What do you think?
Rate this book
The Hollows #11
Ever After
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Paranormal Fantasy (2013)When Rachel sets off a chain of events that could lead to the end of the world—demonic and human—she must use her gifts to save those closest to her while preventing an apocalypse.
Satisfying and sexy, a visit to the Hollows will take readers on a wild journey that will capture their imagination. Fans of Charlaine Harris and Stephenie Meyer won't be able to resist Kim Harrison's alternative universe—urban fantasy Cincinnati complete with vampires, witches, and other enchanting creatures — where spine-tingling adventures and fast-paced action are the norm.
Satisfying and sexy, a visit to the Hollows will take readers on a wild journey that will capture their imagination. Fans of Charlaine Harris and Stephenie Meyer won't be able to resist Kim Harrison's alternative universe—urban fantasy Cincinnati complete with vampires, witches, and other enchanting creatures — where spine-tingling adventures and fast-paced action are the norm.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 22, 2013
About the author
Kim Harrison
81 books17.4k followersKim Harrison is best known as the author of the New York Times #1 best selling Hollows series, but she has written more than urban fantasy and has published over two-dozen books spanning the gamut from young adult, thriller, several anthologies, and has scripted two original graphic novels. She has also published traditional fantasy under the name Dawn Cook. Kim is currently working on a new Hollows book between other, non related, urban fantasy projects.
Kim reaches out to her audience at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KimHarrisons...
Instagram
https://instagram.com/kim_harrison_au...
and her blog http://kimharrison.wordpress.com/
other pseudonyms: Dawn Cook
Kim reaches out to her audience at Facebook https://www.facebook.com/KimHarrisons...
https://instagram.com/kim_harrison_au...
and her blog http://kimharrison.wordpress.com/
other pseudonyms: Dawn Cook
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,193 reviews
February 22, 2013
512 pages of Trent and Rachel on a mission together?
February 12, 2013
Like the finest of wines, The Hollows gets better with age!
As you can see, I present definitive proof that I've indeed read the book! And man oh man is it fantastic! It's my new favorite! I normally worry about using that term too loosely because it could diminish the potential quality of the series as a whole, but I genuinely think it's the best book thus far. Kim Harrison has done it yet again and all signs point to her doing it two more times, and in epic proportions.
This time the Ever After, home of the demons, is shrinking at an alarmingly fast rate, placing the existence of magic in a pretty vulnerable position; without one there couldn't be the other. So as if our favorite itchy witch, Rachel Morgan, didn't have enough problems, this just sprang up to #1. If she can't solve this one, she won't have any others. If she can't fix it, the demons want her head as her botched leyline creation caused this mess in the first place. And no one wants to see that happen more than her old buddy, Ku'Sox, the former day walking demon who had the misfortune to cross Rachel and lose. He even resorts to abducting her friend and goddaughter as insurance...and boy is it effective. Thankfully she's got Trent Kalamack and Algaliarept by her side to restore balance and take him down once and for all. But the price may be too high for things to ever be the same again.
I know there was criticism about not a lot happening in A Perfect Blood, though I personally enjoyed the old-school Hollows style mystery. But for those of you who didn't, for EVER AFTER I think a better question is what *didn't* happen! There was so much going on that I genuinely can't recall a dull moment. I think I felt and continue to feel every emotion possible, but I ultimately finished the book in pure euphoria. In case you needed a little reminding, Harrison presents really harsh realities and difficult decisions that prove she's an author with guts. I don't think I've experienced so many pulse pounding moments since For a Few Demons More (book 5). This book left me reeling like no other.
The scenes that take place in the Ever-After were some of the best of the series. The race against the clock really made this book so intense. Learning the history of the demons and the elves and the eventual degradation of their relationship was great, though I would have loved even more insight. I just can't get enough of it.
And that brings me to Big Al, who was totally amazing. Fans will absolutely adore him in this book as we learn more about his personal back story. He's much more prominent here than in A Perfect Blood and that's fine by me because he literally lights up the pages and keeps things exciting in his own peculiar way.
After having read Trent's POV in the bonus chapter of A Perfect Blood, I saw everything he did in a whole new light, and boy was it refreshing. He's got his own personal demons to work through and it really makes you feel for the guy. He is in a rock and a hard place, accepting his actions that have led to certain consequences while still working to find the best solution possible. I loved seeing him use more magic. I feel like elves have a pretty powerful arsenal that deserve more exploration, so it was nice to see Harrison skim the surface here with the insinuation of even greater things. Magic is amped up for the elves, while more human qualities are amped up for the demons, so it was an interesting trade off.
His teamwork with Rachel was one of my favorite parts of the book. The tension was insane and placed so well all throughout. It's seriously amazing to go back and read passages from Dead Witch Walking and then look at them now. Their progress is usually one step forward, two steps back, but the slow burn for this ship is probably what will make it my all-time #1 favorite if they end up together *fingers crossed*.
This book was just about everything I could ask for, but it wasn't 100% flawless. With so much ever after, elf and demon action, the story manages to throw in a smidgeon of development in vampire politics. Unfortunately it felt very much like an afterthought and briefly broke the overall flow. We know vampires won't get a lot of focus until the final book 13, so 10 or so pages of development came off a random at best and forgettable at worst.
All in all, this is an absolute MUST READ for fans of the series. Since Black Magic Sanction and Pale Demon the series has been invigorated and manages to improve as we reach the final stretch. That is a rarity for 95% of series that make it this far. I think it helps a lot that Kim Harrison has an end in sight and continues to write towards that. Many others have jumped-the-shark by this point. The Hollows is absolutely revving up for a grande finale and I cannot wait to be there.
*ARC provided by the author (cuz she frickin' ROCKS!!)
*Review also posted to Amazon .
As you can see, I present definitive proof that I've indeed read the book! And man oh man is it fantastic! It's my new favorite! I normally worry about using that term too loosely because it could diminish the potential quality of the series as a whole, but I genuinely think it's the best book thus far. Kim Harrison has done it yet again and all signs point to her doing it two more times, and in epic proportions.
This time the Ever After, home of the demons, is shrinking at an alarmingly fast rate, placing the existence of magic in a pretty vulnerable position; without one there couldn't be the other. So as if our favorite itchy witch, Rachel Morgan, didn't have enough problems, this just sprang up to #1. If she can't solve this one, she won't have any others. If she can't fix it, the demons want her head as her botched leyline creation caused this mess in the first place. And no one wants to see that happen more than her old buddy, Ku'Sox, the former day walking demon who had the misfortune to cross Rachel and lose. He even resorts to abducting her friend and goddaughter as insurance...and boy is it effective. Thankfully she's got Trent Kalamack and Algaliarept by her side to restore balance and take him down once and for all. But the price may be too high for things to ever be the same again.
I know there was criticism about not a lot happening in A Perfect Blood, though I personally enjoyed the old-school Hollows style mystery. But for those of you who didn't, for EVER AFTER I think a better question is what *didn't* happen! There was so much going on that I genuinely can't recall a dull moment. I think I felt and continue to feel every emotion possible, but I ultimately finished the book in pure euphoria. In case you needed a little reminding, Harrison presents really harsh realities and difficult decisions that prove she's an author with guts. I don't think I've experienced so many pulse pounding moments since For a Few Demons More (book 5). This book left me reeling like no other.
The scenes that take place in the Ever-After were some of the best of the series. The race against the clock really made this book so intense. Learning the history of the demons and the elves and the eventual degradation of their relationship was great, though I would have loved even more insight. I just can't get enough of it.
And that brings me to Big Al, who was totally amazing. Fans will absolutely adore him in this book as we learn more about his personal back story. He's much more prominent here than in A Perfect Blood and that's fine by me because he literally lights up the pages and keeps things exciting in his own peculiar way.
After having read Trent's POV in the bonus chapter of A Perfect Blood, I saw everything he did in a whole new light, and boy was it refreshing. He's got his own personal demons to work through and it really makes you feel for the guy. He is in a rock and a hard place, accepting his actions that have led to certain consequences while still working to find the best solution possible. I loved seeing him use more magic. I feel like elves have a pretty powerful arsenal that deserve more exploration, so it was nice to see Harrison skim the surface here with the insinuation of even greater things. Magic is amped up for the elves, while more human qualities are amped up for the demons, so it was an interesting trade off.
His teamwork with Rachel was one of my favorite parts of the book. The tension was insane and placed so well all throughout. It's seriously amazing to go back and read passages from Dead Witch Walking and then look at them now. Their progress is usually one step forward, two steps back, but the slow burn for this ship is probably what will make it my all-time #1 favorite if they end up together *fingers crossed*.
This book was just about everything I could ask for, but it wasn't 100% flawless. With so much ever after, elf and demon action, the story manages to throw in a smidgeon of development in vampire politics. Unfortunately it felt very much like an afterthought and briefly broke the overall flow. We know vampires won't get a lot of focus until the final book 13, so 10 or so pages of development came off a random at best and forgettable at worst.
All in all, this is an absolute MUST READ for fans of the series. Since Black Magic Sanction and Pale Demon the series has been invigorated and manages to improve as we reach the final stretch. That is a rarity for 95% of series that make it this far. I think it helps a lot that Kim Harrison has an end in sight and continues to write towards that. Many others have jumped-the-shark by this point. The Hollows is absolutely revving up for a grande finale and I cannot wait to be there.
*ARC provided by the author (cuz she frickin' ROCKS!!)
*Review also posted to Amazon .
May 4, 2018
argh! i'm so obsessed with this series it's not even funny!
if i can get triple the amount of Trent in this book as the previous one, I'm gonna be very happy. shove some Al in as well and a whole lotta action and I'm gonna be extremely happy.
Obviously, since the title is 'Ever After', there's gonna be a lot of Al, and I've always been a Rachel/Trent or Rachel/Al girl, but since I can't see Rachel and Al long term, although I sure as hell wouldn't mind another kiss, I'm gonna go with Trent.
so Rachel, do me a favour: hurry up and get with Trent already! After the previous book, I want Trent and Rachel to get together so much i can't even describe it!
people, newsflash: I just read that Al had a wife! where the heck did that come from?! if this isn't just rumour, then i am totally hoping we find out who it was in this book!
Ah! Hello awesome, freaky-looking cover!
***
Mass Market Paperback Teasers!
Okay, we finally have access to A Perfect Blood online! Yay! And what does this mean? Chapter 1 of Ever After is what it means!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/sample/...
Just go to the little Contents bar on the left, click the last teaser and read to your heart's content. Oh and it's also got Trent's POV from a scene in the previous book. =D Just sayin'.
if i can get triple the amount of Trent in this book as the previous one, I'm gonna be very happy. shove some Al in as well and a whole lotta action and I'm gonna be extremely happy.
Obviously, since the title is 'Ever After', there's gonna be a lot of Al, and I've always been a Rachel/Trent or Rachel/Al girl, but since I can't see Rachel and Al long term, although I sure as hell wouldn't mind another kiss, I'm gonna go with Trent.
so Rachel, do me a favour: hurry up and get with Trent already! After the previous book, I want Trent and Rachel to get together so much i can't even describe it!
people, newsflash: I just read that Al had a wife! where the heck did that come from?! if this isn't just rumour, then i am totally hoping we find out who it was in this book!
Ah! Hello awesome, freaky-looking cover!
***
Mass Market Paperback Teasers!
Okay, we finally have access to A Perfect Blood online! Yay! And what does this mean? Chapter 1 of Ever After is what it means!
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/sample/...
Just go to the little Contents bar on the left, click the last teaser and read to your heart's content. Oh and it's also got Trent's POV from a scene in the previous book. =D Just sayin'.
January 26, 2013
Spoilers
Less a review and more a collection of ranty thoughts.
-Did Rachel really need to describe how good looking Trent was every single time she saw him? Also why was she so obsessed with how everyone smelt? Ooh Trent smells like cinnamon, ooh Quen smells like cinnamon but a different kind of cinnamon'. Enough with the pointless descriptions.
-Why was Rachel and Quen acting like Trent was a saint and some sort of speshul snowflake that would save all the elves? Trent has never been a good guy yet Rachel and everyone else was constantly up his arse, bending over backwards for him, defending him and thinking he was a top notch guy. Ugh, I preferred it when Rachel didn't make excuses for Trent's vile behaviour.
-Trent being affectionate towards Rachel was weird, creepy and cringey. Why was it so awkward?! I wanted heat and chemistry not awkwardness!
-Ceri was a cow. Who did she think she was bitching about Rachel just because Rachel refused to protect Trent?! Rachel is a demon and a witch - Trent and the elves aren't Rachel's responsibility. Why Ceri acted like it was Rachel's duty to protect Trent… I don't know. Rachel didn't owe Ceri or Trent anything.
-Why did Rachel feel responsible for everything and everyone. 'Oh, the ever after's shrinking and Al is hurting' …It's all my fault. 'Oh Ceri and Lucy have been kidnapped' …It's all my fault. 'Oh the vampires are evul and want to hurt Ivy and Nina' …It's all my fault. 'Oh Bis has been taken' …It's all my fault. 'Oh Trent is hurting' …It's all my fault. 'Oh that thing happened to that dude' …It's all my fault. SHUT THE FUCK UP RACHEL!!
-Rachel's favourite word was 'sorry'. The thick cow kept apologising to everyone when she'd done nothing wrong. She was such a doormat.
-Why did Rachel let everyone use, abuse and walk all over her?
-I enjoyed Trent more when he was a ruthless businessman rather than a family man that kept worrying about Ceri and his daughters.
-Rachel was too trusting especially in regard to Nick, Quen, the demons and Trent. She was a naive fool.
-Rachel doing so much work (saving Trent, Lucy, the ever after, Quen) and not getting paid for it. WTF?!
-What was with all the bullshit with everyone feeling sorry for Trent because he apparently will always be alone and will have to give his life up for the greater elf good. He has a fucking life! He has two daughters, Quen, Ellasbeth and he'll always have Rachel being his bitch. Oh and he's also a billionaire. Yea… I don't feel sorry for him. He's got plenty.
-Trent lying to Rachel and manipulating her again. Is Trent lying, using, abusing and manipulating Rachel supposed to be romantic? He obviously likes treating Rachel like shit.
Rachel just forgiving him straight away because she's a dumb bitch.
-Trent said he wanted Rachel to be pure… so basically if she does something questionable he won't love/care/respect her anymore because she no longer deserves it or is worthy of it. Whilst Trent can go around being an evul drug lord, hunting people down, caging them up and killing anyone that gets in his way… and yet with all those despicable things under his belt he's still worthy of being loved.
-Trent manipulates Rachel in to working for him for at least 20 years by threatening to kill a bunch of babies… Even though Trent wants to kill the babies, Rachel still thinks he's a decent guy. The reason he wanted to kill the babies? He was too lazy to use his billions of dollars to protect them. The dick head.
-Trent's already got his HEA with Lucy. Rachel needs her own HEA.
-Rachel deserves better than being Trent's bit on the side… he's going to get married to Ellasbeth and play happy families with her whilst Rachel won't ever get her own husband and kids. No, just no.
Rachel will never be a part of Trent's family — his real family will always be be Ray, Lucy, Quen and Ellasbeth. Rachel will always be the odd one out. She needs her own kids and family… and not just the scraps Trent deigns to throw at her.
-Trent kept mementos of Rachel when they were in camp — that means he had feelings for her since they were children… yet those feelings didn't stop him putting her in cage when she turned into a ferret/rat thing or stop him from wanting to put her in a rat fight when she was a ferret/rat or stop him from hunting her down and killing her or stop him from choking her to death or stop him from repeatedly smashing her head against a headstone..he would have killed her if Ceri hadn't held him back… so it's obvious his feelings for her won't prevent him from hurting in the future. Watch out, Rachel… Trent will hurt/kill you if you do something he doesn't like.
-Trent would never sacrifice anything for Rachel. Even when he lost his fingers to help Rachel in a previous book, he only did so because he knew Rachel would fix them.
-Trent and Rachel should have nothing more than a fling. Trent has done too many awful things to Rachel for them to have a believable HEA.
-Why was Rachel suddenly acting like she never loved Nick or Pierce? She did love them when they dated. She loved Kisten the most but she definitely loved Nick and Pierce too.
Now that Trent's in the picture her love life has been changed — all so what she feels for Trent comes across as speshul and so Trent looks like her 'twu wuv'.
-Elves are evil. Why is everyone desperate to save them? They enslaved demons, cursed them so they couldn't breed and then destroyed the paradise that was the ever after because they were pissed that they were no longer controlling the demons. Why are the demons made out to be the bad guys when it's the elves that are bad?!
-Also the book was too long.
Quotes of interest:
-Was my life truly this predictable, or did I just keep making the same mistakes over and over?
Yes, and yes. After 11 books Rachel still hasn't clocked onto the fact that she's an idiot.
-“I’d be content if I could get an apology for you slamming my head into a tombstone and choking me half to death,” I said.
His half smile made something in me twist. “Then I apologize.”
“And I accept,” I said, tucking a rank strand of hair back. “It never happened.”
WHAT!! WTF?! So Trent tortures her for years and tries to kill her and all is forgiven and forgotten after one lame ass apology?!
Rachel has no dignity or self respect.
-“I will never understand you. How can you forgive so easily?”
Because Rachel is a weak, pathetic doormat that likes being used and abused. If Trent beat her up every night she'd still think he was a decent guy.
-Why did I always leave such a huge amount of collateral damage?
Ugh, Rachel is an insufferable martyr and thinks anything bad that happens is all her fault.
-I thought, wondering how I got to this point: willingly taking the smut for a curse to help Trent.
Trent doesn't offer to take the smut and he doesn't care about Rachel taking the smut because he's more bothered about himself.
Favourite quote:
Al to Trent: “Seeing if your circumcision is gone? It is.”
Al was the only saving grace in the book. Rachel was a doormat. Trent was still a bastard to her and their romance was fucked up.
Less a review and more a collection of ranty thoughts.
-Did Rachel really need to describe how good looking Trent was every single time she saw him? Also why was she so obsessed with how everyone smelt? Ooh Trent smells like cinnamon, ooh Quen smells like cinnamon but a different kind of cinnamon'. Enough with the pointless descriptions.
-Why was Rachel and Quen acting like Trent was a saint and some sort of speshul snowflake that would save all the elves? Trent has never been a good guy yet Rachel and everyone else was constantly up his arse, bending over backwards for him, defending him and thinking he was a top notch guy. Ugh, I preferred it when Rachel didn't make excuses for Trent's vile behaviour.
-Trent being affectionate towards Rachel was weird, creepy and cringey. Why was it so awkward?! I wanted heat and chemistry not awkwardness!
-Ceri was a cow. Who did she think she was bitching about Rachel just because Rachel refused to protect Trent?! Rachel is a demon and a witch - Trent and the elves aren't Rachel's responsibility. Why Ceri acted like it was Rachel's duty to protect Trent… I don't know. Rachel didn't owe Ceri or Trent anything.
-Why did Rachel feel responsible for everything and everyone. 'Oh, the ever after's shrinking and Al is hurting' …It's all my fault. 'Oh Ceri and Lucy have been kidnapped' …It's all my fault. 'Oh the vampires are evul and want to hurt Ivy and Nina' …It's all my fault. 'Oh Bis has been taken' …It's all my fault. 'Oh Trent is hurting' …It's all my fault. 'Oh that thing happened to that dude' …It's all my fault. SHUT THE FUCK UP RACHEL!!
-Rachel's favourite word was 'sorry'. The thick cow kept apologising to everyone when she'd done nothing wrong. She was such a doormat.
-Why did Rachel let everyone use, abuse and walk all over her?
-I enjoyed Trent more when he was a ruthless businessman rather than a family man that kept worrying about Ceri and his daughters.
-Rachel was too trusting especially in regard to Nick, Quen, the demons and Trent. She was a naive fool.
-Rachel doing so much work (saving Trent, Lucy, the ever after, Quen) and not getting paid for it. WTF?!
-What was with all the bullshit with everyone feeling sorry for Trent because he apparently will always be alone and will have to give his life up for the greater elf good. He has a fucking life! He has two daughters, Quen, Ellasbeth and he'll always have Rachel being his bitch. Oh and he's also a billionaire. Yea… I don't feel sorry for him. He's got plenty.
-Trent lying to Rachel and manipulating her again. Is Trent lying, using, abusing and manipulating Rachel supposed to be romantic? He obviously likes treating Rachel like shit.
Rachel just forgiving him straight away because she's a dumb bitch.
-Trent said he wanted Rachel to be pure… so basically if she does something questionable he won't love/care/respect her anymore because she no longer deserves it or is worthy of it. Whilst Trent can go around being an evul drug lord, hunting people down, caging them up and killing anyone that gets in his way… and yet with all those despicable things under his belt he's still worthy of being loved.
-Trent manipulates Rachel in to working for him for at least 20 years by threatening to kill a bunch of babies… Even though Trent wants to kill the babies, Rachel still thinks he's a decent guy. The reason he wanted to kill the babies? He was too lazy to use his billions of dollars to protect them. The dick head.
-Trent's already got his HEA with Lucy. Rachel needs her own HEA.
-Rachel deserves better than being Trent's bit on the side… he's going to get married to Ellasbeth and play happy families with her whilst Rachel won't ever get her own husband and kids. No, just no.
Rachel will never be a part of Trent's family — his real family will always be be Ray, Lucy, Quen and Ellasbeth. Rachel will always be the odd one out. She needs her own kids and family… and not just the scraps Trent deigns to throw at her.
-Trent kept mementos of Rachel when they were in camp — that means he had feelings for her since they were children… yet those feelings didn't stop him putting her in cage when she turned into a ferret/rat thing or stop him from wanting to put her in a rat fight when she was a ferret/rat or stop him from hunting her down and killing her or stop him from choking her to death or stop him from repeatedly smashing her head against a headstone..he would have killed her if Ceri hadn't held him back… so it's obvious his feelings for her won't prevent him from hurting in the future. Watch out, Rachel… Trent will hurt/kill you if you do something he doesn't like.
-Trent would never sacrifice anything for Rachel. Even when he lost his fingers to help Rachel in a previous book, he only did so because he knew Rachel would fix them.
-Trent and Rachel should have nothing more than a fling. Trent has done too many awful things to Rachel for them to have a believable HEA.
-Why was Rachel suddenly acting like she never loved Nick or Pierce? She did love them when they dated. She loved Kisten the most but she definitely loved Nick and Pierce too.
Now that Trent's in the picture her love life has been changed — all so what she feels for Trent comes across as speshul and so Trent looks like her 'twu wuv'.
-Elves are evil. Why is everyone desperate to save them? They enslaved demons, cursed them so they couldn't breed and then destroyed the paradise that was the ever after because they were pissed that they were no longer controlling the demons. Why are the demons made out to be the bad guys when it's the elves that are bad?!
-Also the book was too long.
Quotes of interest:
-Was my life truly this predictable, or did I just keep making the same mistakes over and over?
Yes, and yes. After 11 books Rachel still hasn't clocked onto the fact that she's an idiot.
-“I’d be content if I could get an apology for you slamming my head into a tombstone and choking me half to death,” I said.
His half smile made something in me twist. “Then I apologize.”
“And I accept,” I said, tucking a rank strand of hair back. “It never happened.”
WHAT!! WTF?! So Trent tortures her for years and tries to kill her and all is forgiven and forgotten after one lame ass apology?!
Rachel has no dignity or self respect.
-“I will never understand you. How can you forgive so easily?”
Because Rachel is a weak, pathetic doormat that likes being used and abused. If Trent beat her up every night she'd still think he was a decent guy.
-Why did I always leave such a huge amount of collateral damage?
Ugh, Rachel is an insufferable martyr and thinks anything bad that happens is all her fault.
-I thought, wondering how I got to this point: willingly taking the smut for a curse to help Trent.
Trent doesn't offer to take the smut and he doesn't care about Rachel taking the smut because he's more bothered about himself.
Favourite quote:
Al to Trent: “Seeing if your circumcision is gone? It is.”
Al was the only saving grace in the book. Rachel was a doormat. Trent was still a bastard to her and their romance was fucked up.
August 9, 2014
Is it bad if i want Rachel to have Al's baby and then be with Trent?
*Update*
Epic! Everything I didn't know i wanted. As the odds stack against Rachel, you start to really feel her depression but she rises above like always with an explosive ending that was was all parts satisfying. My wishes weren't granted in this book... but theres always hope for the next book! This book left me drained even as I already begin my begging for the next one. Truly no one can write like the amazing Kim Harrison.
*Update*
Epic! Everything I didn't know i wanted. As the odds stack against Rachel, you start to really feel her depression but she rises above like always with an explosive ending that was was all parts satisfying. My wishes weren't granted in this book... but theres always hope for the next book! This book left me drained even as I already begin my begging for the next one. Truly no one can write like the amazing Kim Harrison.
June 18, 2017
Kim Harrison is the reigning Queen of Urban Fantasy!
One of the most highly anticipated reads of 2013 for many people, Ever After by Kim Harrison most certainly will not fall short of expectations. It will, in many areas, surpass them. It will also shock, it will thrill, and my goodness it will entertain. An outstanding instalment, easily replacing any and all past favourites as the new pinnacle of the series...so far.
As is usually the case, the story picks up a couple of months after the events of the last book, A Perfect Blood, and sees Rachel meeting up with Quen to discuss the prospect of becoming a part of Trent's workforce once again. Only voluntarily this time, and will no bodily threats involved. Which makes a nice change. Rachel's not too sure, though, and perhaps not for the reasons you might expect. It seems she puts more faith in Trent's abilities to protect himself than Quen does these days, and doesn't think he needs anyone else watching him. Quite the opposite, in fact. However, after a drastic and heartbreaking turn of events, the choice about working alongside Trent is taken out of her hands completely. It's now imperative, especially since she feels partly responsible for what's happened.
Fans of the series will recall Rachel's unfortunate experience with a ley line back in book nine, Pale Demon. For me, personally, those last few chapters of Pale Demon were where my appreciation of Kim Harrison's worldbuilding went from thinking she was simply fabulous, to thinking she might actually be some kind of supernatural creature herself. I mean, she must have been to the Ever After in person to be able to describe it so vividly. And not just visual descriptions, either, but the magic, the culture, the social structure, the history, the wars, the continual decline of the demons as a race. Which, incidentally, Rachel has managed to speed up exponentially by ripping a large hole in one of the ley lines. If only the demons thought it was so incidental. Strangely, they're rather annoyed about their impending doom, and in this book they use one hell of a bargaining chip to make sure Rachel fixes her mistake, and fast. The clock is most definitely ticking.
I'm reticent to highlight too many other plot points as I think it's best to just experience it as it unfolds. And it was a real roller coaster, that's for sure. Totally unputdownable with near-perfect pacing. There are some big shocks in store, as I mentioned earlier, some controversial returning characters, plenty of conflict—both internal and external—and a fair amount of introspection for our dear Rache, as well. There were a couple of instances where the plot moved a bit slower, but out of a 500-and-then-some page book, that's really not bad at all. Perhaps even a necessity. Overall, this instalment felt really meaty, with little filler and lots of massive plot twists and character progression that really change the game entirely for the last two books. And of course, being titled Ever After, you can expect to bask in yet more of Harrison's phenomenal worldbuilding for that setting, and also, get some fantastic insight into everyone's favourite demon, Algaliarept. Outstanding stuff!
For the Rachel and Trent shippers out there (much like myself) you'll be pleased with the amount of time spent together in this book. Gone are the days where Trent would make one, maybe two, brief appearances—usually managing to annoy the crap out of Rachel in the process—but it's clear now that, in whatever role, Trent is a part of Rachel's life. They make strange bedfellows in some respects, but in other's, they couldn't be more compatible. What's lovely to see as well is the developing trust between them; something we couldn't have ever imagined coming from Rachel even as little as three books ago. It's an amazing transformation and a fantastic journey Kim Harrison has taken us on. I'm sad to think there's just two teeny weeny little books left in this series, but judging by the ending of this book, they're gonna be good ones! Oh, yeah.
5 Stars ★★★★★
A special thanks to Harper Voyager for the ARC. I read many ARCs throughout the year, but to receive one for your favourite series is a special treat. Like Christmas come early!
One of the most highly anticipated reads of 2013 for many people, Ever After by Kim Harrison most certainly will not fall short of expectations. It will, in many areas, surpass them. It will also shock, it will thrill, and my goodness it will entertain. An outstanding instalment, easily replacing any and all past favourites as the new pinnacle of the series...so far.
As is usually the case, the story picks up a couple of months after the events of the last book, A Perfect Blood, and sees Rachel meeting up with Quen to discuss the prospect of becoming a part of Trent's workforce once again. Only voluntarily this time, and will no bodily threats involved. Which makes a nice change. Rachel's not too sure, though, and perhaps not for the reasons you might expect. It seems she puts more faith in Trent's abilities to protect himself than Quen does these days, and doesn't think he needs anyone else watching him. Quite the opposite, in fact. However, after a drastic and heartbreaking turn of events, the choice about working alongside Trent is taken out of her hands completely. It's now imperative, especially since she feels partly responsible for what's happened.
Fans of the series will recall Rachel's unfortunate experience with a ley line back in book nine, Pale Demon. For me, personally, those last few chapters of Pale Demon were where my appreciation of Kim Harrison's worldbuilding went from thinking she was simply fabulous, to thinking she might actually be some kind of supernatural creature herself. I mean, she must have been to the Ever After in person to be able to describe it so vividly. And not just visual descriptions, either, but the magic, the culture, the social structure, the history, the wars, the continual decline of the demons as a race. Which, incidentally, Rachel has managed to speed up exponentially by ripping a large hole in one of the ley lines. If only the demons thought it was so incidental. Strangely, they're rather annoyed about their impending doom, and in this book they use one hell of a bargaining chip to make sure Rachel fixes her mistake, and fast. The clock is most definitely ticking.
I'm reticent to highlight too many other plot points as I think it's best to just experience it as it unfolds. And it was a real roller coaster, that's for sure. Totally unputdownable with near-perfect pacing. There are some big shocks in store, as I mentioned earlier, some controversial returning characters, plenty of conflict—both internal and external—and a fair amount of introspection for our dear Rache, as well. There were a couple of instances where the plot moved a bit slower, but out of a 500-and-then-some page book, that's really not bad at all. Perhaps even a necessity. Overall, this instalment felt really meaty, with little filler and lots of massive plot twists and character progression that really change the game entirely for the last two books. And of course, being titled Ever After, you can expect to bask in yet more of Harrison's phenomenal worldbuilding for that setting, and also, get some fantastic insight into everyone's favourite demon, Algaliarept. Outstanding stuff!
For the Rachel and Trent shippers out there (much like myself) you'll be pleased with the amount of time spent together in this book. Gone are the days where Trent would make one, maybe two, brief appearances—usually managing to annoy the crap out of Rachel in the process—but it's clear now that, in whatever role, Trent is a part of Rachel's life. They make strange bedfellows in some respects, but in other's, they couldn't be more compatible. What's lovely to see as well is the developing trust between them; something we couldn't have ever imagined coming from Rachel even as little as three books ago. It's an amazing transformation and a fantastic journey Kim Harrison has taken us on. I'm sad to think there's just two teeny weeny little books left in this series, but judging by the ending of this book, they're gonna be good ones! Oh, yeah.
5 Stars ★★★★★
A special thanks to Harper Voyager for the ARC. I read many ARCs throughout the year, but to receive one for your favourite series is a special treat. Like Christmas come early!
January 22, 2013
This is my absolute favorite installment of the Hollows series to date. The best book I have read in months. I loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. It's as though Kim Harrison made this book to order, handpicking all of my favorite elements of the series and letting them shine. Tons of Trent. Al. Jenks. And, of course, the ever after. It's light on Ivy, the vampire culture, witches and werewolves. And we actually see real growth in Rachel. It's like Christmas and my birthday all at once.
The story feels more like a follow up to Pale Demon than A Perfect Blood. We're experiencing a lot of repercussions from that book. The ley line Rachel accidentally made is leaking --and slowly destroying the ever after. Of course, she is blamed, but it's really Ku'Sox who is setting her up. He exacerbated the problems with the lines to put Rachel in the crosshairs --and he'll only fix the problem if she takes the curse off of him that keeps him away from her reality.
Ku'Sox is also gunning for Trent. He's been kidnapping Rosewood babies and he wants Trent to manipulate their genes to make more day-walking demons like Rachel. Ku'Sox wants control of the babies to boost his power among the demons. Trent won't budge, so Ku'Sox takes desperate action. Trent and Rachel must work together to best Ku'Sox, as the demon endangers those near and dear to both of their hearts... and all of demonkind.
There is a ton of action in this book. I was pulled in from the very beginning and I did not want to put it down until the last page. It is unpredictable. Remember the kind of shockers Kim Harrison delivered in some of the earlier books in the series? Oh yeah, those are back. At right about the halfway mark, she kicked me in the gut --hard. No punches are pulled. No easy roads are taken. It had me by the seat of my pants the whole time.
One of the things I love about these books is the continuity. Harrison never tries to ignore past events. Instead, she weaves them into current stories, reminding us of those things that built the characters into who they are. From the rat fights to the doctor Trent killed --from Rachel's failed romances to Denon's death and the boat explosion. It's all there and then some... all kinds of little Easter Eggs for longtime fans.
We continue to learn more about the demons --and their history. We meet more gargoyles. Learn more about the ever after. Plot Ellsbeth's death (wait... maybe that last part was just me.) And we get movement on the whole Rachel and Trent will-they or won't-they dance. I won't spoil it. But it's a pretty big story thread, or at least, a major current throughout the book.
I am forcing myself to stop gushing now, before I tell you everything that happened. Just know that if you were on the fence about continuing this series after A Perfect Blood, please take my advice and read this book. If it doesn't make you fall in love with The Hollows again, I don't know what will.
Rating: A
*ARC Provided by Harper Collins
The story feels more like a follow up to Pale Demon than A Perfect Blood. We're experiencing a lot of repercussions from that book. The ley line Rachel accidentally made is leaking --and slowly destroying the ever after. Of course, she is blamed, but it's really Ku'Sox who is setting her up. He exacerbated the problems with the lines to put Rachel in the crosshairs --and he'll only fix the problem if she takes the curse off of him that keeps him away from her reality.
Ku'Sox is also gunning for Trent. He's been kidnapping Rosewood babies and he wants Trent to manipulate their genes to make more day-walking demons like Rachel. Ku'Sox wants control of the babies to boost his power among the demons. Trent won't budge, so Ku'Sox takes desperate action. Trent and Rachel must work together to best Ku'Sox, as the demon endangers those near and dear to both of their hearts... and all of demonkind.
There is a ton of action in this book. I was pulled in from the very beginning and I did not want to put it down until the last page. It is unpredictable. Remember the kind of shockers Kim Harrison delivered in some of the earlier books in the series? Oh yeah, those are back. At right about the halfway mark, she kicked me in the gut --hard. No punches are pulled. No easy roads are taken. It had me by the seat of my pants the whole time.
One of the things I love about these books is the continuity. Harrison never tries to ignore past events. Instead, she weaves them into current stories, reminding us of those things that built the characters into who they are. From the rat fights to the doctor Trent killed --from Rachel's failed romances to Denon's death and the boat explosion. It's all there and then some... all kinds of little Easter Eggs for longtime fans.
We continue to learn more about the demons --and their history. We meet more gargoyles. Learn more about the ever after. Plot Ellsbeth's death (wait... maybe that last part was just me.) And we get movement on the whole Rachel and Trent will-they or won't-they dance. I won't spoil it. But it's a pretty big story thread, or at least, a major current throughout the book.
I am forcing myself to stop gushing now, before I tell you everything that happened. Just know that if you were on the fence about continuing this series after A Perfect Blood, please take my advice and read this book. If it doesn't make you fall in love with The Hollows again, I don't know what will.
Rating: A
*ARC Provided by Harper Collins
January 28, 2013
“My God, you have beautiful hair in the firelight,” he said softly, and I blinked. “It’s like your thoughts, all cinnamon and wild untamed. I’ve always liked your hair.”
~ sigh ~
For those of us who have anxiously awaited each Hollows book, we knew the moment Trenton Aloysius Kalamack came on the scene that he was the one for Rachel! And what's funny is this is NOT a romance book. It is very much an Urban Fantasy! (Lord help us if KH ever decides to write a romance.)
Trent has not been nice to Rachel, in fact, he has been very mean and Rachel, by trying to be a better person, is determined not to forget that. The problem is that Rachel can't help but remember the good in people and that colors her view. It also has made her start to fall for Trent. Would I be happy with nothing but a Trent and Rachel romance? Well, a girl can dream right? But...let me get to the rest of the story because as much as I love Rachel and Trent, The Hollows stories are so much more!
Rachel's ley line that she created has been causing problems and for some reason, it is eating up more space in the ever after. Al goes with her to see if they can determine what the problem is and they find out that Ku'Sox is behind it. Rachel also realizes that he is behind the missing Rosewood syndrome babies and that Nick (!!) is helping him.
This book is full of action and has a lot of things going on. Some things were quite surprising, unsettling and....almost unbelievable. KH pulls no punches and things get serious rather quickly...for Rachel as well as several other characters. You can also see that KH is starting to wrap up several story lines - even if they are somewhat unexpected.
For the most part, I liked how things went. There are some emotional, angsty parts but there are also some sweet, heartwarming scenes. We get more information about Al and demons in general and more information on Trent's elven powers. I enjoyed seeing more depth to these two characters. They've been with us for a long time and while they were intended to be the bad guys, it is great seeing them come together and work for the greater good.
The rest of the crew is around and involved...Jenks, Ivy, Pierce, and even Jax, just to name a few. I liked how she updated us with the characters and even reminisced a bit. It was great hearing about some of their prior events...almost like a walk down memory lane. And the rings? I loved what they did and what they brought out in the characters. What a wonderful addition to the story!
Steamy sex scenes? Well, of course, there are none but like I said KH does know how to do romance. I'm sure it didn't hurt that I read romance into every Trent word and gesture but seriously, the cookie maker has some moves!
I can't really go into much without giving this away. Suffice to say, I think if you're current with this series, you will not be disappointed...and what an ending!! I LOVED IT! Unfortunately, we have to wait a year for the next one.
Favorite quotes:
♥ "Feeling two orgasms at once might be worth the invasion of privacy."
♦ "I like it, fairy woman! I'm wearing it!"
♥ “I want,” he said softly, “you to keep what you can of the person you want to be. Don’t sacrifice it for this.”
December 5, 2012
All I can say is WOW WOW WOW!!! Kim Harrison, you have outdone yourself. Again. I did not think you could top "Pale Demon". Then "A Perfect Blood". I. WAS. WRONG. Quite simply, this book is pure "Magic" [written] "into existence".
This book was action from beginning to end, with returns of all our old favorites, a few new ones, and more than a few surprises") Not all of them good. But some of them are very, very good (wink). I can't elaborate on that without spoilers, but let's just say, I have a some new favorite parts to re-read. And re-read some more") For the loooooong months to come until the next book comes out.
I have to give serious props to my man Jenks") As always, he has his unique way of stating things like only he can. I laughed out loud many times while reading this book. Seriously, how can a little 4 inch person be SO BIG?
Rachel has done some serious growing up in this book. How she handles conflict, attraction, fear, loss, and power, it all comes together as only Kim can write it. We get to see some interesting collaborations with mind blowing consequences. Some doors are blown wide open, while others will be forever closed.
So from amazing character growth, to confronting the Big Bad Uglies, to life altering events, prepare to be impressed.
And Al. Great timing. 'nuff said. ")
This book was action from beginning to end, with returns of all our old favorites, a few new ones, and more than a few surprises") Not all of them good. But some of them are very, very good (wink). I can't elaborate on that without spoilers, but let's just say, I have a some new favorite parts to re-read. And re-read some more") For the loooooong months to come until the next book comes out.
I have to give serious props to my man Jenks") As always, he has his unique way of stating things like only he can. I laughed out loud many times while reading this book. Seriously, how can a little 4 inch person be SO BIG?
Rachel has done some serious growing up in this book. How she handles conflict, attraction, fear, loss, and power, it all comes together as only Kim can write it. We get to see some interesting collaborations with mind blowing consequences. Some doors are blown wide open, while others will be forever closed.
So from amazing character growth, to confronting the Big Bad Uglies, to life altering events, prepare to be impressed.
And Al. Great timing. 'nuff said. ")
April 27, 2017
Ever After (The Hollows #11) by Kim Harrison is another Hollows book and that means a great novel for sure! Again Rachel is in trouble, this is a given. If it is her fault or not, she will be blamed. Lots of action, suspense, our wonderful characters of Ivy, Jenks, and Al are in it. The elves, gargoyles and demons all play a big role together in this book. There is a major loss in here too ....sob...you just have to read it to find out who. If you have been following the books it will be a big surprise. This one is very suspense-filled. I was glad to see more of the gargoyles in here. I love everyone of the Hollow books! I got this from the library on audio so I could listen to it while I did things around the house. Awesome.
October 21, 2012
I get an ARC and just now I finished the book.
Its truly an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G book!!!
For me, the best in all the series. I love Pale Demon, but Ever After is like 1 million times better. Its all action.
Once I started reading it, I couldnt stop! I was so obsessed that it was not funny XD, I couldn focus at work, and I found myself reading it while I cook, sleeping 4 hours the last 3 nights because I couldnt put it down...Is addictive!!
I dont know how I will manage a review without spoilers, but I will try ;)
Ever After is like a good coffe: dark, rich, tasty, and it will make your heart beat fast.
Rachel is all the book from bad to worse, until she is almost hopless. It has been hard to see her like that, and to discover the very sad surprise that Kim had for us :( It changes the things completly for the next book.
In EA we discovered how the demonds look like, a few secrets about Al (I wanna hug him, he is so cute, and he does have feelings, poor little) and Trent (love him! he is the best!), and we will see a litte more Newt. I Like her too, she helps Rachel and Al when they need it the most.
I think is pretty clear who is going to be Rachel HEA...crystal clear... and I cant be more happy, cause I love him since book 1, and now even more! He has evolved alot as a character.
Oh and finally, someone veeeeeeeeeeeeery nasty (and Im not talking about Cute Socks) will have what he deserves...
We get to see how Rachel fix Trent fingers in a very sweet chapter... and since Kim said it before, I think is not a spoiler if I repeat it, there is a kiss in EA, but Im not saying with "who". Well, in fact there are 2 kisses -grin-
I cant say more without spoilers. Sorry for my english cause Im not native and I imagine I have alot of mistakes.
April 20, 2021
Damn it all to the Turn and back! I cried so hard (and repeatedly) while reading this 11th book in the series!
Demon Ku'sox is kidnapping children with the help of that little fuck-turd, Nick. Eventually, he kidnaps Lucy (and Ceri) right from under Rachel's, Trent's and Quen's noses. This as well as some magic invoked by Ku'Sox is starting the end of the Ever After, dominion of the demons (by destroying the ley lines), which will probably also destroy the other reality. And what do the demons do? They are so scared of their genetically engineered psychopath that they rather blame Rachel (much like any other human or Interlander).
So Rachel has to fix the lines, get her gargoyle as well as the children and friends back ... and survive the encounter.
And if she does, she'll have to accept Elsbeth being back. God, I wanted to slap that "woman".
There were some interesting lessons, some soul-searching, a heist, pacts, a hunt and much more.
Some very powerful magic is invoked here, demonic as well as elven, and I was seriously impressed. Trent and Rachel working together has been great before, but here it was even more wonderful (not least because of Al's contribution).
Add to that the emotional impact of Jenks having to battle it out with his own son, Nick deliberately luring Pierce and Ceri into a trap (of course the bastard is working for Ku'Sox and STILL claiming to have everything under control), the death of , Al's dreams, the story of the rings and the war between demons and elves that started everything we've seen so far (including the end of the world), ... I cried several times.
One of my favourite themes examined here was the pureness of love reflected in the slave/master rings - the notion that in true love one will do anything for the other and the other will always take care of the one, never asking anything terrible, total trust instead of the modern understanding of misuse and taking advantage ... *shudders* ... so good!
I was annoyed, I was downright livid, I was desperate, yelling for several characters to die already, yelling at others to finally find their balls (yes, I'm looking at you, demons), crying for the afore-mentioned reasons, "d'aaawww"-ing repeatedly and even laughing out loud.
So yeah, the book made me feel ALL the feels. It was hard to get through at times but VERY rewarding and satisfying. I'm constantly amazed at the author's ability to make the reader feel so much so deeply while entertaining us so thoroughly at the same time.
Demon Ku'sox is kidnapping children with the help of that little fuck-turd, Nick. Eventually, he kidnaps Lucy (and Ceri) right from under Rachel's, Trent's and Quen's noses. This as well as some magic invoked by Ku'Sox is starting the end of the Ever After, dominion of the demons (by destroying the ley lines), which will probably also destroy the other reality. And what do the demons do? They are so scared of their genetically engineered psychopath that they rather blame Rachel (much like any other human or Interlander).
So Rachel has to fix the lines, get her gargoyle as well as the children and friends back ... and survive the encounter.
And if she does, she'll have to accept Elsbeth being back. God, I wanted to slap that "woman".
There were some interesting lessons, some soul-searching, a heist, pacts, a hunt and much more.
Some very powerful magic is invoked here, demonic as well as elven, and I was seriously impressed. Trent and Rachel working together has been great before, but here it was even more wonderful (not least because of Al's contribution).
Add to that the emotional impact of Jenks having to battle it out with his own son, Nick deliberately luring Pierce and Ceri into a trap (of course the bastard is working for Ku'Sox and STILL claiming to have everything under control), the death of , Al's dreams, the story of the rings and the war between demons and elves that started everything we've seen so far (including the end of the world), ... I cried several times.
One of my favourite themes examined here was the pureness of love reflected in the slave/master rings - the notion that in true love one will do anything for the other and the other will always take care of the one, never asking anything terrible, total trust instead of the modern understanding of misuse and taking advantage ... *shudders* ... so good!
I was annoyed, I was downright livid, I was desperate, yelling for several characters to die already, yelling at others to finally find their balls (yes, I'm looking at you, demons), crying for the afore-mentioned reasons, "d'aaawww"-ing repeatedly and even laughing out loud.
So yeah, the book made me feel ALL the feels. It was hard to get through at times but VERY rewarding and satisfying. I'm constantly amazed at the author's ability to make the reader feel so much so deeply while entertaining us so thoroughly at the same time.
November 30, 2013
I'm going to sound like such a ridiculous girl, but this entire series was worth reading JUST FOR THE LAST CHAPTER OF THIS BOOK! I can't even tell you how big the loopy, goofy grin was on my face while I listened to the last chapter. In fact, I looked quite similar to this:
That's about all I wanted to say. SOOOOO many other thorough, fantabulous reviews out there. This book was a great one to get a LOT of answers, a lot of forward movement for the characters we've come to know and love. Al, Trent, and Rachel, namely. There is also a major tragedy...this is not a happy happy joy joy kind of book, but it sure did pack an emotional punch.
That's about all I wanted to say. SOOOOO many other thorough, fantabulous reviews out there. This book was a great one to get a LOT of answers, a lot of forward movement for the characters we've come to know and love. Al, Trent, and Rachel, namely. There is also a major tragedy...this is not a happy happy joy joy kind of book, but it sure did pack an emotional punch.
January 26, 2013
Updated review:
Now that I have some time, I need to rip open a few assholes.
TRENT: Fuck him and Quen and ALL the elves. If they are the representatives of the race, then mother fuck them. Don't worry, Rachel doesn't feel the same way. It's all aces 10 and good vibes and hackey sacks and shit. I won't tell you what happens, but I consider it a betrayal BEYOND even when Trent locked her up and put her in the rat fights. For a while I thought Rachel was royally fucked. Another huge manipulation by Trent and Quen happened. Even though Trent apologized, it is unforgivable. I've NEVER been on the Trent and Rachel bandwagon. It feels nasty to me. Like going back to an abuser or something. Also, Trent can BE whatever he wants and still save the elven race. I don't see the big deal. I'm a little tired that.
CERI: Who the fuck does she think she is. This isn't 1000 years ago or whatever sweety. You are no longer royalty. Did you forget that if not for Rachel, you would still be Al's vacant, slightly insane blow up doll? Why are you so uppity and being bitchy to Rachel for not helping Trent. It's up to HER and she owes YOU and HIM nothing. In fact you should be lying prostrate at her feet every time you see her! I am not sorry....
Elf Babies: OMG, they were so adorable, but what's with the weird parental shit. Yes, I know that for public purposes little Ray is being presented as Trent and Ceri's child. Sometimes it feels weird when she kisses him on the cheek or something. WTF?
Ivy: She's out of town more most of it and comes back to help Rachel do a run. She's interested in Nina, who is of course fucked up...and of course that get Rachel caught up psycho vampire shit. I like Ivy, but for the first time, in this book, I found myself irritated. Why do the vampires exist? They are all so morbid and emo. I'm sick of the controlling master vampires and the unhealthy relationships and people having to tip-toe around them because they can't control themselves! Fuck the vampires!
Rachel: Oh, Rachel. How fond of you I am, but you need to figure out what you want and don't settle for less. Stop saying sorry all the time. Kick even more ass with demon magic. Stop worrying about the smut on your soul. Stop trusting Trent, he doesn't deserve it. Trent has you on speed dial for when dangerous bullshit comes up. Quen shows up and makes ridiculous demands on you and you ALWAYS give in. Just fucking stop it. I think Al loves you or could. He's certainly the only candidate on the field as far as I'm concerned.
original review below.....................................................
That was AMAZING! I can't even begin to summarize because I don't want to spoil anything.
Rachel is embracing her demon magic. She really doesn't have a choice since both Ceri and Lucy are taken by Ku'sox. That crazy bastard has not only taken them, but has cursed the Rachel's leaking leyline so that it is literally destroying and shrinking the Ever After. That's not even the half of it.
There wasn't one dull moment in the story. It was constant anxiety as lives, magic, creatures, and more on the brink of total destruction.
Ku'sox was diabolical and very fun to hate. He really took the psycho up to another level. I love Al so much. We got to spend lots of time with him and several other demons in the Ever After, which I missed from the last book.
Tentative alliances are formed, beloved or maybe not so beloved characters show up, lives are destroyed, elf babies are ADORABLE, bitches get put in their place etc etc etc.
Fans of the series will not be disappointed. It likes The Hollows on steroids, with past story lines and our favorite characters at their best and worst. The magic of it all wrapped around me like a cozy blanket and I can't wait to visit the story again...and again.
Will there be more? Oooo, that ending was...
Now that I have some time, I need to rip open a few assholes.
TRENT: Fuck him and Quen and ALL the elves. If they are the representatives of the race, then mother fuck them. Don't worry, Rachel doesn't feel the same way. It's all aces 10 and good vibes and hackey sacks and shit. I won't tell you what happens, but I consider it a betrayal BEYOND even when Trent locked her up and put her in the rat fights. For a while I thought Rachel was royally fucked. Another huge manipulation by Trent and Quen happened. Even though Trent apologized, it is unforgivable. I've NEVER been on the Trent and Rachel bandwagon. It feels nasty to me. Like going back to an abuser or something. Also, Trent can BE whatever he wants and still save the elven race. I don't see the big deal. I'm a little tired that.
CERI: Who the fuck does she think she is. This isn't 1000 years ago or whatever sweety. You are no longer royalty. Did you forget that if not for Rachel, you would still be Al's vacant, slightly insane blow up doll? Why are you so uppity and being bitchy to Rachel for not helping Trent. It's up to HER and she owes YOU and HIM nothing. In fact you should be lying prostrate at her feet every time you see her! I am not sorry....
Elf Babies: OMG, they were so adorable, but what's with the weird parental shit. Yes, I know that for public purposes little Ray is being presented as Trent and Ceri's child. Sometimes it feels weird when she kisses him on the cheek or something. WTF?
Ivy: She's out of town more most of it and comes back to help Rachel do a run. She's interested in Nina, who is of course fucked up...and of course that get Rachel caught up psycho vampire shit. I like Ivy, but for the first time, in this book, I found myself irritated. Why do the vampires exist? They are all so morbid and emo. I'm sick of the controlling master vampires and the unhealthy relationships and people having to tip-toe around them because they can't control themselves! Fuck the vampires!
Rachel: Oh, Rachel. How fond of you I am, but you need to figure out what you want and don't settle for less. Stop saying sorry all the time. Kick even more ass with demon magic. Stop worrying about the smut on your soul. Stop trusting Trent, he doesn't deserve it. Trent has you on speed dial for when dangerous bullshit comes up. Quen shows up and makes ridiculous demands on you and you ALWAYS give in. Just fucking stop it. I think Al loves you or could. He's certainly the only candidate on the field as far as I'm concerned.
original review below.....................................................
That was AMAZING! I can't even begin to summarize because I don't want to spoil anything.
Rachel is embracing her demon magic. She really doesn't have a choice since both Ceri and Lucy are taken by Ku'sox. That crazy bastard has not only taken them, but has cursed the Rachel's leaking leyline so that it is literally destroying and shrinking the Ever After. That's not even the half of it.
There wasn't one dull moment in the story. It was constant anxiety as lives, magic, creatures, and more on the brink of total destruction.
Ku'sox was diabolical and very fun to hate. He really took the psycho up to another level. I love Al so much. We got to spend lots of time with him and several other demons in the Ever After, which I missed from the last book.
Tentative alliances are formed, beloved or maybe not so beloved characters show up, lives are destroyed, elf babies are ADORABLE, bitches get put in their place etc etc etc.
Fans of the series will not be disappointed. It likes The Hollows on steroids, with past story lines and our favorite characters at their best and worst. The magic of it all wrapped around me like a cozy blanket and I can't wait to visit the story again...and again.
Will there be more? Oooo, that ending was...
February 13, 2014
I'm having trouble with this series. I loved the beginning, but I'm getting a little tired of it now. The writing is fine, the characters are fine, but the plot... Jesus! It's just constant, never-ending grade-A bad shit happening to Rachel. Every single book. The odds are stacked against her, yes yes we get that. But how much shit can you pile onto a character before it just gets ridiculous? I'm thinking about 10 books worth, because this 11th was downright annoying.
Everyone's trying to kill her. Everyone is lying to her. Everyone blames her. I mean, can a bitch get a break? Apparently not.
And this is seriously the largest cast of characters ever - how am I supposed to keep track of them? I guess I don't, since Kim Harrison keeps killing them off. And it's never the right one. She took Faulkner's "kill your darlings" quote to heart, that's for damn sure. I won't mention who dies, but just be warned that it's not who you want to die. I'm pretty sure we all wanted this particular character to die like... 10 books ago, but the author just won't give us that satisfaction. Nope. Instead, she kills off the people we love, like Kisten.
I don't know how I feel about this series anymore. Ask me at book 9, I would have said it's one of my top 5 favorite series. But with the author killing off all the people I like, dragging out the romantic pairing foreeeeveeerrrrr, and the shovels upon shovels of shit that she keeps dumping on Rachel... I'm losing my patience. I'm never glad when a series ends, but I may just celebrate the ending of this one. If Rachel can't get her HEA after 12 books, the bitch doesn't deserve it.
Although now I'm half expecting the author to kill off Rachel before the end of it. Just to break all our hearts. She seems to enjoy doing that.
Everyone's trying to kill her. Everyone is lying to her. Everyone blames her. I mean, can a bitch get a break? Apparently not.
And this is seriously the largest cast of characters ever - how am I supposed to keep track of them? I guess I don't, since Kim Harrison keeps killing them off. And it's never the right one. She took Faulkner's "kill your darlings" quote to heart, that's for damn sure. I won't mention who dies, but just be warned that it's not who you want to die. I'm pretty sure we all wanted this particular character to die like... 10 books ago, but the author just won't give us that satisfaction. Nope. Instead, she kills off the people we love, like Kisten.
I don't know how I feel about this series anymore. Ask me at book 9, I would have said it's one of my top 5 favorite series. But with the author killing off all the people I like, dragging out the romantic pairing foreeeeveeerrrrr, and the shovels upon shovels of shit that she keeps dumping on Rachel... I'm losing my patience. I'm never glad when a series ends, but I may just celebrate the ending of this one. If Rachel can't get her HEA after 12 books, the bitch doesn't deserve it.
Although now I'm half expecting the author to kill off Rachel before the end of it. Just to break all our hearts. She seems to enjoy doing that.
February 1, 2013
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. The dynamic trio has been born. This one tipped the scales with action, intrigue and heart thumping moments. The last chapter left me with a smile so large it made my cheeks hurt. Did that really happen, was I dreaming ???
I need the next book, NOW !
April 26, 2015
Lost a star because of some off page death, which is a cheap cop out and a terrible way to end characters that your readers have invested in. Otherwise, an awesome book.
February 17, 2013
*Spoilage*
***Three 1/2 Stars!***
For me, three stars for Ever After is generous. I am a bit let down and disappointed in this book. Although I do not recommend anyone skip this book if they plan on reading anymore of this series. A few things happen that will surely have you lost with the next book if you skip this one. So. Read this shit.
From the opening paragraph, something about this felt different to me. Rachel seemed off, a touch more wordy and emotional than she'd been in the last book, A Perfect Blood. I overlooked it. Then things kept being mentioned, events that apparently had happened in past books, people I remembered almost nothing about and major plot points I felt had no place in this book kept popping up. I was con-freaking-fused for a great deal of it but still, I credited it to me not having read any of the past Hollows books in a while; I was just a little misty on the past details.
Ku'Sox reprised his role in Ever After, making big waves and causing poor Trenton HUGE problems. Nick and a few other almost-forgotten characters also popped in to say heylo, too.
Al seemed a little less snarky than usual, the snap and bite gone from his words. Jenks...ahh, he was still Jenks, I suppose. Just not...Jenks. I wish I could explain it better, but I can't. Ivy was absent for almost all of this book, hopping in for the last seven or so chapters but playing as small a role as Harrison dared without cutting her out of the book entirely. Which vexed me greatly.
*Breathes deeply* Okay. I'm sorry for snapping. I just...It was stupid. And I was enjoying the book up until then. First Piscary, Kisten, Matalina, and NOW Obviously Harrison has no qualms about killing off her characters. As quiet as kept, I like her all the better for it. I love a good ballsy author who isn't afraid to kill off a few people. Keeps things lively.
Trenton was a bit too mushy-romance-y for comfort, IMO anyway. It seemed to be a bit out of character for him but then again...this book kinda flip flopped around. Everybody felt a little disjointed. To me at least. Al....gosh. Rachel didn't get slapped or hit on by him once in this entire book. NOT. ONCE. I didn't get it. By all rights, Al should be such a pig, I'm forced to find him nothing but dangerously, wittingly charming in a weird sort of I'm-So-Obtuse-And-Offensive-With-My-Completely-Garish-Flirting-That-I've-Looped-Back-Over-To-Sexy kind of way.
Hey, don't judge me. Al is badass.
Rachel's favorite new word was Sorry. She said it to every single person besides herself in the damn book. If I never ever read the word 'Sorry' coming from Rachel's mouth again, it'll be too soon. Rachel seemed to break off her tough-ass-kicking-demon self and flush it down the toilet before this book because not an ounce of her HAPA and Coven ass kicking self was shown on a single page of this book. Nick was able to get the drop on her and give her a good smack. Nick. Does no one else see the problem with this? Alas, I was disappointed.
Ellasbeth gave me a good giggle, though. Man, she is just awful. But I love her as a character.
The whole big-bad/antagonist/oh-shit-we've-got-trouble factor in this book was reallyyyy good. The whole thing - friggin GENIUS. But I feel it was played all wrong. Harrison could've taken it to unforeseen heights, built a platform/big-bad for the next book kind of branching off this, but it just didn't do it. I kind of feel like she's setting things up to pull Ivy completely from the series and leave Rachel with just Jenks and a handful of his kids. Oh, and Belle. Can't forget the Fairy. But, no more Ivy? Is she INSANE?!
ALTHOUGH, I DO feel like that ending with Trent just might have made tolerable. Maybe.
***Three 1/2 Stars!***
For me, three stars for Ever After is generous. I am a bit let down and disappointed in this book. Although I do not recommend anyone skip this book if they plan on reading anymore of this series. A few things happen that will surely have you lost with the next book if you skip this one. So. Read this shit.
From the opening paragraph, something about this felt different to me. Rachel seemed off, a touch more wordy and emotional than she'd been in the last book, A Perfect Blood. I overlooked it. Then things kept being mentioned, events that apparently had happened in past books, people I remembered almost nothing about and major plot points I felt had no place in this book kept popping up. I was con-freaking-fused for a great deal of it but still, I credited it to me not having read any of the past Hollows books in a while; I was just a little misty on the past details.
Ku'Sox reprised his role in Ever After, making big waves and causing poor Trenton HUGE problems. Nick and a few other almost-forgotten characters also popped in to say heylo, too.
Al seemed a little less snarky than usual, the snap and bite gone from his words. Jenks...ahh, he was still Jenks, I suppose. Just not...Jenks. I wish I could explain it better, but I can't. Ivy was absent for almost all of this book, hopping in for the last seven or so chapters but playing as small a role as Harrison dared without cutting her out of the book entirely. Which vexed me greatly.
*Breathes deeply* Okay. I'm sorry for snapping. I just...It was stupid. And I was enjoying the book up until then. First Piscary, Kisten, Matalina, and NOW Obviously Harrison has no qualms about killing off her characters. As quiet as kept, I like her all the better for it. I love a good ballsy author who isn't afraid to kill off a few people. Keeps things lively.
Trenton was a bit too mushy-romance-y for comfort, IMO anyway. It seemed to be a bit out of character for him but then again...this book kinda flip flopped around. Everybody felt a little disjointed. To me at least. Al....gosh. Rachel didn't get slapped or hit on by him once in this entire book. NOT. ONCE. I didn't get it. By all rights, Al should be such a pig, I'm forced to find him nothing but dangerously, wittingly charming in a weird sort of I'm-So-Obtuse-And-Offensive-With-My-Completely-Garish-Flirting-That-I've-Looped-Back-Over-To-Sexy kind of way.
Hey, don't judge me. Al is badass.
Rachel's favorite new word was Sorry. She said it to every single person besides herself in the damn book. If I never ever read the word 'Sorry' coming from Rachel's mouth again, it'll be too soon. Rachel seemed to break off her tough-ass-kicking-demon self and flush it down the toilet before this book because not an ounce of her HAPA and Coven ass kicking self was shown on a single page of this book. Nick was able to get the drop on her and give her a good smack. Nick. Does no one else see the problem with this? Alas, I was disappointed.
Ellasbeth gave me a good giggle, though. Man, she is just awful. But I love her as a character.
The whole big-bad/antagonist/oh-shit-we've-got-trouble factor in this book was reallyyyy good. The whole thing - friggin GENIUS. But I feel it was played all wrong. Harrison could've taken it to unforeseen heights, built a platform/big-bad for the next book kind of branching off this, but it just didn't do it. I kind of feel like she's setting things up to pull Ivy completely from the series and leave Rachel with just Jenks and a handful of his kids. Oh, and Belle. Can't forget the Fairy. But, no more Ivy? Is she INSANE?!
ALTHOUGH, I DO feel like that ending with Trent just might have made tolerable. Maybe.
January 24, 2013
Can I please give this 50 stars??? It was the BEST Hollows book to date!
I can only hope and pray and cross all my fingers & toes that things continue in the same direction they appear to heading, for everyone's sake!
I simply cannot say, think, or feel enough wonderful things about this book! However, yes there seem to always be howevers in my reviews, I am going to say I felt a little bit cheated concerning a HUGE event that happened around the middle of this book. It all occurred off-page and I wasn't given a chance to have any feelings on the matter until much, much later, and then finally a real emotional bit at the end of the book.
The only other issue I have is that I sincerely wish for Ellasbeth and Nick to jump off an extremely high cliff, into the deepest fiery pit around, where they never, ever come back from.
One more thing....SQUEEPLOSION at the end of this book!!!!!!
Ok, I'm done, for now.
I can only hope and pray and cross all my fingers & toes that things continue in the same direction they appear to heading, for everyone's sake!
I simply cannot say, think, or feel enough wonderful things about this book! However, yes there seem to always be howevers in my reviews, I am going to say I felt a little bit cheated concerning a HUGE event that happened around the middle of this book. It all occurred off-page and I wasn't given a chance to have any feelings on the matter until much, much later, and then finally a real emotional bit at the end of the book.
The only other issue I have is that I sincerely wish for Ellasbeth and Nick to jump off an extremely high cliff, into the deepest fiery pit around, where they never, ever come back from.
One more thing....SQUEEPLOSION at the end of this book!!!!!!
Ok, I'm done, for now.
March 4, 2013
The next Hollows book is coming out in…. 2013. Wait, what?? 2013? Did I see that correctly???
That was my initial reaction. Usually I would just give up on the series (seriously? that long?), but fortunately for Ms. Harrison, I AM COMPLETELY IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES and I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK. I also want to see what will happen with Trent <3<3
Edit: I can't believe it's coming out so soon!!! So excited :)
That was my initial reaction. Usually I would just give up on the series (seriously? that long?), but fortunately for Ms. Harrison, I AM COMPLETELY IN LOVE WITH THIS SERIES and I CANNOT WAIT FOR THE NEXT BOOK. I also want to see what will happen with Trent <3<3
Edit: I can't believe it's coming out so soon!!! So excited :)
January 11, 2013
5 stars for another fantastic installment in the Hollows series.
I’ve loved The Hollows since I discovered the series a few years ago. I’ve stood by and watched Rachel grow and change over the course of the series. I can honestly say that this is the best book so far in the series – and I hear that there are still two more books to go.
I think what makes this series so good is its evolution of the main characters, especially that of Rachel Morgan. Rachel’s growth, her maturity, her change into a strong, kickass heroine (as opposed to the loose cannon she was in earlier books) is what makes this series one of my favorites. Of course, it helps to surround Rachel with a diverse group of eccentric, talented, loyal, and trash-talking secondary characters.
This book feels like a study of Rachel’s relationships. Not just romantic relationships, although I’d love to see more of that – and note to Ms. Harrison – please stop killing off Rachel’s lovers! Ever After is a study of Rachel’s relationships with the world around her, be it The Hollows or the Ever After.
Rachel and Trent are spending more time together. Mostly business, but a girl can hope, right? We’d love to see more because these two work so well together. Clearly, the two are attracted to each other, but Rachel have some reservations about Trent.
We learn a lot about the history of the demons and elves and why they are constantly at odds with each other. It only goes to show that grudges in this world can last for a very long time. I loved the fascinating bits about the magical rings. A touch of Lord of the Rings, Hollows-style.
Rachel and Al’s relationship has evolved, too. I don’t see them as student-teacher any more, but more as equals as Rachel’s magical abilities improve. Rachel has also become quite well versed in demon politics, thanks to Al. Whereas in the past, she may have just mouthed off, she now takes the time to carefully weigh and word her requests and she ensures that she has been understood correctly. I would have never imagined Rachel of the earlier books being able to do this.
I’ve always loved the secondary characters in this series. The demons were always a source of entertainment for me – I enjoyed watching just how they planned to screw things up for Rachel and each other. Newt the crazy demon had a touching moment where she helped Rachel choose an outfit to save the world in.
No discussion of this series can be complete without talking about Ivy and Jenks. Lately, I’ve had enough of Ivy and I was kind of glad that she isn’t really in this book as a main character. She’s off doing her own thing for most of the book and that was OK with me. Jenks, on the other hand, with his little comments about Tink always brings comic relief to a tense situation. My heart broke for him as he worried about his estranged son Jax. I was so happy that he had Belle around to take care of him.
I also loved how a certain innocuous character suddenly became a superstar in this book. I always saw Bis as a little gargoyle, attracted to Rachel. I’m so glad we learned more about the gargoyles in this book.
The Hollows series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. In my opinion, Ever After is the best book in the series so far. More, please!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Voyager for a review copy of this book.
Check out our group discussion of Ever After on Badass Book Reviews.
I’ve loved The Hollows since I discovered the series a few years ago. I’ve stood by and watched Rachel grow and change over the course of the series. I can honestly say that this is the best book so far in the series – and I hear that there are still two more books to go.
I think what makes this series so good is its evolution of the main characters, especially that of Rachel Morgan. Rachel’s growth, her maturity, her change into a strong, kickass heroine (as opposed to the loose cannon she was in earlier books) is what makes this series one of my favorites. Of course, it helps to surround Rachel with a diverse group of eccentric, talented, loyal, and trash-talking secondary characters.
This book feels like a study of Rachel’s relationships. Not just romantic relationships, although I’d love to see more of that – and note to Ms. Harrison – please stop killing off Rachel’s lovers! Ever After is a study of Rachel’s relationships with the world around her, be it The Hollows or the Ever After.
Rachel and Trent are spending more time together. Mostly business, but a girl can hope, right? We’d love to see more because these two work so well together. Clearly, the two are attracted to each other, but Rachel have some reservations about Trent.
We learn a lot about the history of the demons and elves and why they are constantly at odds with each other. It only goes to show that grudges in this world can last for a very long time. I loved the fascinating bits about the magical rings. A touch of Lord of the Rings, Hollows-style.
Rachel and Al’s relationship has evolved, too. I don’t see them as student-teacher any more, but more as equals as Rachel’s magical abilities improve. Rachel has also become quite well versed in demon politics, thanks to Al. Whereas in the past, she may have just mouthed off, she now takes the time to carefully weigh and word her requests and she ensures that she has been understood correctly. I would have never imagined Rachel of the earlier books being able to do this.
I’ve always loved the secondary characters in this series. The demons were always a source of entertainment for me – I enjoyed watching just how they planned to screw things up for Rachel and each other. Newt the crazy demon had a touching moment where she helped Rachel choose an outfit to save the world in.
No discussion of this series can be complete without talking about Ivy and Jenks. Lately, I’ve had enough of Ivy and I was kind of glad that she isn’t really in this book as a main character. She’s off doing her own thing for most of the book and that was OK with me. Jenks, on the other hand, with his little comments about Tink always brings comic relief to a tense situation. My heart broke for him as he worried about his estranged son Jax. I was so happy that he had Belle around to take care of him.
I also loved how a certain innocuous character suddenly became a superstar in this book. I always saw Bis as a little gargoyle, attracted to Rachel. I’m so glad we learned more about the gargoyles in this book.
The Hollows series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. In my opinion, Ever After is the best book in the series so far. More, please!
Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Voyager for a review copy of this book.
Check out our group discussion of Ever After on Badass Book Reviews.
April 20, 2021
The Great Hollows Re-Read continues!
I'm personally rather amazed at how hard-hitting this particular novel is even when I know what's about to happen. Not even the off-screen stuff is enough to kill my mood on it. When we see practically EVERYTHING going to hell in one way or another and we're forced to triage and take care of whatever we can and feel horrible about not being able to do a damn thing about the rest, it feels like a huge, ugly slice of life.
I cried many times during this re-read. It's that kind of book. It's not just the deaths or who is doing the dying. It's the enormous stakes and the betrayals and the violence and the utter cowardice of so many... demons, elves, and humans.
Let's face it. Even demons feel powerless when the Ever After is getting hoovered.
Add to that a few kidnappings, the genocide of a few ancient magical species, a deadly vendetta, and even a rather funny and delightful gargoyle prophesy, and we've got a very tightly-strung novel that just can't stop breaking my heart.
And there's one particular scene that breaks my heart more than all the rest. Right, Trent? Rachel? Those damn rings.
But damn the conclusion... all of it... was sooooo damn satisfying.
I'm still rather in shock.
I'm personally rather amazed at how hard-hitting this particular novel is even when I know what's about to happen. Not even the off-screen stuff is enough to kill my mood on it. When we see practically EVERYTHING going to hell in one way or another and we're forced to triage and take care of whatever we can and feel horrible about not being able to do a damn thing about the rest, it feels like a huge, ugly slice of life.
I cried many times during this re-read. It's that kind of book. It's not just the deaths or who is doing the dying. It's the enormous stakes and the betrayals and the violence and the utter cowardice of so many... demons, elves, and humans.
Let's face it. Even demons feel powerless when the Ever After is getting hoovered.
Add to that a few kidnappings, the genocide of a few ancient magical species, a deadly vendetta, and even a rather funny and delightful gargoyle prophesy, and we've got a very tightly-strung novel that just can't stop breaking my heart.
And there's one particular scene that breaks my heart more than all the rest. Right, Trent? Rachel? Those damn rings.
But damn the conclusion... all of it... was sooooo damn satisfying.
I'm still rather in shock.
July 25, 2015
Re-read July 2015
Everything has been said already. I'm just as blown away as the first time I read this book, and I still can't believe some of the things Kim did to those characters. Whyyyy you so evil? *wails*
Saying I loved it, heartbreak and all, is putting it mildly. This one was one of the most complex, different, action packed and emotional books in the series, and it let me a happy reader, but slightly scarred, heartbroken and hangover, so I'm going to take a short break before I read the last two books - which I haven't read at all yet. I'm scared and procrastinating LOL. I need recovery time before I can deal with that. I'd say I love Al and Trent, and that final battle was beyond epic, but that'd the understatement of the year. So... I'm just going to leave a few of my favorite quotes here and go process it all.
Though I’d seen both men take down an attacker, Quen would always use the minimal amount of force, whereas Trent would be a conflict of visions—elegance coupled with savagery and a frightening grace, magic sung into existence.
***
“Al!” I cried out, hand outstretched.
Al stopped, turned, and gave me a last look. Hold on to me, I saw him say, hearing it echo in my thoughts as well. Don’t let go.
And then, he stepped into the purple line.
***
“Ivy, I’m cold. Jenks is cold. As soon as Jax gets off that gargoyle’s hand, he’s going to be cold. Nick is strapped and the risk is minimal. Can we please go inside? I have to save the world tomorrow, and I don’t even know what I’m going to wear yet.”
***
Illegal. Everything we were doing was illegal, and not for the first time, I wondered how I’d gotten to this place, doing illegal things to help Trent. Help him save the world.
***
“I like people. Most of the time I can figure them out. You don’t make any sense. What are you looking for, Rachel?”
Drawing my knees up, I rocked back and forth before the fire. “I don’t know. Someone smart, powerful, who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Who are you looking for?” (...)
“Someone funny, capable, sexy.”
To balance out his strict life. “I didn’t bring looks into it. How like a man.”
_________________________
**First read: 2013**
Wow. Just... wow. I still can't believe half of the things that happened in this book and the way they happened. What an action-packed, emotional, shocking, amazing ride! It was almost like reading Shadowfever all over again - and it's probably one of the best (if no THE best) UF books I've read since that one. I need to sort through my thoughts and my emotions (which are all over the place right now), but OMG I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT! Every second of it... Even through the heartbreak. :'( Definitely my favorite book of the series. ♥ Oh, and Trent... *sigh* There are no words right now. ♥
~6 glowing stars
Everything has been said already. I'm just as blown away as the first time I read this book, and I still can't believe some of the things Kim did to those characters. Whyyyy you so evil? *wails*
Saying I loved it, heartbreak and all, is putting it mildly. This one was one of the most complex, different, action packed and emotional books in the series, and it let me a happy reader, but slightly scarred, heartbroken and hangover, so I'm going to take a short break before I read the last two books - which I haven't read at all yet. I'm scared and procrastinating LOL. I need recovery time before I can deal with that. I'd say I love Al and Trent, and that final battle was beyond epic, but that'd the understatement of the year. So... I'm just going to leave a few of my favorite quotes here and go process it all.
Though I’d seen both men take down an attacker, Quen would always use the minimal amount of force, whereas Trent would be a conflict of visions—elegance coupled with savagery and a frightening grace, magic sung into existence.
***
“Al!” I cried out, hand outstretched.
Al stopped, turned, and gave me a last look. Hold on to me, I saw him say, hearing it echo in my thoughts as well. Don’t let go.
And then, he stepped into the purple line.
***
“Ivy, I’m cold. Jenks is cold. As soon as Jax gets off that gargoyle’s hand, he’s going to be cold. Nick is strapped and the risk is minimal. Can we please go inside? I have to save the world tomorrow, and I don’t even know what I’m going to wear yet.”
***
Illegal. Everything we were doing was illegal, and not for the first time, I wondered how I’d gotten to this place, doing illegal things to help Trent. Help him save the world.
***
“I like people. Most of the time I can figure them out. You don’t make any sense. What are you looking for, Rachel?”
Drawing my knees up, I rocked back and forth before the fire. “I don’t know. Someone smart, powerful, who doesn’t take crap from anyone. Who are you looking for?” (...)
“Someone funny, capable, sexy.”
To balance out his strict life. “I didn’t bring looks into it. How like a man.”
_________________________
**First read: 2013**
Wow. Just... wow. I still can't believe half of the things that happened in this book and the way they happened. What an action-packed, emotional, shocking, amazing ride! It was almost like reading Shadowfever all over again - and it's probably one of the best (if no THE best) UF books I've read since that one. I need to sort through my thoughts and my emotions (which are all over the place right now), but OMG I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED IT! Every second of it... Even through the heartbreak. :'( Definitely my favorite book of the series. ♥ Oh, and Trent... *sigh* There are no words right now. ♥
~6 glowing stars
March 1, 2016
No way! Since when... Even though this book was on my to-read list I hadn't even realised there was another! I love this series, actually scratch that I love Trenton Kalamack! Love him some muuucchh. Yep... That's it my awesome review for the next book in the Hollows series. :)
I can't wait and I don't know when this books come out, but I will most likely have a giant panick attack and do something stupid.
I can't wait and I don't know when this books come out, but I will most likely have a giant panick attack and do something stupid.
September 11, 2015
OMG BEST FREAKING BOOK EVER!
5+++++++ stars
I'm still riding the high of that ending!!!!! Gahhhhhhh *faints*
This review was posted at Under the Covers
January 21, 2013 Update - Review
I don't know if I'm a little biased here or not, but I admit I've loved this series from the beginning. Granted, I've had my ups and downs with it because I wasn't always a fan of what Rachel was doing or how she was acting. But she was always real and something about her carries this series forward always with growth.
A few books back, PALE DEMON blew my socks off and became my new favorite in the series. Especially after we had a few of not 100% awesome books in the series and I was starting to loose the excitement. The previous book, A PERFECT BLOOD, was not my favorite but still was amazing. Then here comes EVER AFTER. *gasp* *shock* *faint* EVER AFTER is the best Hollows book E.V.E.R.!! 5++++ Stars!
I'm not even exaggerating! This is the best book in the series so far because Rachel is very comfortable in her own skin. She kicks ass, she shows her emotions and she takes care of business. I don't want to get into the details of what she has to do in this book to save the demons and the Ever After, but lets just say that Rachel was top bitch on all counts.
Then there's Trent. I have to recommend that you read the bonus story in A PERFECT BLOOD, written from Trent's POV. I found that reading this story affected how I saw things that Trent did and said during EVER AFTER. You can read the short story online by clicking here and then select the first Teaser Chapter link on the left. That being said.... I feel in love with Trent all over again. Yes, he caught my eye in DEAD WITCH WALKING because I have a thing for bad boys, but in EVER AFTER he is real. We get a never before seen glimpse at who he is really is, how he really acts, what he truly likes. And I think that the full on Trent effect did wonderful things to the butterflies in my stomach. The elf is amazing! And there is a lot of him.
For Trent and Rachel lovers...well, let me just say I was more than happy. I can't contain my excitement on this one. I think I had a grin for big chunks of this book because of how happy I was with where the developments were going. I love how well they work together, I think they make an amazing team. I'm excited to see them working together more in the future. Hopefully the team work will also bring them together. It worked well in this one.
The actual story in EVER AFTER is action packed and full of emotion. WOW! There will be tears, gasps, hearts beating fast and maybe even sobs. So much happens, so much goes wrong. An exciting ride all the way along because you don't really see any of it coming. Just when I thought for sure things would start looking up, they got worst. To the point that I wasn't sure there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
But Rachel and Trent's relationship wasn't the only one that we saw, even though it was the most predominant one in EVER AFTER. Rachel and Al had some pretty awesome moments, although I got the feeling that a good friendship was forming instead of any chemistry going on. Seeing a bit of Al's past and finding out, finally, why the demons hate the elves was pretty awesome. Al is always a focal point of this series and even when he's not part of the book as much, like in this one, he's still key to anything that goes on. Love him!
Then we have our lovable sidekicks. I am a huge Jenks fan, and I was beyond happy to see that he was starting to move on with his life. So much has changed for him throughout the series. Having a female by his side that fuzzes over him and takes care of him, it warmed my heart. And even dealing with his son and the hard choices he had to make. Jenks is THE man!
But another little guy that usually is more a sideline character for me, but I just LOVED in this book, was Bis. Bis put on his big boy pants and got the job done! And we get to meet his dad, and his dad is so proud of him. That whole storyline was perfect to fill in the details I needed to make Bis a must read character.
I can't tell you much more without giving you any spoilers. And I don't want to give you any. Except that I do have to complain about one thing... when is Nick going to die???? I am waiting with baited breath for his final hours. He deserves a slow painful death. Even though I thought I couldn't get to hate him more than I already did, after reading EVER AFTER, I want to reach across the pages and murder him myself. Evil, sneaky, slimy, piece of ......
Yes, this was a bit fangirlish, but I can't really say anything different after the awesomeness that was reading it. This book was amazing from beginning to end. I loved EVERYTHING about it! And after having read the ARC, I've already pre-ordered the audiobook, as well as a signed hardcover copy. Yes! It was that good!
Favorite Quotes:
"As long as Felix was here, Trent would be the epitome of Teflon - knowing nothing, seeing nothing, accomplishing nothing - boring, boring, boring. He was also ticked. I could tell by the faint rim of red on his ears. "I hope you and Rachel had a pleasant dinner."
"I should have called Ivy."
"That's dumber than Tink's dildo!"
"Down, I think," he whispered, and making a sharp nod, he turned away.
I thought of Al in his dream, looking nothing like this, more like an elegant bat. Broken? Perhaps, but I had put his butterfly back together with my blood. "I never liked the movie Titanic," I said, and he grunted, his gaze sharpening on me. "They both could have gotten on that damn door."
"I want..." he said, then hesitated, taking a breath of air and lifting his chin. "I want one pure thing in my life," he said loudly, his voice ringing in the red-tinted air. "I want one thing I can point to and say, 'That is good, and it's a part of me."
*ARC provided by publisher
5+++++++ stars
I'm still riding the high of that ending!!!!! Gahhhhhhh *faints*
This review was posted at Under the Covers
January 21, 2013 Update - Review
I don't know if I'm a little biased here or not, but I admit I've loved this series from the beginning. Granted, I've had my ups and downs with it because I wasn't always a fan of what Rachel was doing or how she was acting. But she was always real and something about her carries this series forward always with growth.
A few books back, PALE DEMON blew my socks off and became my new favorite in the series. Especially after we had a few of not 100% awesome books in the series and I was starting to loose the excitement. The previous book, A PERFECT BLOOD, was not my favorite but still was amazing. Then here comes EVER AFTER. *gasp* *shock* *faint* EVER AFTER is the best Hollows book E.V.E.R.!! 5++++ Stars!
I'm not even exaggerating! This is the best book in the series so far because Rachel is very comfortable in her own skin. She kicks ass, she shows her emotions and she takes care of business. I don't want to get into the details of what she has to do in this book to save the demons and the Ever After, but lets just say that Rachel was top bitch on all counts.
Then there's Trent. I have to recommend that you read the bonus story in A PERFECT BLOOD, written from Trent's POV. I found that reading this story affected how I saw things that Trent did and said during EVER AFTER. You can read the short story online by clicking here and then select the first Teaser Chapter link on the left. That being said.... I feel in love with Trent all over again. Yes, he caught my eye in DEAD WITCH WALKING because I have a thing for bad boys, but in EVER AFTER he is real. We get a never before seen glimpse at who he is really is, how he really acts, what he truly likes. And I think that the full on Trent effect did wonderful things to the butterflies in my stomach. The elf is amazing! And there is a lot of him.
For Trent and Rachel lovers...well, let me just say I was more than happy. I can't contain my excitement on this one. I think I had a grin for big chunks of this book because of how happy I was with where the developments were going. I love how well they work together, I think they make an amazing team. I'm excited to see them working together more in the future. Hopefully the team work will also bring them together. It worked well in this one.
The actual story in EVER AFTER is action packed and full of emotion. WOW! There will be tears, gasps, hearts beating fast and maybe even sobs. So much happens, so much goes wrong. An exciting ride all the way along because you don't really see any of it coming. Just when I thought for sure things would start looking up, they got worst. To the point that I wasn't sure there would be light at the end of the tunnel.
But Rachel and Trent's relationship wasn't the only one that we saw, even though it was the most predominant one in EVER AFTER. Rachel and Al had some pretty awesome moments, although I got the feeling that a good friendship was forming instead of any chemistry going on. Seeing a bit of Al's past and finding out, finally, why the demons hate the elves was pretty awesome. Al is always a focal point of this series and even when he's not part of the book as much, like in this one, he's still key to anything that goes on. Love him!
Then we have our lovable sidekicks. I am a huge Jenks fan, and I was beyond happy to see that he was starting to move on with his life. So much has changed for him throughout the series. Having a female by his side that fuzzes over him and takes care of him, it warmed my heart. And even dealing with his son and the hard choices he had to make. Jenks is THE man!
But another little guy that usually is more a sideline character for me, but I just LOVED in this book, was Bis. Bis put on his big boy pants and got the job done! And we get to meet his dad, and his dad is so proud of him. That whole storyline was perfect to fill in the details I needed to make Bis a must read character.
I can't tell you much more without giving you any spoilers. And I don't want to give you any. Except that I do have to complain about one thing... when is Nick going to die???? I am waiting with baited breath for his final hours. He deserves a slow painful death. Even though I thought I couldn't get to hate him more than I already did, after reading EVER AFTER, I want to reach across the pages and murder him myself. Evil, sneaky, slimy, piece of ......
Yes, this was a bit fangirlish, but I can't really say anything different after the awesomeness that was reading it. This book was amazing from beginning to end. I loved EVERYTHING about it! And after having read the ARC, I've already pre-ordered the audiobook, as well as a signed hardcover copy. Yes! It was that good!
Favorite Quotes:
"As long as Felix was here, Trent would be the epitome of Teflon - knowing nothing, seeing nothing, accomplishing nothing - boring, boring, boring. He was also ticked. I could tell by the faint rim of red on his ears. "I hope you and Rachel had a pleasant dinner."
"I should have called Ivy."
"That's dumber than Tink's dildo!"
"Down, I think," he whispered, and making a sharp nod, he turned away.
I thought of Al in his dream, looking nothing like this, more like an elegant bat. Broken? Perhaps, but I had put his butterfly back together with my blood. "I never liked the movie Titanic," I said, and he grunted, his gaze sharpening on me. "They both could have gotten on that damn door."
"I want..." he said, then hesitated, taking a breath of air and lifting his chin. "I want one pure thing in my life," he said loudly, his voice ringing in the red-tinted air. "I want one thing I can point to and say, 'That is good, and it's a part of me."
*ARC provided by publisher
January 21, 2013
**Find this and other reviews at The Demon Librarian**
Another Hollows masterpiece!
Before I start my review, I would like to give a shout-out to the author. Kim Harrison, you are a genius. Eleven books into your uber-popular Hollows series and you haven't missed a single beat. The series is as fresh and entertaining now as it was when you first introduced us to Rachel and company way back in Dead Witch Walking. Thank you. You deserve a big pat on the back. And cookies. And a parade, complete with floats and marching bands. And....well, you get the idea.
Okay, now that the fangirling is out of the way (LOL), let's get down to business, shall we?
Remember Ku'Sox, that douchecanoe demon we met in Pale Demon? Well, he's back and causing serious trouble on both sides of the lines, and it's up to Rachel and friends to fix what he has broken. To somehow make things right again. For everyone. An impossible task, considering Ku'Sox was created to be virtually unstoppable. Even his fellow demons are afraid to take him on. So is Rachel, but unfortunately, she doesn't have the option of bowing out, and she can't afford to fail.
I know what you're thinking. Rachel is an old pro at this saving the world stuff. She's a kickass heroine who has squared off against several Big Bads over the course of the series, and while her victories may not always be clean or pretty, in the end she always prevails. This time will not be any different. Right?
Yes. No. Maybe.
Stakes are high. Higher, I think, than they've ever been before. Ku'Sox proves early on that he is willing to strike where it hurts the most, and strike hard. I was expecting him to behave badly, but to such a degree? Nope, didn't see it coming, and to be honest, it threw me off for the rest of the book. Suddenly, I was reading without a safety net. I mean, if this and that could happen, then anything could.
It was brilliant. Everything felt brand new somehow, like I was stepping into this exciting, wonderful world for the first time. And that feeling? It changed my entire reading experience. I didn't race to the finish, devouring the pages as quickly as I could. Instead, I slowed down. I bookmarked and highlighted like crazy. I reveled.
A lot happens in Ever After. A LOT. It's a very busy book filled with all sorts of juicy Hollows goodness. I think, though, that what I liked best were those odd moments when it would suddenly hit me, just how much Rachel's world has changed. It's no longer as simple as making runs and crafting spells or curses. Her life is so big now, so different than it was when the series started. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
If you are a Trent fan like I am, start stretching and warming up now, because you've got a lot of happy dancing in your future. That's right, our favorite elf gets a nice chunk of page time in Ever After, and let me tell you, he makes the most of it! You think you loved him before? You ain't seen nothin' yet. Trent is more open, more tactile, more EVERYTHING in this book, and I couldn't be happier.
Action, emotion, character development, plot twists and surprises - you name it, Kim delivers it. In spades. Ever After is the best Hollows book yet and I loved it from beginning to end. Especially the end. In fact, the entire last chapter has become my favorite Hollows chapter of all time.
5 Stars ★★★★★
**A very special thank you to Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC.
Another Hollows masterpiece!
Before I start my review, I would like to give a shout-out to the author. Kim Harrison, you are a genius. Eleven books into your uber-popular Hollows series and you haven't missed a single beat. The series is as fresh and entertaining now as it was when you first introduced us to Rachel and company way back in Dead Witch Walking. Thank you. You deserve a big pat on the back. And cookies. And a parade, complete with floats and marching bands. And....well, you get the idea.
Okay, now that the fangirling is out of the way (LOL), let's get down to business, shall we?
Remember Ku'Sox, that douchecanoe demon we met in Pale Demon? Well, he's back and causing serious trouble on both sides of the lines, and it's up to Rachel and friends to fix what he has broken. To somehow make things right again. For everyone. An impossible task, considering Ku'Sox was created to be virtually unstoppable. Even his fellow demons are afraid to take him on. So is Rachel, but unfortunately, she doesn't have the option of bowing out, and she can't afford to fail.
I know what you're thinking. Rachel is an old pro at this saving the world stuff. She's a kickass heroine who has squared off against several Big Bads over the course of the series, and while her victories may not always be clean or pretty, in the end she always prevails. This time will not be any different. Right?
Yes. No. Maybe.
Stakes are high. Higher, I think, than they've ever been before. Ku'Sox proves early on that he is willing to strike where it hurts the most, and strike hard. I was expecting him to behave badly, but to such a degree? Nope, didn't see it coming, and to be honest, it threw me off for the rest of the book. Suddenly, I was reading without a safety net. I mean, if this and that could happen, then anything could.
It was brilliant. Everything felt brand new somehow, like I was stepping into this exciting, wonderful world for the first time. And that feeling? It changed my entire reading experience. I didn't race to the finish, devouring the pages as quickly as I could. Instead, I slowed down. I bookmarked and highlighted like crazy. I reveled.
A lot happens in Ever After. A LOT. It's a very busy book filled with all sorts of juicy Hollows goodness. I think, though, that what I liked best were those odd moments when it would suddenly hit me, just how much Rachel's world has changed. It's no longer as simple as making runs and crafting spells or curses. Her life is so big now, so different than it was when the series started. It's been an incredible journey so far, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
If you are a Trent fan like I am, start stretching and warming up now, because you've got a lot of happy dancing in your future. That's right, our favorite elf gets a nice chunk of page time in Ever After, and let me tell you, he makes the most of it! You think you loved him before? You ain't seen nothin' yet. Trent is more open, more tactile, more EVERYTHING in this book, and I couldn't be happier.
Action, emotion, character development, plot twists and surprises - you name it, Kim delivers it. In spades. Ever After is the best Hollows book yet and I loved it from beginning to end. Especially the end. In fact, the entire last chapter has become my favorite Hollows chapter of all time.
5 Stars ★★★★★
**A very special thank you to Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC.
January 26, 2013
Loved it ♥
So thrillingly fantastic and rather spectacular! At book 11 Kim Harrison continues to deliver an exciting and action packed storyline that builds on previous installments to near perfection. The characters that she has created continue to change, fascinate and entertain. After this many books many series get stale. The cracks in the world-building start to show and the continuity becomes non-existent; not to mention the characters become unrecognizable with little to no growth. I am ecstatic that not only that hasn't happened to The Hollows, but if anything, Kim Harrison's writing, story threads and characterization remain as fresh and complex as ever.
I am once again breathless with anticipation for the next book. I can't believe we only have two more books to go until the end of Rachel Morgan's journey and The Hollows! *sob*
So thrillingly fantastic and rather spectacular! At book 11 Kim Harrison continues to deliver an exciting and action packed storyline that builds on previous installments to near perfection. The characters that she has created continue to change, fascinate and entertain. After this many books many series get stale. The cracks in the world-building start to show and the continuity becomes non-existent; not to mention the characters become unrecognizable with little to no growth. I am ecstatic that not only that hasn't happened to The Hollows, but if anything, Kim Harrison's writing, story threads and characterization remain as fresh and complex as ever.
I am once again breathless with anticipation for the next book. I can't believe we only have two more books to go until the end of Rachel Morgan's journey and The Hollows! *sob*
January 18, 2013
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: A
“I’ve had a very bad week, Newt. A very bad week. And to top it off, I don’t have anything in my closet that is suitable to wear while saving the world.”
Oh my, this book. I don’t even know where to start, but I felt like this book was the one I’ve been waiting for, for years. It shows growth from all the characters, characters are starting to change along with relationships, and things seem to be lining up for how everything may fall as the series heads toward the finish. And there is so, so much good in this story, many moments had me cheering and this was balanced by events that had me crying almost as much as I did with Kisten’s storyline. I decided to make my review character specific, hitting on each person and my thoughts on them. But first, the book focuses heavily on ley lines, specifically how screwed up Rachel’s line is and the impact it’s having on the ever after. The psycho demon Ku’Sox has spelled Rachel’s line and it’s up to her to prove that he’s the one messing with the ever after. If she goes up against Ku’Sox, she risks being killed by him, if she does nothing or can’t prove his guilt, the demons will kill her. Rock – meet hard place. In addition to messing with Rachel, Ku’Sox is stealing Rosewood babies, ones who are actually fighting to survive their demon blood. He has plans to use the kids but he needs Trent to finish the cure they need to survive and to force Trent’s hand, he takes Ceri and Lucy hostage. Rachel has to find a way to fix the ley lines, rescue Ceri, Lucy and the stolen babies and kill Ku’Sox. It’s never an easy task for Rachel.
Rachel is a powerhouse in this story. She’s finally seeing some things for what they are and accepting some truths that she kept refusing to acknowledge. She felt very apart from her core group of people; Ivy is gone for much of the story, Jenks is there but his presence didn’t feel as strong. She goes through a lot on her own and she comes out the other side for the better. She’s starting to let herself believe in Trent and for that to work, he starts doing the same thing with Rachel. They definitely become closer than friends and anytime you trust someone enough to watch each other's back in this world, there’s something there. I liked seeing Rachel become more comfortable with who she is. She has always seemed to want to deny the demon part of her, but that magic is in her and she’s using it, accepting the smut and all. Rachel came across so much stronger in this story. Sure, she still needs some help, who doesn’t, and she gets plenty of help from Trent and Al (such an unlikely trio) but she was fierce and I loved seeing her kickass with her magic in one chapter, but still deal with so many emotions and grief in the next.
Yes, grief. There are deaths in this book and while the characters that die might not have hit me hard (and I’m talking Kisten hard), the aftermath and the characters mourning for them did. After 11 books, you get attached to characters and their lives and it’s hard no matter who it is to know that a character is gone. So be prepared and possibly bring your tissues.
Ah, Trent – I’m addicted to this elf even more and now that he’s a dad and has a family unit around him, he’s a different guy. I never doubt that he has an agenda, but his priorities have changed. With Lucy in danger, he will do anything to get her back. This is a Trent who feels love deeply for someone now and he does little things throughout this book that just seem softer, more genuine. Whether it’s tucking Rachel’s hair behind her ear, actually telling her what he’s feeling, or binding to her in a way that has Quen very nervous, he’s a different guy; one who I’ve loved from the beginning, but he’s turning into someone pretty damn irresistible right now.
As I mentioned above, Jenks and Ivy are around, however not major players. But it allowed for some other characters to step up. Al gets plenty of page time and I always enjoy his sarcasm and dry wit. Ellsabeth is back *groan* but not on page very much, thankfully. She still wants Trent, Trent wants to save his people, but he has wants that don’t seem to be as cut and dry as they used to be. It’ll be interesting to see how that relationship works itself out. However, out of all the supporting characters who stepped up, including getting to know some more gargoyles, I have one thing to say:
I love Bis.
“I got you!” Bis almost sang…. “I snagged you. Right. Out. Of. The. Line!” he crowed, his wings spread and his red eyes sparkling in the fluorescent light. “I’m go-o-od. I’m go-o-od. I’m so bad I’m go-o-od,” he sang, doing one of Jenks’s hip wiggles, his tail curved over his head and wings spread wide.
There’s a huge fight at the end that has Rachel working magic and spells like never before. But even with Rachel rushing to find ways to stop Ku’Sox and fix the lines, what this story also did was get the balling rolling with the vampires. They’re not on page a lot but they make their presence known and Rachel will be needing to deal with them in the very near future.
Trent didn’t need a babysitter, but everyone needed someone to watch their back.
And that’s what this book came down to. Rachel, Trent and others, letting go and trusting in people (some for the first time) to have their back. For a series that’s hit its 11th book, to be able to say that this story is one of the strongest in the series is so incredibly satisfying as a reader. I loved the growth that many characters showed, I loved the fight in Rachel and I especially loved how her relationship with Trent progressed. There is a lot of talk and dissection of the ley lines that got a little too much in depth, but it’s a very, very small thing in an otherwise amazing read. I was captivated from the first chapter and I loved everything about this story, one of my favorites in the Hollows series.
Blog rating: A
“I’ve had a very bad week, Newt. A very bad week. And to top it off, I don’t have anything in my closet that is suitable to wear while saving the world.”
Oh my, this book. I don’t even know where to start, but I felt like this book was the one I’ve been waiting for, for years. It shows growth from all the characters, characters are starting to change along with relationships, and things seem to be lining up for how everything may fall as the series heads toward the finish. And there is so, so much good in this story, many moments had me cheering and this was balanced by events that had me crying almost as much as I did with Kisten’s storyline. I decided to make my review character specific, hitting on each person and my thoughts on them. But first, the book focuses heavily on ley lines, specifically how screwed up Rachel’s line is and the impact it’s having on the ever after. The psycho demon Ku’Sox has spelled Rachel’s line and it’s up to her to prove that he’s the one messing with the ever after. If she goes up against Ku’Sox, she risks being killed by him, if she does nothing or can’t prove his guilt, the demons will kill her. Rock – meet hard place. In addition to messing with Rachel, Ku’Sox is stealing Rosewood babies, ones who are actually fighting to survive their demon blood. He has plans to use the kids but he needs Trent to finish the cure they need to survive and to force Trent’s hand, he takes Ceri and Lucy hostage. Rachel has to find a way to fix the ley lines, rescue Ceri, Lucy and the stolen babies and kill Ku’Sox. It’s never an easy task for Rachel.
Rachel is a powerhouse in this story. She’s finally seeing some things for what they are and accepting some truths that she kept refusing to acknowledge. She felt very apart from her core group of people; Ivy is gone for much of the story, Jenks is there but his presence didn’t feel as strong. She goes through a lot on her own and she comes out the other side for the better. She’s starting to let herself believe in Trent and for that to work, he starts doing the same thing with Rachel. They definitely become closer than friends and anytime you trust someone enough to watch each other's back in this world, there’s something there. I liked seeing Rachel become more comfortable with who she is. She has always seemed to want to deny the demon part of her, but that magic is in her and she’s using it, accepting the smut and all. Rachel came across so much stronger in this story. Sure, she still needs some help, who doesn’t, and she gets plenty of help from Trent and Al (such an unlikely trio) but she was fierce and I loved seeing her kickass with her magic in one chapter, but still deal with so many emotions and grief in the next.
Yes, grief. There are deaths in this book and while the characters that die might not have hit me hard (and I’m talking Kisten hard), the aftermath and the characters mourning for them did. After 11 books, you get attached to characters and their lives and it’s hard no matter who it is to know that a character is gone. So be prepared and possibly bring your tissues.
Ah, Trent – I’m addicted to this elf even more and now that he’s a dad and has a family unit around him, he’s a different guy. I never doubt that he has an agenda, but his priorities have changed. With Lucy in danger, he will do anything to get her back. This is a Trent who feels love deeply for someone now and he does little things throughout this book that just seem softer, more genuine. Whether it’s tucking Rachel’s hair behind her ear, actually telling her what he’s feeling, or binding to her in a way that has Quen very nervous, he’s a different guy; one who I’ve loved from the beginning, but he’s turning into someone pretty damn irresistible right now.
As I mentioned above, Jenks and Ivy are around, however not major players. But it allowed for some other characters to step up. Al gets plenty of page time and I always enjoy his sarcasm and dry wit. Ellsabeth is back *groan* but not on page very much, thankfully. She still wants Trent, Trent wants to save his people, but he has wants that don’t seem to be as cut and dry as they used to be. It’ll be interesting to see how that relationship works itself out. However, out of all the supporting characters who stepped up, including getting to know some more gargoyles, I have one thing to say:
I love Bis.
“I got you!” Bis almost sang…. “I snagged you. Right. Out. Of. The. Line!” he crowed, his wings spread and his red eyes sparkling in the fluorescent light. “I’m go-o-od. I’m go-o-od. I’m so bad I’m go-o-od,” he sang, doing one of Jenks’s hip wiggles, his tail curved over his head and wings spread wide.
There’s a huge fight at the end that has Rachel working magic and spells like never before. But even with Rachel rushing to find ways to stop Ku’Sox and fix the lines, what this story also did was get the balling rolling with the vampires. They’re not on page a lot but they make their presence known and Rachel will be needing to deal with them in the very near future.
Trent didn’t need a babysitter, but everyone needed someone to watch their back.
And that’s what this book came down to. Rachel, Trent and others, letting go and trusting in people (some for the first time) to have their back. For a series that’s hit its 11th book, to be able to say that this story is one of the strongest in the series is so incredibly satisfying as a reader. I loved the growth that many characters showed, I loved the fight in Rachel and I especially loved how her relationship with Trent progressed. There is a lot of talk and dissection of the ley lines that got a little too much in depth, but it’s a very, very small thing in an otherwise amazing read. I was captivated from the first chapter and I loved everything about this story, one of my favorites in the Hollows series.
October 12, 2018
A pesar de que, algunas veces, la autora ha repetido lo mismo alguna que otra vez, que Rachel lleva despidiéndose de Ivy dos libros y de que ha quedado suficientemente claro a qué huele Trent, tengo que darle cinco estrellas. Porque tras cuatrocientas y pico páginas no me canso, porque me gustan los matices que van apareciendo en la historia, sobre todo en lo referente a que no todos somos tan malos ni tan buenos como parecemos, que siempre hay matices y una historia detrás de cada uno. Me lo he leído en un suspiro, y eso también puntúa ;-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,193 reviews