Kim Harrison

Rachel Morgan (The Hollows) — (2004-2012) The Outlaw Demon Wails has also been published as Where Demons Dare. Publisher: All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party... and to feed. Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining — and it’s Rachel Morgan's job to keep that world civilized. A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she'll bring 'em back alive, dead... or undead.

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This Witch for Hire (an omnibus edition containing: 1. Dead Witch Walking 2. The Good, The Bad, and the Undead)

A guilty pleasure of mine, pardon the pun, was reading the Anita Blake series by author Laurell K. Hamilton. Unfortunately, like many readers, I was turned off by the direction that the series was heading with later novels, and eventually stopped reading the books altogether with 2003’s Cerulean Sins. A few years later, and I find myself missing the fun little adventures that I spent with Anita Blake, and in search of a somewhat similar series, I discover not one, but several including such veterans as Glen Cook’s well-known Garrett P.I. adventures and Tanya Huff’s Blood Books as well as a number of newer, post-2000 series such as The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, The Sookie Stackhouse (Southern Vampire) books by Charlaine Harris, Carrie Vaughn’s Kitty Norville novels, and the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs, just to name a few. Since the Science Fiction Book Club conveniently provides the first four Rachel Morgan novels in a couple of 2-in-1 omnibuses, I decided to try out Kim Harrison.

Since the Anita Blake novels are the only similarly-themed books that I’ve read relative to Rachel Morgan, there will be a lot of comparisons between the two series. So, let’s look at the similarities. First off, both series could be described as urban/contemporary fantasy, set in an alternate present-day world where supernatural creatures such as vampires, weres, and witches, not only exist, but are part of society, with the main difference being that in Rachel’s world, “Inderlanders” had lived in secret, until a virus caused by genetically modified tomatoes nearly wiped out humankind in what is known as the Turn. Secondly, both series are led by strong female protagonists who possess paranormal abilities, become involved in crime investigations, and whose narratives are told from the first-person point-of-view. In the case of Rachel, Ms. Morgan is a former Inderland Security (I.S.) runner who quits, branching out as an independent bounty hunter and who also happens to be a witch. Finally, both series not only deal with matters of the occult and police procedures, but also possess familiar elements of horror, mystery and romance.

Still, despite the likenesses, there are enough variations between the two series that Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan novels do stand on their own. The best way that I can describe the differences, is that if there were ratings Anita Blake would be rated-R and Rachel Morgan PG-13. So, where Anita is a more angst-ridden, gothic character living in a darker, more violent world, Rachel is the more charming, down-on-her luck, do-gooder, whose adventures are lighter and much more playful in tone. Looking specifically at Dead Witch Walking, the first in the series, what we basically have is a set-up piece, where not only are we introduced to Rachel Morgan, but also the living pure-blood vampire Ivy and the pixie Jenks, who both quit the I.S. to join forces with Rachel in starting their own private firm. Other supporting characters include potential boyfriend Nick Sparagmos, Captain Edden of the Federal Inderland Bureau (FIB) — the human equivalent of the I.S. — and antagonist Trent Kalamack who is shrouded in mystery. As far as the actual story, it’s fairly simple stuff… you have werewolf/fairy/demon assassins, the difficulties of starting your own company when being broke, adjusting to living with a vampire who has sworn off blood, shapechanging, and investigating a potentially corrupt, though prominent businessman. Overall, Dead Witch Walking is a solid start to the series, which does a good job of establishing Rachel Morgan and the world she lives in, while providing a reasonably entertaining story.

From a personal standpoint, I’ll be truthful and admit that I didn’t like the book nearly as much as I liked the early Anita Blake novels. This was due more to personal preference rather than any glaring faults with the opening Rachel Morgan chapter, since I tend to favor darker, more graphic reading material opposed to the more humorous, accessible fare that is Dead Witch Walking. I will say however, that Ms. Morgan’s personality can be annoying at times, accentuated by weak dialogue/insights and the author’s inclination to over-use generic pop culture references. Also, the book suffers somewhat from the same weaknesses that Anita Blake does, namely lack of plot advancement at certain moments, and a tendency to spend too much time on mundane issues. In fact, the second book in the series, The Good, The Bad, and The Undead, is plagued by some of the same problems, but, after a slow start, thankfully turns out to be a much better novel than its predecessor.

While The Good, The Bad, and The Undead opens with a pretty silly premise where Rachel is trying to recover a stolen fish mascot, it’s not long before things get interesting with a serial killer on the loose murdering ley line witches, the reappearance of the demon who marked both Rachel and Nick in Dead Witch Walking and the havoc that it’ll play in their lives, the introduction of a master vampire, and of course the return of Trent Kalamack and the secrets that he harbors. Additionally, we’ll get to revisit the love/hate/fear friendship between Rachel and Ivy, who wants Rachel to become her scion, as well as the burgeoning relationship with Nick, where we’ll get to see more romance or, in plainer terms, more sex. On top of that, we get to learn more about ley lines, demonology and familiars; see Rachel try to work with the FIB, specifically Captain Edden’s son; deal with more pixie humor; and discover some startling revelations about Rachel’s past, family, Trent Kalamack and so on. In short, there’s a LOT more going on with The Good, The Bad, and The Undead, and while the book is still light-hearted in nature, the stakes have been considerably raised with the end result being a much more interesting, action-packed and dramatic novel that may resolve several questions, but also wonderfully sets the stage for some compelling future developments including unexpected romantic interests, vampire politics, and a host of other supernatural-themed issues.

My final verdict? The Rachel Morgan series is definitely comparable to Laurell K. Hamilton’s books, though they may not necessarily appeal to Anita Blake fans since it is friendlier reading material. Still, if it sounds like something you’d be interested in, then I would definitely check it out, but be aware that Dead Witch Walking is a weaker book, and may not impress some readers. So, I’d recommend picking up the This Witch For Hire omnibus which features the first two novels in the series, and is an excellent way to familiarize your self with Rachel Morgan and company, especially if you can finish Dead Witch Walking and move on to the much superior The Good, The Bad, and The Undead. Plus, two books for the price of one hardcover… who can beat that? For me, I’m looking forward to continuing Rachel’s adventures in the Dead Witches Tell No Tales omnibus, which includes Every Which Way But Dead and A Fistful of Charms — notice a trend there… Clint Eastwood, anyone — as well as For A Few Demons More. —Robert Thompson

Dead Witch Walking

Kim Harrison introduces us to the world of the Hollows in Dead Witch Walking, a district close to Cincinnati that contains witches, weres, pixys and vampires — all those creatures that humans never realised existed until the Turn. Harrison’s explanation for the appearance of these supernatural creatures is intriguing: bioengineering went wrong and a mutated virus swept the earth, killing a quarter of humanity. The Inderlanders (the supernaturals) had a natural resistance to this virus, and so found themselves able to reveal their presence to human beings. This was with the exception of elves, who, according to records, died out entirely — probably thanks to interbreeding with humans.

Dead Witch Walking centres around Rachel Morgan, a runner for Inderland Security (I.S.) who finds herself given more and more pathetic targets to bring in. Soon enough she snaps and decides to leave the I.S. and branch out on her own, taking with her the slinky vamp Ivy and the naughty pixy Jenks. This has huge repercussions, including a death threat (hence the title Dead Witch Walking).

Harrison has the usual problem of a first novel in a series: there are a number of characters to introduce and some infodumping to perform. This creates a pacing issue — the first hundred or so pages are a bit of a struggle as we get to know Rachel and the Hollows, while the rest of the book flies past once the plot kicks in. I also thought that Harrison belaboured the point about Ivy and her state of control regarding taking blood from humans.

However, most of Dead Witch Walking is an absolute delight! Jenks and the rest of his family are mischievous, fun, warm, and witty. I absolutely love when Rachel finds herself the same size as Jenks and notices just what a hot guy he is! Another lovely theme was the book that Ivy lends Rachel about how to attract vampire lovers so that she can avoid doing the many things that are causing Ivy to misread her intentions.

Dead Witch Walking has a number of laugh-out-loud moments, but there is also a warm heart to the book. The characters are people you end up caring a great deal about, and you definitely want to know more about them. I will be picking up the rest of this series! —Amanda Rutter

The Good, The Bad, and the Undead

I know I am reading good stuff when the main character can annoy the crap out of me and I still enjoy the story. That being said, The Good, The Bad, and the Undead is a good book. I love the way Kim Harrison continues her explanation of how the Inderlanders came into the open and assumed a new role.

The plot of The Good, The Bad, and the Undead is replete with situations where other authors might have granted their hero/heroine a degree of introspection that most of us don't have. We all make some major mistakes — it's part of being human. In Rachel Morgan's case, the same strengths that allow her to succeed are also the weaknesses that cause her a lot of problems. It's annoying as heck when Rachel can't keep her mouth shut, but that same trait is exactly what keeps her alive later.

I didn't need the sex added to the story. I know it's a common theme in paranormal urban fantasy, but I hope Kim Harrison can keep it down to a sidelight and not the main focus. I have given up on other urban fantasy authors simply because they write with their libido and abandon the rest of their brains.

The Good, The Bad, and the Undead is no sophomore slump and I look forward to reading more of Rachel Morgan. —John Hulet

The Good, the Bad and the Undead

This is the second book in the series by Kim Harrison about Rachel Morgan, ex-IS runner, white witch, and now paranormal investigator. Dead Witch Walking, while being nothing spectacular, was a solid enough read which introduced the relationship between humans and Inderlanders and the characters which inhabit the Hollows. The Good, the Bad and the Undead ramps up the action, suspense, excitement, eroticism, and terror — it is a whirlwind of a story that doesn't let you breathe until the last page has been turned.

Rachel is having trouble meeting her rent payments due to lack of employment, so she ends up taking a case from necessity — someone is killing leyline witches in a gruesome manner and the FIB want to know who. Rachel finds it easy enough to accept the case, since it seems as though she'll also be able to return to her investigation of Trent Kalamack, a mysterious figure who managed to evade being taken in by the FIB in the first book of the series.

In the course of her investigation Rachel manages to gain a familiar, find out Kalamack's heritage, come to the attention of master vampire Piscary, take Nick to meet her mother, and meet again the demon she dubs Big Al. There are a number of twists in The Good, the Bad and the Undead that kept me guessing, and I was glad to see the characters gain more dimension.

I particularly love the little details that help to flesh out the world of the Hollows — everything from the fact that Jenks the pixy wears red if he is travelling across the territories of other pixies and fairies to show his harmless intentions; to the fact that humans have an innate distrust of tomatoes since they carried the Angel virus that caused a quarter of humanity to die out. Harrison has also created a menacing otherworld in the form of the ever-after, which lends power to leylines and happens to be where demons roam. I enjoy the way she turns fairytales on their head by showing that rather than them finishing 'and they lived happily ever after,' they actually finish 'and they lived in the ever-after', which definitely gives a more sinister undertone.

As well as the excitement, the violence is ramped up in The Good, the Bad and the Undead — and some of it is not for queasy stomachs. The descriptions of the witch deaths and Ivy's nasty experience left me with raised eyebrows.

All in all, Kim Harrison has produced a book that is heavy on the entertainment and light on any of the issues I had with the first book. The characters are intriguing, especially Al the demon and Trent, about whom we learn a great deal more in this book. In fact, a lot of the niggling little mysteries from the first novel are cleared up here in an outstanding fashion. I simply cannot wait to move onto the third Rachel Morgan book! —Amanda Rutter

Every Which Way But Dead

I sped from The Good, the Bad and the Undead (which I thoroughly enjoyed) straight into Every Which Way But Dead, and was a little disappointed. I genuinely loved the second book in the Hollows series — it had a tight plot, a spicing of sex, plenty of danger, and I just could not stop turning pages.

Every Which Way But Dead was a little different. Many of the good qualities of the second book remained. I loved the characters (including a few new characters such as Ceri and David the Were), the action was gripping, and I loved learning more about the history of Harrison's alternate reality. We also finally learn about Trent's links to Rachel's family and some of the reasons why she is so important to the demon Big Al.

We are plunged straight into the action here, when Big Al comes to make good on Rachel's agreement of becoming his familiar in exchange for his testimony in the trial of Piscary. The events take place over the course of about a week, and the encounters never let up. I have the same issue with pacing though as I did with the first book, Dead Witch Walking: at times Rachel is catapulted into each new incident with breathless intensity, while at other times we have some very random incidences, such as the meeting between Rachel and Takata early on (which, ultimately, doesn't add anything to the story) and the introduction to Erica, Ivy's younger sister. I sometimes got the feeling that Harrison jotted down some ideas which she was determined to shoehorn into the story no matter how tacked on they felt. All I can say here is “vampire line-dancing”... I also missed Jenks. He leaves the story part way through and his absence leaves a big hole. This mouthy pixy is an integral part of the success of the first two books, I think, and I cannot wait to get him back!

All in all, there were some wonderful moments and some very strong parts of the book — Kisten was a highlight, as were Rachel's encounters with Algaliarept. I also enjoyed the overall theme of the book — that of Rachel stretching her comfort zone and "being lured into places that I once vowed I'd never go." By the end of the story she has worked for Trent, used leyline magic, and dated a vampire. Rachel is continually growing and changing as a character and, even though this novel missed in a few places, I still very much want to go on the journey with her. —Amanda Rutter

A Fistful of Charms

Let's take a look at my track record. I live in a church with a vampire who is the scion of a master vampire who would just as soon see me dead. I date her old boyfriend, who used to be said master vampire's scion, and my ex-boyfriend is a professional thief who calls demons and trades information about me for tips to steal artifacts that can start an Inderland power struggle.

This is the shape of Rachel Morgan's life as we go through A Fistful of Charms, the fourth book in Kim Harrison's series about the Hollows and the Inderlanders who inhabit it.

In fact, in this story we take a road trip away from Cincinnati. Rachel receives news that Nick (her old flame) and Jenks' son Jax are in trouble, and sets out to help them. Since Ivy is supposedly unable to leave Cincinnati — otherwise Piscary gets pissed — Rachel invokes black demon magic in order to make Jenks... more useful. In the course of the story Rachel beats two Were alphas; discovers the existence of the Focus, which could cause widescale warfare between Weres and Vamps; takes her relationship with Ivy to a new stage; and ogles Jenks... a lot!

There is a lot going on in this book, and it rapidly became my least favourite so far. I enjoyed the interaction between Rachel and Jenks, particularly because his presence was so missed in the previous book and because of the uniqueness of his situation in this book.

However, there were many things I disliked or got tired of. Weres aren't really my thing, and so I found it difficult to stay interested in the main part of the plot. I ended up wanting to shake Rachel, because she became distinctly whiney in this book. Everything needed double or triple analysing and, because we're stuck in her head since it's written in first person, we got to hear it all again and again and again. The Focus, which was never mentioned at all in prior books, was suddenly thrust into the story and came across as an extreme deus ex machina. I also disliked the way Nick was treated. I never really liked the guy from the get-go and was relieved when he upped and left in Every Which Way but Dead, paving the way for Kisten. But no one deserves to become such a jerk from being a fairly nice guy. It's almost as though Harrison got sick of the character herself or wanted to open the path for something else to happen in Rachel's future and so needed to get rid of Nick.

Still, with all that said, The Hollows is still a great series and it sounds like there are explosive events ahead of Rachel, especially now that she has more of a handle on what makes her tick. —Amanda Rutter

For a Few Demons More

For a Few Demons More is the fifth entry in Kim Harrison's series about Rachel Morgan and the Hollows. I would say that this book is easily the best since book two — the action kicked off literally from page one and there were enough plot twists, complications, heart-pounding sex scenes, arguments, comedy moments, and terror to keep the pages turning at a vigorous pace!

Here Rachel realises that the Focus isn't quite as securely hidden as she originally thought — she wakes to find herself being possessed by scary mad demon Newt, who seems to be searching for the Focus. This, alongside the murder of various Weres, starts a plot that takes Rachel to some very dark places.

For a Few Demons More was the first of the Hollows books that caused me outright emotional turmoil. One of the issues was Trent — I had been enjoying the enigma of the elf who has done some seriously naughty things but was becoming a character who seemed to mean well. This was all thrown on its head in this book. We see the depraved levels that Trent is capable of reaching, and this disappointed me. I liked him as a character prior to this, but now find myself feeling about him the same way that I feel about Nick. I did love his first meeting with Ceri, though, something that we’ve anticipated for the past couple of books. Quen's reaction to Ceri was also lovely, and I'm glad I can still see Quen as the honourable warrior.

The second character to suffer in this book was Kisten. I LOVED Kisten, and found myself very upset by the resolution that Harrison introduced to his story. I don't want to say anything more, for fear of major spoilers, but I am keen to see how it plays out.

I am also a little scared by the fact that Harrison keeps suggesting how indispensable Jenks is to Rachel, but also shows his son taking over more and more duties, and keeps emphasising how old Jenks actually is. Also, Matalina spent most of this book off-stage ill, and I hate the thought of these two lively characters being missing from future books.

By the end of the For a Few Demons More, Rachel has openly dealt with demons and seen the people of Cincinnati develop prejudices against her. She's interrupted Trent's wedding to Ellasbeth spectacularly. She has been invited to join a demon cult. She's had a taste of what life might be like with Ivy on a more permanent basis. Altogether, this was an action-packed and exciting book and was possibly my favourite so far because I really enjoyed the new emotional punch that Harrison added. —Amanda Rutter

Where Demons Dare (The Outlaw Demon Wails)

Where Demons Dare (The Outlaw Demon Wails in the US) is easily the best of the books so far in Kim Harrison’s Hollows series, featuring Rachel Morgan. I thoroughly enjoyed For A Few Demons More, but this entry into the series had me gripped from the very start.

We open the story with an explosive visit from Al, where he reveals that he is being summoned each evening out of jail by a demon summoner hell-bent on getting rid of Rachel. This sets the stage for a plot that reveals more about Rachel's parentage (her mum has a much larger role in this book than previously, which was good for me because I love her rather kooky character); leads Rachel further into the grips of demons; and highlights exactly how Rachel is different from other witches.

I loved the continual dropping in of secrets that have been built up from the first book of the series, and the resolution to various niggling little things that I have wondered about, such as the famous witch singer Takata and Rachel's mysterious neighbour Keasley.

I was impressed that Harrison could continue to change my opinion of characters who have been established at other points in the series. Al, for instance, is a character that I have a great deal of regard for now. I've always enjoyed his appearances in prior books, but here he really comes into his own. I was glad that the plot steered away from vamps and Weres, after the last few books. I loved the addition of Bis and hope he has a fuller role in books to come!

Where Demons Dare doesn't garner the full five stars because of a few bits and pieces that nagged me. I really didn't enjoy the appearance of Marshall and felt he didn't add a great deal to the plot, apart from putting Rachel into situations where she could have encounters with characters like Trent. Ceri is a character I struggle to appreciate, and her actions here had me rolling my eyes. Also, Rachel and Ivy's latest encounter feels very much like recycled text from previous books in the series. I was pleased to see that Harrison has managed to bring an (at least temporary) halt to their will-they-won't-they situation that was boring me somewhat after five books filled with it.

All in all, though, Where Demons Dare is a magnificent slice of escapism! I can't wait to read the seventh, where I hope that the lingering issues of Tom the black witch and Kisten are dealt with. —Amanda Rutter

White Witch, Black Curse

White Witch, Black Curse is the seventh installment in Kim Harrison’s Hollows series featuring witch Rachel Morgan and her companions Ivy (vampire) and Jenks (pixy).

I enjoyed White Witch, Black Curse, but felt that there were certain elements of the plot that dragged a little bit. The whole banshee story feels tacked on. They are a cool addition to the Inderlanders that inhabit the series, but, since there has been no mention of banshees in any of the other books, this was probably something that Harrison only recently decided to include. I also found that the sucking of emotion was much like vampires’ sucking of blood, which means having two such predators in the series. I'm not sure how much mileage Harrison will get out of banshees in future books, but I'm sure we'll be seeing characters such as Holly and the Walker again.

I also didn't like the resolution of the Marshall character. Sure, Rachel is shunned, but this guy is talked up as being Rachel's white knight and wanting to save her. So why does he bail? In my opinion, probably because Pierce is now on the scene... Harrison does like to tidy up the previous chap before Rachel moves on to someone new.

Despite this, there are some lovely moments. Everything to do with the demon Al fascinates me and he is fast becoming one of my favourite literary bad guys. He has a fabulously childish, arrogant, mischievous character that lends itself to some brilliant dialogue and action scenes between him and Rachel. There is a really spine-tingling moment where Rachel catches sight of him in the back of her car, and remembers that he IS a demon, no matter how he plays up his laissez-faire English-gentleman image.

Jenks is another highlight. I just adore the way that Harrison has continued to bring him on as a character — bolshy, quick-witted, so fiercely loyal, and with such a smutty mouth! All of the Tinkerbell curses are both adorable and a mite disgusting!

Harrison has built the world of the Hollows extremely strongly, so that the reader now knows what the scent of burnt amber means, and understands the signals that can turn a vampire on.

I missed the Weres in this book and hope we will see them again in the next book to some extent. After all, Rachel still has a tattoo that needs doing!

Thumbs up from me overall, though — White Witch, Black Curse is another solid addition to Harrison's now-long-running series. —Amanda Rutter

Black Magic Sanction

I love the Hollows series. Kim Harrison has taken us on some really great adventures and still manages to keep things from spinning completely out of control. The characters are well developed and the plots typically balance the heavy romantic themes with plenty of story and action to keep things exciting. Black Magic Sanction is another great installment.

Rachel Morgan continues to evolve in Black Magic Sanction. Her training in using "Black Magic" by the Demon Algiarept provides some of the more amusing moments in the story. I also like the way Harrison lets Rachel gradually change, as opposed to the way some urban fantasy protagonists go through complete moral reversals from one chapter to the next.

Rachel's friends, Ivy and Jenks, continue to be solid supporting characters, and Harrison goes to great lengths to keep them growing into something more than placeholders. Jenks in particular is given a lot of important growth in Black Magic Sanction. The continued development of these characters makes for strong and believable friendships, too — it's nice to see that in this genre.

Black Magic Sanction finds Rachel in trouble with multiple people who are trying to either kill her, use her, or in some way force her hand. Her stubborn resistance to all of these forces sometimes comes with natural consequences, and these real costs make the story that much better. Rachel's insistence that there is always a better way to do things is allowed to backfire this time, and that had to happen if she wasn't going to become ridiculous.

Harrison's eighth installment in the The Hollows is a welcome addition. Characters grow, the story evolves and you get a large helping of the action, humor, and relationships that make this series one of the best urban fantasies on the market. Black Magic Sanction is well worth reading. —John Hulet

Pale Demon

Kim Harrison is so much fun to read. Harrison is an urban fantasy author who understands the need for story, adventure, and just enough relationship interaction to give the story meaning without gutting the fantasy elements in favor of paranormal romance. In Pale Demon, many of the adventures that take place are based on relationships, but the core of the story is about commitment to friends and doing what’s right — a great combination.

Rachel Morgan has been in deep trouble with the “good witch” PTA for some time now. Her willingness to take personal risks, use questionable spells, and interact with demons and other less-than-savory characters in order to maintain her freedom and save her friends is more than the white witches’ coven is willing to sanction. She has been ruthlessly persecuted, shunned and had her life threatened despite the fact that she has defended some of them at times. It’s a case of political and magical purity run amok.

Pale Demon continues to track Rachel’s progression as a practitioner of demon magic. She’s becoming something of a prodigy, and her links to Trent Kalamack (and his father’s manipulation of her DNA) remains an important theme as Rachel begins to learn who she has been turned into.  It’s clear that there is more to Rachel Morgan than meets the eye!

Rachel’s adventures in Pale Demon are truly exciting. Everything — from a giant pixy-eating bird to an all-out battle with a rogue demon to save the human race — is part of the wonderful storyline. Rachel’s brash nature makes things worse for her at times, as we all expect, but half the fun is watching as she and her friends rise to the many challenges that Kim Harrison creates for them. The best part is still Rachel's interaction with, and loyalty to, friends like Jenks and Ivy, and even her complicated relationship with Trent.

Pale Demon is another tour de force performance by one of the leading authors in the urban fantasy genre. Kim Harrison’s familiar characters, her deft touch at balancing several themes, and just a generally fun-to-read story make Pale Demon one of the better books that I have read in the last six months. The Hollows is an amazing series, and Pale Demon is one of the best books in the series. —John Hulet

A Perfect Blood

Rachel Morgan has been through every sort of heartache and sorrow from the beginning of the HOLLOWS series through A Perfect Blood. Kim Harrison has spared her heroine nothing, and it has been a remarkable ride that has shaped Rachel while telling a interesting, if at times infuriating, tale.

Rachel’s genetic pattern makes her a demon. In previous books, she went through a number of trials to prove that. The unexpected effect of being positively identified as a demon is that society does not know what to do with her. From the beginning of the book, as she tries to get her driver’s license renewed, Rachel is stymied and pushed around by any number of influences. The law enforcement agencies want to know all about demon magic and exactly which spells she can do while other agencies have her classified as dead, which would only really make sense if she were a vampire. This bureaucratic nightmare would be a comedy of errors, but Rachel has already paid a great price emotionally, physically and socially in order to be who she is, so it is actually kind of painful.

All through A Perfect Blood, Harrison weaves a theme of tolerance and acceptance of people who are different. Using the different magical races as her colors, she paints a stark picture of discrimination and outright hatred based on genetic differences. The most direct example is HAPA: Humans Against Paranormals Association. As a group of non-magical humans dedicated to the extermination of the other races, they represent some of the deepest, darkest aspects of humanity. Harrison uses HAPA brilliantly, showing how their serial-killing experiment is based on jealousy and fear.

Another interesting storyline is Rachel’s choice to reject demon magic. After some of the horrible things that have happened in past books and with the threat/pressure of the government trying to establish who and what she is, her choice makes complete sense. With a magically crafted silver armband from Trent Kalamack to help her, Rachel is back to crafting only normal witch magic, but with less efficacy than before. Again, Harrison’s touch is deft as she portrays Rachel’s temptation to again take up her demon magic in order to protect friends and family and to stop a group of psychotic killers. Her struggle makes all kinds of sense, even if at times Rachel frustrates me with her emotional conflicts. It’s always so much easier to see what needs to happen when I am just reading the book, after all!

A Perfect Blood is a good book. There is plenty of action, plenty of angst and lots of moving parts to keep track of. Harrison continues to develop the background and supporting cast even after all these installments, revealing fresh perspectives on why Trent or Ivy or Jenks react as they do. For fans of the HOLLOWS series, this is a quality installment, but not above and beyond the other books in the series. Harrison opened a whole can of worms in this book, and I can’t wait to see what she is going to do next! —John Hulet