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Black Magic Sanction (The Hollows #8)

by Kim Harrison (Goodreads Author)

4.36 of 5 stars 4.36 · rating details · 21,102 ratings · 819 reviews

Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter—and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind . . . until now.

Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment—her worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slaver...more

Mass Market Paperback, 546 pages

Published December 28th 2010 by Harper Voyager (first published January 1st 2010)

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Mar 07, 2010 Smash added it · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, read-2010, favorites, read-own-hardcopy

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

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 26, 2010 Sheralyn rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pg-13, recommended

Thank heavens for ARCs. After WWBC I was totally manic to read this one. I won't drop spoilers, although I can thank Kim Harrison for not leaving me drowning for book #9. I can actually take a deep, calming breath and mentally accept the year wait until the next book... even though it will still be an impatient 12 months. LOVE this series!

I've always been a spoiler fan and speculator, though, so I have to say I hope the next book is the story that finishes what the short story "Unbound" started,...more

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Apr 01, 2010 Marissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: series, urban-fantasy, demons, witches

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

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Apr 12, 2010 Rhiannon Frater rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I really liked this book a lot. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot. I appreciated Rachel's character development. I was glad to see some major questions answered (Jenk's life span, Matalinda's illness, etc). I even enjoyed the return of Rachel's no good ex, Nick. I think the writing was crisper, smarter, and really awesome this go around. Kim seems to be only getting better as an author and I really enjoy her work.

I liked nearly everything about this book plotwise, except for Pierce.
I don't understa...more

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Feb 26, 2012 Vanessa added it · review of another edition

Shelves: abandoned, will-finish-one-day, read-in-2012

I sometimes like to imagine my brain as a giant on/off lever and enjoy throwing the switch to "off" on occasion. Which is typically when I used to reach for paranormal fiction. But most of it is pure crap. Since Laurell K. Hamilton got hit with the icky porn stick and the Bon Temps are not roulez-ing much anymore in Charlaine Harris's Sookie series, pretty much all I've got left is Kim Harrison and Richelle Mead. I think I need to expand my universe.

Look, I like Kim Harrison's Hollows series bu...more I sometimes like to imagine my brain as a giant on/off lever and enjoy throwing the switch to "off" on occasion. Which is typically when I used to reach for paranormal fiction. But most of it is pure crap. Since Laurell K. Hamilton got hit with the icky porn stick and the Bon Temps are not roulez-ing much anymore in Charlaine Harris's Sookie series, pretty much all I've got left is Kim Harrison and Richelle Mead. I think I need to expand my universe.

Look, I like Kim Harrison's Hollows series but the magic (no pun intended) is fading for me. This book is the eighth in the series. For starters, it's almost 500 pages. Which isn't a problem if the story has places to go but here it just circles the drain for the first 200 pages and I couldn't push any farther. Rachel is in trouble again, this time with the governing body of witches who plan to either lobotomize her or steal her eggs to make little demon/witch babies (if you haven't followed the series up to this point, all this will sound like gibberish.) Rachel gets kidnapped. Rachel gets rescued. Rachel gets into an argument with Pierce, Jenks and/or Ivy. Her no good ex Nick shows up. More arguing. Rachel gets attacked again. More arguments. Trent Kalamack pops up. Fights, death threats, arguments. Rinse and repeat. And repeat. The pattern is more onerous because it's basically the same argument over and over:

Rachel: I can take care of myself.
Pierce: No you can't Rachel. I love you. I would die for you.
Ivy: No, I will.
Nick: No, me.
Rachel: Kisten is the only man I'll ever love. Let's reconvene and have this argument again in 50 pages.
Jenks: Something something Tink's panties.

If there is one thing recreational fiction shouldn't be, it's a chore. And it belatedly occurred to me after I picked this up that I had to skim through some of the last book (White Witch, Black Curse) as well. I realize that it sounds like I'm doing a hatchet job on Kim Harrison and I don't intend to. I have a lot of affection for her and this series and by stopping here for the indefinite future, I can keep it that way. Maybe this series has fallen into that common past book #5 malaise. Maybe I've grown tired of it. Maybe--probably--both. (less)

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May 07, 2012 Jennifer Bielman (Reading and Writing UF and PNR) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, adult, urban-fantasy

The Good
I have to say, I really enjoyed this book. I was on edge pretty much the whole time. Apparently, the coven of moral and ethical standards no longer just wants Rachel shunned from the witch community, they want to magically lobotomize her, too. Yeah, not good. Obviously, Rachel likes her magic right where it is, so she does what she's good at, fights tooth and nail for her rights.

This book starts out with a bang and ends on an even bigger explosion. Everyone and their mother wants a piec...more

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Mar 30, 2011 Amanda Lyons rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

The Rachel Morgan series is one that unlike many other urban fantasy tales truly strives to be unique, witty and moving without giving any of its charm up in favor of popularity. I'm happy to see the series thriving and drawing in new fans everyday and it's author gaining success with it.

The reason I can still say this about a series that's on it's eight book is because both the author and the story are genuinely interesting and worth every sentence we invest. This is a rare thing to still enjo...more The Rachel Morgan series is one that unlike many other urban fantasy tales truly strives to be unique, witty and moving without giving any of its charm up in favor of popularity. I'm happy to see the series thriving and drawing in new fans everyday and it's author gaining success with it.

The reason I can still say this about a series that's on it's eight book is because both the author and the story are genuinely interesting and worth every sentence we invest. This is a rare thing to still enjoy the eighth book as much as I have the first and it's a lesson I learned the hard way through Anita Blake and other fantasy series that have begun to lose their focus or strength over time.

Rachel is a character who retains herself throughout the many adventures and misadventures she goes through. When she changes its in ways that still show the proud 'itchy witch' we met in the first book and the very human sense of loss she's experienced over time. She is the story and she moves us in every way imaginable. Just when we think Rachel may have finally gone too far or gotten too caught up in the inner workings of the innerlander world she lives in she pulls through it all not with cheap tricks and turns of plot but with hard earned scars and emotional history. She learns from her mistakes and makes new ones, this is a hero we can all relate to because though our lives may not be so dramatic they are just as fraught with pitfalls and unexpected results as Rachel's.

This most recent book promised to have a very dark ending judging by many of the events that took place at the beginning of the book and indeed it was a very close call. Once again Rachel is in trouble because of her association with demons only this time she's in trouble with the Council a group that polices all witches and their actions and who had already shunned Rachel at the end of the last book making things very hard for her and her family. Apparently shunning wasn't enough and now they want to take more drastic measures. Many things change in this book and some characters we may have thought we knew begin to become a bit clearer as time goes on. Fans of the series are sure to find this book just as entertaining as the previous books and with good reason.(less)

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Jan 02, 2013 T.S. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The danger one faces with reading a series is that, after a time, they can get monotonous. If you’re a true fan, you know the details, eccentricities and jokes intimately and after several books, if poorly executed, they become tiresome. However, when said series is in the hands of a master, then that “old hat” expectation never happens. For me, this is true of Kim Harrison’s Hollows series. After nine books, (the tenth, A Perfect Blood released this month), the series has yet to grow stale. Per...more The danger one faces with reading a series is that, after a time, they can get monotonous. If you’re a true fan, you know the details, eccentricities and jokes intimately and after several books, if poorly executed, they become tiresome. However, when said series is in the hands of a master, then that “old hat” expectation never happens. For me, this is true of Kim Harrison’s Hollows series. After nine books, (the tenth, A Perfect Blood released this month), the series has yet to grow stale. Perhaps it’s because I’ve become invested in the characters, in the lush, intricate world that Harrison creates. Perhaps, it’s because I’m far too curious to find out what fate has in store for Rachel Morgan. In any case, reading a new Hollows novel, is like sitting down for a very long visit with an old friend. There is comfort, humor and familiarity in these characters; there is potential in what we hope will happen, what we hope will be avoided.

Black Magic Sanction is all about Rachel’s future and who will control it. In previous novels in the series, Rachel discovered the truth about her heritage: that she is a white witch with demon ancestry and that any children she may have will certainly be demons. This information, coupled with her unwillingly agreement to be a demon familiar, earns her a shunning by the Coven Council . She is given a choice: sterilization or prison time in Alcatraz.

But Rachel Morgan isn’t a woman who likes to be controlled, though there are plenty who are eager for the opportunity: Trent Kalamack, the rich politician/hiding elf whose father is responsible for her demon blood; the Coven Council who are hell bent on punishing Rachel for being able to twist demon magic; Algaliarept, the demon who schemed his way into making Rachel his familiar and the long dead witch, Pierce, who takes an “any means necessary” approach to getting out of his obligations.

The lesson that all the above refuse to learn is that control cannot be taken from ones unwilling to relinquish it and in Black Magic Sanction, it’s a lesson that each learn the hard way.

The novels follows Rachel into her past, opening long-slammed shut doors that have made her the witch she has become. This includes her first encounter with Pierce and the dangerous situations he led Rachel into as a teen and her history with Trent when they were children together:

Tulpa’s feet left the earth, and he stretched forward. One with him, we leaned as well, instinct older than magic taking hold. The beating of his hooves was silenced, and the thumping of my heart was all that there was. For an instant, we flew.
Tulpa’s front feet touched, and the world rushed back. The cadence of his hooves beat into me, and I shouted, letting go of Trent. It had been marvelous. Wonderful beyond belief. Exuberant, I smiled, feeling breathless and powerful all at the same time.
Trent turned, wonder in his eyes, shock almost. “You held on.”

Previous and current interactions hint at things to come between Rachel and Trent and the love/hate relationship they share. For all the traitorous things they have done to one another, there is a mutual respect that is central and layered throughout the story. Rachel’s other relationships, with her family, her friends, partners and her community are tested in this novel, but they are ultimately resolved, perhaps, especially because, Rachel is, above all else, a survivor. She is also a force of nature, a driven character that only wants to do her job, protect those she loves and live her life as normally as a part witch/part demon can.

It is this character’s unyielding insistence to never give up that, I think, appeals and addicts Harrison’s readers. She has fashioned a world where the underdog, the relentless woman, can learn and grow and define the path she will take, regardless of the plans others have for her.

Or, as Pierce tells Rachel:

You’re firm in will, pure in intent, strong in magic. But now it’s tempered with wisdom, and you’re more beautiful and brilliant yet…you are shades of gray swirling, balancing needs and desires…you are good, Rachel. No matter what your choices lead you to, you will remain such.”

Harrison is one of the best in the genre. She has written the paradigm of great UF and effortlessly sets the bar higher and higher with every Hollows novel she writes, defying others to match her. So far, no one has.(less)

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Nov 19, 2012 Matt Schiariti rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I've been a big fan of the Rachael Morgan series since I got hooked on Dead Witch Walking several months ago and have enjoyed the series as a whole pretty consistently since then. I will say that while I haven't entirely enjoyed the last two offerings as much as the early/middle novels as much, it's still a fun and imaginative series.

In this outing Rachael is in trouble again (duh!), only this time it's the Coven of moral standards that's out to get her. They see her as a threat being that she c...more I've been a big fan of the Rachael Morgan series since I got hooked on Dead Witch Walking several months ago and have enjoyed the series as a whole pretty consistently since then. I will say that while I haven't entirely enjoyed the last two offerings as much as the early/middle novels as much, it's still a fun and imaginative series.

In this outing Rachael is in trouble again (duh!), only this time it's the Coven of moral standards that's out to get her. They see her as a threat being that she communes with demons and often performs black magic. That she twists demon curses to get out of impossible situations that aren't of her doing isn't their concern. They want her gone.

That's the overall plot of the book and it's a good one. Being that it's a Rachael Morgan book though it deviates from that here and there and we go into the minutia of Rachael's day as well as her learning more about ley lines from her teacher, Big Al. Al, by the way, is still one of the highlights of the series. On a more personal/emotional note for Rachael, there are heavy doses of Pierce in this novel and I admit that the character is growing on me. I thought his importance was a bit thrust onto the reader in the last book, considering he was just from a short story, but his 18th century way of speaking and his outlook on the use of his skills and insight into how Rachael really is has me liking him all the more the more he appears in the novel.

I've seen people say that they haven't liked this series because they feel it doesn't 'get to the point', and I think that's why I haven't liked this and the previous novel as much as the first six novels. I used to love the day to day of her life when it was all new. Learning about how she spells, pixie culture, living vamps; the whole world Harrison made was new and fresh at that point and even when the books strayed away from the central plot they were still entertaining. Now, however, it seems to be getting a little stale. While the central plot and the action and character interactions were all enjoyable, a lot of the same ground gets retread. More learning about ley lines. More lamentation about how everything isn't 'her fault', her getting into trouble and summarily beaten up only to wake up to a chorus of 'Rachael, are you ok??' from her all too protective friends. There's even one segment in the book where it's if she leaves for a change of venue/scenery for a while, the entire cast acts as if their collective world will end. It is nice that most of the Ivy drama is over.

So, the point of the previous long winded paragraph was just to point out that I felt that the book does drag nowadays when it strays off the central plot for the most part, usually with things that seem entirely too familiar. I was going to rate it a 3 but the clever ending really made up for it.

So, while not quite a four star book, it's decidedly better than just a three star. I'm still a fan of the series and have grown fond of the characters and the alternate universe Harrison has created.(less)

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Aug 19, 2012 David rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

That was annoying

You know the relationship you are in is in trouble when you start to be annoyed by your partner... a lot. They probably aren't doing anything different than they were doing a month ago, but one morning you wake up and think to yourself, "Man, the way she baby-talks to the dog is annoying" or "Oh my God, if he clips his toenails in the living room one more time I'm going to scream." I'm not saying your relationship is doomed, but you are now past being blinded by how great you fe...more

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May 29, 2012 Kate rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

One day I will find a book that is like Buffy (or Dresden files, but with a woman protagonist) that is smart and occasionally funny in a modern fantasy setting in which the woman totally saves the world. Sadly, this isn't it. I tried the book because it looked interesting, and was compared to Buffy on the cover, and I was underwhelmed. What I really want is an action adventure type story which is fun fluff, but in which the romance is secondary (unless it is Sharon Shinn, because she can write l...more

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Mar 29, 2012 Star (The Bibliophilic Book Blog) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed

Rachel Morgan is a bounty hunter and a witch living in Cincinnati, but she isn't just a ‘regular’ witch. She can do almost no one else can - spindle demon magic. Now everyone is after her and all she wants is a normal life. In this book, Rachel is forced to confront and accept the truth about her life and powers. Rachel discovers that the coven of witches who ordered her shunned is trying to capture her for their own purposes – and that’s not all.

I love Kim Harrison’s writing and the world she’s...more

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Mar 09, 2012 Caci rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Title: Black Magic Sanction
Author: Kim Harrison
Year of Publication: 2010
Publisher: EOS
Page count: 496
Black Magic Sanction is the eighth book in Kim Harrison’s Hollows urban fantasy series. The Hollows novels follow the misadventures of Rachel Morgan, a witch who lives in a church and has a supernatural bounty-hunter business with her friends Ivy, a living vampire and Jenks, a pixy. There is an intimate, long-running story through-out this series. I highly recommend readers unfamiliar with the Ho...more Title: Black Magic Sanction
Author: Kim Harrison
Year of Publication: 2010
Publisher: EOS
Page count: 496
Black Magic Sanction is the eighth book in Kim Harrison’s Hollows urban fantasy series. The Hollows novels follow the misadventures of Rachel Morgan, a witch who lives in a church and has a supernatural bounty-hunter business with her friends Ivy, a living vampire and Jenks, a pixy. There is an intimate, long-running story through-out this series. I highly recommend readers unfamiliar with the Hollows start with Dead Witch Walking and read the books in order.
Black Magic Sanction starts shortly after where the timeline in White Witch, Black Curse (book 7) ended. Black Magic Sanction has magic, intrigue and misfortune after misstep for Rachel Morgan. The coven, the ruling body of witches for moral and ethical standards has shunned Rachel and has decided to take it one step further and not allow her to live. During an attempt on her life Rachel is caught and held in Alcatraz. She’s given two choices either a lobotomy to effectively end her use of magic or sterilization so she may not pass her genes on through her offspring.
Rachel is finally coming to understand that she’s basically the genetic missing link between witches and demons. She’s able to invoke demon curses and slowly beginning to realize she’s really a witch or a demon. Rachel’s also becoming more and more accepting of her position as Al the demon’s student, not familiar, and spends weekends in his suite of rooms in the afterlife learning how to twist demon curses.
Jenks’ absent from the story for a good bit, but then somewhat out of nowhere his home and family are attacked resulting in a tragedy. He slips into a severe depression and then is remarkably pulled out of it in a relatively short timeframe. A bit later his feelings are callously dismissed by Rachel with, “I was surprised he was talking about her already. Maybe the pixy psyche was like that, live hard and fast.” Jenks is a major character in this series and those familiar with the storyline might feel a bit of affront on behalf of the way Jenks’ loss was handled.
With Ivy and Jenks strangely absent in the storyline, the demon teacher Al, Al’s familiar Pierce, Nick, Rachel’s betraying ex-boyfriend and Trent were pushed in to provide much of the support for this story. Rachel’s ex-boyfriend who betrayed her multiple times and is the direct reason for one of her demon marks is predicitable playing the hidden evil villan. Pierce is an irritating addition as Rachel’s love interest and fellow somewhat student of Al’s. Of course Rachel is still torn between her feelings for her dead vampire lover Kisten and Pierce.
Al however, is very capable of being amusing as well as dangerously exciting. When first introduced to Al he was a total and complete monster that you considered truly evil. As a character he’s evolved into something much more interesting than just the bad guy. Trent’s story is far from done I think, we find out little bits about him each book and each little morsel only makes one want to learn more… which of course makes you want to keep reading.
Black Magic Sanction is a good book and a quick read. The main storyline of the entire series may not be progressing at a clip but each book so far has peeled back a new and interesting layer of the overall story.
(less)

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Mar 05, 2012 Sharon Storm rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the 8th book in Kim Harrison's The Hollows series with Rachel Morgan, a witch, as the main character. In these books, Rachel lives in Cincinnati in a former church with her roommate Ivy, a vampire. All of the books in this series take place after an event called "the turn", when humans began co-existing, in different ways, with witches, vampires, werewolves, elves, and pixies. Ms. Harrison is very good at adding humor to stories that can sometimes be a bit frightening or "heavy". I give...more

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Jan 17, 2012 Forgotten Realms Queen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: horror

*Spoilers*

Another fantastic instalment to the Hollows saga. It reminds me a lot of Jim Butcher's Changes. Rachel turns to anyone and everyone for help, but everyone turns her down, leaving her to solve things on her own once more.

I was so sad when Matalina dies, but happy that Jenks lives on for Rachel and his kids. So touching and moving. I totally bawled.

I liked that we got more information on the link between demons, witches, and elves. A lot of stuff has been cleared up, but Trent is still a...more

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Oct 17, 2011 Stacey Voss rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’ve been waiting to get back to this series for awhile. This was the last book I read from Kim Harrison, and now I remember how frustrated I was last time I finished it and couldn’t get my hands on the next one right away. When it comes to books, especially in a series, I’m all about instant gratification. So I hope you’ll understand when I try to keep this review short. I have the next book, Pale Demon, ready to go and I’m not sure how long I can keep it out of my hot little hands.

I hope I’ve...more

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Oct 16, 2011 Twiggy rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, magical, adventure

Further adventures of Rachel, Jinks, Al, Ivy et co.

The witches coven of ethical and moral standards decides that the best place for Rachel is either drugged up in Alcatraz or magically neutered ( both senses) and failing that, they would not weep any tears at her death.

In the traditional way, many attacks ensue and Rachel falls into one bad situation after another .

Unfortunately Trent features in only a minimal fashion until the end.

We have further encounters with Nick and Rachel just comes...more

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Aug 04, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't resist a new Rachel Morgan book. I'm so addicted and so completely sucked into this series that I even pre-ordered the book online so it that it showed up on my doorstep on the day of release. I'm honestly even a little embarrassed that it took me this long to finish it! It's a combination of being busy and not being quiet as engaged as I hoped...

In the eighth installment of Rachel Morgan's adventures the local white magic coven, after discovering Rachel's demonic nature, are shunning he...more I can't resist a new Rachel Morgan book. I'm so addicted and so completely sucked into this series that I even pre-ordered the book online so it that it showed up on my doorstep on the day of release. I'm honestly even a little embarrassed that it took me this long to finish it! It's a combination of being busy and not being quiet as engaged as I hoped...

In the eighth installment of Rachel Morgan's adventures the local white magic coven, after discovering Rachel's demonic nature, are shunning her and accusing her of black magic (which she comments far too many times throughout the novel that she is not a practitioner of) and offer her two terrible alternatives. Rachel must rely on an odd bunch of people including demons, pixies, elves and leprechauns to help clear her name, leading to an enjoyable and fun (at times, giggle-worthy) thrill ride with action, adventure, fun and even romance.

Despite the fun, I had just a few little nit-picky issues with this book. First, the action seemed even uneven at several parts, almost like the book should have been edited down more to help the pacing. Also, some of the plot points just felt too convenient and (probably the biggest problem to me) Rachel's insistent need to whine about something drove me nuts. She really just needs to get back to butt-kicking (the whining seems to mostly be post-Kisten's death in book five and forward). The ending, to me anyway, was a tiny bit unsatisfying, because it was just a bridge into the next book. I'm starting to think that this series may be getting stuck in some kind of drawn-out state that can happen to authors with popular series.

On to the good -it was great to see all of my favorite supporting characters, particularly Jinks. Rachel also did some really unique things in Black Magic Sanction, such as shrinking down to go into Jinks' home to be sure that he is alive. The fun was still there, and there were several lines that brought a giggle to my lips. I wouldn't say that reading this book (or even pre-ordering it) was a waste at all, but just not up to the very high standard of previous novels in the series.

Better than the last two books, for sure, and definitely fun, but I hope the next one is better! (less)

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Aug 01, 2011 Madame X rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: superior-worldbuilding, paranormal-urban-fantasy, favorites

I often find it difficult to review a new book from a favorite series because my feelings are pretty simple. They boil down to, "I love this series, I love this book, I wish I didn't have to wait a year for the next one!" That's how it is with Kim Harrison's books anyhow. I am totally hooked on The Hollows.

I figure if you're reading this review you're probably not new to Kim Harrison. The Hollows is not a series that can be read out of order (for any newbies who've found there way here: start wi...more I often find it difficult to review a new book from a favorite series because my feelings are pretty simple. They boil down to, "I love this series, I love this book, I wish I didn't have to wait a year for the next one!" That's how it is with Kim Harrison's books anyhow. I am totally hooked on The Hollows.

I figure if you're reading this review you're probably not new to Kim Harrison. The Hollows is not a series that can be read out of order (for any newbies who've found there way here: start with Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, Book 1)). If you've enjoyed the direction that the series has been heading over the past few books, Black Magic Sanction will fill you with glee. If not, what's wrong with you?

What are some little plot teasers I can throw out. Well, the villain of Black Magic Sanction is the coven of ethical and moral standards. As judge and jury to the witch population, members of the coven tend to be ruthless and power hungry...so it shouldn't be any surprise that these ruthless, power-hungry witches have found a way to use white magic for dark purposes. I really enjoyed this aspect of the novel - seeing a witch with an aura as clean freshly windexed glass use white magic to do some pretty black deeds, for selfish reasons, really drives home the point that however ugly Rachel Morgan's sooty aura is, she's the one fighting the good fight. Sometimes appearances really are deceiving.

We see a lot more of Pierce, the former ghost, who serves as this book's dangerous love interest. We don't see enough of Trent, who makes a couple of brief yet crucial appearances. Nick turns up again, and boy, if you thought you couldn't hate Nick any more than you already did, you will find out that you were wrong. That little snothead is just about the most despicable fictional character I've ever encountered. But the sexy/evil enemy/ally that really shines in this book is Algaliarept. I've always thought Al was a great character; when he appears in a scene, I know it's going to be fun to read (even if I know Rachel won't enjoy what happens very much). But until Black Magic Sanction I was never even slightly tempted by him as a romantic interest for Rachel. That's right, I said "until," and no, I am not explaining any further.

There's one really major thing that happens in Black Magic Sanction that all of Harrison's devoted readers have been dreading for a while now. We know that pixies have short life spans - and Jenks and Matalina have reached the ripe old age of 20, the sunset years of their species. But just try to imagine The Hollows without Jenks. It's impossible, right? He's the magic ingredient. Him and his whole family. Well, we get a day of reckoning in Black Magic Sanction so keep your tissues handy. I cried big fat tears over this one.

That's about it. Ugh, another year until the next book!(less)

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Jun 29, 2011 Roberta rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal

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

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May 09, 2011 Kater Cheek rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Kim Harrison is different for other series writers in that she has managed to consistently create compelling stories in each of her novels. If you haven't been following the series, don't start with this one, but if you've been a fan of the other books, I'm happy to tell you that you'll probably keep being a fan with this one too.

One of the things I like best about Rachel Morgan as a character is the way she uses many different tools to solve problems. Sometimes she just punches or kicks the per...more Kim Harrison is different for other series writers in that she has managed to consistently create compelling stories in each of her novels. If you haven't been following the series, don't start with this one, but if you've been a fan of the other books, I'm happy to tell you that you'll probably keep being a fan with this one too.

One of the things I like best about Rachel Morgan as a character is the way she uses many different tools to solve problems. Sometimes she just punches or kicks the person who's attacking her. Sometimes she uses earth magic charms. Sometimes she uses ley line magic. More often than not, she gets what she wants by negotiating, even if the person she's negotiating with is or has been an enemy before. I especially like the frienemy relationship she has with Trent Kalamack. Harrison brings in other frienemy characters from earlier books in this one, so again, I wouldn't recommend this to people who haven't read earlier books in the series.

That said, I had a harder time getting into this book than I have with earlier ones. I don't know if it's just where I am as a reader right now, or if there's something about this book which didn't shine as well as the other ones. Part of it is that Rachel seems so very, very young. I think I've grown more as a person since the first book came out than Rachel has, and I haven't summoned any demons or had my life threatened. Rachel still careens from one disaster to another, dragging her loyal friends in her wake. She has learned a lot more magic since the first book, and she seems to pick up nearly-impossible skills with ease in this one too, but she isn't any more mature.

The plot is tight, or I should say, the action is tight. Rachel is either escaping from, or getting herself into danger from page one to the end. She makes a few decisions that had me smacking my face with their stupidity. I understand that she wants to be a good witch, not a bad one, but I'm a pretty good person too, and I wouldn't risk my life to warn someone who A. knew what they were getting into and B. imprisoned me, beat me up, and threatened me with a lobotomy. A second decision she made (which I won't delve into as it is a spoiler) ends up getting one of her allies killed. I lost some respect for Rachel after that, though her friends--miraculously enough--forgive her.

I think this novel was a little longer than the other ones. It felt like it, anyway, because the plot kind of lost me once or twice. I hope the next book is a little tighter. The characters are still great, and the action still interesting, so I'd recommend this book. I'm going to keep reading the series.(less)

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Mar 14, 2011 Jaime rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, audio, paranormal

There are few series that have captured me the way this one has. I’ve been thinking about this review for over a week, and I’m afraid the only way I can explain is in fractured points.

I love that Harrison throws us directly into the action. We’re mere pages into the book when things start to go south for Rachel. This isn’t one of those series you can just jump into at any point and understand. And that’s perfectly alright.

If you *do* jump in without reading the books before, Harrison is adept at...more There are few series that have captured me the way this one has. I’ve been thinking about this review for over a week, and I’m afraid the only way I can explain is in fractured points.

I love that Harrison throws us directly into the action. We’re mere pages into the book when things start to go south for Rachel. This isn’t one of those series you can just jump into at any point and understand. And that’s perfectly alright.

If you *do* jump in without reading the books before, Harrison is adept at weaving in the relevant back story without it feeling ham-fisted, forced, or completely out of place. It’s also a nice reminder for when there’s a year or more between the reading of volumes.

I love that Rachel is far from perfect. She repeats her mistakes. She has questionable taste in men (though I happen to like Pierce). She’s protective of others to a fault. She has irrational attachments. She’ll push forward with plans she should know won’t work. She sometimes trusts in the wrong people. And she has an infuriating stubborn streak, not to mention her inability to see in shades of gray instead of black and white. Even though she sees that white magic can be just as dangerous as black, she still treats black magic (and those that practice it) as the scum on the bottom of her shoe. But a lot of the enjoyment of this series is watching what she does and then yelling at her for it. I wouldn’t have her any other way.

I love Trent Kalamack. Yes, the ruthless, conniving elf is one of my favorite characters, even more than Ivy. His relationship with Rachel has many levels, and I’m not sure either of them really understand it. But he won’t rest easy until she’s under his thumb.

I’ve even developed a certain amount of respect for the demon Al.

Most of all, I love Rachel’s fight. Even when she’s misguided and wrong, tired and hungry, hurt and lost, she never stops fighting.

A bonus is Marguerite Gavin’s incredible narration on the audiobook. She will always be the voice of Rachel for me.(less)

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Mar 11, 2011 Joseph Teller rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy-urban

I've come to the conclusion to stop reading Kim Harrison after this. It's not that she can't write, plot, develop interesting characters or create an interesting setting, those are all within her capability completely. It's the philosophy I find in what she writes.

The Rachel Morgan series is, at its central core, about relationships. I don't know the author's concept of such, but I've got to say that her main character is dragged through relationship hell over and over again. As are the people a...more

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Feb 10, 2011 Jen (Red Hot Books) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: hollows, urban-fantasy

As powerful as Rachel Morgan has become over the course of this series, it is easy to forget that she is not the most talented witch out there. But now that she is shunned and the witches' council is after her, it's a truth that cannot be ignored. The council kidnaps Rachel in retaliation for her dealings with demons. Some just want her imprisoned; some want her stripped of her magic; and some want to steal her eggs to make more witches who can kindle demon magic. Fortunately, Rachel still has A...more

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Jan 30, 2011 VampireNovelFan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, urban-fantasy, comedy, adventure, elves, witches, demons, fae, paranormal-romance

I enjoyed this book much more than the previous installment, however I think I would have been happier had Harrison stretched plot out over two books instead of dragging it out in book 7 (which I can hardly remember anything important happening) and then cramming a million and one things into this book. On one hand it is fast paced which I like, but on another it's a big mess.

I am with the lot that does NOT like Pierce. I had Gary Stu vibes at the beginning which raised flags but it only got wor...more I enjoyed this book much more than the previous installment, however I think I would have been happier had Harrison stretched plot out over two books instead of dragging it out in book 7 (which I can hardly remember anything important happening) and then cramming a million and one things into this book. On one hand it is fast paced which I like, but on another it's a big mess.

I am with the lot that does NOT like Pierce. I had Gary Stu vibes at the beginning which raised flags but it only got worse and worse as the book progressed as he got more and more clingy and now I can stand him less and less. He is officially the least tolerable boyfriend. He has to be at Rachel's side every second and it's nauseating. He has a lot of knowledge, but just leave it at that. Maybe I could stand her other boyfriends better because they weren't on every freakin' page. Kisten I loved to vampy bits though, rest is double dead soul. It is a sad day when I can say I preferred Nick!! Why is it that Rachel's boyfriends (save for Kisten) have 0 chemistry with her? Kisten could make chemistry with a cardboard cut out, so he just might be an exception to anything.

I really hope Harrison limits Pierce's presence significantly in the next books because after a while I found myself skimming and outright skipping pages that involved him...which was a lot. I was enjoying the book 20 times more when he wasn't there. I'm just not feeling the retcon of how he gets dibs so fast because he was "there all along." Especially at the expense of Ivy looking cool. She was such an afterthought in this book and that was a real shame.

-----SPOILER------
I don't know about anybody else, but I was EXTREMELY disappointed that Pierce was the one to go with Rachel in Jenks' time of need instead of Ivy. That was Ivy's place, not his and it angered me a lot. It's a very private time that should be shared with those CLOSEST to that person and Pierce does not fit the bill. I was really disgusted by that.
-----SPOILER------

Of course, I am a huge Trent fan so I enjoyed seeing him a bit more in this book than the last. I hear book 9 should be a real treat for us, so I am looking forward to it! There were definitely some priceless scenes here. I was glad we got a glimpse into their past as well. They have their own bond that is complicated and hard to explain, but it's oh so important at the same time! Definitely liked what I saw here as a Trent fan and a Trent/Rachel fan. I do hope they explore a relationship at some point. (next book please please please please please)

And of course, Al has completely stolen the show. I would have never thought around book 1 that I would ever want to see Rachel and Al together, but by golly I wouldn't mind it now!! I love Trent/Rachel and Al/Rachel. I still like Trent/Rachel a bit more (probably because I have liked them since book 1), but way to turn on the heat with Al!! I started to like him a bit more in WWBC (probably because there wasn't much else to like in that book), but here he really began to stand out. I couldn't help but enjoy him knocking Pierce around like a rag doll.

So all in all, there were times I loved the book, and then times I hated it, so I will have to give it a 2.5 and round up to 3. One star for Trent and one star for Al. The plot being all over the place knocks it down half a star, and then Pierce knocks it down 2 more. Books 3 and 6 are still my favorites. Here's hoping book 9 can bring it back to that 5-star mark that I know, love and miss with this series!
(less)

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Jan 16, 2011 Sonia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I’d like to start by saying that I’m not really that into the vampire/werewolf genre really – I haven’t read any of the Twilight series for example.

However, a few years ago, when I went to Portugal to see my dad, I took a couple of books out of the library, and one of them was Dead Witch Walking, the first in Kim Harrison’s ‘Rachel Morgan’ series. I fell in love with it. I loved the humour, the action, the characters…it all just worked for me. It doesn’t take itself seriously and is fun and sexy...more

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Jan 12, 2011 Ithlilian rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I liked Black Magic Sanction, just like I liked all of the previous installments in this series. I was entertained throughout, and I love the characters, but some things are starting to get to me. First, Rachel. She doesn't seem to be growing, maturing, or progressing. She makes the same mistakes over and over again and she is still in the same place with her trust issues. I also miss the beginning of the series where each book had a well defined plot and mystery. Now the plot is all over the pl...more

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Dec 30, 2010 Karissa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the eighth book in The Hollows series by Harrison. Last I head she was contracted for twelve books in this series. This book was better than the last book in the series but still a bit scattered, with Rachel making a lot of questionable decisions.

In this book Rachel finds out that the Coven has not only shunned her but is out to incapacitate her for good. Now Rachel has to try and dodge the Coven, while saving her butt she gets increasingly drawn into Black Magic. She has a lot of help;...more This is the eighth book in The Hollows series by Harrison. Last I head she was contracted for twelve books in this series. This book was better than the last book in the series but still a bit scattered, with Rachel making a lot of questionable decisions.

In this book Rachel finds out that the Coven has not only shunned her but is out to incapacitate her for good. Now Rachel has to try and dodge the Coven, while saving her butt she gets increasingly drawn into Black Magic. She has a lot of help; her old flame Nick is back in the picture and the former ghost Pierce is a constant presence. Of course she will have Ivy and Jenks to back her up too. But, the biggest places where she gets help may be the places she least expects it, as her problems become tightly intertwined with two of her biggest enemies, Al (her demon teacher) and Trent (the business-tycoon elf).

This book was better than the last book in the series; I was pretty disappointed in the last book (White Witch, Black Curse). This book is better. Rachel is finally getting herself back together, she doesn't whine as much, she is accepting what she is, and she doesn't make as many really stupid decisions. That being said, she still does quite a few stupid things and she is still a little bit confused about what she wants to do. This is a long book, and if Rachel had had it more together and been more decisive about certain actions it wouldn't have been as long. It also seemed like every single character from the previous books had to at least make a cameo appearance, and I think this was the other thing that drew the book out.

The action scenes were excellent, but the plot was kind of all over the place again. Rachel wasn't really on a mission or trying to solve a mystery in this book. The whole book is dedicated to Rachel trying to escape the Coven. Along the way Rachel does begin to accept that she is not quite a witch and not quite a demon. Mostly to me this felt like another transitional novel; it ties up some loose ends that needed tying (Harrison had too many loose ends to make a coherent story in book 7). I am hoping that Rachel making some decent decisions and some decent life changes will continue in the next book. After White Witch, Black Curse I was seriously considering dropping this series, and while this book is an improvement...it still wasn't a joy to read, things were just too muddled and there is just too much going on.

By far the most interesting characters in this book are Trent, Pierce, and Al. You learn a lot more about all of them and a lot more about what made Rachel's world the way it is. Jenks, Ivy, and Rachel aren't as tired and irritating as in the last book, but they still aren't all that interesting to read about in this book either. I am really hoping book 9 will have a more cohesive plot and show Ivy and Rachel *finally* settling their relationship. Yep, Ivy and Rachel still don't figure anything out in this book and, even though their blood-balance isn't visited as much in this book as it was in book 7, the issue still rears its head more than once.

Overall, the book is okay. It is better than book 7, but the plot is still fragmented and nothing much is addressed outside of Rachel's issues with the Coven. It feels a bit like another transitional novel. Hopefully book 9 will get us back to the wonderful writing I am used to from Harrison. I have to say though this book didn't make me super excited to read the next one in the series.(less)

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Oct 28, 2010 Chibineko rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

If you were worried about the lack of plot development in the previous book, don't fear. The plot does move in this book. I do have to warn you though, that several key plot elements (the Ivy factor) remains unaddressed in this book.

The plotline of this book deals heavily with Rachel's shunning by the witch council. She manages to fill her days with lessons from the demon Al, although she soon finds that she is being summoned via Al's name by people who may not have her best interests in mind.

I...more

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Oct 11, 2010 Lucille rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kickass-heroines, urban-fantasy

Rachel Morgan has been officially shunned by the Coven of witches for practicing black magic and summoning demons; she now happens to be the student of a demon, and thanks to a genetic defect that should have ended her life, she can practice demon magic, and any children she has will be demons. Needless to say, things aren't looking too bright. The Coven sees her as a threat and wants her out of the picture. The demons see her as a means of increasing their population and saving their future. Al...more

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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

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Books by Kim Harrison

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

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

The Outlaw Demon Wails (The Hollows, #6)

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“I'm only going to be here for a time, then leave you." His gaze met mine. "And I will cry when I go, because I could love you forever.” — 131 people liked it

“You try getting through the Hollows traffic with a stoned redhead hanging out the window shouting, 'I'm king of the world!' ~Lee” — 122 people liked it

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Black Magic Sanction (The Hollows #8)

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