Black Magic Sanction

Kim Harrison is one of my favorite authors so my anticipation and expectations for a Hallows novel always have me eagerly awaiting the release date with the certainty that I will be in for an entertaining reading experience. I love Urban Fantasy novels and Kim Harrison does an excellent job of weaving a vast array of supernatural elements into the known world but what she does even better is create dynamic, fierce, lovable and sometimes detestable characters. In the Hollows series Kim Harrison has created characters that I have become attached to and depending on the direction the plot is going you can find me laughing so hard the tears stream down my face, gripping the book with white knuckled anxiety, holding my breath in show more anticipation, or biting my bottom lip while softly crying. Over the course of reading Black Magic Sanction I experienced the full array of the aforementioned emotions and at one point I was so fearful for the direction she was taking a beloved character I was ready to chuck the book across the room. With each addition to the series I feel as though the protagonist, Rachel Morgan is continuing to discover more of herself and in the process she is truly finding her voice. The plot of this novel really helped to re-solidify the bond Rachel has created between herself and her chosen family as well as question her personal morals and values. I think lovers of this series will immensely enjoy the plot of the novel, the further development into why Rachel is able to twist demon curses, the new romantic interest, the lovable connection to Bis, Rachel's Gargoyle, and the always entertaining, lovable, laughable Jenks. As you can tell I have attempted to write this review spoiler free and I hope I have succeeded in gaining your interest in this series without giving anything away. I hope that if you have not read a Kim Harrison novel you will take the chance on picking one up because I would be very surprised if you didn't like it if you are a lover of the Urban Fantasy genre. I eagerly await the next novel in the Hollows series which I have heard rumor will be released in Spring 2011. With possibly a year to wait until the next novel is out I hope to find a new series or two with characters and plots that grip me as much as this one does. show less

I really don't want to like these books any more. The main character is high-strung, immature, and whiny, and it's clear that the hot witch/vampire lesbian romance is never going to go anywhere. I still stayed up til 1pm finishing it. Dammit.

Additional thoughts after a series reread:

The pace of the book is great, the plot is the usual jumble of loosely-connected events, Rachel remains largely unsympathetic, and Al is actually becoming a character at whose appearance I do not cringe.

And then there's Pierce.

He's exactly the same type of feckless, egotistical asshole that Nick was, but he appears not to be an actual traitor. Also the sex is better. But the "accent"... dear God.

I have a suspicion that Harrison actually did some research to show more cobble together something that may actually have some historical veracity, but unfortunately she stopped after finding half a dozen slang phrases and verbal tics and making sure that every time Pierce opens his mouth, one of them comes out. It's grating, tedious, and does the character an active disservice. And the fact that she refers to it as an "accent" is bizarre - nowhere does anyone suggest that he actually pronounces words differently, he just has a very odd vocabulary that sounds a third stereotypical Old South, a third Mark Twain, and a third pure what-the-hell. The sooner he gets dumped and/or killed off the better, because reading his dialogue is actively painful. show less

This book was like one long game of fight-or-flight, mixed in with multiple escape plans when Rachel could not avoid getting caught. Being Rachel Morgan must be quite exhausting. Being eight books in now, I have been able to come up with many reasons why I enjoy reading this series so much. For starters, I love how Kim Harrison plays off of Clint Eastwood films for her book titles. I also love how each race of supernatural beings are so creatively developed to be both unique and intriguing, right down to the intimate biological makeup. I especially love how Rachel operates "by the seat of her pants" so to speak. Her instincts are nearly always spot on, and she's got reflexes that put a cat's to shame. Even though her deceased father show more inadvertedly put her in this position of power, able to change the course of history on her version of Earth, she still strives to be "normal" and refuses to be anyone's puppet.
This book was all about crossing moral lines for the right reasons and how far Rachel is willing to cross them to protect those she loves and be free herself. The plot was exciting and fast-paced almost from cover to cover, except for a sad note that had me shedding a few tears - even though the series has given the reader fair warning of what would eventually happen - as well as a hot-and-heavy interlude - because it wouldn't be a Rachel Morgan book without it. I love the mental, unvoiced quips that Rachel dreams up to convey her thoughts, which are so much more entertaining than just base cussing. Case in point: "Are frogs coming from the sun in shapeships, too?" How can a person not laugh at that? Jenks' frequent quips about Tinkerbell can be quite hilarious, too. The ending to the book holds quite a bit of promise for the next one, Pale Demon, especially in regards to Rachel's relationship with the elf, Trent. Speaking of relationships, I am rather intrigued by Al's obsession with Rachel, especially after he changed his appearance with his gargoyle Treble. While I admit my interest may be heavy on the icky, one must admit the potential for certain interludes is strong and highly possible, given what Rachel is becoming. Plus, Al makes no secret of his interest in Rachel, trying three times to convince her to move in the ever-after, though I have my suspicions that his interest is more than just physical. The close look that the reader got of the Coven of Moral and Ethical Standards shows some interesting possibilities given that Pierce is a past member of it. Oh the havoc that Rachel can cause will keep me interested in this series for as long as Kim Harrison keeps writing it! show less

A common complaint with series in general is that the books start to go off course, become redundant, or just plain stupid as more books are released. The Hollows is the opposite. I honestly believe that the second half is even better than the first, and the world and characters just get more interesting with each new release.

I officially dislike the witch counsel. We hadn’t seen them before, only heard of them, but egads, what a despicable group. What they planned to do to Rachel sickens me. There’s a lot of disturbing stuff in this series, and out of everything, even the tortures and murder scenes, this is more disturbing to me on a personal level. Against your will, being lobotomized and stripped of mind, choice, and even show more freaking fertility! Leaving the person an imprisoned husk. Wow, what monsters.

As another creative technique (Rachel never ceases to amaze me with how she can wiggle out of things), Rachel impresses me with her bargaining, in addition to a cool twist with Trent. Nick and his devious ways have returned, and a fun moment with Al/Rachel/Nick is written – cool. I also really liked the Lee scenes. Before his character didn’t sit right with me but now he’s more enjoyable.

Rachel “high” is just hilarious. Whether it was in the vamp club getting blood sugared, Jenks accidentally buying her street grade brimstone in ‘A Pocketful of Charms’, and now being sedated with darts, she’s a hoot. Here, maybe best of all, she leans out the window singing “I’m king of the world,” almost getting everyone killed, flirts with Lee and his ‘scar’, sits at Al’s feet (the concern from him was thrilling), and compliments Ivy’s eyes. I repeat: Rachel wasted is always fun.

I was pleased to see Ceri at first (she’s been missing too long), but her smugness started irritating me. Can anyone tell I really dislike smugness? It’s one of my biggest pet peeves, whether in life or in invented characters. Al times shine, the demon warmed his evil self even further into my soul with his scenes. I’m really digging the mentoring bond developing.

I liked Ivy for the most part but she seriously chickens out when it came to using magic and going with Rachel to help Jenks. I actually liked Trent the last part of the book. This is of course after he pissed me off by getting amused when Rachel is scared of being chemically castrated and lobotomized. >:0

Sadly there’s a character loss which leaves a devastating absence.

There is one sex scene and, while I don’t want a perma-relationship there, I found it hot because it was unique with the discovery with the ley line, and honest during a vulnerable moment. Pacing stays up to speed and a lot happens in this one. It was a delight to shift between reality and the Ever After. Both of the worlds fascinate. As always Kim writes her characters realistically, uses words which make them seep into my mind perfectly, and makes me want the book to never end while I rush through it with anticipation.

If only these books could be endless? But in this life I guess nothing’s perfect. show less

Sit down and take a deep breath Rachel is taking you on a rolling ride. The action kick starts at the first page and does not let up. Rachel Morgan, shunned Witch/Demon (?) is hunted by the Coven of Moral and Ethical Standards and her friends are drawn into the fight with horrible consequences. She finds herself in Alcatraz facing a lobotomy.
AL shows a new side and endears himself more to me (I love AL) Pierce in human skin, tries to save her and things change between them. Trent he and Rachel have a very complicated relationship and maybe something more. They've known each other since they were kids at camp. The charm given to her helps her remember some of it. One of the characters has something horrible happen to them, tears will show more flow.
Wow is the reaction I have to this book, a fine read ! show less

I often find it difficult to review a new book from a favorite series because my feelings are pretty simple. They boil down to, "I love this series, I love this book, I wish I didn't have to wait a year for the next one!" That's how it is with Kim Harrison's books anyhow. I am totally hooked on The Hollows.

I figure if you're reading this review you're probably not new to Kim Harrison. The Hollows is not a series that can be read out of order (for any newbies who've found there way here: start with Dead Witch Walking (The Hollows, Book 1)). If you've enjoyed the direction that the series has been heading over the past few books, Black Magic Sanction will fill you with glee. If not, what's wrong with you?

What are some little plot teasers show more I can throw out. Well, the villain of Black Magic Sanction is the coven of ethical and moral standards. As judge and jury to the witch population, members of the coven tend to be ruthless and power hungry...so it shouldn't be any surprise that these ruthless, power-hungry witches have found a way to use white magic for dark purposes. I really enjoyed this aspect of the novel - seeing a witch with an aura as clean freshly windexed glass use white magic to do some pretty black deeds, for selfish reasons, really drives home the point that however ugly Rachel Morgan's sooty aura is, she's the one fighting the good fight. Sometimes appearances really are deceiving.

We see a lot more of Pierce, the former ghost, who serves as this book's dangerous love interest. We don't see enough of Trent, who makes a couple of brief yet crucial appearances. Nick turns up again, and boy, if you thought you couldn't hate Nick any more than you already did, you will find out that you were wrong. That little snothead is just about the most despicable fictional character I've ever encountered. But the sexy/evil enemy/ally that really shines in this book is Algaliarept. I've always thought Al was a great character; when he appears in a scene, I know it's going to be fun to read (even if I know Rachel won't enjoy what happens very much). But until Black Magic Sanction I was never even slightly tempted by him as a romantic interest for Rachel. That's right, I said "until," and no, I am not explaining any further.

There's one really major thing that happens in Black Magic Sanction that all of Harrison's devoted readers have been dreading for a while now. We know that pixies have short life spans - and Jenks and Matalina have reached the ripe old age of 20, the sunset years of their species. But just try to imagine The Hollows without Jenks. It's impossible, right? He's the magic ingredient. Him and his whole family. Well, we get a day of reckoning in Black Magic Sanction so keep your tissues handy. I cried big fat tears over this one.

That's about it. Ugh, another year until the next book! show less

There are few series that have captured me the way this one has. I’ve been thinking about this review for over a week, and I’m afraid the only way I can explain is in fractured points.

I love that Harrison throws us directly into the action. We’re mere pages into the book when things start to go south for Rachel. This isn’t one of those series you can just jump into at any point and understand. And that’s perfectly alright.

If you *do* jump in without reading the books before, Harrison is adept at weaving in the relevant back story without it feeling ham-fisted, forced, or completely out of place. It’s also a nice reminder for when there’s a year or more between the reading of volumes.

I love that Rachel is far from perfect. show more She repeats her mistakes. She has questionable taste in men (though I happen to like Pierce). She’s protective of others to a fault. She has irrational attachments. She’ll push forward with plans she should know won’t work. She sometimes trusts in the wrong people. And she has an infuriating stubborn streak, not to mention her inability to see in shades of gray instead of black and white. Even though she sees that white magic can be just as dangerous as black, she still treats black magic (and those that practice it) as the scum on the bottom of her shoe. But a lot of the enjoyment of this series is watching what she does and then yelling at her for it. I wouldn’t have her any other way.

I love Trent Kalamack. Yes, the ruthless, conniving elf is one of my favorite characters, even more than Ivy. His relationship with Rachel has many levels, and I’m not sure either of them really understand it. But he won’t rest easy until she’s under his thumb.

I’ve even developed a certain amount of respect for the demon Al.

Most of all, I love Rachel’s fight. Even when she’s misguided and wrong, tired and hungry, hurt and lost, she never stops fighting.

A bonus is Marguerite Gavin’s incredible narration on the audiobook. She will always be the voice of Rachel for me. show less