for a few demons more  

by Kim Harrison

This is Ms. Harrison's 5th book in her Rachel Morgan series, all of which are titled on a take-off of a spaghetti w T This is Ms. Harrison's 5th book in her Rachel Morgan series, all of which are titled on a take-off of a spaghetti Western. This is the first hardcover release, reminiscent of Laurell Hamilton, Karen Traviss, and many, many more. These books are the story of Rachel Morgan, a witch, that used to work for the supernatural FBI (called the FIB in the novels), and her adventures with her supernatural friends and enemies; vampires, werewolves, demons, etc.

  The premise is that about 15 years ago, genetically engineered tomatoes loosed a virus on the world and decimated its natural human population, but didn't touch the supernatural planet abiders that had always been there, just never in numbers large enough to be exposed -- until now. Now "Interlanders" make up more than half of the planet's population and everybody must make adjustments if everyone is to survive.

  So, the vampires, demons, werewolves, elves, witches, et al are out in the open but separate from the human population and policed by their own. Enter Rachel Morgan, an 'earthy' earth witch with a talent and a penchant for bringing down the bad guys. Her partner and roommate is a rich and powerful vampire. They have left (or been fired) from the Bureau and have hung out their own PI shingle...and business is booming. Along with the bad guys, we are privy to Rachel's romantic interests that prove to be less than perfect for her (one boyfriend sells her to a demon in exchange for information).

  Book #5, the one at hand, is the culmination of the series so far, bringing all of the elements from the four previous books into play. All of her old enemies, friends and relatives make at least an appearance. The demon whose mark she carries and who scarred her and made her susceptible to vampire bites is now walking around in full sun (which they theoretically cannot do), the Master vampire has been released from prison where Rachel sent him, her roommate has serious issues with both the Master and Rachel, her boyfriend is nearly beaten to death by the Master for mismanagement of the cabal of vampires and the restaurant the Master owns, the werewolf insurance agent and friend is in trouble, and it just gets worse from there.

  I like the books, but I like  the original Spiderman comics and the two have much in common. They require a large stride in suspense of disbelief. The characters, while being reachable and easily identified with, are less than life size in detail and larger-than-life in deed and word. The series has a very "Remo Williams meets Dracula" feel to it.  While that's not a terrible thing, it doesn't make it wonderful literature. These are basically comic books for adults. I think they're fun to read and qualify for me as complete escapism. But Tolkien need not fear for his crown. They are MUCH lighter than Laurell Hamilton's writings, and much less involved in the bedroom (meaning, while there is sex, it is implied rather than detailed), and much easier to read. To be fair, I must admit that I have quit reading Laurell Hamilton because I feel she has lost her characters and plots to the libidos of her characters. I don't ever see that happening to Miss Morgan. She is a flighty, quirky redhead with issues one of which is not that, in order to survive, she must have sex with 12 guys in the next two chapters. She's funny, flighty and has a mean left hook. She's socially inept and feels inadequate. She's easy to like and the reader does. She's just never going to be a major influence in anyone's life outside of the characters in these books.

  If you have a couple of hours to kill and enjoy pure, unadulterated comic book fantasy (as I do) then this is a great way to fill those hours. If you are more into the social, political or morality plays, then this book is not for  you. I give it two stars. I enjoyed it, but there are lots of folks that won't and with good reason. As evidenced by it being released in hardcover, there are lots of folks that do...with good reason.