Saturday Smack Down: The Hollows versus Future Atlanta

Today’s Saturday Smack Down takes on a different twist as we pit world against world, colorful existence against colorful existence and the rich characters that populate both. In this corner, weighing in with over a half-dozen books are The Hollows by Kim Harrison and in our opposing corner are the lands of future Atlanta by Ilona Andrews. Each world is so vivid and real, it is easy to imagine walking around the corner and right into the pages of these wonderful novels.

As always, your vote decides which one you would most like to visit? Which one could you see as a great vacation destination? In honor of our holiday giveaway, I want to give a gift of my own. This week’s winner will receive a $10 Gift Certificate to Barnes and Noble.

The Hollows

Imagine a world where cracking the DNA code lead to genetic manipulation of everything from food to animals to people. Now imagine that one genetic mutation in an altered tomato crop wipes out over a quarter of the human population. As a result, all genetic engineering is outlawed and humans develop a very real aversion for tomato products including ketchup and pizza.

The weres, witches, pixies, fairies, elves and even vampires came out because of so many human deaths. They were unaffected by the virus wiping out the human population. The outing of the “Inderlanders” became known as the Turn, changing society and laws across the nation. The Hollows is a region of Inderlanders near the city of Cincinnati where the runner Rachel Morgan lives. Rachel has her own set of issues, but she shares a business with Ivy, a hereditary vampire and Jenks, a pixie and his family in an old church.

Future Atlanta

In a future version of Atlanta where magic dominates, cars stall and guns fail in one moment and in the next it’s magic that collapses, leaving homes defenseless against monsters. Were creatures prowl the streets and necromancers thirst for knowledge. It is a world where everyone has an agenda from the packs to the covens to the councils and the mercenary guilds. Kate Daniels lives in this world where magic is in her blood, she can use a sword or a gun and she is a target. She also has a beast lord for a romantic interest.

Like Rachel Morgan, Kate’s blood makes her special and makes her hunted. Like Rachel, she has got a smart mouth and a penchant for trouble. And like Rachel, she wants to do the right thing – most of the time. They live in two very different, but colorfully populated worlds.

Future Atlanta or The Hollows?

You decide.

Comment for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.

Last Week’s Winner

Angelus wins hands down over Damon Salvatore. It seems that our readers find a great deal more sympathy in the Salvatore brother who hides passion and love in his heart versus the demon Angelus who revels in cruelty and abuse for those around him. Our winner has been notified via email!

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A lifelong writer turned author, Heather Long's first book Remembering Ashby is available for purchase at Sapphire Blue Publishing. Coming soon is the urban fantasy: Prime Evil. The Daily Dose explores books, television, writing and more -- all topics that Heather enjoys.

NOTE: all comments here will be included in the Daily Dose giveaways so you can leave your nomination below or on the Daily Dose blog. If you comment and nominate someone on the Fresh Fiction page for the Daily Dose you'll also be entered in our special Secret Elf sweepstakes, the winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate and the person they nominate will also receive a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate on December 20th.