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stephlunatic's review against another edition
3.0
The 7th installment in the Hollows series felt like a placeholder for me. There were questions answered but more come to light and we see the end of some characters and the beginnings of others. But all in all, this felt like treading water more than anything else.
tiffanyxcc's review against another edition
4.0
White Witch, Black Curse is book number 7 in Kim Harrison’s series, The Hollows. It’s been about a month and a half/two months since the ending of book 6. Rachel and Ivy have rekindled their efforts to find Kisten’s killer. While Rachel is doing everything she can to trigger her memory (except hypnosis) Ivy is leaving no stone unturned in the vampire world.
Glenn has a run in with an inderland creature and is in the hospital. Rachel and Ivy meet Edden at the crime scene. Rachel really needs some crime scene etiquette classes…it seems her days as being just the “haul them in” kinda girl might be gone. But her unique brand of evidence acquisition upsets Edden and she gets tossed out of the crime scene….only to make another pertinent discovery. Could Ivy be feeling inadequate?
Rachel meets and old rival at the crime scene, seems they are in the same business now. He, however, has been shunned. And guess who he blames for his shunning and termination from the I.S? Our favorite Itchy Witch, of course.
We learn quite a bit about Ivy’s early days in the I.S. Her motivation to begin her path in life was an unusual one, but she couldn’t have been more thankful for it. Her show of appreciation though, seems to be causing some problems.
Somebody from Rachel’s past is trying to contact her. Could this “acquaintance” be nothing but trouble?
Rachel receives an unexpected gift from Trent…can she trust it?
There were many interesting character developments in this novel. I would recommend reading the short story “Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel,” before reading this book, as the events in that short story are referred to many times in this novel. You can find it in the “Holidays are Hell” anthology. Either way, this novel is a great addition to the series, as always.
For more reviews visit Kickassurbanfantasy.ga
Glenn has a run in with an inderland creature and is in the hospital. Rachel and Ivy meet Edden at the crime scene. Rachel really needs some crime scene etiquette classes…it seems her days as being just the “haul them in” kinda girl might be gone. But her unique brand of evidence acquisition upsets Edden and she gets tossed out of the crime scene….only to make another pertinent discovery. Could Ivy be feeling inadequate?
Rachel meets and old rival at the crime scene, seems they are in the same business now. He, however, has been shunned. And guess who he blames for his shunning and termination from the I.S? Our favorite Itchy Witch, of course.
We learn quite a bit about Ivy’s early days in the I.S. Her motivation to begin her path in life was an unusual one, but she couldn’t have been more thankful for it. Her show of appreciation though, seems to be causing some problems.
Somebody from Rachel’s past is trying to contact her. Could this “acquaintance” be nothing but trouble?
Rachel receives an unexpected gift from Trent…can she trust it?
There were many interesting character developments in this novel. I would recommend reading the short story “Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel,” before reading this book, as the events in that short story are referred to many times in this novel. You can find it in the “Holidays are Hell” anthology. Either way, this novel is a great addition to the series, as always.
For more reviews visit Kickassurbanfantasy.ga
whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
Started the reread again and I’m on a different book
jimbowen0306's review against another edition
3.0
This book, which is the 7th in the series, is a return to form by Kim Harrison. It, like all the other books, focuses of Rachel Morgan (a headstrong witch with a smart mouth), Ivy Tamwood (a more calculating vampire) and Jenks (a pixie).
Towards the end of book six, Rachel's boyfriend dies, and her memory of the event id wiped clean (so that she doesn't go after the guy without a plan). The result is that she's know idea who killed her love interest. In response, she spends most of the book trying to work out who might do such a thing (and why). At the same time, she's asked by the police to help investigate a Banshee (who can kill you by removing your emotions) who they suspect of attempting to kill a copper.
The book is a better read than the authors' 2 previous outings with Morgan. There are a couple of reasons for this. First there's more story to the book (rather than talk and love interest), which is always a good thing. Second there's less love interest. Don't get me wrong, I understand that women can get as turned on by the physical as guys, but I don't think that many guys like to read about another guy's glistening pecs or pert butt if I'm honest (I'm a bit ho hum about girls being described similarly too before anyone says anything). It's part of the reason I walked away from the series a while.
Incidentally, I wouldn't necessarily recommend starting here in the series. If you think the story sounds interesting, I'd start with book 1.
Towards the end of book six, Rachel's boyfriend dies, and her memory of the event id wiped clean (so that she doesn't go after the guy without a plan). The result is that she's know idea who killed her love interest. In response, she spends most of the book trying to work out who might do such a thing (and why). At the same time, she's asked by the police to help investigate a Banshee (who can kill you by removing your emotions) who they suspect of attempting to kill a copper.
The book is a better read than the authors' 2 previous outings with Morgan. There are a couple of reasons for this. First there's more story to the book (rather than talk and love interest), which is always a good thing. Second there's less love interest. Don't get me wrong, I understand that women can get as turned on by the physical as guys, but I don't think that many guys like to read about another guy's glistening pecs or pert butt if I'm honest (I'm a bit ho hum about girls being described similarly too before anyone says anything). It's part of the reason I walked away from the series a while.
Incidentally, I wouldn't necessarily recommend starting here in the series. If you think the story sounds interesting, I'd start with book 1.
hirvimaki's review against another edition
4.0
One of the best of the Hallows series I've read so far. A little but of closure. A lot of character development.
kathydavie's review against another edition
5.0
First read 22 July 2009.
Seventh in the Rachel Morgan / The Hollows urban fantasy series revolving around the partners in the Vampiric Charms agency in an alternate Cincinnati, Ohio.
Well, there's a screw-up for the books, I thought for sure it was Cleveland and Lady Galaxy pointed out that I was wrong. The series is based in Cincinnati! Duh...
Some days, it just doesn't pay a girl to get outta bed...especially when all the good one attempts only results in people seeing you as bad.
Harrison has written a compelling story in an even more compelling series…White Witch, Black Curse just grabbed me up and made me cry as Rachel remembers what happened the night Kist died. There are so many mini-plots embedded throughout the story which Harrison "twists" on and drags us further along even as she drops more breadcrumbs along the primary road of the series. Truly a master in building tension and intrigue.
Rachel, Jenks, and Ivy are called out by Capt. Edden and the FIB in response to an attack on Glenn at the Tilsons' house. An attack that has unexpected supernatural repercussions followed by more attacks which the media twists making it look like Rachel is the perpetrator instead of one of the good guys even when Rachel ends up in the hospital, a victim like Glenn.
And it all goes downhill from there: Robbie shows up but it turns out it's only to help Mom move; Rynn Cormel helps Rachel escape the hospital but only to threaten her; an information-seeking visit with Skimmer in jail does not go well, especially in the parking lot; Pierce re-enters Rachel's life; and, Tom Bansen keeps cropping up everywhere.
Lest you think that being a good guy trying to help people has its rewards, be warned: Rachel gets shunned, a betrayal that hurts Marshal but doesn't prevent him from helping Rachel accomplish her mission to wring an agreement from Big Al.
Rachel Morgan is an earth witch who twists demon curses to help her friends and keep the world from damage; she still carries two demon marks. She's still trying to remember what happened the night that Kist was killed. She's also trying to come to terms with the reality that any children she has will be demons. Ivy Tamwood is her partner. A living vampire damaged and twisted by Piscary trying to find a way to live with Rachel without taking her as a scion. Jenks is a pixy and an old man at 18 with 54 kids and Matalina, his 19-year-old, dying wife. Bis, an adolescent gargoyle, is an unofficial part of Vampiric Charms who pays his rent to Jenks by patrolling the four-hour time slot in the middle of the night.
Marshal is pursuing an advanced degree in Cincinnati after selling his diving business in Michigan. So far, he and Rachel have simply been getting together as friends.
Alice Morgan is Rachel's mom and her and her brother Robert's biological dad is Takata, Alice's true love who preferred to take his rock 'n roll act on the road.
Rynn Cormel, a former U.S. President who got the country through the Turn and has returned to take over Piscary's camarilla. He will protect Rachel IF/while she finds a way for living vampires to keep their souls intact when they become undead.
Detective Glenn is Captain Edden's son whom Rachel and Ivy have hooked on tomatoes. Captain Edden is in charge at the Federal Inderland Bureau (FIB), the human policing organization. Ford is a human who feels others' emotions; the FIB uses him as a lie detector.
Trent Kalamack is a billionaire elf obsessed with reversing the elven population any way he can. Quen is Trent's bodyguard. Ceri is an elf whom Rachel freed from being Al's familiar. Keasley is a retired witch in ill-health who lives across the street from the church.
Kisten Felps worked for Piscary, the now-deceased Master vampire of Cincinnati who tortured and abused Ivy. (Ivy's lover, Skimmer, Dorothy Claymor killed Piscary and she hates Rachel.) Kisten and Ivy used to be together until they decided they'd rather be friends and Kist fell in love with Rachel until he and Piscary are both killed in For a Few Demons More.
Algaliarept, a.k.a., Big Al, is a demon after Rachel. They made a deal that Rachel would come into the everafter and be his student for 24 hours once a week. Pierce is a ghost and demon killer fascinated by Rachel.
Tom Bansen is a witch who sold out to the dark side working almost exclusively with black magic. He used to be with the Arcane Division at the I.S. Mia Harbor is the Cincinnati-area banshee who has managed to find love with Remus, a psychotic. Between them they have created a baby, Holly, a very rare event for banshees. Ms. Walker, a.k.a., The Walker, is a banshee assassin intensely interested in, ahem, acquiring Holly and she's bemused Capt. Edden.
The cover has an emerald green, black, and a splash of white background with the tackily dressed Rachel in a short tight skirt, thigh-high boots, and a matching, ripped-up, long-sleeved top with her legs braced, hip cocked and holding a huge gun pointed toward the paving as she faces the water-spewing fountain in Fountain Square.
The title sums it all up as Rachel is a White Witch using a Black Curse.
Seventh in the Rachel Morgan / The Hollows urban fantasy series revolving around the partners in the Vampiric Charms agency in an alternate Cincinnati, Ohio.
Well, there's a screw-up for the books, I thought for sure it was Cleveland and Lady Galaxy pointed out that I was wrong. The series is based in Cincinnati! Duh...
My Take
Some days, it just doesn't pay a girl to get outta bed...especially when all the good one attempts only results in people seeing you as bad.
Harrison has written a compelling story in an even more compelling series…White Witch, Black Curse just grabbed me up and made me cry as Rachel remembers what happened the night Kist died. There are so many mini-plots embedded throughout the story which Harrison "twists" on and drags us further along even as she drops more breadcrumbs along the primary road of the series. Truly a master in building tension and intrigue.
The Story
Rachel, Jenks, and Ivy are called out by Capt. Edden and the FIB in response to an attack on Glenn at the Tilsons' house. An attack that has unexpected supernatural repercussions followed by more attacks which the media twists making it look like Rachel is the perpetrator instead of one of the good guys even when Rachel ends up in the hospital, a victim like Glenn.
And it all goes downhill from there: Robbie shows up but it turns out it's only to help Mom move; Rynn Cormel helps Rachel escape the hospital but only to threaten her; an information-seeking visit with Skimmer in jail does not go well, especially in the parking lot; Pierce re-enters Rachel's life; and, Tom Bansen keeps cropping up everywhere.
Lest you think that being a good guy trying to help people has its rewards, be warned: Rachel gets shunned, a betrayal that hurts Marshal but doesn't prevent him from helping Rachel accomplish her mission to wring an agreement from Big Al.
The Characters
Rachel Morgan is an earth witch who twists demon curses to help her friends and keep the world from damage; she still carries two demon marks. She's still trying to remember what happened the night that Kist was killed. She's also trying to come to terms with the reality that any children she has will be demons. Ivy Tamwood is her partner. A living vampire damaged and twisted by Piscary trying to find a way to live with Rachel without taking her as a scion. Jenks is a pixy and an old man at 18 with 54 kids and Matalina, his 19-year-old, dying wife. Bis, an adolescent gargoyle, is an unofficial part of Vampiric Charms who pays his rent to Jenks by patrolling the four-hour time slot in the middle of the night.
Marshal is pursuing an advanced degree in Cincinnati after selling his diving business in Michigan. So far, he and Rachel have simply been getting together as friends.
Alice Morgan is Rachel's mom and her and her brother Robert's biological dad is Takata, Alice's true love who preferred to take his rock 'n roll act on the road.
Rynn Cormel, a former U.S. President who got the country through the Turn and has returned to take over Piscary's camarilla. He will protect Rachel IF/while she finds a way for living vampires to keep their souls intact when they become undead.
Detective Glenn is Captain Edden's son whom Rachel and Ivy have hooked on tomatoes. Captain Edden is in charge at the Federal Inderland Bureau (FIB), the human policing organization. Ford is a human who feels others' emotions; the FIB uses him as a lie detector.
Trent Kalamack is a billionaire elf obsessed with reversing the elven population any way he can. Quen is Trent's bodyguard. Ceri is an elf whom Rachel freed from being Al's familiar. Keasley is a retired witch in ill-health who lives across the street from the church.
Kisten Felps worked for Piscary, the now-deceased Master vampire of Cincinnati who tortured and abused Ivy. (Ivy's lover, Skimmer, Dorothy Claymor killed Piscary and she hates Rachel.) Kisten and Ivy used to be together until they decided they'd rather be friends and Kist fell in love with Rachel until he and Piscary are both killed in For a Few Demons More.
Algaliarept, a.k.a., Big Al, is a demon after Rachel. They made a deal that Rachel would come into the everafter and be his student for 24 hours once a week. Pierce is a ghost and demon killer fascinated by Rachel.
Tom Bansen is a witch who sold out to the dark side working almost exclusively with black magic. He used to be with the Arcane Division at the I.S. Mia Harbor is the Cincinnati-area banshee who has managed to find love with Remus, a psychotic. Between them they have created a baby, Holly, a very rare event for banshees. Ms. Walker, a.k.a., The Walker, is a banshee assassin intensely interested in, ahem, acquiring Holly and she's bemused Capt. Edden.
The Cover
The cover has an emerald green, black, and a splash of white background with the tackily dressed Rachel in a short tight skirt, thigh-high boots, and a matching, ripped-up, long-sleeved top with her legs braced, hip cocked and holding a huge gun pointed toward the paving as she faces the water-spewing fountain in Fountain Square.
The title sums it all up as Rachel is a White Witch using a Black Curse.
darienjade's review against another edition
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? Yes
4.25
laurensustaire's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5