vaginal muscles! The better the orgasm, the longer they clamp down and keep the participating penis in place! Ahahahahaha, oh God.
…Does anyone actually remember when this series was something I laughed with, not at? No? Yeah, me either.
December 9, 2009
I think I'm done with Kim Harrison now. Her last book didn't really float my boat, and this one was more of the same. Rachel feels misunderstood, tired, hungry, cranky, angry, and roughed up, due to yet another horrible bad thing that makes her worry about her friends, feel that she's not ready for a relationship, and take everything on by herself so no one she cares about gets hurt.
In the first 150 pages she's attacked three times by the same baddie, summoned and sent to prison and escapes, drinks lots of coffee, and never gets 8 hours of sleep due to all the madness. It makes me tired- too much Perils of Pauline. Pacing is one thing, but all the action is becoming a substitute for character and plot development. Rachel's angst and self-doubt are starting to get tired. The character she was in the first books would be appalled at the actions she's taking now. She needs to lose the pseudo-morality and just get the job done. I'm tired of her judging other characters for using black magic while she's making deals with demons.
I didn't actually finish the book- I got tired of the round-and-round. Not sure I'll crack the next one.
In the first 150 pages she's attacked three times by the same baddie, summoned and sent to prison and escapes, drinks lots of coffee, and never gets 8 hours of sleep due to all the madness. It makes me tired- too much Perils of Pauline. Pacing is one thing, but all the action is becoming a substitute for character and plot development. Rachel's angst and self-doubt are starting to get tired. The character she was in the first books would be appalled at the actions she's taking now. She needs to lose the pseudo-morality and just get the job done. I'm tired of her judging other characters for using black magic while she's making deals with demons.
I didn't actually finish the book- I got tired of the round-and-round. Not sure I'll crack the next one.
March 22, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
I had a great time with this book! I read the first few books in this series years ago but am just now getting around to reading further in the series. I am definitely late to the party but am glad that I finally decided to dive in. This is a series that I would highly recommend reading in order since each installment builds on the events in earlier books. I found this book to be very entertaining.
Rachel can’t catch a break. She has been shunned by the witch community and now a group wants her to suffer a much more extreme punishment. Needless to say, she wants to avoid that fate. On top of that, she has to deal with Al, who has sent Pierce to be her babysitter for the time being. Things will get pretty intense in this installment and there were times that I was really worried for both Rachel and her friends. Rachel will be forced to work with a few characters that I am not sure should be trusted which added to the drama.
Marguerite Gavin does a fabulous job with the narration for this series. I love all of the voices that she uses for the various characters in the story. They just seem so real and really come alive during the audiobook. I think that she was able to add just the right amount of emotion and excitement into her reading. I definitely think that her performance added to my enjoyment of the story and believe that audio is the way to go with this book if at all possible.
I would recommend this series to others. This is a really well-done story in a series that just seems to keep getting better and better. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Rachel and the rest of her group in this next book.
Book source: Purchased/Library
I had a great time with this book! I read the first few books in this series years ago but am just now getting around to reading further in the series. I am definitely late to the party but am glad that I finally decided to dive in. This is a series that I would highly recommend reading in order since each installment builds on the events in earlier books. I found this book to be very entertaining.
Rachel can’t catch a break. She has been shunned by the witch community and now a group wants her to suffer a much more extreme punishment. Needless to say, she wants to avoid that fate. On top of that, she has to deal with Al, who has sent Pierce to be her babysitter for the time being. Things will get pretty intense in this installment and there were times that I was really worried for both Rachel and her friends. Rachel will be forced to work with a few characters that I am not sure should be trusted which added to the drama.
Marguerite Gavin does a fabulous job with the narration for this series. I love all of the voices that she uses for the various characters in the story. They just seem so real and really come alive during the audiobook. I think that she was able to add just the right amount of emotion and excitement into her reading. I definitely think that her performance added to my enjoyment of the story and believe that audio is the way to go with this book if at all possible.
I would recommend this series to others. This is a really well-done story in a series that just seems to keep getting better and better. I cannot wait to see what is in store for Rachel and the rest of her group in this next book.
Book source: Purchased/Library
January 14, 2014
I enjoyed this book much more than the previous installment, however I think I would have been happier had Harrison stretched plot out over two books instead of dragging it out in book 7 (which I can hardly remember anything important happening) and then cramming a million and one things into this book. On one hand it is fast paced which I like, but on another it's a big mess.
I am with the lot that does NOT like Pierce. I had Gary Stu vibes at the beginning which raised flags but it only got worse and worse as the book progressed as he got more and more clingy and now I can stand him less and less. He is officially the least tolerable boyfriend. He has to be at Rachel's side every second and it's nauseating. He has a lot of knowledge, but just leave it at that. Maybe I could stand her other boyfriends better because they weren't on every freakin' page. Kisten I loved to vampy bits though, rest is double dead soul. It is a sad day when I can say I preferred Nick!! Why is it that Rachel's boyfriends (save for Kisten) have 0 chemistry with her? Kisten could make chemistry with a cardboard cut out, so he just might be an exception to anything.
I really hope Harrison limits Pierce's presence significantly in the next books because after a while I found myself skimming and outright skipping pages that involved him...which was a lot. I was enjoying the book 20 times more when he wasn't there. I'm just not feeling the retcon of how he gets dibs so fast because he was "there all along." Especially at the expense of Ivy looking cool. She was such an afterthought in this book and that was a real shame.
-----SPOILER------
I don't know about anybody else, but I was EXTREMELY disappointed that Pierce was the one to go with Rachel in Jenks' time of need instead of Ivy. That was Ivy's place, not his and it angered me a lot. It's a very private time that should be shared with those CLOSEST to that person and Pierce does not fit the bill. I was really disgusted by that.
-----SPOILER------
Of course, I am a huge Trent fan so I enjoyed seeing him a bit more in this book than the last. I hear book 9 should be a real treat for us, so I am looking forward to it! There were definitely some priceless scenes here. I was glad we got a glimpse into their past as well. They have their own bond that is complicated and hard to explain, but it's oh so important at the same time! Definitely liked what I saw here as a Trent fan and a Trent/Rachel fan. I do hope they explore a relationship at some point. (next book please please please please please)
And of course, Al has completely stolen the show. I would have never thought around book 1 that I would ever want to see Rachel and Al together, but by golly I wouldn't mind it now!! I love Trent/Rachel and Al/Rachel. I still like Trent/Rachel a bit more (probably because I have liked them since book 1), but way to turn on the heat with Al!! I started to like him a bit more in WWBC (probably because there wasn't much else to like in that book), but here he really began to stand out. I couldn't help but enjoy him knocking Pierce around like a rag doll.
So all in all, there were times I loved the book, and then times I hated it, so I will have to give it a 2.5 and round up to 3. One star for Trent and one star for Al. The plot being all over the place knocks it down half a star, and then Pierce knocks it down 2 more. Books 3 and 6 are still my favorites. Here's hoping book 9 can bring it back to that 5-star mark that I know, love and miss with this series!
I am with the lot that does NOT like Pierce. I had Gary Stu vibes at the beginning which raised flags but it only got worse and worse as the book progressed as he got more and more clingy and now I can stand him less and less. He is officially the least tolerable boyfriend. He has to be at Rachel's side every second and it's nauseating. He has a lot of knowledge, but just leave it at that. Maybe I could stand her other boyfriends better because they weren't on every freakin' page. Kisten I loved to vampy bits though, rest is double dead soul. It is a sad day when I can say I preferred Nick!! Why is it that Rachel's boyfriends (save for Kisten) have 0 chemistry with her? Kisten could make chemistry with a cardboard cut out, so he just might be an exception to anything.
I really hope Harrison limits Pierce's presence significantly in the next books because after a while I found myself skimming and outright skipping pages that involved him...which was a lot. I was enjoying the book 20 times more when he wasn't there. I'm just not feeling the retcon of how he gets dibs so fast because he was "there all along." Especially at the expense of Ivy looking cool. She was such an afterthought in this book and that was a real shame.
-----SPOILER------
I don't know about anybody else, but I was EXTREMELY disappointed that Pierce was the one to go with Rachel in Jenks' time of need instead of Ivy. That was Ivy's place, not his and it angered me a lot. It's a very private time that should be shared with those CLOSEST to that person and Pierce does not fit the bill. I was really disgusted by that.
-----SPOILER------
Of course, I am a huge Trent fan so I enjoyed seeing him a bit more in this book than the last. I hear book 9 should be a real treat for us, so I am looking forward to it! There were definitely some priceless scenes here. I was glad we got a glimpse into their past as well. They have their own bond that is complicated and hard to explain, but it's oh so important at the same time! Definitely liked what I saw here as a Trent fan and a Trent/Rachel fan. I do hope they explore a relationship at some point. (next book please please please please please)
And of course, Al has completely stolen the show. I would have never thought around book 1 that I would ever want to see Rachel and Al together, but by golly I wouldn't mind it now!! I love Trent/Rachel and Al/Rachel. I still like Trent/Rachel a bit more (probably because I have liked them since book 1), but way to turn on the heat with Al!! I started to like him a bit more in WWBC (probably because there wasn't much else to like in that book), but here he really began to stand out. I couldn't help but enjoy him knocking Pierce around like a rag doll.
So all in all, there were times I loved the book, and then times I hated it, so I will have to give it a 2.5 and round up to 3. One star for Trent and one star for Al. The plot being all over the place knocks it down half a star, and then Pierce knocks it down 2 more. Books 3 and 6 are still my favorites. Here's hoping book 9 can bring it back to that 5-star mark that I know, love and miss with this series!
December 12, 2012
Well, I've been waiting for one of the Hollows books to bring a conclusion to the myriad stories being told. All of these secondary charaters...Nick, Trent, Peirce, Ivy, Jenks (and Madalena), the witch council, etc....there are so many people involved with what seems to be a conspiracy to bring down Rachel Morgan!! And for me, Jenks is still the only one on that list that I trust. I KNOW Ivy's a friend, by she's so volatile, and I still see her as being selfish and wishy washy.
I do like Pierce. He's proven, and continues to prove, to Rachel that he's there to back Rachel up. Time after time, especially here, he is rock solid steady. Nick shows up, the biggest douche bag of all time. I've never really liked him, and that opinion has been validated time and again. He just continues to break Rachel's heart.
Anywho, I was getting bored with the last few books...as bored as you can get reading this series. Even though every time you turn the page, Rachel is either fighting off demons or casting crazy spells, this series has started to blur together for me. Not so with this one! Al and Rachel take some pretty big steps in their relationship as student and teacher. I like how Al is an evil demon but he's not ALL evil. He proves it in this book. Both the evil and the not-so-evil. I like how he has stayed in the picture and seems to have a sort of affection for Rachel; albeit a selfish one.
The end was GREAT! Really, the last two or three scenes were simply fantastic...wrapping up the story nicely, booting some mean ass people out of the series and setting up for the next few books nicely. I think the story has finally taken a turn and I'm really excited to get to it!!
I 'read' the audiobook from Overdrive. The narrator was pretty good...she has now become my inner voice for Rachel!
I do like Pierce. He's proven, and continues to prove, to Rachel that he's there to back Rachel up. Time after time, especially here, he is rock solid steady. Nick shows up, the biggest douche bag of all time. I've never really liked him, and that opinion has been validated time and again. He just continues to break Rachel's heart.
Anywho, I was getting bored with the last few books...as bored as you can get reading this series. Even though every time you turn the page, Rachel is either fighting off demons or casting crazy spells, this series has started to blur together for me. Not so with this one! Al and Rachel take some pretty big steps in their relationship as student and teacher. I like how Al is an evil demon but he's not ALL evil. He proves it in this book. Both the evil and the not-so-evil. I like how he has stayed in the picture and seems to have a sort of affection for Rachel; albeit a selfish one.
The end was GREAT! Really, the last two or three scenes were simply fantastic...wrapping up the story nicely, booting some mean ass people out of the series and setting up for the next few books nicely. I think the story has finally taken a turn and I'm really excited to get to it!!
I 'read' the audiobook from Overdrive. The narrator was pretty good...she has now become my inner voice for Rachel!
Read
March 8, 2010Why can't I choose more than 5 stars? Seriously. This was my favorite book of the series, thus far. Or maybe it just seems like my favorite because of my sincere disappointment in WWBC. The first 100 pages were a friggin whirlwind of action, and it doesn't ever slow down. There were great highs and serious lows in this book, and it made for an all around fantastic journey. I couldn't have asked for better Al scenes, and I am LOVING the relationship between he and Rachel. Al is a sneaky, devious demon though, and I think he is cooling his heels until the right opportunity comes for him to claim Rachel completely. Jenks had some great lines, as always. I must say that I didn't mind too much that Ivy wasn't as present in the book. I like Ivy, and think her relationship with Rachel is important, as is her involvement in Vampiric Charms, but I've been eh lately about her. I do look forward to the budding romance she has going with a certain character though. I was glad to see Rachel try and move past Kisten in this book. His memory still haunts her (and me!) and she deserves to be happy. I really enjoy Rachel/Pierce. Hope it continues to become something significant. I really like Pierce, and I do find him sincere in his use of black magic. I hope I'm right about him! I am also VERY intrigued by the Rachel/Trent interaction at the end of the book. I could go on...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2016
5 *absolutely amazing* stars!
I loved this one. Rachel finally is accepting what she is and what she can do. She's not getting anymore sh*t from anyone. YOU go girl! Give them hell!
And I love, LOVE Pierce, but I have a feeling that he's not gonna stick around and it will be not by his choice... :(
Anyway, the book was a masterpiece!
I loved this one. Rachel finally is accepting what she is and what she can do. She's not getting anymore sh*t from anyone. YOU go girl! Give them hell!
And I love, LOVE Pierce, but I have a feeling that he's not gonna stick around and it will be not by his choice... :(
Anyway, the book was a masterpiece!
March 2, 2010
I didn’t enjoy this installment. In this book, Rachel was very irritating in my opinion. I understand her sensitivity to being shunned as a “black witch” but screaming every 5 seconds “I’M NOT A BLACK WITCH” was tiresome.
Being consumed with proving her goodness, she made decisions that weren’t in her best interest. I understand having morals, but if someone is trying to kill you, you try to kill them…with whatever you have available. If someone broke into my property, and threatened my life, I’m not going to think twice about the method(s) I use. Later, I might feel remorse, but during? I don’t think so. Rachel preventing the deaths of the faeries was not realistic.
Rachel’s panic attack when she and Pierce were hiding under ground? Beyond irritating. Are you the heroine or not? Get your stuff together and calm yourself. Good grief.
I’m not buying Rachel’s attraction to Pierce. It feels forced.
Listened to the audio. Another book that I started checking to see how much time was left (in this case how many hours were left). With 2 hours left, I was really ready for the book to end.
To be fair, my review probably wouldn’t have been as harsh if I had read the book…but there is no escaping the irritating behavior/dialogue in the audio version.
Being consumed with proving her goodness, she made decisions that weren’t in her best interest. I understand having morals, but if someone is trying to kill you, you try to kill them…with whatever you have available. If someone broke into my property, and threatened my life, I’m not going to think twice about the method(s) I use. Later, I might feel remorse, but during? I don’t think so. Rachel preventing the deaths of the faeries was not realistic.
Rachel’s panic attack when she and Pierce were hiding under ground? Beyond irritating. Are you the heroine or not? Get your stuff together and calm yourself. Good grief.
I’m not buying Rachel’s attraction to Pierce. It feels forced.
Listened to the audio. Another book that I started checking to see how much time was left (in this case how many hours were left). With 2 hours left, I was really ready for the book to end.
To be fair, my review probably wouldn’t have been as harsh if I had read the book…but there is no escaping the irritating behavior/dialogue in the audio version.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2010
Thank heavens for ARCs. After WWBC I was totally manic to read this one. I won't drop spoilers, although I can thank Kim Harrison for not leaving me drowning for book #9. I can actually take a deep, calming breath and mentally accept the year wait until the next book... even though it will still be an impatient 12 months. LOVE this series!
I've always been a spoiler fan and speculator, though, so I have to say I hope the next book is the story that finishes what the short story "Unbound" started, with Daryl causing some SERIOUS fireworks on all levels and I can only pray in my little heart of hearts that #10 Skimmer gets out (alive or undead--but undead would be better) and goes on a rampage. Love Glenn, but I want him to die a hero saving someone.
And I know there's a huge Trent/Rachel following out there, but I definitely want a Trent/Jasmin angle explored. Rachel and Trent are like siblings to me. I would gag and lose respect for everyone if they became an item.
And that's all I have to say about that, although I welcome other speculators to throw their thoughts in :)
I've always been a spoiler fan and speculator, though, so I have to say I hope the next book is the story that finishes what the short story "Unbound" started, with Daryl causing some SERIOUS fireworks on all levels and I can only pray in my little heart of hearts that #10 Skimmer gets out (alive or undead--but undead would be better) and goes on a rampage. Love Glenn, but I want him to die a hero saving someone.
And I know there's a huge Trent/Rachel following out there, but I definitely want a Trent/Jasmin angle explored. Rachel and Trent are like siblings to me. I would gag and lose respect for everyone if they became an item.
And that's all I have to say about that, although I welcome other speculators to throw their thoughts in :)
April 1, 2010
Now that I have finished the book, I am pleasantly surprised at where it ended. I wanted to give it 4.5 stars but opted for the 4 because the first third of the book was somewhat slow for me.
I LOVED everything with Al and Trent in this book. Al is one of the best characters I have read in a while, and Trent has been my number one pick for Rachel since almost the beginning. All my excitement and enjoyment came from these three and the ways they play off each other. It is so fascinating!
Then of course, I was bawling my eyes out for a good 10 pages or so, and I have not cried in a book in a long time.
Therefore, overall I think we have headed back in a great direction and cannot wait to see what Rachel does going to do to break her familiar bond over Trent!
I LOVED everything with Al and Trent in this book. Al is one of the best characters I have read in a while, and Trent has been my number one pick for Rachel since almost the beginning. All my excitement and enjoyment came from these three and the ways they play off each other. It is so fascinating!
Then of course, I was bawling my eyes out for a good 10 pages or so, and I have not cried in a book in a long time.
Therefore, overall I think we have headed back in a great direction and cannot wait to see what Rachel does going to do to break her familiar bond over Trent!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2015
This one was CRAZY GOOD. But I cried like a baby at the big scene. You know which one I'm talking about. That was worse than the end of book five!!!
June 10, 2020
This was another crazy installment. I love that new supernatural creatures keep popping up and we get to learn more and more about the ones already there.
I didn't really need to know how biological different witches are from humans. Little TMI there. Was happy living in ignorance.
I'm always amazed at how Rachel makes so many enemies and then turns them into friends! I am amazed at her skill! lol.
I am extremely mad a Nick and glad that Rachel no longer cares about him one bit! I hope all finds him and makes him his blow up doll! Win win!!!!
I'm not sure how I feel about Jax right now. I'm glad that he seems to have abandoned Nick but I'm not sure he's completely with Rachel and his family yet.
Matalina dying was really sad!!!! I'm really happy that Jenks didn't die was well though. I hope he find love again. I have a really strange feeling that Rachel and Jenks will end up together and I have no idea why?!?! I don't even know how that would work?!??!?!
It was weird to learn that Jenks was basically a baby again and would live another 20 years!
Ivy and Glenn being together was surprising!
I can't believe that Brooke was a demon summoner and wanted to steal Rachel's babies!!
I don't think Pierce and Rachel are good together. :/
June 2020:
Brooke was evil. Like how is she considered a white witch and Rachel isn’t???
I’m really glad she got snatched.
Vivian wasn’t much better either.
The fairies were interesting. I want to see more of them.
Matalina! Jenks! Poor Jenks. I’m really glad he’s alive but he’s so lost now.
Trent at the end of the book was awesome. Oh and the elf porn statue lol!
I didn't really need to know how biological different witches are from humans. Little TMI there. Was happy living in ignorance.
I'm always amazed at how Rachel makes so many enemies and then turns them into friends! I am amazed at her skill! lol.
I am extremely mad a Nick and glad that Rachel no longer cares about him one bit! I hope all finds him and makes him his blow up doll! Win win!!!!
I'm not sure how I feel about Jax right now. I'm glad that he seems to have abandoned Nick but I'm not sure he's completely with Rachel and his family yet.
Matalina dying was really sad!!!! I'm really happy that Jenks didn't die was well though. I hope he find love again. I have a really strange feeling that Rachel and Jenks will end up together and I have no idea why?!?! I don't even know how that would work?!??!?!
It was weird to learn that Jenks was basically a baby again and would live another 20 years!
Ivy and Glenn being together was surprising!
I can't believe that Brooke was a demon summoner and wanted to steal Rachel's babies!!
I don't think Pierce and Rachel are good together. :/
June 2020:
Brooke was evil. Like how is she considered a white witch and Rachel isn’t???
I’m really glad she got snatched.
Vivian wasn’t much better either.
The fairies were interesting. I want to see more of them.
Matalina! Jenks! Poor Jenks. I’m really glad he’s alive but he’s so lost now.
Trent at the end of the book was awesome. Oh and the elf porn statue lol!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2010
I really liked this book a lot. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. I appreciated Rachel's character development. I was glad to see some major questions answered (Jenk's life span, Matalinda's illness, etc). I even enjoyed the return of Rachel's no good ex, Nick. I think the writing was crisper, smarter, and really awesome this go around. Kim seems to be only getting better as an author and I really enjoy her work.
I liked nearly everything about this book plotwise, except for Pierce.
I don't understand why Pierce is even around. It makes zero sense. I can't stand him. That character feels like his sole purpose is to muck up Ivy and Rachel's blossoming romance. He's annoying, a jerk, and I want him deadeadeadead. He doesn't even feel like he fit in the world Rachel, Ivy and Jenks inhabit. And what is worse is that Ivy gets shunted off to the side for most of the story so Pierce can take her place. UGH!
I want my Ivy/Rachel dynamic back! I hated that Rachel admitted to herself that she feels more than sisterly toward Ivy, but thinks it doesn't count because she won't act on it. *headdesk*
If not for Pierce, I would have given this book five stars, but I just can't stand him as a plot device.
I liked nearly everything about this book plotwise, except for Pierce.
I don't understand why Pierce is even around. It makes zero sense. I can't stand him. That character feels like his sole purpose is to muck up Ivy and Rachel's blossoming romance. He's annoying, a jerk, and I want him deadeadeadead. He doesn't even feel like he fit in the world Rachel, Ivy and Jenks inhabit. And what is worse is that Ivy gets shunted off to the side for most of the story so Pierce can take her place. UGH!
I want my Ivy/Rachel dynamic back! I hated that Rachel admitted to herself that she feels more than sisterly toward Ivy, but thinks it doesn't count because she won't act on it. *headdesk*
If not for Pierce, I would have given this book five stars, but I just can't stand him as a plot device.
March 6, 2015
4.5/5
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I was eager to start this novel after finishing the previous one. I must say that we are easily taken away by the story and now that the series is over, I’m happy to buy the volumes the one after the other and thus to continue the adventures of Rachel Morgan.
Our heroine is going to have plenty to do in this novel! Oh yes, because it does not stop! Rachel has to manage her shunning but now the convent wants more! Between those who want to kill her, to lock her in Alcatraz, to prevent her from having children or just to get her future children into a new generation, our witch will have to find a solution. Because of course, you can imagine that none of the choices is acceptable! But this fight is very difficult because she will have to join forces with her friends and her enemies but some have ulterior motives. Did I say that we find Lee again? And Nick? I confess I did not expect at all to see them. Moreover, it is very difficult to know if we can trust them or not. But I admit that the character who surprised me the most throughout the story was Nick. Wow, what a manipulator! And that in every sense of the term but the author has managed to fool us well throughout the story, making us change our minds about him constantly. I’ll let you find out what he is really in the end.
Fortunately for Rachel, everyone is there for her, whether Pierce, Ivy, Jenks and many others. Our confidence about Pierce was also put to the test. Oh yes, because it is very difficult to understand exactly what he wants from our heroine and how it all will end. But like her, we want to trust him, to see what would happen, despite the fact that he is what he is. We can also see Trent in the novel, although I admit that we got the urge to strangle given the choice he offers Rachel. It is also difficult to statute on him but the end of the story gives us hope and I’m really looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens.
Everything evolves very quickly throughout the history and we learn a little more about the past of the woman and what she is capable of. It was nice to see that here she finally agrees that she is much more, she accepts the fact that she is different and plays with it for her life and the others. But whatever happens, she will not change to please others. I was also surprised to see that she manages to work with Al, which I must say is pretty funny in some moments with Rachel.
But that’s not all because Kim Harrison takes us through all the states in this book and I admit that I was very sad about the death of one of the characters. I did not expect it and it’s true that it’s been heartbreaking.
In all cases many things happen in this novel and I am very eager to read more. I can only recommend you to start this series if you have not already, it’s a great surprise!
Mon avis en Français
My English review
I was eager to start this novel after finishing the previous one. I must say that we are easily taken away by the story and now that the series is over, I’m happy to buy the volumes the one after the other and thus to continue the adventures of Rachel Morgan.
Our heroine is going to have plenty to do in this novel! Oh yes, because it does not stop! Rachel has to manage her shunning but now the convent wants more! Between those who want to kill her, to lock her in Alcatraz, to prevent her from having children or just to get her future children into a new generation, our witch will have to find a solution. Because of course, you can imagine that none of the choices is acceptable! But this fight is very difficult because she will have to join forces with her friends and her enemies but some have ulterior motives. Did I say that we find Lee again? And Nick? I confess I did not expect at all to see them. Moreover, it is very difficult to know if we can trust them or not. But I admit that the character who surprised me the most throughout the story was Nick. Wow, what a manipulator! And that in every sense of the term but the author has managed to fool us well throughout the story, making us change our minds about him constantly. I’ll let you find out what he is really in the end.
Fortunately for Rachel, everyone is there for her, whether Pierce, Ivy, Jenks and many others. Our confidence about Pierce was also put to the test. Oh yes, because it is very difficult to understand exactly what he wants from our heroine and how it all will end. But like her, we want to trust him, to see what would happen, despite the fact that he is what he is. We can also see Trent in the novel, although I admit that we got the urge to strangle given the choice he offers Rachel. It is also difficult to statute on him but the end of the story gives us hope and I’m really looking forward to reading the next book to see what happens.
Everything evolves very quickly throughout the history and we learn a little more about the past of the woman and what she is capable of. It was nice to see that here she finally agrees that she is much more, she accepts the fact that she is different and plays with it for her life and the others. But whatever happens, she will not change to please others. I was also surprised to see that she manages to work with Al, which I must say is pretty funny in some moments with Rachel.
But that’s not all because Kim Harrison takes us through all the states in this book and I admit that I was very sad about the death of one of the characters. I did not expect it and it’s true that it’s been heartbreaking.
In all cases many things happen in this novel and I am very eager to read more. I can only recommend you to start this series if you have not already, it’s a great surprise!
February 19, 2020
4+
This is one of the really excellent stories in this series, I think. I have to admit that I'm tired of Pierce, though.
Also, I had forgotten just how often Rachel says "That's not fair!" as if fairness has anything at all to do with life.
This is one of the really excellent stories in this series, I think. I have to admit that I'm tired of Pierce, though.
Also, I had forgotten just how often Rachel says "That's not fair!" as if fairness has anything at all to do with life.
January 31, 2011
OK, I've taken a few deep breaths, and feel I can review this book without attacking the author.
First, let me say that I didn't finish this book. I might still, but not right now. I would become violent if I tried.
The plot on the back, Rachel fights the coven after being shunned is the plot in total. Nothing, and I mean nothing more happens to move the story along. I know that some characters are lost, some new ones appear, but that doesn't really move the plot along. At this point, I'm not real sure what the over-arcing storyline is supposed to be, and I really don't care.
One reviewer said it best when she said that this series needs a real leading lady and Rachel isn't it.
She still won't let herself have a normal relationship because of the dangers of her life. Seriously? What about those officers in the real world who are married? Do you think they don't worry about that? Grow up and get a pair...
She still is fighting her own self with the whole "I'm not a demon" crap. Who cares? You are a user. She uses Ivy's money and strength to support herself. She also uses Ivy as a barrier against any real relationship. She uses Jenks' loyalty and protection without offering either character anything in return. There seems to be one universal theme in this series: Rachel Morgan is a useless woman who takes everything I give, but just the joy of being around her is payment enough. Really?!? Really.
And the part about her pulling in the curse because she couldn't stand burning her trees (yes, trees) or killing the fairies who were trying to kill Jenks' family was rage-inducing. She was willing to take the risk that Jenks' family would die because even Ceri said they wouldn't survive such numbers just because she still wants to be a good girl?!? Get over it! If you love your friends so much, stop being a *@ssy and do what it takes to save them. I get you don't want to enjoy killing, but if it is necessary to save your family, you do what you need to do.
And I read the plot synopsis for the next book, and apparently she is traveling to Cali to get her shunning removed. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? She doesn't even get that resolved in this book? How many more long, torturous novels am I going to have to read before something, anything, gets resolved in this series?
Let's review -
1 - Ivy & Rachel's relationship resolved in 8 books? nope
2 - Rachel's trust issues resolved in 8 books? nope
3 - Rachel's life in danger issues resolved in 8 books? nope
4 - Rachel's relationship issues resolved in 8 books? nope
5 - Rachel's decisiveness taking an intelligent bent in 8 books? nope
Seem like too many unresolved issues to anyone else?
I'm done with this series. I'm not punishing Ms. Harrison or trying to exact revenge. I'm just done wasting my time on a heroine who is so brutally selfish, stupid, and immature with no desire to change because she doesn't have to since her friends think she is the greatest thing on two legs.
OK, rant over.
First, let me say that I didn't finish this book. I might still, but not right now. I would become violent if I tried.
The plot on the back, Rachel fights the coven after being shunned is the plot in total. Nothing, and I mean nothing more happens to move the story along. I know that some characters are lost, some new ones appear, but that doesn't really move the plot along. At this point, I'm not real sure what the over-arcing storyline is supposed to be, and I really don't care.
One reviewer said it best when she said that this series needs a real leading lady and Rachel isn't it.
She still won't let herself have a normal relationship because of the dangers of her life. Seriously? What about those officers in the real world who are married? Do you think they don't worry about that? Grow up and get a pair...
She still is fighting her own self with the whole "I'm not a demon" crap. Who cares? You are a user. She uses Ivy's money and strength to support herself. She also uses Ivy as a barrier against any real relationship. She uses Jenks' loyalty and protection without offering either character anything in return. There seems to be one universal theme in this series: Rachel Morgan is a useless woman who takes everything I give, but just the joy of being around her is payment enough. Really?!? Really.
And the part about her pulling in the curse because she couldn't stand burning her trees (yes, trees) or killing the fairies who were trying to kill Jenks' family was rage-inducing. She was willing to take the risk that Jenks' family would die because even Ceri said they wouldn't survive such numbers just because she still wants to be a good girl?!? Get over it! If you love your friends so much, stop being a *@ssy and do what it takes to save them. I get you don't want to enjoy killing, but if it is necessary to save your family, you do what you need to do.
And I read the plot synopsis for the next book, and apparently she is traveling to Cali to get her shunning removed. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? She doesn't even get that resolved in this book? How many more long, torturous novels am I going to have to read before something, anything, gets resolved in this series?
Let's review -
1 - Ivy & Rachel's relationship resolved in 8 books? nope
2 - Rachel's trust issues resolved in 8 books? nope
3 - Rachel's life in danger issues resolved in 8 books? nope
4 - Rachel's relationship issues resolved in 8 books? nope
5 - Rachel's decisiveness taking an intelligent bent in 8 books? nope
Seem like too many unresolved issues to anyone else?
I'm done with this series. I'm not punishing Ms. Harrison or trying to exact revenge. I'm just done wasting my time on a heroine who is so brutally selfish, stupid, and immature with no desire to change because she doesn't have to since her friends think she is the greatest thing on two legs.
OK, rant over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2015
*Re-read July 2015
**First read 2010
Phew, I feel like I just read three books, not one! Probably the most complex book in the series so far, and one of the best. Super action packed, emotional, character driven, suspenseful, emotional, funny when necessary, a major part in the overall story arc.
Sooo much happened, it was almost overwhelming. The coven; Matalina (*sobs* whyyy?); Al (my favorite part - there wasn't one scene where he was involved and trouble and laughing out loud situations didn't follow. He's the bestest! ♥), the Trent headquarters shenanigans (LMFAO what I wouldn't have given to be a fly on the wall and see his face, the whole thing was priceless; I'm still grinning just thinking about it); Pierce (ughhhh, grow up already, Rachel!), the Fountain Square scene (*giggles*), Trent, the horse race... ♥
To sum it up: Pierce and Nic-k in the same book. Bleah, my least favorite part of the book. I'm so over both of them! But we all know how smart *sarcasm* Rachel is when it comes to her men, so we'll move on, necessary evil and all that. Though I kind of felt bad for Pierce, he was trying; I just couldn't feel any connection with him. Something was missing. :( Despite all that, we can see a lot of character growth and development, which was a big plus. Trent and Al were awesome! We can see things moving a certain way, and I can't wait to read the next books!
___________________
Trent still smiled, but the faint worry pinching his eyes tickled the back of my brain. Trent wasn't especially tall, but his bearing made people take notice, as if his baby-fine, nearly white hair, devilishly confident smile, and drool-worthy, athletic physique gained from riding his prize-winning horses wouldn't. All that I could ignore—mostly—but his voice... his beautiful voice, rich in variance and resonant... That was harder—and I hated that I loved it.
***
"No, you just keep crashing my life. Look—" I said, and Al grunted.
"Here it comes," the demon muttered. "Listen. Listen to this, runt. She's going to have a list."
***
[Pierce's] eyes were inches from mine. "You trust on the surface, but no deeper. You don't know how. For a clever woman, you took the short end of the stick when it comes to men."
He pulled me closer, and I shifted to lay beside him, his arms twined around me. "I cannot stay," he lied for me, eyes averted. "I'm only going to be here for a time, then leave you." His gaze met mine. "And I will cry when I go, because I could love you forever."
**First read 2010
Phew, I feel like I just read three books, not one! Probably the most complex book in the series so far, and one of the best. Super action packed, emotional, character driven, suspenseful, emotional, funny when necessary, a major part in the overall story arc.
Sooo much happened, it was almost overwhelming. The coven; Matalina (*sobs* whyyy?); Al (my favorite part - there wasn't one scene where he was involved and trouble and laughing out loud situations didn't follow. He's the bestest! ♥), the Trent headquarters shenanigans (LMFAO what I wouldn't have given to be a fly on the wall and see his face, the whole thing was priceless; I'm still grinning just thinking about it); Pierce (ughhhh, grow up already, Rachel!), the Fountain Square scene (*giggles*), Trent, the horse race... ♥
To sum it up: Pierce and Nic-k in the same book. Bleah, my least favorite part of the book. I'm so over both of them! But we all know how smart *sarcasm* Rachel is when it comes to her men, so we'll move on, necessary evil and all that. Though I kind of felt bad for Pierce, he was trying; I just couldn't feel any connection with him. Something was missing. :( Despite all that, we can see a lot of character growth and development, which was a big plus. Trent and Al were awesome! We can see things moving a certain way, and I can't wait to read the next books!
___________________
Trent still smiled, but the faint worry pinching his eyes tickled the back of my brain. Trent wasn't especially tall, but his bearing made people take notice, as if his baby-fine, nearly white hair, devilishly confident smile, and drool-worthy, athletic physique gained from riding his prize-winning horses wouldn't. All that I could ignore—mostly—but his voice... his beautiful voice, rich in variance and resonant... That was harder—and I hated that I loved it.
***
"No, you just keep crashing my life. Look—" I said, and Al grunted.
"Here it comes," the demon muttered. "Listen. Listen to this, runt. She's going to have a list."
***
[Pierce's] eyes were inches from mine. "You trust on the surface, but no deeper. You don't know how. For a clever woman, you took the short end of the stick when it comes to men."
He pulled me closer, and I shifted to lay beside him, his arms twined around me. "I cannot stay," he lied for me, eyes averted. "I'm only going to be here for a time, then leave you." His gaze met mine. "And I will cry when I go, because I could love you forever."
May 10, 2020
2012: 5 stars
2020: 4 stars
The witch council shunned Rachel for being a black witch awhile ago. Now they’ve decided she’s a threat, and they’re after her. Rachel has to go to some extreme lengths to save herself. This was so much better than the last book. It started off strong with lots of action. The witch council is downright cruel, and there isn’t anyone to hold them accountable. They are aware of many of Rachel’s secrets. Someone gave them that info, and she believes it was Trent. It annoyed me that she didn’t even consider the possibility that someone else ratted her out. Trent can be vindictive, but that doesn’t seem like his style to me. I was disappointed that his role in this book was so small.
Al is warming up to Rachel. When he’s not being an abusive ass, he’s quite likable. I wish Rachel would try to learn more from him so she could protect herself. She might not have to go to such bizarre and extreme lengths to save herself if she did. Since Al can’t be with Rachel all the time, the demons sent Pierce to guard her. He’s got some good skills, but he annoys the hell out of me. I don’t trust his motives.
The douchebag Nick got Rachel into more trouble. Honestly I don’t know why she protects him when others try to kill him. He’s a piece of shit. The second he does one remotely nice thing it’s like Rachel forgets how devious and selfish he is.
About halfway through Rachel’s immature side started rearing its ugly head. When I read this series the first time I don’t remember getting so irritated with Rachel. She often acts more like a pissed off teenager than a grown woman. It’s not just her mouthiness but her actions in general. She is improving with every book, but IMO she acted like a damn fool at the end. The way she saved herself was ridiculous, overly complicated, and not guaranteed to work.
2020: 4 stars
The witch council shunned Rachel for being a black witch awhile ago. Now they’ve decided she’s a threat, and they’re after her. Rachel has to go to some extreme lengths to save herself. This was so much better than the last book. It started off strong with lots of action. The witch council is downright cruel, and there isn’t anyone to hold them accountable. They are aware of many of Rachel’s secrets. Someone gave them that info, and she believes it was Trent. It annoyed me that she didn’t even consider the possibility that someone else ratted her out. Trent can be vindictive, but that doesn’t seem like his style to me. I was disappointed that his role in this book was so small.
Al is warming up to Rachel. When he’s not being an abusive ass, he’s quite likable. I wish Rachel would try to learn more from him so she could protect herself. She might not have to go to such bizarre and extreme lengths to save herself if she did. Since Al can’t be with Rachel all the time, the demons sent Pierce to guard her. He’s got some good skills, but he annoys the hell out of me. I don’t trust his motives.
The douchebag Nick got Rachel into more trouble. Honestly I don’t know why she protects him when others try to kill him. He’s a piece of shit. The second he does one remotely nice thing it’s like Rachel forgets how devious and selfish he is.
About halfway through Rachel’s immature side started rearing its ugly head. When I read this series the first time I don’t remember getting so irritated with Rachel. She often acts more like a pissed off teenager than a grown woman. It’s not just her mouthiness but her actions in general. She is improving with every book, but IMO she acted like a damn fool at the end. The way she saved herself was ridiculous, overly complicated, and not guaranteed to work.
January 6, 2011
Rachel, Rachel, Rachel...I just don't know what to do with you...
I'd actually dropped this series once, but a coworker convinced me to give it another try. A few books later, and I'm second-guessing myself. I spent most of this book wishing I was reading something else. And honestly, the problem is Rachel herself.
For someone who navel-gazes as much as she does, she's pretty stupid about herself. She talks about learning from her mistakes, but she doesn't. First and foremost of these is her inability to actually listen to people--friend, ally, unknown--before jumping to a conclusion about what they're saying/offering/doing/intending.
Why, oh, why do her friends put up with her? She wines, she places them in danger, she needs their help constantly, and what does she give back? Not a whole lot, honestly.
This cast deserves a better leading lady--Ivy would work. She is so bleepin' underused, misused and ignored that it's maddening.
The insight we got into pixie culture (which, as hard as it is to believe, is more than just using Tinkerbell's name in various and sundry curses)--despite the tragic context--was quite interesting (best part of the whole book), we need more of that.
At a bare minimum what we need is a book with a pretty open-and-shut case. Sure, you need a little carry over from book to book, some ongoing storylines. But we also need to see Rachel and her team take on a case that has nothing to do with all the drama in her life, that gives them all a chance to show how competent they are--and make a little bit of money while they're at it, not relying on what Ivy does off-screen and in between books.
I'd actually dropped this series once, but a coworker convinced me to give it another try. A few books later, and I'm second-guessing myself. I spent most of this book wishing I was reading something else. And honestly, the problem is Rachel herself.
For someone who navel-gazes as much as she does, she's pretty stupid about herself. She talks about learning from her mistakes, but she doesn't. First and foremost of these is her inability to actually listen to people--friend, ally, unknown--before jumping to a conclusion about what they're saying/offering/doing/intending.
Why, oh, why do her friends put up with her? She wines, she places them in danger, she needs their help constantly, and what does she give back? Not a whole lot, honestly.
This cast deserves a better leading lady--Ivy would work. She is so bleepin' underused, misused and ignored that it's maddening.
The insight we got into pixie culture (which, as hard as it is to believe, is more than just using Tinkerbell's name in various and sundry curses)--despite the tragic context--was quite interesting (best part of the whole book), we need more of that.
At a bare minimum what we need is a book with a pretty open-and-shut case. Sure, you need a little carry over from book to book, some ongoing storylines. But we also need to see Rachel and her team take on a case that has nothing to do with all the drama in her life, that gives them all a chance to show how competent they are--and make a little bit of money while they're at it, not relying on what Ivy does off-screen and in between books.
January 8, 2016
Esta parte puede resumirse en una frase dicha en la novela por cierto personaje :
"You're both idiots (...) Two people so intent on getting the best of each other that you can be manipulated into anything."
Sep. Mucho de lo que pasa en la trama no vale la pena leer. Que decepción.
Esos dos a los que se hace referencia arriba y las idas y vueltas interminables cuando todo podría resolverse con una charla y listo. Y
Espero que el próximo sea mejor. Y haya menos
Le había puesto un dos en la primera reseña, pero lo dejo mejor en 2.5 porque el último capítulo fue lo más sensato que ha pasado en toda la historia. Aún así, todo el tiempo malgastado en . Y ni hablar de la
"You're both idiots (...) Two people so intent on getting the best of each other that you can be manipulated into anything."
Sep. Mucho de lo que pasa en la trama no vale la pena leer. Que decepción.
Esos dos a los que se hace referencia arriba y las idas y vueltas interminables cuando todo podría resolverse con una charla y listo. Y
Espero que el próximo sea mejor. Y haya menos
Le había puesto un dos en la primera reseña, pero lo dejo mejor en 2.5 porque el último capítulo fue lo más sensato que ha pasado en toda la historia. Aún así, todo el tiempo malgastado en . Y ni hablar de la
June 27, 2016
(re-reading series) Nick, Nick, Nick - he must die! I'm with Jinks - give him to Al please Rachel.
So sad - I cried :( poor Jinks.
The grocery store fight with the coven - hehehe I liked it way too many (strawberries).
I like how Rachel and Al's relationship is growing (teacher - student) not love interest. I can't believe I'm going to say this but I really like Al now. Trent is ok too, I guess.
So sad - I cried :( poor Jinks.
The grocery store fight with the coven - hehehe I liked it way too many (strawberries).
I like how Rachel and Al's relationship is growing (teacher - student) not love interest. I can't believe I'm going to say this but I really like Al now. Trent is ok too, I guess.
February 25, 2016
Very enjoyable, but the ending seemed a bit too easy and poor.
December 31, 2024
rating it a bit lower than originally but still loving it
August 6, 2021
Lots of action and excitement in this one. And forward momentum on relationships with foes and allies alike.
The housemates were missing for much of the book and it wasn’t even noticeable until they reappeared on scene.
The big changes with the pixies were well handled. And the writing is still great and non repetitive. Although Rachel’s insistence that every male in her vicinity is sooo hot gets old.
I’m not fond of the pierce fellow. He’s just meh. Trent is slowly growing on me. Al was also a blast this book. Why do we like bad guys. Smh.
The housemates were missing for much of the book and it wasn’t even noticeable until they reappeared on scene.
The big changes with the pixies were well handled. And the writing is still great and non repetitive. Although Rachel’s insistence that every male in her vicinity is sooo hot gets old.
I’m not fond of the pierce fellow. He’s just meh. Trent is slowly growing on me. Al was also a blast this book. Why do we like bad guys. Smh.
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