5 stars for another fantastic installment in the Hollows series. I’ve loved The Hollows since I discovered the series a few years ago. I’ve stood by and watched Rachel grow and change over the course of the series. I can honestly say that this is the best book so far in the series – and I hear that there are still two more books to go. I think what makes this series so good is its evolution of the main characters, especially that of Rachel Morgan. Rachel’s growth, her maturity, her change into a strong, kickass heroine (as opposed to the loose cannon she was in earlier books) is what makes this series one of my favorites. Of course, it helps to surround Rachel with a diverse group of eccentric, talented, loyal, and trash-talking secondary characters. This book feels like a study of Rachel’s relationships. Not just romantic relationships, although I’d love to see more of that – and note to Ms. Harrison – please stop killing off Rachel’s lovers! Ever After is a study of Rachel’s relationships with the world around her, be it The Hollows or the Ever After. Rachel and Trent are spending more time together. Mostly business, but a girl can hope, right? We’d love to see more because these two work so well together. Clearly, the two are attracted to each other, but Rachel have some reservations about Trent. We learn a lot about the history of the demons and elves and why they are constantly at odds with each other. It only goes to show that grudges in this world can last for a very long time. I loved the fascinating bits about the magical rings. A touch of Lord of the Rings, Hollows-style. Rachel and Al’s relationship has evolved, too. I don’t see them as student-teacher any more, but more as equals as Rachel’s magical abilities improve. Rachel has also become quite well versed in demon politics, thanks to Al. Whereas in the past, she may have just mouthed off, she now takes the time to carefully weigh and word her requests and she ensures that she has been understood correctly. I would have never imagined Rachel of the earlier books being able to do this. I’ve always loved the secondary characters in this series. The demons were always a source of entertainment for me – I enjoyed watching just how they planned to screw things up for Rachel and each other. Newt the crazy demon had a touching moment where she helped Rachel choose an outfit to save the world in. No discussion of this series can be complete without talking about Ivy and Jenks. Lately, I’ve had enough of Ivy and I was kind of glad that she isn’t really in this book as a main character. She’s off doing her own thing for most of the book and that was OK with me. Jenks, on the other hand, with his little comments about Tink always brings comic relief to a tense situation. My heart broke for him as he worried about his estranged son Jax. I was so happy that he had Belle around to take care of him. I also loved how a certain innocuous character suddenly became a superstar in this book. I always saw Bis as a little gargoyle, attracted to Rachel. I’m so glad we learned more about the gargoyles in this book. The Hollows series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. In my opinion, Ever After is the best book in the series so far. More, please! Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Voyager for a review copy of this book.Check out our group discussion of Ever After on Badass Book Reviews.
