Pale Demon (Rachel Morgan 09) [Paperback]

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.

After a number of disappointing books I am happy to say that this series is back on track. I remember enjoying the last book (which was a surprise after the disappointments) but this one rocked my world.

Basically it's a road trip. A road trip with a witch, a vampire, a pixy and an elf. How could things go wrong?

All my favourite characters had plenty screen time: Al (yay!), Trent, Jenks, and even Bis got some.

What I loved most wasn't the nail biting action scenes, the sexy moments or the sweet ones (though they were all fantastic), but what I truly enjoyed was how far this book has actually moved the story forward. The character and relationship developments for example were mind blowing.

I seriously can not wait for the next book. I wish I had it now.

Fans of the series you must read this now!
New comers should start with the first book in the series, Dead Witch Walking (Rachel Morgan 1). It's a great series and worth the time. If you like Kelley Armstrong, Charlaine Harris, Jeaniene Frost, Ilona Andrews etc then you'll enjoy this.

Kim Harrison win! Seriously, this is probably my favourite of the series so far, and I like that she hasn't gone the way of Laurell K. Hamilton and made sex heavy. I mean the sex is there, but its not gratuitous. Without giving too much away, this book focuses more on the relationship between Trent and Rachel. Rachel is off to the end of America to try and clear her name and Trent is on an elf quest - but what a twist when you find out what it is. (It is totally unexpected). Of course all the favourites are there, Ivy, Jenks and Bis, and what I thought was done really well, is the development of Rachel as a person. I mean she doesn't make the best choices but she does alwats try and do the right thing and Kim Harrison makes her more likable in this book than in previous ones. The best part is that it is left really open-ended as to where it might go next so I'm excited for the next installment.

I've been waiting for this book for ages, so I ordered it from America and snuggle up with it for a good couple of days - and it was a hardback (which I love), it was good enough that I had friends over, that I ushered them out (politely) so I could keep reading. Brilliant. :D