White Witch, Black Curse

This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: White Witch, Black Curse

Rachel is beginning to heal, yet her memory remains scattered. Brief flashes keep surfacing, and she's determined to remember what happened the night her lover was murdered. But a new predator stalks the streets of the hollows, and Rachel must put aside her personal quest for revenge. The I.S. has decided the death of a FIB agent is not worth their time investigating, even if it may have been Inderland related. It's up to Rachel and the team to assist the FIB and tag the new creature. But the odds are stacked against them. And as Rachel begins to stir up the magic needed to bring it in, she might need something stronger than an earth charm. Can she remain a white witch and stir curses at the same time?

Kim Harrison's characters have so many layers to them. I love the complexity that forms each of them. Rachel's moral debate hovers in the background of this entire novel as she tries to do her best for the people she helps. She wants to embrace her strengths and use her abilities for the greater good. But society isn't willing to overlook the fact she has smut on her aura, and without even knowing Rachel, absolute strangers treat her like garbage. Rachel's plight is the fantasy version of what happens in the real world, where people judge a person for their looks instead of their actions. I connected with Rachel on so many things she had to face throughout White Witch, Black Curse.

But not only does Rachel have to deal with disapproving strangers, she also has to withstand the disapproval of her brother Robbie. Robbie who has been living on the west coast for years and doesn't have a clue what Rachel has been dealing with. Let's face it Rachel's life doesn't exactly leave room for family dinners. And when Robbie flies in for a visit and sees that Rachel's life is a bit chaotic, he is quick to judge.

Hit from all sides with doubt, Rachel knows she can at least fall back on Ivy and Jenks to support her. Each of them carries their own burden, but together they hold each other up even when the worst hits them. When this series first began, Rachel was an inexperienced witch who stumbled into a lot of her jobs. Despite everything she has dealt with, she is quickly becoming a confident and capable character. She will do anything for the people she loves, and she is a worthwhile character to follow.

I liked this, but not enough Algaliarept for my taste. More demons, please!