In Review: Black Magic Sanction by Kim Harrison

Released: 2/23/10
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Format: Hardcover
ISBN: 978-0061138034

The eighth in the Hollows series. After Rachel's recent shunning, following a stint of demon relating incidents culminating with her kindling demon magic, and the knowledge that her babies will be demons, the coven gives her a horrendous choice: sterilization or permanent imprisonment in Alcatraz.

And they aren't the only ones that want control of her, it seems that everyone wants a piece of Rachel. Trent wants her under his thumb worse than before because now he's her familiar, and if she owns him in the ever after, he'll own her in reality. Al wants her, for the prestige, the power having a child bearing female will give him, because other than crazy Newt there are no female demons. And even Pierce wants her, but his reason is closer to the heart, believing they could have a love that lasts forever.

Rachel is growing in little steps, its still apparent that she isn't over Kisten with all her trust issues, but she's working it out, and that's heartbreaking in a million ways on its own. Nick, her ex rat/boyfriend, stirs up trouble, and as much as I hate him, I do love the twists he always adds. And Al. The more I see of him the more I want. He's still a bit of a mystery on what his role really is. He's not the villain, he's not the love interest, he's on the cusp of it all.

There was a hugely heartbreaking moment, that didn't fully get justice. As readers, we all knew it was coming, but that didn't make the blow any less, and the grieving just wasn't enough.

All in all, it was a really great read. The plotting was pretty tight, and up to par with what is usually expected by Kim Harrison. We finally gained a little more insight to the connection between gargoyles and witches, and to see that development more fleshed out was really nice. The series is winding down, with many plot lines being tied up, but its not losing any of its steam.