The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, #6)

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows #6)

by Kim Harrison (Goodreads Author)

4.36 of 5 stars 4.36 · rating details · 25,242 ratings · 711 reviews

To save the lives of her friends, Rachel did the unthinkable: she willingly trafficked in forbidden demon magic. And now her sins are coming home to haunt her.

As Rachel searches for the truth behind a terrifying murder, an even greater menace threatens, for the demon Algaliarept will stop at nothing to claim her, and the discovery of a shocking family secret throws Rachel'...more

Hardcover, 1st Edition, 455 pages

Published February 26th 2008 by Eos

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

Vampires and Werewolves and Witches...Oh My!

76th out of 1,275 books — 1,804 voters

Best "Strong Female" Fantasy Novels

157th out of 2,147 books — 5,602 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Aug 17, 2011 jD rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 1_library-yes, fantasy_urban, 2011-read

In a nutshell, this was one of the best I have read so far. Why...
Rachael -- more mature
Ivy -- more sane
Jenks -- still keeping it real
Ceri -- big suprises
Al -- big suprises
Kristen -- still dead
Rachael's Mom -- big suprises
Trent -- whoa is me. I love him but he doesn't give me much to work with.

In this installment, Rachael has to face some rough truths. My heart went out to her as she struggled with so many variables. I didn't get frustrated with her decision-making process as in previous books b...more In a nutshell, this was one of the best I have read so far. Why...
Rachael -- more mature
Ivy -- more sane
Jenks -- still keeping it real
Ceri -- big suprises
Al -- big suprises
Kristen -- still dead
Rachael's Mom -- big suprises
Trent -- whoa is me. I love him but he doesn't give me much to work with.

In this installment, Rachael has to face some rough truths. My heart went out to her as she struggled with so many variables. I didn't get frustrated with her decision-making process as in previous books because she actually took a minute to think. That was new and I embraced her as a woman who learned from her mistakes.

Al is back and on a rampage. No one is safe from his constant attempts at vengence against Rachael. She has to deal with him and she does. Trent discovers there is dna in the Ever After that can help him restore fertility to the Elves. He hires Rachael to go with him as his protector. The journey doesn't take up many pages overall but what we learn changes things forever.

Ms. Harrison put Rachael and her friends through some paces but I loved where it all ended. Although Rachael didn't hookup with Trent, I'm still hopeful but realize it would be a major plot development that won't happen overnight. There are plenty of demons in this book and we get to see more of the world they inhabit. Although Al is a sick puppy, I like the character and am glad he was such a big part of this story. A new character, Blis, has moved into Rachael's church. He is a gargoyle and we don't learn much about him in this book. I expect that will change going forward. Rachael has a new 'love' interest whose name I already forgot. He is boring but I am hopeful that shiny new penny is more than it appears. The biggest plot development for me was seeing the drama level go down a notch with Ivy. I actully understand her better and am hoping she continues to find a balance for herself and her friendship with Rachael. I am sure Ms. Harrison will make me eat those words at some point but I wanted to at least get it down in writing for the record.

I am going to continue with the series as I am now addicted. I have 3 to go before I am caught up. Book 7 is not loved by the series fans so I expect to read that one slower. I have basically gobbled the others down. (less)

20 likes · like · see review

Mar 04, 2008 Schnaucl rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, owned, read_2008, urban_fantasy, glbt, march, series

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Warning: This review contains major spoilers for this book and For A Few Demons More

According to Kim Harrison, this was originally going to be the conclusion of the series and in some respects that really shows. Save for one or two things, the ending of the book could have been the sort of satisfying conclusion of the series. Kist's killer still hasn't been found, but considering that she didn't realize until she was writing book 7 that he needed to die in book 5 she did a remarkable job of wor...more Warning: This review contains major spoilers for this book and For A Few Demons More

According to Kim Harrison, this was originally going to be the conclusion of the series and in some respects that really shows. Save for one or two things, the ending of the book could have been the sort of satisfying conclusion of the series. Kist's killer still hasn't been found, but considering that she didn't realize until she was writing book 7 that he needed to die in book 5 she did a remarkable job of working in everyone's grief. In fact, if I hadn't herd her say that she had to go back and work all that in I'd never have known that wasn't part of the plan. And Jenks mortality is still an issue, though frankly Matalina seems much closer to not surviving the winter.

I think part of what makes it feel like a conclusion is that Rachel really has grown up. She's thinking before reacting more often now. She's not just saying she should grow up, she's doing it. And she's clearly starting a new phase in her life.

I'm a little sad about where things ended up with Ivy. I suppose I should be happy that she clearly does like Ivy for Ivy and not just the vamp pheromones, something which Ivy finally knows, too. But my hope for anything but a close friendship has died. I can't argue that it doesn't make sense. Clearly it's safer for everyone this way and I've always been really turned off by the idea of a vampire literally owning and controlling another person, even if love is involved. Plus, I've never been a fan of selective bisexuality. Ivy is clearly bi and that's great, but the only woman Rachel's ever been sexually attracted to is Ivy and so on some level it's hard for me to believe it's anything more than vamp pheromones. We'll see. Right now my money's on Rachel ending up with Trent.

As for the story itself, I enjoyed it. It was interesting to see the Ever After. I'd like it if the gargoyle became a reoccurring character. I am worried about Matlalina though. Even if Jenks can be saved I'm not sure he'd particularly want to be if she were gone. I'm ready to be done with Marshall. The white knight thing gets old very quickly where the woman in question is more than capable of taking care of herself better than the knight could even dream of doing. And it was fun seeing more of Rachel's mom. It goes a long way toward explaining why Rachel is the way she is.(less)

12 likes · like · see review

Nov 09, 2008 Dannii (lilbob1980) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Luckily Rachel wasn't quite as annoying in this edition as she has been becoming. She was actually starting to grow up and take responsibilty for her actions and wasn't whining when things didn't go her way.

In this story Rachel is being stalked by the demon "Al" and she has to find a way to stop him attempting to hurt her and her family whilst saving a elf race all at the same time.

If you have been disheartened by previous books this one should hopefully pull you back into the series.

8 likes · like · see review

Mar 17, 2008 Kit rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. wow, i'd forgotten how much kim harrison could totally blow my brains out with her writing. i had been expecting anything but this, and i was actually beginning to think that trent and rachel might actually have a chance together when ceri confirmed who the baby belongs to. plus, i have a feeling minias will survive and become a love interest. there's been too much built up about him for him to just disappear like that, and maybe minias will seek rachel's protection now that newt is openly gunni...more wow, i'd forgotten how much kim harrison could totally blow my brains out with her writing. i had been expecting anything but this, and i was actually beginning to think that trent and rachel might actually have a chance together when ceri confirmed who the baby belongs to. plus, i have a feeling minias will survive and become a love interest. there's been too much built up about him for him to just disappear like that, and maybe minias will seek rachel's protection now that newt is openly gunning.

i also have a niggling suspicion about who killed kisten, but i can't be sure yet on that either. my suspect DID say that he would do anything to come closer to ivy and rachel.. i still feel uncomfortable about the sexual tension (or is that what it is?) between rachel and ivy, and i hope rachel finds someone soon. not that she needs to be defined by a male protagonist, but i think it will solve some of her problems (among new ones, i'm sure). and she did say she wanted to have children.. but i was fully satisfied with the ending being what it is, because it may just be the only way to save both ivy and jenks. and in bargaining for information she can also learn about the kisten issue. there's so much to come that i absolutely can't wait for the next book. so many turns i didn't expect in here, and i'm glad she got rid of marshal. dude was really pissing me off. i'm still crossing my fingers on a chance of rachel x trent or rachel x minias though. trent because he simply seems so lonely all the time, and it's obvious he admires her (though by the end of this i don't know if that still applies). minias because he seems to conveniently come to her aid one too many times. he does show his demonic side in this book, but i think it's out of a vested interest in survival rather than outwardly wanting to harm.

anyway, i can still see minias coming to rachel as an alternative to newt. but then this would turn into a whole LKH episode, huh? i guess not overly much, then, but kim harrison has such a way of making everything believable. i think she might even manage the love entourage crap if she put her hand to it. the woman weaves magic. i have no doubt that the next book is gonna be even better.(less)

9 likes · like · see review

Apr 17, 2013 Carly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy, fantasy, worldbuilding

"My name is Rachel Mariana Morgan. Conjure by it at your own risk. When demons get deadly, when vamps get vicious, when pixies get pesky, when the Ever-after gets eerie, give me a call. I'm in the book."
No, Rachel doesn't say this. But she so totally should.(view spoiler)

Kim Harrison's series is one of the most well-known and well-regarded urban fantasy/paranormal romance series out there, and I can compl...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 15, 2008 Jim rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, paranormal-urban

This series is still going strong, surprisingly. Generally I get bored of them by this point, but she's kept up the quality, expanded the world just enough & kept it strong, without adding a lot of extraneous gore or sex.

6 likes · like · see review

Jun 17, 2008 Jennifer rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I’ll preface this by saying that I’m not a vampire book person.

So why do I like this vampire book?

I don’t know. I think the characters are clichéd. But they are only clichéd in a I-know-eight-hundred-people-like-that way and not in a flat, obvious way. The moral ones (OK, Rachel) aren’t as moral as they think they are. The evil ones think they have a good side but they really do have an evil side. The whole concept of vampires/ witches/ demons/ etc. is overdone. Nothing new there.

What I do lik...more I’ll preface this by saying that I’m not a vampire book person.

So why do I like this vampire book?

I don’t know. I think the characters are clichéd. But they are only clichéd in a I-know-eight-hundred-people-like-that way and not in a flat, obvious way. The moral ones (OK, Rachel) aren’t as moral as they think they are. The evil ones think they have a good side but they really do have an evil side. The whole concept of vampires/ witches/ demons/ etc. is overdone. Nothing new there.

What I do like about these books is that they don’t try to be groundbreaking anywhere. Too many books now days make a huge fanfare about their premise, the nobleness of the main character, or the deepness of their underlying philosophy. The authors are so wrapped up in their creation that the plots are dull, the characters flat, and the dialogue that reads like a fundamentalist meeting. Ms. Harrison has put out a book that is strong on all elements and that makes it an enjoyable read.

Now what about book 6? Forgive the metaphor but she has pulled a Rowling. There is the point of every series where it starts to degrade into sheer blather. When I read five I was sure this one was going the way of Dune and the way I predicted Harry Potter would go after Order of the Phoenix. But it was still good enough that I pounced on this one the moment it came out. #6 rescues the series from the slippery slopes of “who cares?”

The secret of Rachel’s true father? The series could have lived without that one. While she pulls the clichéd premise very well this is one cliché that didn’t make the plot more exciting. The way it was told shows that she did plan this one from the beginning and it wasn’t because she was running out of plot. This shows that she is actually planning this series out and not stretching it on a rack.

I felt that the parentage thing only got in the way of the real plot twist – where Rachel gets closer in tune with her demon side. Certainly you could see that one coming from half way around the world (or at least from Book 2.) A lesser author would have had her becoming comfortable with this, or having her look deep in Al’s eyes and realizing that she has misunderstood demons all along. But the demons are just as dangerous, evil and amoral as they were in book 1. This means that no matter what has been settled about Rachel’s powers or genetic make-up, the situation is still a powder keg. There is no settling. This is what keeps me coming back to a genre that isn’t really me.

The book still doesn’t explain what happened to Kisten. I’m not sure that it improves the plot to keep that spun out so long. While I think the unsettled conflict makes the plot red-hot I’m not sure that the whole repressed memory thing is that exciting.

Though speaking of settling. The one reason why I don’t look at fan sites online is because most do advocate settling: Rachel should settle down with Ivy/ Trent/ a hot new vampire now that Kisten is dead / etc. This book does not bring any of this about and I am glad. The thing is that I’m VERY settled so stories about people settling don’t appeal to me. That is the thing that I like most about this series. Nothing is settled.

Oh yeah, can I say that Kim Harrison kicks Stephanie Meyer's butt?(less)

2 likes · like · see review

May 01, 2008 Kim rated it 4 of 5 stars Recommends it for: fans of urban fantasy and those who've enjoyed the series so far!

This is the sixth book in the Rachel Morgan series. The demon Algaliarept is supposed to be imprisoned in the Ever-After, but someone has been summoning him nightly, putting Rachel and the ones she loves at risk. Rachel joins forces with Glenn from the FIB to find out who, while Ivy investigates a mystery left over from book 5. This was a terrific read, although in some ways less satisfying to me than the earlier books. I wanted answers, and you do get a lot here---everything but the answer I wa...more

5 likes · like · see review

Apr 09, 2008 Eliel rated it 4 of 5 stars

As I said here Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series has replaced Laurell Hamilton's Anita Blake series in my mind as top form in the genre of paranormal private investigators.

In this latest outing, she's upped the ante even more by not doing what Hamilton does as her series continues--to wit, regress her plots to the point where they are mere frames on which she hangs her torpidly overwritten soft-core pornography--but instead takes her character the other way. This 6th book of the series takes u...more

6 likes · like · see review

Feb 29, 2008 Seth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: modernfantasy, sf-f-h

If you've read the first 5 books in the series, you know what to expect. If you haven't, don't start here.

This volume picks up right after book 5, For a Few Demons More, which includes some shockers that I really don't want to mention here for anyone who hasn't read that one and it makes talking about ODW difficult without spoiling FFDM.

ODW is similarly dense in twists, turns, and revelations. The official Hollows mailing list banned all discussion of it until six weeks after publication, an un...more

5 likes · like · see review

Oct 17, 2008 This Is Not The Michael You're Looking For rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, fiction, horror, romance, vampires, urban-fantasy, low-fantasy, paranormal-romance, dark-fantasy, ebooks

An interesting little short story set back in time relative to the primary Rachel Morgan tales which gives a little different view of Ceridwen and Algalirept than the primary stories.

Merged review:

This series keeps getting better. Kim Harrison keeps managing to tie together distant threads from across the books, taking the overall story in new and interesting ways.

This book feels particularly like a turning point. I have no idea how long the series is intended to be (there may not be a specific...more

1 like · like · see review

Nov 19, 2010 Kat rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, urban-fantasy, favorites, 2009

I'm not actually sure where to begin this review. There were a lot of revelations in this book that will have far-reaching effects on the books that follow it. It was definitely a turning point in the series. If you're looking for Rachel to find a new love interest, sorry, it doesn't happen in this book. I'm not entirely sure I *like* the way the book ended- but it's got me intrigued enough to continue on. I can't help wondering, though, if Harrison is starting to write herself into a corner. Th...more

3 likes · like · see review

Nov 20, 2008 Angeld01 rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

4 likes · like · see review

Mar 21, 2011 Missyb rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

great twists and developements with Al. A little disapointed that they haven't learned who killed Kisten. Bis was a nice surprise and look forward to more of him. this book had more interaction with Glenn and with Rachel's Mom. the events leading up to Halloween were funny, and so was the roller skating with Marshall and Trent. The events with Trent and the ever-after were interesting, and where it goes will be intersting to see. Miss Brett, too bad he was killed, he would have made it interesti...more

1 like · like · see review

Dec 30, 2008 Marcie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

like · see review

Dec 29, 2008 Lightreads rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, urban-fantasy, romance, fantasy, lgbt

Sixth book in the Rachel Morgan series. Or possibly The Hollows series. Further adventures of our plucky witch as she faces down yet more demon trouble, resolves things a bit with her roommate, rescues an elf, and goes skating.

Okay, here's the thing. I like these books. They're fun, and they have a genuinely artless sort of appeal. The series started out really rough clay, if you know what I mean, so it was clear from day one that Harrison has an instinct for what will satisfy emotionally, if no...more

like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Matt Schiariti rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is probably the most enlightening of all the Hollows novels. In the midst of a potential new love interest, a jailed demon seemingly able to escape and chase after Rachael anytime he wants, a friend learning that she's expecting from a most unexpected father, trips into the ever after to save a species, Harrison gives us what could possibly be the most insight yet into many of the characters we've been enjoying for the last half dozen novels.

There are several shocking and game changing reve...more This is probably the most enlightening of all the Hollows novels. In the midst of a potential new love interest, a jailed demon seemingly able to escape and chase after Rachael anytime he wants, a friend learning that she's expecting from a most unexpected father, trips into the ever after to save a species, Harrison gives us what could possibly be the most insight yet into many of the characters we've been enjoying for the last half dozen novels.

There are several shocking and game changing revelations in this novel. We learn a secret of Rachael's that's so big it's going to change her life as she knows it. Actually, not one, but TWO. The novel delves more into how she's seemingly the first witch to be able to twist demon curses. We learn a bit more about what motivates Trent Kalamack and why he's seemingly so driven and ruthless.

Some people aren't always fond of these books because they feel they don't get to the point. The whole 'day in the life of Rachael Morgan' seems to turn people off. But I enjoy those moments, and this was no exception. There were some parts of the novel where the book did seem to drag a bit. Frankly I found the ever after portions of the book early on to be a little like that so I can understand.

The book ties up alot of the questions it raises and also leaves a nice ongoing plot line dangling: Who. Killed. Kisten? As it turns out, little tidbits are coming back to Rachael that night and even though her memory was wiped, she realizes that she was actually there. That's a two edged sword. It leaves the future books open to explore that which is a great side mystery in itself, but it also leaves Rachael tortured enough to not be able to deal with anything new as far as her love life goes.

This is also the first time we get to spend so much time with Rachael's mom and we learn a great many things about her, not the least of which will turn Rachael's world as she knows it on its ear.

One thing that I do think is finally going to tame down a little bit is the Ivy tension. At first I thought it was interesting but then I felt it was getting to be a little too much. A long winded plot line that didn't seem to want to resolve itself. While I like Ivy, I thought the back and forth of their friendship was getting a little tired. It seems that that's on its way to being resolved and I like it that way.

So, black witch cults summoning demons, mission impossible trips into the ever after to help a species, family revelations as well as even farther reaching species revelations, helping demons, fighting demons, looking for kisten's killer, Jenks, Ivy, Mrs. Morgan and a gargoyle....sound busy? It is, but it reads seamlessly as do all the previous offerings in the series...and as always? Rachael and company continue to grow and entertain (less)

like · see review

Oct 12, 2012 OpenBookSociety.com rated it 2 of 5 stars

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Spoilers Ahead!

This is the sixth book in Kim Harrison’s Hollows series that stars the witch Rachel and her two partners and roommates Ivy and Jenks.

This book picks up about three months after the end of the fifth installment, For a Few Demons More. Rachel is still rocked by the death of her boyfriend, Kisten, and is trying to find a way to move on while still trying to figure out who killed him.

She gets a call from a potential client and goes to meet him, only...more

like · see review

Jun 13, 2012 Susie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: urban-fantasy

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I thinking starting this immediately after Book 5 is tainting my overall review. Where the previous one was action packed and heart breaking, this one moved a lot slower in comparison.

It picks up a few months after Kisten’s death, and I’m glad to see Rachel focusing more on her relationship with her mother in this one. Readers forget she still has a living, breathing mother that she claims she loves, but doesn’t seem to talk to or hear about much. I liked the twist/development in her heritage,...more

like · see review

Apr 15, 2012 Brighid rated it 2 of 5 stars

Let me first get the biggest rant out of the way first and foremost. I usually ingest all my books via audiobook format. There are some really good folks that do the reading and lots of so so folks. The first 4 books were read by Marguerite Gavin who did a bang up job with all the characters. As she is a great reader, all the characters had their distinct voice and mannerisms and she kept on target perfectly. Then all of the sudden she is replaced by Gigi Bermingham who screwed it up royally. Ob...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 13, 2012 zcb257 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Also posted to my blog: http://adventuresinmiscellany.wordpre...

As I expected from the title, this book in The Hollows series is all about Al, and him trying to get himself out of the trouble he’s in, and causing Rachel a lot of grief in the process. This one, so far more than any other, has kept me completely captivated. I was impressed to see Rachel going through the grieving process for Kisten. In a lot of books, when a character dies, they’re barely ever spoken of again. Not so here. Kisten...more Also posted to my blog: http://adventuresinmiscellany.wordpre...

As I expected from the title, this book in The Hollows series is all about Al, and him trying to get himself out of the trouble he’s in, and causing Rachel a lot of grief in the process. This one, so far more than any other, has kept me completely captivated. I was impressed to see Rachel going through the grieving process for Kisten. In a lot of books, when a character dies, they’re barely ever spoken of again. Not so here. Kisten is a shadow throughout the book, coloring thoughts and decisions by both Ivy, and Rachel, and it was nice to see his memory honoured that way. Made the whole thing a little easier to deal with.

Trent is a mouse burger. I was starting to like the guy, but his sense of entitlement is really starting to get on my nerves. In the last book he was prepared to kill, or at least torture, Rachel. Then in this book he bounces right in expecting her to jump to attention to help him out if he waves enough money in front of her. Thankfully she turns him down flat, and while they do end up doing it, it is for Rachel’s reasons, not Trent’s. She then saves his elf ass, then he tries to kill her, again. The guy really needs to shape up to get back on my good side.

Ceri and Quen have shacked up. Turns out that while Ceri was interested in Trent, he is terrified of her and her smut covered soul. Not only have they shacked up, but Ceri is already pregnant. If you remember from vious books, the elves reason for failing to thrive is in their children’s dna. It affect the youngsters so that most don’t make it to adulthood. In order to save Ceri’s baby, Trent wants Rachel to help him steal a tissue sample from the ever after.

In the meantime, Al has decided that enough is enough, and he’s just going to out and out off Rachel. He’s going back on his agreement not to touch her or her kin, but figures he can get away with it since once Rachel is dead there will be no one to complain. Needless to say, the last place she wants to be right now is in the ever after.

There were quite a few ‘Holy Crap’ moments in this chapter of The Hollows. It was a great ride, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!(less)

1 like · like · see review

Feb 10, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: hollows, urban-fantasy

I still haven't recovered from what happened to Kisten... and even though three months have passed for Rachel since the events of the last book, she hasn't either. But she is trying. Of course, even when she is trying to piece her life together, more circumstances beyond her control arise to make it all fall apart again. In this case, it's Al. He's back and he is royally ticked off. The demon blames Rachel for the fact that he is in trouble in the ever-after and he plans on punishing her every t...more

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 30, 2010 Karissa rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the sixth book in Kim Harrison's Hallows series. It was a great book that kept me turning the pages and it was very hard to put down. I am so relived that Harrison continues to write awesome books.

Rachel is prepping for the huge Halloween holiday with her mother when she is assaulted by an unexpected guest; Al is somehow out of demon jail and he is bent on killing Rachel once and for all. Rachel has to figure out what is going on and save her friends and her family.

It was wonderful to re...more

like · see review

Jul 16, 2010 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: bought-copy, series, urban-fantasy

In my opinion, easily the best of the books in the series about the Hollows and Rachel Morgan by Kim Harrison. I thoroughly enjoyed book five, 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 encompasses much more about Rachel's parentage (her mum has a much larger role i...more In my opinion, easily the best of the books in the series about the Hollows and Rachel Morgan by Kim Harrison. I thoroughly enjoyed book five, 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 encompasses much more about Rachel's parentage (her mum has a much larger role in this book than prior, which was good for me because I love her rather kooky character); leads her 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 their inclusion i.e. 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 came 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!

The book doesn't garner the full five stars from me 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.

For me, 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 recycling 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, this book was magnificant and an ideal 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's killer are dealt with. (less)

1 like · like · see review

Mar 09, 2010 Candace rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was another great installment in the Rachel Morgan series but it got one star less then perfect because for me it had a slow start. By the second half of the book however I was LOVING it and couldn't hardly put the book down. Rachel once again is in danger a countless number of times and barely survives by the hair of her teeth (what a weird saying!). But she does survive and other characters roles are developed a bit more as we find out some secrets that had been kept from Rachel...more

like · see review

Jan 13, 2010 Fiendishly Bookish rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: urbanfantasy, witches, demons, 5-star, favorites

Over the course of five Hollows novels, Harrison has teased and alluded to readers about Rachel Morgan's true heritage. Is she really a witch? What did Trent's father exactly do to her DNA? Why does Ceri never let on about what she knows regarding Rachel's unusual talent in kindling demon magic? How is it related to Trent's research for the elf race? Why do demons gravitate towards her as if they have an ulterior motive? Why? Because they do!

Finally, Harrison lets the cat out of the bag in a bi...more Over the course of five Hollows novels, Harrison has teased and alluded to readers about Rachel Morgan's true heritage. Is she really a witch? What did Trent's father exactly do to her DNA? Why does Ceri never let on about what she knows regarding Rachel's unusual talent in kindling demon magic? How is it related to Trent's research for the elf race? Why do demons gravitate towards her as if they have an ulterior motive? Why? Because they do!

Finally, Harrison lets the cat out of the bag in a big way...but she doesn't give it to us all in one big enchilada. The entire meat of the book is a lead in to what we have been waiting for but we stop a few times, glean more along the way.

Two main aspects to this latest tale that stand out significantly are: 1)there is more of a presence and focus on family ties both from Rachel's true family and her urban Hollows one i.e., Rachel's mom has a very dark secret related to Rachel's father, Keasley is revealed, Quen is in dire trouble, Rynn Cormel, the charismatic new Cincy vampire master makes an appearance, Ivy and Rachel come to an agreement of sorts with their blood balance, David the Were appears more nurturing, the addition of Marshal (the witch from Mackinaw Island) provides a potential new love interest, and Ceri...well she's got a bun in the oven from an unlikely source and 2) Rachel's true heritage.

It even gets more complicated and spicier as the search for Kisten's killer ensues, Trent asks Rachel to go on a mission to the Ever-After so that she can retrieve a piece of ancient Elven DNA-that might be able to repair the damage that the demons wrought in the last war. Couple this with Al on a nightly release when some mysterious person keeps summoning him from his jail in the Ever-After-even Minias is hard pressed to catch him. All in all, it's not just a bad day for Rachel but a bad week-Halloween week no less.

Readers get the big payoff and a glimpse into one possible direction that Harrison might be taking the series-one that is freaking irresistible! I felt like giggling and skipping around in a circle chanting a mantra: "We're going to the Ever After- We're going to the Ever After" like it's a really neat school field trip. Well hell...it is! My permission slip is signed and I'm ready to go!

After staying up nearly all night to finish reading (got the book early), and a triple espresso in the shower to wake me up, it was well worth every minute. Worth savoring and re-reading!

Kudos Harrison, did it again!-Laughter in One Word: `mouse burger", and the dialogue between Jenks and Bis was so freaking funny I laffed so hard and loud, that I probably woke my neighbors! (c)Nicola Mattos
(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Dec 31, 2009 Ashleigh Cartmill rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fantasy, humor, romance, vampires

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

1 like · like · see review

Oct 03, 2009 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Kim Harrison is one of those authors that I believe is the real thing. Her books are so intracate and complicated but flow in one cohesive story that you could never see coming. Unlike some books where there is a goal from the beginning and then you read a trilogy (or more with some series) where everyone is hell bent on a particular goal (even if it is just kicking the bad guys respective asses) so that you really have a line between point A and B ... Harrison is telling a story that is much mo...more

like · see review

May 07, 2009 Brooke rated it 5 of 5 stars

I finally finished The Outlaw Demon Wails this evening, and I must say Kim Harrison has done it again. She continues the Hollows series with unexpected plot twists and new interesting characters. This sixth installment focuses on family, both by blood and her family of friends.
We find out about Rachel's true heritage and learn more about her parents. We see more of Rachel and Ivy working through their blood balance. This is shown in a scene where I had to put the book down, and walk away from th...more I finally finished The Outlaw Demon Wails this evening, and I must say Kim Harrison has done it again. She continues the Hollows series with unexpected plot twists and new interesting characters. This sixth installment focuses on family, both by blood and her family of friends.
We find out about Rachel's true heritage and learn more about her parents. We see more of Rachel and Ivy working through their blood balance. This is shown in a scene where I had to put the book down, and walk away from the intensity of it for a moment. There is also a possible new love interest in Rachel's future when Marshall (the witch from Mackinaw Island) appears on her church's front steps. The Elves (Ceri, Quen, and Trent) are also heavily focused on as they try to save their species.

All of The Hollows characters slip in and out of the story. Even though they are not on the front burner, their presence is shown and their support for our favorite trio is evident. Like when David stops by to lend Rachel his duster, or when Keasley comes to Rachel's aid, yet again. We even learn more about the mysterious rockstar Takata!

Diving into the Ever-After was a suspenseful scene, and a scary view into the world where the Demons lurk. Kim describes this run down wasteland with such detail, that I can just taste the burnt amber in the back of my throat, and feel the murky air all over. I was nervous to visit the Ever-After, and now I'm excited to learn that we will be going back in the future. Of course it will be on our own terms next time!

Jenks as always lends his hysterical one liners, and witty banter with our girls and enemies. He manages to save the day once or twice, and he also has a new tenant in the church, a Gargoyle named Bis. There is still talk of Matalina's illness, and you can feel the pain every time it is mentioned. One can only hope that she will survive through the series.

I hate to give anything away, but I feel it has been out long enough that I can post this very minor spoiler. It was really refreshing when I got to the end of the book and realized that there was no sex at all. The story didn't need it to push along the plot, and it definitely wasn't time for Rachel to take that step with anyone so soon after her loss from For a Few Demons More. The story has fantastic dialogue that keeps you glued to the pages.

(I understand it's not a big spoiler, but some people might be miffed about the lack of sex in the book. Yeah, I'm talking about you Rachel and Ivy worshippers!)

Overall this is the best book in the series so far. I don't know how Kim will top it (I've said that before), but I have faith that she will. The Hollows just sucks you in, and once you're there you never want to leave.
If you haven't already, get out there and buy the book! If you haven't started this series I suggest you hop to it! (less)

2 likes · like · see review

May 03, 2009 Lisa Damian rated it 5 of 5 stars

Imagine an ordinary Cincinnati suburb after one-quarter of the world’s population has been wiped out by genetically modified fresh tomatoes, resulting in a whole host of paranormal beings ‘coming out of the closet.’ The result is the Hollows, a neighborhood comprised primarily of witches, werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural creatures, who work side-by-side with humans in an effort to maintain, or in some cases disrupt, the collective peace.

The Outlaw Demon Wails is the sixth book in Kim...more Imagine an ordinary Cincinnati suburb after one-quarter of the world’s population has been wiped out by genetically modified fresh tomatoes, resulting in a whole host of paranormal beings ‘coming out of the closet.’ The result is the Hollows, a neighborhood comprised primarily of witches, werewolves, vampires, and other supernatural creatures, who work side-by-side with humans in an effort to maintain, or in some cases disrupt, the collective peace.

The Outlaw Demon Wails is the sixth book in Kim Harrison’s Hollows series. The interwoven tales have grown increasingly more complex throughout each novel, and this most recent volume is sure to captivate Harrison fans by offering the alternate history intrigue and edge-of-your-seat action scenes combined with the humor for which Harrison has become known. The strength of Harrison’s story telling lies in her ability to spin a compelling yarn.

“Ivy’s long hand trembled. My heart gave a hard thump as she pushed from her computer and focused entirely on me in a familiar mix of anger and the sexual domination she used to protect herself. I met her angry expression with my glare, and a twinge came from my neck. I ignored it. The tips of her gold-highlighted hair shifted with her breath, and a feeling of unease rose behind me, like the creepy-crawly things that live under the bed that only kids know are there.”

Though Harrison does a fine job of succinctly summarizing plot-lines in each novel, newcomers to Harrison's stories may want to begin with the first book in the series, Dead Witch Walking, in order to fully appreciate the background behind the action-packed Outlaw Demon Wails. She has also written several short stories, such as that found in the urban fantasy collection Dates From Hell, that further construct the Hollows adventures.

Harrison has taken the time to develop each of her paranormal cultures throughout the series. Initial installments of the Hollows series feature the role of vampires, while later books focus on weres. The Outlaw Demon Wails tackles the complex history of demons. The grey area somewhere between good and evil continues to serve as an underlying theme for most of the major characters.

This sixth book answers many of the questions eluded to in previous novels, such as:

-- What is the nature of the ever-after?
-- What sort of relationship will develop between leading witch/detective Rachel Morgan and pure-bred living vampire Ivy Tamwood?
-- What's the history behind the witches?

Many writers are able to intrigue the reader by building suspense and playing upon the imagination, but oftentimes, once the reader finds out the answers to the underlying mysteries, the final result leaves one feeling disappointed. Finding out what actually lays beyond the curtain is rarely as captivating as wondering what might be there. Fortunately, this is not the case with Harrison's wrap-ups. Her answers are inventive yet plausible. Perhaps the key to her skill is that she doesn't spoon-feed every detail; rather, she allows the reader's imagination to fill in a few blanks or develop new theories based on the information that is provided.

While many threads are tied up in this sixth novel, perhaps the most comprehensive of the Hollows stories, fresh new characters and plot-lines are also introduced. Harrison manages to create an alternative suburb in which the reader comes to accept that these paranormal creatures are, in fact, people too, with the same virtues and flaws as the rest of us mere humans. Harrison's work may leave you wondering if the housewife next door stirs potions in her spare time, or if that star baseball player actually runs on four legs during the full moon.
(less)

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (18)

More editions...

Genres

Fantasy

393 users

Paranormal > Vampires

259 users

Fantasy > Urban Fantasy

210 users

Paranormal > Witches

155 users

Paranormal > Demons

120 users

Fantasy > Paranormal

107 users

Romance > Paranormal Romance

89 users

Fantasy > Supernatural

85 users

Romance

73 users

Shapeshifters > Werewolves

46 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Embrace the Night
by Karen Chance
Kitty and the Silver Bullet
by Carrie Vaughn
Magic Burns
by Ilona Andrews
The Touch of Twilight
by Vicki Pettersson
Blood Cross
by Faith Hunter

About Kim Harrison

Kim Harrison, dark urban fantasy author of the New York Times bestselling The Outlaw Demon Wails, was born and raised in the upper Midwest. After gaining her bachelors in the sciences, she moved to South Carolina, where she has remained since. She is currently developing a new young adult series between working on the Hollows books, and is a member of The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of Ame...more

More about Kim Harrison...

Books by Kim Harrison

Every Which Way But Dead (The Hollows, #3)

The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (The Hollows, #2)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About The Outlaw Demon ...

6 trivia questions

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from The Outlaw Demon Wails

“Maybe he thinks he can rescue me? No one is that stupid. ” — 192 people liked it

“Oh for the sweet humpin' love of Tink! ~ Jenks” — 139 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: The Outlaw Demon Wails
avg rating	preview: The Outlaw Demon Wails Goodreads rating: 4.36 (25242 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1225621.The_Outlaw_Demon_Wails?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1222643318l/1225621.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1225621.The_Outlaw_Demon_Wails?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison[/url]

The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows #6)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website