Ever After - Review

Title: Ever After (The Hollows #11)
Author: Kim Harrison
Source: Nicola's Books - Book Signing with Kim Harrison!

Goodreads Summary:

The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels the human world, is shrinking. If it disappears completely, so does all magic. It's up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to avert catastrophe and keep life from changing... for the worse.

While saving the world is important, it isn't Rachel's only motivation. There's also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, setting off a chain reaction of unfortunate events. That little mistake has made her life forfeit unless she can fix it. It's also made her more than a few enemies, including the most powerful demon in the ever after—a terrifying entity who eats souls and now has an insatiable appetite for her. He's already kidnapped her friend and goddaughter to lure her out, and if Rachel doesn't give herself up soon, they'll die.

But Rachel has more than a few impressive and frightening skills of her own, and she isn't going to hand over her soul and her life without one hell of a fight. She's also got a surprise: elven tycoon Trent Kalamack. With this unlikely ally beside her—a prospect both thrilling and unnerving—she's going to return to the ever after, kick some demon butt, rescue her loved ones... and prevent an apocalypse before it's too late. Or, at least that's the plan...

My Thoughts:

I always feel weird reviewing books that are in a series, when I haven't started with number 1.  It makes me feel like I am in the starting  during the middle of a story - which I guess I basically am.  So I apologize for doing this, if this is a series you are not familiar with. 

At the signing, Kim said that there only going to be 13 books in the series, and that number 13 is already written, its just in editing.  I don't want this series to end, I am not ready to say goodbye!! I understand though, I read a few series simply for the fact that I have always read them, and I have seen their deterioration, such as with the Sookie series and the Stephanie Plum series.  They should have ended a few books ago, in my opinion.  But so far, the Hollows have not gone downhill, and in fact, have only gotten better! Harrison is able to change the characters, make them grow, without ruining the books.  In doing so, the characters have not stagnated either.

I knew when I bought this book, that I would want to read it until I finished, cover to cover, without stopping, so I didn't read it immediately. I waited until Saturday, as my husband was working, and  I could devote my whole day to reading  the book. I am so glad I did, because I was right, I didn't want to put it down!  I don't want to give any spoilers, so I will keep my comments simple.  This book has shot to the top of the list of my favorites in the series, and is in the top spot, surpassing my long time favorite, A Fistful of Charms.  It was a roller coaster ride, and I didn't know how it was going to end.  I even shed some tears. A few times. I really don't want to say anymore, for fear of revealing anything, so I will stop here. But I do recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading urban fantasy. 

If you have read this and want to talk about it more with me, feel free to email me directly!

Ever After book signing with Kim Harrison

A month ago, Mary called Nicola's Books and made our line reservation.  We had been waiting excitedly for last night since then.  The event was being held the day that Ever After was released, so it was the launch of the book, right in Harrison's home state.  

I picked Mary up at 5 pm, on the coldest day of the year so far, -16 degrees kind of cold.  I was bundled up  in a sweater, coat, scarf, hat, and gloves. Mary threw caution to the wind and went sans winter clothing. I was so afraid we were going to have to wait outside in a line, and park far away in a structure and have to hike it to the store. 

Thank goodness, when we got there 45 minutes later, we found a huge parking lot with a close spot. Then we went into the warm goodness of the adorable bookstore, we found an area set up with chairs for the reading and Q&A. For some reason, I missed the fact that Kim Harrison was going to actually read to us from the book and answer a few questions before the signing. Mary and I were among the first there, and picked out chairs that had a great, unobstructed view.  

That is Mary pre-signing, after we had bought our books and were sitting in our chairs waiting patiently. After waiting an hour, talking books and taking turns getting up and browsing, it was finally time!  Kim Harrison's husband came out to introduce her, and then there she was!

Kim reading to the crowd of fans.

The people ahead of us in line, getting their books signed. 

 Kim Harrison signing my books!  I asked her to sign the new release, Ever After, and also an older paperback of mine that I have read a million times. It is my favorite in the series (so far), A Fistful of Charms. Ms. Harrison saw my book and said that she had to check the publication date since it looked like such an old book. Lol.  She checked, it was a first edition. She also commented that my book looked well-loved and well read. So true. 

My signed books. The inscription on Ever After is "It's over when Jenks says so".  The inscription on the other says "Pixies rule, Demons Drool". Again, so true.

So these next photos. Don't judge us please lol.  I have no idea why we look so crazy!! I know we were fangirling pretty hard, and it shows. We look nuts. Honestly, we don't look like these photos show us. Lol.  My trusty camera that I love was being rude as well - for some reason it wasn't working like normal. Which made me nervous! I guess we will have to go again when she does another tour, so we can get better photos!

Mary with Kim Harrison. She honestly doesn't usually close her eyes like that. :)

Me. I don't know what this face is! I look bored or above it all or something which is not true! I was super excited!! I also had hat hair.

From the "bunny cam", via Kim Harrison's website. 

This is a better photo. 

I am happy to add Kim Harrison to the list of authors I have met - which really isn't many! I have met Vincent Bugliosi, Bruce Campbell, and Connie May Fowler. Meeting Ms. Fowler was amazing, since I went to a small, twelve person writing workshop held by Fowler in a beach house in Florida, with my dad. It was so awesome!  

Kim Harrison was so genuinely nice and gracious, it was so cool to meet her and speak with her. Nicola's Books did a wonderful job managing the event, it was easy for rookies like us, and most of all warm!  

With the excitement over, we decided food was a necessity. I wasn't sure what was around where we were to eat, so I drove to one of my favorite restaurants in nearby Ypsilanti, Sidetracks Bar and Grill.  By this time, the wind was howling an arctic chill, and it was snowing and icing up. But I am down with adventure.  The parking lot we were in was a bit shady, with a lone cowboy hanging out outside his (?) car a few spots over.  Not wanting to take the risk of theft, we took our signed books in with us. :)  We parked a million miles away, and slogged through the tundra, freezing our fannies off.  

Thankfully, the bar was snug and warm.  We were seated at the table right next to the fireplace, which we greatly appreciated. We ordered hot tea to start off with, and Mary looked around, as it was her first time there. Its a funky little place with a lot of character, and we had a moose head right above our own heads, and the moose had a pretty little tiara on. Fancy moose. We ordered our food, devoured it, and made the long journey home.  We had some good talks in the car, and I was brimming with excitement and couldn't stop talking my poor husband's ear off once I got home. It was a great evening, and a great start to my year!

*Please do not use photos without permission or credit at least. Thanks!!