Review: Magic Binds

Magic Binds (Kate Daniels, book 9) by Kate Daniels

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Magic Binds (1)

Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…

Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…

Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.

The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…

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Review:

“So far I had the god of evil and the god of terror on my side. My good-guy image was taking a serious beating. Maybe I should recruit some unicorns or kittens with rainbow powers to even us out.”

Another solid and awesome entry to one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series. Well one of my favorite series period. This one was a bit more predictable I admit. However, I like that it showcased Kate and Curran's trust in one another. Their discussions and relationship is so real. That's always been the greatest appeal of them and the story in the Kate Daniels verse. Well that and awesome characters with tons of depth! Boom! Of course we can't forget the witty banter.

I did enjoy that Kate got some revenge on Curran when he did THAT THING WHICH I WILL NOT TALK ABOUT that he did behind her back without her knowledge. Which is about time. (No matter what's happened after I'm still kind of steaming about it.) Of course I don't think he suffered as much. (What can I say I'm blood thirsty!)

The true joy of Magic Binds is the side characters. Roman is pretty present and is the force behind getting Kate's wedding planned. Yes. It is every bit of epic as you could imagine. Finally Curran gets his eyes open in regards to Jim. I have never liked Jim so I say it's about time. Each book he becomes an even bigger ass. The Andrews team is slowly wooing me into Derek and Julie relationship. (That's not a spoiler, if you guys are this far in you can't have not noticed the queues. If they don't end up together that will be the big shock.) Andrea starts out preggos and not by the end of the book! Yeah! So fun. Big reveals for many characters, old ones brought back, and so on. Truly a blast and for me where the real awesome aspects of the story lay.

It's really interesting watching Roland and Kate battle it out. Kate finding out how much she truly doesn't know about her powers and the land. Not to mention the struggle to change the future so that Curran and their not yet conceived son don't end up getting killed. It's an emotional wild ride that has the whole fate of Atlanta hanging the balance.

The Guild and the people there have always been something that interests me and I really wished they could have had even more time. Magic Binds felt more like a setup and a stepping stone to get to the boss fight.

At the end of this book my biggest question is what exactly happened to the flying horse? That after all was the closest thing to rainbow powers Kate got.

Content Warning: Sex scenes, but they're not graphic. The usual Kate humor and the violence. There's some minor cannibalism (wow, I've read enough cannibalistic books that I now use "minor" to describe it!). Brainwashed victim. Nothing shocking.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)

Review: Magic Stars

Magic Stars (Grey Wolf, book 1) by Ilona Andrews
(Kate Daniels, book 8.5) I suggest reading it as part of the series.

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Ebook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Magic Stars (8.5)

From award-winning author, Ilona Andrews, an original novella, set in the New York Times #1 bestselling Kate Daniels World and featuring fan-favorites, Derek, and Curran and Kate’s very independent ward, Julie.

Scarred, solitary Derek Gaunt has separated from his Pack, and is truly a lone wolf. With no family he answers to no one; but is fiercely loyal to a chosen few. So, when several of those close to him are murdered, he’ll stop at nothing to hunt their killer through the magic-drenched streets of Atlanta.

Never one to be left on the sidelines, equally determined—some might say stubborn—Julie Lennart-Olsen soon joins in his pursuit; and what began as revenge turns into a race to save the city. Their search pits them against powers they never imagined and magic so old, it predates history. It may cost Derek his life, but there are things for which even he would risk everything.

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Review:

Kate Daniel shorts are always magical. You don't necessarily have to read the Kate books to get them. And if you read the Kate books you don't have to read them, there is sometimes a general nod to them sometimes in the main story. So why are you reading them? You're reading them for the sheer joy of the world and characters the Andrews team has created. Magic Stars, to its credit, does more then just deliver comfort food. It expands on Derek! Which is really all I need to know. Plus, Julie is growing on me.

Despite it being super short, it feels like a full blown Kate Daniels book. (Well kind of.) I really hope there will be more Derek short stories. I loved that tantalizing tease about . . . well I'm not going to spill the beans. I'm very curious where Julie and Derek's relationship will go. To be honest I like Julie with another from a different short. I enjoy the sibling comradery of Derek and Julie.

As usual Andrews creates an awesome mythology and I loved the mythical creatures introduced. As a fairly new introduction to the shorts for the Daniels verse I think this is a pretty great place to start. I've only read two so far—yes, including this one—and I know I have to seek out more. (Though technically this is supposed to be the start of the Grey Wolf series, it's still part of the Kate reading material to me.)

Sexual Content: Some sexual humor, clean.

  
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8)  Magic Stars (8.5) Magic Binds (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Magic Stars (8.5) Magic Binds (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Magic Stars (8.5) Magic Binds (9) Untitled (10)

Review: Magic Shifts

Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, book 8) by Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Magic Shifts (8)

In the latest Kate Daniels novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews, magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlanta—and each crest leaves danger in its wake…

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

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Review:

The reason as to why this is now my favorite Kate Daniels book to date is because Kate and Curran actually get some serious time to interact. Curran botched it in Magic Rises (I’m sticking to my guns). He may have grudgingly earned my respect back in Magic Breaks, but I still had my doubts. Because now he's no longer the Beast Lord and I'm not sure how he's going to respect Kate in their knew lives. Especially as Kate played bait a lot and seemed to rely on Curran so much.

However, that's the beauty of it. Curran is holding himself back because Kate can handle herself. Even after one super scary (no really I prayed during this part of the book, because it could have been the worst game changer for this series) Curran loves and respects her enough not to put her under lock and key. Kate relies on Curran is a beautiful thing as she used to rely on no one, and she trusts Curran enough to have her back.

Oh, and the one liners and witty conversations. Bless you. I highlighted the crap out of this book. And I had to restrain myself from posting too many quotes in my Goodreads updates (no really just check them out!).

Julie is present and I think she's developed into a great character. Too be honest Julie's character never clicked with me. Here it did and I loved seeing Kate, Curran, and Julie be a family. Comforting each other, backing each other up in bloody situations. This is Kate and Curran's family after all.

For once I didn't feel like I knew the plot and how things would go. (Though I did call it on Kate and Curran's future child! I called it!) It's a wonderful build up for the next books and I loved how complex the mythology was here. Ghouls, djinn, flesh eating unicorns, giants turning into metal, and how old myths deal with the current tech and magic world. It was awesome.

While some favorite characters may have not gotten enough page time, others did. Jim and Dali as the knew Beast Lord couple are awesome! It will be interesting to see all of the Pack members that decide to follow Curran and Kate. The ones who already have are epic. One complaint is how Derek seemed to un-character build? I don't know but it feels like he hasn't aged and he's just this gloomy thing for this book. However, the rest of the epicness of Magic Shifts can not be ignored. I adored this and as I've mentioned it stands as the funniest and best entry yet into one of my favorite series.

Sexual Content: Plenty sexual humor, and sex scenes.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession!

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)

Review: Magic Breaks

Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels, book 7) by Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Magic Breaks (7)

No matter how much the paranormal politics of Atlanta change, one thing always remains the same: if there’s trouble, Kate Daniels will be in the middle of it…

As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, she must now deal with the affairs of the pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel ancient being with god-like powers. Since Kate’s connection to Roland has come out into the open, no one is safe—especially those closest to Kate.

As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend the Conclave, a gathering of the leaders from the various supernatural factions in Atlanta. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered there, apparently at the hands of a shapeshifter, Kate is given only twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war which could destroy everything she holds dear…

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Review:

I've always had doubts that the amazing Andrews team could rap up the whole Roland thing in seven books. For me it was only confirmed more so when there was a 5.5 book. So when they said this wasn't officially the ending, I rejoiced. Because there is so much to the world. And as the last book made clear Kate isn't ready. And after all the build up of how mighty Roland is . . . it would be wrong (and Marvel villain stupid) if suddenly Kate wins so fast. So despite having faith I was nervous. Why do I keep getting nervous? Andrews’ have proven their awesome writing skills!

What a solid entry! Not to mention a non-stop adrenaline rush. Hugh is so freaking amazing as this crazy-ass, obsessed-stalker villain. (Come on that's not a spoiler, we all knew Hugh wouldn't die so easy.) Andrews have created a book with a ticking clock and war on the horizon! Not to mention a “claiming”. And the much anticipated meet up of Kate and her father. What a family reunion.

Now I have to mention how awesome Roland is. Readers know he's evil and he must die. Must. Die. But after meeting him Roland is cool. He has humor for bookness sake! Much like Kate’s and I actually laughed at some of his actions/jokes/teasing. Bravo to Andrews for making a compelling ultimate bad guy. Because I look forward to getting to know Roland more. It's crazy, I loath Hugh more then Roland! Right now I'm curious and fascinated by Roland. Especially the stable of his other helpers, especially a certain Native American . . .

Overall Andrews brings the heat with character development. Especially in the case of Desandra. Man I love her now, which after the last book is not what I ever thought I would feel for her. Oh, and Curran is redeemed. 100% proving that Kate was right with her heart and trust. Which makes me so happy. As a couple they solve the issue of having to do things behind each others back. Well, actually, Kate does and I hope in future books Curran has learned. Because I'm still a bit leery after his actions from the last book. He's been redeemed, but there's still that suspicion.

Overall, this book is awesome!! The most suspenseful of the series and proving that the plots are just getting stronger. Man I want more of the characters and world! Every aspect just makes me so happy that I stuck it out for this series. While readers are rewarded with one villains death, some baddies need to stay dead! Because it could get tiring fast if after each epic battle that pushes readers to their limits with Kate and Curran—POOF! Oh, I'm alive again. Didn't even wait a whole book! Other then that, this book was awesome. Roland is a character I'm curious to get to know and let's be honest pretty the whole cast. Looking forward to how the next “arc” of the Kate Daniels series is going to go. Especially after that final note.

Short Story!

Speaking of wanting more of other characters, there is a short story at the end of the book. Well at least my copy. It focuses on Julie, which I really appreciate. Her character always felt so underdeveloped and just there to be a pawn against Kate. (Also, to make Kate seem more human.) It helps to show that Kate doesn't need to be a regular “normal” mom to be a good one for Julie. Julie doesn't need that, she's seen to much of life and needs someone like Kate. The way Kate sets her up to go to her new school, and that Julie knows Kate is working her, is brilliant.

It’s fun getting to know Julie. She really is a great character and I hope she has bigger interactions and roles in the future Kate books. Derek and Ascanio are really awesome and I love spending page time with them. But I want more. Also, I think this short is proof that the Andrews already have a very viable source for a spinoff, and it could be a Young Adult! (Though I do love the idea of a Roman spinoff.)

Either way, mission accomplished! I shall go forth and seek more shorts for this series.

Sexual Content: Oh-ho. What an upgrade! Fans are going to be super happy. ^_- *cough* Sex, sexual humor, and some dark themes—more like dark Hugh flirting. Nothing to make fans worry.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession! (For Magic Breaks.)

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it. (For the Short Story.)

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)

Review: Magic Rises

Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, book 6) by Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Magic Rises (6)

Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost.

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta.

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap…

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Review:

The Andrews team may not have wowed me with the first two books in the Kate Daniels books, but I'm glad I gave them another shot. Because they've won me over, with their other series and finally by book 3 of the Kate Daniels series. They're officially some of the top authors on my list and an instant buy. They've proven that they can write amazing couples (even if they are basic copies/outlines of each other, but lots of authors do that!), children (no really very few authors can do that), and great fantasy worlds. Magic Rises hit every sweet spot I’ve come to love from this series. Feeding the epic connections this series has with it's characters, there are consequences and not everyone makes it to the end of this book. The plot is ambitious and definitely a stronger one for the series. Kate and Curran are amazing together, well kind of . . .

Before I get into the rest of the review I have to say it. It took me until about book 3, Magic Strikes, to actually see Curran as a love interest. By the end of book 4, Magic Bleeds, I was really starting to get into Kate and Curran. Book 5, Magic Slays, turned me into a diehard fan of the couple. Then book 5.5, Gunmetal Magic, was a great look at the couple through others eyes, and I loved it. The warm and fuzzy intenseness of their romance was sweeping me off my feet within a few pages of Magic Rises. Kate and Curran's banter is even better than ever here:

“I elbowed Curran. Their Castle is bigger.”
He winked at me. “Mine is taller. It's not the size of the castle. It's what you do with it.” – Kate & Curran

Then Curran starts sniffing around another woman. I like that they can both admit that despite their love they're not to a point were they can 100% trust each other. Though I find it odd considering they'll die for each other without blinking, but they can't trust each other? While it's true if Kate's dad told her to come with him and he'd leave everyone she loves alive, she'd do it. Thus betraying Curran cause he would want to help her. Curran's betrayal was stupid and pointless. In the end it made me really dislike him. Kate's amazing, she can look after herself. And in the end she still ended up having to save her own ass from the very thing Curran was trying to protect her from. Curran just tossed a huge distraction in front of Kate to deal with. Yeah . . . my Curran enthusiasm is pretty low at this point. Bleep him. Bleep him and his fuzzy mane.

The rest of the book is amazing! It starts of on a dramatic note with some of Julie's friends going loup. They're these sweet little twins and Andrews wastes no time making you feel the pain. It's quickly established that panacea can help young shifters so that they don't go loup. And this is what the whole base of this book about. How important the children are and what everyone is willing to sacrifice to save them by obtaining it.

This book is intense, from the get go it's clear that Kate and Curran are walking into a trap. The trap gets deadlier as the mystery goes on and the real trap setter is revealed. This book is a rush and things are building up to Kate and her dad's final battle. All the ties and advice to the fact that Kate is no where near ready is great for the buildup. Magic Rises is a great entry and the biggest rush yet. Andrews isn't afraid to maim their characters, and this book doesn't just maim it kills off some great characters.

While Curran and Kate's love story ended up turning into a bitter thing for me, and only some amazing stuff can bring me back to feeling good about them as a couple, this book is a great entry. Magic Rises is the biggest adrenaline rush yet for the series. There's fabulous blending of mythologies here. Just what I love about the series. New monsters to feed readers' imaginations. The development of Kate’s place in the pack without Curran as a factor is great, especially seeing others loyalty to her. An overall fantastic book for characters—except for Curran. Oh, I'm ready for the next entry all right!

Sexual Content: Mmmm, the most graphic sex scene I’ve read from these two yet! Sexual humor, talk, and such.

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)

Review: Gunmetal Magic

Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, book 5.5) by Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Gunmetal Magic (5.5)

After eviction from the Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea is a wreck. She starts work for best pal PI Kate Daniels. Shapeshifters under Raphael Medrano — Clan Bouda male alpha, Andrea’s ex-lover — die suddenly at a dig site. With Raphael, she seeks killer in deep dark Atlanta. Her feelings for him may take a back seat to saving the world…
Bonus: Kate Daniels novella "Magic Gifts"

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Review:

Yes! It was everything I had hoped it would be! Sure some of my illusions of Andrea were kind of shattered, but overall I still love her and enjoy her bad ass self. Seeing Kate and Curran from Andrea's eyes was awesome, even more when they both stepped into the story. Raphael actually kind of transformed into a ninny for me . . . but hey.

First off both Andrea and Raphael make stupid mistakes, mainly caused by miscommunications. Though Raphael assuming the worst and being unable to walk in someone else's shoes does not help things. What’s worse is that he brings a “finance” into the equation dragging her into Andrea's place of work, even after Andrea extends the olive branch. What's worse—yes, more—is that I find every move Raphael makes from there on rude, childish, and not in the least bit showing how he feels for Andrea. It takes a while for me to feel love, but Andrea certainly feels it. After each aggressive move by Raphael she keeps promising revenge. She turns him on and makes out . . . but of course she's totally into it and it doesn't feel like any kind of revenge. Not to mention the fact that when she FINALLY makes her move it's more hilarious and she caves right after. Which is fine, but like Andrea states Raphael is sooooo spoiled. Man needed some bones broken.

Still, I loved it! Minor annoying things aside. Because Andrews makes amazing characters. Which we get to enjoy even more by seeing those beloved characters through other character's eyes. The world is awesome seeing from the eyes of a shifter, especially someone who is a “social leper” in the shifter world. Seeing the shifter politics are awesome. Especially as Andrea navigates her way into joining them.

More god plot lines here and lot's of fun. Namely Roman. Roman. Roman. Roman. While I'm bothered that he got third wheeled in Andrea's little love drama. You can't blame Andrea for wanting to try something with Roman. Roman is a character that I loved to death in Magic Slays, and now I LOVE'EM to DEATH. No really. There has to be more Roman time. If there was a spinoff for him, I'd be all over it. Since there probably isn't going to be, I just hope there will be more book time for him in the future. Because he is all kind of awesome! ****(The authors answered some questions about the future of the series and Roman is a character they wouldn’t mind doing a spinoff for!! Yeah!!)****

Overall another great read from my favorite authors. The Kate Daniels universe is fantastic and with each new entry the series keeps getting better and better. The characters and world are mesmerizing and gritty. Everyone has a past. Each move has a consequence. Oh, and the humor is fantastic as usual. Banter is the name of the game with the couples and Andrews bring their A game. In the end while I want more “Kate” books, I won’t be too nervous if they have to tell the story from another view point again.

Sexual Content: Some making out, sex scene, sexual humor/banter, and some jesting. Overall some good times.

 
3/5- Adored it, just a few minor details held it back.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)

Review: Magic Slays

Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, book 5) by Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: Paperback
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Magic Slays (5)

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job.

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate.

So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price . . .

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Review:

Yes, I enjoy the Kate Daniels universe and love the dialog between Curran and Kate. However, up front I am going to say that as Urban Fantasy plots go the books are pretty predictable. Magic Slays was well, very predictable! I had the plot figured out from the first introduction of the “machine”. It was time for the cult crazy magic hating humans . . . it was just time. They show up in every paranormal title at some point. Especially Urban Fantasy. Oh, and a certain character getting messed up . . . boy wonder already got smacked down hard. It was time that someone else was on the chopping block. That whole Julie plot from start to resolution was there with glaring neon lights. It's the curse of reading too many books! (Or maybe overthinking plot points once things are introduced.)

The true enjoyment of Magic Slays is the character development. Curran and Kate are together now, and I had some reservations about how the series would go on from the last book. Gosh, I shouldn't have worried. Kate will never be a damsel. She might accept help from her mate, but she is not a damsel. The way Kate reacts to being in love is so realistic that I can't believe it! Curran and Kate save each other. What's more is that Curran really proves the depth of his love and commitment to Kate here. Be prepared to swoon.

The side characters are totally awesome! Nothing makes me happier then witty dialogue, except maybe realistic dialogue between characters. Their interactions just send my head into a spin of fan-freaking! New characters are introduced effortlessly, friends become enemies, and nothing felt forced. That is the real magic of Andrews for me. Characters and their development. Yes I can see the plot coming, you can in a lot of books, the saving factor for me is always the characters.

And of course world building. Which is still as epic as ever! Political workings of Kate as mate to the Beast King is amazing, and I love how it ticks. Even more is how the witches and sorcerers are so connected in Atlanta and how they function, or dysfunction. The overall Daniels' universe came together beautifully here. Blending in the plot to some big reveals that left this reader very happy.

Don't worry this series is not losing any steam, it's a juggernaut of awesomeness and now that I've read this entry I have total faith in the Andrews writing team. Gunmetal may not be another Kate Daniels book, but now I have the faith to trust Andrews in their decision to “step out” of the series to help it along. Magic Slays is a feast for world and character building. Curran and Kate are more then just a good idea, they're epic. No burn out after the hookup, maybe that's the magic of having a wife and husband write the couple getting together? Usually the realistic qualities of the relationship die out after the couple finally gets together in Urban Fantasy. Finally after the last book and this one, I am now reborn as a diehard Kate Daniels fan.

Sexual Content: Mild sex scenes, plenty of sexual humor!

 
4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

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Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW:	Amazon:	Goodreads:
Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)	Magic Bites (1) Magic Burns (2) Magic Strikes (3) Magic Bleeds (4) Magic Slays (5) Gunmetal Magic (5.5) Magic Rises (6) Magic Breaks (7) Magic Shifts (8) Untitled (9) Untitled (10)