White Witch, Black Curse

February 27, 2009

White Witch, Black Curse (Rachel Morgan, #7)by Kim HarrisonI had to seriously hold myself back from adding little hearts around Kim Harrison's name. Sad, I know. I am such a fangirl when it comes to this author, I swear. You just tell me she's got a book coming out and I squeal like I was at a boy band concert (FYI - my first ever concert was the New Kids on the Block when I was 14 and I have never been a fan of any other boy band. But I digress...). As I have stated previously, Kim Harrison is an auto-buy for me. And I'll even dish out the obscene amount of money for the hard cover so that I can get my fix as soon as possible. I should have just pre-ordered the book on Amazon, it would have cost me less in the long run, but after my debacle with ordering from Chapigo last year, I didn't want to take a chance! But darnit! I would have saved almost $13 off the price. Argh. Of course I would have had to get another book as well for the free shipping. Also adding to my credit card right now it so not something I want to do.Again with the digression, sorry.In this seventh book in the series, we join Rachel as she attempts to remember what happened on the night of Kisten's murder. His murderer is still out there somewhere and because of the memory spell Jenks used on her to save her life, Rachel can't remember a thing about that night. The quest to find Kisten's murderer takes a backseat to the main plot of trying to track down and capture a banshee who has been murdering many to help her new born child survive.I feel bad for Rachel since she gets into all these situations to help other people live and yet ends up being shunned because of the consequences of that help. She's not always the brightest bulb on the tree with the way she rushes into things, but she does this because she cares about what happens to others and is a good person. No one seems to want to listen to her when she tells them the truth until they need something from her and then they are all ears. I don't think it's fair for her to be looked down at by peers and others when they are the ones who ask her, beg her and at times force her into doing those negative things.I came away with a couple of irks though. I dislike Rachel's brother Robbie immensely. I don't recall liking him the first time he was introduced into the series either. I am getting tired of the (lack of) relationship between Rachel and Ivy. I understand Ivy has her issues. But geez. Get on with it already. It's getting repetitive. Get some therapy. Heck, eat a therapist if it'll help. But move on.I have never liked any of Rachel's male relationships. Although Kisten was growing on me and then POOF. So, mental note - probably a good idea for me to continue not liking any of the male friends. (Also a good note for my watching of America's Next Top Model. Because even if I don't watch the show entirely anymore, the one time I'll turn it on and say "Hey, that girl's cute!" she'll be voted off at the end of the show. I kid you not. This also happened with the ONE time my best friend and I saw an episode of Britain's Next Top Model. The ONE time. We liked this one girl and within the next 30 mins she was booted off. It is not safe for me to like people on TV or in books!)I did find this story somewhat flat. I think that might have had to do with the minimal amount of Al. I love Al. Or at least I generally do (he doesn't count as "male" being a demon and all) only he didn't make me laugh like he normally does. (Well, with the exception of, "Splendid! A fire!") I loved The Outlaw Demon Wails so much so there was a good chance that this book would pale slightly in comparison. I don't think the series has started to go downhill at all. I can't wait for the next one. In fact I am so happy that Kim Harrison has a YA book coming out in the summer because this will be a good break in my year-long wait for the 8th book!The Rachel Morgan/The Hollows series