I enjoyed DEAD WITCH WALKING, by Kim Harrison. It was very interesting. As with DIME STORE MAGIC, another recent read with a contemporary witch, it was told from the first person point-of-view. Very interesting world building. Not a lot of romance--just the possibility of one towards the end of the novel. Lots of action and interesting magic and a lot of interpersonal stuff as the heroine figures out who to trust and starts building a new life. I am hoping that there is a sequel soon--the book does not end on a cliff-hanger, but does leave several loose ends, mainly in the personal relationship area.--Shelley (20 Jun 04)Well, Shelley, I hope that means I'll enjoy it if I ever manage to start reading it again. I got kind of annoyed with the heroine of DEAD WITCH WALKING. She's portrayed as being so tough, but I wasn't impressed. Seemed like everyone else was saving her. I like her sidekicks but thought she went too far with her distrust of her female vampire friend. And I was wondering if there ever was going to be a love interest. And the one that started by the time I quit the second time was kind of quick and strange. RATS!?--Linda (21 Jun 04)
This looks to be a series worth following (and there aren't too many I find worth following these days) so this one gets a recommend. I very much enjoyed the world Kim Harrison is developing and the dynamics between the different characters.
The first 100 or so pages were interesting but a bit hard to get into. I was a bit confused about living versus dead vamps and witches and was slightly annoyed that the ominous "Turn" was talked about for pages on end before it was finally explained (loved the explanation--just wish it had occurred sooner). The author throws around lots of unfamiliar slang which also doesn't help out with the confusion.
I did read this directly on the heels of Laurell K. Hamilton's latest, INCUBUS DREAMS, and couldn't help wishing that Rachel had a bit more of a kick-ass attitude (as Linda mentioned in her comments). She's tough but needed to be saved by others just a wee too much for my liking. But, as I said, this could also be due to the fact that I'd just read an Anita Blake novel.
The blend of action, humor, and character interaction was just right and the author has created some very intriguing secondary characters. I want to find out more about Rachel, her vampire friend Ivy, and Nick (is he or isn't he entirely human?) and can't wait to see more of Jenk's the sexy little pixie man. The romance is very slight but it shows potential in the future.--Laurie (15 Dec 04)
