Member Reviews

After years of waiting a new Hollows book is here. The introduction brings you up to date on events that occurred before and sail smoothly into a new chapter. The writing in this series is some of the best fantasy written and Rachel Morgan a character you don't forget. She is also one of the few in fantasy that pay a price for the things they do. Now together, Rachel and Trent try to find a way to stop the hate and get elves and demons to coexist peacefully with the other inhabitants of their city. Most of the old characters are back along with new ones all managing to create chaos. Lots of action, betrayal and pain to be sorted out. Loved the book, didn't want it to end.
I received this book from Netgalley and wish to thank them,the author and publisher for making it available.

Was this review helpful?

Like the rest of The Hollows series, this installment was well-written and a continuation of a rich magical world. New characters are interesting and Rachel Morgan is still a magical rockstar. The only downside is Rachel's propensity to blame herself for everything. While it won't stop me from continuing the series (I LOVE The Hollows), it is coming dangerously close to creating a whiny MC with excessive self-blame issues that seem to plague this genre.

Was this review helpful?

Kim Harrison is one of my favorites and you can’t go wrong with this series. Tightly written, fun, snarky, and always entertaining.

Was this review helpful?

Loved the series. Loved this book. I'm thrilled that the series continued after a brief hiatus. Rachel Morgan is one of the best urban fantasy characters I've ever read. Harrison does an incredible job of world building throughout the series.

Was this review helpful?

This is my favorite book set in the Hollows so far! Don’t get me wrong, I have been loving the entire series but this book just clicked with me for some reason. This book picks up just after the events of the last book (minus the epilogue) and I must say that I am glad that I just finished the original books so they were fresh in my mind. I thought that this book was the perfect blend of action, excitement, humor, and romance.

Things are changing for Rachel and the gang. The church is trashed and the group is moving on. Ivy has been living with her girlfriend, Nina. Rachel spends most of her time with Trent and Jenks is looking at options. The action starts pretty quickly when Rachel is asked to help with a case where something is causing individuals in the supernatural community to attack their loved ones for reasons nobody understands. If that wasn’t interesting enough, the elven community is going through some big changes, zombies are showing up all over town, Trent takes on the responsibility of a young elf, and there is a new demon in town.

This book was such an exciting story. For me, Rachel and Trent’s relationship really shined in this book. They sure have come a long way since that first book, haven’t they? I thought that the pacing of the book was incredibly well done and I found that it was almost impossible to set this book aside. The mystery itself kept me guessing until the book came to a heartbreaking climax. I really liked the new characters introduced and I hope to see more of them in future installments.

I listened to the audiobook and thought that Marguerite Gavin did a fantastic job with this book. She really is the voice of this series for me at this point and I couldn’t imagine experiencing it in any other way. I love the character voices that she uses and I think that she is able to add a lot of emotion and excitement to her reading.

I would recommend this series to fans of urban fantasy. This is the fourteenth book in the Hollows series which I would highly recommend reading in order since each book builds on the events of the previous installments. I cannot wait to dive into the next book in this amazing series.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group and borrowed a copy of the audiobook from my local library.

Was this review helpful?

When I first picked up AMERICAN DEMON, I had assumed it would pick up after the epilogue of The Witch With No Name, but it actually picks up a short time after the actual ending events of that book. I'll admit that for the first few chapters of this book I was rather confused as it just didn't mesh with the epic HEA from that original epilogue. And then, I realized I didn't care, as regardless of the timeline, there's more Rachel books, which means a YAY from me.

Things are anything but rosy for Rachel and company as despite all she did to save the world, politics and complications derail pretty much everything. And frankly, that makes for the BEST kinds of books. While the poor characters are going through chaos and turmoil, it keeps the reader sucked in, and Kim Harrison is a master at her craft in this aspect. She's not afraid to take big risks, and this book was no exception. The church gang is "breaking up" with Ivy gravitating more towards Nina, the demons are living in plain sight, Trent's leadership is being challenged, all while him and Rachel try and foster their budding relationship, and oh so much more. This book is jammed packed and I loved every single moment of it.

All in all, AMERICAN DEMON is another smash hit in this amazing series, and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Was this review helpful?

I have tried to start this book a couple of times and it just feels weird that the story picks up after the last chapter of the previously final book in the series but before the epilogue. The disconnect is strong and working in conjunction with my overall inability to focus on reading during the pandemic. I will likely try to read this one again in the future, but I don't have a definitive plan to do so at this time.

Was this review helpful?

Ive had this one on here for awhile but I finally got around to reading it. This type of book is usually one I dont often read about on the genre aspect but I still really enjoyed it and glad I stepped out of my comfort zone to give it a shot. The story was well written and had a lot of great detail. Lookin forward to next one by this author.

Was this review helpful?

American Demon by Kim Harrison: Brilliant and Thrilling

RACHEL MORGAN IS BACK--AND THE HOLLOWS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.

What happens after you've saved the world? Well, if you're Rachel Mariana Morgan, witch-born demon, you quickly discover that something might have gone just a little bit wrong. That the very same acts you and your friends took to forge new powers may have released something bound by the old. With a rash of zombies, some strange new murders, and an exceedingly mysterious new demon in town, it will take everything Rachel has to counter this new threat to the world--and it may demand the sacrifice of what she holds most dear.

I’ve always enjoyed the Hollows novels and Rachel Morgan. Even though it had been a bit longer than I’d recalled since I’d stepped between the pages of a Kim Harrison novel, I found it was like stepping into the embrace of an old friend. Things might have changed but the essential nature had not. The characters were as wonderful as I remembered and the plot as thrilling a ride as ever.
In American Demon, numbering 14 in the series, Rachel has saved the world and everything should be right with her world but there are repercussions and consequences, including a mysterious new demon in town for her to deal with and her home still under construction. With new threats to deal with, Rachel must gather her resources, new and old, and some changed from her previous connections, and get to the bottom of the threat before it demands sacrifices she isn’t certain she can afford.
While I don’t like to give spoilers, I will confirm this one brought me right to the brink with the consequences and demands on the character, both of her heart and her courage. One of the elements I appreciated the most was Kim Harrison’s ability to fill in the reader on all of the backstory without missing a beat in the action of the current novel. I never felt like I was missing critical information or missing knowledge about the character. She brings the reader along for the ride while the character puts together the pieces of the mystery and as a reader, even if you might be behind a book or two, the story and plot are as thrilling as ever.
Honestly, I find the characters real and authentic as any person in real life, maybe because of the fantasy settings. I find their dilemmas and battles endearing and harrowing. I find myself connected with the characters and their losses are my own. That is a rare talent in an author. She finds ways for her writing to emotionally connect with readers. The dialogue and action are only one element in that equation. The dialogue made me laugh and at times cry but it was the skill of the author in her plotting that made those moments so impactful.
I highly recommend Kim Harrison’s newest book. Even if it’s been a while, you won’t be able to put down the book and will find yourself on edge waiting for the next one. And if like me, you found yourself missing one or two along the way, you will want to read the others to catch up. It isn’t necessary because Kim Harrison does such an excellent job weaving in that past but I imagine it will be quite thrilling and fun to do so, just as much as this book.

Was this review helpful?

Rachel and the gang are out to try to resolve things when a mysterious force starts making people kill their loved ones for old sins. Arc from NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

Kim Harrison brings back the Hollows in all its glory in her 14th installment-American Demon. Rachel and her friends may have saved the world but in true Morgan fashion, something went wrong and now Rachel must find and contain this threat before something even the worse happens.

Rachel and her little cookie maker are back. I have been a huge fan of this series since the beginning and was thrilled when I heard Harrison was writing a finale of sorts. Set some years before the epilogue, we all know how this truly ends which gives the reader a sense of relief. That's not to say there are no surprises. An energetic jam-packed storyline along with some interesting new characters will keep you hooked till the end. Beware though, Rachel's insecurites raise their ugly head and muddy the story a little here and there but never fear, Harrison weaves her magic and guides us to an epic ending.

Was this review helpful?

As a result of my various committee appointments and commitments I am unable to disclose my personal thoughts on this title at this time. Please see my star rating for a general overview of how I felt about this title. Additionally, you may check my GoodReads for additional information on what thoughts I’m able to share publicly. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this and any other titles you are in charge of.

Was this review helpful?

It has been quite a while since I’ve been back in the Hollows but it sure was nice to be back. It took me a little bit to remember a few of the details of the world since the last book was a few years ago but having the “glossary” or “recap” at the beginning of the book was just what I needed.

Rachel and Trent were up to more mischief and before long the entire gang was back together. Love, love, love Jinks and Bis. I was shocked to realize that I was even glad to see Al again. Who would have thought?

The ending of this brought tears to my eyes, but it also laid the foundations for the continuation of the next steps and new editions to this series.

Was this review helpful?

Just when you thought the last page had been written in this series, Rachel Morgan is back. Set in the aftermath of the last book, she is living life with Trent and a few trusted friends, but life isn't any less complicated. For fans of urban, modern, paranormal fantasy with a gritty undertone.

Was this review helpful?

Rachel is back and the team has changed but they're still just as fantastic as always. I adore this series and this novel is no different-although heavens is it long! It took me ages to get through because (to be fully honest I don't love ebooks) but I feel like in physical form this could have been such an enjoyable read. There's nothing these characters can do that I don't love.

Was this review helpful?

Years ago I always loved reading Kim Harrison's books about Rachel and Ivy and the gang so I was excited to see a new addition to the series. If you've enjoyed Kim's previous books I think you'll like this one too.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

Was this review helpful?

<i>*Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*</i>   
Another Hollows addition? Sign me up! I often use this series as an example of trying new things, because it really paid off for me. I love the world, the characters, the romance, but especially the snark. It did feel like those things had lost a bit of their shine, however. Ivy was missing in action throughout most of the book and their relationship felt off, Jenks only seemed half of himself, and the romance between Rachel and Trent felt too sweet, a little boring, perhaps. Don't hate me, I am still diehard Hollows, I love this series and was super excited for this next installment. Some of the storylines were left hanging so hopefully, that means we're getting more. I would love it if maybe new characters were introduced, storyline focused on them, the same elements but different situations, love interest? Kim could keep writing the same story over and over, I would still buy it.

Was this review helpful?

I didn't finish this. I never quit book, but this was boring and I hated it. Usually I like series more as they continue because the world gets deeper, but in these books, Rachel just kept getting whinier and the world got stupider.

Was this review helpful?

It’s been a while since I read The Witch With No Name. Long enough that I was worried I would have a hard time jumping back into this world. It’s a complicated one but one I loved dearly and invested in fully for many years. I even considered a full series reread of the Hollows. It would not have been a hardship. Those books were phenomenal. But I opted to go in with just a brief glance over my old reviews. It worked out fine.

Because Kim Harrison is just that good.

If you’re wondering whether this picks up after the epilogue from TWWNN, the answer is no. It’s just a few months after the main events of the series came to a close. I will get back to that epilogue in a minute though.

Demons now walk around in our reality, though only Dali and Al live openly. Ivy has separated herself a bit from Rachel and Jenks, working again with law enforcement and trying to make her new bond with Nina work. Jenks and Rachel are living on Kirsten's boat while the church gets repaired from its damage in the last big battle. And Rachel and Trent are trying to make a go of things. Unfortunately, she's still feeling pretty insecure on that front, not about their love, but whether he would be better off marrying Ellsbeth and taking his rightful place among the elves.

The world kind of grudgingly accepts Rachel, seeing as how she saved magic and everything. But everyone holds some kind of grudge, too, mostly about the demon thing. So it’s hard to find work... But when a zombie winds up in her own backyard, she gets pulled into an investigation involving supernaturals who are attacking their loved ones, seemingly without cause. She meets a mysterious new demon named Hodin. And at the same time, is trying to help Trent hold on to his power against Landon (who I am embarrassed to say I did not remember at all) as he vies to take control of the elves by trashing Trent to the world.

I loved this book.

I was afraid it would feel forced, but it didn’t. It felt like coming back to a favorite TV show after a hiatus or a spot-on sequel to a favorite movie franchise. It does not skip a beat. Kisten, Piscary, Ceri, even the old guy that used to give Rachel advice in her neighborhood— they are all gone, but not forgotten. Same with Trent‘s parents, although that’s more exciting if you read that prequel book a couple of years ago. If you are a huge Ivy fan, you may be a little disappointed. She has a largely reduced role here, but she is around and it makes sense in the context of the book. Jenks is his normal trash talking self. And I just love his friendship with Rachel.

I adored Rachel with Trent and I really enjoyed seeing him try to navigate his weak footing for the first time. This is a guy who has always been large and in charge and it’s interesting to see him as an underdog for a change.

These are still the same characters I have always loved, but they are still evolving and the story is still fresh, and I could not ask for more than that.

Ask for that epilogue mentioned above… [I’m reading it as though it was a dream. None of the other reviews I read at this point are saying that, but as Rachel references the dreams she’s had that related to this storyline, one of them was about Ray getting married and while I can’t find my old TWWNN book to compare it, it sounded a heck of a lot like that epilogue to me. And some people might think that’s a little easy, but I kind of like the fact that it reopens the series for anything to happen. That epilogue worked for me when I thought I would never see these characters again, but I like not knowing what is going to happen. It’s what keeps me on the edge of my seat. Lord knows, this author does not shy away from bold moves. [So yeah, dream.]

There is a little sucker punch at the end, in true Harrison style. I am optimistic, though, that it’s something that can be fixed. Yes, she's killed off a lot of characters I loved in the past, but let’s not dwell on it. (*sniff* I'm still not over Kisten.)

If you were a fan of this series and you’re on the fence about coming back, I promise, the magic is still there. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Was this review helpful?

The Hollows series was one of the first series that got me reading paranormal. I love The Hollows and it will always have a special place in my heart. Needless to say, I was very excited to see that Rachel and the gang were making a comeback. In my mind, I saw the end of book 13 with Rachel and Trent firmly in a long term relationship. All their issues worked out, the demons were free and all was well. I was content with what was initially the end of The Hollows.

I was surprised that Rachel and Trent weren't living together. I just had that as a progression that my mind had them moving. This revelation led me to believe that what I thought was a firm relationship still hadn't been cemented. It left me feeling a bit let down. However, their relationship still containing issues does allow for growth for the next books in the series.

The length of time it has been since I read The Witch With No Name, left me scrambling to try and remember a lot of the details that have our characters where they are today. I really should have reread the series. The whole world is different because of the actions in the last book, but the details of things like the mystics and Ku'Sox escaped my memory. I feel like someone would have to have recently read the whole series to really grasp all the references.

An issue I had with Rachel the last few books continued on here. Even though her thoughts and ideas are always in the best interest of those around her, she makes decisions with those ideas despite not knowing how that other person really feels. When Rachel thinks about how much better things would be for others if she was out of their lives drives me crazy. I feel like it's a version of "poor me".

Despite how depressing she makes her life sound, her friends are always there to boost her. Jenks and Trent are really there for her in American Demon. I've always loved Jenks and his funny phrases. Trent is really making his feelings for Rachel obvious which has me grinning. I also love that the previous aversion to demon magic is gone. Rachel is comfortable using magic no matter what kind and I love that. It makes her even more powerful. We get to meet someone new and with the chaos he causes, I'm anxious to see how his character develops. There seems to be facets to him that are opposite to what he his trying to portray. I think he is going to be a lot of fun.

Even though we have a different dynamic with a lot of the characters, they are still the characters we've always loved. They find themselves in crazy situations that always have catastrophic endings. The ending to American Demon left a lot of possibilities for continuing on, but it was sad. Sacrifices were made that will squeeze your heart.

Overall, I enjoyed American Demon. There are bits that I found annoyed me, but the adventure the gang are on was fun. Rachel Morgan is a runner and she has perfected and enhanced her skills since the first of the series. She is a great kickass character. Hopefully we won't have to wait long for the next adventure!

Was this review helpful?