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jimbowen0306's review against another edition
3.0
I really struggled to get into this book. Harrison's lead character (Rachel Morgan) has to deal with a demon called KuSox, who has tampered with the lay lines that connect the Earth with the "Ever After" (where demons live), threatening the existence of the ever after in the process.
This is an okay story, but it took a long time for her to deal with KuSox, and was horribly whiny in the process, which irritated me. Don't get me wrong, she has reason to whine, but given she's been faced with similar problems in the past, I was hoping she'd be over the whiny little girl act by now.
This is an okay story, but it took a long time for her to deal with KuSox, and was horribly whiny in the process, which irritated me. Don't get me wrong, she has reason to whine, but given she's been faced with similar problems in the past, I was hoping she'd be over the whiny little girl act by now.
hirvimaki's review against another edition
3.0
Not my favourite in the series. It really dragged for me and I had a much harder time reading it than the previous novels. I actually expected to really like this one as it focuses more on my favourite denizens of Harrison's alternate world, the demons. But Rachel is much more whiny and her relationship with my least favourite character is uninspiring, at best. This does not bode well - for me - for the last two novels. It did pick up at end, although there was the equivalent of a Hollows pod race in there and it left me baffled. This is the first in the series that I was actually happy to finish and the first time I'm not already reaching for the next book. This is no slight on Harrison's ability to tell a tale. She is still a great story teller. I'm just not liking the direction the tale is going and I think I can see the end. There was some great stuff in there, tidbits that I really loved, but it was blurred out by other elements.
kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
Eleventh in The Hollows urban fantasy revolving around Rachel Morgan.
My Take
Whoa, Rachel goes from belligerent to diplomatic at the drop of a hat. it's pretty obvious that she's having a change of heart about Trent, and now I have to wait for the next one to see how things go, now that Trent may be getting back together with Ellasbeth.
It's tricks and twists and turns. Some I see coming and most I don't. I don't think I've ever been so confused in a Hollows story before. The only thing I'm not confused about is Nick. I want that bugger dead!
Besides the confusion, I found this installment to be a much softer story when it comes to Rachel and Trent. Of course it all depends on how Harrison chooses to end this, but the kiss-me/don't-touch-me between the two could use a lot more finesse. It's more as if Harrison intends to have them end up with each other, but she wants to continue teasing us until the last minute and isn't too bothered about spending any time developing this. At least not as per the manner in which Harrison has treated their relationship up to A Perfect Blood, 10. It's certainly leaving me frustrated anyway!
WTF? Rachel keeps talking about filing papers and never does. Why not? She never learns. She's always leaping into the fray almost before it forms and has no sense of strategy. She never tries to learn what the ramifications may be.
I do love Jenks' influence on Bis when he does his little song and wiggles his hips à la Jenks!
It's a bad situation, but it does provide Rachel with a living example of the types of decisions Trent has had to make for years about peoples' lives.
Ooh, I do love Rachel's argument! It's so perfect…!
The Story
It's another trick on Quen's part, his wanting Rachel to "help out". And Rachel is damned if she'll fall for it again. Only, fate gets in the way when Rosewood Syndrome babies are being kidnapped. Then Ku'Sox steps in and kidnaps those near and dear to Rachel while the I.S. tries to blame it all on her.
Then her ley line goes from bad to worse with the ever-after leaking worse than ever. The best way to fix? Kill Rachel.
The Characters
Turns out Rachel Morgan is a day-walking demon, and no one knows what to do with her. That's what Rosewood Syndrome is all about, a genetic problem in all witches that some don't have to suffer as did Rachel. Ivy Tamwood, a living vampire, is in Flagstaff helping ex-detective Matthew Glenn---he was too angry to work for the FIB after finding out that HAPA had infiltrated---and Daryl (she's a nymph) with their move (A Perfect Blood). I think it's also an opportunity to see if they can make it as a threesome. Jenks is a pixy and he owns the church they all live in.
Bis is a very young gargoyle whom the demon-gargoyles are teaching how to read the lines, so he can teach Rachel how to ride them. Glissando is Bis' friend, hoping to be his life mate; she and the other gargoyles think Bis is the world breaker and Rachel is the sword with which he will break it. Etude is Bis' father. Treble is Al's gargoyle.
Belle is the wingless fairy (see Black Magic Sanction) living at the church and babysitting Jenks' kids. She's doing a good job of taking care of Jenks as well. Rex is Jenks' cat that Belle rides. The pixy kids in the church include Jumoke, the only black-haired pixy in the lot and Jrixibell.
Trent Kalamack is a known elf now, with only eight fingers, and out of politics, but he's happy now that he has his daughter Lucy with him (Into the Woods: Million Dollar Baby, 9.5). Quen Hanson is an elf and Trent's head of security. He's with Ceridwen and they have a child, Ray. Rachel is godmother to both girls. Ellasbeth Withon is the elf who was to have been Trent's bride, uniting two elf houses. Tulpa is Trent's familiar and the horse he's had since summer camp.
Algaliarept "Big Al" is the demon who is supposed to be teaching Rachel, only he's too busy ducking the other demons. Dali is a reasonable demon, at least compared to what a nutcase Newt, the only other female demon, is. Gordian Nathaniel Pierce is a former boyfriend of Rachel's resurrected from his grave, and now a witch trapped as Newt's familiar.
Barbie and Susan work at the art museum where the elf artifacts exhibit is being set up. Marcie is arranging the displays.
Felix/Ohem is an undead vampire who uses Nina, a young vampire and I.S. operative, as his walking/talking puppet. Only he's inside her too much, too often. And Ivy is encouraging her to rebel. Rynn Cormel is Ivy's master vampire; he will only protect them if Rachel works to salvage their souls. And his patience is wearing out.
Nick Sparagamos is a scumbag human and thief out for anything he can get and he doesn't care whom he tramples. Jax is one of Jenks' sons and in league with Nick. Now he's hooked up with Ku'Sox Sha-Ku'ru, a.k.a., Ku'Sox, the psychotic super demon.
Inderland Security is the supernatural legal authority---an offshoot of the original FBI and local police forces---in this new version of Earth after the Turn. And one hand doesn't know what the other is doing. Humans Against Paranormals Association (HAPA) is an extremist hate group that hates magic and supernaturals and that has infiltrated law enforcement on both sides.
The Cover
The cover is a range of reds and flashes of yellow as Rachel stands in the red-tinged ever-after wearing her mother's white linen bellbottoms and vest as she prepares for battle, tapping a line.
The title refers to the dwindling Ever After, the realm of demons which may see the end of them---and Rachel.
My Take
Whoa, Rachel goes from belligerent to diplomatic at the drop of a hat. it's pretty obvious that she's having a change of heart about Trent, and now I have to wait for the next one to see how things go, now that Trent may be getting back together with Ellasbeth.
It's tricks and twists and turns. Some I see coming and most I don't. I don't think I've ever been so confused in a Hollows story before. The only thing I'm not confused about is Nick. I want that bugger dead!
Besides the confusion, I found this installment to be a much softer story when it comes to Rachel and Trent. Of course it all depends on how Harrison chooses to end this, but the kiss-me/don't-touch-me between the two could use a lot more finesse. It's more as if Harrison intends to have them end up with each other, but she wants to continue teasing us until the last minute and isn't too bothered about spending any time developing this. At least not as per the manner in which Harrison has treated their relationship up to A Perfect Blood, 10. It's certainly leaving me frustrated anyway!
WTF? Rachel keeps talking about filing papers and never does. Why not? She never learns. She's always leaping into the fray almost before it forms and has no sense of strategy. She never tries to learn what the ramifications may be.
I do love Jenks' influence on Bis when he does his little song and wiggles his hips à la Jenks!
It's a bad situation, but it does provide Rachel with a living example of the types of decisions Trent has had to make for years about peoples' lives.
Ooh, I do love Rachel's argument! It's so perfect…!
The Story
It's another trick on Quen's part, his wanting Rachel to "help out". And Rachel is damned if she'll fall for it again. Only, fate gets in the way when Rosewood Syndrome babies are being kidnapped. Then Ku'Sox steps in and kidnaps those near and dear to Rachel while the I.S. tries to blame it all on her.
Then her ley line goes from bad to worse with the ever-after leaking worse than ever. The best way to fix? Kill Rachel.
The Characters
Turns out Rachel Morgan is a day-walking demon, and no one knows what to do with her. That's what Rosewood Syndrome is all about, a genetic problem in all witches that some don't have to suffer as did Rachel. Ivy Tamwood, a living vampire, is in Flagstaff helping ex-detective Matthew Glenn---he was too angry to work for the FIB after finding out that HAPA had infiltrated---and Daryl (she's a nymph) with their move (A Perfect Blood). I think it's also an opportunity to see if they can make it as a threesome. Jenks is a pixy and he owns the church they all live in.
Bis is a very young gargoyle whom the demon-gargoyles are teaching how to read the lines, so he can teach Rachel how to ride them. Glissando is Bis' friend, hoping to be his life mate; she and the other gargoyles think Bis is the world breaker and Rachel is the sword with which he will break it. Etude is Bis' father. Treble is Al's gargoyle.
Belle is the wingless fairy (see Black Magic Sanction) living at the church and babysitting Jenks' kids. She's doing a good job of taking care of Jenks as well. Rex is Jenks' cat that Belle rides. The pixy kids in the church include Jumoke, the only black-haired pixy in the lot and Jrixibell.
Trent Kalamack is a known elf now, with only eight fingers, and out of politics, but he's happy now that he has his daughter Lucy with him (Into the Woods: Million Dollar Baby, 9.5). Quen Hanson is an elf and Trent's head of security. He's with Ceridwen and they have a child, Ray. Rachel is godmother to both girls. Ellasbeth Withon is the elf who was to have been Trent's bride, uniting two elf houses. Tulpa is Trent's familiar and the horse he's had since summer camp.
Algaliarept "Big Al" is the demon who is supposed to be teaching Rachel, only he's too busy ducking the other demons. Dali is a reasonable demon, at least compared to what a nutcase Newt, the only other female demon, is. Gordian Nathaniel Pierce is a former boyfriend of Rachel's resurrected from his grave, and now a witch trapped as Newt's familiar.
Barbie and Susan work at the art museum where the elf artifacts exhibit is being set up. Marcie is arranging the displays.
Felix/Ohem is an undead vampire who uses Nina, a young vampire and I.S. operative, as his walking/talking puppet. Only he's inside her too much, too often. And Ivy is encouraging her to rebel. Rynn Cormel is Ivy's master vampire; he will only protect them if Rachel works to salvage their souls. And his patience is wearing out.
Nick Sparagamos is a scumbag human and thief out for anything he can get and he doesn't care whom he tramples. Jax is one of Jenks' sons and in league with Nick. Now he's hooked up with Ku'Sox Sha-Ku'ru, a.k.a., Ku'Sox, the psychotic super demon.
Inderland Security is the supernatural legal authority---an offshoot of the original FBI and local police forces---in this new version of Earth after the Turn. And one hand doesn't know what the other is doing. Humans Against Paranormals Association (HAPA) is an extremist hate group that hates magic and supernaturals and that has infiltrated law enforcement on both sides.
The Cover
The cover is a range of reds and flashes of yellow as Rachel stands in the red-tinged ever-after wearing her mother's white linen bellbottoms and vest as she prepares for battle, tapping a line.
The title refers to the dwindling Ever After, the realm of demons which may see the end of them---and Rachel.
whimsicalmeerkat's review against another edition
4.0
stupid needs for people to be what's expected of them instead of who they want to be
yodamom's review against another edition
5.0
Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. The dynamic trio has been born. This one tipped the scales with action, intrigue and heart thumping moments. The last chapter left me with a smile so large it made my cheeks hurt. Did that really happen, was I dreaming ???
I need the next book, NOW !
bitchie's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this one. The action was great, the angst was great.
I can't believe after all this time, I actually like, no, love, Trent! He was such an ass at the beginning of the series, and I love how Harrison has added layer upon layer to show that even then, he wasn't really a bad man, just a man who had to make the hard choices to save his people.
I also loved the parts with Al. Another bastard beastie who I've come to love.
My only real complaint is that we experienced a couple of losses in this one, and they left me rather cold. Didn't bother me much at all, more in who the losses hurt than in an "aww I loved them!" kind fo way.
There was a lot less Ivy in this book, which I really appreciated. I just think her part in this story has pretty much run it's course. As Rachel said, Ivy needs to be needed, and Rachel doesn't really *need* Ivy anymore. I'm just tired of Ivy's constant emo angst over what she is and what she might become, and the guilt she feels over the things she wants. I also can't keep her relationships straight, when did she start up with Nina?
All in all, a wonderful addition to this series, and I am not so patiently waiting to read the next one. I want to know what happens in the Ever After, and what happens when Rachel and Trent finally come together for real.
I can't believe after all this time, I actually like, no, love, Trent! He was such an ass at the beginning of the series, and I love how Harrison has added layer upon layer to show that even then, he wasn't really a bad man, just a man who had to make the hard choices to save his people.
I also loved the parts with Al. Another bastard beastie who I've come to love.
My only real complaint is that we experienced a couple of losses in this one, and they left me rather cold. Didn't bother me much at all, more in who the losses hurt than in an "aww I loved them!" kind fo way.
There was a lot less Ivy in this book, which I really appreciated. I just think her part in this story has pretty much run it's course. As Rachel said, Ivy needs to be needed, and Rachel doesn't really *need* Ivy anymore. I'm just tired of Ivy's constant emo angst over what she is and what she might become, and the guilt she feels over the things she wants. I also can't keep her relationships straight, when did she start up with Nina?
All in all, a wonderful addition to this series, and I am not so patiently waiting to read the next one. I want to know what happens in the Ever After, and what happens when Rachel and Trent finally come together for real.
cocoprincess28's review against another edition
Kinda disappointed at the end. Was expecting more from Rachael and Trent.