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tiffanyxcc's review
4.0
Pale Demon, book number 9 in Kim Harrison’s Hollows series. This takes place about two months after the events of book 8, black magic sanction, and Rachel must attend the annual witches conference, where she will be receiving that pardon that Oliver promised her in the last book. Trent however doesn’t think so, and requests that Rachel let him tag along on her trip to the West Coast, as he has some business to attend to as well. Trent believes the coven will actually try to kill her en route to the meeting, and that having him along will keep them from doing so. Trent is in a bit of a mess as well, as Rachel witnesses when their meeting is interrupted by a couple of elf assassins sent by the Withons. The Withon’s have something Trent wants, and he doesn’t have very long to get it.
So, that is how the road trip begins, Rachel, Jenks and Trent, in her mom’s buick on the way to the west coast. They meet Ivy along the way, in St. Louis. A city that Rachel decides, she does not like. She discovers the terrifying power of elven magic, and the group leaves wreckage along the way. A terrifying ancient being is released from his cage, after 2000 years. The demons are not thrilled.
Unfortunately for Rachel, getting to San Francisco was only the beginning. Trent must be back in time from his elven quest to testify on her behalf at the meeting. Trent is convinced she will lose, and he has a back up plan for her just in case. Can she trust him?
It’s been hinted at, she’s been accused but…Is Rachel REALLY a demon?
There are some really exciting developments in this novel, mostly in how the characters see and interact with one another. There are of course the hilarious moments, the unexpected (seriously) and the moments that have your heart pounding. I love this series.
For more reviews visit Kickassurbanfantasy.ga
So, that is how the road trip begins, Rachel, Jenks and Trent, in her mom’s buick on the way to the west coast. They meet Ivy along the way, in St. Louis. A city that Rachel decides, she does not like. She discovers the terrifying power of elven magic, and the group leaves wreckage along the way. A terrifying ancient being is released from his cage, after 2000 years. The demons are not thrilled.
Unfortunately for Rachel, getting to San Francisco was only the beginning. Trent must be back in time from his elven quest to testify on her behalf at the meeting. Trent is convinced she will lose, and he has a back up plan for her just in case. Can she trust him?
It’s been hinted at, she’s been accused but…Is Rachel REALLY a demon?
There are some really exciting developments in this novel, mostly in how the characters see and interact with one another. There are of course the hilarious moments, the unexpected (seriously) and the moments that have your heart pounding. I love this series.
For more reviews visit Kickassurbanfantasy.ga
laurensustaire's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
lmpenguin's review
4.0
This is by far one of my favorite series so I could not believe it when I got an early review copy from NetGalley!! As all of these books have, it hooked me in. I was kind of disappointed that I started this book in the middle of a week and then had a crazy weekend because all I really wanted to do was sit down and read it all at once. Now if you have not read any of the books prior to this one do not start here, you will be so confused that you will not enjoy the read. This is really one that you need to read in order and grow with Rachel Morgan, Ivy and Jenks, plus all that come along the way.
I was pleased that this book picked up right where Black Magic Sanction left off. Rachel Morgan knows that she is running out of time before she is executed for her black magic practices, even if she only uses them when someone is trying to kill her. She is due on the West Coast in just three days for her brother's wedding just before the annual witches' convention in San Francisco when she is approached by Trent Kalamack, the elf who is kind of an enemy, to help him get to the West Coast for an "elf adventure" that he will not discuss with her. They end up travelling together as Rachel is not allowed to fly and Trent must travel by land. So off they go Trent, the elf, Ivy, living vampire, Jenks, pixie and Rachel. The adventures along the way are not to be missed.
There are a tons of surprises in this books, things I just did not see coming. As always, Kim Harrison writing is great! We get to know each person even more. While I thought that I knew them, I was proven wrong. I love the wit and banter in the books. Great sense of humor and also great handling of difficult situations and tasks.
I was thrilled with this book. If you have not read this series, I highly recommend you start it right away. My rating is 5/5 stars a must read!
--This books was provided to me in e-book format from NetGalley for review. All opinions and thoughts are my own and no further compensation was provided.
I was pleased that this book picked up right where Black Magic Sanction left off. Rachel Morgan knows that she is running out of time before she is executed for her black magic practices, even if she only uses them when someone is trying to kill her. She is due on the West Coast in just three days for her brother's wedding just before the annual witches' convention in San Francisco when she is approached by Trent Kalamack, the elf who is kind of an enemy, to help him get to the West Coast for an "elf adventure" that he will not discuss with her. They end up travelling together as Rachel is not allowed to fly and Trent must travel by land. So off they go Trent, the elf, Ivy, living vampire, Jenks, pixie and Rachel. The adventures along the way are not to be missed.
There are a tons of surprises in this books, things I just did not see coming. As always, Kim Harrison writing is great! We get to know each person even more. While I thought that I knew them, I was proven wrong. I love the wit and banter in the books. Great sense of humor and also great handling of difficult situations and tasks.
I was thrilled with this book. If you have not read this series, I highly recommend you start it right away. My rating is 5/5 stars a must read!
--This books was provided to me in e-book format from NetGalley for review. All opinions and thoughts are my own and no further compensation was provided.
darienjade's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
jimbowen0306's review against another edition
4.0
The Hollows series of books by Kim Harrison follows Rachel Morgan (a witch with little self discipline), Ivy Tamwood (a vampire with too much) and Jenks (a pixie) as they act as a sort of independent bounty hunting agency.
This is the ninth book in the series, and sees Morgan, Tamwood and Jenks travel across the US with their arch nemesis, Trent Kalamack, in an attempt to clear her name. She was shunned in a previous book for the use of black magic (shunning is the witchly equivalent of being sent to Coventry), and that's obviously having a serious impact on her business (and lifestyle).
This is the best book that Harrison has written for the series in a while. Previous books that have been written recently tend to meander, and see Morgan come across as pouty and whiney. This book, in comparison sees a simple set of linear events occur. They go on a road trip, battle hit men who are trying to kill Kalamack and a demon who's trying to kill them, present their case to the witches council, battle the demon again (he just won't take no for an answer), and generally save the day. The book is so much better because of that simple linearity of the narrative.
This is the ninth book in the series, and sees Morgan, Tamwood and Jenks travel across the US with their arch nemesis, Trent Kalamack, in an attempt to clear her name. She was shunned in a previous book for the use of black magic (shunning is the witchly equivalent of being sent to Coventry), and that's obviously having a serious impact on her business (and lifestyle).
This is the best book that Harrison has written for the series in a while. Previous books that have been written recently tend to meander, and see Morgan come across as pouty and whiney. This book, in comparison sees a simple set of linear events occur. They go on a road trip, battle hit men who are trying to kill Kalamack and a demon who's trying to kill them, present their case to the witches council, battle the demon again (he just won't take no for an answer), and generally save the day. The book is so much better because of that simple linearity of the narrative.
hirvimaki's review against another edition
4.0
The Hollows books keep getting more and more interesting and entertaining. More of the mystery is peeled away and as old problems are resolved new ones - unexpected ones - are born. Oh, Rache...
kathydavie's review
5.0
Ninth in the paranormal/urban fantasy series, The Hollows, starring Rachel Morgan, Pale Demon follows along with the general theme of titles twisted along Clint Eastwood movies, although it doesn't have the same kick as the earlier books.
In 2011, Pale Demon was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy.
My Take
Harrison's got us twisting in the wind with all the coils and snaking loops interspersed throughout Pale Demon. Rachel does make a huge impression on the witches and the council, and between her and Pierce, I suspect some changes to be coming. Then there's Trent's little surprise. Just how this is going to change elven futures is something for our own future reading.
I so cannot wait until A Perfect Blood to find out what happens next. Ivy's threats, the I.S.'s promise, Rachel's new abilities, Trent's reactions to Rachel and his young creation, the coven's responses…oh man, it is going to be good!
The Story
This is it. The moment for which Rachel has been waiting. She can finally clear her name and get the shunning rescinded in San Francisco at the witches' convention. There are just a few roadblocks along the way and Trent is pushing her to bodyguard him to the Coast. It's a pain, but road trip seems to be the only way to get past the roadblocks.
Unfortunately, now we have "adventures" and, oh man, is Rachel busy along the way. Even more unfortunately, so is Trent…busy that is. Kidnappings, day-walking demons, earthquake, destruction, a coven council spy on her tail…ah well, all in a day's work for Rachel until the conference when Oliver reneges on the deal, and Rachel freefalls into a nightmare.
Learning all sorts of new things with very few of them welcome. Those power tests can be a menace, but then the coven needs her back in San Francisco to save their collective butts. Oh yeah, karma can be a bitch.
The Characters
Rachel Morgan is a good witch who just happens to work black magic which makes just about everyone in her world (and out of it) after her and not in a good way. Jenks is her pixie sidekick still mourning Matalina, which turns into a trap. Ivy tamwood is a living vampire partnered up and living in a converted church with Rachel. Pierce is a come-back-to-life former member of the coven council in love with Rachel…we think…who is thoroughly involved in black magic.
Ku'Sox is a demon nightmare come back to life. Al is a demon with a hold on Rachel. One minute he's taking care of her and the next…eek!! Then there's Newt — every demon is afraid of her ‘cause she's not only powerful but nuts.
The witches' coven council includes…
…Vivian, Oliver, Leon, Wyatt, and Amanda who all have a major desire for Rachel's non-existence, although Vivian seems to be more open-minded since her last clashes with Rachel.
Inderland Security is…
…the supernatural legal authority (consider it a state and federal FBI) in this new version of Earth after the Turn, and they've had it out for Rachel for years and they make a brief and… surprising…appearance.
The Cover and Title
Oh, so, definitely a hot dress! I want one…of course, I'd need the body too. The cover is perfect — Rachel channeling the energies in her form-fitting, laced-up-the-back, short, white leather dress with her red hair in a braid. Go Rache!
The title refers to Rachel, for she's the Pale Demon who has everyone terrified.
In 2011, Pale Demon was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Paranormal Fantasy.
My Take
Harrison's got us twisting in the wind with all the coils and snaking loops interspersed throughout Pale Demon. Rachel does make a huge impression on the witches and the council, and between her and Pierce, I suspect some changes to be coming. Then there's Trent's little surprise. Just how this is going to change elven futures is something for our own future reading.
I so cannot wait until A Perfect Blood to find out what happens next. Ivy's threats, the I.S.'s promise, Rachel's new abilities, Trent's reactions to Rachel and his young creation, the coven's responses…oh man, it is going to be good!
The Story
This is it. The moment for which Rachel has been waiting. She can finally clear her name and get the shunning rescinded in San Francisco at the witches' convention. There are just a few roadblocks along the way and Trent is pushing her to bodyguard him to the Coast. It's a pain, but road trip seems to be the only way to get past the roadblocks.
Unfortunately, now we have "adventures" and, oh man, is Rachel busy along the way. Even more unfortunately, so is Trent…busy that is. Kidnappings, day-walking demons, earthquake, destruction, a coven council spy on her tail…ah well, all in a day's work for Rachel until the conference when Oliver reneges on the deal, and Rachel freefalls into a nightmare.
Learning all sorts of new things with very few of them welcome. Those power tests can be a menace, but then the coven needs her back in San Francisco to save their collective butts. Oh yeah, karma can be a bitch.
The Characters
Rachel Morgan is a good witch who just happens to work black magic which makes just about everyone in her world (and out of it) after her and not in a good way. Jenks is her pixie sidekick still mourning Matalina, which turns into a trap. Ivy tamwood is a living vampire partnered up and living in a converted church with Rachel. Pierce is a come-back-to-life former member of the coven council in love with Rachel…we think…who is thoroughly involved in black magic.
Ku'Sox is a demon nightmare come back to life. Al is a demon with a hold on Rachel. One minute he's taking care of her and the next…eek!! Then there's Newt — every demon is afraid of her ‘cause she's not only powerful but nuts.
The witches' coven council includes…
…Vivian, Oliver, Leon, Wyatt, and Amanda who all have a major desire for Rachel's non-existence, although Vivian seems to be more open-minded since her last clashes with Rachel.
Inderland Security is…
…the supernatural legal authority (consider it a state and federal FBI) in this new version of Earth after the Turn, and they've had it out for Rachel for years and they make a brief and… surprising…appearance.
The Cover and Title
Oh, so, definitely a hot dress! I want one…of course, I'd need the body too. The cover is perfect — Rachel channeling the energies in her form-fitting, laced-up-the-back, short, white leather dress with her red hair in a braid. Go Rache!
The title refers to Rachel, for she's the Pale Demon who has everyone terrified.
whimsicalmeerkat's review
4.0
Loved the road trip thing. Kinda hoping there's some hooking up coming soon.
yodamom's review
5.0
AWESOME, I loved every page. All the characters went through major changes and upsets. The story was twisted masterfully, tangling me into a tight knot throughout the tale. Ms. Harrison did not miss a thing. I can't wait to re-read it.