A Fistful of Charms

Written by Kim Harrison

Narrated by Marguerite Gavin

The author of the bestselling Dead Witch Walking makes her hardcover debut with this spellbinding new supernatural adventure featuring the highly original Rachel Morgan.

Things are going well for Rachel Morgan, witch, independent runner, and one-third of the runner service Vampiric Charms. She’s got a business, friends, even a semi-regular—and always-sexy—boyfriend. So what if Kisten is a vampire? So’s her roommate Ivy....

But an unexpected call for help sends her out of Cincinnati on a desperate trip to rescue the son of her business partner Jenks. It’s fun at first, even with dealing with a human-sized Jenks (you cannot believe how much trouble a 6-foot pixy can cause, especially when he looks like a supermodel...), but the road trip quickly turns dangerous when confronting an old love becomes a fight for survival. 

For seeing Nick Sparagmos again is the least of Rachel’s problems--the ancient, mystical statue he has stolen holds the key to sinister, wild magic that can change humans into Weres. And for the first time in milennia, the Were packs are banding together to overthrow human and Inderlander alike. The fight that follows will shake Rachel’s very soul...and she will never be the same.

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: May 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9780063010345

Kim Harrison

Kim Harrison is best known as the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Hollows series, but she has written more than urban fantasy and has published more than two dozen books, spanning the gamut from young adult, accelerated-science thriller, and several anthologies and has scripted two original graphic novels set in the Hollows universe. She has also published traditional fantasy under the name Dawn Cook. Kim is currently working on a new Hollows book between other, nonrelated, urban fantasy projects.

Reviews for A Fistful of Charms

[cherrybob_omb · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The Hollows series started off solidly, with the main character, Rachel, seeming like the kind of tough, feisty, smart character that I'd like to follow. By the end of this book I wanted to punch her in the face because she had become so amazingly stupid that I couldn't even understand what motivated any of her actions. It was as if every time there was some sort of conflict, the dumbest possible idea would pop into her head and she would insist that was the action that HAD to be taken without considering any other options or putting any thought into the matter.

In all fairness, she has acted stupid before- (spoiler if you haven't read #2) breaking into Trent's office, getting caught, then trying the exact same thing again, getting caught, then trying the exact same thing again. Because if at first you don't succeed, keep doing the same thing over and over again.

However, this time, her stupidity knows no bounds. What would you do if your ex had been kidnapped by hundreds of psycho werewolves? Knowing that last time you were attacked by just ONE werewolf, the only reason you didn't get killed was because you had a chance to shoot it with your gun that contains about 5 shots of spells, of course the rational response would be to go over the island yourself and rescue him, with one mere pixy and said gun capable of putting a few of the wolves to sleep for backup. Great plan Rachel!

I can't even begin to reflect upon the plan at the end, her romantic choices, her living arrangements and her complete ignorance of magic despite being a witch, for fear that my head will explode from the non-sense of it all!

[katiebear_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the fourth installment in the Rachel Morgan series, a fairly successful paranormal action/romance/fantasy type book. I've enjoyed the series to date, and this book did not dissapoint.I found the plot well thought out and forward moving, the characters like old familiar friends, and the tension in the book was palatable.The basic plot is that Rachel ends up helping out a friend to rescue his son, who is involved with Rachel's ex-boyfriend. While on task she learns about herself, her ex-boyfriends, and her situation at home. I think that the story was well crafted, and had a great (and appropriate) ending. It wasn't a great cliffhanger, nor was it a closed ending, but left a terrific segue to the next book.This book had the regular cast of characters, Rachel, Ivy, Kisten, Nick, Jenks, Ceri, etc. No Trent or Big Al, so that was interesting. I can't wait to see what happens with those two next!Anyway, this was a pretty good book, with no major sex (a sexual type scene happened, but it wasn't "sex" per se), a fair amount of cussing and violent and gory scenes. I would say that this book is definitely for 16 year olds and up.

[crazybatcow · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I really really liked this book. I would have to say it's the strongest so far in the series - the recurrent characters are fully fleshed, their behaviors are complex and believable and there was TONS of angst in this story! I love angst in stories, as long as it's not juvenile, and this certainly was not.It is really cool how Harrison has depicted Weres and Vamps as the distinct species they are - complete with characteristics that cause them to behave in ways that normally would not be acceptable if they were human. The Vamps and Weres are more than simply humans with special powers, they are completely different species from humans, and have weaknesses based on natural instincts (Weres have their drive to follow Aphas, Vamps have their blood-lust, etc.) And that's not even mentioning Pixies and how cool they are!I couldn't put the book down until I finished it, and now that I've finished it I need to start the next one because I wonder if Nick will slime his way back, or if Rachel will complete her relationship with Ivy, or Kisten, or maybe David? I can't wait to find out.

[conniejo_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I really liked this book, but I probably should have written this before reading the two after it, which were pretty fantastic and far better.This one deals mostly with werewolves that Rachael winds up confronting in Michigan in order to save Nick. Somehow, Nick has turned into a total jerk between the last book and this one, which is something I don't quite understand since he didn't really display all these criminal tendencies before... he was just a little shady.Easily the most awesome thing about this book was the fact that Rachael does this entire mission with Jenks, and uses magic to make Jenks... more useful. The novelty of this through the entire book never quite wore off, especially since Jenks is easily one of my favorite characters.Also, I believe the final confrontation takes place on the Macinac Bridge, something I have a bizarre obsession with. The setup for this con, both on Rachael's end and Nick's, is pretty impressive.

[cequillo · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

One of Harrison's better novels in the series. The action is non stop and the main characters are brought to the forefront in ways they've never been before.

[devilwrites · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The premise: ganked from BN.com: The evil night things that prowl Cincinnati despise witch and bounty hunter Rachel Morgan. Her new reputation for the dark arts is turning human and undead heads alike with the intent to possess, bed, and kill her — not necessarily in that order.Now a mortal lover who abandoned Rachel has returned, haunted by his secret past. And there are those who covet what Nick possesses — savage beasts willing to destroy the Hollows and everyone in it if necessary.Forced to keep a low profile or eternally suffer the wrath of a vengeful demon, Rachel must nevertheless act quickly. For the pack is gathering for the first time in millennia to ravage and to rule. And suddenly more than Rachel's soul is at stake.My Rating: Worth Reading, with ReservationsIt may have been me, but this book was a slower read. Part of it was, like I said, me: lots of stuff going on and not enough time to read. Yet certain sections felt like they were dragged out slightly longer than necessary, and when it comes to Rachel ruminated over the same facts or fears over and over and over, I could always use less of that. Still though, some pretty big things happen in this book, and I suspect Harrison's setting up for something much bigger. What, I'm not sure, but I know I'll be finding out soon enough.That being said, I'm taking a brief break from the series before moving on to book five, which is the last book in the series that I own. I think part of the slowness was the simple fact that I'm feeling overly familiar with the world and characters, so I wasn't as eager as I could've been to find out what happened next. Still, with the exception of book two, which really wore on my nerves, the series has been pretty enjoyable. Not perfect by any means, but interesting with an ever-expanding cast of characters who are increasingly enjoyable. I definitely look forward to continuing, but right now, I need a slight break. :)Spoilers, yay or nay?: Yay. Lots of spoilers actually, so if you're not caught up through this sucker (which is book four in the series), don't read the full review, which is located in my blog. For those of you caught up, feel free to check it out. The full review is linked to below, and as always, comments and discussion are most welcome.REVIEW: Kim Harrison's A FISTFUL OF CHARMSHappy Reading!

[mendoza_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This grat entry in the series plunges Rachel Morgan right in to the fray of things. In this one Rachel finds that her ex Nick has recruited her partner Jenk's son in some scheme that's gotten them both kidnapped by were's in Michigan. Through magic Jenks is able to take on human sized form and accompany Rachel to Michigan to rescue him. Harrison's world is complex and the series just keeps getting better as it goes.And I love the ode to spaghetti westerns in her titles.

[krisrich85 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an Urban Fantasy Novel and is one of my favorites in the genre. It is different enough from others that it leaves me wanting more. Rachel Morgan is a witch and bounty hunter. She is partners with Ivy Tamwood and Jenks. Kisten is a vampire and Rachel's current boyfriend, while Nick is human and Rachel's ex-boyfriend. All of these characters are very complex and sometimes almost too real. It is almost too hard to explain the relationships between the characters because they are so complex. The story seems to evolve around the relationships and how they are moving. My favorite is Jenks. I just love him. he may be small but he has a lot of heart and determination.

I enjoyed a life size Jenks in this book. The scenes when he is experiencing various human foods and such are just awesome. Nick is one of my least favorite characters in this series, the fact that he came back was kinda a bummer to me. There was something about him from the beginning that I didn't like. Rachel and Ivy's relationship is a big frustration to me, but it seemed to progress/change in the storyline of this book. Which I was happy about.

Kim Harrison is a great writer. There is nothing forgotten in this book. I enjoyed the continuation of the series. I will for sure continue in this series so that I can see what Rachel gets into next. I would for sure recommend this series, just know that it starts out a little slow.

[pacey1927 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is an entertaining, engaging read. I absolutely have grown to adore Jenks, Ivy, etc. Rachel does some self-realization in this book that we, the readers, realized a long time ago. Unfortunately Rachel comes across more as a self-pity party than anything else. The action is packed, and the scenes of her with her friends are among the best. Here she reunites with her estranged partner Jenks to rescue her ex-boyfriend Nick, who has turned into a class A jerk. (Ok, maybe he has always been a jerk, but now even Rachel can't deny it) Her feelings for Nick ring true, as many women will tell you. Even when a relationship is beyond done, even when you know your ex isn't a good person, there are still those past flames that you would go through hell and high water for, and Rachel does. Jenks and his son Jax provides some much needed comic relief. Kiston is missing from most of this book and Rachel's relationship with Ivy takes a turn. We are left with some teasers for the next books, but they aren't exactly uplifting. I will go into her next book eagerly, if slightly apprehensively.

[redderik_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you like to cheer for the underdog, this is your series. She just keeps making these crazy choices, and never backs down. Makes for an interesting life, that's for sure!

[kovi-21 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

My favorite book in the series.

Rachel finally decided Nick belongs to past, which I'd say is best thing she's ever done (I wasn't really fond of their relationship) and Jenks - my favorite character after Rachel ofc. gets much more space in this one. Though, Kisten not so much.

Also Rachel/Ivy relationship nicely progresses (just shame Kim kills this later as the series progresses - marketing I suppose).

A few cons, as usually there is rather a lot of typos, some things are badly explained and Rachel is as much naive as usually. Also her moral dilemas are getting little tiresome.

[magemanda · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

"Let's take a look at my track record. I live in a church with a vampire who is the scion of a master vampire who would just as soon see me dead. I date her old boyfriend, who used to be said master vampire's scion, and my ex-boyfriend is a professional thief who calls demons and trades information about me for tips to steal artifacts that can start an Inderland power struggle." This is the shape of Rachel Morgan's life as we go through the fourth book in Kim Harrison's series about the Hollows and the Inderlanders who inhabit it.In fact, in this story we take a road trip away from Cincinnati - Rachel receives news that Nick (her old flame) and Jenks' son Jax are in trouble, and sets out to help them. Since Ivy is supposedly unable to leave Cincinnati - otherwise Piscary gets pissed - Rachel invokes black demon magic in order to make Jenks...more useful. In the course of the story Rachel beats two Were alphas, discovers the existence of the Focus which could cause widescale warfare between Weres and Vamps, takes her relationship with Ivy to a new stage, and ogles Jenks......a lot! There is a lot going on in this book, and it rapidly became my least favourite so far. I enjoyed the interaction between Rachel and Jenks - particularly because his presence was so missed in the previous book - and the uniqueness of his situation in this book. It was also heartbreaking to realise along with Rachel that Jenks actually counts as an old pixy. I liked the set up of the plan, and cheered the double cross of Nick.However, there were many things I disliked or got tired of. Weres aren't really my thing, and so I found it difficult to stay interested in the main part of the plot. I ended up wanting to shake Rachel, because she came distinctly whiney in this book. Everything needed double or triple analysing and, because we're stuck in her head since it's all first person, we got to hear it all again and again and again. The Focus was suddenly thrust in as a new point having never been mentioned at all in any prior books, and hence came across as an extreme plot device. I also disliked the way Nick was treated - I mean, I never really liked the guy from the get-go and was relieved when he upped and left in the last book and paved the way for Kisten. But no one deserves to become such a jerk from being a fairly nice guy - it's almost as though Harrison got sick of the character herself or wanted to open the path for something else to happen in Rachel's future and so needed to get rid of Nick.Still, with all that said, this is still a great series and it sounds like there are explosive events ahead of Rachel - especially now that she has more of a handle on what makes her tick.

[lewispike · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

More Clint titles... more sassy writing, more high paced action, plus a couple of thoughts about why and some indications that Rachel just might be growing up a bit. Some big, big issues, use and abuse of power and killing people who want to die because they're in constant pain and have a terminal condition... not necessarily the easiest read on these topics, but wonderfully handledMore long term stuff resolved, more potential long term stuff thrown up. And almost no Trent, in fact he's mentioned by name and that's about it.This is the first one not set in Cincinatti and the Hollows (although it starts and ends there) and I have to say I miss it. I'm guessing Ms. Harrison lives there... she writes it almost alive, a character or perhaps two in the books. The out of town location makes a lot of sense to the plot, but like Rachel it feels like we're tourists to the place which leaves me feeling a little bit like missing an old friend. If I ever go there it will be interesting to see my reaction to the place.

[tuffstuff08 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Not the best of her books, but it was ok. It was nice to see Nick again...but it wasn't cool to find out that he is a total jerk.

[hoosgracie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A good outing for witch Rachel Morgan and her partners Ivy (vampire) and Jenks (pixie). Rachel heads to Mackinaw Island, MI along with a human size (due to a demon charm) Jenks to rescue Jenks' son Jax and Rachel's former human boyfriend Nick. They end up embroiled in a werewolf plan to take over the world.Harrison's books are reminiscent of early Anita Blake novels. Very action packed, with a touch of romance and sex.

[miyurose_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love, love, love this series! It is easily in my top two that I’ve read in the last couple of years. There’s tons of action, a little bit of romance, and more witches, vamps, weres, and pixies than you can handle. Harrison has created some surprisingly complex characters that grow, change, and adapt in book after book. Especially Rachel, who continues to find out that some people aren’t what they seem, and that it’s hard to live your life in black and white — sometimes those shades of gray are necessary. Jenks takes a pretty (ahem) big part in this one as he searches for his wayward son, something that could have been really gimmicky but instead worked seamlessly. There’s so much packed into this book, it’s hard to believe it only takes place over the course of a week. I have a feeling I’ll be listening to the next book sooner rather than later.

[nickeemattos_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Harrison has delivered again and from this latest installment has clearly honed her craft to firmly and defiantly carve out "the" preeminent position of being "the vampire and werewolf" chronicler. With a genre that has been lapped up seemingly by independent and conglomerate publishing companies alike, the alternate-verse reality novels have become big business as well as succor for the hosfrau masses who delight in those tales that cross-over into "vampire romance" ultimately manifested by the perpetual cha-ching of the cash register. But with the steady influx of both interest in the genre and hikes in sales, so comes lackluster authors such as Christine Feehan, Laurell Hamilton, and Amanda Ashley, whose unsteady craft, poorly developed characters, and grade school dialogue is slowly diluting a genre that was once vibrant and exciting to read. It seems that you can barely shake a cat in a roomful of authors who are penning the latest substandard "vampire" or "lycanthrope" novel. Not so with Kim Harrison. Harrison has taken the best elements of the lore and melded it with an ingenuity and imagination that is all her own. The suburbs of the Hollows have a sense of "realness" to readers, with little or no additional back-story that is so played out and prevalent with lesser novelists. It is a rare skill and economy of words to carefully hone the complex characters of Rachel Morgan, Ivy Tamwood, and Jenks the fearless pixy that readers can identify with: their humanness wrapped up tidily in their otherworldly-ness as well as the frail balance that exists between the Inderland population from that of humans. In Fistful of Charms, new readers and devotees alike will clamor to absorb the rough and tumble world once again with a supreme payoff. There is not a hint of Trent, Piscary, Big Al or any other of the regular baddies in this 3rd book of the series but is solely a tale of the intricacies that are woven between the partners of Vampiric Charms. What will make them fall apart? What will hold them together as they struggle once again to save Nick from himself? This time. Nick has in hand an artifact that could unravel the Vampire and Were balance completely...and Rachel must plunge directly into demon majick to save him. Can she escape the stains on her soul to save the others? While on this complicated journey, Ivy and Rachel's relationship takes a dramatic and frightening turn. Fans please hold in those gasps...it will be stunning....and I simply cannot spoil it for you. Brilliantly written and great fun, Fistful of Charms is highly recommended, and has established Kim Harrison as the reigning diva of supernatural thrillers (sorry Laurell!) Bravo! (c)Nicola Mattos 2006

[hopeevey · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I spent a lot of this novel wanting to slap the main character. I wondered, often aloud, "What the Turn is wrong with you?!" By the end of the novel, I actually had a pretty good idea of the answer, and so did she. The ending was definitely worth the being frustrated with her.

The story moves very fast, but stays coherent. Admittedly, I had to stop and do a mental review to keep up at times, but that's okay :)

I wasn't sure I'd like where the author went with this one, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. I've already reserved a copy of the next book. I'm trying not to think about the fact that there entire series isn't out yet!

[grapeapril75-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great series! Rachel is snarky and a kick a$$ chick! Jinx is hysterical and Ivy is a real bada$$! I may be crushing on Al, I know he is a demon but he is just so funny!

Terrific concept and truly entertaining tale!

[dbhutch_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Rachel Morgan is back, and her life just keeps getting more complicated. Jenks and his family have moved out, and he won't talk to her, things are getting more complicted with Ivy, and heating up with Kisten. She joins david to help him out with his insurance business, as well as insuring herself without costing a fortune. And then, here come the problems. David's company puts her up in a fight against a Were, since she signed on as David's alpha. Jenks talks to her, after she hears from her ex-nick, sort of. Seems when Nick took off, he took one of Jenks' kids with him, and they are in trouble in Michigan. doing her own run, Rachel now works on twisting 2 demon curses with ceri's help, one so she can Were, and the other to make Jenks human sized. Nick has gotten in bad with some Were's by finding something all though was lost, and that could start an all out superntural war and power struggle. In one of her most harrowing runs yet, Rachel gets closer to a lot of people, and learns she's managed to create her own family, granted, one thats just a little off. Like most families ;-)

[youthfulzombie · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rachel snorts.Ivy snickers.Jenks gets big.The good guys win.

[Stephen hutchinson · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have to admit I was not sure about this series at first I heard such great things but the first two books where hard to get through, even in an audio book. But each book seems to get better and better. If they are this good or better I am almost sad to know the series had ended.

[merrymeerkat · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This one is awesome! Hysterical cuss words by the fairy. I highly recommend this series. Especially if you like Vampires and Werewolves

[jeremypreacher · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

The series keeps improving - this one was actually pretty good. There's a couple nice changes of dynamics - the bulk of the action takes place out of town, Trent's not in the picture, Jenks is temporarily human-sized, and the focus is on Weres mostly, rather than vampires. The first half is a little slow, as Nick being in peril is not exactly pulse-pounding (and Jenks' son makes for a plausible secondary motivation, it's clear throughout he's written as secondary - they find him pretty much immediately and while he has a part to play later, he's a minor character.) But the second half is quite engaging, between the Weres, who are fairly credible opponents, and Ivy.

A moment about Ivy. I was super excited, the first time I read this book, that Rachel and Ivy would finally manage to sort out their differences. And the way it's played in this book is mostly great - there are some real revelations about both of their core motivations that make both of them much more sympathetic. But I cannot quite buy Rachel's dogged insistence that she's too straight to make it work - too much is made of a vampire's bite being irresistibly orgasmic. I am depressingly monosexual myself, but if I met a dude who could get me off by breathing on my neck, who I had a deep mutual friendship with, who was incidentally smoking hot, I could make an exception. I just don't buy it. It feels like a marketing decision, not an organic outgrowth of the characters.

The whole book feels a little bit like a side trip - none of the previous themes are touched on much. But it's a fun side trip - the best so far, I think.

[willowwaw · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great book by Kim Harrison. Very fun continuation of the series. I would recommend this book to others, a nice fun fluff read.

[sdtaylor555 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another Great Addition to this wonderful series! Drop Anita Blake and Grab on to Rachel Morgan!

[knielsen83 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have to say... I love this series. In this book you see Rachel come to terms with some of her faults and well... it's just an amazing book that keeps you on your seat. Jenks becomes the size of human and is a hunky piece of meet. There's some serious issues in this one, most of which that aren't solved... can't wait to start the next book!

[mlh2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Rachel has found her way into more trouble - okay, trouble found her this time. Rachel returns to defend herself and her decision to help a Were friend after joining his 'pack.' She quickly learned that no good deed goes unpunished (even if it was for selfish purposes too - he,he). Her relationship with Kistin continues and seems to find a tentative calm - for the time being. Though, I missed Kistin for much of this book. Rachel also finds herself discovering that the black and white of using demon magic isn't always to perfect and that there are definitely shades of gray that she has found herself slipping into. She also discovers an ugly truth about Nick - one that cuts her to the quick. Even though he has done some bad things - I still felt bad for him. One character that I missed dearly was Trent. That was probably why I have this book only 4 stars rather than 5. I enjoyed the tension between those two even though I'm enjoying the Rachel and Kistin's relationship and all the tension that goes along with it. The other thing that bothered me about this book was the constant harping that Jenk's would soon die. It is a sad thought, but it seems like the author is trying to prep us for the inevitable a little too much. I have a sad feeling that it will take a little away from the event whenever it does happen.Over all, I enjoyed this book - so much going on, but not so much that it seemed to desensitize me like the last book seemed to do. What's the deal with the constant need for coffee?

[simonw11 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Ms Harrison is starting to find her stride now. Her world is developing nicely,there is good plotting and reasonable characterisation. Jenks' eldest son Jax has been recruited to help steal something by Nick. And its gone wrong . Rachel and Jenks ride to the rescue

[letora · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

My Hollows reread continues as we count down to the release of American Demon!Werewolves have begun to gather in Michigan. Multiple packs are binding themselves to one wolf, and their behavior is erratic and aggressive. To make matters worse, Nick has stolen an artifact they all want. Now he's being held captive by the gathered wolves, and they will do anything to him to find their prize. A desperate call from Jax is the only clue Rachel has to find Nick before it's too late. And too much exposure to cold will put Jax into a deep hibernation he may never wake from. Jenks could care less about Nick, but he will do whatever he has to save his son Jax. Rachel and Jenks team up once again to go on what should be a simple grab and run. But can things ever be simple for Rachel?Rachel's been toeing the line between white and black magic, but this time around she may just have to twist a curse or two. She doesn't want to be labeled as a black witch, but without the curses, she may not survive. Society has conditioned her to believe that all black witches are evil, and yet not all curses are bad. But even if they don't require blood and sacrifice, the imbalance of nature they create stains the soul. If Rachel invokes a curse, her aura will be black. Anyone and everyone will know what she has done if she puts up a circle in front of them. Is it worth the risk?For the most part, Ivy is going to take a backseat in this one. Rachel and Jenks have catching up to do, and fences to mend. However, readers will have a chance to learn about Ivy's past and how she became the uptight living vamp we know. And while learning about your roommate's tortured past would scare most people away, it drives Rachel and Ivy even closer together.