Please note that PALE DEMON is the ninth book in the series and thus this review may contain spoilers for earlier books.
 
Rachel Morgan is headed west for the witches’ annual convention, hoping for a pardon for using black magic. She intends to fly despite Trent Kalamack’s assertion that the coven will never let her get on a plane. Worse yet, he wants to accompany her with a mysterious quest. And so the journey begins, as Rachel, Trent, Jenks, and Ivy begin their road trip. Will they survive the dangers lurking at every turn?
 
PALE DEMON is not a stand alone story. Part of the enjoyment of The Hollows series is the interaction between the various characters- and PALE DEMON more than exceeds in this regard. Rachel and Trent have had a precarious relationship, neither one quite trusting the other. Kim Harrison tackles their trust issue and puts everything on the line for both of them. Meanwhile, Jenks and Ivy have always been there for Rachel, but this time what Rachel is facing- the trial- leaves them out of the loop in many ways, making them question their own worth. Will they begin seeking their own paths or will they continue to follow Rachel?
 
PALE DEMON is more than just a book about relationships and bonding, however. The demon, Ku’Sox, adds a new twist to the demon mythos while we learn more about the elves. I also love the new insights we get into Al’s world. I know I shouldn’t like Al due to all of his meanness in the past, but there’s something likable about him despite it all. Quite honestly, I’m intrigued to see just where the next book, A PERFECT BLOOD, will take us.

Kim Harrison is without a doubt one of the top urban fantasy authors writing today. From world building to character development, each aspect of the storyline works together seamlessly to produce a tight, well-developed series that only gets better with the new twists in PALE DEMON. If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, this is one series that you must read!

Publisher: Harper Voyager (February 2011)
Other books in series:  The Hollows series
Author website