Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison

Book Details
Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison
Paperback, 368 pages
2008, Eos
ISBN: 0061567191
Series: Book 1 of The Hollows

Synopsis
The underground population of witches, vampires, werewolves—creatures of dreams and nightmares—has lived beside humans for centuries, hiding their powers. But after a genetically engineered virus wipes out a large part of humanity, many of the "Inderlanders" reveal themselves, changing everything.

Rachel Morgan, witch and bounty hunter with the Inderland Runner Services, is one of the best at apprehending supernatural lawbreakers throughout Cincinnati, but when it comes to following the rules, she falls desperately short. Determined to buck the system, she quits and takes off on the run with an I.S. contract on her head and is reluctantly forced to team up with Ivy, Inderland's best runner . . . and a living vampire. But this witch is way out of her league, and to clear her name, Rachel must evade shape-changing assassins, outwit a powerful businessman/crime lord, and survive a vicious underground fight-to-the-death . . . not to mention her own roommate.

Review
Dead Witch Walking was a highly enjoyable read, promising great things in the future of The Hollows series. This first in the series was extremely fast with the action, grabbing my attention immediately and holding it hostage throughout the book. Every time I put it down, I couldn't stop thinking about it until I could get back to it again.

As the first book in a supernatural series, new ideas and concepts had to be learned. The explanation were done well without giving up too much information early on. I love outed supernaturals and the characters introduced in this book were fascinating. Rachel is a white witch who mostly uses charms to work her magic. She partners up with Ivy, a living vampire, and Jenks, a pixy, quitting their government bounty hunter-esque positions to form their own business. A magical - vampirical investigation agency should provide a wealth of potential story lines.

Rachel is tough, but able to be helpless. She gets into trouble often, but through rash decision making and fate rather than downright stupidity. She's flawed, but seems to have the willingness to grow. Not only working with Ivy and Jenks, but living with them as well showcases a lot of her strengths and weaknesses. Rachel's constant unknowing violation of certain interesting vampire rules causes her relationship with Ivy to be strained. This unpleasantness between them, never purposely caused, adds uncomfortable emotion to the story.

Rachel and Nick's budding romance is my one complaint. Nick, while having a variety of helpful skills, doesn't seem right for her. Their interest in one another seems to stem from a constant saving of each other and if it continues, it promises to get stale rather quickly.

Dead Witch Walking was a great start to a series that I can't wait to continue. Action, tension and supernaturals galore make this book a must read for any urban fantasy fan.

Rating

Links

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