Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews

Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews

Book Stats:  

Reading level: Adult
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Hardcover: 381 pages
Publisher: Penguin
Release date: July 29th, 2014

Series:  Kate Daniels #7

Source: 

Reviewed by: 

Order: Amazon | Book Depository

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…

I know I am super late to this party as this book released a few years ago, but there is so many books to read and so little time! Don't make the same mistake I did though, get on reading this series ASAP and you won't be disappointed.

Magic Breaks is the seventh installment in the series and is the culmination of an incredibly suspenseful story arc between Kate and her evil father Roland. In the midst of her previous adventures, Kate built her confidence, learned to let people into her heart, knitted solid friendship and painfully gathered important allies and she needs every trick in her bag to survive her current adventure. In fact, in this novel, d'Ambray, master puppeteer that he is,  made sure Curran was busy half-way across the world to plot a full blown war between the Pack and the People while Kate was alone in charge. She had to prove her leadership within the pack, protect its members by unfolding a mysterious murder, all the while preventing a terrible war. I loved how she shone with all of her qualities and was able to metaphorically kick in the butt the opposition.

The entire book was suspenseful and action-packed and at times I had to remembered to breath because I was so caught-up in the story. Every event was engrossing, the death of some characters stunning and some revelations were simply beyond amazing. I know I sound like a gushing mess, but really, this novel was amazing beyond words. And I don't want to give anything away so I won't get into details, but Curran's grand entrance toward the end was just mind-blowing. I really loved the escape part of the story line.

I loved that every character joined the party and that we got to discover more about Gastek in particular. D'Ambray was an especially annoying display of strength and I almost pity him, while Roland was an awe-stricking revelation.

Ilona and Gordon really wrote a masterpiece with this series and this novel has blown away my expectations. If I hadn't known this novel wasn't the last one in the series I might have died of an heart-attack but thankfully there are more adventures to come. If you love urban fantasy, you do not want to miss this amazing series.

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Posted by Tynga at 02:21

 contemporary, Fantasy, Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Magic, Penguin, Publisher, Review, shapeshifters, Urban, Urban Fantasy, vampires  1 Person left their mark

Hexed by Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galenorn, Allyson James and Jeanne C. Stein

How do you get four tales about four women of strength in both the paranormal and the mundane? The easy answer is you bring together such powerhouses in the genre as Ilona Andrews, Yasmine Galehorn, Allyson James and Jeanne C. Stein and let them enthrall you with tales about some of their best known characters.  This seems to have bee the plan for the anthology Hexed.

Even though many of these stories are part of established book series, I will not warn of spoilers since there will be none.  When I chose this title, it was not to test to see if a book series had retained it allure.  Like many of the times I choose a collection of stories, I wanted to sample some unfamiliar characters and writing styles.  I have discovered more than one book series or author this way.

Hexed gave me just what I was looking for.  I was treated to four very unique styles of writing as well as four very different stories even though they all held to the central theme of something or someone being hexed.  I'm not sure if it was by design but, they also featured strong female main characters.  If that was the goal of the book, I'm glad it wasn't obvious.  When it comes down to it, I just want a solid story that entertains.  I could care less about demography if you can bring the character to life on the page.  That is what was done not just once but, four times in this book.

At times it was easy to tell that these stories where part of a greater work.  Even so, I never felt that I was missing out on key relationships or histories.  I'm sure a more intimate understanding would likely make some of the more nuanced details seem significant but, if that was true it didn't get in the way of telling complete stories.

The best compliment I can give to all involved in this book is that I will definitely be checking into some of these book series as a result of reading this anthology.  There is quite a bit of violence and mature subject matter within these four stories so, I have to give this a solid PG13 rating.

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Posted by Tynga at 01:30

 Anna Strong Chronicles, Anthology, Ilona AndrewsYasmine GalenornAllyson JamesJeanne C. Stein, Kate Daniels, Magic, Otherworlds/Sisters of the Moon, Paranormal, Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated, Purchased, Review, Romance, Stormwalker  Leave your mark

Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

Kate really has a way of finding her way into the worst situations possible and this fifth installment is no exception. Mysteries are even harder to solve now that she can't fling her Order's badge in everyone's face and require answers, but hey, things you have to do to be 'His Furriness' mate. I loved everything about this novel and I'll try to break it down for you!

First and most important, even though Kate and Curran are now in a 'stable' relationship it would be easy to fall into some kind of old married couple routine, but thankfully it's not the case. They still banter, they still fight, Kate is still insecure, and Curran is still a jealous, control freak. Interactions between those two still generate sparkles, for everyone's enjoyment.

Example:

“Curran roared. The blast of noise erupting from his mouth was like thunder. I clenched up, fighting the urge to step back.

“Yes I can,” he snarled. “Listen: this is me telling you what you will not do.”

I raised the cookbook and tapped him on the nose. Bad cat.”

Of course, the dialogues between those two aren't the only interesting ones, Kate is just full of those 'making me laugh alone like a loony' kind of lines and I appreciate her dry humor. The characters we came to know across the whole series will get together in this installment to fight a common enemy and it was truly engaging. I loved how the Andrews pair managed to get all the magical 'classes' to work together toward a common goal, each bringing their own set of skills to the table.

The plot was really great and the bad guys turned out to be very surprising. The only thing that still don't make sense even after I finished the book is why the navigators fainted? Maybe I missed something?

Everything isn't fun, games and war though. Kate has to face a very very difficult situation when a loved one is in life or death situation and it really broke my heart along side hers. I admired her resourcefulness and determination to find a solution despite how impossible it seemed. The solution she comes up with isn't perfect, but she makes the best with what she has and it'll have to be enough.

I can't wait to see the consequences of all the magical beings working together and see how Kate & Curran's relationship keeps evolving.

This series is truly amazing, and if you have not picked it up yet I must urge you to do so. Fans of Patricia Briggs will be sure to fall in love again!

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Posted by Tynga at 02:43

 Fantasy amp; Magic, Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Penguin, Purchased, Review, shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, vampires  1 Person left their mark

Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews

Wow, this book was simply purrrfect, I wouldn't change a thing! Seriously, when all is said and done, this book left me completely satisfied, and I don't think the story could've been any different. And it's a game changer too! I think from now on I'll have to think of this series as before and after Magic Bleeds, I swear!

The book starts with Kate in lingerie, cooking dinner for Curran because of her lost bet. And the dude stands. her. up. WTF??? Yes , yes, Kate should've destroyed everything on her way to smack Curran but she's grown a lot in the past books and decided to do the mature thing... give him the silent treatment. It all sets the table for the action, and romantic drama to come.

I really liked the different story arcs for this novel. Kate is investigating a deity spreading different plagues in town and she has to bank on all her resources to solve the mystery. Of course, she needed her go-to-guy Saiman, who can't be nice to the sake of being nice. And that's how Kate finds herself at yet another date with him that will put her in trouble. I'm not quite sure how I feel about Saiman, he is kind of pathetic if I am being honest, but he has a quirky side I kind of like. And could the guy be anymore oblivious? When the Beast Lord stares you down, it's time to bow and back out quietly! But I am loosing track.. the deity!... So I really liked the chase for clues, and who the bad guy turned out to be in the end. It is really promising for the big smack down against Roland!

Kate's allegiances will also be challenged in this novel. Who can she turn too when her boss backstabs her,  Saiman only wants her in his bed, Vampires, who would trust them anyway?? and your furry friends turn berzek when facing your foe. She could only count on herself, and her attack poodle, and she had to take some very difficult decisions and I command her for making the best of a terrible situation.

My favorite aspect is of course the romance between Kate and Curran. They FINALLY get physical in this book, and let's just say it's not your typical 'let's get laid'. Nothing's typical about these two anyway, so no surprise there. Despite their shortcomings they supported each other in this novel like never before and i LOVED it. The almost-end really broke my heart and I wanted to cuddle Kate and tell her everything would be ok, even though she'd never let me. She stayed strong in adversity and I was so damn proud of her!

Things have changed, C & K can't never go back and I can't wait to see how their relationship will evolve from here. If you haven't read this series yet, I seriously urge you to do so. One of the best urban fantasy series out there, I promise you!

My favorite quote, It's kind of a spoiler, so beware:

“I surveyed the rest of the Council and looked directly at Mahon. “Some of you know me. Some of you have seen me fight and some of you are my friends. Have your vote. But know this: if you come to remove me, come in force, because if you try to separate me from him, I will kill every single one of you. My hand won't shake. My aim won't falter. My face will be the last thing you‟ll see before you die.”

I jammed the knife into the table and walked out.”

Read an excerpt

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Posted by Tynga at 02:02

 Adult, Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Magic, Paranormal Romance, Penguin, Purchased, Review, Shapeshifter, Urban Fantasy  8 People left their mark

Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

Kate swore she would stay away from Curran, but just like winter, it seems the guy always comes around, there's no avoiding it. This time, Kate is recruited to investigate shifters murders and it will get very personal when her young friend Derek is a target. Kate will put everything on the line to find and punish the murderer, and it might be her biggest challenge yet.

The Ilona Andrews duo blessed us with yet another thrilling book! Before I get down to business... Gladiator fights!! Yes, yes, also synonymous to awesomeness. If you put aside the whole Kate-Curran romance (and I will get back to that later), the arena fighting was my favorite aspect of this book. Maybe I am a closet gruesome-blood-shedding-action fan, but I can't help it, I always love those kind of fights. So imagine my happiness when I realized we would get a whole tournament! *squeee*

Curran. He is sooo made of awesome. I love him since book one, but I love him more and more with each book. I just love how he intentionally makes Kate squirm under his scrutiny, how he teases her all the time. The way he subtly pursue her, with little attentions here and there also makes me swoon. And did I mention his sense of duty and unique sense of humor? I mean who wouldn't fall for such a great guy, wrapped in such a sexy package?

Kate isn't left in the dust either. She is smart, though, and fights teeth and nails out when someone she cares for is in danger. She is loyal to the end and just about the best friend you could have, because she will never let you down if she can help it. I also really like her dry sense of humor and even though I understand why she doesn't want to get involved with Curran, I have this strong urge to knock some sense into her!

The action was fine, the mystery was great and the new enemy was hate-able (yes yes this is a word...) just the way I like it. I just kept turning page after page, excited the whole way through, and wondering how the whole thing would end. And the answer is?? WITH A BANG! It was simply crazy and I can't wait to see how it will affect the next book.

The Kate Daniels series is awesome, and I can't believe it took me this long to discover it. The good side? I don't have to die in anticipation between each book, at least for a couple more books :) If you haven't started this series yet, I urge you to do so!

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Posted by Tynga at 02:05

 Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Magic, Penguin, Purchased, Review, Shapeshifter, Urban Fantasy  7 People left their mark

Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews

Kate set out on a mission with her friend Jim. It should've been easy, locate pyromaniac, bag him, cash in and go home. Unfortunately, a mysterious shooter kills their target right in front of them, and Kate finds herself in loads of trouble.

Another amazing installment in this urban fantasy that's slowly climbing its way on my favorite series list. Kate is such a great heroine. She's got spunk, she's though and she's got a big heart. She's a no non-sense girl that somehow always finds herself in the worst positions possible, and manages to finish on top. I really like her attitude and her lines are at time funny, sometimes sarcastic and less often, but no less important, very touching. I really liked every moment of this second book and I hope she won't be as lonely in the future. I liked witnessing her mom instincts kicking in with Julie and I hope we will see more of the girl in the future!

Curran, oh Curran, my only complaint is that there wasn't enough of him. I really love this lion and his attitude. His simple yet magnificent way of showing Kate his interest and two scenes particularly rocked my world. When they fought at about 70% of the book I wanted to get my poms-poms out and do a little cheer dance and the very end when he brew coffee for her, *AAAAAAAwwwwwwwwwwwwww* too cute for words. This is promising, and god I can't wait for more!

The actions was once again quite satisfying but i have to confess I had a hard time keeping track of all the mythology involved. There were just so many myths blending together that my sleepless brain just couldn't handle it lol It didn't hinder my enjoyment of the novel though, so all is well. On the plus side, the characterization was a smooth ride this time around. Having just read the first book the characters were familiar and the few knew ones where easier to integrate.

The Kate Daniels series is a great urban fantasy ride and if like me you are late to the show, I urge you to give it a shot. Fans of Jeaniene Frost and Patricia Briggs are sure to find something to like!



 

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Posted by Tynga at 02:12

 Adult, Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Magic, Penguin, Purchased, Review, Shapeshifter, Urban Fantasy  1 Person left their mark

Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews

Back in 2011 Jenn dared us to read Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews, and I finally picked it up (better late then never right?). I've had the book in print for years, but there was a recent sale on amazon with each ebook in the series (except the most recent one) on sale for 2$ a piece so I jumped on the opportunity and read it on my kindle (which is much more convenient for middle of the night reading).

Magic Bites takes place in a dystopian set up where we pushed technology so far that it crashed and ancient magic took control. Magic flickers in and out, kicking modern technology out of service randomly, which is quite inconvenient, and eats away the old skyscrapers, leaving destruction in its wake. I have to confess, it took me quite a while to fully grasp the extend of this weird world, but now that I have a picture in my mind, I really like it.

Kate is the perfect urban fantasy heroine, she's strong, independent, foul-mouthed and has some kind of mysterious power. On her quest to find a dear friend's killer, she is confronted with the perfect paranormal romance hero, Curran. He is fierce, stubborn, and scary as hell. No romance has developed thus far, but I'm sure there is some in store in the following novels. I really liked both characters and I can't wait to learn more about them and their bulging relationship.

Ilona Andrews created quite an amazing lore. On one side you have the Pack, a collection of shapechangers lead by Curran, on the other side you have the People, a group of necromancers mind-controlling vampires like they are tools. There are many kind of vampires in literature, but it's the first time I see them portrayed as vulgar mindless puppets. I was quite surprised! Kate also possess some weird magic in her blood (a legacy from her mysterious father) and I'm really curious about the details!

If I had one complain about this novel it would be that there a lot of meaningful secondary characters. It isn't a bad thing in itself, but i have a terrible memory when it comes to characters' names and I struggled keeping track of everyone involved in this murder investigation. That being said, I grew quite fond of Derek, a fun youngster and I'm very curious about Saiman even though he only makes a short appearance in this novel.

The conclusion was full of action and I will pick up the second novel sooner rather than later ^^



 

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Posted by Tynga at 01:23

 Adult, Dystopian, Ilona Andrews, Kate Daniels, Penguin, Purchased, Review, Shapeshifter, Urban Fantasy, Vampire  9 People left their mark