The Hollows Series in Order

About the Hollows series

Series Premise

The series is set in an alternate present where, after the 1960s "Turn"—a bio-engineered tomato plague that decimated humanity—supernatural species (witches, vampires, werewolves, pixies, demons, elves, and more) emerged from hiding and integrated into society. Humans are now a minority, and Cincinnati (divided by the Ohio River, with the supernatural side called "The Hollows") is a hotspot for tension, crime, and magic.

The core premise follows Rachel Morgan, a powerful earth witch and former Inderlander Security (I.S.) "runner" (bounty hunter). In Dead Witch Walking, Rachel quits the corrupt I.S. agency after a job gone wrong, cashes in leprechaun wishes for independence, and forms Vampiric Charms, a freelance runner service with partners Ivy Tamwood (living vampire) and Jenks (pixy). Early books focus on Rachel evading a death bounty from the I.S., breaking demon curses, and taking high-risk jobs involving black magic, vampires, werewolves, and other threats.

As the series progresses, Rachel discovers her true heritage (witch-born demon), masters ley-line and demon magic (despite her ambivalence), and becomes entangled in larger conflicts: demon politics, ancient curses, elven conspiracies, and existential threats to the supernatural world. The overarching plot evolves from personal survival and freelance gigs to epic battles for power, redemption, and the fate of the Inderlander/human balance. Recurring motifs include the cost of power, moral gray areas (Rachel uses dark magic when necessary), found family, and the tension between human and supernatural societies.

Main Characters

Rachel Morgan is the protagonist: a powerful witch (later revealed as witch-born demon) with red hair, green eyes, and a stubborn streak. Bounty hunter, curse-breaker, and reluctant hero, she's brave, impulsive, and deeply loyal, struggling with her growing dark magic and past trauma.



Ivy Tamwood is Rachel's living vampire partner: elegant, tall, pale, bisexual, and haunted by her vampiric nature. Skilled fighter and strategist, she shares a complex, devoted bond with Rachel (often interpreted as romantic tension).



Jenks is the pixy: small, winged, foul-mouthed, and fiercely protective. With his wife Matalina and large family, he's comic relief, scout, and moral compass.



Supporting cast includes:

- Trent Kalamack (elf, businessman, sometimes ally/enemy/love interest): Charismatic, powerful, with hidden depths.

- Algaliarept (demon): Sarcastic, manipulative, Rachel's demon familiar/teacher.

- Bis (gargoyle), Newt (demon), Ceri (elf), and others who add political intrigue and alliances.

Setting

The primary setting is Cincinnati, Ohio, in an alternate present where the Ohio River divides human and Inderlander territories (the supernatural side is "The Hollows"). The city blends modern urban life with magical elements: ley lines crisscross the landscape, demons live in the ever-after (a hellish parallel dimension), vampires claim territories, pixies guard gardens, and werewolves run packs.



Key locations include:

- Rachel's church (a converted sanctuary home for her, Ivy, and Jenks).

- The Hollows (vibrant, dangerous supernatural neighborhoods).

- Cincinnati's streets, universities, underground markets, and suburbs.

- The ever-after (demonic realm of red skies, floating islands, and ley-line energy).



The world feels lived-in: post-Turn society with Inderlander laws, black-market magic, and interspecies tensions. Cincinnati's real geography (bridges, river, hills) grounds the fantasy, while magical elements (ley lines, spells, curses) add wonder and danger.

Tone & Themes

The tone is gritty, witty, and emotionally layered—urban fantasy noir with sharp humor, steamy tension, and high-stakes action. Harrison delivers fast-paced plots, clever twists, and visceral fights, balanced by Rachel's sarcastic first-person narration, snarky banter, and relatable internal struggles.

Violence is graphic but purposeful (demonic battles, vampire attacks, magical explosions), exploring trauma, addiction (to power or blood), and ethical dilemmas. Humor shines through Rachel's dry wit, Jenks' irreverence, and absurd situations amid chaos. The mood shifts from comedic early books to darker, more introspective later entries, with themes of identity, forgiveness, and the seductive danger of power. It's sexy (romantic entanglements with vampires, demons, elves) without being explicit erotica, empowering yet vulnerable—Rachel is flawed, fierce, and fiercely loyal. The series appeals to readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy with bite.

Kim Harrison's Hollows series endures as a defining urban fantasy epic, spanning 18 novels of magic, mayhem, and moral complexity in a vividly reimagined Cincinnati. Through Rachel Morgan's sarcastic, resilient journey—from fugitive runner to demon-touched powerhouse—the books blend thrilling action, sharp humor, steamy tension, and profound character growth. With its rich world of witches, vampires, pixies, and demons, the saga explores power's cost, found family, and redemption amid high-stakes supernatural politics. Whether battling curses in the ever-after or navigating alliances in the Hollows, Harrison delivers addictive storytelling that balances gritty danger with emotional heart. For fans of urban fantasy with bite, the series remains a must-read—groovy, dangerous, and utterly captivating. Rachel Morgan's world is one you won't want to leave.