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The Hollows #10
A Perfect Blood
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Best Paranormal Fantasy (2012)New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison returns to the Hollows with the electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed Pale Demon!
A Perfect Blood
Ritually murdered corpses are appearing across Cincinnati, terrifying amalgams of human and other. Pulled in to help investigate by the I.S. and FIB, former witch turned day-walking demon Rachel Morgan soon realizes a horrifying truth: a human hate group is trying to create its own demons to destroy all Inderlanders, and to do so, it needs her blood.
She's faced vampires, witches, werewolves, demons, and more, but humanity itself might be her toughest challenge yet.
A Perfect Blood
Ritually murdered corpses are appearing across Cincinnati, terrifying amalgams of human and other. Pulled in to help investigate by the I.S. and FIB, former witch turned day-walking demon Rachel Morgan soon realizes a horrifying truth: a human hate group is trying to create its own demons to destroy all Inderlanders, and to do so, it needs her blood.
She's faced vampires, witches, werewolves, demons, and more, but humanity itself might be her toughest challenge yet.
453 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2012
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,991 reviews
November 16, 2014
Mmm. Love that silly Elf, Trent.
********************
A Perfect Blood was awesome. Rachel has come a long ways since the first book and has finally learned to embrace who she is. Trent and Rachel's relationship has reached a whole new level. I'm anxious to see where it goes. It's interesting how in the beginning that I used to despise Trent and now I wait impatiently for him to walk onto the pages. I'm hoping Trent and Rachel get another coffee and cherry pie date. *wink*
Jenks, who always cracks me up with his colorful words, seems to have found a new friendship with Belle the garden fairy. Ivy seems to have moved on with new relationships. As Rachel sees her friends drifting away and progressing, she begins to question her own romantic status.
While we didn't get near as much page time with Al, when he did finally show up, he stole the show as usual. I'm curious to see where Harrison takes the storyline with Al and Rachel now that they have formed a truce.
I think what I love most about this series is the character growth in each book. Rachel is the type of person who learns things the hard way but she seems to learn and move on.
********************
A Perfect Blood was awesome. Rachel has come a long ways since the first book and has finally learned to embrace who she is. Trent and Rachel's relationship has reached a whole new level. I'm anxious to see where it goes. It's interesting how in the beginning that I used to despise Trent and now I wait impatiently for him to walk onto the pages. I'm hoping Trent and Rachel get another coffee and cherry pie date. *wink*
Jenks, who always cracks me up with his colorful words, seems to have found a new friendship with Belle the garden fairy. Ivy seems to have moved on with new relationships. As Rachel sees her friends drifting away and progressing, she begins to question her own romantic status.
While we didn't get near as much page time with Al, when he did finally show up, he stole the show as usual. I'm curious to see where Harrison takes the storyline with Al and Rachel now that they have formed a truce.
I think what I love most about this series is the character growth in each book. Rachel is the type of person who learns things the hard way but she seems to learn and move on.
February 17, 2014
A Perfect Blood - A Near Perfect Blend of Old School and New School Hollows
Can this girl ever catch a break? Even cutting herself off from the demon collective and having a new bodyguard can't save our favorite itchy witch from problems. Rachel tries to adjust to being a borderline civilian (as she still works to solve cases after all) but her secret is out and that has made her the perfect target for a pretty serious hate group, HAPA, led by a group of sadistic humans. Their public enemy #1 is the Inderlander community and they will stop at nothing to be rid of them all, even if they must use Inderlander powers to do so. Of course we would have no story if Rachel wasn't exactly what they needed. She tries her damnedest to take them on the good old-fashioned demonless way, but she soon finds that it may not be enough.
She can't do it alone which results in the unlikely but very anticipated partnership with none other than Trent. And this partnership certainly doesn't disappoint. It's a new day for the new dad as we see a completely new but believable side to our favorite elf (well, he's my favorite at least). Their teamwork really is the heart of this book though other familiar faces, Ivy and Jenks, are still around.
Since Book 3 Rachel has liked to drive home that she and Trent look so good together, yet they're apart. But by the end of this book, you start to wonder why. Though she denies it, to me Rachel's actions clearly indicate growing affections towards him. As Trent embraces his magic, they seems a lot more compatible than one would initially think. If I spilled the beans about some of the revelations for his character, it would seem as if Harrison pulled it out of thin air. But she backs it up with several references from past novels, making one wonder if she was thinking about these threads all along. A lot of scenes are stark contrasts to what we've seen before, most notably her interactions with Trent in his home and office. Key moments throughout the series (though few and far in between) have taken place in those locations, so the evolution is meaningful.
While there wasn't a lot of Al, he certainly makes it count for the scenes he's in, managing to be his usual hilarious, yet terrifying self. I'm sure he will be a large presence in the next novel, so I'm looking forward to that. Jenks is funny as always, saying the most inappropriate things at the most awkward times. Ivy is stable and more of a presence than I was expecting based on Harrison's comments about her going away and then coming back in the last book. We're introduced to a few new supporting characters as well. Wayde is a Were bodyguard hired to look out for Rachel. Nina is a living vampire often being controlled by a master-vamp, making her really vulnerable. Both of those characters were okay---I could take them or leave them---but I really took a liking to Winona, a Witch prisoner that Rachel befriends as she takes on HAPA. She's a sympathetic character, just a normal person wanting to live her life. But the events of this book make her shine for her adaptability and practicality. I thought she and Rachel worked really well together.
I'm not sure if it's because it's fresh, but I LOVED this book...dare I say better than Pale Demon in a lot of ways. I liked Rachel's self discovery that she can hide but she can't run. She truly accepts who she is as a demon and the animosity between her and Trent is over too so now it's just the building process that you really hope pays off.
If I don't like a Hollows book, I will say so. I've been with this series since 2005, so I've been through all of the ups and downs. While I read many urban fantasy novels, I pick up The Hollows and feel like I'm saying hello to an old friend. It still manages to be really exciting, so knowing that there are only two books left (with a thirteenth as a possible continuation) makes me a bit sad. But for some reason, I didn't get the same vibe like I did from Pale Demon where it was really obvious how much the story was winding down. I guess that's a signal for filler, but at least it's good filler. The mystery aspect made me flash back to book 2 and the times when Rachel had gruesome mysteries to solve, so it gave me a feeling of nostalgia. This book isn't perfect but all in all I found it to be a satisfying entry to The Hollows series, so I gave it 4.5 stars.
Needless to say, I recommend this!
*Review also posted to Amazon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original post: Thank you everyone for participating in my A Perfect Blood ARC Giveaway and Hardcover/ebook Giveaway
Come hang out with tons of Hollows fans in my Hollows Corner - Everything Rachel Morgan
Can this girl ever catch a break? Even cutting herself off from the demon collective and having a new bodyguard can't save our favorite itchy witch from problems. Rachel tries to adjust to being a borderline civilian (as she still works to solve cases after all) but her secret is out and that has made her the perfect target for a pretty serious hate group, HAPA, led by a group of sadistic humans. Their public enemy #1 is the Inderlander community and they will stop at nothing to be rid of them all, even if they must use Inderlander powers to do so. Of course we would have no story if Rachel wasn't exactly what they needed. She tries her damnedest to take them on the good old-fashioned demonless way, but she soon finds that it may not be enough.
She can't do it alone which results in the unlikely but very anticipated partnership with none other than Trent. And this partnership certainly doesn't disappoint. It's a new day for the new dad as we see a completely new but believable side to our favorite elf (well, he's my favorite at least). Their teamwork really is the heart of this book though other familiar faces, Ivy and Jenks, are still around.
Since Book 3 Rachel has liked to drive home that she and Trent look so good together, yet they're apart. But by the end of this book, you start to wonder why. Though she denies it, to me Rachel's actions clearly indicate growing affections towards him. As Trent embraces his magic, they seems a lot more compatible than one would initially think. If I spilled the beans about some of the revelations for his character, it would seem as if Harrison pulled it out of thin air. But she backs it up with several references from past novels, making one wonder if she was thinking about these threads all along. A lot of scenes are stark contrasts to what we've seen before, most notably her interactions with Trent in his home and office. Key moments throughout the series (though few and far in between) have taken place in those locations, so the evolution is meaningful.
While there wasn't a lot of Al, he certainly makes it count for the scenes he's in, managing to be his usual hilarious, yet terrifying self. I'm sure he will be a large presence in the next novel, so I'm looking forward to that. Jenks is funny as always, saying the most inappropriate things at the most awkward times. Ivy is stable and more of a presence than I was expecting based on Harrison's comments about her going away and then coming back in the last book. We're introduced to a few new supporting characters as well. Wayde is a Were bodyguard hired to look out for Rachel. Nina is a living vampire often being controlled by a master-vamp, making her really vulnerable. Both of those characters were okay---I could take them or leave them---but I really took a liking to Winona, a Witch prisoner that Rachel befriends as she takes on HAPA. She's a sympathetic character, just a normal person wanting to live her life. But the events of this book make her shine for her adaptability and practicality. I thought she and Rachel worked really well together.
I'm not sure if it's because it's fresh, but I LOVED this book...dare I say better than Pale Demon in a lot of ways. I liked Rachel's self discovery that she can hide but she can't run. She truly accepts who she is as a demon and the animosity between her and Trent is over too so now it's just the building process that you really hope pays off.
If I don't like a Hollows book, I will say so. I've been with this series since 2005, so I've been through all of the ups and downs. While I read many urban fantasy novels, I pick up The Hollows and feel like I'm saying hello to an old friend. It still manages to be really exciting, so knowing that there are only two books left (with a thirteenth as a possible continuation) makes me a bit sad. But for some reason, I didn't get the same vibe like I did from Pale Demon where it was really obvious how much the story was winding down. I guess that's a signal for filler, but at least it's good filler. The mystery aspect made me flash back to book 2 and the times when Rachel had gruesome mysteries to solve, so it gave me a feeling of nostalgia. This book isn't perfect but all in all I found it to be a satisfying entry to The Hollows series, so I gave it 4.5 stars.
Needless to say, I recommend this!
*Review also posted to Amazon
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Original post: Thank you everyone for participating in my A Perfect Blood ARC Giveaway and Hardcover/ebook Giveaway
Come hang out with tons of Hollows fans in my Hollows Corner - Everything Rachel Morgan
March 3, 2012
Want the extras of the Mass Market Paperback?
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/sample/...
Yeah teasers! =D We have a Trent POV scene here! A Trent POV! Trent! Sorry, very excited.
***
finally! Rachel understands and accepts herself! it only took 10 books is all. the best thing that anyone could have done for that girl is put that silver bracelet on her and it makes me love Trent even more that he knew it was what she needed.
okay, so this wasn't my favourite book in the series, but i definitely loved it. Like the previous book, I'd say that Rachel's relationship with Trent and Al has progressed some more, which is great! because it probably means that there'll be more Trent and Al scenes in book 11.
the investigation part (what with the whole 'making demons' part) is pretty interesting too. i love Harrison's imagination and how she's able to put everything together so that it fits so perfectly. Once again, she's managed to create an awesome Hollows book, weaving in the usual humour, action,epic Trent-ness and Al-ness and unexpectedness that makes The Hollows series so addictive. plus, Jenks' phrases were as weird and funny as ever:
"Tink’s little pink dildo" – come on! where does he get this stuff?!
oh, and I loved, loved, loved the Trent scenes. the scenes with Al too. damn i love those two characters. i don't know what i'd do if Harrison gets rid of them. fingers crossed she won't. whatever book it is, i might have to pull a star off if she did, since it would most definitely be a deciding factor in my star ratings.
* * *
I'd love me a helluva lot of Trent and Al in this book.
Wow! I love the cover! So dark. And it's black and red. hmmm... maybe there's gonna be some kind of seduction thing in here. oh! With Al! Or Trent! Either of those and I'll be fine.
... or maybe there's just gonna be a lot of death and darkness. Whatever, I can deal with that too.
love this series!
ooooh and check that out! there's someone in the background. veeeeeery mysterious.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/sample/...
Yeah teasers! =D We have a Trent POV scene here! A Trent POV! Trent! Sorry, very excited.
***
finally! Rachel understands and accepts herself! it only took 10 books is all. the best thing that anyone could have done for that girl is put that silver bracelet on her and it makes me love Trent even more that he knew it was what she needed.
okay, so this wasn't my favourite book in the series, but i definitely loved it. Like the previous book, I'd say that Rachel's relationship with Trent and Al has progressed some more, which is great! because it probably means that there'll be more Trent and Al scenes in book 11.
the investigation part (what with the whole 'making demons' part) is pretty interesting too. i love Harrison's imagination and how she's able to put everything together so that it fits so perfectly. Once again, she's managed to create an awesome Hollows book, weaving in the usual humour, action,
"Tink’s little pink dildo" – come on! where does he get this stuff?!
oh, and I loved, loved, loved the Trent scenes. the scenes with Al too. damn i love those two characters. i don't know what i'd do if Harrison gets rid of them. fingers crossed she won't. whatever book it is, i might have to pull a star off if she did, since it would most definitely be a deciding factor in my star ratings.
* * *
I'd love me a helluva lot of Trent and Al in this book.
Wow! I love the cover! So dark. And it's black and red. hmmm... maybe there's gonna be some kind of seduction thing in here. oh! With Al! Or Trent! Either of those and I'll be fine.
... or maybe there's just gonna be a lot of death and darkness. Whatever, I can deal with that too.
love this series!
ooooh and check that out! there's someone in the background. veeeeeery mysterious.
September 4, 2011
Love Rachel. Love her team. Love these books. Already counting down to the next.
That said, this isn't my favorite in the series, but that's okay. Harrison creates a high standard for herself. And the very reasons I didn't like this one as much may be the very reason others think it's the BEST.
My bias is this: I love Ivy and Jenks. Any side characters that infringe on their solidarity get the big ol' hairy eyeball from me. I'm also one of those rarer-than-a-dodo-bird readers who has no interest in seeing Rachel together with Trent. Do I want them to be close? Yes. Do I want them to have an up and down, slightly uncertain relationship? Totally. But the "chemistry" between them just feels so forced.
Is it wrong that I want Trent to stay somewhat shady and mysterious, and not watch him morph into Rachel's lapdog and personal bodyguard? Is it wrong that I want him to be a person who helps Rachel grow by openly using her weakness against her and her strengths for him (to her utter frustration)? That's the Trent I like. For the two of them to become a couple, they both have to give up too much of themselves and become two washed-out hybrids of each other. No thanks.
My secret wish *braces self for incoming projectiles* is that Trent will hook up with another elf have unabashedly elf-alicious kids... I mean, he is basically part of an endangered species, It's like asking a Tazmanian Tiger to mate with a Siberian Tiger just because they have frisky play sessions.
Yes, you may cast stones at me. I understand that Team Trent is large and powerful, but seeing Rachel start to consider him in "that way" makes me panic a bit. I don't see it ending well or being a good roller coaster for either party...
What I can tell you, though, is that the book in this series that will undoubtedly be my favorite and have the biggest sigh of satisfaction from me is not the book where Rachel finds a man to love and the big ol' HEA, but it will be the book where Rachel actually learns how to be a best friend. We know from a banshee what Rachel fears most, and Ivy is the person who can definitively show Rachel that her deepest fear is smoke and mirrors. Instead, the two of them always seem to be trying to prove that they don't need each other, when the fact is that they are a kick butt team. They're both deeply flawed, but when they stand together they can take on anything. I LOVE THIS! And no matter how many men Rachel falls for, Ivy is "her person" (Grey's Anatomy reference). Rachel can marry and love someone else, but that other relationship will be directly impacted by how she deals with Ivy. Rachel needs to get over her excuses for pushing Ivy away until it's a life-or-death situation, and just get right with "her person." As long as Rachel locks Ivy out, Rachel locks the world out and no relationship--with Trent, or otherwise--is ever going to a serious, non-self-sabotaging place.
And I will stop my preaching there.
Can you tell I love this series? Love. It.
So when *that* book comes out, that will be my favorite book in the series with a gazillion stars: The book where Rachel decides, "**** it!", becomes a true, fearless friend, and goes out and fulfills her destiny standing back-to-back with her team--not with them scattered and in different spots trying to prove they can stand on their own. Just imagine: Rachel, Jenks, Ivy, Trent, David, and maybe even Ceri, Quen, or the new bodyguard back-to-back in a circle, facing off against the baddies... working together without second-guessing each other.
I get chills just thinking about it. Sooo hope it happens!! *sigh*
That said, this isn't my favorite in the series, but that's okay. Harrison creates a high standard for herself. And the very reasons I didn't like this one as much may be the very reason others think it's the BEST.
My bias is this: I love Ivy and Jenks. Any side characters that infringe on their solidarity get the big ol' hairy eyeball from me. I'm also one of those rarer-than-a-dodo-bird readers who has no interest in seeing Rachel together with Trent. Do I want them to be close? Yes. Do I want them to have an up and down, slightly uncertain relationship? Totally. But the "chemistry" between them just feels so forced.
Is it wrong that I want Trent to stay somewhat shady and mysterious, and not watch him morph into Rachel's lapdog and personal bodyguard? Is it wrong that I want him to be a person who helps Rachel grow by openly using her weakness against her and her strengths for him (to her utter frustration)? That's the Trent I like. For the two of them to become a couple, they both have to give up too much of themselves and become two washed-out hybrids of each other. No thanks.
My secret wish *braces self for incoming projectiles* is that Trent will hook up with another elf have unabashedly elf-alicious kids... I mean, he is basically part of an endangered species, It's like asking a Tazmanian Tiger to mate with a Siberian Tiger just because they have frisky play sessions.
Yes, you may cast stones at me. I understand that Team Trent is large and powerful, but seeing Rachel start to consider him in "that way" makes me panic a bit. I don't see it ending well or being a good roller coaster for either party...
What I can tell you, though, is that the book in this series that will undoubtedly be my favorite and have the biggest sigh of satisfaction from me is not the book where Rachel finds a man to love and the big ol' HEA, but it will be the book where Rachel actually learns how to be a best friend. We know from a banshee what Rachel fears most, and Ivy is the person who can definitively show Rachel that her deepest fear is smoke and mirrors. Instead, the two of them always seem to be trying to prove that they don't need each other, when the fact is that they are a kick butt team. They're both deeply flawed, but when they stand together they can take on anything. I LOVE THIS! And no matter how many men Rachel falls for, Ivy is "her person" (Grey's Anatomy reference). Rachel can marry and love someone else, but that other relationship will be directly impacted by how she deals with Ivy. Rachel needs to get over her excuses for pushing Ivy away until it's a life-or-death situation, and just get right with "her person." As long as Rachel locks Ivy out, Rachel locks the world out and no relationship--with Trent, or otherwise--is ever going to a serious, non-self-sabotaging place.
And I will stop my preaching there.
Can you tell I love this series? Love. It.
So when *that* book comes out, that will be my favorite book in the series with a gazillion stars: The book where Rachel decides, "**** it!", becomes a true, fearless friend, and goes out and fulfills her destiny standing back-to-back with her team--not with them scattered and in different spots trying to prove they can stand on their own. Just imagine: Rachel, Jenks, Ivy, Trent, David, and maybe even Ceri, Quen, or the new bodyguard back-to-back in a circle, facing off against the baddies... working together without second-guessing each other.
I get chills just thinking about it. Sooo hope it happens!! *sigh*
August 17, 2015
«Oh, I'm sorry. Did I interrupt some sort of dominance foreplay?»
10th book in the series and still going strong. I wonder what Harrison's secret to success is. Her books are absolutely amazing and never cease to amaze me. A Perfect Blood is a stressful book, I think HAPA is one of the biggest threats our characters have ever had to face and I'm sure we'll see more of them in future books and they'll play a big part too. Ugh.
Trent, what an elf. I'll start with him because he's amazing and I've always known, ever since he first appeared on the books, that eventually he and Rachel would have little something going on. I'm not entirely sure what it is but that flirt, and how it's working up really slow, I just love it. The tension is there and so is the passion.
Rachel has finally come to the realization of what she is and she's embraced it but that's just the beginning, she can be really powerful and partially her accepting what she is, is because of Trent. Another reason to love him and I'm certain he'll give me more reasons to do so.
HAPA, hmm, are a hate group, they are humans fighting against the Inderlanders and yes that's just as frustrating as it sounds. They think of Inderlanders as cockroaches that have to be eradicated from the face of earth. The entire book was focused on them and how they'd use Rachel's blood to exterminate every "monster" walking on earth.
This book was a such a nice follow-up to the previous one, despite being stressful (like every book in this series)this was a little bit more laid back than its predecessor, and we went back to the entire "homie feeling". There is also a new character. No, two new characters actually. I'm sure you'll like them. Especially Wayde.
So this surely is the longest series I've ever attempted to read and I'm actually through with the 10th book, which means that there are only a handful left before I finish this series. Ugh, just the thought makes me shiver.
February 20, 2020
Ok, so I finally finished it (like, right now). My initial, off the cuff thoughts - I'm tired of watching Rachel get put through the wringer with little to no happy, and lets be honest - Rachel gets a LOT of wringer. We're so close to the end of the series and I'm thinking the HEA we've been promised is going to be a fade-to-black kind of thing with us never getting to see the good bits that make you heave a deep sigh and want to hug the book. I want to have a Hollows book end in which I'm so happy for Rachel that I want to hug the damned book, not take a breath and feel like I need a vacation - or a therapist. I don't think one book in 10 like that is too much to ask for.
Next, what happened to Rachel while she was wearing that bracelet? Before she put it on she was a bad ass witch that had been studying with a bad ass demon and could sling some bad ass spells and had kind of left the earth magic pea shooter in the dust long ago. Suddenly she's back to relying completely on the pea shooter and she's too unprofessional to test the accuracy of a weapon she's never shot and she pilfered off of a failed assassin before she takes it into a field op? Since when? This is but one of several large holes in this particular book that made getting through it more difficult for me than usual with this series. Rachel is one of the baddest magic users around, she's one of a kind, she sees things nobody else does, and yet she lets anyone and everyone walk all over her and she's too much of a pussy to to hurt people who are trying to kill her. That trope is tired, retire it for god sakes.
A NEW villain? An entire group of well funded villains that are taking people away and we don't get to find out how that ended for Ivy? We spend an entire book watching the Ivy/ Glen romance and then get told instead of shown how it's blowing up as a cluster fuck? Not kewl.
It feels like a "Rachel is going to be alone forever" set up to me. The domestic arrangements with Ceri and Trent confuse me - and when it comes to alternative domestic arrangements I am a VERY difficult woman to confuse!
I'm sick of the dribbles here and there with Trent. Shit or get off the pot already. How many series do we have to watch people dance around each other for a damned decade?
What exactly was the purpose of Wayde and why in the hell did she put up with him for so long? More in the school of "who is this person and what did Kim Harrison do with Rachel Morgan?" And as long as we're on the subject, what happened to him at the end, after he got his head bashed in? Did he just get left in the lobby or did they finally send his stupid ass packing?
The book had all the standards we love. Jenks was foul mouthed, Rachel was hated and blamed by everyone and for everything, Jenks and Ivy jumped to Rachel's defense, Rachel bagged some bad guys, Rachel and Trent had a moment or two but nothing you could honestly make any kind of bank or bet on, or extrapolate anything significant from.
Not my favorite offering in the series. It felt scattered and unfinished to me.
Next, what happened to Rachel while she was wearing that bracelet? Before she put it on she was a bad ass witch that had been studying with a bad ass demon and could sling some bad ass spells and had kind of left the earth magic pea shooter in the dust long ago. Suddenly she's back to relying completely on the pea shooter and she's too unprofessional to test the accuracy of a weapon she's never shot and she pilfered off of a failed assassin before she takes it into a field op? Since when? This is but one of several large holes in this particular book that made getting through it more difficult for me than usual with this series. Rachel is one of the baddest magic users around, she's one of a kind, she sees things nobody else does, and yet she lets anyone and everyone walk all over her and she's too much of a pussy to to hurt people who are trying to kill her. That trope is tired, retire it for god sakes.
A NEW villain? An entire group of well funded villains that are taking people away and we don't get to find out how that ended for Ivy? We spend an entire book watching the Ivy/ Glen romance and then get told instead of shown how it's blowing up as a cluster fuck? Not kewl.
It feels like a "Rachel is going to be alone forever" set up to me. The domestic arrangements with Ceri and Trent confuse me - and when it comes to alternative domestic arrangements I am a VERY difficult woman to confuse!
I'm sick of the dribbles here and there with Trent. Shit or get off the pot already. How many series do we have to watch people dance around each other for a damned decade?
What exactly was the purpose of Wayde and why in the hell did she put up with him for so long? More in the school of "who is this person and what did Kim Harrison do with Rachel Morgan?" And as long as we're on the subject, what happened to him at the end, after he got his head bashed in? Did he just get left in the lobby or did they finally send his stupid ass packing?
The book had all the standards we love. Jenks was foul mouthed, Rachel was hated and blamed by everyone and for everything, Jenks and Ivy jumped to Rachel's defense, Rachel bagged some bad guys, Rachel and Trent had a moment or two but nothing you could honestly make any kind of bank or bet on, or extrapolate anything significant from.
Not my favorite offering in the series. It felt scattered and unfinished to me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2011
At the end of Pale Demon, Trent sagely outlines to Rachel the danger of rendering herself helpless in the midst of so many enemies. Brought back from the brink of death after kicking Ku'Sox's butt, and nearly losing her aura by unwittingly carving out a new ley line that has devastating effects in the everafter, Rachel has some tough choices to make. Will she try to live her life without her demon enhanced abilities? Can she? Can she even go back to being an earth witch?
Harrison smartly leads with this thought in A Perfect Blood where Rachel will reap the consequences of her all decisions...good and bad, to finally realize that with great power, comes great responsibility. With one charmed Elven bracelet, Rachel chooses to effectively cut herself off from the scrutiny of the demon collective, ley lines...even Al thinks she's dead. After the fracas in San Francisco, even the Inderlander government has her declared dead. But has she chosen wisely?
When a deep-seated cell of HAPA (Humans Against Paranormals Association) embarks on a sinister quest to tinker with witch blood carrying the Rosewood syndrome and develop an unearthly weapon against all Inderlander species, Rachel and the gang are up against a foe that will stop at nothing to bring humans back on top of the food chain. While Rachel's past incursions have mostly been personal, HAPA's threat spells doom for all Inderlanders and if they succeed it would make the Elf/Demon war look like a walk in the park compared to the death and destruction that would reign down in the Hollows and everywhere else.
This pronounced intensity rages throughout A Perfect Blood, honing the point home that everything is at risk, and Rachel's final decision about her destiny will be the ultimate game changer. Even the schisms between the I.S. and F.I.B. have to be put to rights-inter-agency cooperation is absolutely essential in combating HAPA.
In order to make this happen, Harrison has introduced a few peripheral characters and situations that makes the mix more interesting, the mysterious vamp Felix (head of the IS) who creatively "borrows" Nina's body (reminiscent of Ghastek in Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series) and Wayde, Rachel's new were bodyguard makes an appearance, bringing the were contingent into battle by proxy. Even Glenn has a hidden agenda but is playing nice. And there is also the suspicion that HAPA might already be entrenched in either the I.S. or F.I.B...or both.
A Perfect Blood is also about integrating normality into Rachel's rather abnormal life. Harrison sets a few homey scenes in between battles that relieve some of the tension, and we get a few appearances of Ceri, her new daughter Ray, and Trent's daughter Lucy, a billiard scene with Wayde. Ivy and Jenks have even seemed to move out of their transitional phase...Ivy now in a relationship, and Jenks interestingly enough could be enamored by Belle (Sidereal's daughter, the fairy, from Black Magic Sanction). This only puts the focus more on Rachel as she tries to suss out her romantic life and its uncertain future.
Though fans might have been expecting a love connection with one particular character (Trent), instead we find a true burgeoning friendship developing between them that doesn't disappoint. To what end...we shall see. Rather, it more than whetted my appetite. Harrison is smokingly seductive, as she taunts us page after page with their interactions.
First Trent and Rachel must learn to be friends, learn to trust before anything else can happen and that means that Rachel has to forgive Trent and drop the animosity she has for him.
The newfound playfulness between Rachel and Trent is refreshing and intensely appealing. Rachel finds herself musing more and more about Trent (and his hair!), unable (or unwilling) to recognize what those feelings really mean. He continues to prove himself yet again as he protects her from Al, HAPA, and even herself. He is instrumental-absolutely key in helping Rachel grow into who she is (he admits it to her and Al). He even alludes that he is her S'han. Come on...he made her a ley line pinky ring...there is obviously more there than meets the eye, but Harrison is playing it close to the vest.
Besides Trent being absolutely fantastic in A Perfect Blood...sexy...single-minded, and just plain delicious-I honestly don't think Harrison is going to abandon this yummy loose end. There's too much invested in it and it seems pretty clear that Harrison is building a foundation...will Rachel end up taking the plunge? I would have definitely liked to have seen a repeat of that smoldering kiss in Pale Demon, but still readers will raise eyebrows over and over again at the delicious hints that Harrison scatters throughout the book. It's simply tantalizing, but looks like we'll have to wait to see what happens in Book #11.
Once again, Kim Harrison stole my sleep because I simply could not put it down. Was it worth it? Hell yeah. Harrison never disappoints and the quality of A Perfect Blood was consistent with all her previous novels, energetic and romantically charged. Hands down...I loved it.
A Fiendishly Bookish Review
April 27, 2012
I dub thee, Kim Harrison, Queen of Idiom.
I am a sucker for a well-placed idiom. I constantly find myself cracking up when I read this series and this book was no exception.
I really love this series. I feel about the hallows series the same way that I felt about Nancy Drew when I was little. I don’t care if Kim Harrison writes 1000 books, I plan on reading them all.
That being said, this is one of my least favorite books in this series.
I should say right up front that this series is definitely not for everyone. If you don’t like borderline cheesy fantasy characters, or urban fantasy in general you won’t like this book. If you are not a fan of cursing (literal and figurative) you won’t like these books.
So what didn’t I like about this book?
My biggest issue; I wanted more AL!! Yes, I hated the demon in the first couple books, but I kind of like him now, like a lot.
There was a lot of nothingness going on. A lot of running around not actually accomplishing anything. Rachel had a bracelet of charmed silver around her wrist for at least half of the book that prevented her from using magic at all. I don’t know about you guys, but the whole reason I love this series is BECAUSE OF Rachel & her magic. And sadly there is not a whole lot of epic magic in this book. The plot was ok, but it didn’t have that big “ta-daaa!” at the end that I am used to with the other books. I guess I was just kind of left going “oh, that was it?” I think that this book is leading into something though. Hopefully something with lots of demons and smoke and sparkles and magic.
Even though this is one of my least favorite books in the series, I still had a good time reading it. I love the world that Harrison creates that is The Hallows and “post-turn” Cinci, and I can’t wait until another installment is released so that I can go back there. I think the fact that I am in love with this world, coupled with my fondness for the characters is what really saved this particular book for me. In my opinion Harrison could do no wrong with this series (aside from killing off Ivy or Jenks or Rachel).
To sum up, I liked A Perfect Blood, but it wasn’t my favorite. If you are a fan of the series, don’t miss it, but if you have not read any of the other books, definitely don’t start with this one!
3 & ½ Stars
I am a sucker for a well-placed idiom. I constantly find myself cracking up when I read this series and this book was no exception.
I really love this series. I feel about the hallows series the same way that I felt about Nancy Drew when I was little. I don’t care if Kim Harrison writes 1000 books, I plan on reading them all.
That being said, this is one of my least favorite books in this series.
I should say right up front that this series is definitely not for everyone. If you don’t like borderline cheesy fantasy characters, or urban fantasy in general you won’t like this book. If you are not a fan of cursing (literal and figurative) you won’t like these books.
So what didn’t I like about this book?
My biggest issue; I wanted more AL!! Yes, I hated the demon in the first couple books, but I kind of like him now, like a lot.
There was a lot of nothingness going on. A lot of running around not actually accomplishing anything. Rachel had a bracelet of charmed silver around her wrist for at least half of the book that prevented her from using magic at all. I don’t know about you guys, but the whole reason I love this series is BECAUSE OF Rachel & her magic. And sadly there is not a whole lot of epic magic in this book. The plot was ok, but it didn’t have that big “ta-daaa!” at the end that I am used to with the other books. I guess I was just kind of left going “oh, that was it?” I think that this book is leading into something though. Hopefully something with lots of demons and smoke and sparkles and magic.
Even though this is one of my least favorite books in the series, I still had a good time reading it. I love the world that Harrison creates that is The Hallows and “post-turn” Cinci, and I can’t wait until another installment is released so that I can go back there. I think the fact that I am in love with this world, coupled with my fondness for the characters is what really saved this particular book for me. In my opinion Harrison could do no wrong with this series (aside from killing off Ivy or Jenks or Rachel).
To sum up, I liked A Perfect Blood, but it wasn’t my favorite. If you are a fan of the series, don’t miss it, but if you have not read any of the other books, definitely don’t start with this one!
3 & ½ Stars
November 13, 2013
I can't even tell you how excited I am at the direction this series has finally (finally, FINALLY, FINALLY) taken with regards to the romantic elements. Not that there is really any down and dirty here...more of the goofy questioning oneself pre-romance jitters, if I'm reading this right. We got a lot of face time with Trent in the last book on the road trip. We get a lot more Trent here, and while I'll warn you not to expect the stars, I can say that I was left completely stoked to read the next one. Please, PLEASE tell me Rachel will eventually get it on with this damned elf! PLEASE!
I know I focus on the romance too much. Sue me...it's my nature. The story here is ongoing crazy with regards to Rachel's identity...she's now officially a demon, not a witch. And boy, does that cause a ruckus. Everyone wants the demon blood. Powerful magic there. Also, Al is unaware that Rachel is alive still, and since she's wearing Trent's charmed bracelet, Rachel remains hidden from the demon world. That also means that she's completely cut off from magic, which poses a major problem for her. Magic has always been such a huge part of her life.
So many, many different species coming together and befriending Rachel, I can't help but anticipate a major show down eventually. Pixies, fairies, elves, witches, vampires, weres, demons, gargoyles...I know I'm missing some. But boy, don't you just FEEL it coming?
One more thing that has finally (finally, FINALLY, FINALLY) happened: Ivy and Rachel no longer have that weird sexual attraction for each other...gah, that went on for way too long...nearly the entire series, and it skeeved me out. Like...either do it or don't, but get on with it, already! They noved on, and I'm ever so thankful.
I listened to the audiobooks...this series is amazing on audio...the narrator flat out rules.
This series is so multi-layered and well done...any fans of Urban Fantasy should absolutely read it. It's funny at times, with characters that end up feeling like family.
By the way, does anyone know where all of these Trent Kalamack quotes are coming from? Am I missing some extras or some teasers or something? I want inside Trent's head!!!!!
“You are pathetic, Rache," Jenks said, and my eyes darted to the top of the rack and I saw him standing there, hands on his hips and frowning at me, his wings a silver blur. "Rachel and Trent, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. No wait, it was a hospital room, and he had his hands on your ass and you had your tongue down his throat. I can see why you might be confused.”
I know I focus on the romance too much. Sue me...it's my nature. The story here is ongoing crazy with regards to Rachel's identity...she's now officially a demon, not a witch. And boy, does that cause a ruckus. Everyone wants the demon blood. Powerful magic there. Also, Al is unaware that Rachel is alive still, and since she's wearing Trent's charmed bracelet, Rachel remains hidden from the demon world. That also means that she's completely cut off from magic, which poses a major problem for her. Magic has always been such a huge part of her life.
So many, many different species coming together and befriending Rachel, I can't help but anticipate a major show down eventually. Pixies, fairies, elves, witches, vampires, weres, demons, gargoyles...I know I'm missing some. But boy, don't you just FEEL it coming?
One more thing that has finally (finally, FINALLY, FINALLY) happened: Ivy and Rachel no longer have that weird sexual attraction for each other...gah, that went on for way too long...nearly the entire series, and it skeeved me out. Like...either do it or don't, but get on with it, already! They noved on, and I'm ever so thankful.
I listened to the audiobooks...this series is amazing on audio...the narrator flat out rules.
This series is so multi-layered and well done...any fans of Urban Fantasy should absolutely read it. It's funny at times, with characters that end up feeling like family.
By the way, does anyone know where all of these Trent Kalamack quotes are coming from? Am I missing some extras or some teasers or something? I want inside Trent's head!!!!!
July 1, 2020
July 1, 2020: Still a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Read. Love the growth of both Rach and Trent.
July 11, 2019: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 26, 2011: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Woohoo, lets get out some champagne and celebrate because the girl is finally behaving like she has a head on her shoulders and is actually using it! Yes, I am talking about Rachel. Our girl is finally growing up. The story is every bit as good as Pale Demon. Ivy and Jenks are progressing wonderfully. Al fans will be happy too because he makes several appearances. There are surprises and plot twists to shock, but still no decision on Rachel’s love interest. I have always been a huge fan of Trent and believed with all my heart that he was simply misunderstood. This book will help anti-Trent fans begin to view him as he really is. Again, Harrison has left us with another cliff-hanger and I am breathlessly awaiting next year. I wish she could put out two books a year. This book probably deserves five stars, but I am very impatient and tired of waiting to learn who Rachel will give her heart to.
July 11, 2019: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 26, 2011: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Woohoo, lets get out some champagne and celebrate because the girl is finally behaving like she has a head on her shoulders and is actually using it! Yes, I am talking about Rachel. Our girl is finally growing up. The story is every bit as good as Pale Demon. Ivy and Jenks are progressing wonderfully. Al fans will be happy too because he makes several appearances. There are surprises and plot twists to shock, but still no decision on Rachel’s love interest. I have always been a huge fan of Trent and believed with all my heart that he was simply misunderstood. This book will help anti-Trent fans begin to view him as he really is. Again, Harrison has left us with another cliff-hanger and I am breathlessly awaiting next year. I wish she could put out two books a year. This book probably deserves five stars, but I am very impatient and tired of waiting to learn who Rachel will give her heart to.
April 18, 2021
The 10th volume of the series is somewhat different, more "mundane".
After the events in the 9th volume, Rachel is back in Cincinnati and lets the demons think she’s dead. How? Well, Trent made her a special charmed bracelet that blocks most of her magic. And if this sounds like the neutering the council had threatened Rachel with, it’s because it more or less is. At least it’s voluntary and can be undone.
After some recuperation, the IS is moving in to get Rachel’s help with a string of gruesome murders that turn out to have been the work of an old, radical group of magic-hating humans. They are trying to find a way to eradicate all Interlanders and they want to use demon magic to do it - which means they need demon blood. Which Rachel has.
What could possibly go wrong, right?!
Despite the mystery itself not being all that mysterious (on purpose), there was a twist to it in the end, which I very much appreciated.
I wasn’t too worried about Rachel enjoying mundane life, to be honest. She needed some downtime and, more importantly, needed to find peace within herself. She especially needed to find out that she actually LIKES and NEEDS her particular kind of magic instead of being all sad about not being like everybody else. Nothing better to make you crave something than to take it away for some time.
The scenes where Rachel, Jenks and Ivy (and Wade and Glenn) worked together, trying to solve the murder mystery, were quite cozy. Just like when we visited Ceri and the elven children. So maybe we readers needed a little palette cleanser as well.
Moreover, not just knocking it out of the proverbial park with magic nobody else has also ensured we got another look at the kind of powers the other Interlanders have and I really enjoyed that. Oh, and Rachel’s and Wynona’s ingenuity when they were taken hostage by the human terrorists.
But the most satisfaction came when . It didn’t hurt that .
Besides, we finally needed to make some headway with the demon situation. My best bet still is that the big conflict in the end, what this has all been about, is and how .
Therefore, while not as perfect as most of the previous volumes, this was still very satisfying and wonderful.
After the events in the 9th volume, Rachel is back in Cincinnati and lets the demons think she’s dead. How? Well, Trent made her a special charmed bracelet that blocks most of her magic. And if this sounds like the neutering the council had threatened Rachel with, it’s because it more or less is. At least it’s voluntary and can be undone.
After some recuperation, the IS is moving in to get Rachel’s help with a string of gruesome murders that turn out to have been the work of an old, radical group of magic-hating humans. They are trying to find a way to eradicate all Interlanders and they want to use demon magic to do it - which means they need demon blood. Which Rachel has.
What could possibly go wrong, right?!
Despite the mystery itself not being all that mysterious (on purpose), there was a twist to it in the end, which I very much appreciated.
I wasn’t too worried about Rachel enjoying mundane life, to be honest. She needed some downtime and, more importantly, needed to find peace within herself. She especially needed to find out that she actually LIKES and NEEDS her particular kind of magic instead of being all sad about not being like everybody else. Nothing better to make you crave something than to take it away for some time.
The scenes where Rachel, Jenks and Ivy (and Wade and Glenn) worked together, trying to solve the murder mystery, were quite cozy. Just like when we visited Ceri and the elven children. So maybe we readers needed a little palette cleanser as well.
Moreover, not just knocking it out of the proverbial park with magic nobody else has also ensured we got another look at the kind of powers the other Interlanders have and I really enjoyed that. Oh, and Rachel’s and Wynona’s ingenuity when they were taken hostage by the human terrorists.
But the most satisfaction came when . It didn’t hurt that .
Besides, we finally needed to make some headway with the demon situation. My best bet still is that the big conflict in the end, what this has all been about, is and how .
Therefore, while not as perfect as most of the previous volumes, this was still very satisfying and wonderful.
February 27, 2012
Rachel hunts a hate group determined to create its own demon, and she faces changes in both her abilities and her personal life.
The first half of the book gets back into an old-school Hollows investigation, but it also emphasizes Rachel's unfortunate tendency to be miserable about whatever circumstances she's in. We get some much-needed separation from Ivy, but a good bit of that time is devoted to conflict with yet another attractive new guy.
It's not that I'm against the introduction of new characters, most of the ones in this book were interesting. But the latest resident of the Vampiric Charms church comes off as a total afterthought. The last time we see him, he's slipping into unconsciousness as Rachel incapacitates him to run off headlong into danger. There's no mention of the man at all in the weeks-later epilogue, as if Rachel cared as little as I did about the aftermath of that incident.
As usual these days, Trent and Jenks are my highlights. Rachel herself appears less competent than she did in the beginning of the series, apparently months had passed but she was still unprepared for being in the field without ley line magic.
The book could have used a bit more editing as well. Imagery or phrases were sometimes repeated, and I kept getting distracted by unclear sentences and muddy dialogue.
I hope the remaining Hollows books keep the focus on Rachel's existing relationships, especially her understanding with Trent. He's the most intriguing character in the bunch, so it would be nice to see Rachel finally start to give him the consideration that he's earned.
The first half of the book gets back into an old-school Hollows investigation, but it also emphasizes Rachel's unfortunate tendency to be miserable about whatever circumstances she's in. We get some much-needed separation from Ivy, but a good bit of that time is devoted to conflict with yet another attractive new guy.
It's not that I'm against the introduction of new characters, most of the ones in this book were interesting. But the latest resident of the Vampiric Charms church comes off as a total afterthought. The last time we see him, he's slipping into unconsciousness as Rachel incapacitates him to run off headlong into danger. There's no mention of the man at all in the weeks-later epilogue, as if Rachel cared as little as I did about the aftermath of that incident.
As usual these days, Trent and Jenks are my highlights. Rachel herself appears less competent than she did in the beginning of the series, apparently months had passed but she was still unprepared for being in the field without ley line magic.
The book could have used a bit more editing as well. Imagery or phrases were sometimes repeated, and I kept getting distracted by unclear sentences and muddy dialogue.
I hope the remaining Hollows books keep the focus on Rachel's existing relationships, especially her understanding with Trent. He's the most intriguing character in the bunch, so it would be nice to see Rachel finally start to give him the consideration that he's earned.
November 26, 2011
The coven has recognized that Rachel Morgan is a demon. Al and those in the ever-after believe she's dead and she's wearing a spelled bracelet made by Trent that prevents her from doing ley line magic and keeps her out of the demon collective. But all is not well. As far as the government is concerned Rachel is dead, so she can't even get a driver's license or her car registered in her name. And it turns out that since demons don't live in this reality, there aren't any laws protecting their rights. Both David and Trent are working on that for her.
When leaving the DMV office after a great deal of aggravation, she's called into a back office where Nina, a live vampire, channels an unnamed dead vampire Rachel encountered once before; the head of the I.S. They'll make sure she gets her driver's license if she'll go to a murder scene with them. It turns out someone had twisted a demon curse to transform a witch into a very malformed demon that died a horrible death and the I.S. thought perhaps it had been Rachel's doing. It turns out this is the third body found. Against their wishes, Rachel responds to their blackmail attempts by calling in the FIB since this falls under their jurisdiction. It's the first time the two agencies work together.
HAPA is a group that hates anything not human and a sub group has escalated into doing magic themselves to more effectively combat their enemies; and they need Rachel's blood to create their own demons to fight the battles for them.
Rachel is so worried about protecting her friends that she fears having the bracelet removed, even though Trent is trying to talk her into it. Al believes she's dead; he's going to be rather angry and Rachel fears being made to live full time in the ever-after. But what she finally realizes is that her fear of being whom and what she is is crippling her.
Trent and Rachel's relationship is slowly building. Very slowly. Don't expect a lot of progress to be made on that front, although considering how she's always felt about the "drug lord/murderer," it really wouldn't make sense for her to suddenly open her heart to him. I assume that will eventually happen. In the meantime it's somewhat fun to see the one step forward and two steps back dance she's taking, and we're still learning about Trent.
She still makes some stupid choices, but more often than not she's actually thinking before she leaps. We do see some growth on her part. And she's realizing that Jenks and Ivy are moving on with their lives and she needs to as well.
What I really love about this series is that Rachel is constantly growing and the direction in the series gets adjusted every few books to match Rachel's growth and what's important to her. It keeps the series fresh. We also get issues that appear to be either black or white until you begin to see the other side. This also adds to Rachel's growth while she balances new understanding with her own rigid morals.
After reading the first two chapters I realized I didn't remember enough of the last book, especially that last 20% or so. I couldn't recall that she'd died, why Al thinks she's dead, or getting the silver bracelet which most think was put on her by the coven. Since this is so important to the story I went back and reread A Pale Demon before going further in this book.
Reviewed for Amazon Vine Voice
When leaving the DMV office after a great deal of aggravation, she's called into a back office where Nina, a live vampire, channels an unnamed dead vampire Rachel encountered once before; the head of the I.S. They'll make sure she gets her driver's license if she'll go to a murder scene with them. It turns out someone had twisted a demon curse to transform a witch into a very malformed demon that died a horrible death and the I.S. thought perhaps it had been Rachel's doing. It turns out this is the third body found. Against their wishes, Rachel responds to their blackmail attempts by calling in the FIB since this falls under their jurisdiction. It's the first time the two agencies work together.
HAPA is a group that hates anything not human and a sub group has escalated into doing magic themselves to more effectively combat their enemies; and they need Rachel's blood to create their own demons to fight the battles for them.
Rachel is so worried about protecting her friends that she fears having the bracelet removed, even though Trent is trying to talk her into it. Al believes she's dead; he's going to be rather angry and Rachel fears being made to live full time in the ever-after. But what she finally realizes is that her fear of being whom and what she is is crippling her.
Trent and Rachel's relationship is slowly building. Very slowly. Don't expect a lot of progress to be made on that front, although considering how she's always felt about the "drug lord/murderer," it really wouldn't make sense for her to suddenly open her heart to him. I assume that will eventually happen. In the meantime it's somewhat fun to see the one step forward and two steps back dance she's taking, and we're still learning about Trent.
She still makes some stupid choices, but more often than not she's actually thinking before she leaps. We do see some growth on her part. And she's realizing that Jenks and Ivy are moving on with their lives and she needs to as well.
What I really love about this series is that Rachel is constantly growing and the direction in the series gets adjusted every few books to match Rachel's growth and what's important to her. It keeps the series fresh. We also get issues that appear to be either black or white until you begin to see the other side. This also adds to Rachel's growth while she balances new understanding with her own rigid morals.
After reading the first two chapters I realized I didn't remember enough of the last book, especially that last 20% or so. I couldn't recall that she'd died, why Al thinks she's dead, or getting the silver bracelet which most think was put on her by the coven. Since this is so important to the story I went back and reread A Pale Demon before going further in this book.
Reviewed for Amazon Vine Voice
February 21, 2012
Ever since I finished the amazing and phenomenal Pale Demon, I have been counting the days until I could get my hands on this book. Pale Demon was epic: huge action, major personal developments, and a sweeping array of the major characters in the Hollows universe. A Perfect Blood went in a decidedly different direction.
The first half of the book was hard for me to connect with. Rachel is being very introspective about the events of the last book and attempting to live her life without the benefits of ley line magic. She has been staying away from Trent and trying to find her footing in society now that she is "out" as a demon.
As the story begins, she is called in by the IS to consult on a horrific serial killer case, with overtones of demonic magic. It turns out the bad guys are actually trying to turn witches into demons, hoping to use their blood to twist curses. Rachel jumps into the case with both feet. This is partly to avenge the victims, but also partly because she knows she could be an ultimate target. She already has the perfect blood they need.
In the meantime, Rachel is sporting a new were-bodyguard --and having angst over the fact that Ivy and Jenks seem to be moving on in their lives without her. And all I could think to myself is: this would be so much better if Trent or Al were around. Trent made an innocuous appearance or two early on, but I kept wanting to skip ahead to get to the part where the spark comes back. The book just wasn't doing it for me --until Rachel gets put in big danger around the half-way point. That's when the sun came out from behind the clouds.
And from then on out, the book rocked. I became more invested in the storyline involving the killers. Al finally made an appearance. And we see more of the "real Trent" beyond his businessman facade. Is there romance? Well, it's complicated. And sometimes ambiguous. And riveting and exciting and frustrating. Rachel is at her best when she embraces who she really is and what she really wants. That's true when she's kicking ass and when she's navigating through her personal relationships. It just took her awhile to get to that point in this book. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by Harper Collins
The first half of the book was hard for me to connect with. Rachel is being very introspective about the events of the last book and attempting to live her life without the benefits of ley line magic. She has been staying away from Trent and trying to find her footing in society now that she is "out" as a demon.
As the story begins, she is called in by the IS to consult on a horrific serial killer case, with overtones of demonic magic. It turns out the bad guys are actually trying to turn witches into demons, hoping to use their blood to twist curses. Rachel jumps into the case with both feet. This is partly to avenge the victims, but also partly because she knows she could be an ultimate target. She already has the perfect blood they need.
In the meantime, Rachel is sporting a new were-bodyguard --and having angst over the fact that Ivy and Jenks seem to be moving on in their lives without her. And all I could think to myself is: this would be so much better if Trent or Al were around. Trent made an innocuous appearance or two early on, but I kept wanting to skip ahead to get to the part where the spark comes back. The book just wasn't doing it for me --until Rachel gets put in big danger around the half-way point. That's when the sun came out from behind the clouds.
And from then on out, the book rocked. I became more invested in the storyline involving the killers. Al finally made an appearance. And we see more of the "real Trent" beyond his businessman facade. Is there romance? Well, it's complicated. And sometimes ambiguous. And riveting and exciting and frustrating. Rachel is at her best when she embraces who she really is and what she really wants. That's true when she's kicking ass and when she's navigating through her personal relationships. It just took her awhile to get to that point in this book. 4 stars.
*ARC Provided by Harper Collins
April 18, 2021
Great Hollows Re-Read!
While I didn't like this one as much as the ones right before it or the ones after it, the Hollows as a whole is a truly fantastic series.
So what didn't I like so much, if I liked just about everything else about it?
A certain bespelled silver charm.
The whole decision to wear it or have to deal with all the BS in the less powerful human or interlander world really stuck in my craw. So much of what happened in this book might have been slightly less horrific and internally conflict-laden or ... just WRONG ... had Rachel just CONTINUED to own up to what she is. You know, like she had owned to it in the previous book. This backsliding was just painful to watch.
Of course, then we wouldn't have met a few great characters along the way and enjoy (I use the term lightly) a bit of incarceration, but that's beside the point. It just feels wrong to the character and everything she had gone through.
I know, I sound rather hard on the book, but that doesn't change the fact that I had a great time with the rest of it and the quality didn't decrease. I'm particularly enjoying Trent's developments. The investigation and the bad guys were pretty great, too. If it wasn't for the neutering bit, I probably would have raved about this book with all the others.
While I didn't like this one as much as the ones right before it or the ones after it, the Hollows as a whole is a truly fantastic series.
So what didn't I like so much, if I liked just about everything else about it?
A certain bespelled silver charm.
The whole decision to wear it or have to deal with all the BS in the less powerful human or interlander world really stuck in my craw. So much of what happened in this book might have been slightly less horrific and internally conflict-laden or ... just WRONG ... had Rachel just CONTINUED to own up to what she is. You know, like she had owned to it in the previous book. This backsliding was just painful to watch.
Of course, then we wouldn't have met a few great characters along the way and enjoy (I use the term lightly) a bit of incarceration, but that's beside the point. It just feels wrong to the character and everything she had gone through.
I know, I sound rather hard on the book, but that doesn't change the fact that I had a great time with the rest of it and the quality didn't decrease. I'm particularly enjoying Trent's developments. The investigation and the bad guys were pretty great, too. If it wasn't for the neutering bit, I probably would have raved about this book with all the others.
September 26, 2011
I'm so looking forward to reading this book. Most of the characters have really annoyed me in this series but I find myself really caring about the outcome - Trent in particular has been spectacularly douchy but I still kind of want him to end up with Rachel but I just don't think she could ever, EVER trust the self serving, manipulative, pointy eared little fruit. I'm for a Rachel/AL pairing - at least he has redeeming moments that seem genuine rather than planned.
All in all this series is brilliant and definitely worth reading :)
All in all this series is brilliant and definitely worth reading :)
June 17, 2015
Lately I've become accustomed to a certain irregularity in the latest volumes of this series. From time to time a great story appears, but then one has to drag himself through some pretty boring ones.
I loved "Pale Demon" but unfortunately this one wasn't on the same level.
First of all, this series has a lot of "crutches" and the author keeps using and abusing them: in all books there's always some level of repetition regarding some aspects. For instance:
Rachel's hormones live on constant overdrive. If there's a new guy in town, she'll make sure to notice him and his pecs.
Rachel may say that she isn't romantically interested in Ivy, but she will always show some kind of jealousy towards the living vampire;
Jenks will be as foul mouthed as possible... in fact I think he has gotten worse and it isn't as funny as it used to be.
Also can I say how tired I am of Rachel's reaction to her vampire scar?
As always we will get the same old descriptions on how Rachel's kitchen is... awesome.
...
As such the stories tend to drag and drag, and it feels as if half of the book is just filled with repetitive filler.
However _ no matter how long it takes me _ I will continue reading it... because I like that crazy
As for the story per se in this one, it was interesting, I just wish that what surrounded it wasn't the same old things.
Recommendation level?
It depends on how crazy you like your reads... and your level of patience.
April 11, 2018
UPDATE:: 1/21/2013 - Doing a re-read in prep for tomorrows release of Ever After! YAY! Doing a serious happy dance! I've been waiting all year!
First Time Read Through: February 21-23, 2012:
A Perfect Blood is the tenth book in The Hollows series by Kim Harrison. It's been almost eight hours since I finished reading this one and I’m still reeling from how much I LOVED this book!!! This series just keeps getting better and better!
Warning: This review is full of spoils so read only if you don’t mind being spoiled!
Short Synopsis:
Rachel Morgan is back! Since we last saw her in Pale Demon, Rachel has been in hiding from her demon kin, living this side of the Ever-After, trying to have a “normal” life with her once secret demon blood now exposed to the world. However, a human hate group is killing witches and has plans to eradicate anyone non-human. Rachel finds herself thrown in the middle as she tries to help the IS and FIB find these murderers, but soon discovers their hidden agenda to use her blood as the catalyst of their non-human species cleansing methods.
Review:
I had been patiently awaiting the arrival of the next book of this fantastic series, A Perfect Blood. And believe me, I wasn’t disappointed! Whereas the explosive Pale Demon was a fast paced, adventurous thrill ride, A Perfect Blood was a bit slower, less adventuresome but just as amazing, in a different way. We see a different Rachel in this book. She’s less quick to jump head first into a situation but still contains her spontaneity. She’s more introspective and a bit hesitant. I think the things that happened to her in the previous book really took its toll and she’s more cautious, especially with knowing what she’s capable of. Though I liked this Rachel and I think it shows a profound maturity on her part, I did miss that quick and troublesome action she always threw herself in, in previous books. I also think that her time away from her powers has left her a bit crippled. She didn’t seem as strong in this book, but I think that was because she was still undecided about who she wanted to be and how far she was willing to go to be that person. She still has her quick mindedness, a funny and sarcastic streak a mile long and trouble still seems to find her no matter where she is, and that’s why we love her so much!
Trent is back in this book and he and Rachel are trying to find common ground after their previous adventures. He’s still helping her deal with her demon issues and trying to keep her safe from the Ever-After with the Elven magical bracelet of silver he made for her that keeps her disconnected from the collective, but he’s also trying to help her find herself and show her that who she is isn’t someone she needs to hide from. I LOVED the Trent and Rachel interaction during this story. It looks like they are really trying to find out who they are as individuals as well as who and what they can be as friends. A genuine trust has grown between them and I think that’s a wonderful thing. There even appears to be a growing romance between them that neither seem to be aware of, at least not consciously. I LOVE that! Weather they ever act on it remains to be seen!
We also got to see Ceri with her daughter Ray as well as Trent with Lucy. They’ve all become a happy little family of sorts and seeing Trent as a doting father really put him in a different light for me. I have always liked Trent, even when he and Rachel were at their worst of odds, but I saw a shift in him during Pale Demon and it was nice seeing a more evolved character in A Perfect Blood. His bad boy act is slowly taking a back seat to his adventurous side and he took action in this book which was awesome!!!
We didn’t get a lot of Al this time. In fact, he makes a guest appearance only twice, so that was kind of a letdown. I really enjoy seeing Rachel in the Ever-After. And Al is one of my favorite characters! He’s colorful and has such charisma that he literally comes alive off the pages! He’s so much fun to read! As much as I love Rachel’s adventures in the city and in the Hollows, I really love it when she interacts with her demon kin in the Ever-After. There’s so much world building the author has done to bring that part of the story to life, you just can’t help but love reading more about it!
We also find that Ivy and Jenks are living their lives and moving forward as characters, which is terrific. Jenks in particular has some interesting interactions that leave you wondering where that will end up. We also get a few new characters this go around. Nina, a low level living vamp is playing meat suit to the new head IS honcho who seems to really like staying in the basement. He’s a mysterious master vamp who is intriguing yet has a familiar air about him. He seems to be very interested in Rachel and that’s never a good thing. I hope we find out more about him in the next book. There’s also this human hate group mixed into the story and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of them!
Conclusion:
This book was a terrific read. Not as heavy in the action or even the drama as previous books but a necessary step towards what’s next in the Rachel Morgan story. Everyone should read this series!!! The Hollows is my absolute most favorite series in the Fantasy/Urban Fantasy genre. I just can't say enough about how much I adore Kim Harrison's writing! She gives so much in each and every book! She knows how to write perfect action, perfect drama and she's totally one with the funny! She knows how to pull you into her stories and make you feel like you’re one of the characters!
From what I've read, there are only two to three more book left before this series ends and I KNOW, that last book will be bitter sweet! I can't imagine not patiently awaiting the arrival of her next book. I've been reading this series since it came out and knowing we are so close to the end is very sad. But Im excited for her next book and whatever comes after this series. Kim Harrison has many many faithful fans, and I’m proud to count myself among them! This series also has the potential of becoming a tv show on the CW. I’m really excited about this and hope they do the books justice! This is great news for the author and I wish her all the luck in the world!
First Time Read Through: February 21-23, 2012:
A Perfect Blood is the tenth book in The Hollows series by Kim Harrison. It's been almost eight hours since I finished reading this one and I’m still reeling from how much I LOVED this book!!! This series just keeps getting better and better!
Warning: This review is full of spoils so read only if you don’t mind being spoiled!
Short Synopsis:
Rachel Morgan is back! Since we last saw her in Pale Demon, Rachel has been in hiding from her demon kin, living this side of the Ever-After, trying to have a “normal” life with her once secret demon blood now exposed to the world. However, a human hate group is killing witches and has plans to eradicate anyone non-human. Rachel finds herself thrown in the middle as she tries to help the IS and FIB find these murderers, but soon discovers their hidden agenda to use her blood as the catalyst of their non-human species cleansing methods.
Review:
I had been patiently awaiting the arrival of the next book of this fantastic series, A Perfect Blood. And believe me, I wasn’t disappointed! Whereas the explosive Pale Demon was a fast paced, adventurous thrill ride, A Perfect Blood was a bit slower, less adventuresome but just as amazing, in a different way. We see a different Rachel in this book. She’s less quick to jump head first into a situation but still contains her spontaneity. She’s more introspective and a bit hesitant. I think the things that happened to her in the previous book really took its toll and she’s more cautious, especially with knowing what she’s capable of. Though I liked this Rachel and I think it shows a profound maturity on her part, I did miss that quick and troublesome action she always threw herself in, in previous books. I also think that her time away from her powers has left her a bit crippled. She didn’t seem as strong in this book, but I think that was because she was still undecided about who she wanted to be and how far she was willing to go to be that person. She still has her quick mindedness, a funny and sarcastic streak a mile long and trouble still seems to find her no matter where she is, and that’s why we love her so much!
Trent is back in this book and he and Rachel are trying to find common ground after their previous adventures. He’s still helping her deal with her demon issues and trying to keep her safe from the Ever-After with the Elven magical bracelet of silver he made for her that keeps her disconnected from the collective, but he’s also trying to help her find herself and show her that who she is isn’t someone she needs to hide from. I LOVED the Trent and Rachel interaction during this story. It looks like they are really trying to find out who they are as individuals as well as who and what they can be as friends. A genuine trust has grown between them and I think that’s a wonderful thing. There even appears to be a growing romance between them that neither seem to be aware of, at least not consciously. I LOVE that! Weather they ever act on it remains to be seen!
We also got to see Ceri with her daughter Ray as well as Trent with Lucy. They’ve all become a happy little family of sorts and seeing Trent as a doting father really put him in a different light for me. I have always liked Trent, even when he and Rachel were at their worst of odds, but I saw a shift in him during Pale Demon and it was nice seeing a more evolved character in A Perfect Blood. His bad boy act is slowly taking a back seat to his adventurous side and he took action in this book which was awesome!!!
We didn’t get a lot of Al this time. In fact, he makes a guest appearance only twice, so that was kind of a letdown. I really enjoy seeing Rachel in the Ever-After. And Al is one of my favorite characters! He’s colorful and has such charisma that he literally comes alive off the pages! He’s so much fun to read! As much as I love Rachel’s adventures in the city and in the Hollows, I really love it when she interacts with her demon kin in the Ever-After. There’s so much world building the author has done to bring that part of the story to life, you just can’t help but love reading more about it!
We also find that Ivy and Jenks are living their lives and moving forward as characters, which is terrific. Jenks in particular has some interesting interactions that leave you wondering where that will end up. We also get a few new characters this go around. Nina, a low level living vamp is playing meat suit to the new head IS honcho who seems to really like staying in the basement. He’s a mysterious master vamp who is intriguing yet has a familiar air about him. He seems to be very interested in Rachel and that’s never a good thing. I hope we find out more about him in the next book. There’s also this human hate group mixed into the story and I don’t think we’ve seen the last of them!
Conclusion:
This book was a terrific read. Not as heavy in the action or even the drama as previous books but a necessary step towards what’s next in the Rachel Morgan story. Everyone should read this series!!! The Hollows is my absolute most favorite series in the Fantasy/Urban Fantasy genre. I just can't say enough about how much I adore Kim Harrison's writing! She gives so much in each and every book! She knows how to write perfect action, perfect drama and she's totally one with the funny! She knows how to pull you into her stories and make you feel like you’re one of the characters!
From what I've read, there are only two to three more book left before this series ends and I KNOW, that last book will be bitter sweet! I can't imagine not patiently awaiting the arrival of her next book. I've been reading this series since it came out and knowing we are so close to the end is very sad. But Im excited for her next book and whatever comes after this series. Kim Harrison has many many faithful fans, and I’m proud to count myself among them! This series also has the potential of becoming a tv show on the CW. I’m really excited about this and hope they do the books justice! This is great news for the author and I wish her all the luck in the world!
June 18, 2017
Wow! What a fantastic read!
A PERFECT BLOOD has absolutely everything you have come to expect from a Hollows novel: humour, mystery, magic, romantic elements, danger, adventure, friendships and so much more.
A lot of series would be losing steam and momentum by their tenth book. Not so for The Hollows. Instead, it feels more like Kim is finally getting to have a bit of fun by letting some of the seeds she's been sewing come into fruition and it marks some exciting changes on the horizon, as well as some potentially sad and poignant ones.
The characters in this series are some of the most diverse and interesting I have ever come across. And any writer that can make me go from hating a character in one book, to having me jumping up and down in fangirl excitement every time he steps on the page in recent books, has my utmost respect. Yes, of course I am talking about the delectable, incorrigible, part-time businessman, part-time badass, all the time pain in the ass, Trenton Aloysius Kalamack. There is yet more development of his character in this book, as if the huge steps he made in the previous one, Pale Demon, weren't epic enough. This time we get to see Trent when he's relaxed, Trent when he's having fun, Trent when he's furious and many other Trent's that we haven't ever seen before because they were hidden underneath his professional façade of political bullshit. I loved every single one of his scenes in this book and I'm so excited to see what else Ms. Harrison has up her sleeve for the elf you love to hate and hate to love.
The rest of the supporting characters were excellent too, of course. We saw all the usual faces and returned to many familiar settings which was nice after the departure we took in Pale Demon. Rachel is back in her church trying to lay low and take some much needed me time after the hell she went through four months ago. She's also got a new bodyguard- a Were named Wayde, whom I though was an okay addition to the cast, and who now lives in her belfry. We also saw quite a bit from David and, if anything, this is probably the character and relationship I understand the least. I think from what I've read on Kim Harrison's website, the werewolf angle was something she would have liked to have addressed in more detail, but decided against it when she plotted out the Demon/Elf/Witch story arc for the remaining books. So now David feels a bit surplus to requirements within the series. I was glad to see she got her werewolf tattoo sorted out, but it had a definite "tying up loose ends" feel to it.
Jenks has some great moments and one-liners as always. Still worshipping the almighty Tinkerbell in all of her red-thonged glory. There wasn't a great deal of Ivy and it's made clear that Rachel feels they might be drifting apart. I wish I could say that really, really bothers me, but to be brutally honest, their relationship has always seemed to have an unhealthy balance to me, so I'm glad Ivy is moving on a bit and isn't quite so focused on Rachel. That doesn't mean Rachel is happy about it, though. It's more like something that she has accepted as inevitable, but still finds very sad.
There were a few more new characters introduced as well but I shall leave them for you to discover yourself. They were very intriguing, though. As was the mystery plot. There was truly not a dull moment throughout.
There may be a slight upset for Al fans as he has very little screen time in comparison to others, but for me, again, this wasn't so much of a problem because I'm all about the elf.
All together, a wonderful addition to the series. Easily Pale Demon's equal and one I look forward to re-reading again next year while I wait impatiently for "Ever after" to come out in early 2013.
A PERFECT BLOOD has absolutely everything you have come to expect from a Hollows novel: humour, mystery, magic, romantic elements, danger, adventure, friendships and so much more.
A lot of series would be losing steam and momentum by their tenth book. Not so for The Hollows. Instead, it feels more like Kim is finally getting to have a bit of fun by letting some of the seeds she's been sewing come into fruition and it marks some exciting changes on the horizon, as well as some potentially sad and poignant ones.
The characters in this series are some of the most diverse and interesting I have ever come across. And any writer that can make me go from hating a character in one book, to having me jumping up and down in fangirl excitement every time he steps on the page in recent books, has my utmost respect. Yes, of course I am talking about the delectable, incorrigible, part-time businessman, part-time badass, all the time pain in the ass, Trenton Aloysius Kalamack. There is yet more development of his character in this book, as if the huge steps he made in the previous one, Pale Demon, weren't epic enough. This time we get to see Trent when he's relaxed, Trent when he's having fun, Trent when he's furious and many other Trent's that we haven't ever seen before because they were hidden underneath his professional façade of political bullshit. I loved every single one of his scenes in this book and I'm so excited to see what else Ms. Harrison has up her sleeve for the elf you love to hate and hate to love.
The rest of the supporting characters were excellent too, of course. We saw all the usual faces and returned to many familiar settings which was nice after the departure we took in Pale Demon. Rachel is back in her church trying to lay low and take some much needed me time after the hell she went through four months ago. She's also got a new bodyguard- a Were named Wayde, whom I though was an okay addition to the cast, and who now lives in her belfry. We also saw quite a bit from David and, if anything, this is probably the character and relationship I understand the least. I think from what I've read on Kim Harrison's website, the werewolf angle was something she would have liked to have addressed in more detail, but decided against it when she plotted out the Demon/Elf/Witch story arc for the remaining books. So now David feels a bit surplus to requirements within the series. I was glad to see she got her werewolf tattoo sorted out, but it had a definite "tying up loose ends" feel to it.
Jenks has some great moments and one-liners as always. Still worshipping the almighty Tinkerbell in all of her red-thonged glory. There wasn't a great deal of Ivy and it's made clear that Rachel feels they might be drifting apart. I wish I could say that really, really bothers me, but to be brutally honest, their relationship has always seemed to have an unhealthy balance to me, so I'm glad Ivy is moving on a bit and isn't quite so focused on Rachel. That doesn't mean Rachel is happy about it, though. It's more like something that she has accepted as inevitable, but still finds very sad.
There were a few more new characters introduced as well but I shall leave them for you to discover yourself. They were very intriguing, though. As was the mystery plot. There was truly not a dull moment throughout.
There may be a slight upset for Al fans as he has very little screen time in comparison to others, but for me, again, this wasn't so much of a problem because I'm all about the elf.
All together, a wonderful addition to the series. Easily Pale Demon's equal and one I look forward to re-reading again next year while I wait impatiently for "Ever after" to come out in early 2013.
February 29, 2012
Leather before sundown is tacky.
In Kim Harrison's tenth installment of her wildly popular Hollows series, Rachel Morgan is dealing with the consequences of the previous book, Pale Demon. At the end of Pale Demon, Trent gave Rachel a bracelet made of charmed silver to give her a chance to recover without Algaliarept finding her. While the bracelet is able to hide Rachel from Al, it also cuts her off from all of her ley line magic. A good portion of this book is Rachel trying to live her life without the use of her most powerful magic, and coming to the realization that she must embrace who she is, not deny it.
A Perfect Blood opens with a series of ritualistic murders. Witches are being held and transformed against their will in a horrifying way. Rachel is called in to help investigate, and soon learns that if she doesn't help the FIB, she will be blamed for the gruesome acts. Ivy and Jenks are by Rachel's side, as always.
A new character, Wayde, is a Were that serves as Rachel's personal bodyguard. Rachel immediately begins working on this run, but the best she can do is create earth magic locator charms that she is unable to invoke herself. We see the appearance of an ex-boyfriend briefly in this book, whose only purpose is to invoke Rachel's charms. Rachel is also dealing with her feelings of loneliness. It seems like Ivy and Jenks are moving on with their lives, while Rachel is stagnant, if not moving backwards with the loss of her magic.
I enjoyed the relationship between Wayde and Rachel. At first, Rachel doesn't believe that Wayde can protect her, and in true Rachel fashion, sets out to prove it. Wayde proves he is worth his mettle, but then seems to take a back seat for the rest of the book. At one point, it seemed like there was an attraction between Wayde and Rachel, but that seemed to fizzle by the end of this book.
"Obviously, Rachel, you are one crazy bitch. But I like you. Your loyalty impresses me. It makes putting up with the rest of your crap worth it."
As the plot progresses, and more murders occur, Rachel closes in on the murderers. There is a fight scene between Rachel, Ivy, Jenks and law enforcement and the deranged scientists that are trying to transform witches into demons. Rachel is kidnapped and held by the fringe group because they need her demon-witch blood to perform their experiments. Rachel is help captive and is at the mercy of her kidnappers. Rachel, still wearing the charmed silver bracelet, is unable to tap a ley line to help defend herself or to escape. This is where Rachel has an epiphany and vows to remove her bracelet. Rachel manages to escape just as Trent comes searching for her. This was a very important moment in this book, in my opinion. Ivy, Jenks and Detective Glenn are no where to be found. Trent knew exactly where to look for Rachel, and becomes her rescuer.
Trent also serves as Rachel's magic savior when he helps Rachel to use her ley line magic once again. There is a great scene where Trent trusts Rachel to deal with Al on her own terms when the wily demon comes looking for her. It was nice to see Trent letting Rachel handle this on her own, without his interference. Trent also give Rachel several elven magic charms and a special locator ring. The relationship between Trent and Rachel is cautious at best. Trent wavers between stuck-up businessman and the undercover, "mission-impossible" elf we saw in the previous book. There are tender moments between Trent and Rachel, but nothing as major as we saw at the end of Pale Demon. Trent definitely earned my trust in this book.
"You're a good person. Don't change because I'm a bastard."
Ivy was present in this book, but had a much more limited role than in the past. Ivy is trying her hardest to move on from her feelings towards Rachel. She is also busy helping another living vampire who has fallen on hard times. Jenks is still the smart-ass, warrior pixy that he always has been. He is learning to accept his new life with his new live-in fairy, and remains unwaveringly loyal to Rachel and Ivy. He injects crude humor and lightness to this book, and remains one of my favorite sidekick characters in the UF genre.
"Rachel and Trent, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. No wait, it was a hospital room, and he had his hands on your ass and you had your tongue down his throat. I can see why you might be confused."
Although I enjoyed this book, it was not my favorite of this series. The pacing was off for me. It was very slow reading for the first half of this book. Things became much more interesting at the halfway point. I went back and forth between a three and four star rating for this book, but ultimately went with three stars because of the slow plot line. Don't get me wrong - there was a lot of action in parts, but it seemed drawn out more than I would like. I would have liked to have seen more relationship building between Rachel and Trent. They seemed to be just on the precipice of something, but it never came to fruition.
I was also surprised by the heavy use of Kisten's name in this book. I think it was meant as a way to convey Rachel's feelings of being separate and alone, but his name was mentioned several times in different situations throughout this book. Kisten's name hasn't been mentioned this much for many books, and it was interesting to say the least.
I also would have liked to see more of my favorite demon, Algaliarept. Oh, how I love whenever he says, "Rachel Mariana Morgan!" It brings such a smile to my face. Al was present in this book, but like Ivy, in a very limited way. Pierce was barely mentioned in this book, and I'm still wondering what happened to him since he's been in the Ever After.
I think that this book is setting us up very nicely for the next book, Ever After. Rachel has come to terms with who she is, and is not afraid of herself or anyone else at this point. Trent is proving to be one of Rachel's closest confidantes, while Ivy and Jenks seem to be moving forward with their lives. I hope that Ever After brings us more information on Trent and Rachel's fledgling relationship, and I hope to see Rachel fully come into her own in the next book.
In Kim Harrison's tenth installment of her wildly popular Hollows series, Rachel Morgan is dealing with the consequences of the previous book, Pale Demon. At the end of Pale Demon, Trent gave Rachel a bracelet made of charmed silver to give her a chance to recover without Algaliarept finding her. While the bracelet is able to hide Rachel from Al, it also cuts her off from all of her ley line magic. A good portion of this book is Rachel trying to live her life without the use of her most powerful magic, and coming to the realization that she must embrace who she is, not deny it.
A Perfect Blood opens with a series of ritualistic murders. Witches are being held and transformed against their will in a horrifying way. Rachel is called in to help investigate, and soon learns that if she doesn't help the FIB, she will be blamed for the gruesome acts. Ivy and Jenks are by Rachel's side, as always.
A new character, Wayde, is a Were that serves as Rachel's personal bodyguard. Rachel immediately begins working on this run, but the best she can do is create earth magic locator charms that she is unable to invoke herself. We see the appearance of an ex-boyfriend briefly in this book, whose only purpose is to invoke Rachel's charms. Rachel is also dealing with her feelings of loneliness. It seems like Ivy and Jenks are moving on with their lives, while Rachel is stagnant, if not moving backwards with the loss of her magic.
I enjoyed the relationship between Wayde and Rachel. At first, Rachel doesn't believe that Wayde can protect her, and in true Rachel fashion, sets out to prove it. Wayde proves he is worth his mettle, but then seems to take a back seat for the rest of the book. At one point, it seemed like there was an attraction between Wayde and Rachel, but that seemed to fizzle by the end of this book.
"Obviously, Rachel, you are one crazy bitch. But I like you. Your loyalty impresses me. It makes putting up with the rest of your crap worth it."
As the plot progresses, and more murders occur, Rachel closes in on the murderers. There is a fight scene between Rachel, Ivy, Jenks and law enforcement and the deranged scientists that are trying to transform witches into demons. Rachel is kidnapped and held by the fringe group because they need her demon-witch blood to perform their experiments. Rachel is help captive and is at the mercy of her kidnappers. Rachel, still wearing the charmed silver bracelet, is unable to tap a ley line to help defend herself or to escape. This is where Rachel has an epiphany and vows to remove her bracelet. Rachel manages to escape just as Trent comes searching for her. This was a very important moment in this book, in my opinion. Ivy, Jenks and Detective Glenn are no where to be found. Trent knew exactly where to look for Rachel, and becomes her rescuer.
Trent also serves as Rachel's magic savior when he helps Rachel to use her ley line magic once again. There is a great scene where Trent trusts Rachel to deal with Al on her own terms when the wily demon comes looking for her. It was nice to see Trent letting Rachel handle this on her own, without his interference. Trent also give Rachel several elven magic charms and a special locator ring. The relationship between Trent and Rachel is cautious at best. Trent wavers between stuck-up businessman and the undercover, "mission-impossible" elf we saw in the previous book. There are tender moments between Trent and Rachel, but nothing as major as we saw at the end of Pale Demon. Trent definitely earned my trust in this book.
"You're a good person. Don't change because I'm a bastard."
Ivy was present in this book, but had a much more limited role than in the past. Ivy is trying her hardest to move on from her feelings towards Rachel. She is also busy helping another living vampire who has fallen on hard times. Jenks is still the smart-ass, warrior pixy that he always has been. He is learning to accept his new life with his new live-in fairy, and remains unwaveringly loyal to Rachel and Ivy. He injects crude humor and lightness to this book, and remains one of my favorite sidekick characters in the UF genre.
"Rachel and Trent, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G. No wait, it was a hospital room, and he had his hands on your ass and you had your tongue down his throat. I can see why you might be confused."
Although I enjoyed this book, it was not my favorite of this series. The pacing was off for me. It was very slow reading for the first half of this book. Things became much more interesting at the halfway point. I went back and forth between a three and four star rating for this book, but ultimately went with three stars because of the slow plot line. Don't get me wrong - there was a lot of action in parts, but it seemed drawn out more than I would like. I would have liked to have seen more relationship building between Rachel and Trent. They seemed to be just on the precipice of something, but it never came to fruition.
I was also surprised by the heavy use of Kisten's name in this book. I think it was meant as a way to convey Rachel's feelings of being separate and alone, but his name was mentioned several times in different situations throughout this book. Kisten's name hasn't been mentioned this much for many books, and it was interesting to say the least.
I also would have liked to see more of my favorite demon, Algaliarept. Oh, how I love whenever he says, "Rachel Mariana Morgan!" It brings such a smile to my face. Al was present in this book, but like Ivy, in a very limited way. Pierce was barely mentioned in this book, and I'm still wondering what happened to him since he's been in the Ever After.
I think that this book is setting us up very nicely for the next book, Ever After. Rachel has come to terms with who she is, and is not afraid of herself or anyone else at this point. Trent is proving to be one of Rachel's closest confidantes, while Ivy and Jenks seem to be moving forward with their lives. I hope that Ever After brings us more information on Trent and Rachel's fledgling relationship, and I hope to see Rachel fully come into her own in the next book.
September 26, 2012
**4.5 stars**
Rachel's finally owned up to what she is and is going around trying to get her life back on track. In the meantime, a human hate group called HAPA are trying to turn witches into demons with horrific results. The I.S. and FIB are not cooperating with each other and one is coercing Rachel into working for them or they will blame her for HAPA's crimes. Rachel's all too willing to help, the only problem? She put that darn charmed bracelet on. Will she be brave enough to take it off?
For me, there are three parts of this book. The first one being the investigation. Typical Rachel Morgan intrigue. I quite enjoyed the twist with the bad guys being humans and it never got boring. The second part is seeing all the complexities of the characters finally coming to fruition ~ or beginning to. This would be a hard book to appreciate if you haven't read the prior books in the series. And the third part is the ongoing tease of Rachel and Trent! At this point, I just don't know what to think....will they ever get together or just be buddies?
I just loved the growth of all the characters...even Rachel. Although she is still taking very slow, precise baby steps in her decisions regarding her personal life. So unlike herself when she's on a run and thinks on the fly, it just makes me laugh. I am glad that she's finally beginning to accept herself.
With some of the other characters, it made me a little sad because it seems as though there is some wrapping up going on and I'm just not ready. Thankfully, Jenks was still his amazing sharp witted self and his lines never fail to make me laugh.
And Mr. Trent? I think he is finally deciding to do some things he wants to do. And does that include Rachel? Sad to say I really have no idea. I was hopeful after the "kiss" in the last book but I kept going back and forth in this one. I was happy to have so many great moments of them though. I won't be happy if they don't get together but maybe they will come to terms with each other? I wish I had a clue! I am disappointed that nothing more happened or that we didn't even get another kiss. Nothing like waiting another year to find out!
Favorite line:
♥ "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I interrupt some sort of dominance foreplay?"
♥ "The cookie maker needs someone to look out for him."
**ETA: Link to Trent's POV...first teaser chapter:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/sample/...
{thanks Geekius!}
Rachel's finally owned up to what she is and is going around trying to get her life back on track. In the meantime, a human hate group called HAPA are trying to turn witches into demons with horrific results. The I.S. and FIB are not cooperating with each other and one is coercing Rachel into working for them or they will blame her for HAPA's crimes. Rachel's all too willing to help, the only problem? She put that darn charmed bracelet on. Will she be brave enough to take it off?
For me, there are three parts of this book. The first one being the investigation. Typical Rachel Morgan intrigue. I quite enjoyed the twist with the bad guys being humans and it never got boring. The second part is seeing all the complexities of the characters finally coming to fruition ~ or beginning to. This would be a hard book to appreciate if you haven't read the prior books in the series. And the third part is the ongoing tease of Rachel and Trent! At this point, I just don't know what to think....will they ever get together or just be buddies?
I just loved the growth of all the characters...even Rachel. Although she is still taking very slow, precise baby steps in her decisions regarding her personal life. So unlike herself when she's on a run and thinks on the fly, it just makes me laugh. I am glad that she's finally beginning to accept herself.
With some of the other characters, it made me a little sad because it seems as though there is some wrapping up going on and I'm just not ready. Thankfully, Jenks was still his amazing sharp witted self and his lines never fail to make me laugh.
And Mr. Trent? I think he is finally deciding to do some things he wants to do. And does that include Rachel? Sad to say I really have no idea. I was hopeful after the "kiss" in the last book but I kept going back and forth in this one. I was happy to have so many great moments of them though. I won't be happy if they don't get together but maybe they will come to terms with each other? I wish I had a clue! I am disappointed that nothing more happened or that we didn't even get another kiss. Nothing like waiting another year to find out!
Favorite line:
♥ "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I interrupt some sort of dominance foreplay?"
♥ "The cookie maker needs someone to look out for him."
**ETA: Link to Trent's POV...first teaser chapter:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/sample/...
{thanks Geekius!}
December 11, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was another great installment in a series that is quickly becoming a favorite. Rachel can’t seem to catch a break. She can’t get her car registered with her new demon status and she is being asked to help figure out who is behind a string of ritualistic murders. To keep Al from pulling her into the ever after, she is wearing a cuff that has essentially cut her off from her powers which isn’t going to make the job any easier.
After the events in the last book, Rachel’s father has sent a bodyguard to help keep her safe but she isn’t always cooperative with the endeavor. The group that is committing the murders needs some of Rachel’s blood so she is in more danger once again. There is a master vampire attached to the case that isn’t making things easier for anybody. It was great seeing everyone work together to solve the case. All of the key characters play some kind of role in this story, even Al makes an appearance before the book draws to a close.
Marguerite Gavin does such a great job with this series. I love the voices that she uses for all of the characters and how she is able to bring this whole world to life. Her voice really is perfect for the series and I have had no trouble listening to her narration for hours at a time. I can definitely say that her narration added a lot to my overall enjoyment of this story.
I would recommend this series to others. I would recommend reading this series in order since each book picks up shortly after the events in the previous installment. This was another exciting story and I cannot wait to see what Rachel must face next in this series.
This was another great installment in a series that is quickly becoming a favorite. Rachel can’t seem to catch a break. She can’t get her car registered with her new demon status and she is being asked to help figure out who is behind a string of ritualistic murders. To keep Al from pulling her into the ever after, she is wearing a cuff that has essentially cut her off from her powers which isn’t going to make the job any easier.
After the events in the last book, Rachel’s father has sent a bodyguard to help keep her safe but she isn’t always cooperative with the endeavor. The group that is committing the murders needs some of Rachel’s blood so she is in more danger once again. There is a master vampire attached to the case that isn’t making things easier for anybody. It was great seeing everyone work together to solve the case. All of the key characters play some kind of role in this story, even Al makes an appearance before the book draws to a close.
Marguerite Gavin does such a great job with this series. I love the voices that she uses for all of the characters and how she is able to bring this whole world to life. Her voice really is perfect for the series and I have had no trouble listening to her narration for hours at a time. I can definitely say that her narration added a lot to my overall enjoyment of this story.
I would recommend this series to others. I would recommend reading this series in order since each book picks up shortly after the events in the previous installment. This was another exciting story and I cannot wait to see what Rachel must face next in this series.
July 24, 2015
*Re-Read July 2015*
Okay, I think I got over my melancholy. These books are going by so damn fast! *sniff* I'm still not ready to finish the entire series. Maybe if I drag out the remaining three books for, say, yet another year? *sigh* Yeah... Maybe I didn't get over my melancholy after all.
Anyway. I think I loved this book more now than the first time I read it. Maybe I got older and wiser too and I could see it in a different light, or whatever. :)) Despite the scary action Rachel and the gang is confronting here, this one is more focused on personality, growth, acceptance, moving on, rediscovery, that sort of thing. It's a lot of looking back, accepting things for what they are and the impact they have, and moving forward. Everything and everyone is evolving (which is a good thing of course, but I still feel nostalgic, knowing that things will never be the same again).
I felt good, and I began to smile, feeling the fear of the last month finally start to dissolve. I’d been hiding from myself for a long time, thinking that by ignoring the parts I didn’t like and couldn’t change, I could deny them. Even when I’d admitted they were there, I hadn’t accepted them. Only now, when I understood who I was and took responsibility for my mistakes, did it all feel balanced, and as I looked at the faces around me, I felt a kinship that I’d never felt before—even if I didn’t trust Al.
Looking back, it feels like things have changed sooo much and they kinda came back full circle. Rachel has to investigate and solve crimes that remind me of the cases the gang worked on at the beginning of the series, but much more horrific this time and with a more personal effect. The same key people - Jenks, Trent, Al, Ceri, Ivy, though not as present - are going along for the ride, and we can see the change and evolution in all of them too. There's also some new characters introduced here, to give the story more dimension I suppose, but the overall idea is clear. We're moving on to a new beginning, some relationships become stronger and others move back to the background, which makes me feel relieved, happy and depressed at the same time. And I may have been on Team Trent from day one, and I may or may not have developed a slight obsession for him over the years LOL, but seeing these new sides of him and this weird relationship/dance/will they, will they not thing with Rachel still throws me. My instincts always told me we'd get here eventually, but seeing them interact, animosity aside, working together, kicking ass, then being all flustered and not knowing what to do with themselves, but obviously being pulled to each other, is surreal and extremely funny to be honest. I love them!
Crap, he looked even sexier now, more relaxed, more accessible—more off-limits.
***
His energies mixed with mine, gathered in my chi until there was enough for him to ease me back into alignment with the rest of the universe. It was colored from his soul, both light and dark, mixing without mixing, swirling with my natural energies until the two were one. And finally it reached the tipping point. With a wrench, I felt a tug, and like two drops of water, my soul was realigned with reality.
Trent’s eyes flashed open, wide and wondering as his chanting stopped. “My God,” he whispered, suddenly tense and shocked. The heat of the charm lay in his eyes, the promise of what could be—what might be if I could trust another with my heart again. And it hurt me knowing it wasn’t mine.
***
I need to do something with my hands, I thought, forcing my arms down from around my middle.
“Well, I want some coffee,” I said as I reached for the coffeepot. “I, ah, haven’t had time to wash the sweats yet. Do you need them back right away?”
Oh my God, what am I doing? He doesn’t care about a pair of sweats! *giggles*
***
We’d always looked good together, though clearly apart even when standing next to each other. That I was in a nasty pair of sweats and he was in a casual suit didn’t dispel the feeling of alone-apartness I again felt. Always alone. Both of us. :'(
<3 Oh and I've said this before, but it feels like Kim Harrison spin the whole alpha billionaire theme way before it was a thing. And after all these books, I feel like yelling yes! This is how you do it, people! Take some freaking notes. (yeah, now I may be ruined for billionaire books and insta-love forever LOL).
Also, I loved the magic and the action in this book. No one can spin the magic world and words like Kim Harrison does. Ever.
“Certo idem sum qui semper fui,” I said softly, shivering as I felt a sliver of my awareness dart from me, arrowing through the theoretical collective of whispering demons’ thoughts, down to the dark annexes where no one went. I shivered, my fingers sliding over the textured paper as the sensation of my soul melting around a stored curse shook me. And then, like folding space, my splinter of awareness and my soul merged like water drops, bringing the curse within me forever.
I will never get enough of these books.
**First read: 2012**
Okay, I think I got over my melancholy. These books are going by so damn fast! *sniff* I'm still not ready to finish the entire series. Maybe if I drag out the remaining three books for, say, yet another year? *sigh* Yeah... Maybe I didn't get over my melancholy after all.
Anyway. I think I loved this book more now than the first time I read it. Maybe I got older and wiser too and I could see it in a different light, or whatever. :)) Despite the scary action Rachel and the gang is confronting here, this one is more focused on personality, growth, acceptance, moving on, rediscovery, that sort of thing. It's a lot of looking back, accepting things for what they are and the impact they have, and moving forward. Everything and everyone is evolving (which is a good thing of course, but I still feel nostalgic, knowing that things will never be the same again).
I felt good, and I began to smile, feeling the fear of the last month finally start to dissolve. I’d been hiding from myself for a long time, thinking that by ignoring the parts I didn’t like and couldn’t change, I could deny them. Even when I’d admitted they were there, I hadn’t accepted them. Only now, when I understood who I was and took responsibility for my mistakes, did it all feel balanced, and as I looked at the faces around me, I felt a kinship that I’d never felt before—even if I didn’t trust Al.
Looking back, it feels like things have changed sooo much and they kinda came back full circle. Rachel has to investigate and solve crimes that remind me of the cases the gang worked on at the beginning of the series, but much more horrific this time and with a more personal effect. The same key people - Jenks, Trent, Al, Ceri, Ivy, though not as present - are going along for the ride, and we can see the change and evolution in all of them too. There's also some new characters introduced here, to give the story more dimension I suppose, but the overall idea is clear. We're moving on to a new beginning, some relationships become stronger and others move back to the background, which makes me feel relieved, happy and depressed at the same time. And I may have been on Team Trent from day one, and I may or may not have developed a slight obsession for him over the years LOL, but seeing these new sides of him and this weird relationship/dance/will they, will they not thing with Rachel still throws me. My instincts always told me we'd get here eventually, but seeing them interact, animosity aside, working together, kicking ass, then being all flustered and not knowing what to do with themselves, but obviously being pulled to each other, is surreal and extremely funny to be honest. I love them!
Crap, he looked even sexier now, more relaxed, more accessible—more off-limits.
***
His energies mixed with mine, gathered in my chi until there was enough for him to ease me back into alignment with the rest of the universe. It was colored from his soul, both light and dark, mixing without mixing, swirling with my natural energies until the two were one. And finally it reached the tipping point. With a wrench, I felt a tug, and like two drops of water, my soul was realigned with reality.
Trent’s eyes flashed open, wide and wondering as his chanting stopped. “My God,” he whispered, suddenly tense and shocked. The heat of the charm lay in his eyes, the promise of what could be—what might be if I could trust another with my heart again. And it hurt me knowing it wasn’t mine.
***
I need to do something with my hands, I thought, forcing my arms down from around my middle.
“Well, I want some coffee,” I said as I reached for the coffeepot. “I, ah, haven’t had time to wash the sweats yet. Do you need them back right away?”
Oh my God, what am I doing? He doesn’t care about a pair of sweats! *giggles*
***
We’d always looked good together, though clearly apart even when standing next to each other. That I was in a nasty pair of sweats and he was in a casual suit didn’t dispel the feeling of alone-apartness I again felt. Always alone. Both of us. :'(
<3 Oh and I've said this before, but it feels like Kim Harrison spin the whole alpha billionaire theme way before it was a thing. And after all these books, I feel like yelling yes! This is how you do it, people! Take some freaking notes. (yeah, now I may be ruined for billionaire books and insta-love forever LOL).
Also, I loved the magic and the action in this book. No one can spin the magic world and words like Kim Harrison does. Ever.
“Certo idem sum qui semper fui,” I said softly, shivering as I felt a sliver of my awareness dart from me, arrowing through the theoretical collective of whispering demons’ thoughts, down to the dark annexes where no one went. I shivered, my fingers sliding over the textured paper as the sensation of my soul melting around a stored curse shook me. And then, like folding space, my splinter of awareness and my soul merged like water drops, bringing the curse within me forever.
I will never get enough of these books.
**First read: 2012**
March 7, 2012
Pretty solid book. Entertaining, still funny and I love Rachel's interactions with the other characters.
In, A Perfect Blood, Rachel, Ivy and Jenks must work with the FIB and the I.S to find a human hate group who were conducting magical crimes against witches in order to make Demon blood. This book is filled with interactions and adventures with Trent, which is becoming the cornerstone of the books, replacing Ivy and Jenks as Rachel's main partners, which is interesting.
My only problem with the Hallow's series is that we are in book 10 and Rachel and Trent are STILL not together. It's obvious that they are endgame and that their feelings have evolved, but how much longer must we wait? Rachel has literally lived through hell for 10 books. The only time she was remotely happy was when she was with Kistin and Kim Harrison killed him off quickly, so that Rachel can never have a moment of happiness. It's time. It's time for Rachel and Trent to be a team in every way that matters.
In, A Perfect Blood, Rachel, Ivy and Jenks must work with the FIB and the I.S to find a human hate group who were conducting magical crimes against witches in order to make Demon blood. This book is filled with interactions and adventures with Trent, which is becoming the cornerstone of the books, replacing Ivy and Jenks as Rachel's main partners, which is interesting.
My only problem with the Hallow's series is that we are in book 10 and Rachel and Trent are STILL not together. It's obvious that they are endgame and that their feelings have evolved, but how much longer must we wait? Rachel has literally lived through hell for 10 books. The only time she was remotely happy was when she was with Kistin and Kim Harrison killed him off quickly, so that Rachel can never have a moment of happiness. It's time. It's time for Rachel and Trent to be a team in every way that matters.
November 25, 2011
I was starting to get a little disenchanted with the Hollows series a few books ago. It just seemed like the story lines were starting to become repetitive, took readers in a circle and didn't seem to be moving toward anything. However, things started to turn around in past couple of installments, with the return of Harrison's signature humor and sparks and excitement and action that made the Hollows such a fun place to visit. A Perfect Blood keeps the spark going and the action-packed awesome rolling.
Picking up not long after Pale Demon left off, former witch turned day-walking demon (and everyone's favorite heroine) Rachel Morgan is pulled into an investigation of ritually murdered bodies discovered throughout Cincinnati. It doesn't take long for Rachel to uncover the truth behind the murders: a group is creating its own demons to destroy all of humanity -and they need her demon blood to succeed.
Author Kim Harrison takes things to another level with Perfect Blood, where Rachel must face humanity itself in a deadly, action-packed battle that will keep readers flipping pages from beginning to end. Everything that readers have come to know and love about Rachel and the Hollows is here: great action, fascinating paranormal characters, semi-tongue-and-cheek humor that makes readers chuckle, Trent being sexy and downright delicious, and plenty of awesome.
But most importantly, Perfect Blood is about Rachel's attempt to integrate something normal into her wild, crazy life. Though Harrison throws in several "normal," comfortable scenes throughout the action, things just aren't fully normal for Rachel, though she and her friends enjoy strong, honest relationships that bring Rachel's world to life.
Really, with such an excellent formula, there's no way Harrison came go wrong. Perfect Blood is exactly what fans want and love about the Hollows -and it feels like new life has finally come to the Hollows, bringing plenty of action and romance with it. But be warned -if you haven't read all of the previous novels, you'll be somewhat confused here. There's just too much back story that's covered in the previous novels, but for the Hollows faithful, Perfect Blood is the perfect addition to the story.
Picking up not long after Pale Demon left off, former witch turned day-walking demon (and everyone's favorite heroine) Rachel Morgan is pulled into an investigation of ritually murdered bodies discovered throughout Cincinnati. It doesn't take long for Rachel to uncover the truth behind the murders: a group is creating its own demons to destroy all of humanity -and they need her demon blood to succeed.
Author Kim Harrison takes things to another level with Perfect Blood, where Rachel must face humanity itself in a deadly, action-packed battle that will keep readers flipping pages from beginning to end. Everything that readers have come to know and love about Rachel and the Hollows is here: great action, fascinating paranormal characters, semi-tongue-and-cheek humor that makes readers chuckle, Trent being sexy and downright delicious, and plenty of awesome.
But most importantly, Perfect Blood is about Rachel's attempt to integrate something normal into her wild, crazy life. Though Harrison throws in several "normal," comfortable scenes throughout the action, things just aren't fully normal for Rachel, though she and her friends enjoy strong, honest relationships that bring Rachel's world to life.
Really, with such an excellent formula, there's no way Harrison came go wrong. Perfect Blood is exactly what fans want and love about the Hollows -and it feels like new life has finally come to the Hollows, bringing plenty of action and romance with it. But be warned -if you haven't read all of the previous novels, you'll be somewhat confused here. There's just too much back story that's covered in the previous novels, but for the Hollows faithful, Perfect Blood is the perfect addition to the story.
February 25, 2014
You may see my original review by clicking here.
Please note: Originally read in January 2012 from a copy received from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Trigger Warnings: Hate group, hate speech.
My Synopsis: Rachel has had her shunning reversed by the coven, but since she has also officially declared herself a demon, things aren't exactly going her way - she has no official or legal standing as a citizen and that is making her life difficult. She can't get a license or registration for her new car, she can't have a bank account or credit cards, Social Security considers her to be dead ... so, of course, now is a perfect time for some loony to be running around trying to turn people into demons. I.S. calls Rachel in to try to find the people behind the scheme - or, if she is unsuccessful, to take the blame. Being a demon isn't all it's said to be ... Can Rachel find who is committing these atrocities and clear her name ... again?
My Thoughts: One thing I love about the Hollows series is that it remains fresh - Harrison seems to continually find new and inventive ways to make Rachel's life difficult. I loved this book, but there were parts of it that I had difficulty reading, as there is a hate group that is integral to the plot - and they are nasty. They consider Inderlanders to be nothing but animals, not even sentient, and treat them worse than they would treat a dog and reading that vitriol almost made me physically sick. It makes me wonder what is wrong with people, that they can be like that - and I certainly know that people can be like that. So, issues of hate and hate groups play a big part in this book, and if you think that will bother you - if you are a very sensitive soul - you should be sure you are in a strong frame of mind when you are reading this. Highly recommended!
Please note: Originally read in January 2012 from a copy received from Amazon Vine in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Trigger Warnings: Hate group, hate speech.
My Synopsis: Rachel has had her shunning reversed by the coven, but since she has also officially declared herself a demon, things aren't exactly going her way - she has no official or legal standing as a citizen and that is making her life difficult. She can't get a license or registration for her new car, she can't have a bank account or credit cards, Social Security considers her to be dead ... so, of course, now is a perfect time for some loony to be running around trying to turn people into demons. I.S. calls Rachel in to try to find the people behind the scheme - or, if she is unsuccessful, to take the blame. Being a demon isn't all it's said to be ... Can Rachel find who is committing these atrocities and clear her name ... again?
My Thoughts: One thing I love about the Hollows series is that it remains fresh - Harrison seems to continually find new and inventive ways to make Rachel's life difficult. I loved this book, but there were parts of it that I had difficulty reading, as there is a hate group that is integral to the plot - and they are nasty. They consider Inderlanders to be nothing but animals, not even sentient, and treat them worse than they would treat a dog and reading that vitriol almost made me physically sick. It makes me wonder what is wrong with people, that they can be like that - and I certainly know that people can be like that. So, issues of hate and hate groups play a big part in this book, and if you think that will bother you - if you are a very sensitive soul - you should be sure you are in a strong frame of mind when you are reading this. Highly recommended!
July 10, 2013
OK, NOW I'm done with this series. Seriously, I thought that Kim Harrison had finally started to take the main story seriously, but as she started off the book by introducing ANOTHER new male character for the lead to fawn over, I guess I was wrong. You know what I don't get after slogging through 10 volumes of this series? Why in the name of creation, is Kim Harrison bloody sabotaging a wonderful story with a, pardon my language, "WONDERSLUT" character. She HAS to have sex with EVERY male character in the series and I swear I've never read about a protagonist who thinks so much about sex and love and romance. In small quantities, talking about this stuff helps a character's development, but the damn itchy witch, just can't keep her hands to herself. She doesn't learn, she doesn't develop as a character and she never gets wiser. She's like a monkey who has learned how to cock and shoot a Magnum. In a realistic world, that kind of protagonist would pop a hole in reality if she knew how.... oh, wait a minute, she's done that too.
And for the life of me, I can't understand what's so good about Trent. The man's a complete shitbag. He is a murderer and a psychopath, but now I'm supposed to believe that just because he has become a father he is a better human being? Just because he has those wavy blonde hair and that gymmed out physique, he is supposed to be the next love interest? But then again, like I said, Rachel's never been the sharpest tool in the shed, so that isn't what irks, it's how Kim Harrison is trying to portray him as a good person. I understand shades of grey, but Trent isn't a GREY character, he's fucking black! Half the time he plays footloose and fancy free with stuff he doesn't know jack about and the other half he's killing someone or getting someone killed or trying to say "sorry" or "make amends".
For me, the best part of this series have always been Jenks and Ivy. But Jenks hasn't been the same since Matalina died and Ivy.... well, I don't know. Kim Harrison's written herself into a hole as far as Ivy is concerned. Then, there's Newt, the intriguing, halfway insane demon who could have been forged into a memorable character, but wasn't even given enough screen time. This series is, in short, screwing over its own characters. Ergo, I'm done.
I'd talk a bit about the story of this book, but it's the weakest one this side of "For a few demons more" and most of the character interactions are flat or uninspired. Maybe, I'm just tired of a dumb idiotic witch playing the lead role or of patchy romantic/flirty subtexts within a pretty decent story or maybe, just maybe, I've grown wiser, where Rachel certainly hasn't.
And for the life of me, I can't understand what's so good about Trent. The man's a complete shitbag. He is a murderer and a psychopath, but now I'm supposed to believe that just because he has become a father he is a better human being? Just because he has those wavy blonde hair and that gymmed out physique, he is supposed to be the next love interest? But then again, like I said, Rachel's never been the sharpest tool in the shed, so that isn't what irks, it's how Kim Harrison is trying to portray him as a good person. I understand shades of grey, but Trent isn't a GREY character, he's fucking black! Half the time he plays footloose and fancy free with stuff he doesn't know jack about and the other half he's killing someone or getting someone killed or trying to say "sorry" or "make amends".
For me, the best part of this series have always been Jenks and Ivy. But Jenks hasn't been the same since Matalina died and Ivy.... well, I don't know. Kim Harrison's written herself into a hole as far as Ivy is concerned. Then, there's Newt, the intriguing, halfway insane demon who could have been forged into a memorable character, but wasn't even given enough screen time. This series is, in short, screwing over its own characters. Ergo, I'm done.
I'd talk a bit about the story of this book, but it's the weakest one this side of "For a few demons more" and most of the character interactions are flat or uninspired. Maybe, I'm just tired of a dumb idiotic witch playing the lead role or of patchy romantic/flirty subtexts within a pretty decent story or maybe, just maybe, I've grown wiser, where Rachel certainly hasn't.
January 28, 2016
4.3
I Can't write a proper review right now...
Estoy sin tiempo para escribir, pero no puedo para de leer. Ya desde el noveno libro que la historia de Rachel Morgan me tiene fanatizada; se ha convertido, sin duda, en mi serie (de fantasia urbana) favorita. Y no hace mas que mejorar con cada entrega.
I Can't write a proper review right now...
Estoy sin tiempo para escribir, pero no puedo para de leer. Ya desde el noveno libro que la historia de Rachel Morgan me tiene fanatizada; se ha convertido, sin duda, en mi serie (de fantasia urbana) favorita. Y no hace mas que mejorar con cada entrega.
Want to read
February 17, 2012I don't care what happens, as long as there's lots of Trent in it.
October 22, 2019
Really enjoyed this book, but Rachel really needs to think before going into stupid situations.
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