Ever After

The Hollows, Book 11

By: Kim Harrison

Narrated by: Marguerite Gavin

Length: 18 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Paranormal, 2014

The ever after, the demonic realm that parallels our own, is shrinking, and if it disappears, so does all magic. It’s up to witch-turned-daywalking-demon Rachel Morgan to fix the ever-after before the fragile balance between magic users and humans fails.

Of course, there’s also the small fact that she caused the ley line to rip in the first place, and her life is forfeit unless she can fix it. And that the most powerful demon in the ever after - the soul-eater Ku'Sox Sha-Ku'ru - has vowed to destroy Rachel, and has kidnapped her friend and goddaughter as leverage. If Rachel doesn’t give herself up, they will die.

Forced by circumstance, Rachel teams up with elven tycoon Trent Kalamack - a prospect fraught with dangers of the heart as well as betrayal of the soul - to return to the ever after and rescue those she loves.

Both worlds teeter on the brink, one on a possible interspecies war, the other for its very existence, and it’s up to Rachel to keep both from being destroyed.

©2012 Kim Harrison (P)2012 HarperCollins Publishers

Good. Better than the last two

I liked this one. It helped tie up some issues that have been dangling out there for a long time, set up some new things for the next book, and really showed how strong Rachel can be. Rachel still drives me nuts a little as she is always yelling and telling people to do things instead of just acting and fixing the problem. It still works though, and is just a part of who she is.

Overall, I liked it and will be getting the next one. Suggested.

Just perfect!

Perfect, except that it had to end. And bittersweet, for we can sense the end of the series looming. Still, Harrison has created such a rich world with The Hollows series, she can can go in many different paths with offshoot series, short stories, novellas, etc. But that is for another day (when we can't look forward to another Rachel Morgan novel in the offing.) I look forward to the next volume coming out every year -- yes, I even lamely mark it on my calendar. Harrison is one of the few novelist that never fails her fans with slapdash fodder. And she DELIVERS with "Ever After." Virtually every major/minor character from the series makes an appearance in this volume; the action is virtually non-stop and we get to see a lot more of the demons, which I think is a big plus (and some significant character development for Al.) The dialogue is as crisp as always and we get to hear more Jinks-speak (is it me, or are his Tinks' ____ one-liners getting more tame?)

I made myself listen to this when I could devote full attention to the book (not as I usually do, "reading" and multi-tasking.") I am sad only because it will be another year before there will be another Rachel Morgan book coming out.

If you have never read this series, I recommend purchasing "Dead Witch Walking" NOW -- your world will never be the same.

4 stars because of the ending

Read this series in order. They seem to end with each installment, but you need the background to really enjoy the story.
Rachel is as interesting as ever. She has one problem after another pop up, and they all seem to be life threatening, and heart threatening. Something seems to be starting with Rachel and Trent, then it also takes a turn, when a tragic event happens. This brings old characters back into the picture, sure to cause havoc in episodes to follow. That also plays a part in the frustrating ending.
Ivy doesn't make an appearance til halfway through the saga, which I have to say didn't disturb me one bit. With Ivy comes the vampire politics, setting the stage for the next book very clearly.
We get new views of Al and Trent in this book. (maybe everyone will find out they have a heart and soul) Characters are becoming more independent of each other, with the series starting to wrap up. All and all it was a good story, with a couple of heart wrenching shockers. It was a little slow in a few spots with too much descriptive dialog going on, but I did listen to it in 2 days, so that says something for it.

On The Edge of My Seat and Panting, 5 Star Listen!

OMG, I can't believe this book was so good. I was on On The Edge of My Seat. Panting and totally captivated. This is definitely a 5 Star Listen! I have been waiting a long time for Rachel and Trent to come together. Rachel is powerful and together Rachel, Trent, and yes Al; well let’s say there is no stopping them. Finally a lot of the questions were answered about the origins of the Elf’s and the demons. The only negative thing I can say is that the next book is not ready for download. I can’t wait, I want more. Kim Harrison’s Ever After is outstanding. The Narration, by Marguerite Gavin brings this story to life. No one could have done it better.

The best one ever.

Excellent presentation of the characters They are so alive with Marguerite Gavin ‘s performance. Kim Harrison writes the greatest books.

Wow!

What an amazing journey this series has taken me on (so far!)
Incredible... fantastic writing, great characters and storyline, narration, etc,.
The narrator is really very good, and she captured each character perfectly. Loved it!

It only took me 3 days to listen to roughly 20 hrs

Would you listen to Ever After again? Why?

Yes, currently listening to the series in order to get the feel of the collection together

Why? B/c it was an awesome adventure and not the typical trio of the Hollows. I got to know Quen, Al, Newt and Trent etc more (which I was really really excited about)

What did you like best about this story?

It is a melodious adventure, refreshing but still very familiar

Which scene was your favorite?

There are many but I think the 2 that stuck out the most w/o giving too much away for the "future reader" is When Rachel was in another one of Al's dreams while he was searching for his inner self &When Ellasbeth was put in her place by Quen after Rachel "talked" to her,

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes all I would have to say is Chapter 16 and Chapter 27 made me so flustered, mad at Nick, being who he is and trying to play stupid when the results actually happened. Coward!! If you hated Nick before you'll plot your own version of his end in this book lol!

Any additional comments?

It is a must listen. All of the Hollows books are awesome, this one is very unique and I absolutely love it! Currently waiting on a few friends to finish their copy so I can talk about it!!

Witches and Demons and Elves, Oh my.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is a good story with a solid Heroine. This book doesn't go down the path the smut novel motif and keeps to the strong independent powerful woman. Not all guys like a girl that can kick their ass but I for one do.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Algaliarept. The depth of his character keeps expanding.

What does Marguerite Gavin bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Ms. Gavin is a marvelous reader! She is able to breath life into the characters and gives each of them a unique quality. I have actually bought other books I did not know just because she is the reader!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When they tore that arrogant putz apart. I was so ready for it.

Any additional comments?

Great series of books here. I highly recommend the read. My one complaint is that the main character is always getting out of trouble with more luck than skill and she is suppose to be highly skilled. I would really like to see her just tear down the house sometime.

Best book of the series.

If you could sum up Ever After in three words, what would they be?

Gripping, imaginative and satisfying.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rachel Morgan is always the star in these books. I love the way she never gives up, no matter how bad everything looks. She's never weak, and yet she never sways from her own moral code.

Which character – as performed by Marguerite Gavin – was your favorite?

Marguerite Gavin always makes me adore Al, blending perfectly his evil and untrustworthiness with his need to be accepted and wanted. I can both love and hate him as the scene requires.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Rachel's refusal to allow Ivy and Jenks to be spellbound instead of telling them the truth.

Any additional comments?

I've really enjoyed all the Rachel Morgan books, but I really loved this one. I felt that Rachel really came into her own in this book.

The Hollows #11: The best book in the series

I rate the book Ever After by Kim Harrison 5 of 5 stars. This is book #11 of the Hollows Series and I suggest this is the best book of the 11. A very solid story that well leverages the world created in the previous 10 books (yes, I have read all 10 in order). Of course, to properly enjoy this complex story you should read the previous books. If you are a Rachel Morgan fan (The Hollows), this is a must read.