Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, Book 1)
by Kim Harrison
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Book Reviews of Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, Book 1)
Book Review: Entertaining, but seems suddenly cut short.
Summary: 4 Stars
This isn't just the typical "vampire out of water" story or even "humans in a vampire world" story. Instead it really does have an interesting character- and plot-based line. And as far as it goes (which is a LONG way; it's nearly triple the length of the typical book in this genre at over 400 pages), it's well done.The problem is it leaves a LOT of questions raised and unanswered. Examples are tough without providing spoilers, but some examples in ambiguous terms: who called the (apparently multiple) demons? What are the motivations, and even species, of several characters about whom these questions are raised? Several main characters' recent-and-relevant backgrounds are questioned by other characters, but these aren't addressed. Why the grudge by one and tolerance by another (both at extreme expense) towards the main protagonist? She owes mandatory "favors" to several powerful entities; how will they be called in?
The book is good, don't get me wrong, but it feels like it started out twice this long and the publisher must've said, "No, chop it. We'll put the second half in your next book." And if the ends are all wrapped up in the second book, reading them both at once will probably be massively enjoyable.
Is this a problem? She only has one book out yet. Her second one (also rated at 400 pages) isn't scheduled for another eight months (at this writing). That's a long time to wait hoping the deal doesn't get cancelled to finish the story.
Book Review: Rocky Road
Summary: 5 Stars
Talk about waking up on the wrong side of the bed. Welcome to the world of Rachel Morgan. Take a walk on the wild side with Vampires, Fairies, Witches and more. All of the "supernatural" are outted and have been blending in to the "real" world. We get to take this trip via one Rachel Mariana Morgan whose boss wants to eat her for dinner, literally. One fearless Pixie is the only one who will work with her after her last partner was almost eaten by a frog (long story). But the main problem is her decision to make a change in career paths turns deadly in Cincinnati. But Rachel got to keep the Pixie and a Vamp came along for the ride, just for kicks. And you thought your life was bad.
This book is fast paced and filled with action that gets your adrenaline pumping, a great start to a great witch series with plot twists that get you thinking. Rachel is not your run of the mill character; she is witty, quick tempered and flies by the seat of her pants but when she learns a lesson she only has to learn it once.
Kim Harrison is a talented writer as well as a humble person with a long writing career ahead of her. If Anne Rice was passing the torch then Kim Harrison has definitely caught it and taken off in a new direction by merging the worlds of vampires, witches and other creatures that use to just go bump in the night and brought most of them all into the light (some things can only live in darkness). This book alone shows promise of what is yet to come.
Book Review: 4.5 stars!
Summary: 4 Stars
Be careful what you wish for is an old saying, but true. Rachel Morgan wishes to escape her job; it is dangerous, unrewarding, and the boss is out to get her. What separates her wish from the wish of several million people a day, at least, is she makes the wish to a leprechaun who wants Rachel to let her go free instead of busting the magical bartender for false rainbow sales. Rachel decides it is a fair trade. She was supposed to get three wishes for turning a blind eye, but two of her coworkers ask to be let in in the deal; they will form their own magical detective agency with her in exchange for one wish each. Since Ivy, a living vampire, is the best of the best in their line of work and Jenks, a pixie, is no slouch either, Rachel, the witch in the group, agrees, reluctantly. Jenks is the only one who does not meet with resistance to their leaving. Pixies are a dime a dozen. The boss hates losing Ivy, and wants to kill Rachel. Now, homeless and with death contracts out on her, Rachel moves into an abandoned church with Ivy and Jenks' family. Their first big case could either set them off on good footing or get Rachel killed.
**** Ms. Harrision creates a new alternate earth that is fascinating in its detail. There are rough moments as the three personalties try to mesh with each other, but that only affects the characters, it does not slow the reading. If you enjoy Anita Blake, Stephanie Plum or Sookie Stackhouse, then you will enjoy this series as well. ****
Book Review: The best thing in a long while
Summary: 5 Stars
I loved this book. It took me long enough to find it, since it's been out a few years now, but I did. And I am so glad. I hadn't flitted through the fantasy-sci-fi section in some time, and no doubt will spend hours there in the future.
Yes, it's in the fantasy-sci fi section, NOT the romance section. And what a relief it is to find no romance formula having to mess with the story here.
I felt the need to write a brief review and tell everyone how different this book is, and how fun. Comments were that this writer blends a little of characteristics of Stephanie Plum and Anita Blake, and that's exactly what Harrison does. And she does it really well. (We all gave up on Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita about five books ago, and won't be burned again).
Harrison's main character, Rachel Morgan, is likable, plain and simple. She can be a kick-a kind of female, and she might look a frizzed mess, but she's also vulnerable, thoughtful, and frisky as heck. She's one of those great characters who take a lickin' and keep on tickin'. Her pixie sidekick is a hoot. From the minute Harrison wrote him in - sitting on Rachel's hoop earring and whispering sarcastic things in her ear, I was hooked.
The story is well-plotted, fast-paced, and as soon as I turned the last page, I went out of my way to rush out and buy the next one in the series. THAT is the sign of a really good read. From a truly creative writer.
On to the next.
Book Review: Promising start to a new series
Summary: 4 Stars
This looks to be a series worth following (and there aren't too many I find worth following these days) so this one gets a recommend. I very much enjoyed the world Kim Harrison is developing and the dynamics between the different characters.
The first 1st 100 or so pages were interesting but a bit hard to get into. I was a bit confused about living vs. dead vamps and witches and was slightly annoyed that the ominous "Turn" was talked about for pages on end before it was finally explained (loved the explanation ~ just wish it had occurred
sooner). The author throws around lots of unfamiliar slang which also doesn't help out with the confusion.
I did read this directly on the heels of Laurell K. Hamilton's latest, "Incubus Dreams", and couldn't help wishing that Rachel had a bit more of a kick-a*s attitude. She's tough but
needed to be saved by others just a wee too much for my liking. But, as I said, this could also be due to the fact that I'd just read an Anita Blake novel.
The blend of action, humor and character interaction was just right and the author has created some very intriguing secondary characters. I want to find out more about Rachel, her vampire friend Ivy and Nick (is he or isn't he entirely human?) and can't wait to see more of Jenk's the sexy little pixie man. The romance is very slight but it shows potential in the future.