A Perfect Blood (The Hollows, #10) Summary & Key Insights

Kim Harrison's A Perfect Blood, the tenth installment in the Hollows series, finds Rachel Morgan, the demon-hunting witch, facing a crisis of immense proportions. The relatively peaceful existence she’d carved out in Cincinnati is shattered when a devastating plague sweeps through the city, turning its inhabitants into rabid, bloodthirsty creatures. This isn't your average disease; it's a meticulously crafted biological weapon, deliberately unleashed upon the unsuspecting population.

The plague's origin points to the elusive and powerful Order of the Obsidian Ring, a shadowy organization that manipulates events from the background. This group, with its enigmatic leader, is revealed to be far more insidious and strategically advanced than Rachel had ever anticipated. Their goal seems to be nothing less than the complete annihilation of the Hollows, the supernatural community Rachel protects and, to a degree, belongs to. This attack forces Rachel to confront a level of threat far beyond her usual skirmishes with demons and rogue elementals.

Along with her familiar cast of supporting characters – the gruff but loyal Trent, the enigmatic Ivy, and the ever-resourceful Jenks – Rachel must navigate a treacherous landscape of political intrigue and supernatural threats. The plague forces uneasy alliances with individuals she would typically distrust, highlighting the necessity of collective effort against overwhelming odds. The lines between friend and foe become increasingly blurred as suspicion and paranoia spread alongside the infection. Kisten, Rachel's former mentor and a pivotal figure in her past, plays a complex role, adding further layers of conflict and moral ambiguity.

The investigation into the plague's origin leads Rachel to unexpected discoveries, revealing long-hidden conspiracies and shocking truths about the history of the Hollows and the forces that seek to control it. The narrative weaves together elements of mystery, action, and supernatural horror, keeping the reader engaged in Rachel's desperate race against time to find a cure and expose the perpetrators behind the attack.

Central to the plot is Rachel's continued struggle with her identity and her place within the supernatural world. She wrestles with her own moral compass, grappling with the difficult choices she must make in the face of overwhelming adversity. The overarching theme of survival, both individual and collective, permeates the narrative. The novel explores the fragility of peace and the lengths to which people will go to protect those they care for, ultimately highlighting the strength and resilience of the Hollows community in the face of annihilation. The book culminates in a dramatic showdown, setting the stage for future conflicts in the ongoing saga.