Sudden Backtrack by Kim Harrison Series: The Hollows
Published by Harper Voyager on 28 October 2014
Genres: Adult, Paranormal
Format: eBook
Source: Kindle Purchase
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The origins of the elf and demon war have been shrouded – until now. Told from a demon’s point of view, join Al as he helps Newt spin the curse that caused the elven downfall… and perhaps holds the beginnings of their own reclamations.
Sudden Backtrack is like a little bonus for the Hollows-lovers out there, as we get a little something from Al after the final full story.
My Sudden Backtrack review:
Sudden backtrack is very short, but oh so sweet! We get to see Newt, and the beginning of the war between the demons and the elves, and Newt truly is ready to go all the way to save the few demons who can still live and thrive in the ever after. I have to say that I wasn’t necessarily a huge fan of most of the elves during the whole Hollows series, and my reluctance with them was confirmed in this story.
Newt is shown as an extremely strong character in Sudden Backtrack, and I really enjoyed that Al (or Gally as he was called way back then) was at her side to help her, comfort her and make her stronger. It was interesting to see what happened to make Newt so random, and how she lost part of her memory, because that confirmed my love for her spacey character, and made me feel good about supporting her from the very first time I met her.
While Sudden Backtrack is very short, it is also extremely satisfying, and surely a must for all Hollows fans!
Some of my favorite Sudden Backtrack quotes:
“That’s not Peth. That’s Kalla.” The hunter’s name slipped from Gally with an oily hatred, hot and simmering, just below the point of ignition.
Well aware of it, Newt tugged the sleeves of her red robe down to hide the scar tissue around her thin wrists. It was Dali’s robe, and he was a great deal thinner and shorter than she, but Newt had been on the run the longest and her robe was threadbare, and embarrassment when trying to convince the “Goddess’s chosen” that the demons had a right to freedom.
Goddess. There was no Goddess; he clenched his hands until his nails left dents.
About Linda @ (un)Conventional Bookworms
Linda is an English as foreign language teacher and has a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. She's an avid reader, blogger, compulsive one-clicker and a genre omnivore. Ever since she learnt how to read she has been seen with a book or two in her hands everywhere she goes.
I’m glad this short story added so much to the overall story, Lexxie. I one-clicked it too, but I have to finish the series first…or at least, I want to. 🙂 I’ve always been an Al fan and I’ve always enjoyed Newt’s role in the story. I’m anxious to see this look into the past – to see how this part of the story was set in motion.
Happy Friday, my friend!! I hope your day is going well. **BIG HUGS**
You should finish the whole series before reading this one, it’s like the cherry on the cake, really, Brandee. The whole Hollows series is well done, and having a little extra bonus was great 🙂 *BIG HUGS*
Twitter: Mlsimmons
I really enjoyed it too. I wish we had something from Al from “present day”. I liked seeing what took place to start the war, but I really would like to see what Al would think of it today. I know some of his thoughts have changed, thanks to Rachel.
Oh, yes, I’d even read a whole spin-off series about Al, actually… He is such an interesting character 🙂
I often say it, but I mean it, I do need to catch up on that great series 🙂
Yes, Iza, you really do! LOL, I came late to The Hollows, but once I discovered it, I breezed through 10 books in just over a week 🙂
I love to see when someone really rallies behind a character and helps them and contributes to making them a stronger person
Me, too, Brandi. And Al is not exactly the character you’d most easily expect that from, either.
Twitter: talksupeblog
Is this after the last book? I’m really kicking myself for not pursuing The Hollows, I tried book 1 when the blog was just starting but it wasn’t my thing then and just gave up. What a stupid mistake!
Yes, this one is after the very last full novel. Hey, you still have time to catch up, Braine. I did a binge-read last year, and I just fell in love with the whole universe, and really, the overall story-arch is amazing!
Twitter: BerlsS
Yay! I think I’m holding on to this so its not truly over for me lol! But really looking forward to more Al and Newt!
I so know that feeling, Berls! I was one of the lucky readers to get an ARC for the last novel, and I was up to date with all the other books back then. When Sudden Backtrack came out, I was so happy to get yet another glimpse into The Hollows world 🙂
Good to see this short gave you greater depth to the series! It sounds like a must read for those enjoying the series!
Naomi @ Nomi’s Paranormal Palace
Yes, it’s like a special little present to find after you thought all the presents had been opened, Naomi 🙂