Intense prequel to the Hallows series!

The Turn: The Hollows Begins with Death (Hollows #0.5)  by Kim Harrison. 

                               

To Trisk, a dark elf, it seems she's  been fighting  her whole life for recognition. Her brilliance in the field of genetics goes largely unacknowledged. That's what burns her up. Her elf rival Kal will stop at nothing to interfere with her research.The fact that Kal cannot see beyond his driving ambition and blind jealousy to the damage that he will inflict on all species--human and paranormal plays to Kal's driven obsession. Plague sweeps the planet, and Kal is ensuring that Trisk is blamed.

This is the world before Rachael Morgan. A world where paranormals are hidden, tweaking humanity's developments.

There are some fascinating characters including the human scientist Daniel, Quen her elf friend who's a security wiz, and the pixie warrior Orchid. 

I was enthralled, aghast at the darstardly Kal and totally sympathetic towards Trisk.

A NetGalley ARC

*****