Hollows Read-along to AMERICAN DEMON discussion

What were your thoughts when Ceri first turned up? I'm pretty sure that both my image of her physically and a character has changed as I've re-read the series. (No spoilers here). But - I think the biggest clue to the 'soul' of this woman that Kim gives at the outset is Al's chastisement for her lack of shoes.

I'd love to know what people thought of her at first introduction and what struck them in this first interaction.

I thought she was very much a child at first. Mentally as much as physically. The poor woman was absolutely broken.

I think Rachel literally saved her. Ceri needed an intervention to find herself and her sanity again.

Being with Al was a horrible domestic violence situation.

I loved her! Anyone who goes around barefoot in the snow is my spirit sister!
I loved when she went to go live with Keasley. That was a great idea.

I thought it was interesting that right up until the very moment that Ceri appeared- though Rachel had offered herself up as Al’s familiar, and though she was aware that demons used people for their familiars, I don’t think Rachel had ever given a whole lot of thought to who or what had been Al’s current familiar. Maybe it had never really computed for her that she would be someone’s replacement, maybe she had a picture in her head of what kind of person would be most likely to end up as a demon’s familiar. Maybe it didn’t occur to her that she would ever see them.

Valerie wrote: "I thought it was interesting that right up until the very moment that Ceri appeared- though Rachel had offered herself up as Al’s familiar, and though she was aware that demons used people for thei..."
I kind of think that Rachel always assume that anyone trafficking with demons deserve to get caught by a demon. Of course that was until she was forced to deal with demons. Made things a little more real for her I think. Give her a little bit more of that gray area that we’re always talking about her learning.

Danielle "Nae" wrote: "Valerie wrote: "I thought it was interesting that right up until the very moment that Ceri appeared- though Rachel had offered herself up as Al’s familiar, and though she was aware that demons used..."

This is kind of what I always think too; Rachel is still fairly immature in this book and somewhat ignorant to other species, both of which lead to assumptions. I agree that at first Rachel assumes those dealing with demons deserve what they get. However, once she sees Ceri in her broken state, she starts to think differently.

I love Ceri!! Her ability to see the good in all things (her child like qualities), like walking outside with no shoes on. Her understanding of the demon world. Is what cements her and Rachel’s relationship.

I love all the comments about... and I was thinking all of the same things!!

Agreed!!!!

I enjoy Ceri, they seemed to make instant friends, but I loved Jenks reaction when Rachel first took her back home, barefoot and all. I think the demon may have used Ceri in some type of demented way to mess with Rachel's head.

I really do love Ceri! She is so resilient and her true spirit does flicker from her introduction, with her refusal to wear shoes. Ha, that just makes me giggle thinking this is Ceri giving Al "the finger"! I too love that Ceri and Keasely live together; they provide mystery, warmth and love throughout the book.

This was a good counterpoint for Rachel: so far, all the elves she had met were untrustworthy, having hidden motives. Ceri was the opposite; she was grateful to Rachel. She had no reason to hide who she was to Rachel, and openly supported the witch. It always seemed to me that this is what elves used to be like, before the Turn.

Nickie wrote: "I really do love Ceri! She is so resilient and her true spirit does flicker from her introduction, with her refusal to wear shoes. Ha, that just makes me giggle thinking this is Ceri giving Al "the..."

Yeah Ceri giving Al the finger was hilarious. Made me wonder if demons in the after give each other the finger but familars aren't allowed too, lol. Or did she learn this from Keasly. Or maybe someone else?

I love Ceri. When she makes her appearance she has given up on ever being free. She has been through so much with Al that she never thought she would see real light on her skin ever again. It was as if she just flopped around. So to be rescued by someone was a total shock to her. She was in such bad shape by the time she was removed from Al’s care. Even though he loved her he didn’t actual remember how to love anyone correctly. I actually feel for both of them. Maybe she should have been killed at this point. It’s hard to say what would have been right or not. Just look how long she had been abused. 🤷🏼‍♀️ She really need some strong medication and lots of therapy.

One thing I noticed during the reread: When Ceri first meets Quen and Trent Rachel introduces her with her full name. But later on, (I think in The Outlaw Demon Wails), Trent is surprised to learn that Ceri is a Dulciate. I guess everyone was too distracted by Ceri slinging black magic around to notice that little detail:)

I noticed this, too.