Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Attracting Trouble Wherever She Goes

To save the lives of her friends, Rachel did the unthinkable: she willingly trafficked in forbidden demon magic. And now her sins are coming home to haunt her.

As Rachel searches for the truth behind a terrifying murder, an even greater menace threatens, for the demon Algaliarept will stop at nothing to claim her, and the discovery of a shocking family secret throws Rachel’s entire life into question. If she is ever to live free, Rachel must first walk willingly into the demonic ever-after in search of long-lost ancient knowledge.

But when you dance with demons, you lay your soul on the line... and there are some lines that should never be crossed.


Title: The Outlaw Demon Wails
Author: Kim Harrison
Series: Hollows, Book 6
Start & Finished: 5/19/085/20/08
Published: 2008
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Pages: 455
Genre: Paranormal/ Urban Fantasy

Rachel Marina Morgan walks a thin line between brilliance and stupidity again during Kim Harrison’s latest release The Outlaw Demon Wails. Originally planned as only a six book series, there may not be an end in sight now thanks to its immense popularity. However, many revelations are presented in this book, both personal ones for Rachel and ones that will effect her entire race.

Two years ago, I discovered the urban fantasy world of the Hollows and I had been one of Ms. Harrison’s loyal readers ever since. I have eagerly awaited each additional foray into Rachel Morgan’s world until the last book; For a Few Demons More broke my heart. So when this was released it took me a little while to get over my reluctance because I wasn’t looking forward to a repeat. Thankfully I didn't get one, but what I did get was a brand new action-packed story, (would it be Harrison if it wasn’t?) in the Hollows on Halloween with more shocks and thrills than any Hollywood blockbuster film could ever give me.

This incredibly fantastic world in which Harrison’s beloved characters live owes its creation to the author’s love of traditional fairy tales (not the Walt Disney type, more like the original darker stories from Russia and other old countries) and reading science fiction while she was growing up. However, what I love even more than the setting is the characters. Each person, good or bad is not all good or bad and everyone has depth to them, even the demons! Very few authors have managed to make me like the “bad guys” despite the things they do but then again very few other authors have characters like Trent and Algaliarept.

I would not recommend reading any book in this series out of order (especially this one) because even though some back story is provided throughout the books it’s very sparse and sometimes a little difficult to follow. I suggest you start at the beginning and watch how these wonderful characters grow in these fast-paced adventures that never get dull.

The Hollows Series: Dead Witch Walking, The Good, the Bad, and the Undead, Every Which Way but Dead, A Fistful of Charms, For a Few Demons More, The Outlaw Demon Wails, White Witch Black Curse (2009) Dates from Hell (anthology)

Links: Kim Harrison (Wikipedia) & The Hollows (Wikipedia)
Interviews: BC Books & A Gaggle of Books





Picture Explanations
Roller-skating Rink- Rachel goes roller-skating with a date and almost wins best Halloween costume.
Tomatoes- A virus was spread through genetically manipulated tomatoes and it killed a quarter of the human population (which is why the werewolves, witches, etc. came out of the closet because the virus couldn’t harm them). Humans in the books now have an aversion to tomatoes and anything made with tomatoes now. Some Inderlanders (everything not human) put out baskets like these on Halloween as a joke.
Charm Shop- Rachel and her mother are shopping in a charm shop at the beginning of the book for Halloween costume charms (you can look exactly like anyone you want only on Halloween).
Jack o’Lantern- Jenks and his kids carve one of these for Halloween.

11 comments:

  1. Thanks for the review, I hope to start the first in the series this month or next.

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  2. I would love to hear what you think of "Outcasts Of Skagaray". If you want to get a free preview, there are sample chapters on www.threeswans.com.au If you decide to read it, your review would be of interest. Best wishes and happy reading, in any case.

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  3. Great review, and I love the picture explanation. This is a series I just HAVE to read!

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  4. Rhinoa: I can't wait to hear what you think about this series!

    Andrew Clarke: I think you're book sounds like a good one.

    Carolyn Jean: Thanks! This is a great series. I wish she could write her books as fast as I can read them.

    Naida: Thanks. There are few authors that are on my "buy" list when they come out (I'm a loyal library patron) but Harrison's series is one of them.

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  5. Hey Ladytink!

    I just read your reply saying you're a Georgia transplant to Gautier. I'm in Vicksburg but I'm an Oklahoma transplant. :) Hubby says Biloxi is getting sloshed by Hurricane Ike, so I'm sending high and dry wishes.

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  6. I think she has the most appealing book covers of any author out there. I love them all!

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  7. Bookfool: Yeah my hubby got soaked at work today (in Pascagoula). Other than some rain and wind this morning, we haven’t had anything since! So glad too!!! Now I’m worried about all the Texas people

    J. Kaye: I think her book covers are what caught my eye at first too ;)

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  8. Love your blog and the photos with explanations. What a GREAT way to introduce some extra tidbits about the books especially for new readers.

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  9. yet another series I have but haven't gotten around to yet! The tomatoes are funny, it reminds me of a scene in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series about tomatoes. :D I love them myself! Nothing like a home grown tomato with salt and pepper! Mmmmm.....

    I do like the picture explanations as well, thanks!

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  10. Thanks for the great review, Jen! I've this series in my pile, just haven't got around to reading them yet! Gosh... so many books to catch up!! ;P

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