Product Description
This digital document is an article from The Black Collegian, published by Thomson Gale on April 1, 2007. The length of the article is 697 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Deloitte.(DELOITTE PROFILE)(Interview)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: The Black Collegian (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 37Issue: 3Page: 13(1)

Article Type: Interview

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description

Some wounds take time to heal . . . and some scars never fade.

Customer Reviews (163)

A battle of virtue and vice
I have to be completely honest; I love Kim's whole literary universe as it's my absolute favorite urban fantasy series that I consider one of life's best readable luxuries. I was surprised that I didn't like the beginning, if I wasn't so head over heels for it I would have thought of stopping reading it, the heaviness and unnatural depressed state of Rachel was pronounced, it hit me once I finished that it was on purpose, a tear is just water, a sigh is just a breath, this was deep and dark but for a reason and we can bear to read through it,the end result is worth it. To my delight page sixty starts to lighten things up with the usual charming canter and familiar favorite sights and characters, the kitchen with its copper pots and well used wooden table is one of the best parts of the book, all the insane and intense stuff that happens there; demon appearances, battles, best talks and as a general place where all the characters come together and it feels like a big part of the book, same as a warm kitchen being the heart of a cozy home. From then the story processes nicely, albeit at it's own pace.

Rachel starts the story off in a funk, she's aching to get her memory back, the painful one of that fatal night when her boyfriend was killed ( please read the first six books before you begin this, I don't want to warrant no spoilers). Rachel is trapped in a level of personal gloom as her life plummets to some low points, her existence in the mortal world is finally getting some backlash, the worst thing for a witch is to be shunned, no one wants to do business with you, forget about buying coffee anywhere, so when she gets tangled with Tom who has somehow escaped with his life, she starts to sink in the society, all her hard work trying to save people as she puts her life on the line ( how many times can Al drag a girl back down to pits of everafter without scraping more than skin?) isn't appreciated and the media turns her into a villain. She sticks her neck very far to find out who killed the person she loved. The novel has some new characters; an aggressive and solidbut mean spirited banshee who tests the reader's annoyance tolerance, she was so strong it was almost impossible to read about herencounters between all the people she hurt and killed. I liked the story a lot, it made me want to read book eight from the moment I finished this one and I feel that it has successfully carried the series though.It was great to see how Al has been such a huge part of the series, his wit and edge has risen to my delight, he's still a foe but what a formidable counterpart to little Rachel, love him ( even though I'm not supposed to). I want more of Ivy, Rachel Jenks, Bis, Al, Trent, Ceri and all the other darlings, wonderful story that flows from book to book.. obviously this whole review is just my personal opinion, but it has brought me joy, I can't deny this.

- Kasia S.

Couldn't put it down!
I couldn't put this book down!This was actually the first book in the Hollows series I read, so I knew I would have to read all of them.Currently reading them (in succession)...looking forward to finding out what led up to this one!:)

Kim Harrison writes a great book!
I love the exploits of Rachel and when I think that Kim Harrison can't come up with something new, she surprises me.

Fun with Banshees
Generally speaking, you need to have read Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series from book one to follow what's going on.However, in White Witch, Black Curse, she makes use of three of her Novellas; "Dirty Magic" from Hotter than Hell, "Two Ghosts for Sister Rachel" from Holidays are Hell and "Undead in the Garden of Good and Evil" from Dates from Hell.

If you haven't read these, don't fret.You can still follow the plot in White Witch, Black Curse, but you might be wondering where some of the characters came from.

The story is a rollicking adventure that gives closure to Kisten's double murder, and sets the stage for "Black Magic Sanction" (which is currently out in hardcover).It also deals with a banshee that is terrorizing Cincinnati and while Rachel Morgan may not have good crime scene etiquette, she tends to get more done than either the FIB or I.S. - the two law enforcement agencies in The Hallows.

I've had trouble in the past with Rachel's angst, and while she does keep going off about being an "albatross", I found this tale a bit easier to get through than "Outlaw Demon Wails", which kind of bogged down in parts.I realize that some of the repetition of previous events is necessary to get new readers up to speed, it does tend to drag out a story.After the revelations in Outlaw Demon however, this tale moves along and can stand pretty much on its own.

The only problem I had was with Jenks.I've like the character in the past, but he's beginning to get on my nerves.It seems like every time Rachel gets near a guy, he gets jealous and he can't seem to watch his mouth.His behavior goes far beyond just "protecting" his friend.There are times when you just want to backhand the little fairy fart and tell him to get over it.

The book is worth the price, especially if you're a fan of the Rachel Morgan series.

The best story ever!
The best story ever about two worlds existing together, the mundane and the supernatural one. ... Read more

Product Description

Rachel Morgan's back! Bestselling author Kim Harrison returns with a new supernatural adventure that fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and Charlaine Harris won't want to miss.

Customer Reviews (140)

Fun, but should be titled A Day In Rachel's Life
I enjoyed the first two books in the series - they both have solid plot lines.In book 3 the plot seems to be a day in the Rachel's life:dumped by boyfriend, start relationship with new boyfriend, get a job, do the job, and express Rachel's feelings.There doesn't seem to be any goal to be achieved or mystery to be solved.Just a slow steady plodding through life's events.The character never takes charge, but is reactive to the world around her.A bit dull compared to the first two books in the series.

Every Wich Way But Dead by Kim Harrison
This is such a fun series, Rachel Morgan is one sassy witch. I plan on reading the whole series. I am really enjoying taking time to myself, get a glass of ice tea and settle down with the book and get lost in the world of the Hollows. Thank you Kim Harrison!

Fun series.
I originally found this series on Kindle.I fell in love with it.It has the same feeling as the Sookie Stackhouse series.It's an easy read and very entertaining!

this series is fantastic!
This series has a full head of steam and it just isn't letting up.I'm a little late to the party in that there's a bunch left to read yet, but I'm officially addicted to the universe Kim Harrison has crafted.

As far as the plot is concerned.That's difficult to nail down.It's not that there's so much of a main plot as there's many plots and side stories going on all at once but each and every one is fun and promises interesting things to come.So rather than call it a 'plot', I find it more of 'a few days in the life of Rachael Morgan'

In the absence of Piscary's presence, there's a shifting of power in the Hollows' underworld.There's a new player in town and he wants to take over the territory.How does this lead to Rachael?Ivy, her friend and roommate is Piscary's scion.She doesn't want the power or the responsibility so Kisten is back, acting as Piscary's stand in.At this point anything involving Ivy involves Rachael so she's smack dab in the middle of it.

Trent Kalamack rears his manipulative head once again as he's also embroiled in the turmoil of Hollows criminal underworld.Once again, how does this involve Rachael?Who better to run security for Trent during his meet with the new power in town than one of the best runners Cincinnati has to offer?

In the midst of all those goings on, Big Al is (pardon the pun) hellbent on dragging Rachael down into the ever after with him.

And during the course of all of THAT, Rachael's love life is thrown a curve ball so she has her own personal issues to deal with.Rachael is a busy little witch to be sure.

Old faces return, some are absent and some new and interesting characters take their places.What I really enjoy about these books (and I've said it before) is even the 'normal' day to day things are fun to read.In fact, they're as fun to read as any of the major or minor plot lines.I also love the way Harrison handles adult themes.She can write sexy material without being blatantly sexual.She can write interesting love scenes with a purpose that aren't there just to shock a reader or keep them titillated or being blatantly pornographic.That's something a long standing series in the same genre could take a few pointers from.Of course I won't name any names ;)

Overall, Rachael is just a great character to read.I see some reviews and critique blurbs state that it's similar to the Anita Blake series, and in some ways it is.I guess it's unavoidable being an urban fantasy dealing with some of the same themes and iconic fantasy characters (weres, vamps, witches, etc).So I see some similarities while reading this but I honestly find that this is much more enjoyable in my opinion.It remains fun yet serious and Rachael is a flawed yet well meaning character who's strong, funny, sexy and vulnerable and through it all she remains completely LIKABLE.It's funny when a witch comes off more human than some human characters I've read over the years.

A++ on this book and the series as a whole!

Good Concept...
*** WARNING LOTS OF SPOILERS ***

I really like the whole world that Kim Harrison has created for these books.She manages to get a nice scene set and create a nice mental picture for you without droning on like some authors tend toward.I'm not going to give a rundown of the plot because pretty much everyone on here has already done that.However, I will say that the one flaw with these books, which is a personal pet peeve, is that the main character is weak.Not as in she has no power or can't do anything but sort emotionally or mentally, in the sense that so far in the last three books she never actually uses her potential power and even when she does fight or use her magic she's constantly worried that she may have hurt someone.I mean seriously, Francis would have been happy to see her dead and made it obvious but she was constantly trying to keep him from getting hurt and then was horrified when he died.At this point she's not ever actually done anything impressive.If it wasn't for her friends she would have been dead a long time ago.She just doesn't come across as being very bright at all.I mean really, she goes into the lair of a Master Vampire without any actual plan and then when she gets lucky enough to stop him from killing her she only wants to put him in jail knowing he can pretty much have her killed whenever he wants?Real bright... Seriously, at least have the main character save her own butt now and then without it being just pure luck... ... Read more

Product Description

To save the lives of her friends, Rachel did the unthinkable: she willingly trafficked in forbidden demon magic. And now her sins are coming home to haunt her.

As Rachel searches for the truth behind a terrifying murder, an even greater menace threatens, for the demon Algaliarept will stop at nothing to claim her, and the discovery of a shocking family secret throws Rachel's entire life into question. If she is ever to live free, Rachel must first walk willingly into the demonic ever-after in search of long-lost ancient knowledge.

But when you dance with demons, you lay your soul on the line . . . and there are some lines that should never be crossed.

Customer Reviews (175)

Love this series!
Really enjoyed all of these and hope they keep coming.And please find a way to save Jenks!

AUDIO VERSION - 3 stars
Though not completely unbearable (the story is great, which is why I put 4 stars), this Harper Audio version of The Outlaw Demon Wails has some REALLY annoying oversights. You would think that the sixth book in this popular series would have rated more attention to detail. The way the narrator pronounces key names and terms completely differently from Marguerite Gavin (who has narrated the rest of the series so excellently through Tantor Media) is quite jarring to the ear and distracts from the story. The narrator also doesn't seem completely familiar with the back story - for instance she reads a comment about Rachel's ex-boyfriend Nick being a "real winner" and completely misses out on the implied sarcasm.

You might want to read this particular installment of the series the old-fashioned way instead of via your ipod. I'm so glad they returned to the original narrator for the audio books following this one.

Best in the series
I thought this was the best book in the series. Ton of action. Left a great opportunity for plot development in the next book. Answered many questions, but also leaves some open/makes new ones. Can't wait to start the next one!!!

Revelations!
This is probably the most enlightening of all the Hollows novels.In the midst of a potential new love interest, a jailed demon seemingly able to escape and chase after Rachael anytime he wants, a friend learning that she's expecting from a most unexpected father, trips into the ever after to save a species, Harrison gives us what could possibly be the most insight yet into many of the characters we've been enjoying for the last half dozen novels.

There are several shocking and game changing revelations in this novel.We learn a secret of Rachael's that's so big it's going to change her life as she knows it.Actually, not one, but TWO.The novel delves more into how she's seemingly the first witch to be able to twist demon curses.We learn a bit more about what motivates Trent Kalamack and why he's seemingly so driven and ruthless.

Some people aren't always fond of these books because they feel they don't get to the point.The whole 'day in the life of Rachael Morgan' seems to turn people off.But I enjoy those moments, and this was no exception. There were some parts of the novel where the book did seem to drag a bit.Frankly I found the ever after portions of the book early on to be a little like that so I can understand.

The book ties up alot of the questions it raises and also leaves a nice ongoing plot line dangling: Who. Killed. Kisten?As it turns out, little tidbits are coming back to Rachael that night and even though her memory was wiped, she realizes that she was actually there.That's a two edged sword.It leaves the future books open to explore that which is a great side mystery in itself, but it also leaves Rachael tortured enough to not be able to deal with anything new as far as her love life goes.

This is also the first time we get to spend so much time with Rachael's mom and we learn a great many things about her, not the least of which will turn Rachael's world as she knows it on its ear.

One thing that I do think is finally going to tame down a little bit is the Ivy tension.At first I thought it was interesting but then I felt it was getting to be a little too much.A long winded plot line that didn't seem to want to resolve itself.While I like Ivy, I thought the back and forth of their friendship was getting a little tired.It seems that that's on its way to being resolved and I like it that way.

So, black witch cults summoning demons, mission impossible trips into the ever after to help a species, family revelations as well as even farther reaching species revelations, helping demons, fighting demons, looking for kisten's killer, Jenks, Ivy, Mrs. Morgan and a gargoyle....sound busy? It is, but it reads seamlessly as do all the previous offerings in the series...and as always?Rachael and company continue to grow and entertain

Story is Great, Narrator Awful
I am reviewing the audio book version.The previous narrator was great and I really enjoyed listening to her.Whythey decided to go with someone else on this one is beyond me.She's horrible.Her pixie voice is squeaky and trite and insulting.She does not pronounce words correctly.Ever time she refers to a "Lee" line I want to scream "LAY line you idiot".Her reading does not flow well and where she puts the emphasis is off.The narration is such a disgusting distraction to the story that I am going to have to give up listening to this.I travel a great deal with my job and listen to audio CDs while I drive, but I'm going to have to buy this book and read it when I can find the time.The narration is really that bad.I can't get past the poor reading long enough to get into the story.If you have listened to the other books on audio CD, you're most likely going to be seriously disappointed with this one.I'm sure the story will be of the same caliber as the others.It's just the person reading it that is awful. ... Read more

Product Description

In New York Times bestselling author Kim Harrison's most complex and nuanced adventure yet, bounty hunter and witch Rachel Morgan fights a deadly battle—mind, body, and soul

Black Magic Sanction

Customer Reviews (135)

Rachel passed on a WISH? oh no no
I gave it a 4 because I love the series and how it is written, it is most enjoyable.But, heh, I HATE Rachel!I can't freaking stand the girl - and oh, I've known people like that in real life. Keep away keep away.They obstruct themselves, have cluttered minds, lack any clear thinking, and are frack-ups that CAN NOT learn to be otherwise.You have seen her in maybe 2 years (despite number of books) - but the prequil shows you what she was like as a teen, and so does her flashback at Make a Wish camp.She's frakked up.

SPOILER STARTS HERE (I'll put END SPOILER below and continue):

OK, in the middle of an extremely tense scene, the Leprachaun she met in book 1 offers her a wish, knowing she could use a good wish about now.DUH.Instead of TAKING it and thinking about a good wish, she passes it up after briefly cluttering her head up with "Ivy keeps her soul, Jenks lives forever" other people's needs.OH SMACK HER!That is why I can not STAND people like Rachel.The wish she could have made to fix everything:"I wish I was NOT born with Rosewood Syndrome, just born a normal witch."Done.ALL problems solved.Literally - ALL problems solved, including her psychology.Of course, that would also undo the entire series :)Can't do that!

END SPOILERS

I think readers need to pay a LOT more attention to what is going on and what is actually said -passively read and carefully read.Kim is not boring the readers with a chapter worth of psychology in any book, but readers SHOULD have caught on by now - and I don't see that ANY of them did, including others that hate Rachel, or wonder if all women are that screwed up.You DO get a psych explanation of why Ivy is frakked up. And you sort of DO get one for Rache - but nobody seems to have caught it!Kim didn't give a whole chapter on it.

Rachel was born very sickly.She spent her entire formative years so sick, she could barely walk across the kitchen, let alone the street.Yet she wanted to DO, like so many people born disabled, "I can do it, let me do it" is par for the course.They can NOT accept their limitations.This IS their psychological makeup and there are a LOT of people, real people, just like this.As adults, they might go from job to job, insisting that they can "do it" and repeatedly getting fired because they just can NOT do the job.They refuse to be disabled, even when they are very disabled.This is such a situation that now there are laws against firing disabled people, and companies have to make changes to allow for whatever they need to do the job!This is good, but it can also be pretty bad.And when/if such people (eg, Rachel) do get cured somehow, they end up JUST LIKE HER - physically healed, but mentally still "back there" and frakked up.

Her father is a major hero to her, she wants to be a hero, too. In the prequil, (which I read before reading the series, I also read Ivy's prequil where we meet Art - and I KNEW he killed Kisten!I freaking KNEW it!)... where we meet Pierce,she gets a chance to do the hero thing, and OH BOY,the adrenalin rush is the Big IT.Now, not all disabled people are like that.Others would have said "I can NOT do this, OK, I need to change my plans" and that would be that (and we'd have no Hollows series...).Despite her illness and infirm condition, she ignores brother Robbie's suggestion that she give up this I.S. dream and go with him to college.Note that Robbie is a stable, very ordinary witch and he certainly knows her dangerous tendencies to get herself into fixes.Had Rachel done the sensible thing, she'd have been a college grad or more - an earth witch.But that is not our Rachel....

More on the formative years.After Dad dies, she's stuck with an unstable mother while brother Robbie goes out west.Not good.She is sent to Make a Wish camp, they are given drugs to make them forget things - but nonetheless, these "things/events" are going to SUBconsciously affect their lives, whether they know it or not.We get a glimpse.Right there, young Rachel is arrogant, defiant in the face of her infirmity.She oversteps her boundaries - blasting Trent when he is teasing a girl he likes, Jasmine - who likes him back!And sure, Jasmine gets mad at Rachel.Rachel SHOULD have kept her nose out.There she is, frakking up right there, butting in, concerning herself with things she needs NOT be concerned about - and frakking up.She gets on a horse (that's CRAZY given her condition) - and falls.DUH.

But that right there sets the tone, that IS Rachel.She IS a frack-up - and will always BE a frack-up - and NEVER listen to anyone (including her own seldom voice of reason) that says "you can not do this."She is unable to be aware that her stupidity is painful to herself - AND TO OTHERS.Like, she does NOT want that damned coven to summon the real Al, when they switch names back, and get STOMPED TO DEATH for what they did to her by a real demon?Oh no, not our Rache.(I'm reading, go ahead, he he he, SUMMON the real Al, KILL THEM ALL AL. KILL THEM ALL, TEAR THE SELF RIGHTEOUS PISSANTS TO PIECES YAY! KILL VIVIAN.KILL KILL KILL BROOKE - KILL THEM ALL!!! YAY - Anita Blake WOULD!)...oh no, not Rachel (SMACK HER).She does NOT want Ivy to kill Nick? Oh no, not our Rache.And I want to beat her, smack her, kick her in the head for being THAT STUPID.Her brain is cluttered up with guilt and other STUPID feelings that get in the way of clear logic. It is exasperating!I start yelling at her (while I sit on the beach, reading!!).Heh.

TRENT is logical (so far).Yes, he's a killer, he's ruthless.His entire race is at stake.He makes logical sense!

Nick was always shady and crappy - Rachel JUST finds that out - as do some inattentive readers.It was obvious the first time Nick shied away from the cops!He's a CRIMINAL!Kim didn't "just drop that" into the plot.Nope.It was there.PAY ATTENTION!Read carefully.He knew Al - Rachel saw this - and so did the readers!WELL?

Cormel spelled it out for the readers (I like him!).Rachel is seeing in a very short-sighted way.She is not seeing ahead and she needs to see ahead.What she has done so far is HUGE - it is BEYOND huge.Does she realize it?OH NO, she is just the big hero that saved the Elves and other Rachel non-think.The Elves can rejuvinate their race due to her, the Weres can make more Were's due to her (forget David! that's short sightedness - David is not going to FOREVER have that Focus! - it WILL change hands!).And herself - she is the potential MOTHER of all Demons that can live in reality - NOT in the everafter.That is HUGE.I can see the Coven wanting to sterilize her.But WHY do the rest? Why lobotomize her, or etc?THAT part I don't quite get.

Yet, Rachel being Rachel, she can't think to USE THAT WISH to fix her genes?AGGGH!Rachel IS stupid because of her formative years, because of OBSCURING passions (not clear simple ones) that drive her actions.She does the insane and takes on a Banshee, eg.That goes right back to "I can do it,I can do it" when she can't walk across a room without falling.It'sSTUPID, and it's a kind of stupidity driven by obscuring emotions - i.e., it's not due to low IQ - it's WORSE.

As for the Ivy Lesbian thing, I'm glad that's over.Rachel is NOT gay, simple as that.She at least realizes the danger she put herself in playing with ANY vampires - and while she just loves being in danger (but has no CONSCIOUS notion that she is putting herself in danger, it's never clear thought for her), she does NOT want to be a shadow.THAT is the end of that.

SO - that is the character.That's Rachel.I think it's odd for a writer to make a main character that is just NOT likeable - or even people hate her.It's hard to make a main character like that in a series that at least I DO like very much.

Anita Blake (I read up to Circus of Damned - am awaiting next book and POS SOB so slow readers that 3 copies are overdue at library...ach FINE FINE FINE them...) at least - when she gets a chance to KILL KILL KILL an adversary - she does it.GOOD.That makes her likeable!VENGEANCE.

Better than the last...
Black Magic Sanction is definitely an improvement over White Witch, Black Curse, but it still could have used a little sprucing. I give it 3.5 stars.

The major problem for me was that Kim didn't make the council who's trying to capture Rachel a big enough bad. They're introduced as a small group of witches who are really good at casting strong white spells and have one nutcase member...and...they're just not scary. They're more like recurring pains in the A, especially because you know that they're not going to succeed in doing what they want to Rachel, which, **minor spoiler** is lobotomize and sterilize her, firstly because her potential to breed a new generation of demons is her #1 source of revelance in the overall plot of the series, and secondly because who really thinks the author is going to turn the main character into a drooling vegetable? The next biggest problem I had was with a novella-length scene about half way through in which we are supposed to really feel the tension and fear of the characters ***minor spoiler*** getting caught sneaking around Trent's compound. I don't know about you, but Trent, no matter how much Kim and Rachel keep trying to make us feel like he is, is just not a worrisome threat. Yeah he might spell Rachel or threaten her or lock her up, but really, when all is said and done, nobody believe's he's a terrifying monster who would skin Rachey and her buds alive or roast 'em on stakes. He's a rich pretty boy businessman with a jerk streak. My final complaint? Rachel's last ditch effort to evade the meanie council is quite entertaining, but overall useless in that, by the end of the book, their beef with her isn't even resolved and we have no idea where they stand.

On the upside, for all the complaints, there is a lot of read-worthy goodness in this installment, including a ton of action thrown at you scene after scene and great character interaction. All of our favorites are on the guest list and we get plenty of neat scenes with them. Harrison, as per usual, also delivers on the emotional dynamics, truly pulling you into the world of all these complex characters. The book is just very full of life (even though it could have used more believable threat).

Overall, definitely happy I read it, could have used some tweaking, but eagerly awaiting the next.

Amother Rachel Morgan book
I love the twists and turns in this book. I can't wait for the new book.

One more series bites the dust..
I stopped buying the series after book 4, but this is the book where I stopped reading about Rachel et al.How many more occasions could there be of Rachel getting knocked out and waking up surrounded by handsome admiring men vying to save her.Dear Ms. Harrison, Please review the Wikipedia entry for "Mary Sue".Here, I'll give you the short version:The term is more broadly associated with characters who are exceptionally and improbably lucky. The good luck may involve romance ("Mary Sue" always gets her man); adventure ("Mary Sue" always wins a fight or knows how to solve the puzzle) and popularity (the "right people" seem to gravitate towards the character).

3.5 stars
I've been a big fan of the Rachael Morgan series since I got hooked on Dead Witch Walking several months ago and have enjoyed the series as a whole pretty consistently since then.I will say that while I haven't entirely enjoyed the last two offerings as much as the early/middle novels as much, it's still a fun and imaginative series.

In this outing Rachael is in trouble again (duh!), only this time it's the Coven of moral standards that's out to get her.They see her as a threat being that she communes with demons and often performs black magic.That she twists demon curses to get out of impossible situations that aren't of her doing isn't their concern.They want her gone.

That's the overall plot of the book and it's a good one.Being that it's a Rachael Morgan book though it deviates from that here and there and we go into the minutia of Rachael's day as well as her learning more about ley lines from her teacher, Big Al.Al, by the way, is still one of the highlights of the series.On a more personal/emotional note for Rachael, there are heavy doses of Pierce in this novel and I admit that the character is growing on me.I thought his importance was a bit thrust onto the reader in the last book, considering he was just from a short story, but his 18th century way of speaking and his outlook on the use of his skills and insight into how Rachael really is has me liking him all the more the more he appears in the novel.

I've seen people say that they haven't liked this series because they feel it doesn't 'get to the point', and I think that's why I haven't liked this and the previous novel as much as the first six novels.I used to love the day to day of her life when it was all new.Learning about how she spells, pixie culture, living vamps; the whole world Harrison made was new and fresh at that point and even when the books strayed away from the central plot they were still entertaining.Now, however, it seems to be getting a little stale.While the central plot and the action and character interactions were all enjoyable, a lot of the same ground gets retread.More learning about ley lines.More lamentation about how everything isn't 'her fault', her getting into trouble and summarily beaten up only to wake up to a chorus of 'Rachael, are you ok??' from her all too protective friends.There's even one segment in the book where it's if she leaves for a change of venue/scenery for a while, the entire cast acts as if their collective world will end.It is nice that most of the Ivy drama is over.

So, the point of the previous long winded paragraph was just to point out that I felt that the book does drag nowadays when it strays off the central plot for the most part, usually with things that seem entirely too familiar.I was going to rate it a 3 but the clever ending really made up for it.

So, while not quite a four star book, it's decidedly better than just a three star.I'm still a fan of the series and have grown fond of the characters and the alternate universe Harrison has created! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (156)

Not quite as good as the first three.
I found myself confused with all of the back-stabbing and swapping of idols.I still don't know what really happened, but fortunately the ending cleared everything up a little.

Kim Harrison does it again!
Kim Harrison has easily charmed her way to the top of my favorite author's list ... a position which has been solidly held by one individual for over 18 years and is thus, no small feat!The first book had me curious, the second had me hooked, the third had me addicted and this book has me salivating for more.With each new title her writing abilities are soaring to new heights and her talents and depths to the story and the world which she's created are exploding off every page.I find myself using her "Hollows-centric" phrases such as "Go turn yourself" or "I'll kill him twice" in every day conversation.She's created a world so rich, so vibrant and so unbelievably complex, yet believable, that I find myself viewing the world from a multi-humanoid species perspective sometimes!If you've made it through the first three, don't hesitate!You won't be sorry you continued reading with this one.And if you're brand new to the series, PLEASE don't start here.Go read the first three first and then come back ... this book will be so much more precious to you if you follow along as the writer originally intended.

Move over Stephanie Meyers (no Steph was not my favorite author before Kim), there's a new queen of paranormal literature around and she's a sassy, brassy red head!HOORAY FOR RED-HEADS!!!

It was a decent read...
But I definitely liked the first three better. As the series is going on, Rachel is slowly letting go of her naive, self-righteous, holier-than-thou attitude, which I definitely approve of. It was irritating to hear over and over and over again about how she would never let anyone suck her blood and how she was so incredibly independent (and yet managed to get herself into near-death situations all the time with very little caution, although we find out why here) and how she was only an earth witch, not a ley-line witch because she would never use ever-after although the ley line is clearly where her strengths lie. Yes, she's a flawed character, but her ideals and personality really bothered me because seriously, the world isn't black and white and she tends to view it that way. Not only that, but given her age and her experiences, her naivety was borderline stupidity and ignorance -she sounds more like a teen than an adult in most places and I'm a teen so I should know. To hear her whine and whine and whine and whine over and over again about how she was a freaking white witch and how she was sooooo good and that this black mark on her soul was so freaking awful that she was now satan reincarnated was incredibly annoying. JUST GET OVER IT. If it was a few pages, I wouldn't mind, but she spends a huge portion of the book doing it. She's living in a pretty dark urban fantasy world and while I can somewhat understand her feeling of pride in that she was still "pure", I really can't accept that an adult who has been through as much as she has would be so block-headed about right and wrong.

This doesn't pertain strictly to this novel itself but the series as a whole. Kim Harrison uses quite a bit of biology/genetic engineering in her novels and as a genetics major, it makes me cringe. Even discounting the fact that we're dealing with supernatural DNA, she fluffs up commonplace genetic lab-work to make it sound like it's unique and threatening and she just doesn't talk about biological materials correctly. It irks me because this can be remedied by a few hours of research. It's very basic genetics that could be used to make her plots more sound and factual and the explanation Trent gave at the end of the last book concerning his genetic research made me grit my teeth.

And the entire adrenaline thing -yes, those are basic scientific reactions, but your head doesn't hurt immediately from a rush of adrenaline. Adrenaline would decrease the amount of pain you feel if anything and hearing over and over again about how a rush of adrenaline hurt Rachel's head made me cringe because that's not what happens. Not only that, but it takes more than a few seconds to produce adrenaline

I've stuck with it so far because of secondary characters, who are more complex. I loved Jenks here and he's one of my most favorite characters in the series, alongside Trent (who, I was sad to see, didn't really have a part here) and even Big Al. Yes, I like Big Al better than Rachel. I loved how everyone's been developing and how we get to see more them. I can't get enough of Jenks and his snarkiness. The way he adjusted as a regular-sized being was funny and cute at the same time. I love Ceri as a character as well and I hope we delve more into her in the coming novels. We see a lot of her insecurities here and how her time with Al affected her (especially at the part where she [rightfully imho] snaps at Rachel near the beginning about marks).

I'm giving it about a 3.5 because I disliked Rachel's excessive obsession with the black mark and demon curses and her sudden willingness to give up to Ivy. Not only that, but I dislike her relationship with Nick. A LOT. Jenks more than made up for it though. Although this book dragged on for me, I'm still gonna read the next one. I hope it makes up for this!!!

Wonderful Series
This series just keeps getting better and better. I love how the author writes Rachel and the humor that is put into every book.

continues with a full head of steam!
Fistful is probably the most 'streamlined' of the Hollows books to date (I know, I'm a bit late to the party!).While I enjoyed the previous three just as much, if not more in some cases, they tend to wander at times.Which is perfectly fine.While they have a central plot, many of the scenes are 'a day in the life of Rachael and her unusual assembly of friends', and it's great reading!Some of the day to day situations Harrison puts these colorful characters in are more entertaining than some books main plot by far.

Fistful does lean heavily on a central plot:Nick is in trouble.He stole an ancient artifact that could shift the power balance between weres and vamps in the hollows and cause a bloody war.Rachael, happy in her life but still fighting her own demons about how Nick seemingly left her high and dry decides that she's going to help out.There's one other thing that makes this even more personal for Vampiric Charms.Nick enlisted Jenks' oldest son, Jax to help out.Road trip for Rachael and Jenks!The run/rescue mission takes them up north, well out of the comfort zone of Cincinati.

There's plenty of action mixed in with some really great character development here as Rachael's inability to say no to a loved one (or ex loved one) has her crossing more lines than she ever thought possible.It's very engaging to see her work through her moral dilemmas, both with the type of magic she enlists to help people out of a bad situation as well as how she deals with a certain vampire who may want more than she can give.There are some scenes in the book that are truly heart wrenching.

This is really a great, action packed, thoughtful story.We learn a lot more about what makes Rachael tick, both good and bad.We see certain relationships moved forward on shaky ground and some come to unforeseen conclusions and all the while, Rachael is one mean runner, but is always entertaining and likable.

I'm excited to get into the next of the series to see what other surprises Harrison has in store for me.Four books in and so far so fun! ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Todd Hamilton, Anthony Kim, Charles Coe, Andrew Magee, Glen Day, Hunter Haas, Grant Waite, Craig Perks. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 41. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: William Todd Hamilton (born October 18, 1965) is an American professional golfer. Hamilton was born in the small west-central Illinois city of Galesburg. He grew up in an even smaller Henderson County town on the Mississippi called Oquawka. He attended Union High School in Biggsville, IL and played golf regularly on the local 9-hole golf course (now an 18 holes), Hend-Co Hills. He went to the University of Oklahoma for college where he continued to play. Hamilton turned professional in 1987 but was unable to gain entrance to the PGA Tour. Instead he played internationally for many years, primarily on the Japan Golf Tour. When he left the Japan Golf Tour, he was the all-time leading non-Japanese money winner on it, with earnings of over 630 million yen and had won 11 times. After eight tries, at the age of thirty eight, Hamilton went back to Qualifying School in 2003 where he finally earned his first PGA Card. Hamilton won his first PGA Tour event at the 2004 Honda Classic. He birdied the final two holes to beat Davis Love III by one stroke at 12 under par. Later that year, Hamilton defeated Ernie Els in a four-hole playoff to win the British Open at the Royal Troon Golf Club. These two victories in his first season on the PGA Tour led to Hamilton's being named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year for 2004. In 2006, Hamilton captained the American team in ITV's celebrity golf tournament, the All*Star Cup. Hamilton lives in Westlake, Texas. Defeated Ernie Els in 4-hole playoff: Hamilton (4-4-3-4=15), Els (4-4-4-4=16) DNP = Did not playCUT = missed the half-way cut"T" indicates a tie for a placeGreen backgrou...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=842410 ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (30)

wow...so sexy
This book has definitely changed a lot for me. She talks you through everything like a little sister, and at first there was some stuff I didn't really agree with, a certain idea of behaving in a way that seemed subservient, but which makes sense. Of course, every woman wants to be treated well, but so do men, and this method of complimenting really seems to move things along :) she gives ways to make yourself the most beautiful you can be, and guides without giving a sense of "you must". A useful book. Boyfriend loved what it did for my confidence :D

A strong woman with a healthy self image understand that giving doesn't make you weak.
I loved this book. Some of the suggestions were things I'd already been doing, but didn't realize why they were important. Having read several other books written by men about what men need, I can easily see how this information correlates. I do not consider myself weak because I try to make my good man feel great about being a man, no more than I would think a man is weak because he does the things that make me feel great about being a woman.
Sex Secrets of an American Geisha not only gives you the reasons why this works, but also gives suggestions! As a strong, independant woman, I am so happy I found this book.

"Please respect my orgasm."
I found this book to be a very enjoyable and fun read.The author is humorous, sincere, and though-provoking.I disagreed with her on a few points but I was never bored.I also found her discussion of her early life to be very touching.At one point, I was a bit unnerved. Imagine yourself sitting down with your older sister for a nice cozy chat where she tells you about men and dating.Then imagine yourself sitting there while she graphically describes her own sex life and how she regularly achieves female ejaculation with her husband. I deducted a star because she seems to imply that sex is the only requirement to keep a man.3.5 stars

Almost great!!
I enjoyed this book a lot. It's almost perfect, but I have a couple disagreements. The author teaches her "younger sister" to be very obedient and agreeable with her "Good Man", while this is true, I want to encourage women to be careful with that in order not to become a "doormat". Men get bored with too obedient women, even having all the sex they want with her. Men need a little bit of adrenaline in relationship that woman need to provide. For example, the author tells her story about how she didn't pay enough attention to her husband since she started writing her book and her husband eventually said "I want my wife back, I miss her." Author says it was a mistake to ignore her husband like that and it almost caused her marriage. Almost doesn't count. If she did lose her husband because of that then she could have said she made a mistake. They actually became closer (she said) after he complained. The author told us this story so we don't make such a mistake, where I think that exactly this "mistake" made them closer because her husband had a chance to experience this adrenaline of losing his wife, he realized that he missed her while she wasn't around, it was a great chance for them to actually understand that they love each other. Women need to do that sometimes in relationship and it's not manipulation, it's just a reminder what it's like to be ignored, not loved or substituted. I was always there for my significant other and he is a "good man" according by the book, but in a while something became wrong, he got bored, the more I tried, the more bored he became. I started buying all these relationship books including Sex Secrets of an American Geisha. I got so obsessed with reading those books that I didn't even notice how I started paying less and less attention to my "Good Man" (just like that "mistake" that the author was telling about). Guess what, it wasn't a mistake, again, it was a reminder what it was like without me. My "Good Man" came to me, first time in a long time, to ask for attention, he said he missed me and he said he realized he was taking me for granted! So, it's good to give them this space sometimes. This book is good for you to learn how to be a great lover, but to be a great lover is not enough for good relationship. This book doesn't cover enough about how to be independent as a person and how to be able to keep this adrenaline running. The author says that you need to have girlfriends and hobbies' to keep yourself busy, but it's not enough. I think what's missing is that women needs to know how to be interesting even when lying on a couch at home just watching TV. I don't believe a woman has to occupy herself with girlfriends and hobbies just to be interesting for her man. What about when she is just resting after work, or watching a movie? Even then she needs to give space to her man and do it just because she wants to, not because she is so obedient to please her man. Then a man will be interested. I advise to read "Why men marry Bitches" to be able to be both obedient and independent. Neither book is good by itself alone. You don't want to be too obedient or too bitchy. It's good to have read many different books to be interesting and open-minded (well, duh). You will be able to know the medium.
Thank You. Good Luck

An empowering book
I am about half way through the book.I took a pause mid-way so a friend could read it.She fell so in love with it, that she returned mine and bought her own to highlight and reference.I like it so far.There is information in there I already knew, but the book's author drives the message and importance home.Written from her story, this is a "friendlier" read than most books on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
The benefits of water exercise and play have been well documented, and it’s never too early to begin. This practical guide for children 4 and above contains games and activities for every skill level. All 101 games — from variations on classics like Follow the Leader to new ones like Message in a Bottle — are simple, easy to learn, and enjoyable for youngsters to play over and over again. Best of all, they burn calories and improve a child’s overall fitness level. A special section covers exercises, including water walking and jumping and balance activities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

pool game ideas!
This was purchased for Donna's Dolphins swim school and getting new ideas for pool games for kids!

Pool fun & games
Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (6/07)

It's summer time and every kid is begging to hang out at the neighborhood pool. As cool as it is, they can sometimes run out of fun things to do before they are ready to return indoors. This is where "101 Cool Pool Games for Children" comes in. You probably remember playing "Marco Polo" from your own childhood. But do you know "Piranha Tag" or "Snatch the Bait?" There is no chance your kids will not have fun and still be safe when you bring this book to the pool along with your snacks and sunscreen.

As a certified fitness instructor, the author, Kim Rodomista, looks at pool time as a healthy way to play and get exercise. She has organized the games in ways to show how many players are involved, what props might be necessary, if there is any physical contact involved and what skill level is required. The appropriate icons are listed with each game. The list is also categorized by whether they are imagination, individual, out-of-the-pool, racing, tag or team games. They are even indexed by group size for your convenience. There are games for every size pool and are appropriate for ages four and older.

I love the idea of the book and can imagine almost as many uses for it as there are games! What if you are planning a pool birthday party and need some activities to keep everyone happy till the cake arrives, or, if you have signed up to be a camp counselor for the summer, or, you are just tired of diving for toys in the pool? Older children will want to thumb through this to pick their own games.

The author has also provided a section with water exercises to keep parents busy once their children are busy with "Underwater Rugby." As much as I love lounging in the pool, I can't help but feel slightly decadent. Now I can workout and be redeemed from my laziness, although I'm not sure how funny I'll look doing the "Popcorn" down the length of the pool and back.

As a future teacher, Rodomista caught my attention with the Albert Einstein quote, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." I find "101 Cool Pool Games for Children" provides the necessary knowledge to pick appropriate and safe pool games and also perks up my imagination when it has been fried by the sun. Now it's time to dig out my swimsuit and start splashing!

... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from International Bulletin of Missionary Research, published by Overseas Ministries Study Center on July 1, 1994. The length of the article is 701 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Protestantism in Contemporary China. (book reviews)
Author: Daniel Bays
Publication: International Bulletin of Missionary Research (Refereed)
Date: July 1, 1994
Publisher: Overseas Ministries Study Center
Volume: v18Issue: n3Page: p131(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Theological Studies, published by Theological Studies, Inc. on March 1, 1995. The length of the article is 1104 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Protestantism in Contemporary China. (book reviews)
Author: Peter Fleming
Publication: Theological Studies (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 1995
Publisher: Theological Studies, Inc.
Volume: v56Issue: n1Page: p172(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description

The Children of Children Keep Coming is an awe-inspiring contribution to literature. A breathtaking form of poetic expression, this unique work presents a riveting chronicle of the African American experience in the United States.

The dramatic odyssey opens with two anonymous slaves running to catch the Freedom Train, where at journey's end they hope to find liberation. Along the way, they encounter fields of laborers sowing seeds, plodding hard under sun high and moon low, working to end slavery. The toilers are sustained by work songs that at one moment express the dreams and fears of the downtrodden and at another moment burst forth with unbound faith and optimism.

These determined travelers, with dangerous crows circling around them, roam through fields holding their dead; step over graves of the once enslaved; walk across beds of red, white, and blue flowers, all for the opportunity to march on the green lawns of democracy. Throughout their entangled journey, they meet imaginary and mythological characters. But it is down by the riverside where their belief that a time of change will come is affirmed by engagements with "giants" such as Frederick Douglass, Billie Holiday, Hank Aaron, Sojourner Truth, and Rosa Parks.

The Children of Children Keep Coming is strung seamlessly together -- by poetry and prose, blues and gospel, hymns and jazz, work songs and prayers -- forcing the universal harmony of the cry for freedom and justice to reach an unforgettable pitch that cannot be ignored.

This astounding mosaic of voices is accentuated by the images of Romare Bearden. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

(RAW Rating: 4.5) - A Memorable Book For A Memorable Time
Alex Haley's Roots brought to the screen a more thorough account of heritage, struggle and triumph.As I was reading the introduction to THE CHILDREN OF CHILDREN KEEP COMING: An Epic Griotsong, Roots immediately came to mind.THE CHILDREN OF CHILDREN begins with the spotlight on two runaway slaves.Their destiny is the Freedom Train where they have hopes of reaching freedom and liberation.

Interestingly done, Goings allows the slaves to dwell in the past, present and future.They encounter fields of laborers, plodding under sun high and moon low, and they are acutely aware that the toilers are sustained by work songs, that express the dreams and fears of the downtrodden and that also burst forth with unbound faith and optimism.The two travelers seek refuge where they can find it, as they roam through fields, stepping over graves of the once enslaved. Throughout their journey, they meet imaginary and mythological characters. At some point, they come to the full knowledge that there is a better future when Gongs exposes them to "giants" such as Frederick Douglass, Billie Holiday, Hank Aaron, Sojourner Truth, and Rosa Parks.The voices of both real and symbolic characters speak through Goings, who wears the cloak of griot and prophet, a vulnerable soul, and a gifted writer.The genius of the book is based on how it is seamlessly connected by poetry and prose, blues and gospel, hymns and jazz, and work songs and prayers. The universal harmony with the runaway's cry for freedom and justice reaches a shattering pitch.

THE CHILDREN OF CHILDREN KEEP COMING: An Epic Griotsong is a powerful collection of poems that traces the journey of African-Americans in this country; that transcends pain and struggle and provides a vehicle for transformation.The rhythmic input is interwoven in a way that lends to a weightiness that is light on its feet because of its musical flow. This astounding mosaic of voices is accentuated by the images of Romare Bearden. An added bonus is a Glossary which offers information on African-Americans from all walks of life.

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ(tm) Reviewers

ONE OF THE BEST!
This book is truly inspiring! I am a college student and it really opened my eyes to a lot of things and I am so grateful to have read it. I am making all of my friends read it now. GET THIS BOOK

A transformational experience
Russ Goings writes from his heart and soul to touch ours, but beyond that he provides us with the rare of experience of seeing how God can use us by working through us. What comes through profoundly in this saga of the flight toward freedom, the crossing of the River Jordan, the glimpse of the Promised Land is that he was called to this writing and his life was indeed a preface to this expression.This is soul stirring writing, awe-inspiring expression of the human journey, and a transformational reading experience. You will not come away untouched by the divine love that pours through these pages making us aware of the sacrfices and accomplishments of our foremothers and forefathers not only on the path to freedom, but on the spiritual path to union with God. We feel sustained and also challenged. Few works of human creation can simultaneously bring a tear to the eye, a quickening in the heart, and a cry to the lips like the Children of Children. Bravo!

Blessed Be the Rock
When I read the last words of The Children of Children Keep Coming: An Epic Griotsong by Russell L. Goings, the first thing that popped into my head was blessed be the rock; thank you Jesus. Mr. Goings combined fictional characters with actual historic icons, whose sacrifices and determination made a lot of what we have today very possible. The entire story was written in poetry. At times, as I read, I could visualize the scene taking place. I felt the prayers, the chants, and songs along the way.

Mr. Goings introduced me to James Meredith, the first African American to attend the University of Mississippi. Dred Scott was another unknown to me before reading The Children of Children Keep Coming. Also, I have to mention the sketches throughout the book. Romare Bearden, the artist, did not get extremely elaborate with the images. He kept it simple, which was the right touch, since the topic of slavery and equality is a deep subject. In this one book, I read about those who were considered the property of others, up to where segregation was abolished and the freedom bell rang.

The Children of Children Keep Coming: An Epic Griotsong is a book that I will pass on to my children. I recommend every family have a copy in their house. Families can take turns reading various verses and learn something new from every page

Jennifer Coissiere
APOOO BookClub

A MUST READ!!!
This poetic griot song by Russell Goings is a MUST READ for all. I have introduced my students to the book for Black History Month and will continue it for Women's History Month. The book expresses the struggle of Afro- American ancestors in a brilliant explorative way. Goings engages the reader by tapping into all our senses with his words. GET A COPY NOW:) ... Read more