This sixth book answers many of the questions eluded to in previous novels, such as:
- What is the nature of the ever-after?
- What sort of relationship will develop between leading witch/detective Rachel Morgan and pure-bred living vampire Ivy Tamwood?
- What's the history behind the witches?
Many writers are able to intrigue the reader by building suspense and playing upon the imagination, but oftentimes, once the reader finds out the answers to the underlying mysteries, the final result leaves one feeling disappointed. Finding out what actually lays beyond the curtain is rarely as captivating as wondering what might be there. Fortunately, this is not the case with Harrison's wrap-ups. Her answers are inventive yet plausible. Perhaps the key to her skill is that she doesn't spoon-feed every detail; rather, she allows the reader's imagination to fill in a few blanks or develop new theories based on the information that is provided.
While many threads are tied up in this sixth novel, perhaps the most comprehensive of the Hollows stories, fresh new characters and plot-lines are also introduced. Harrison manages to create an alternative suburb in which the reader comes to accept that these paranormal creatures are, in fact, people too, with the same virtues and flaws as the rest of us mere humans. Harrison's work may leave you wondering if the housewife next door stirs potions in her spare time, or if that star baseball player actually runs on four legs during the full moon.
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