Pale Demon (The Hollows, Book 9) [Hardcover]

The most head-scratchingly complex relationship in the Rachel Morgan series has always been between Rachel and Trent.

And after several books of dancing around the topic, Kim Harrison dives headfirst into the respectful-yet-antagonistic relationship in "Pale Demon." Her ninth Rachel Morgan book is a taut, lean thriller with crackling dialogue and some very unusual magic -- and the centerpiece is the baggage-laden exchanges between witch and elf.

While Rachel is preparing for her coven pardon and her brother's wedding, Trent reveals that he wants to take her there himself. Je also has important business in the same area -- and despite her reservations, Rachel reluctantly agrees. But their road trip is interrupted when a trio of elf assassins attack them in St. Louis.

It turns out that Trent is after something he's desperate to claim from his ex-fiancee, and he needs Rachel as his "mirror, sword and shield." And their road trip only gets worse as they deal with pixie tribes, hostile witches, and a daywalking demon named Ku'Sox. As the witch world turns against Rachel again, she finds that she is the only one who can stop Ku'Sox.

"Pale Demon" is basically about a vacation from hell that blooms into a massive supernatural battle. But under the skin, the book is actually about the relationship between Trent and Rachel, which always seems to be hitting potholes -- when they aren't practically ripping each other's heads off, they're sizzling with sexual tension.

And after the complicated tangles of the last few books, "Pale Demon" is a relatively straightforward book -- there's a lean, fast-paced story entangled with just a few running subplots. Harrison's prose is sharp and steely, with plenty of flashy magic battles, gory attacks by Ku'Sox, and some little moments of comic relief (Trent's "smiley face" mark).

As usual, Rachel is put through the physical and emotional grinder -- when she isn't grappling with demons, she's desperately trying to defend herself against the coven. Her verbal fencing with Trent makes for fascinating reading, especially since it's obvious that she's beginning to not only trust but love him. Yes, the romantic hints are piling up.

And Harrison takes the time to further flesh out characters like Ivy (whose friendship with Rachel reaches a bittersweet landmark), Al, and the ever-adorable Jenks ("Take me with you Trent. I've never been on an elf quest before! Ple-e-e-e-ase?") who is starting to move on after his wife's death.

Kim Harrison throws some shocking curveballs into "Pale Demon's" twisty plot, but the real centerpiece is the relationship between Trent and Rachel. A must-read.

Pale Demon- Kim Harrison
If you are thinking of starting, this series with this novel DON'T! It will leave you confused, disgruntled and crabby since you will not know who is who and what the back story is. BUT I really do recommend that if you love witches, demons, vampires, fairies, pixies elves and assorted other types of creatures then this is one of the best series you will find that will appease your hunger.

Here is a little back-story; years ago a genetically engineered virus has wipe d out almost all of humanity leaving a clear playing field for the other creatures. They call themselves the 'Inderlanders' and by coming out of the closet, they have changed the entire face of the world.
Rachel Morgan is a witch who had worked for the government as a bounty hunter'now she works for herself along with her roommate who is a living Vampire.

In this book, we find Rachel being forced to travel cross country to prove her innocence of practicing Demonic black magic. Should she be found guilty, a lot more than shunning will happen to her. She may be forced to live in the Demonic Underworld - forever.
Now Rachel, the Pixie Jenks, the living vampire Ivy and sort of arch enemy and Elf, Trent Kalamack have three days to get to the west coast'San Francisco to be exact and to prove her innocence. Which may actually be harder than it sounds'since well...Rachel isn't all that innocent anymore. With assassins after Rachel and a ferocious Demon who can pretty much end the world on their tail, is it any wonder Rachel is a wee bit cranky? But Rachel is smart and pragmatic and will do whatever it takes to stay alive and to keep her friend safe-even damn herself to the Demonic Underworld.

Out of all the books so far, I think that this one will go down as my all time favorite. It shows Rachel growing and having a lot more faith in her ability. She isn't fighting the petty fights and has come to understand that sometimes you have to be a little bad, in order to do a lot of good. This book, for those of you who have been following the series, is also pivotal as far as Rachel and Trent go. This may be the precursor to Rachel and Trent actually (finally) admitting their attraction to each other.
There are many surprises in store for those who are going to pick this book up. Some you may not like, but I suspect many more that you will love. Also don't be surprised if you find yourself doing some crying while reading this book!

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; and Black Magic Sanction

Pile your favourite characters into a car, send them off on a road trip to the Pacific coast, and Kim Harrison provides us with the most entertainingly bizarre road trip since Chevy Chase took his family to Wally World. The character interaction between the principles of Vamperic Charms has continued to grow thoroughly rooted in the character's caring for each other. Trent's character is fleshing out nicely and he's becoming almost "elfish."

Without revealing any spoilers, there were several "Big" reveals and significant twists that made this book my favourite of the series so far. I can't wait for the next one.