Ever After

November 19, 2012
The 11th installment in the bestselling Hollows series (after A Perfect Blood) sees witch-turned-demon Rachel Morgan once again up to her eyeballs in trouble. The ley line she accidentally created has caused an imbalance between the worlds, causing the demonic realm of the ever-after to gradually shrink. If she can’t fix it, the ever-after will be destroyed and she’ll be killed. Meanwhile, her enemies are drawing her into a complex trap; her ex-boyfriend is working for the wrong side; and she’s sorting through complicated feelings for her old frenemy, elf Trent Kalamack. There’s a soap-operatic feel to this tale with so many plot threads, the exploration of Rachel’s messed-up love life, and a constant undertone of angst. With only two books to go in the series, Harrison is definitely moving pieces into the endgame—and removing some from the board altogether. The result is fast-paced and entertaining, but not exactly friendly to new readers. Agent: Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis Associates.

September 15, 2012

The ever after--the demonic world paralleling that of mere mortals--is in danger of disappearing, and it's witch-turned-daywalking demon Rachel Morgan's fault. She evidently caused a ley line to rip, and her life is forfeit unless she can mend her mistake. What's worse, the ever after's most powerful, soul-eating demon has the perfect plan for entrapping her: he's kidnapped her best friend and her goddaughter. Enter elven tycoon Trent Kalamack, who will join Rachel to save her loved ones--and the universe. With a one-day laydown on January 22, 250,000-copy first printing, and ten-city tour.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 15, 2012
The 11th volume in Harrison's popular ongoing urban-fantasy series (A Perfect Blood, 2012, etc.) continues to chronicle the adventures of Rachel Morgan, who is both a witch and a detective. In Harrison's alternate universe, set in Cincinnati, the world of magical beings, including vampires, witches, elves, werewolves and demons, has crossed with the world of humans. In partnership with Ivy, a vampire, and Jenks, a pixy, Rachel now works as a freelance investigator. When her friend Quen asks her to watch over Trent, a handsome but stubborn elf who attracts trouble, Rachel bridles at the idea. Then, she discovers that someone is abducting what are known as Rosewood babies, infants stricken with a usually fatal, supernaturally inspired disease. When both Rachel's close friend and goddaughter disappear, Rachel and Trent have no choice but to put aside past differences and join forces in order to find them and set things right. Along the way, the pair discovers they are up against a merciless and powerful demon named Ku'Sox, who forces Rachel to go outside the realm in which she normally dwells into what is known as the Ever After in order to recover her abducted friends. Harrison's fans know every corner of the imaginary and intricate world the author has created, including Rachel's history with Trent, which complicates the path she must take in order to retrieve her friends. Adding to the fanciful characters' drama is a past when a genetic-manipulation cataclysm reduced the human population and changed the balance of how humans and the others interact. The storyline is populated with insider references that will mystify those who haven't already been steeped in the world Harrison has created, but for fans of her work, this lengthy and complicated volume will be a welcome new addition to her universe. There's no denying this tale is skillfully written, but the author's tendency to rely heavily on endless, mundane dialogue can be a turnoff to readers who would rather have their stories short, sweet and to the point.

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July 31, 1995
Thanks to Vail's ``characteristic honesty and her eye for telling detail,'' said PW in a starred review, a familiar theme--best friends growing apart--becomes ``an unusually absorbing adventure.'' Ages 12-up.