Kim Harrison is so much fun to read. Harrison is an urban fantasy author who understands the need for story, adventure, and just enough relationship interaction to give the story meaning without gutting the fantasy elements in favor of paranormal romance. In Pale Demon, many of the adventures that take place are based on relationships, but the core of the story is about commitment to friends and doing what’s right — a great combination.
Rachel Morgan has been in deep trouble with the “good witch” PTA for some time now. Her willingness to take personal risks, use questionable spells, and interact with demons and other less-than-savory characters in order to maintain her freedom and save her friends is more than the white witches’ coven is willing to sanction. She has been ruthlessly persecuted, shunned and had her life threatened despite the fact that she has defended some of them at times. It’s a case of political and magical purity run amok.
Pale Demon continues to track Rachel’s progression as a practitioner of demon magic. She’s becoming something of a prodigy, and her links to Trent Kalamack (and his father’s manipulation of her DNA) remains an important theme as Rachel begins to learn who she has been turned into. It’s clear that there is more to Rachel Morgan than meets the eye!
Rachel’s adventures in Pale Demon are truly exciting. Everything — from a giant pixy-eating bird to an all-out battle with a rogue demon to save the human race — is part of the wonderful storyline. Rachel’s brash nature makes things worse for her at times, as we all expect, but half the fun is watching as she and her friends rise to the many challenges that Kim Harrison creates for them. The best part is still Rachel’s interaction with, and loyalty to, friends like Jenks and Ivy, and even her complicated relationship with Trent.
Pale Demon is another tour de force performance by one of the leading authors in the urban fantasy genre. Kim Harrison’s familiar characters, her deft touch at balancing several themes, and just a generally fun-to-read story make Pale Demon one of the better books that I have read in the last six months. The Hollows is an amazing series, and Pale Demon is one of the best books in the series.
Rachel Morgan (The Hollows) — (2004-2017) The Outlaw Demon Wails has also been published as Where Demons Dare. Publisher: All the creatures of the night gather in “the Hollows” of Cincinnati, to hide, to prowl, to party… and to feed. Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining — and it’s Rachel Morgan’s job to keep that world civilized. A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she’ll bring ’em back alive, dead… or undead.
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Oh, this sounds interesting!