RACHEL MORGAN IS BACK--AND THE HOLLOWS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME.

What happens after you've saved the world? Well, if you're Rachel Mariana Morgan, witch-born demon, you quickly discover that something might have gone just a little bit wrong. That the very same acts you and your friends took to forge new powers may have released something bound by the old. With a rash of zombies, some strange new murders, and an exceedingly mysterious new demon in town, it will take everything Rachel has to counter this new threat to the world--and it may demand the sacrifice of what she holds most dear.

I've always enjoyed the Hollows novels and Rachel Morgan. Even though it had been a bit longer than I'd recalled since I'd stepped between the pages of a Kim Harrison novel, I found it was like stepping into the embrace of an old friend. Things might have changed but the essential nature had not. The characters were as wonderful as I remembered and the plot as thrilling a ride as ever.

In American Demon, numbering 14 in the series, Rachel has saved the world and everything should be right with her world but there are repercussions and consequences, including a mysterious new demon in town for her to deal with and her home still under construction. With new threats to deal with, Rachel must gather her resources, new and old, and some changed from her previous connections, and get to the bottom of the threat before it demands sacrifices she isn't certain she can afford.

While I don't like to give spoilers, I will confirm this one brought me right to the brink with the consequences and demands on the character, both of her heart and her courage. One of the elements I appreciated the most was Kim Harrison's ability to fill in the reader on all of the backstory without missing a beat in the action of the current novel. I never felt like I was missing critical information or missing knowledge about the character. She brings the reader along for the ride while the character puts together the pieces of the mystery and as a reader, even if you might be behind a book or two, the story and plot are as thrilling as ever.

Honestly, I find the characters real and authentic as any person in real life, maybe because of the fantasy settings. I find their dilemmas and battles endearing and harrowing. I find myself connected with the characters and their losses are my own. That is a rare talent in an author. She finds ways for her writing to emotionally connect with readers. The dialogue and action are only one element in that equation. The dialogue made me laugh and at times cry but it was the skill of the author in her plotting that made those moments so impactful. 

I highly recommend Kim Harrison's newest book. Even if it's been a while, you won't be able to put down the book and will find yourself on edge waiting for the next one. And if like me, you found yourself missing one or two along the way, you will want to read the others to catch up. It isn't necessary because Kim Harrison does such an excellent job weaving in that past but I imagine it will be quite thrilling and fun to do so, just as much as this book. ~~ Andrea Rittschof

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