Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6) Review

Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6)

Ilona Andrews

Publisher: Ace Fantasy

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...

Who says after a couple gets together life gets boring...? For Kate and Curran life together is just as challenging and exciting as before but the stakes are higher than ever before. Kate is now the Beast Lord’s Consort and this means as well as being Currans other half she has responsibility for the Pack. So she and Curran find themselves heading to Europe in order to obtain some vitally needed medicine that will help save the Pack’s children from going loup.

Wow. Just wow. 

This series set such a high standard and it sends a little of thrill of excitement down my spine that the quality is maintained, the world is expanded and the characters grow and change. No-one is safe and even surviving doesn’t mean that life will be the same. Kate has let Curran into her heart completely and the vulnerability that gives her is a different side of the character. Especially when she is surrounded by shapeshifters who make assumptions she is weak as she isn’t one. The wider plot with Kate’s father is expanded as well in some very intriguing ways.

When I picked up this book I was immediately sucked back into Atlanta and world ravaged by magic, I didn’t want to leave and just wanted to continue stalking Kate,Curran, Andrea, Doolittle and the others as long as possible. There is plenty of action, soul searching and intrigue in equal measures. My one niggle was Curran’s behaviour was while ultimately noble, was still not giving Kate enough credit. However, any book which gets my adrenaline pumping, my heart thumping and where anything can happen is always a good time.

There are some big changes by the end of the story and I have no idea what is in store for Kate and the Pack next...and I have a long wait until the next book is out!

Recommended for fans of Jim Butcher and Karen Chance. 9.5 out of 10.

Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels #5.5) Novella

Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels #5.5)

Ilona Andrews

Kindle Book

A dinner date after a hard day at work sounds heavenly. Of course, when that date is between the Beast Lord and Kate Daniels, things don’t go as planned. Before you know it, undead are running amok, heads are being chopped off, lawyers are deployed and used with extereme prejudice, and drunk vikings are calling people out.

Magic Gifts is exactly that – a magical gift to fans of Kate Daniels and Curran. Set at the same time as the start of Gunmetal Magic, this story basically explains why Kate isn’t around much at the beginning of Andrea’s story. While out having dinner Kate and Curran end up becoming involved with the People, when one of their young apprentices loses control after given a necklace.

This is not a world or even Atlanta threatening situation and it’s nice to see how Kate and Curran work together in, what is for them, a regular day. They still don’t always see eye to eye and as ever chaos and is never too far away. The action scenes are fun, exciting and just what you expect from the pair. I especially enjoyed the Viking Hall and the confrontation in the glade, which gives you good background for a scene in Gunmetal Magic.

Another element I enjoyed was Jim’s juggling act between his responsibilities, his friendships and his loyalties as without meaning to Kate and Curran rely on him far too much. The resolution of the Mercenery Guild sub-plot could through up some interesting curve-balls for future adventures as well. Overall this is a great side adventure for one of my favourite book couples and an enjoyable couple of hours!

Recommended for fans of Karen Chance and Kelley Armstrong. 8.5 out of 10

Gunmetal Magic Review

Gunmetal Magic (World of Kate Daniels #1)

Ilona Andrews

Publisher: Ace Fantasy

After being kicked out of the Order of the Knights of Merciful Aid, Andrea’s whole existence is in shambles. She tries to put herself back together by working for Cutting Edge, a small investigative firm owned by her best friend. When several shapeshifters working for Raphael Medrano—the male alpha of the Clan Bouda, and Andrea’s former lover—die unexpectedly at a dig site, Andrea is assigned to investigate. Now she must work with Raphael as her search for the killer leads into the secret underbelly of supernatural Atlanta. And dealing with her feelings for him might have to take a back seat to saving the world...

Can these couple write a bad book? Thankfully for fans, the answer seems to be a resounding NO. When I heard they were going to write a book for Andrea I was so excited as I always loved her in Kate’s books and seeing her from the inside out was an intriguing proposition. I wasn’t disappointed. Andrea’s had a hard upbringing with her Bouda pack she was born to tormenting and abusing her. As such it she struggles to trust others – especially other were-hyenas. She created a life for herself outside The Pack and now that has come tumbling down. Andrea now has to make some decisions and rebuild her life.

I love the world that has been created with magic and tech battling each other with Atlanta both thriving and falling apart. Andrea has some similar characteristics as Kate Daniels (one reason why they’re such good friends!) in that she is physically capable, has a temper and is fiercely loyal to those she cares for. However, in some ways she is more damaged than Kate. Kate has always been closed off and careful because of the way she was raised, while Andrea is one of those who has seen the worst of people and fought against it. It takes a lot for her to trust but when she does she gives herself completely. Gunmetal Magic focuses on her relationship with Raphael, the bouda alpha and someone she had hurt with her decisions in the past and who had hurt her. Their relationship is not simple and while they work well together there are a lot of confused and hurt feelings. I loved how they tackled these issues, avoided them and tried to work through them all at the same time. They aren’t perfect, but it just makes them feel more realistic.

There are some great action scenes, some big emotional scenes and tension both romantic and story-wise which make this an exciting and fun read. I had a blast reading it. I enjoyed seeing Kate and Curran from a different perspective – and I loved that they seemed happy at the moment (I doubt that will last for very long!). I’m happy to have a story from a different perspective in the same world (an element I loved in Kelley Amrstrong’s Otherworld series) and would love to see other characters like Julie get their own books as well!

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Jim Butcher. 9 out of 10 

Novella Review: Silver Shark

Silver Shark (World of the Kinsmen)

Ilona Andrews

Kindle Book

Claire Shannon is a killer. She uses no weapons, only her mind.
Born on a planet locked in a long war, Claire is a psycher, a woman with the ability to attack minds and infiltrate a biological computer network where psychers battle to the death. But when the war abruptly ends, Claire must hide her psycher's ability to survive. She is deported to a new planet, a vivid beautiful place, where she meets Venturo Escana, a powerful psycher, whose presence overwhelms both her mind and her body. She thought she had left war and death behind, but now she must fight for her new life and this battle might just cost her everything...

This was a wonderful way to spend an afternoon – curled up on the sofa with some cherry coke and a romantic science fiction story by one of my favourite authors. Ilona Andrews has created an intriguing universe with many populated worlds, which are run by the Kinsmen – humans with extra-ordinary abilities – physical and mental.

Claire has some extraordinary mental powers, but when the war she has been fighting all her life ends and she has the opportunity to start again on a new planet she jumps at the chance. Landing a job with a generous, and very handsome man she has to keep the details of her past secret, but as she draws closer to Venturo she’s not sure how she can keep it quiet. Claire is a great character – you can see her opening up and coming into bloom now she no longer has to fight, but it is still difficult for her. Venturo is very much the ideal man – gorgeous, clever, loyal and with a caring streak, but a ruthless edge if crossed.

While not long story, it is a deliciously sweet cake with just the right consistency and a tangy aftertaste. Lots of fun and a good example of what can be done with a novella.

Recommended for fans of Elizabeth Moon and Maria V Synder. 8 out of 10

Guest Post: Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2)

Magic Burns (Kate Daniels #2)
Ilona Andrews

Publisher: Ace Fantasy

As a mercenary who cleans up after magic gone wrong, Kate Daniels has seen her share of occupational hazards. Normally, waves of paranormal energy ebb and flow across Atlanta like a tide. But once every seven years, a flare comes, a time when magic runs rampant. Now Kate’s going to have to deal with problems on a much bigger scale: a divine one. When Kate sets out to retrieve a set of stolen maps for the Pack, Atlanta’s paramilitary clan of shapeshifters, she quickly realizes much more at stake. During a flare, Celtic god Morfran supersedes goddess Morrigan for witch coven worshippers of the Crow, and sea monsters from the Underworld enter via the Cauldron of Plenty. Kate starts looking for Pack maps and 13-year old Julia's witch mother, and ends up uniting shapeshifters and vampire zombie controllers to save the world.

Hello everyone, I’m back to help Mel out whilst she deals with a very difficult time in her life.  This is about the only non-Christmas related book I’ve read over the Festive period, and one that Mel told me I could only borrow if I reviewed for her. :-)

Magic Burns continues the story of Kate Daniels, a feisty, mouthy heroine who can just as easily wield a sword as a magical power word.  In her version of Atlanta, the normally sedate transition between the times of magic and technology have been whipped into a frenzy as a magical flare approaches.  Magical beings find their grip on logic failing, and gods and goddesses start making a play for earth-based power.

The characters we encountered in the first in the series nearly all make a comeback, and Kate’s dealings with Curran, Ghastek and Saiman are again highly entertaining.  She’s not all mouth and action this time though, and the reader gets to see some deep emotions behind the feisty façade.  Her interactions with a young girl in particular only serve to heighten Kate’s likeability.

Ilona Andrews once again delivers in the action scenes too, and the book is fast-paced and involving from start to finish, ensuring that the 270-odd pages simply fly by.  The snippets relating to Kate’s heritage are especially delicious, and as tantalizing as the pick and mix stall I keep wandering past on the way to work!

An excellent installment to both the series, and the fantasy genre in general, and one for fans of Patricia Briggs and Carrie Vaughn, 8 out of 10.

Guest Review: Magic Bites

One thing I love about blogging is being able to recommend books to other people - and I couldn't believe I had let my regular reviewer go so long without trying one of my favourite UF series, so here's Sarah's Magic Bites Review!

Magic Bites (Kate Daniels #1)
- Ilona Andrews

Publisher: Ace Fantasy

When the magic is up, rogue mages cast their spells and monsters appear, while guns refuse to fire and cars fail to start. But then technology returns, and the magic recedes as unpredictably as it arose, leaving all kinds of paranormal problems in its wake. Kate Daniels is a down-on-her-luck mercenary who makes her living cleaning up these magical problems. But when Kate's guardian is murdered, her quest for justice draws her into a power struggle between two strong factions within Atlanta's magic circles. The Masters of the Dead, necromancers who can control vampires, and the Pack, a paramilitary clan of shapechangers, blame each other for a series of bizarre killings—and the death of Kate's guardian may be part of the same mystery. Pressured by both sides to find the killer, Kate realizes she's way out of her league—but she wouldn't have it any other way...

Hello all. I was once again allowed to raid Mel’s EXTENSIVE library, with her firmly pointing the way towards this UF (but with a smattering of swords ‘n’ sorcery) novel. After reading it I felt compelled to write a review, even if only as an apology to Mel for the fact that I have coughed my way through the last 3 films we have watched at the cinema (anyone got a new set of lungs I could have??!!). That aside, this book definitely deserves to be reviewed as it’s a whole lot of fun.

 

Magic Bites it set in a compelling future where magic and technology are both firmly in existence, but never at the same time. This premise creates a wonderful cast of people that can just as easily shoot a gun or drive a car, as they can erect wards and behead vampires. Our heroine Kate Daniels exists perfectly well in the technological world, but it is when the magic surfaces that she comes into her own. With her power words, magical sword and solid training, she is another butt-kicking, strong female lead that we can all appreciate. I especially love the fact that her mouth can quite often run away with her, leading her into trouble when she least needs it (a Kate Daniels/Harry Dresden mouth-off would be the stuff of legend!).

 

Your basic whodunnit at heart, Magic Bites has plenty of action and intrigue, although I did half guess the killer very early on (one of those ‘it can’t be that easy, can it?’ moments that has you second guessing yourself until the moment you’re proved right). There are also plenty of ‘auxilary’ cast members that I cannot wait to hear more from – particularly Saiman (a shape-changing character in search of the perfect male form, but with such an amazing brain that people are willing to pay $26 a minute for his help!) and Curran (the Beast-Lord of Atlanta who packs so much testosterone I’m surprised people don’t literally swoon in his wake).

 

All in all an excellent start to a series I will literally be begging Mel for. One for fans of Patricia Briggs and Carrie Vaughn, 8.5 out of 10.

Magic Dreams: Novella Review

Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels #4.5)

-          Ilona Andrews

Kindle Book

Alpha Pack leader Jim Shrapshire has always been the strong, silent type. But something has come over him--a magic force currently residing in one of the Pack's headquarters. Were-tigress Dali Harimau has always wished she could get Jim's attention--but now he needs her help. Stricken with a magic-sickness, Jim needs Dali's flair for magic. And to save him, she must challenge a powerful, dark being to a battle of wits.

This novella is set in Kate Daniel’s Atlanta but is focused on two side characters to the main story – Dali, the half blind, Vegetarian were-tiger and Jim, the former Mercenary, Alpha werecat. Dali has long had a crush on Jim and when he shows up at her house unexpectedly with a magical curse, Dali knows she will do anything, risk anything to save him.

I was always intrigued by Dali before and I really liked seeing events from her point of view – she is not a fighter, but she does have magical abilities and uses her brain to investigate what is happening to Jim. Her family are great – I loved her relationship with her mother which was full of care and exasperations of real families. I loved that most of the characters and events occur in the Asian area of Atlanta as it gives some great insight into that culture. Jim is a fighter – strong enough to hold a warrior form, but he is the one in trouble and I loved that the traditional stereotype of the damsel in distress  was reversed with the man needing to be rescued – and through the use of brains rather than force.

Overall, the story is a quick but thoroughly enjoyable – a little too quick for me and I hope Ilona and Gordon Andrews do decide to write another story about Dali and Jim!

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Kelley Armstrong. 8 out of 10

Must Love Hellhounds Review

Must Love Hellhounds

-          Charlaine Harris, Nalini Singh, Ilona Andrews & Meljean Brook

Publisher: Berkley

In these hound-eat-hound worlds, anything goes... and everything bites.
Follow paranormal bodyguards Clovache and Batanya into Lucifer's realm, where they encounter his fearsome four-legged pets, in Charlaine Harris's The Britlingens Go to Hell. Seek out a traitor in the midst of a guild of non- lethal vampire trackers, one that intends to eradicate the entire species of bloodsuckers, in Nalini Singh's Angels' Judgment. Find out why the giant three-headed dog that guards the gates of Hades has left the underworld for the real world-and whose scent he's following-in Ilona Andrews's Magic Mourns. Embark on a perilous search for the kidnapped niece of a powerful vampire alongside her blind- and damn sexy-companion and a hellhound in Meljean Brook's Blind Spot.

Four novellas from four Urban Fantasy stalwarts each one featuring a hellhound of some description. I’ve read books by Charlaine Harris and Ilona Andrews previously but Nalini Singh and Meljean Brook were new authors to me – even if I have full books by both of them somewhere in my TBR pile...

The Britlingens Go to Hell by Charlaine Harris is a fun romp through a couple of dimesions parallel to Sookie Stackhouse. The Britlingens in question – Clovache and Batanya are fierce, determined warriors with snark and I really enjoyed this tale – more so than recent Sookie Stackhouse books! 8 out of 10

Angel’s Judgement by Nalini Singh follows two Guild Hunters as they look for a traitor in their midsts. This is a sexy short tale in which Sara Haziz takes centre stage. Having no read any books in this world before, there was a lot to get used and at first the relationships between Angels, Archangels, Vampires and the Guild was a little overwhelming and distracted me from the story. However, I soon settled in and enjoyed the ride. I’m happy I have Angel’s Blood to read at some point as I would like to get to know this world better. 7 out of 10

Magic Mourns by Ilona Andrews bypasses Kate Daniels in favour of her best friend, Andrea and an adventure with the were-hyena, Raphael. I love this world were magic and tech battle each other and anything man made slowly falls apart. Andrea has always been a favourite of mine with her preference for guns over swords and troubled past. While it kills me that I have to wait another year for the next Kate book, I’m more than happy with a Andrea based story – Gunmetal Magic this summer! 9 out of 10

Blind Spot by Meljean Brooks is an interesting story – a cute romance and an adorable hellhound makes for a fun read. I enjoyed the handicap that Blake has being blind and the determination of Maggie to prove herself. 7 out of 10

Overall, this was a high quality anthology with each story hitting highs and all worth reading. Recommended for fans of Ilona Andrews, Charlaine Harris, Meljean Brook and Nalini Singh. 8 out of 10

Magic Slays Review

Magic Slays (Kate Daniels 5)

-       Ilona Andrews

Publisher: Ace Fantasy

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 ...

This is the fifth book in Kate Daniels series and the series just seems to get better and better. Considering when we first met Kate she was an isolated, paranoid, prickly and lonely individual. Now she has friends and family who she will fight tooth and nail to protect. With a threat to all the supernaturals of Atlanta, everything Kate has won over the last few books, her mate, her best friend, her ward is all at risk.

Once again Ilona Andrews delivers an action packed adventure with an intriguing mystery to start which will tug at your heartstrings. I have to admit to filling up on more than one occasion. At the same time, the action set pieces left me breathless and my heart pounding. This series is one of the best Urban Fantasy series I have ever read. The unique world where tech and magic ebbs and flows is a fantastic creation where anything can and does happen. If you haven’t started the series, you should. The first book is a little slow going but the whole series is fabulous. J

Recommended for fans of Patricia Briggs and Rachel Vincent. 9 out of 10.

Magic Strikes Review

Magic Strikes (Book 3 of Kate Daniels/Magic Series)
- Ilona Andrews

Publisher: US – Ace Fantasy

Why I picked it up: I was intrigued with the first 2 books so I’m continuing to follow Kate Daniels adventures.

Back Blurb: Drafted to work for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems these days than she knows what to do with. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that’s saying a lot. But when Kate’s werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games – an invitation only, no hold barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament – she and Curran, the Beast Lord, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta’s shape shifting community...

What I thought: In the past two books Kate Daniels has dropped hints and hidden from her past, who her father was and what she was born for. This book starts to answer these questions while giving a completely self-contained story and continuing to set the scene. I loved that Kate’s relationship with the Pack, particularly its leader – their relationship is one of the best love/hate relationships I’ve read about and I’m glad to see them both growing closer here – while still continuing to fight and bicker. While the main story here – about an underground fight club style competition isn’t my usual sort of thing (I never understand why every long running American SF series always has a boxing/wrestling episode – if it’s left to run long enough! I’m just not a boxing fan and I find these episodes boring to watch.), but here the fight scenes are done well – tense and exciting. I love than Ilona Andrews can cram a lot of story into a short number of pages without compromising the world building. And this world is different from other urban fantasy world. There are periods when Magic rules the world and the ‘Tech’ hits and it’s all electricity and science in control again. This makes it hard for anyone to make any long term arrangements and makes the world stand out from others. I very enjoyable read.

Recommended for: Fan’s of Patricia Briggs and Jennifer Rardin

Rating: 7.5 out of 10