ARC Book Review: Pale Demon by Kim Harrison

Pale Demon

Kim Harrison

The Hollows Series (Rachel Morgan Series)

ISBN-10: 0061138061

ISBN-13: 978-0061138065

Release: February 22, 2011

ARC Courtesy of NetGalley

Condemned to death for black magic and shunned, Rachel Morgan has three days to somehow get to the annual witches convention in San Francisco and clear her name. If she fails, the only way she can escape death is to live in the demonic ever after . . . forever after. 
Banned from the flight lists, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack, headed for the West Coast for his own mysterious business. But Rachel isn’t the only passenger along for the ride. Can a witch, an elf, a living vampire, and a pixy in one car survive for over 2,300 miles? And that’s not counting the assassin on their tail. 
A fearsome demon walks the sunlight, freed after centuries of torment to slay the innocent and devour souls. But his ultimate prey is Rachel Morgan. While the powerful witch with nerves of steel will do whatever it takes to stay alive, even embracing her own demonic nature may not be enough to save her. (Goodreads)

Review:

Pale Demon picks up right where Black Magic Sanction left off and is one fiendishly good ride!

Rachel is headed to San Francisco to face the Coven Council and have her shunning *fingers crossed* revoked. She must prove her innocence in using black magic or she will be forced to live in the Ever-after forever with Al.

Rachel finds herself in the middle of elven assassins, angry pixies and a soul-eating demon though when an unexpected passenger joins them in Trent Kalamack. After some none-to-gentle coaxing Rachel agrees to let Trent accompany her & the gang to the west coast for his own mysterious Elven Quest.

Can a Witch, Elf, Pixie and a Living Vampire survive 2,300 miles together in Rachel’s mom’s old blue Buick though? Or will the Coven stop them before they make it that far?

Rachel’s adventures on the road reminded me of that family road trip you dreaded every year. I think this is one of the best books in the series.

Rachel is a stressed mess trying to get to San Francisco to have her shunning revoked; she really doesn’t want to end up in Alcatraz and then the Ever-after with Al. (Oh, oh, you can take me Al! I sure wouldn’t mind being stuck in the Ever-after with that sexy demon.) But you know the Coven isn’t going to make getting there easy for her. And added to the Coven business is her brother’s wedding and getting Trent to the west coast safely with elven assassins trailing him. Since Quen is with Ceri, who is about to pop out the first elven baby, Trent’s protection is solely up to Rachel. Yikes. And his secrets are not making the trip easier. Though he tries to be helpful I think Trent is a bit out of practice.

Harrison has answered many questions in the series with this installment and I was scared for a bit there that this could be the end of the series but thankfully there is still plenty more action in the Hollows to come. *phew*

Pale Demon is a cross roads for every character in the series and will change each of their lives forever. It is definitely a book of growth, especially Rachel & Trent’s. Rachel has really matured into a fabulous and confident witch. Well, except when it comes to relationships. LoL She is still the same ole’ Rachel there. But she is accepting who she is finally and coming to terms with her powers from all sides. She understands at last that the world is not black and white and that it’s okay to break the rules for the greater good.

Trent really steps it up in this novel and Harrison delves deeper into his character as a whole. There is a lot more to him then just the arrogant elven tycoon who has a tendency to cross the line for his own purposes. And wow, what a surprise Harrison has in store for you towards the end!

I love me some Trent and Al (though long live my beloved Kisten, I miss ya’ hun.) and they were prominent characters in Pale Demon so I’m happy. =) And you can’t forget Ivy & Jenks, great friends that our little itchy witch can’t do with out. Pierce also drops in here and there too for some of the action.

I really loved the book and I especially loved the ending. Overall the story-line was well paced. Some action, some suspense, lots of twists & surprises, some tears, a lil’ romance here and there, and kick-ass characters in today’s world; what more could you ask for? Absolutely a spellbinding tale from author Kim Harrison and an amazing addition to the Hollows series! I can’t wait to get my hands on book 10 now, whaa…that’s over a year away?!?! Noooo! *thunk*

5 Wine Glasses!

Steamy!