Picture a Michigan-born storyteller who conjured a world where witches, vampires, and pixies roam Cincinnati’s streets—meet Kim Harrison! Writing under the pen name Dawn Cook, Harrison revolutionized urban fantasy with her spellbinding The Hollows series, blending gritty action, heartfelt characters, and a dash of supernatural charm. Her tales of bounty hunter witch Rachel Morgan have captivated readers worldwide, earning her a spot as a New York Times bestselling author.
Born in 1966, Harrison’s knack for weaving intricate worlds has made her a standout in contemporary fantasy, with a career spanning urban fantasy, young adult novels, and even graphic novels. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this enchanting author!
The Making of Kim Harrison
Raised in Michigan’s Midwest as the only girl among a pack of brothers, Kim Harrison (real name Dawn Cook) was a self-proclaimed tomboy who crafted the first Brigadier General Barbie for fun. Her love for storytelling sparked at age 15, fueled by a passion for science and fairy tales. After earning a science degree, she honed her craft for a decade, facing the ups and downs of an aspiring writer. A pivotal moment came when she met her agent at a writing convention, leading to a partnership with editor Diana Gill. In 2004, Harrison’s debut, Dead Witch Walking, launched The Hollows, letting her quit her day job to write full-time.
Kim Harrison’s Unforgettable Stories
Harrison’s The Hollows series, also known as the Rachel Morgan series, is her crown jewel, spanning 18 novels, eight short stories, and two graphic novels. Set in an alternate Cincinnati where a genetically modified tomato virus, dubbed ‘The Turn,’ decimated humans and revealed supernatural beings like witches and vampires, the series follows Rachel Morgan, a witch-turned-demon bounty hunter. Her adventures with partners Ivy Tamwood, a living vampire, and Jenks, a feisty pixie, blend high-stakes action with deep emotional bonds.
Key works include Dead Witch Walking (2004), which introduces Rachel’s gritty world; The Outlaw Demon Wails (2008), diving into her demon heritage; and The Witch With No Name (2014), the series’ emotional finale—though Harrison later revived it with American Demon (2020). Her writing style merges scientific precision with magical flair, creating a believable yet fantastical universe. Beyond The Hollows, Harrison’s Peri Reed Chronicles, like The Drafter (2015), explore futuristic suspense, while her traditional fantasy under Dawn Cook, such as First Truth (2002), showcases her versatility.
Harrison’s stories stand out for their character-driven narratives and intricate world-building. Themes of loyalty, identity, and moral ambiguity resonate, with Rachel’s growth from impulsive witch to powerful demon reflecting Harrison’s knack for emotional depth. Her use of puns in titles, often riffing on Clint Eastwood films, adds a playful edge.
Why Kim Harrison Matters
Kim Harrison redefined urban fantasy by blending supernatural thrills with relatable characters, earning praise from peers like Charlaine Harris, who called Rachel Morgan a must-love bounty hunter. Her innovative world, where genetic engineering replaces the Space Race, expanded the genre’s boundaries, inspiring authors like Kelly Gay. The Hollows has topped bestseller lists and built a devoted fanbase, with fans on platforms like Reddit begging for more Rachel Morgan adventures. Harrison’s ability to weave science and magic continues to influence the genre, making her a trailblazer in modern fantasy.
About Kim Harrison
- Born: September 30, 1966, in Michigan
- Key Works: The Hollows series, Peri Reed Chronicles, First Truth (as Dawn Cook)
- Awards: RT Reviewers Choice Awards for Dead Witch Walking (2004) and For a Few Demons More (2007)
- Fun Fact: She plays the Ashiko drum when no one’s listening!
Ready to explore a world of witches, vampires, and pixie-sized attitude? Snag Dead Witch Walking and dive into Kim Harrison’s thrilling urban fantasy!