Step into the spellbinding world of The Hollows, where witches, vampires, and pixies roam the gritty streets of an alternate Cincinnati! Kim Harrison’s urban fantasy series, also known as the Rachel Morgan series, blends magic, mystery, and moral dilemmas into a thrilling saga that’s captivated readers for nearly two decades. Centered on Rachel Morgan, a bounty-hunting witch turned day-walking demon, this series delivers heart-pounding adventures and a richly crafted world where supernatural beings live openly after a virus reshapes humanity.
With 18 novels, short stories, and graphic novels, The Hollows is a must-read for fans of urban fantasy who crave complex characters and a setting that feels alive. Ready to dive into a world where a genetically engineered tomato changed history? Let’s explore The Hollows!
How The Hollows Began
Kim Harrison, the pen name of Dawn Cook, launched The Hollows with Dead Witch Walking in 2004, inspired by her love for fantasy and science. Raised in Michigan, Harrison drew on her scientific background to craft an alternate history where Cold War genetic engineering, not the Space Race, defined the 20th century. A bioengineered tomato virus, dubbed 'The Turn,' killed a quarter of humanity, allowing supernatural 'Inderlanders' like witches and vampires to reveal themselves. Harrison’s goal? To create a grounded yet fantastical world where magic operates like science, and characters evolve through tough choices.
The Heart of The Hollows
The series follows Rachel Morgan, a fiery witch who quits her job at Inderland Security to start Vampiric Charms, a detective agency with her partners: Ivy Tamwood, a living vampire, and Jenks, a quick-witted pixy. Key books like Dead Witch Walking introduce Rachel’s knack for trouble as she dodges assassins and uncovers demonic secrets. The Good, The Bad, and The Undead deepens her magical skills and alliances, while A Perfect Blood explores her demon heritage as she investigates ritual murders. The final novel, The Witch With No Name, wraps up Rachel’s journey with high-stakes battles and emotional resolutions.
The Hollows shines through its themes of identity, morality, and found family. Rachel’s evolution from impulsive witch to powerful demon reflects her struggle to balance power with ethics. The alternate Cincinnati setting, with its decommissioned church hideout and supernatural politics, feels vivid and immersive. Harrison’s blend of detective noir, post-apocalyptic vibes, and paranormal romance creates a style that’s both gritty and heartfelt, drawing comparisons to Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files.
Why The Hollows Resonates
The Hollows has left a lasting mark on urban fantasy, praised for its strong female protagonist and intricate world-building. Fans adore Rachel’s growth and the dynamic trio of Rachel, Ivy, and Jenks, whose banter and loyalty anchor the series. With awards like the RT Reviewers Choice for Dead Witch Walking, the series has built a loyal following, inspiring fan discussions on platforms like Goodreads and Reddit. Its exploration of trust, power, and coexistence continues to resonate, especially in a genre that thrives on diverse voices and bold storytelling.
- About The Hollows
- First published: 2004 (Dead Witch Walking)
- Total books: 18 novels, plus short stories and two graphic novels
- Awards: RT Reviewers Choice Award for Fantasy Novel (2004, 2007)
- Setting: Alternate Cincinnati, post-Turn
Ready to unravel demonic curses and join Rachel’s wild ride? Grab Dead Witch Walking and dive into The Hollows’s thrilling urban fantasy world today!