The Hollows, Book 11
Synopsis: The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels the human world, is shrinking. If it disappears completely, so does all magic. It’s up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to avert catastrophe and keep life from changing… for the worse.
While saving the world is important, it isn’t Rachel’s only motivation. There’s also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, setting off a chain reaction of unfortunate events. That little mistake has made her life forfeit unless she can fix it. It’s also made her more than a few enemies, including the most powerful demon in the ever after—a terrifying entity who eats souls and now has an insatiable appetite for her. He’s already kidnapped her friend and goddaughter to lure her out, and if Rachel doesn’t give herself up soon, they’ll die.
But Rachel has more than a few impressive and frightening skills of her own, and she isn’t going to hand over her soul and her life without one hell of a fight. She’s also got a surprise: elven tycoon Trent Kalamack. With this unlikely ally beside her—a prospect both thrilling and unnerving—she’s going to return to the ever after, kick some demon butt, rescue her loved ones… and prevent an apocalypse before it’s too late. Or, at least that’s the plan…
Review: And here I am, approaching slowly and sadly the end of the series with this eleventh volume. But as always, I had a great time with this story, following a new Rachel’s adventure.
Rachel tries to get back to a normal life, but nothing is ready to be solved, especially when it comes to the terrible demon Ku’Sox that we had discovered earlier. Oh yes because he is determined to kill our heroine whatever happens! His idea? To pass her before the demons’ court and accusing her for the future destruction of the Ever After. But that’s not counting the fact that Rachel is a determined young woman and she wants to repair the damage she has caused and to prove her innocence. Her quest will not be easy because the demon is determined to put many obstacles in her way, to prevent her from reaching her goal and he will stop at nothing. All this also means the return of Nick, the Ceri and Lucy’s kidnapping and the death of an important character. Yes! Really! I admit that I was really surprised by this because I did not expect it at all and it’s finally really sad too. Luckily for her, Rachel will not be alone in her quest, oh no, because Quen, but also Al, Trent and some demons will be there to help her, although some more distant than others.
Through her alliances, we have the opportunity to learn about the past of the demons, what they were, what they have lost and why. It was really fascinating to discover and understand all the details of the world that Kim Harrison was able to create. We’ll learn more elsewhere at the same time more about Trent and Al. These are two very intriguing characters who always hide more than what we think. It was touching to see another side of the protagonists, to observe an emerging new alliance for something we could never have foreseen. Some other characters? Yes of course! And this time it’s the turn of the gargoyles that are very present and necessary to the story, including Bis’ father. By cons, I was surprised to discover Ivy’s absence in this volume. We are so used to see her every time that we miss her a bit even if everything is perfectly realized.
In all cases this novel is a new, very good surprise. We also see a little more in regard of the relationship between Trent and Rachel and I admit that I’m still curious to see how it will progress. Rachel has evolved in the novels, but we understand her doubts, her anger and her hopes and I look forward to know more and more! A series to read.
Looks like you love anything by Kim Harrison!!! <3 Great review as always 🙂
yes so happy about them!
You are up to 11, sigh, I will never catch up since I have not even started
you can start as it’s finished now!
I never made it very far with Rachel Morgan, and not for lack of trying. It’s just that I find her pretty unlikeable and I couldn’t enjoy the books because of it. I keep hearing how amazing the series is though, so I should probably try just a little bit harder.
I’m sorry to hear it wasn’t for you. I think the last ones are better
I haven’t started these either. *flails* I know I really really must. You and a couple of the other ladies make them look so very tempting 😀
yessss you need to! They’re really good! It keep being good.
This is one of those series I’ve always heard a lot of great things about, but never read it myself… I think I’ll have to grab all the instalments and start a marathon at some point, huh? Sounds like a good plan to me! 😉
Glad you had a blast, Melliane!
oh yes that’s a wonderful idea!
The more and more reviews I read of yours and the fantasy writers you read, the more I want to read them myself. There are so many great fantasy writers that explore different aspects and Kim Harrison is certainly one that is a popular one, I’m so you enjoyed this one and the series is still going strong for you. Great review, Melliane. 🙂
yes she is a wonderful author! I’m so happy with this series.
Yay, glad you finally got more on the demons and the overall world, shame you’ve almost finished the series!
yes the end is always there
someday I will get to read this
Great review!! I’m still needing to read the last book in the series. Keep putting it off because I don’t want to see it end. Hope you enjoy the next book, I think you will 🙂
I loved the last book!
Well, if I can pluck up the courage to approach such a lengthy series, this will be the one. Because, judging by your reviews, I’m missing out 🙁 Another wonderful review, thank you! Have a beautiful weekend <3
I think that 13 books is ok, mainly as it’s finished.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying this series still, Melliane! It’s hard to see it almost end. This one sounds like it had some great revelations about the demons, and Al. And some cool gargoyles too. Thank you for the great review!
Have a fabulous weekend 🙂
Alright, that is it! I’m so pushing this series up my TBR pile. It has been way too long since I have read one and one I really want to! Wonderful review!
Booooo! I hate the end of a series! But sometimes it is a good thing….you don’t want it to go on TOO long or it ruins it.
yes it needs to be there too
I loved this one. I thought it was the second best in the series after Pale Demon. I am so glad to see you are loving this series. Just wait until the next book…. the romance… sigh.
I loved all the last books!
Gee and I’ve only read the first book. I need to continue this series. I wasn’t impressed with the first, but that often happens in UF. So glad that this is ending with a bang!
the first isn’t the best I confess
Okay, I REALLY NEED TO START THIS SERIES. I have the first book collecting dust on my TBR shelf as we speak. 😀 Glad you are till enjoying this series 11 books in. I am the worst about not finishing series. *sigh* I should join a series ender reading challenge one of these days lmao
oh yes you need to!!!
You are bringing back memories. I love this series but I am excited about her new trilogy.
I’m curious too!
Whoa another five stars! Any other time I would think it’s too good to be true, but I trust your reviews 🙂 Can’t wait to start this series!
The first one isn’t that good but I just love all the last ones.
The gargoyles were so COOL!!! I really loved this one. As always, very stressful but Rachel always finds away out of her messes.
I agree; I love them!
I have never read anything from Kim Harrison, but I have never read anything she has written. I will have to check this out
Missie @ A Flurry of Ponderings
I’ve always wanted to read Kim Harrison’s books, and while 11 seems like a daunting number, I know enough about her to know that she will not disappoint. It sucks saying goodbye to a series, isn’t it?
I’m so glad you’re enjoying these books! I read them as they came out and loved every one! (Though, admittedly, some more than others). This is one I really liked — it was great getting to see the gargoyles playing such a critical role 😉
Thanks for sharing your review! 🙂