The first couple of chapters in this book run a little slowly, but if you stick with it, it definitely picks up. This novel confirmed my feeling that this was mainly intended for girls; an entire twelve pages are spent on Rachel preparing for a date. However, the step back from the ass-kicking and mission-running is a bit of a breath of fresh air; it pulls us into the characters better and makes us feel closer to them. Kisten's character is suddenly and lovingly developed here, endearing him to the reader forever. Ivy continues to be emo, which is a bit annoying, and Jenks remains fantastic. Kalamack remains an interesting character who, although we are supposed to perceive him as a "bad guy", is indeed loveable and dear to the reader's heart (or at least, to mine, but I have a thing for villains anyway). I would rate this novel as having the same caliber and genius as the first novel.

The plot is significantly more held together, Rachel's consistency in being the most stupid asshole is quite admirable though, I mean it's the most reliable thing about these books, no matter what! you just know it in you guts that Rachel is going to go for the most stupid option

They just keep getting better, both the author Kim Harrison and her creation Rachel Morgan. Poor Rachel she just cannot catch a break, but you know what it all makes excellent reading. Her battles with Al were just...literally breathtaking. Rachel's real strengths are not just her magical powers but her indomitable will and her very fine mind, particularly under the tremendous pressure and pain that she has had to endure. And now Newt? Liking Trent more, particularly as when he's dealing with Rachel his self assurance wavers significantly and he is often at a loss as to how to deal with her. On to the next one!

☠ DNF at 61%. Go me and stuff. Why the murderous crustaceans are DNFing this PoC™ thing and won't bother continuing with this series : ① All relationship/romance/dating BS/crap and NO plot/story whatsoever. Rachel, Ivy, Nick, Kisten, Skimmer (view spoiler)[ the murderous crustaceans shall very graciously refrain from commenting on this slightly pathetic name (hide spoiler)]…Reading this book feels like watching a bloody shrimping culebrón. Which might explain why much eyerolling and facepalmingpincing occurred while the crustaceans were skimming through immersed in this fantastically enjoyable masterpiece. ② Rachel Mariana Shrimping Morgan's TSTL tendencies poor decision making skills are slightly rampage-inducing exasperating. Also: she is bloody shrimping shallow. She whines. She is delusional. She is the worst friend/partner/whatever ever. She is fickle. She acts like an immature, spoiled brat. What's not to love? ③ Ivy is an irritatingly aggravating and aggravatingly irritating drama queen. Also, she acts like a spoiled brat. Ha. Must be contagious or something. No wonder she likes Rachel Mariana Shrimping Morgan so much. These two are a match made in heaven. ④ Kisten is one of the most unlikable, manipulative asses in the history of unlikable, manipulative asses. And no, he is NOT hot. He is, just, you know, pathetic and stuff. Also, he is a vamp. Ergo, he is a total wimp. You are quite welcome. ⑤ Nick is a lame coward who deserves to die get his pathetic ass slightly kicked and stuff. ⑥ Ridiculously pooooooooor writing. ⑦ Total snooze fest. ⑧ And the icing shrimp on the cake paella: NO means bloody shrimping NO . In one scene, Rachel Mariana Shrimping Morgan repeatedly tells Manipulative Ass Kisten to "let her go" and to "stop it." Does he listen? Don't be silly now. He is a manly piece of shit man, you see. He knows exactly what she needs, you see. He knows how bad she wants it, you see. So of course Rachel Mariana Shrimping Morgan gives in. Because that's what stupid girls do when faced with Overbearing, Bullying Bastards Males Who Know What's Best for Them (OBBMWKWBfT™). Fish. This. Shit. This is exactly the kind of revolting crap that condones demeaning behavior towards women and is at the very root of rape culture. No, Kim Harrison. JUST NO . » And the moral of this Ding Dong this Witch is Off the Crustaceans' TBR Shelf Crappy Non Review (DDtWiOfCTBRSCNR™) is: Jenks dear, wherever you are, we love thee. Too bad your colleagues are all pathetic idiots/selfish, overindulged nitwits/exasperating asses/infuriating jerks/whatever. We murderous crustaceans feel your pain. Our home subaquatic kingdom is your home subaquatic kingdom, so feel free to immigrate with your family whenever. We are quite positive you would all love it here, as slightly abhorrent cast of characters are not tolerated in our Most Wondrous Undersea Domain (MWUD™). Also, free massages and stuff. · Book 1: Dead Witch Walking ★★ · Book 2: The Good, The Bad and The Undead ★★★★★