A Fistful of Charms

A Fistful of Charms (2006) Kim Harrison

The fourth book in the Rachel Morgan series, A Fistful of Charms takes place several months after Every Which Way But Dead. Rachel and Ivy are still trying to figure out how to mend their relationships with Jenks, and Rachel is enjoying her relationships with Kistin, although she is unsure just where that relationship is going. Rachel also has to come to terms with her ability to work demon magic–and the stain such curses place upon her soul every time she crafts one.

As with the previous book, the strength of this book lay in the relationships between the characters, and the ways that those relationships are affected by the actions each of the partners takes.

I also particularly liked the fact that actions continue to have consequences. Rachel agreed to become David’s alpha almost unthinkingly (as she takes many of her actions) in the last book–now she must deal with both the positive and negative consequences of those actions.

But most importantly, Rachel is finally starting to consider the consequences of her actions. As she becomes more deeply involved in demon magic, she has to accept that the taint on her soul is permanent, and that her newfound powers don’t come without a heavy price. This was a very interesting way to make her more powerful without making that power overwhelming. Rachel now has access to almost unlimited abilities, but those abilities come at the price of her immortal soul.

As with Every Which Way But Dead, the story arc was completed in the book, although there were many threads left open, we were not left hanging for any major plot points.

There was also a lot less sex in this book. There was still plenty of sexual tension, but most everything elsewhere, which was perfectly fine with me.

There were a few things that bugged me. Jenks had initial trouble adjusting to the results of his potion, however, Rachel was able to deal with her new form almost immediately. Although she had some previous shifting experience, and the spell was crafted by her for her, I still thought she should have had a greater period of disorientation. I also had a hard time believing that there were not going to be hugely serious consequences for Ivy’s actions. However, perhaps well see those consequences in a later book.

I also liked the fact that the story went places I wasn’t expecting. Despite the fact that he has treated her badly, Rachel still insists upon saving Nick, never minding the peril that doing so places herself and her friends in. Although she is unsure about many things in this book, she still attempts to keep to her principles.

And don’t bother with the copy on the back of the book–it doesn’t seem to have much of a relationship to the book I just finished.

This was another solid addition to the Rachel Morgan series. If you’ve been reading along so far, then you are not going to want to miss A Fistful of Charms. If you have not read the previous books in the series, but are a fan of supernatural fantasy with strong female lead characters, then I recommend starting the Rachel Morgan series.
Rating: 8/10

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