hgranger's review against another edition
2.0
It makes me cranky when a decent story is ruined by a protagonist who is so unlikeable that you are considering rooting for the bad guys. Rachel is annoying/ whiny/ weak/ obnoxious in every way up until the very end where she is slightly less annoying. She consistently makes the wrong choice. The story itself and the supporting cast earn two stars. Everything about Rachel drags this book down. And good grief, stop the angsty nonsense about Ivy.
lindaunconventionalbookworms's review against another edition
4.0
I really, really enjoy reading about Rachel's adventures! Ivy, Nick, Trent, Glenn, Jenks... they're all excellent characters as well.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
The Good the Bad and the Undead starts in the middle of a run that doesn't go exactly as planned, and it kind of sets the mood for the whole story.
This and all my other reviews are originally posted on my blog (un)Conventional Bookviews
The Good the Bad and the Undead starts in the middle of a run that doesn't go exactly as planned, and it kind of sets the mood for the whole story.
bookwormneedsbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
The Good, the Bad, and the Undead
3 Stars
The first book in the series was entertaining enough to continue on to the second, but Rachel and Ivy’s creepy relationship had me putting the book on the back burner halfway through. Nevertheless, a buddy read pulled me back into the story about a year later and I’m grateful to my buddies as the book improved a great deal in the second half.
Harrison’s world building is very engaging. The dichotomy between humans and supernaturals and the distinctions between the various species makes for interesting reading and raises intriguing questions for future installments.
The plot revolving around Rachel’s investigation into the disappearance and apparent deaths of several ley line witches develops slowly as new characters are introduced and the suspect pool expands. That said, the action heats up at the halfway mark and the climax and resolution are ultimately exciting and satisfying.
Rachel is an intelligent and resourceful heroine, but her relationship with Ivy is seriously disturbing. Although Rachel’s sympathy and loyalty toward Ivy is understandable, Ivy is constantly overstepping the boundaries ostensibly out of a desire to help, but its seems more like an attempt at seduction. Moreover, Ivy’s aggression and Rachel’s feelings of guilt and remorse reek of abuse and a form of battered wife syndrome. All of this has a rather distasteful feel to it and puts a damper on an otherwise compelling story.
Nick and Rachel’s romance is another problematic issue. Nick definitely has his own suspicious agenda and the developments in his characterization in this book do not bode well for the future nor do they endear him to me one iota. Hopefully, he is on his way out.
On a more positive note, the mystery of Trent and Rachel’s connection, as warped as it seems at the moment, is the most captivating aspect of this book (and the first). Trent is a fascinating character. The more I learn about his enigmatic identity and morally ambiguous business dealings, the more I want to know. Thus, getting to the roots of his contentious relationship with Rachel and discovering what lies ahead for them both is what keeps me interested in continuing with the series.
All in all, not a bad read despite its problems and the unanswered questions have me eager to read the next one.
3 Stars
The first book in the series was entertaining enough to continue on to the second, but Rachel and Ivy’s creepy relationship had me putting the book on the back burner halfway through. Nevertheless, a buddy read pulled me back into the story about a year later and I’m grateful to my buddies as the book improved a great deal in the second half.
Harrison’s world building is very engaging. The dichotomy between humans and supernaturals and the distinctions between the various species makes for interesting reading and raises intriguing questions for future installments.
The plot revolving around Rachel’s investigation into the disappearance and apparent deaths of several ley line witches develops slowly as new characters are introduced and the suspect pool expands. That said, the action heats up at the halfway mark and the climax and resolution are ultimately exciting and satisfying.
Rachel is an intelligent and resourceful heroine, but her relationship with Ivy is seriously disturbing. Although Rachel’s sympathy and loyalty toward Ivy is understandable, Ivy is constantly overstepping the boundaries ostensibly out of a desire to help, but its seems more like an attempt at seduction. Moreover, Ivy’s aggression and Rachel’s feelings of guilt and remorse reek of abuse and a form of battered wife syndrome. All of this has a rather distasteful feel to it and puts a damper on an otherwise compelling story.
Nick and Rachel’s romance is another problematic issue. Nick definitely has his own suspicious agenda and the developments in his characterization in this book do not bode well for the future nor do they endear him to me one iota. Hopefully, he is on his way out.
On a more positive note, the mystery of Trent and Rachel’s connection, as warped as it seems at the moment, is the most captivating aspect of this book (and the first). Trent is a fascinating character. The more I learn about his enigmatic identity and morally ambiguous business dealings, the more I want to know. Thus, getting to the roots of his contentious relationship with Rachel and discovering what lies ahead for them both is what keeps me interested in continuing with the series.
All in all, not a bad read despite its problems and the unanswered questions have me eager to read the next one.
saoki's review against another edition
2.0
There are good things and bad things abou this book. The former outweight the latter, so 2 stars.
Maybe I'll forget what I disliked in a few months and read the 3rd book. For now, I'm moving onto less vampiry pastures.
Maybe I'll forget what I disliked in a few months and read the 3rd book. For now, I'm moving onto less vampiry pastures.
carebear11's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
kleedc73's review against another edition
4.0
This is the second book in the Hollows series featuring witch Rachel Morgan. The world in the Hollows is richly imagined -- after a unusual virus derived from, of all things, the tomato plant, kills off two-thirds of the human population, the supernatural (Inderlander) community decides to "come out" and live visibly among humans. After "the Turn" (as this development is called), the world will never be the same again. In this book, Rachel becomes involved in the investigation of an Inderlander serial killer who is targeting ley line witches. As in the first book, her suspicions fall on the mysterious and politically-connected Trent Kalamack and, despite vociferous objections from her partners, the vampire Ivy and the pixy Jenks, she pursues that line of investigation in conjunction with the FIB (human police). Rachel is a great character, full of flaws and complexities and admirable qualities, and the supporting cast of characters is similarly complicated (and not always what they seem). Although the intricacies of doing magic in the world of the Hollows can sometimes be a little dense, the overall richness of the narrative and setting make it worth parsing through all of the details. This series is refreshingly substantive in the paranormal genre.
kaelyndawnyea's review against another edition
4.0
Honestly? Rachel made me want to SLAP THE ABSOLUTE SHIT out of her throughout this entire book.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished:The Good, The Bad, and The Undead by Kim Harrison was a good follow-up and I am getting hooked on the series.
Quick Thoughts:
What I Liked:
1: Rachel, Jenks, and Ivy
2: The Action
3: The Mystery
4: The twisty, turny events of the story
What was Meh:
1: Her dating life makes me crazy (not in a good way)
2: Nick
3: Not a lot moving forward in the world.
Audio Thoughts:
Marguerite Gavin is perfect for Rachel! I am really enjoying this on audio and will skip the one that she didn't do. She really brings a little something extra to the table.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 3.75
Character Rating: 4.25
Audio Rating: 4.00 (not part of the overall rating)
First Thought when Finished:The Good, The Bad, and The Undead by Kim Harrison was a good follow-up and I am getting hooked on the series.
Quick Thoughts:
What I Liked:
1: Rachel, Jenks, and Ivy
2: The Action
3: The Mystery
4: The twisty, turny events of the story
What was Meh:
1: Her dating life makes me crazy (not in a good way)
2: Nick
3: Not a lot moving forward in the world.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Marguerite Gavin / Length: 14 hrs and 22 mins
Marguerite Gavin is perfect for Rachel! I am really enjoying this on audio and will skip the one that she didn't do. She really brings a little something extra to the table.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
finalgirlreads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
In my own opinion, this was another great installment in the series. I know it's only the second book but it was so good. I continue to love Rachel as a character. She's spunky and tough, but she also has her flaws just like everyone else. She isnt perfect and the author doesn't try and make her so. There was some serious sexual tension at times and my little bisexual heart was all aflutter in the best of ways. I am so thrilled to be continuing this series!