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The Hollows #16
Trouble with the Cursed
Rachel Morgan must keep her friends close—and her enemies closer—in the next Hollows novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison, now in mass market.
Rachel Morgan, witch-born demon, has one unspoken take chances, but pay for them yourself. With it, she has turned enemies into allies, found her place with her demon kin, and stepped up as the subrosa of Cincinnati—responsible for keeping the paranormal community at peace and in line.
Life is...good? Even better, her best friend, Ivy Tamwood, is returning home. Nothing’s simple, though, and Ivy’s not coming alone. The vampires’ ruling council insists she escort one of the long undead, hell-bent on proving that Rachel killed Cincy’s master vampire to take over the city. Which, of course, Rachel totally did not do. She only transformed her a little.
With Rachel’s friends distracted by their own lives and problems, she reaches out to a new ally for help—the demon Hodin. But this trickster has his own agenda. In the end, the only way for Rachel to save herself and the city may be to forge a new understanding with her estranged demon teacher, Al. There’s just one Al would sell his own soul to be rid of her....
Rachel Morgan, witch-born demon, has one unspoken take chances, but pay for them yourself. With it, she has turned enemies into allies, found her place with her demon kin, and stepped up as the subrosa of Cincinnati—responsible for keeping the paranormal community at peace and in line.
Life is...good? Even better, her best friend, Ivy Tamwood, is returning home. Nothing’s simple, though, and Ivy’s not coming alone. The vampires’ ruling council insists she escort one of the long undead, hell-bent on proving that Rachel killed Cincy’s master vampire to take over the city. Which, of course, Rachel totally did not do. She only transformed her a little.
With Rachel’s friends distracted by their own lives and problems, she reaches out to a new ally for help—the demon Hodin. But this trickster has his own agenda. In the end, the only way for Rachel to save herself and the city may be to forge a new understanding with her estranged demon teacher, Al. There’s just one Al would sell his own soul to be rid of her....
479 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 14, 2022
814 people are currently reading
10663 people want to read
About the author
Kim Harrison
89 books18.7k 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 547 reviews
June 11, 2022
Kim Harrison’s latest novel in the Hollows urban fantasy series is the sixteenth novel featuring witch-born demon Rachel Morgan. The author is a superb storyteller who kept me on the edge of my sear with gripping scenes, a brilliant plot, and formidable characters. Rachel is now responsible for keeping the paranormal community in Cincinnati in line. Her best friend, Ivy Tamwood is returning home, but she is bringing a vampire with her who is intent on proving Rachel killed Cincinnati’s master vampire to take over the city. With her friends experiencing problems in their lives, she reaches out to a new ally for help. However, he has his own agenda and things don’t go as Rachel expects.
Rachel is a fiery, bold, and intense protagonist who occasionally needs her self-confidence boosted by her friends. I enjoy the cast of supporting characters who have vastly different personalities and perspectives, but manage to work well together. This novel brings back some old favorites as well as adding a couple of interesting new characters, especially Getty. The chemistry between the characters creates a fun dynamic throughout the difficulties they face in this story. As this is the sixteenth book in the series, settling in with characters who already had multiple adventures can be difficult if one hasn’t read at least some of the previous books.
Kim Harrison’s creativity and great world-building stand out in this novel. The author weaves another installment in this series involving relationships, friendship, lies, deceit, stress baking, new magical techniques, selfishness, and selflessness that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The plot is twisty and absorbing with exciting scenes and an antagonist’s personality that is hauntingly memorable. It brings together compelling characters and a rich storyline that had me wondering how much a person could take before giving up trying to make everything right. Nothing is ever as it seems. The conflict moves the story forward and through unexpected events. The tension was so thick that I could almost feel it. My only quibble is that the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly and could have been extended over a couple of more chapters to add depth.
Overall, this was an engaging novel with suspense, action, adversity, and a little romance. This story will help you escape the real world for a day of thrills and chills. If you enjoy urban fantasies, then I recommend that you check out this series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Berkley Publishing Group – Ace and Kim Harrison provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 14, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
Rachel is a fiery, bold, and intense protagonist who occasionally needs her self-confidence boosted by her friends. I enjoy the cast of supporting characters who have vastly different personalities and perspectives, but manage to work well together. This novel brings back some old favorites as well as adding a couple of interesting new characters, especially Getty. The chemistry between the characters creates a fun dynamic throughout the difficulties they face in this story. As this is the sixteenth book in the series, settling in with characters who already had multiple adventures can be difficult if one hasn’t read at least some of the previous books.
Kim Harrison’s creativity and great world-building stand out in this novel. The author weaves another installment in this series involving relationships, friendship, lies, deceit, stress baking, new magical techniques, selfishness, and selflessness that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. The plot is twisty and absorbing with exciting scenes and an antagonist’s personality that is hauntingly memorable. It brings together compelling characters and a rich storyline that had me wondering how much a person could take before giving up trying to make everything right. Nothing is ever as it seems. The conflict moves the story forward and through unexpected events. The tension was so thick that I could almost feel it. My only quibble is that the ending wrapped up a bit too quickly and could have been extended over a couple of more chapters to add depth.
Overall, this was an engaging novel with suspense, action, adversity, and a little romance. This story will help you escape the real world for a day of thrills and chills. If you enjoy urban fantasies, then I recommend that you check out this series. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Berkley Publishing Group – Ace and Kim Harrison provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for June 14, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
June 19, 2022
Sooooo satisfying.
Returning to this series is always like coming home. Jenks, of course, was great, but if I'm being totally honest, I'm all about seeing Rachel juggle Cincinnati politics. It's truly delicious.
Hoden takes a huge place in the story -- no spoilers -- but what really infuriates me is the demons. They know better! And this time they're even more annoying than the old vamps. After all that had been accomplished, with Rachel's help, no less! Uggghhhhh
This series has been so strong from the beginning, seemed to wrap up, then Harrison came back to it, wonderfully, and I can't thank her enough. And these? These new ones?
This particular book was sooooo good. :) I savor it. I revel in it. And the payoff was truly brilliant. :)
Am I fanboying? Yes, yes I am.
Returning to this series is always like coming home. Jenks, of course, was great, but if I'm being totally honest, I'm all about seeing Rachel juggle Cincinnati politics. It's truly delicious.
Hoden takes a huge place in the story -- no spoilers -- but what really infuriates me is the demons. They know better! And this time they're even more annoying than the old vamps. After all that had been accomplished, with Rachel's help, no less! Uggghhhhh
This series has been so strong from the beginning, seemed to wrap up, then Harrison came back to it, wonderfully, and I can't thank her enough. And these? These new ones?
This particular book was sooooo good. :) I savor it. I revel in it. And the payoff was truly brilliant. :)
Am I fanboying? Yes, yes I am.
June 21, 2022
I don't understand the popularity of these books.
Fans talk about how much the original run of this series meant to them. But, the original run of this series was actually pretty bad.
-- Rachel Morgan repeated her asinine thought process a lot. She liked to repeatedly tell us that she wore leather pants because she didn't want to get a scrape. She told us that it was supposed to be her dad's job to chase off randy high school boys, and she was sad he was dead because he wasn't around to do that. She kept insisting that silk tops and leather pants were appropriate work clothes. She kept whining that she hated her own pasteboard furniture and was jealous of Ivy's better quality stuff.
-- I don't know if the problem carried over to the print version of the books, but in the audio version, the narrator often said "FBI" when she was supposed to be talking about a fictional organization called the "FIB."
-- The author invented a Celtic magic system in the first book, and then promptly abandoned it. She borrowed the idea of gods being involved with spellcasting for the magic system she ended up giving elves, instead.
-- She gave at least two different species wish-granting power, even referring to the ability as reality warping once. But, she never gave any limitations to the wishes. Jinx asked for sterility, and got it; but that appears to have been due to his failure of imagination. It appears he could have asked for omnipotence.
-- In the prequel novel, The Turn, the author described a group of college graduates sitting around a room waiting to be hired by people picking up employees like Tupperware. The author had the protagonist working on cutting-edge genetic engineering with just a BACHELOR'S degree in biology. The author framed this as a noteworthy deviation from the protagonist's expected degree in "security." ... What school gives out bachelor's degrees in security, and what scientist gets to do cutting-edge research without a Ph. D?
This whole series was supposed to be done 3 books ago, but the author got hungry for more royalties and dragged us all back.
These newer books have fewer cringey mistakes, as I just summarized. But they're also so... Inconsequential.
We already know Rachel and Trent end up together, raising the two elf babies. And in 20 years it is scientifically possible for them to have a biological child together. We already know that other Rosewood babies will survive and become the next generation of demons.
This book is just an interlude following some newer characters. We are supposed to care so much about new witch Steff, and she might be under the thumb of the demon Houghton. We are supposed to worry about the new vampire partner Pike, filling in for Ivy since she moved away more-or-less permanently.
Do you want to watch Rachel teach a class as an adjunct professor without a real lesson plan? With the books once again making no mention of graduate school?
None of this is thrilling. But, at least TSTL Rachel finally shut up about pasteboard furniture.
Fans talk about how much the original run of this series meant to them. But, the original run of this series was actually pretty bad.
-- Rachel Morgan repeated her asinine thought process a lot. She liked to repeatedly tell us that she wore leather pants because she didn't want to get a scrape. She told us that it was supposed to be her dad's job to chase off randy high school boys, and she was sad he was dead because he wasn't around to do that. She kept insisting that silk tops and leather pants were appropriate work clothes. She kept whining that she hated her own pasteboard furniture and was jealous of Ivy's better quality stuff.
-- I don't know if the problem carried over to the print version of the books, but in the audio version, the narrator often said "FBI" when she was supposed to be talking about a fictional organization called the "FIB."
-- The author invented a Celtic magic system in the first book, and then promptly abandoned it. She borrowed the idea of gods being involved with spellcasting for the magic system she ended up giving elves, instead.
-- She gave at least two different species wish-granting power, even referring to the ability as reality warping once. But, she never gave any limitations to the wishes. Jinx asked for sterility, and got it; but that appears to have been due to his failure of imagination. It appears he could have asked for omnipotence.
-- In the prequel novel, The Turn, the author described a group of college graduates sitting around a room waiting to be hired by people picking up employees like Tupperware. The author had the protagonist working on cutting-edge genetic engineering with just a BACHELOR'S degree in biology. The author framed this as a noteworthy deviation from the protagonist's expected degree in "security." ... What school gives out bachelor's degrees in security, and what scientist gets to do cutting-edge research without a Ph. D?
This whole series was supposed to be done 3 books ago, but the author got hungry for more royalties and dragged us all back.
These newer books have fewer cringey mistakes, as I just summarized. But they're also so... Inconsequential.
We already know Rachel and Trent end up together, raising the two elf babies. And in 20 years it is scientifically possible for them to have a biological child together. We already know that other Rosewood babies will survive and become the next generation of demons.
This book is just an interlude following some newer characters. We are supposed to care so much about new witch Steff, and she might be under the thumb of the demon Houghton. We are supposed to worry about the new vampire partner Pike, filling in for Ivy since she moved away more-or-less permanently.
Do you want to watch Rachel teach a class as an adjunct professor without a real lesson plan? With the books once again making no mention of graduate school?
None of this is thrilling. But, at least TSTL Rachel finally shut up about pasteboard furniture.
June 15, 2022
Special thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for gifting me a copy of this book. The opinion expressed below is my honest opinion.
I am so glad that Kim Harrison decided to return to the world of Rachel Morgan! She's got some seriously interesting plotlines going through the last three books, the new ones, and I am loving where the story has been taken.
This one cleared up a few questions we had, sets up some new things, and really digs deep into Rachel's life. A long game is revealed, and it's so fun to read (but man, poor Rachel, yet again! lol).
I don't want to reveal any more, because there's some big stuff happening in this one. I can't wait for what comes next!
I am so glad that Kim Harrison decided to return to the world of Rachel Morgan! She's got some seriously interesting plotlines going through the last three books, the new ones, and I am loving where the story has been taken.
This one cleared up a few questions we had, sets up some new things, and really digs deep into Rachel's life. A long game is revealed, and it's so fun to read (but man, poor Rachel, yet again! lol).
I don't want to reveal any more, because there's some big stuff happening in this one. I can't wait for what comes next!
June 23, 2022
Check out my Booktube channel at: The Obsessive Bookseller
I love spending time with Rachel Morgan.
As the series initially ended at book 13, these latest three novels have felt like bonus books (continuing the storyline before book 13’s epilogue). It’s always a joy to read more in a series you thought ended. And I have to say, these revamped (pun) books are every bit as good as the rest of the series.
Anything to do with the demons in this world, and I’m so there. I love their unpredictability and enigma quality that always has me guessing who’s side they’re on (well, they’re probably always on their own side, it’s just a matter of whether or not Rachel’s agenda lines up with theirs… it’s an ongoing conflict I just can’t get enough of). In these recent novels we’ve explored them more than ever before, and it’s highly satisfying.
Million Dollar Demon (#15) was awesome, but the ending was a bit lackluster compared to others in the series. This one, however, was a grand slam of events that had me up into the wee hours finishing. I love it when books careen to the end. The book also introduced a few new plot points throughout that I can’t wait to see expanded on later. Harrison really knows how to keep hooking my interest with new elements.
There’s a writing tool some storytellers use to perpetuate the plot that drives me crazy. The whole “I’m too emotionally distraught to have a two minute conversation with you… one that could save everyone a lot of trouble” is one I’ve always found unrealistic. Most people tend to WANT to talk about the major things that have affected them in life, given the proper opportunity and safety of expression. Especially if said information is critical in someone else’s decision-making. But in this case, that would’ve cut out almost two books of conflict and we wouldn’t have had a story. So, while I wish things had been presented in a different way, I can begrudgingly admit that I still enjoyed the time we spent getting to the point of revelation. There were enough other good things going on, so I can overlook its use… but I still hate it lol.
At this point I’m committed to reading any new Harrison book that pops up and hope we’re not quite finished with this series yet (some research shows there will be at least two more books). I’ve no idea what direction those new books will take, but the groundwork laid to this point in the series assures that I’ll enjoy the ride.
Recommendation: if you want an urban fantasy with slower pacing, great characters, intricate spell work, and a story that only gets better with time, this is a great pick. While this isn’t quite my favorite series in the genre, I can say with confidence that it contains my single favorite moments within the genre. Good stuff. :)
Thank you to my Patrons: Filipe, Dave, Frank, Sonja, and Staci! <3
Other books you might like:
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
I love spending time with Rachel Morgan.
As the series initially ended at book 13, these latest three novels have felt like bonus books (continuing the storyline before book 13’s epilogue). It’s always a joy to read more in a series you thought ended. And I have to say, these revamped (pun) books are every bit as good as the rest of the series.
Anything to do with the demons in this world, and I’m so there. I love their unpredictability and enigma quality that always has me guessing who’s side they’re on (well, they’re probably always on their own side, it’s just a matter of whether or not Rachel’s agenda lines up with theirs… it’s an ongoing conflict I just can’t get enough of). In these recent novels we’ve explored them more than ever before, and it’s highly satisfying.
Million Dollar Demon (#15) was awesome, but the ending was a bit lackluster compared to others in the series. This one, however, was a grand slam of events that had me up into the wee hours finishing. I love it when books careen to the end. The book also introduced a few new plot points throughout that I can’t wait to see expanded on later. Harrison really knows how to keep hooking my interest with new elements.
There’s a writing tool some storytellers use to perpetuate the plot that drives me crazy. The whole “I’m too emotionally distraught to have a two minute conversation with you… one that could save everyone a lot of trouble” is one I’ve always found unrealistic. Most people tend to WANT to talk about the major things that have affected them in life, given the proper opportunity and safety of expression. Especially if said information is critical in someone else’s decision-making. But in this case, that would’ve cut out almost two books of conflict and we wouldn’t have had a story. So, while I wish things had been presented in a different way, I can begrudgingly admit that I still enjoyed the time we spent getting to the point of revelation. There were enough other good things going on, so I can overlook its use… but I still hate it lol.
At this point I’m committed to reading any new Harrison book that pops up and hope we’re not quite finished with this series yet (some research shows there will be at least two more books). I’ve no idea what direction those new books will take, but the groundwork laid to this point in the series assures that I’ll enjoy the ride.
Recommendation: if you want an urban fantasy with slower pacing, great characters, intricate spell work, and a story that only gets better with time, this is a great pick. While this isn’t quite my favorite series in the genre, I can say with confidence that it contains my single favorite moments within the genre. Good stuff. :)
Thank you to my Patrons: Filipe, Dave, Frank, Sonja, and Staci! <3
Other books you might like:
Via The Obsessive Bookseller at www.NikiHawkes.com
June 19, 2022
I really don't know how the author does it but each new volume is brilliant!
Welcome back to Cincinnati, home of Rachel Morgan, half-witch / half-demon and de facto ruler of the city after turning the undead vampire bitch Constance into - brace yourself - a mouse! *lol*
But now, Washington is sending a vamp to make sure Constance is OK because rumour has it that she was killed by Rachel. And since Washington holds Nina and Ivy hostage, Rachel has to play ball.
Which she would if it wasn't for Trent being distracted with a rather complicated business deal that keeps being unresolved, a pixie landing in Jenks' garden, and Rachel's roommate starting whatever kind of relationship with Rachel's other roommate.
Oh, and the head of the witch council wants Rachel to take over a class!
Disappearing books, disappearing people, other people showing up uninvited, political scheming, finally more bacjground info on the demons, power plays, matters of the heart - this book once again had it all.
Granted, I would have loved to see a bit more spell work or potions and whatnot (I love a well thought-out magic system), but the demon / elven magic was pretty cool in this one and the inter-personal stuff was really important.
I love and marvel at the fact that this series is still going strong and the characters are as quirky and endearing as ever (or as infuriating as ever) while there is still so much that can cause me to hold my breath in anticipation or even dread.
Yeah, technically we do know how it all ends for Rachel, where she and the city will be in about 14 years, but that doesn't mean the adventures in the meantime are any less thrilling.
And the humour. God, I really missed all these guys and their banter - or bad hair situations! *snickers* Though Jenks is and always will be my absolute favorite, hands down. :)
Seriously, I can't recommend this series enough. There is a lot of UF out there but this is without a doubt one of the best.
P.S.: BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!!! I cheered so much and actually teared up!
Welcome back to Cincinnati, home of Rachel Morgan, half-witch / half-demon and de facto ruler of the city after turning the undead vampire bitch Constance into - brace yourself - a mouse! *lol*
But now, Washington is sending a vamp to make sure Constance is OK because rumour has it that she was killed by Rachel. And since Washington holds Nina and Ivy hostage, Rachel has to play ball.
Which she would if it wasn't for Trent being distracted with a rather complicated business deal that keeps being unresolved, a pixie landing in Jenks' garden, and Rachel's roommate starting whatever kind of relationship with Rachel's other roommate.
Oh, and the head of the witch council wants Rachel to take over a class!
Disappearing books, disappearing people, other people showing up uninvited, political scheming, finally more bacjground info on the demons, power plays, matters of the heart - this book once again had it all.
Granted, I would have loved to see a bit more spell work or potions and whatnot (I love a well thought-out magic system), but the demon / elven magic was pretty cool in this one and the inter-personal stuff was really important.
I love and marvel at the fact that this series is still going strong and the characters are as quirky and endearing as ever (or as infuriating as ever) while there is still so much that can cause me to hold my breath in anticipation or even dread.
Yeah, technically we do know how it all ends for Rachel, where she and the city will be in about 14 years, but that doesn't mean the adventures in the meantime are any less thrilling.
And the humour. God, I really missed all these guys and their banter - or bad hair situations! *snickers* Though Jenks is and always will be my absolute favorite, hands down. :)
Seriously, I can't recommend this series enough. There is a lot of UF out there but this is without a doubt one of the best.
P.S.: BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!!! I cheered so much and actually teared up!
December 14, 2023
i enjoy this series because i think the lore and world building is good. i also find that a lot of the lore reminds me of sabrina the teenage witch, which i find really fun. unfortunately i do not care about any of these characters so it makes it kind of hard to get through.
December 31, 2022
This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/
This was great! I have been working on getting caught up with this series for a very long time and it is almost hard to believe that I have finally accomplished that goal. I have had such a fantastic time with my monthly adventures with Rachel, Jenks, Ivy, Trent, and the rest of the gang may feel a little lost while I wait for the next book to be published.
Rachel has more problems to deal with from both vampires and demons. I had no idea how she would be able to get everything to work out but I had faith that she would figure it out. There was a lot to keep up with in this book and a few things happened that should have a significant impact on future installments. I knew that Rachel’s trouble with the master vampire of Cincinnati was far from over and I was quite impressed by how she handled things. I love that we get to see a different side of Al in this book and I was impressed. It is hard to believe that this is the same demon we met at the beginning of the series.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Marguerite Gavin did a fantastic job with the series once again. She is the voice of these characters and I honestly couldn’t imagine experiencing these books any other way. I love the way she is able to bring the characters to life and the consistency of the character voices. I am certain that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would highly recommend this series to fans of urban fantasy. Since this is the sixteenth book in the series, I wouldn’t recommend that readers start with this one because you will want to read this series from the beginning. I cannot wait to read more books in this fantastic series!
Book Source: Purchased/Library
This was great! I have been working on getting caught up with this series for a very long time and it is almost hard to believe that I have finally accomplished that goal. I have had such a fantastic time with my monthly adventures with Rachel, Jenks, Ivy, Trent, and the rest of the gang may feel a little lost while I wait for the next book to be published.
Rachel has more problems to deal with from both vampires and demons. I had no idea how she would be able to get everything to work out but I had faith that she would figure it out. There was a lot to keep up with in this book and a few things happened that should have a significant impact on future installments. I knew that Rachel’s trouble with the master vampire of Cincinnati was far from over and I was quite impressed by how she handled things. I love that we get to see a different side of Al in this book and I was impressed. It is hard to believe that this is the same demon we met at the beginning of the series.
I listened to the audiobook and thought that Marguerite Gavin did a fantastic job with the series once again. She is the voice of these characters and I honestly couldn’t imagine experiencing these books any other way. I love the way she is able to bring the characters to life and the consistency of the character voices. I am certain that her narration added to my overall enjoyment of this book.
I would highly recommend this series to fans of urban fantasy. Since this is the sixteenth book in the series, I wouldn’t recommend that readers start with this one because you will want to read this series from the beginning. I cannot wait to read more books in this fantastic series!
Book Source: Purchased/Library
January 28, 2022
In shocking news, after writing fifteen fun, entertaining books in her massively complex Hollows series, Kim Harrison publishes a 16th great beach read.
This review is a bit hard to write because I can't imagine anyone reading it without having read all 15 other books, and having read the rest of the series, there's really nothing surprising here. It's good. TROUBLE WITH THE CURSED is about the demons and the vampires, in this case, what happens when the demons finally stop with their improbable good behavior and when the DC vampires finally send someone out to check on Constance. It's been really lovely to see Rachel get to take on more mentorship roles, as the subrosa and a leader in the demon community, especially since she was such a mess in the first couple books. As a shameless Al stan, I was delighted to see more of him in this book, and while the romance with Trent has been a lot less fun since they actually started dating, he wasn't central enough to the plot for it to matter. I've been really impressed by Harrison's success with the unnecessary Hollow's sequels and while I at times wondered how long she'll actually be able to pull these off, I read it in a couple sittings and enjoyed every page.
This review is a bit hard to write because I can't imagine anyone reading it without having read all 15 other books, and having read the rest of the series, there's really nothing surprising here. It's good. TROUBLE WITH THE CURSED is about the demons and the vampires, in this case, what happens when the demons finally stop with their improbable good behavior and when the DC vampires finally send someone out to check on Constance. It's been really lovely to see Rachel get to take on more mentorship roles, as the subrosa and a leader in the demon community, especially since she was such a mess in the first couple books. As a shameless Al stan, I was delighted to see more of him in this book, and while the romance with Trent has been a lot less fun since they actually started dating, he wasn't central enough to the plot for it to matter. I've been really impressed by Harrison's success with the unnecessary Hollow's sequels and while I at times wondered how long she'll actually be able to pull these off, I read it in a couple sittings and enjoyed every page.
July 1, 2025
"It never ceases to amaze me how someone can possess the world or nothing at all, and still have their happiness hinge on the small moments between them and the ones they love."
In Trouble with Cursed, Kim Harrison comes back to tap into the magic of The Hollows. Something is scintillating about coming back to a world you knew so well after the final curtain has come down and the characters have taken their final bows. And after 14+ books, you get a sense of who they are. Trouble With Cursed by Kim Harrison is a testament to just how lucky the urban fantasy genre is to have Harrison among its ranks. She is foundational to the genre.
When the series ended "officially" with The Witch With No Name, it was a spectacular conclusion for our witchy witch, Rachel Mariana Morgan. It was a worthy finale. And yet, Harrison wasn't done. Rachel has so much more life to live, to give, and chaos to cause. Now, three books past that once-final ending, I couldn't be happier with where we're headed. And that is, "Rachel's friends distracted by their own lives and problems, she reaches out to a new ally for help—the demon Hodin...In the end, the only way for Rachel to save herself and the city may be to forge a new understanding with her estranged demon teacher, Al. There's just one problem: Al would sell his own soul to be rid of her. . . ." Basically, this novel is Rachel walking the thin line as the subrosa of the city between the various paranormal groups without losing her moral code and demons are being bad, demons being “good,” and demons being delightfully shifty—business as usual, if “usual” involves infernal contracts and moral landmines.
As a long-time Reader of Kim Harrison, her books are witty, fast-paced, with strong protagonists, full of believable drama among the paranormal community. The political entanglements between species in this novel are a whole lot of demons, and supernatural groups remain one of the series' strongest elements. While Rachel wasn't very savvy at first, she was more of a bull smacking into things, she has learned to be wary of the critical undercurrents and details. That we're this deep into the saga without it feeling formulaic is a feat. Honestly, Harrison could easily spin off half of these characters into solo novels, and I'd happily throw money at them. (A Jenks pixy book? Yes, please.)
"Ah, Rachel?" he said as he hustled to keep up with me. "Is yelling the best course here?" "I'm from the Midwest. It's how we start."
Would I recommend this? Absolutely. Even the most hard-bitten grimdark fan could use a breather now and then, and Trouble With Cursed offers just that, without ever feeling "fluffy." It's a story with substance: real stakes, emotional depth, and a heroine who refuses to stop fighting. The Hollows has more life in it yet, and if this book is any indication, we're in for more great things to come.
In Trouble with Cursed, Kim Harrison comes back to tap into the magic of The Hollows. Something is scintillating about coming back to a world you knew so well after the final curtain has come down and the characters have taken their final bows. And after 14+ books, you get a sense of who they are. Trouble With Cursed by Kim Harrison is a testament to just how lucky the urban fantasy genre is to have Harrison among its ranks. She is foundational to the genre.
When the series ended "officially" with The Witch With No Name, it was a spectacular conclusion for our witchy witch, Rachel Mariana Morgan. It was a worthy finale. And yet, Harrison wasn't done. Rachel has so much more life to live, to give, and chaos to cause. Now, three books past that once-final ending, I couldn't be happier with where we're headed. And that is, "Rachel's friends distracted by their own lives and problems, she reaches out to a new ally for help—the demon Hodin...In the end, the only way for Rachel to save herself and the city may be to forge a new understanding with her estranged demon teacher, Al. There's just one problem: Al would sell his own soul to be rid of her. . . ." Basically, this novel is Rachel walking the thin line as the subrosa of the city between the various paranormal groups without losing her moral code and demons are being bad, demons being “good,” and demons being delightfully shifty—business as usual, if “usual” involves infernal contracts and moral landmines.
As a long-time Reader of Kim Harrison, her books are witty, fast-paced, with strong protagonists, full of believable drama among the paranormal community. The political entanglements between species in this novel are a whole lot of demons, and supernatural groups remain one of the series' strongest elements. While Rachel wasn't very savvy at first, she was more of a bull smacking into things, she has learned to be wary of the critical undercurrents and details. That we're this deep into the saga without it feeling formulaic is a feat. Honestly, Harrison could easily spin off half of these characters into solo novels, and I'd happily throw money at them. (A Jenks pixy book? Yes, please.)
"Ah, Rachel?" he said as he hustled to keep up with me. "Is yelling the best course here?" "I'm from the Midwest. It's how we start."
Would I recommend this? Absolutely. Even the most hard-bitten grimdark fan could use a breather now and then, and Trouble With Cursed offers just that, without ever feeling "fluffy." It's a story with substance: real stakes, emotional depth, and a heroine who refuses to stop fighting. The Hollows has more life in it yet, and if this book is any indication, we're in for more great things to come.
January 2, 2022
Strictly speaking, this isn't a 5 star book. It is, however, a significant improvement from the previous installment with the bonus of the most simultaneously horrifying and impossibly sweet ending I've experienced in my many years.
July 27, 2025
no nareszcie!
4.5⭐️
4.5⭐️
June 14, 2022
I will be the first to admit I am happy for more of Rachel and the gang. There were some threads I needed closure too, and it’s always good to check in on everyone. After the intensity of the last story, I should preface my review with the warning that this series should be read in the order of its release. You are emotionally cheating yourself if you do otherwise.
With one nasty vampire in a cage, and Rachel accepting her role as subrosa of Cincinnati, she and vampire Pike Welroe have the city running smoothly. However, the D.C. undead believe Rachel murdered one of their own and they send Finnis along with Ivy to investigate. Now, this is trouble enough, but it seems some demons have decided that rules and agreements are stupid and humans are going missing. Then there is Hodin. Is he practicing dark magic? Was Al right?
Trouble is Rachel’s middle name, and I had a blast devouring this from the demons to the vampires I wanted to stake. Jenks is dealing with a problem in his garden, Ivy is under Finnis’s thumb and something is keeping Trent occupied, so it’s up to Rachel and Pike to handle everything.
I loved seeing Al back in the picture, and quickly became caught up in all the threads, trouble and ideas Rachel bounced around. It was brilliant, fun and a little suspenseful.
I wept at the end. Not gonna lie. You’ll have to read it for yourself to discover why. Not sure if this was the last book, but I enjoyed slipping back into this world. Now I am craving a tomato pizza from Piscary’s. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
With one nasty vampire in a cage, and Rachel accepting her role as subrosa of Cincinnati, she and vampire Pike Welroe have the city running smoothly. However, the D.C. undead believe Rachel murdered one of their own and they send Finnis along with Ivy to investigate. Now, this is trouble enough, but it seems some demons have decided that rules and agreements are stupid and humans are going missing. Then there is Hodin. Is he practicing dark magic? Was Al right?
Trouble is Rachel’s middle name, and I had a blast devouring this from the demons to the vampires I wanted to stake. Jenks is dealing with a problem in his garden, Ivy is under Finnis’s thumb and something is keeping Trent occupied, so it’s up to Rachel and Pike to handle everything.
I loved seeing Al back in the picture, and quickly became caught up in all the threads, trouble and ideas Rachel bounced around. It was brilliant, fun and a little suspenseful.
I wept at the end. Not gonna lie. You’ll have to read it for yourself to discover why. Not sure if this was the last book, but I enjoyed slipping back into this world. Now I am craving a tomato pizza from Piscary’s. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
June 17, 2022
Poor Rachel, always getting raked over the coals for giving someone the benefit of the doubt.
June 15, 2022
If you are this far into the series, nothing about this book will surprise you. Rachel is being Rachel, gets into binds, but also gets out of them. She gets into them by believing the best into people, but she also gets out of them for the same reason, it works for her. So many have learned that they can trust what she says and if she can help them she will, which leads to people taking advantage of her. But they learn, they learn if they do that she will come after them with all she has to right the wrong, often at great expense to herself. That is exactly what happen in this one.
There were some great moments, Trent just wanting to give Rachel a good birthday, a new pixie in the garden bringing some interesting issues to Jenks, Rachel learning that Al really does care for her by his actions, despite what his words say and Bix, finally some movement there.
I feel like with this book Rachel has a good balance with her old recklessness and what she learned in the past, to still do some of this crazy things, but have the back up to make sure things work, whether it is actions she takes or threats she throws out. Confidence looks good on her.
There were some great moments, Trent just wanting to give Rachel a good birthday, a new pixie in the garden bringing some interesting issues to Jenks, Rachel learning that Al really does care for her by his actions, despite what his words say and Bix, finally some movement there.
I feel like with this book Rachel has a good balance with her old recklessness and what she learned in the past, to still do some of this crazy things, but have the back up to make sure things work, whether it is actions she takes or threats she throws out. Confidence looks good on her.
March 10, 2022
It’s always exciting when I can return to the Hollows world, so I especially excited to get my hands on TROUBLE WITH THE CURSED.
As soon as I cracked this book open, it felt like meeting old friends. The same banter is there. The same familiar faces. I enjoyed being back in Rachel’s head and seeing her get into trouble is always an entertaining ride.
Harrison sticks to what she is good at and keeps readers on their toes by putting together a fast-paced and thrilling book. Usually, I’m not one for first-person narration, but I always make an exception for this series.
It’s nice to see a classic Urban Fantasy series still going strong and TROUBLE WITH THE CURSED won’t disappoint its fans.
As soon as I cracked this book open, it felt like meeting old friends. The same banter is there. The same familiar faces. I enjoyed being back in Rachel’s head and seeing her get into trouble is always an entertaining ride.
Harrison sticks to what she is good at and keeps readers on their toes by putting together a fast-paced and thrilling book. Usually, I’m not one for first-person narration, but I always make an exception for this series.
It’s nice to see a classic Urban Fantasy series still going strong and TROUBLE WITH THE CURSED won’t disappoint its fans.
June 12, 2023
I enjoyed this book so much more that than last two. It felt much more like the old Hollows books. Great story, pacing and ENDING!
August 6, 2022
Somebody should buy Rachel a backpack so she doesn't have to adjust her bag every other page
July 8, 2022
Rachel is the subrosa of Cincinnati. With Pike's help, she keeps the paranormals under rule and safe. When Finnis, a dead vampire and a member of the Council, comes to Cincinnati to determine if Constance is still ruling the city, he is another headache Rachel has to deal with that night. Constance is alive, but in an altered state. If Rachel can craft a spell that causes Finnis to forget and return to the Council thinking Constance is still ruling Cincinnati, she will consider it all in a night's work. But, as always seems to happen with Rachel, things don't go as planned and by the time she realizes it, Rachel is in deep trouble.
It is wonderful to return to the Hollows and Rachel Morgan. Her friends -- Trent, Pike, Ivy, Jenks and Al -- all drifted away from her, wrapped up in their own affairs or healing. When Rachel realized that the demon she offered sanctuary to betrays her and harms her friends and students, she teams with her friends and the demons to try to stop him. But Hodin, a demon, is a master of disguises and can alter himself down to the DNA of another individual. He is sly and hard to catch. Before long Hodin does damage to Rachel's reputation and her livelihood. To prove she didn't do what she is accused of, Rachel will have to trap Hodin, even if she dies trying.
The characterization is superbly crafted. The protagonist is dynamic and personable. All Rachel's friends hold their own personalities in dialogue and descriptions. The antagonist is well-developed, sly and a crafty trickster. The plot is solidly drawn up and expertly executed. The subplots are interwoven seamlessly into the plot. The dialogue fits each character. The world building is so good it's unbelievable. The ever after feels as if it truly exist. The church, the garden and the graveyard are the perfect setting for pixies, fairies and a witch-born demon. The pacing fits the mood and atmosphere of the story. There were times when I tensed up and quickly turned the pages and times when I could breathe and relax into the story. Overall, a well-written book with excellent characters and a dynamic plot.
It is wonderful to return to the Hollows and Rachel Morgan. Her friends -- Trent, Pike, Ivy, Jenks and Al -- all drifted away from her, wrapped up in their own affairs or healing. When Rachel realized that the demon she offered sanctuary to betrays her and harms her friends and students, she teams with her friends and the demons to try to stop him. But Hodin, a demon, is a master of disguises and can alter himself down to the DNA of another individual. He is sly and hard to catch. Before long Hodin does damage to Rachel's reputation and her livelihood. To prove she didn't do what she is accused of, Rachel will have to trap Hodin, even if she dies trying.
The characterization is superbly crafted. The protagonist is dynamic and personable. All Rachel's friends hold their own personalities in dialogue and descriptions. The antagonist is well-developed, sly and a crafty trickster. The plot is solidly drawn up and expertly executed. The subplots are interwoven seamlessly into the plot. The dialogue fits each character. The world building is so good it's unbelievable. The ever after feels as if it truly exist. The church, the garden and the graveyard are the perfect setting for pixies, fairies and a witch-born demon. The pacing fits the mood and atmosphere of the story. There were times when I tensed up and quickly turned the pages and times when I could breathe and relax into the story. Overall, a well-written book with excellent characters and a dynamic plot.
December 31, 2022
¡Qué finalazo!. Esta mujer está consiguiendo invalidar la teoría, hasta ahora infalible, de que las sagas reabiertas tras su finalización y cierre de tramas, son una birria a partir de ese momento.
Y está contando aventuras que supuestamente son anteriores a la finalización que ya salió en el N° 13. Ya sabemos quién vive, quién muere y qué fue de cada personaje. Eso debería restar tensión a la trama. No sé cómo consigue resultar tan absorbente de todos modos.
Me hace disfrutar muchísimo. Me llega de alguna forma, no sé si es que es buena ella, o es cosa mía, pero qué bien me lo paso leyéndola!. Apetece secuestrarla a lo Misery y obligarla a escribir a destajo.
Cuánto daría por un Spin-Off con Al y su peculiar universo!!. La saga gana muchísimo cada vez que aparece. Ese extrañísimo universo y esos seres extrañables pese a ser unos miserables. Pues eso. No sé cómo lo hace, pero en lo que a mí respecta, le funciona muy bien.
Y está contando aventuras que supuestamente son anteriores a la finalización que ya salió en el N° 13. Ya sabemos quién vive, quién muere y qué fue de cada personaje. Eso debería restar tensión a la trama. No sé cómo consigue resultar tan absorbente de todos modos.
Me hace disfrutar muchísimo. Me llega de alguna forma, no sé si es que es buena ella, o es cosa mía, pero qué bien me lo paso leyéndola!. Apetece secuestrarla a lo Misery y obligarla a escribir a destajo.
Cuánto daría por un Spin-Off con Al y su peculiar universo!!. La saga gana muchísimo cada vez que aparece. Ese extrañísimo universo y esos seres extrañables pese a ser unos miserables. Pues eso. No sé cómo lo hace, pero en lo que a mí respecta, le funciona muy bien.
July 10, 2022
I can’t even…
My emotions…😂😑🥵🥺🥰🥺🥹🤬🫣😮😍😭🥲
My emotions…😂😑🥵🥺🥰🥺🥹🤬🫣😮😍😭🥲
June 28, 2022
Kim Harrison did not disappoint! This was great through to the last page. She's a brilliant writer.
June 21, 2022
So, there's a bunch of lore about making deals with demons, right? Rachel's a witch-born demon and this was a story of DEALS. Also, how to defeat a villain that can look like anyone you know?
Now that the demons are out of the Ever After, Rache is on a mission to make sure they're treated fairly-but do they deserve her? Do they really? Spoiler: No one deserves Rache. She's the gold standard.
There were so many great outcomes at the end of this story! A couple of wrap-ups to previous "OH-NOs" that I didn't see coming. I'm wicked excited for the next book! Especially if I get my people back!!
September 24, 2022
I've read the whole series and that was just the most painful, boring book. I can't tell if I've just lost interest in the characters after all these years or if the lack of character growth after all these years did me in. It's the first one of her books I didn't finish and I doubt I'll pick another Rachel book up. I'm hoping she writes more books with different characters, although if the Hollows TV series goes ahead, I imagine there's an obligation to write novels to support it—if if you ran out of ideas a decade ago.
April 1, 2022
So, I received an ARC and I must say that Kim has done it again! I couldn't put this down. Almost all of our favorites are back in form. Mentions of a few of our other characters that we miss. Some mysteries are solved and Rachel conquers again. I now need to reread the whole series and then Trouble again, so I can savor instead of devour!
June 17, 2022
I taking a star for the excessive stupid built into the protagonist to create crisis. Rachael has turned into a bumbling babe who constantly hesitates and dialogues when she should act. I'd like to see more confidence and less pity-party.
June 15, 2023
With every new book the series gets more shit
June 7, 2022
*Source* Publisher
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Kim Harrison's Trouble with the Cursed, is the Sixteenth installment in the authors Hollows series. Witch-born demon Rachel Morgan and her friends fight to protect the inhabitants of the city of Cincinnati--including humans, werewolves, vampires, demons, witches, elves, and pixies. For the past 4 years, Rachel has been a licensed runner (bounty hunter) tracking down those who break the law. For the past 4 months, Rachel and vampire Pike Welroe have been running Cincinnati and it's mostly gone smoothly.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
*Genre* Urban Fantasy
*Rating* 4.0
*Thoughts*
Kim Harrison's Trouble with the Cursed, is the Sixteenth installment in the authors Hollows series. Witch-born demon Rachel Morgan and her friends fight to protect the inhabitants of the city of Cincinnati--including humans, werewolves, vampires, demons, witches, elves, and pixies. For the past 4 years, Rachel has been a licensed runner (bounty hunter) tracking down those who break the law. For the past 4 months, Rachel and vampire Pike Welroe have been running Cincinnati and it's mostly gone smoothly.
*Full Review @ Gizmos Reviews*
https://gizmosreviews.blogspot.com/20...
June 5, 2023
This book really confirmed Kim Harrison was right to revisit this world, and she did so by injecting new life into it. The last three books have built up many interesting plotlines, and this one really pulls together several of them. This was nonstop action full of twists and turns, but also with some tender moments with Rachel and her loved ones (and not just Trent). I really enjoyed the subplot with Jenks and how he has built up a new life since the death of his wife, but really there was much to love about this book. My heart ached with the loss of Al in the previous books, but I was so glad to have him back! I can't wait to see what else Harrison has in store, but oh man, poor Rachel! You KNOW Harrison is going to pull the rug out from under her in the next book!
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