Black Magic Sanction (Rachel Morgan #8) - Kim Harrison

Overview from BN.com:

Rachel Morgan has fought and hunted vampires, werewolves, banshees, demons, and other supernatural dangers as both witch and bounty hunter—and lived to tell the tale. But she's never faced off against her own kind . . . until now.

Denounced and shunned for dealing with demons and black magic, her best hope is life imprisonment—her worst, a forced lobotomy and genetic slavery. Only her enemies are strong enough to help her win her freedom. But trust comes hard when it hinges on the unscrupulous tycoon Trent Kalamack, the demon Algaliarept, and a lowlife ex-boyfriend-turned-thief.

My Thoughts:

I absolutely love this series and the cast of characters (especially Jenks, the tough, foul-mouthed pixie). The plot continues to build and grow with each book, and the characters continue to develop, especially the main character, Rachel Morgan. The last couple of books have been developing the story behind Rachel's special powers and how they stem from her childhood, as well as bringing in some of the history between witches, elves, and demons. This current book continues to build on that a bit, which in my opinion, is definitely one of the more interesting sub-plots - I'm really excited to read and see where and what that will lead to.

The Rachel Morgan series is definitely in my top 5 favorite series. Rachel is a confident, strong heroine, while also being a little clumsy and insecure. I would definitely recommend this series to anyone who loves strong female characters and urban fantasy.

Rating: A

New Books!

Originally Posted 5/30/14

I've just bough a bunch of books (HOORAY!) and I'm super excited about it. Granted, most are books in a series, but purchasing any book makes me happy!

So in case you can't see, the books I got are:

Weight Watchers 50th Anniversary Cookbook - EJ and I are back on WW and are trying to find some easy yummy recipes to help us stay on track.

Inferno by Dan Brown - I've read all the other Robert Langdon books, and found them very intriguing. I was a bit disappointed in The Lost Symbol, so I'm hoping this one is better.

Wild Things by Chloe Neill - The latest (#9) in the Chicagoland Vampire Series. I love this series, and I love the heroine, Merit. I am feeling like things are starting to slow down a bit, but obviously not enough for me to stop reading!

A Perfect Blood & Ever After by Kim Harrison - #10 and #11 in the Rachel Morgan/Hollows series. I am in love with this series and the characters. Book #13 comes out in September, and it's the final one in the series, so I'm definitely wanting to get caught up and find out what happens!

Hexed & Hammered by Kevin Hearne - #2 and #3 in the Iron Druid Chronicles. A century old Druid living in Arizona in the body of a 21 year old. Atticus O'Sullivan has a vampire and werewolf team of lawyers as well as a talking Irish wolfhound. I read the first book last year (I know I jump around a lot) and thought it was really new and interesting. Can't wait to continue on with the series.

Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn - I read Gone Girl and LOVED it! Everyone keeps telling me that her other books are even better so I couldn't resist.

EJ bought the newest Jim Butcher book, Skin Game. I've only read the first 2 in the series, but again, definitely want to continue with the series. I'm just waaaaayy behind since this is the 15th book in the series. EJ's read them all, though...yay for him!

He also got the Volume 1 in the Malloreon series by David Eddings. I've not read any of Davind Eddings' books, but my good friend Georgette highly recommends it (she also recommended the Kevin Hearne books) and we usually like the same books. EJ really enjoyed the Belgariad series, and is contining to read his books.

If you're paying any attention to the picture, there is also a Metal Earth model kit of WWII tanks. Those are also EJ's. He has been really enjoying working on those models, and they are super cool when they are all put together.

So upcoming posts - I'm going to try and go back through my goodreads page and see if I can't complete that list of books I read in 2012, as well as make one for 2013 and 2014.

What are you all reading? Any good recommendations?

Dead Witch Walking - Kim Harrison

 

Synopsis:
All the creatures of the night gather in "the Hollows" of Cincinnatie, to hide, to prowl, to party...and to feed.
Vampires rule the darkness in a predator-eat-predator world rife with dangers beyond imagining - and it's RAchel Morgan's job to keep that world civilized.
A bounty hunter and witch with serious sex appeal and an attitude, she'll bring 'em back alive, dead...or undead.

My Thoughts:
This is my first Kim Harrison book and I absolutely loved it. I thought the world she creates is fantastic, and am excited to see how that evolves. I also loved the characters and their interaction with one another (my personal favorite being the fiesty pixie, Jenks). I thought the story was intersting with touches of humor here and there, and definitely left some things open for the next book. I'm really looking foward to reading more in this series!

Rating: A