Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Trouble with the Cursed by Kim Harrison Series: Return to the Hollows #3, The Hollows #16
Published by Ace on June 14, 2022
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 464
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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Rachel Morgan, witch-born demon, has one unspoken rule: take chances, but pay for them yourself. With it, she has turned enemies into allies, found her place with her demon kin, and stepped up as the subrosa of Cincinnati—responsible for keeping the paranormal community at peace and in line.
Life is . . . good? Even better, her best friend, Ivy Tamwood, is returning home. Nothing’s simple, though, and Ivy’s not coming alone. The vampires’ ruling council insists she escort one of the long undead, hell-bent on proving that Rachel killed Cincy’s master vampire to take over the city. Which, of course, Rachel totally did not do. She only transformed her a little.
With Rachel’s friends distracted by their own lives and problems, she reaches out to a new ally for help—the demon Hodin. But this trickster has his own agenda. In the end, the only way for Rachel to save herself and the city may be to forge a new understanding with her estranged demon teacher, Al. There’s just one problem: Al would sell his own soul to be rid of her.
So, The Hollows series was the very first Read-along I hosted in my early days of blogging at Yummy Men & KickAss Chicks. I chose it because I had heard so many great things about it but had never read the series. It was also 2014 and the year the “final” book was released, Witch with No Name.
I’m so glad this series has continued. I like how so much how Trent and Jenks work with her even when things are going badly. Because they always do. They have things taking them away from her at times but they work well together. Things start going downhill when the DC vamp, Finnis, comes to Cincy to see Constance. View Spoiler »
Al is mad at Rachel because of Hodin. Hodin though decides to “help” Rachel make a memory spell of sorts which will make Finnis forget about Constance and feel everything is going well. Unfortunately, the spell is not as he says and loads her with smut. Hodin is also having her roomie, Stef, work with him on doing spells. Rachel is appalled when Stef has a demon mark. Stef runs into a pixy and brings her home to recuperate but the existing pixies try to kill her, other than Jenks.
Trent is doing a big business deal. He still tries hard to be there for Rachel. Jenks is busy protecting Getty, the injured pixy. Stef is always off with Hodin. I’m glad Ellasbeth and also Ivy have limited participation. Rachel has a lot of time on her own. She notices gradually things are off. A professor and librarian go missing and when she teaches a class for the professor, then the students go missing! She has IS on her about the students and she is really getting worried about Hodin not being honest with her.
Everything gets very exciting and dangerous as the vampires are a problem, IS is after her, the witch coven has an eye on Rachel about “smut” from dark magic and Hodin gets more sneaky. Dali seems to have quit the coffeeshop and it seems like demons may not be following the rules. When Rachel figures out what is happening, she is in a tough place and really needs Al. Luckily, she figures out a plan and is able to make it happen with her team.
I love her strength and strategy. Rachel is really smart. She is not afraid to risk herself to improve things for everyone. Her friends are really loyal. There are some people who take some blows here. I’m thrilled about one character coming back into Rachel’s life. But I’m totally onboard waiting to see what happens next for Rachel and her allies.
About Kim Harrison
Kim Harrison, author of the New York Times #1 best selling Hollows series, was born in Detroit and lived most her her life within an easy drive. After gaining her bachelors in the sciences, she moved to South Carolina, where she remained until recently returning to Michigan because she missed the snow. She’s currently working on the Peri Reed Chronicles, and when not at her desk, Kim is most likely to be found landscaping her new/old Victorian home, in the garden, or out on the links.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 22-COYER
Each novel brings me joy. Great review Anne
Yes! I like the extended better than the original. Rachel working smarter and closer with Trent and Jenks. I’m not as much a fan of Ivy or Ellasbeth. I do like Al. That ending! I’m so happy.
It’s been a while since I read one of her books. This sounds good though.
Mary, to be honest I enjoy the revived series even more than the original one.
I’m wondering how you’d compare this series to Mercy Thompson/Alpha & Omega or Kate Daniels? Do you like it as much? I would like to try another UF/Fantasy series.
Rachel that’s a good question. I did the Read-along for this one as a series I had not read. I chose it because it was SO loved by several of my friends. I do really enjoy it. It’s not quite at the level of Mercy or Kate for me, almost. The revived series after it “ended” is better, closer and I like it more than the original 13. I’d give it a try. For me it’s improved as the series continues. I read these but Maguerite Gavin narrates and I love her.
Also, did you ever read the Alex Verus series by Benedict Jacka? I did that as a Read-along and hadn’t read them. It’s a favorite narrator, Gildart Jackson and they are at the library on audio. It’s complete with 12 books. I highly recommend this series also.
Good to know about the Harrison series. No, I’ve never read Alex Versus, but I have seen praise about it. Do you feel it’s on the same level as Kate Daniels and Mercy?
Very close. I would give it top marks also. The narration is fabulous too. I highly recommend it. It is a male lead but I like him.
I like a smart heroine!
I’d go so far as to say they aren’t really a heroine to me if they aren’t smart.
Wow! I thought this series was done. I’ll never catch up. Great review, Anne, and I’m happy it’s still fun for you💜
yes it was finished in 2014 with 13 books. But now there are 3 more and I think they are even better than the 13 before!
You know….I really should check out Kim Harrison one day
I’ve really enjoyed this series even more in the later books as it has continued.
I’ve still not read this series! But I love seeing the excitement and reviews for the spinoff/extension.
I have enjoyed it. Jennifer even contributed a review to the Read-along I did before I was on her blog.
I just finished it last night. Was stunned to realize the whole series apparently takes place over the course of 4 years in Rachel time. That’s a whole lot to happen in 4 years.
That is A LOT. I didn’t realize it was such a short time. I feel less mad at Trent knowing that.