A PERFECT BLOOD

In book 10 of a popular urban fantasy detective series, Cincinnati witch-turned-demon Rachel Morgan confronts a powerful hate group.

Nothing ever comes easy for Rachel. She’s accepted that she’s now a demon, but unfortunately, demons are universally mistrusted and have no legal status—in fact, she’s listed as dead—which makes it complicated for her to renew her Ohio driver’s license. She does want the other demons to think she’s dead, but the charmed silver bracelet that severs her connection to the demon collective also blocks most of her magic. As a result, when strangely mutated and mutilated witch corpses begin turning up, she’s both blamed for demonic activity by law enforcement and (apparently) nearly defenseless when the true perpetrators target Rachel (never count her out, though). It’s all part of a convoluted plot by HAPA (Humans Against Paranormals Association) to synthesize demon blood and use it to exterminate all Inderlanders (vampires, Weres, witches, etc.). As per usual, Rachel’s struggle with self-acceptance, her good heart, her rejection of everyone’s advice, her impulsiveness and recklessness and her all-around gift for causing chaos get her into trouble. Those qualities up the action quotient, but it would be nice to see Rachel’s emotional growth progress a little more quickly. Every novel ends on a high note of confidence, but by the time the next one opens, Rachel has already plunged back into neurosis and worry, restarting the cycle. On the positive side, Rachel’s relationship with elf businessman/drug lord Trent appears to be deepening; but again, it’s not as far advanced as some might wish. Still fun, but could reach farther.