carebear11's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Black Magic Sanction
4 Stars
Rachel becomes the target of the Coven for Ethical Standards who view her as a threat due to her ability to twist demon magic. Forced to evade the witches sent to capture her, Rachel must find a way to convince the Coven that she poses no danger, but this is easier said than done.
It would seem that The Hollows is finally living up to its potential. Whether it be the action surrounding the hypocritical Coven with its conflicting agendas, or the insights into Rachel and Trent's shared past, or the updates on the various secondary characters who have appeared in previous installments, Black Magic Sanction hits most of the right notes.
That said, there are some minor irritants such as a certain rat that keeps raising its ugly head. Once again the treacherous rodent is in his human form and set on betraying Rachel again and again. It is taking far to long for this nefarious thief to meet his well deserved demise.
While the Rachel/Ivy angst that detracted from the earlier books seems to have settled down, there are one or two annoying reminders that are completely superfluous. Harrison really needs to let this go; she made a choice with this relationship and needs to move on.
The same is true of Rachel and Trent. The glimpses into their interactions as youngsters are very tantalizing and demonstrate that despite the surface animosity, there is a deep seated trust between them that comes to the fore when necessary. Now if only the two of them could see what the readers already do.
In sum, Black Magic Sanction sets the stage for some compelling developments in Rachel's life and I am looking forward to seeing where Harrison takes her.
4 Stars
Rachel becomes the target of the Coven for Ethical Standards who view her as a threat due to her ability to twist demon magic. Forced to evade the witches sent to capture her, Rachel must find a way to convince the Coven that she poses no danger, but this is easier said than done.
It would seem that The Hollows is finally living up to its potential. Whether it be the action surrounding the hypocritical Coven with its conflicting agendas, or the insights into Rachel and Trent's shared past, or the updates on the various secondary characters who have appeared in previous installments, Black Magic Sanction hits most of the right notes.
That said, there are some minor irritants such as a certain rat that keeps raising its ugly head. Once again the treacherous rodent is in his human form and set on betraying Rachel again and again. It is taking far to long for this nefarious thief to meet his well deserved demise.
While the Rachel/Ivy angst that detracted from the earlier books seems to have settled down, there are one or two annoying reminders that are completely superfluous. Harrison really needs to let this go; she made a choice with this relationship and needs to move on.
The same is true of Rachel and Trent. The glimpses into their interactions as youngsters are very tantalizing and demonstrate that despite the surface animosity, there is a deep seated trust between them that comes to the fore when necessary. Now if only the two of them could see what the readers already do.
In sum, Black Magic Sanction sets the stage for some compelling developments in Rachel's life and I am looking forward to seeing where Harrison takes her.
finalgirlreads's review
adventurous
emotional
4.0
These books just keep getting better and better! It's so easy to absolutely love these characters and I truly do. Al has quickly become a new favorite and honestly the smut loving side of me kinda hopes that he and Rachel hook up lol. This one had a very emotional moment to it and I legit got upset. I adore these books!
hoosgracie's review against another edition
4.0
Rachel has to find a way to escape the coven, get her summoning name back, and get her shunning removed. Nick is back as is Trent. Pierce is still around. Exciting addition to the series.
reasonpassion's review against another edition
4.0
Heartache and the choices that lead to it are often at the core of these books, though none more so than this one. The loss is handled by the characters admirably, the care they have for each other coming out strongly page after page. Thankfully the animosity between Rachael and Trent starts being understood and reconciled, a plot point that's been rather obnoxious for a while, though still fun at times. While the moral fiber of Rachael's character is sorely put the test this time, I personally wonder at how such a character exists in that world.
vikcs's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
santonss's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this book perhaps more than I thought I would, because it was audio, it was performed. It made it more suspenseful, more addictive. Overall, I liked how it seemed to be a return to the original story line. Nick was back, breaking in, on the run, basically tons of cameos, surprises and departures. I liked this one quite a bit and have many theories as to what will happen next. The idea of being done with Rachel Morgan for a while, when shes acting like a grown up, less whining, more rationalizations, and now nothing. It makes me sad. Kim, please write quickly!
mleetm's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars. God I did not want to read this book. The inevitable happened, though. I read it, the Things happened, I got emotional and was left feeling satisfied. I think, with how packed this book was, that my markedly slower pace of reading was a good thing. I had time to contemplate and let shit soak in. Anyway. Good good.
meetyouineveryplace's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75