4.79

5

Apr 28, 2015

9/13/17 - B/c I am an I D I O T, I'm just now realizing that there was a live recording of the book launch at NOLA StoryCon last year, AND I'M IN IT (0:44). B/c mariachi elephant line. Robin is too, in the last like 5 seconds. OHMAGAWD:

https://www.facebook.com/ilona.andrew...

4.5 stars



Non-spoilery list of things you can look forward to in MAGIC BINDS:

1. Finding out once and for all whether or not Roland is a Bad Guy.

2. Kate struggling with her Dark Side.

3. A character from the past who you 9/13/17 - B/c I am an I D I O T, I'm just now realizing that there was a live recording of the book launch at NOLA StoryCon last year, AND I'M IN IT (0:44). B/c mariachi elephant line. Robin is too, in the last like 5 seconds. OHMAGAWD:

https://www.facebook.com/ilona.andrew...

4.5 stars



Non-spoilery list of things you can look forward to in MAGIC BINDS:

1. Finding out once and for all whether or not Roland is a Bad Guy.

2. Kate struggling with her Dark Side.

3. A character from the past who you thought was gone for good is BACK. And I'm okay with it!*

4. (view spoiler)[Andrea and Raphael have their BABY!!!! (hide spoiler)] <------not really a spoiler unless you're one of those people who doesn't want to know ANYTHING, even when it's obviously, unignorably coming. And if you're one of those, you probably shouldn't read reviews at all . . . o.O

5. Finding out what Christopher is!

6. SO much EPIC backhistory on Roland and the rest of Kate's ancestor's, and the ancient world they lived in.

7. WEDDING hilarity.

There's more, but I'll save it for the full review. The important thing is that MAGIC BINDS continues the upswing in Kate Daniels awesomeness.

Full RTC.

*#1 rule is: once you're dead, YOU'RE DEAD.



WARNING: this review is going to get bumped repeatedly until this book is released. If you have a problem with that, please feel free to unfriend me and block me. I don't give a damn. (<------Stolen from Sarah , b/c you can't improve on perfection.) #sorrynotsorry

4/22/16 - CHAPTER 1: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/magic-bi...

4/10/16 - DELETED SCENE: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/deleted-...

4/8/16 - SNIPPET: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/sorry-it...

3/29/16 - DELETED SCENE: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/deleted-...

3/11/16 - SNIPPET: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/two-things/

3/3/16 - SNIPPET: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/still-al...

2/9/16 - SNIPPET: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/very-sho...

2/4/16 - COVER REVEAL:



2/1/16 - SNIPPET: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/famous-l...

1/22/16 - SNIPPET: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/category...

1/20/16 - Up for preorder! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AHKXIB0/?...



1/19/16 - SNIPPET: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/little-s...

1/2/16 - THE BEGINNING: http://www.ilona-andrews.com/the-begi...

From the Andrews' 8/27/15 blog post:

Kate and Curran are getting married on the July 6 (I know the book says June but it’s July) during a Russian pagan festival. So there will be lots of Russian stuff in the books. Also certain people (using plural here to avoid spoilers) get kidnapped by Roland and slowly murdered, and Kate must go and get said people rescued, even if they were total assholes in the last book.

So wedding. Kidnapping. Family reunions. Flower crowns. I want Kate to have the traditional Ivan Kupalo flower crown on the cover and so help me all the evil deities of Slavic pantheon, I will pitch a huge fit if it’s not there.



My other reviews for this series:

A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels, #0.5)
Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1)
Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2)
Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, #3)
Magic Mourns (Kate Daniels, #3.5)
Magic Bleeds (Kate Daniels, #4)
Magic Dreams (Kate Daniels, #4.5)
Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5)
Magic Tests (Kate Daniels, #5.3)
Magic Gifts (Kate Daniels, #5.4)
Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5)
Retribution Clause (Kate Daniels, #5.6)
An Ill-Advised Rescue (Kate Daniels, #5.8)
Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #6)
Magic Steals (Kate Daniels, #6.5)
Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels, #7)
Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8)
Magic Stars (Kate Daniels, #8.5, Grey Wolf, #1)
Iron and Magic (Kate Daniels, #9.5)
Magic Triumphs (Kate Daniels, #10)
Curran POV Collection ...more

5

Sep 10, 2015

The Adventures Of A Brave Little Kitty Buddy Rerererereread (TAOABLKBR) with the IA Addicts

And the moral of this particular rererererereread is: birds are assholes. And so are Jims.

And the other moral of this particular rererererereread is: Roman for president. Because reasons and stuff.



Until next time and stuff.



[June 2018]

The Grand IAA KD Buddy Rerererereread Extravaganza (GIAAKDBRE), aka the yellow brick road to Magic Triumphs

Presenting Episode 9, or How Kate Daniels Learned That ???? The Adventures Of A Brave Little Kitty Buddy Rerererereread (TAOABLKBRâ„¢) with the IA Addicts ????

âž½ And the moral of this particular rererererereread is: birds are assholes. And so are Jims.

âž½ And the other moral of this particular rererererereread is: Roman for president. Because ????reasons???? and stuff.



???? Until next time and stuff.



[June 2018]

âš” The Grand IAAâ„¢ KD Buddy Rerererereread Extravaganza (GIAAKDBREâ„¢), aka the yellow brick road to Magic Triumphs âš”

Presenting Episode 9, or How Kate Daniels Learned That Some of Chernobog's Flunkies Have Innate Wedding Planning Abilities.

Previous rating: 20 million stars.
New rating: 30 million stars. And a half.

Well well well, would you look at that! It turns out I never wrote an actual review for this book! Probably because I hated it—you’d have to have Seriously Despicable Book Taste (SDBT™) to like this one—and didn’t want to waste my precious time rambling about it. Yeah, that’s probably why. I mean, why would I want to spend my nefarious energy telling you about all the ridiculously boring, uninteresting stuff that happens in this instalment? Or its many absolutely non-harem worthy nope nope nope not them definitely not characters? Total waste of my invaluable time indeed.



Anyway, it sure looks like I’m not going to write a captivating review for this book this time around either. I might start thinking about it after my twentieth reread, though. Perhaps. Maybe. Possibly. Some people would take that to mean I’m lazy as fish, but as much as I respect their wrong opinion, I think they happen to be not entirely right in their erroneous way of thinking. This has obviously naught to do with some supposed laziness on my part, and everything to do with the Andrews writing books that are so bloody shrimping amazing that they leave one feeling kinda sorta like this:



Which entails one’s two little grey cells doing the Poof Gone Obliterated (PGO™), thus preventing one (much to one’s chagrin, I must say) from writing a fascinating-as-ever review. QED and stuff.

All you need to know about this book/series/anything IA has ever/will ever write (cereal box blurb included) is: if you haven’t heard of it/read it/rated it 10+ stars, you deserve to have the murderous crustaceans slightly unleashed on you.

Oh, and by the way: I want a Barabas/Christopher novella. NOW. Red wings are super hot. Kate is the mostest awesomest crazy cat lady ever. I’m with my boyfriend Roman the Riveting Russian Rake™ about Greek gods and their wings. Phone calls from Daddy Dearest are the best. Derek and Ascanio should hook up. I want to move to Mesopotamia and be a nefarious princess of Shinar. The Dark Side of the Force is dark and there are no cookies to be had. Tutus. Nuff said. I’m in ????lurve???? with the person (aka Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler) who believes that Roland thinks with his dick. Impersonating peacocks is a way of life. Doves are overrated. Curran should watch what he eats. Wedding planning, KD style. Also: Ghastek and Teddy Jo and Baby B and Swing Travel, Inc and “family, can’t live with them, can’t kill them” and oh bloody shrimping hell of the stinking fish, HOW COULD YOU??!! Also, also: epic is as epic does. Yep, that pretty much sums it up.

And now what’s left for me to do, you ask? Apart from rerererereading the book, you mean? Why dance, obviously.



In case you were wondering, this is my Post-IA-Reading Routine (PIARRâ„¢). Pretty hot, huh?

✉ A very private message to Jim: can you die now? Pretty please and stuff? Thank thee kindly.



Actual rating: 20 million stars. More or less. Give or give a few millions.

There are no words. Okay, so there might be a few words, but they're refusing to come out right now. So I'll just leave you with these few choice gifs for the moment:







I shall return. Maybe.

PS : Roman the Riveting Russian Rake is mine. Barabas is mine. Christopher is mine. Spoiler Spoiler Spoiler (not her real name) is mine. And yes, Roland (aka Daddy Dearest) is also mine. So don't be getting any silly ideas into your silly little barnacle heads.

• Book 1: Magic Bites ★★★★★
• Book 2: Magic Burns ★★★★★
• Book 3: Magic Strikes ★★★★★
• Book 4: Magic Bleeds ★★★★★
• Book 5: Magic Slays ★★★★★
• Book 6: Magic Rises ★★★★★
• Book 7: Magic Breaks ★★★★★
• Book 8: Magic Shifts ★★★★★
• Book 10: Magic Triumphs ★★★★



☢ WARNING: this review is going to get bumped repeatedly until this book is released. If you and your self-righteousness have a problem with that, please feel free to unfriend and block me. I don't give a damn ☢

» April 22, 2016: Ilona just posted chapter 1 on the blog. THE WHOLE FREAKING CHAPTER , people!!

*dies*
*regains consciousness long enough to read chapter*
*dies again*



» April 11, 2016: Deleted Scene Monday!

Deleted because "not exciting enough?!" My dear Ilona, I'll have you know that tentacles are always exciting. ALWAYS. Hall Hail the Glorious Tentacles!

» April 8, 2016: Tiny Bribe Friday!

Ilona says: Who’s got her back? Curran’s got her back.
I say: he's got hot tubs, too.



» March 11, 2016: It's snippety Friday again!!! Awesome vamp gore is awesome. Awesome blood sword is awesome. Freaking Awesome Kate is Freaking Awesome. And Roman the Riveting Russian Rake is baaaaaccckkkkkk!!!!!



» March 11, 2016. Ilona's latest blog post:

Hi guys. We are working very hard to finish Magic Binds. The deadline is in 2 days.



» March 4, 2016. Ilona's latest blog post:

Working hard on Kate. Killing people and breaking old friendships. Happy Friday!

Oh bloody hell, how are we supposed to have a happy Friday after that?! Evil Andrews are evil.

» March 3, 2016: it's snippety snippet day!!! Bon appétit!!



» Feb. 5, 2016: Very important, possibly life-altering, Cute Peasant Top (CPT™) update! Here is what Ilona had to say about it:

For all the people asking about the peasant blouse: the wedding is set for a Russian pagan holiday and this was the reference image we sent them. I asked for flower crown and a wedding dress. The wedding dress was axed because it took the whole thing into a completely different genre, so the poor art department tried their best to compromise. :) They came up with a peasant blouse with Ukranian embroidery. We just asked for something difficult to find.



I still don't like it, but I guess it is all in the name of the greater good and all that crap.

» Feb. 4, 2016: BLOODY HELL, WE HAVE A COVER!!!

I'm very sorry, but I do not approve of that silly peasant top. Way too cute for Kate. Kate doesn't do cute. Kate does bloody and ass-kicking and baddass. And look at poor Curran, all depressed and stuff. Looks like someone's been neglecting His Furriness lately. Too busy, Kate? No worries, I can take care of that particular burden for you.



» Feb. 2, 2016: uh-oh snipetty snippet.



» Jan. 23, 2016: the Andrews are on a Snippety Snipet roll!!! Ladies and gentleman, time to go and get your fix of the day: I want my KD fix!!!!



» Jan. 21, 2016: it's up for pre-order!!! Planned release date: September 27, 2016.

» Jan. 20, 2016: Snippety snippet day!!!! It's short, but it's a KD fix, so I don't care. Not sure I want to know why the title for this post is "On Things That Won’t End Well," though.



» Jan. 3, 2016: HAPPY FREAKING NEW SNIPPET FROM HEAVEN!!!! Watch out, people, for Roland the Riveting Russian Rake is baaaaaaccccckkkkkkkk!!!!!!!!

Can you tell I'm excited?



» Dec. 19, 2015: snippet available here!!!!!!

*dies*



» September 2015: We have a title!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*starts hyperventilating*



» August 2015: summer wedding (hot tubs not optional), Russian pagan festival, kidnapping, slow murder, Roland, flower crowns, evil deities of Slavic pantheon. Not necessarily in that order. This book deserves 20 stars already.

...more

5

May 17, 2016

reread really fast for the Magic Triumphs release tomorrow. I can totally do it somehow.

Official Release day....I'm so excited to read this with my crew at Ilona Andrews Addicts



THIS WAS FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC

I never in a million years would have guessed at even half the stuff the Andrews came up with to put in this story.

Kate and Curran – Love them ALWAYs

Favorite side character – Roman…. The priest of the God of Evil and Monsters gets some great page time and adds to every scene he is in.
“It’s not reread really fast for the Magic Triumphs release tomorrow. I can totally do it somehow.

Official Release day....I'm so excited to read this with my crew at Ilona Andrews Addicts



THIS WAS FAN-FREAKING-TASTIC

I never in a million years would have guessed at even half the stuff the Andrews came up with to put in this story.

Kate and Curran – Love them ALWAYs

Favorite side character – Roman…. The priest of the God of Evil and Monsters gets some great page time and adds to every scene he is in.
“It’s not that I’m that evil, really. I’m just beloved by evil things.”
Julie



If you read Magic Stars you know who she has been talking to and so you know why I’m worried. If you haven’t read Magic Stars….what are you waiting for, go read it now….I’ll wait here.

Christopher - OMG Christopher. I had theories….I had speculations….I had out there notions…but I wasn’t even close. I will send cookies to someone if they guess right on what his story is.

EVERYTHING ELSE….Roland, new wonderful mythical creatures, battles and a special guest that I never thought I’d see again.

There is so much wonderful that I can’t wait to read it again.




Pre-read:

When one of your favorite authors says you get to beta read their new book

...more

5

Sep 22, 2016

This was what I looked like when I picked the book up from the library.
Except I'm a brunette. *cough* And about 30 years older.
But other than that, EXACTLY the same.



Are you a Kate Daniels fan?
If so, I really don't need to convince you to Give This Sucker a Shot. snort
You're already aware of what an amazing writing team Ilona Andrews is, and you'd probably read a grocery list if you knew they were the ones who wrote it. Hell, I would!



However, if you've neglected to pick this series up?
You MUST This was what I looked like when I picked the book up from the library.
Except I'm a brunette. *cough* And about 30 years older.
But other than that, EXACTLY the same.



Are you a Kate Daniels fan?
If so, I really don't need to convince you to Give This Sucker a Shot. snort
You're already aware of what an amazing writing team Ilona Andrews is, and you'd probably read a grocery list if you knew they were the ones who wrote it. Hell, I would!



However, if you've neglected to pick this series up?
You MUST Give This Sucker a Shot.



Ok, I'm going to try super hard not to give any untagged spoilers for this particular book, but (as always) if you'd prefer to go into it with no prior knowledge of the plotline (like me!), I'll just go ahead and assure you that the book was FANTASTIC so you can move on. I mean, you can come back later if you want, but for now?
Shoo!



Ok, they're gone...we can talk!
Did anybody else have conflicted feeling about Roland?!



I love that guy! I mean, he's a tyrant and killer, but I keep hoping that he'll reform so Kate can have a relationship with her father. What the hell is wrong with me?
That horrible thing he did in the beginning (view spoiler)[by hanging those people on the crosses (hide spoiler)] should have been something that totally shut out any possibility of me wanting to see them all hanging out as one big happy family.
But for some reason, I just think it would be fun!
Imagine Thanksgiving...



Another conflicting feeling is for the character who comes back from the dead!



Nope. I'm not telling. Go get your spoilers somewhere else, ya cheater!
But they play a pivotal role in this book. And while I wasn't crazy about them when they were originally around...now?



And remember poor Christopher? The one whose mind had been shattered and nobody had any idea who or what he was?
OH, BABY! HE'S BACK!
Back as what, you ask? Well, (again) I'm not going to spoil it, but I will say it's an interesting development.



And what about the whole baby prophecy that was alluded to in the last book?
After all, Kate is getting married to one of the sexiest men in modern literature. And you know how that old rhyme goes, right?
First comes love, then comes marriage, then...



Well, if you're hoping to see a Mini Kate/Curran in this one, you're gonna need to calm your tits. (view spoiler)[Although, you DO get to see Andrea and Raphael's baby!


(hide spoiler)] The main story revolves around a new (bad) future that the 3 witches are seeing, and if Kate wants to save her (as of yet) unconceived child and her soon-to-be husband, she's going to have to think outside the box.
In fact, she'll probably need to cut the box up and turn it into something else entirely, if she wants to win.
Can she pull it off? <--DUH. SHE'S KATE!



OH! And I loved how everything went down with Ghastek & Co!
(view spoiler)[How the thing he asked for (& truly wanted) was the friendship she had already given him.
Dawwww! I might have done a little twirl when I read that part. I've wanted them to be playing on the same team since they were trapped together in that prison. (hide spoiler)]
The Masters of the Dead don't play a huge role, but they are an important piece to the puzzle towards the end.



Julie & Derek show up, and if you've read the short story, Magic Stars, then you were probably a bit ahead of the game (& Kate) in some parts of the book. Personally, I cannot WAIT to see what happens with those two in the future! Oh, and with Julie's magic changed (& still changing), she's becoming more and more of a badass with each book!



There are so many more characters that show up, but the last one I want to mention is Roman.
Hello?
Can he get his own book, please?! I mean it. He's hands-down the best newish character in the Kate Daniels world, and I'm a little a lot in love with him.



And he's in this one a bunch. So. Yeah.
If for no other reason than Roman, read this book.

...more

5

Feb 04, 2016

FIRST READ: 23 SEPT 2016
SECOND READ: 10 AUG 2018

I don't really have anything new to add except it was just as good. Loved it! This series has stayed so strong and the final installment is soon to be released. The best urban fantasy. So much win!



It's saying something when the 9th book is one of the best of the entire series. Yes, this was AMAZING! I couldn't get enough.



There was just so much win. I admit that I didn't really like the previous one, but this was the shizz! The story, the pacing, FIRST READ: 23 SEPT 2016 ★★★★★
SECOND READ: 10 AUG 2018★★★★★

I don't really have anything new to add except it was just as good. Loved it! This series has stayed so strong and the final installment is soon to be released. The best urban fantasy. So much win!



It's saying something when the 9th book is one of the best of the entire series. Yes, this was AMAZING! I couldn't get enough.



There was just so much win. I admit that I didn't really like the previous one, but this was the shizz! The story, the pacing, everything was spot on. It was a real joy to read. I mean, everyone who is reading this probably knows what has come before and what everything is leading up to. There is a lot of Roland is this book, Kate's Bad Daddy. Their interactions were epic.

Just so much happened and the authors have proved there is still so much world-building and surprises to be found in the Kateverse. It all still feels fresh and the writing is top-notch. I have nothing negative to say.

Standouts:

- Roman
- Christopher
- The surprise reappearance of a certain character
- Julie
- Roland

There were just so many awesome scenes and excellent dialogue. None of it felt like filler. When you look at the now-Kate and compare her to the then-Kate, it blows your mind. She is really something now. More than *just* a bad-ass, but the whole package. The authors have truly done a spectacular job of showing her growth and depth and she has really become a bigger than life character. A true classic.

I hate Jim and really, he is just the worst. Mahon seems to have changed a lot, which is good because I wanted him to die in the last book.

A lot of the supporting characters get these fantastic little "power scenes." They may not be a main part of this one, but when they show up, it really packs a punch (Dali, Ghastek, Desandra, for example).

So many feels... I got chills multiple times and got a little teary a few times. This was just an outstanding addition to the series. When urban fantasy is done this well, I love it. There really is no comparison. Almost every other UF series feels flat and amateurish to me now because the bar has been set so high.

Oh, and can we PLEASE have Hugh in the last book and can he PLEASE NOT DIE?!?!?! Please. I miss his roguishly evil self. TEAM HUGH.

Buddy read with the Ilona Andrews Addicts group.

Original post:

ON NETGALLEY 29 July 2016: GO GO!

I already know I'm going to get rejected, but if you like this series, go! Try and request it. I can't believe it's there.

...more

5

Jan 24, 2017

"It's is not too late to turn back."
"It's is always too late."

The book has five main themes:

A) The Wedding:
Kate is choosing cake flavors, flowers, decoration, wedding dress while her whole world is falling apart and she needs to be focused. Roman will be her wedding priest and he has also taken the role of the wedding organizer. Roland is invited and he is not happy with the menu.
(Personal note: Next time I read this book, I should do it without my husband trying to sleep next to me. My "It's is not too late to turn back."
"It's is always too late."

The book has five main themes:

A) The Wedding:
Kate is choosing cake flavors, flowers, decoration, wedding dress while her whole world is falling apart and she needs to be focused. Roman will be her wedding priest and he has also taken the role of the wedding organizer. Roland is invited and he is not happy with the menu.
(Personal note: Next time I read this book, I should do it without my husband trying to sleep next to me. My constant giggling does not help him.)

I exhaled and looked at Roman. “What do I have to do to get you to leave me alone?”
“You have to make all the wedding decisions,” Roman said. “You have to select the cake, the colors for the ceremony, the flowers for your bouquet, and you have to stand for a second dress fitting tomorrow at eight o’clock. You also have to approve the guest list and the seating chart.”

B) The Babies:
An important baby has just been born and she is already in danger.
The fate of another important baby is being decided before his mother conceives.

C) The Power:
Kate is resisting the urge to use her power and magic: When she shows her teeth everyone is worried

“If I ever turn into my father, you will kneel and pledge yourself to me, Jim. And you will happy doing it.”

D) The Battle:
The city of Atlanta against Roland.
Anything is possible, while we are approaching the final epic battle. Old friends become traitors and old enemies become allies. Kate will not hesitate to ask the help of the only family she knows. In the end everyone has to choose sides: The witches, the necromancers, the Guild, the shifters, the knights, the demigods, the gods, the son of gods, the priests. Humans do not seem to participate.
Why Roland does not want to hurt Kate? Is it because he loves her that much or is he hiding something? This may determine who wins the final battle.

E) The Trust:
Kate and Curran’s relationship.
Kate keeps hiding things from him either because she scares that he will think little of her or he will be angry or he will get himself hurt. In every case, this will bite her in the ass.

“Feel like sharing?”
“No.”
“Kate, I’m getting sick of this…”
“I’ll tell you afterward. It’s complicated to explain and you’ll be pissed off.”
“I’m already pissed off,” he snarled.
Not yet. When he was truly angry, he would turn ice cold.

Kate will show Curran a bit of her power and he will get worried. A huge matter of mistrusting that thankfully it will be resolved.

Curran froze.
“Take my hand, Curran. You know you want to.”
“No. This isn’t you.”
“Of course, it is. Jim told you so. Take my hand, baby. Be with me eternally. Rule with me. All you have to do is love me and I will give you all the power and immortality you could ever want.”

Kate will make Curran the happiest male on earth.

Curran turned. His mouth opened. He stared at me, like he’d never seen me before.

Well, it has been an amazing journey so far... ...more

5

Sep 14, 2016

"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."

If you’re an Urban Fantasy fan who hasn’t read the Kate Daniels series yet, you need to remedy that soon. At the 9th book the series is still going strong and doesn’t look like it’s losing any steam. In fact, in some ways it’s even improving.

The book opens a few weeks before Kate and Curran tie the "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."

If you’re an Urban Fantasy fan who hasn’t read the Kate Daniels series yet, you need to remedy that soon. At the 9th book the series is still going strong and doesn’t look like it’s losing any steam. In fact, in some ways it’s even improving.

The book opens a few weeks before Kate and Curran tie the knot, already getting off to a fun and hilarious start. Sure the series is dark and keeps facing do-or-die scenarios, but Ilona Andrews makes sure to keep the humor when it’s warranted. Roman gets a particularly funny role throughout the book in helping with wedding prep – I won’t spoil more about that, but it’s pretty much perfect.

I can’t help but like Roland in a way. He’s the big-bad-evil guy who does despicable things, but he’s also fascinating and does seem to love Kate in his own demented manner. He will never make Father of the Year, but… I like how the author made Kate look at him through this book – instead of being as one-dimensional as so many characters are, Kate has qualms about her father, not letting just rage run her actions like so many characters do. If anything Kate had grown and matured about her anger and being more realistic since earlier books.

"You once told me we were monsters. We are." Roland smiled at me. "Things are so difficult for you because you're denying your nature."

"No, please not another parental lecture on the virtues of evil."

There’s protective Roland – “...this is just ridiculous. Why should I have to choose between a meat and vegetarian dish?” before he worries about Kate not having a proper wedding feast and then offering to provide it. There’s mean Roland who kidnaps and sadistically tortures people. There’s funny Roland, of course, who as he tries to bond can’t seem to grasp why he upsets Kate.

Ultimately a lot is revealed about the character, particularly the family through the sister and mother connection. The authors toss readers surprises, including a returning character who really changes the play of the game and the shape of the future on Kate’s behalf.

Some may remember that I hate Jim. He’s a regular character that’s always gotten more credit than he deserves. This book makes me hate him even more, but for a change Kate doesn’t let it go as easy as she did before, and even other characters may be opening their eyes. I’m glad I’m not the only one seeing it. I figured it was something that bugged me as a reader, but that the authors didn’t notice or agree on, but maybe not. If you’re one of the many readers who didn’t mind Jim before or didn’t see what I was so upset about, maybe you still won’t agree. But if you’re in the same camp I was where you already hated him, trust me when I say the hatred will grow. His last talk with Curran in the book will stick in my head.

Speaking of Jim, one of the most interesting things about this book was the change of everyone around Kate when it came to knowing her powers. A few people started pissing me off, even regular Derek who is always so loyal when he suddenly doesn’t believe Kate about something (he would have before). People have become more cautious of her and less trusting, even those who always were her friends.

Ghastek…I know many don’t talk about him or pay much attention. He gets little time in the books. He’s not that special of a character really – but for some reason from day one, book one, I always loved the character. Sure he’s annoyed me, but there’s something about the thin and power hungry necromancer that draws my attention on page. We get a small moment at the beginning and then I figured through reading, oh well, no more Ghastek – but that end! There is a big change there too; I loved it! Perfect. I’m curious what this means for the future. I don’t want to spoil anything, but Kate’s views on certain things have changed and have to continue changing as she embraces her power in order to become more comfortable with herself, in her own skin with her own power, and her own family connections. Cannot wait for the next book.

I’m trying not to fill this review with just character gushing, but…Christopher. I can’t leave him out. He has a surprise up his sleeve and it’s just brilliant. I’m officially shipping Barrabas and Christopher now. Trust me, Christopher rocks. Mahon the bear and his family come across as just….awesome. As heartwarming as a big bear clan that can squish you to death with one big bear-hug can be. Andrea is the funny and loyal friend till the end.

Finally – Curran. There’s some ups and downs with a few of the trust issues I didn’t get at first, but it worked out. I love their relationship. I was on the edge of getting annoyed with him too but got over that when he kept up the Curran epicness.

"You're like a crazy cat lady, but you collect killers instead of fluffy cats."

Plot-wise, and there actually is a strong plot here, it’s amazing. Another step toward the end. A battle before a war. It’s tense, pulled me in tons of directions in a wide scope that involves nearly the entire city of Atlanta. Kate learns a lot about herself, her family, and a few twists about other people.

It’s brutal and it’s powerful. I bit my lip and held my breath while loving every minute of it. Perhaps the best in the series. Can’t wait for the next one already.

Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC!
...more

5

Mar 23, 2019

Probably 4* but rounded up because it is extremely rare for series to be so good after 9 volumes.

“I hadn’t crossed the line. I’d ridden an elephant up to it and run back and forth along its edge while a mariachi band played in the background, but I hadn’t crossed it.”

“You're like a crazy cat lady, but you collect killers instead of fluffy cats."

"I don't collect killers."

"Yes, you do, and those who aren't killers turn into killers by the time you're done. You made Julie into a maniac. That child Probably 4* but rounded up because it is extremely rare for series to be so good after 9 volumes.

“I hadn’t crossed the line. I’d ridden an elephant up to it and run back and forth along its edge while a mariachi band played in the background, but I hadn’t crossed it.”

“You're like a crazy cat lady, but you collect killers instead of fluffy cats."

"I don't collect killers."

"Yes, you do, and those who aren't killers turn into killers by the time you're done. You made Julie into a maniac. That child has more knives on her than a squad of the PAD.”

Kate is even more kick ass, enjoying her ever increasing magical powers. I loved the way the authors introduced her struggle to resist the urge for power and keep her humanity. For this, the novel is a bit more serious but still there are enough punch lines. The battle scenes are as good as ever, if not better and the supporting characters are even more awesome.

I can't wait to read the Grand Finale although I read somewhere that I should go for Iron and Magic first. is it true?

...more

5

Jul 30, 2016

So in preparation for reading Magic Triumphs, I reread Magic Binds, which I thought I remembered pretty well until I got into it last night and realized how much I'd forgotten. Anyway, guess what I spent all evening reading instead of one of the many books in my review stack? Oops. Also, this book works SO MUCH BETTER now that I've read all of the previous books in this series, rather than just hit and miss. Now on to Magic Triumphs!

Review first published on Fantasy Literature. Note: Some So in preparation for reading Magic Triumphs, I reread Magic Binds, which I thought I remembered pretty well until I got into it last night and realized how much I'd forgotten. Anyway, guess what I spent all evening reading instead of one of the many books in my review stack? Oops. Also, this book works SO MUCH BETTER now that I've read all of the previous books in this series, rather than just hit and miss. Now on to Magic Triumphs!

Review first published on Fantasy Literature. Note: Some spoilers for earlier books in the series.

In Magic Binds, the ninth book in Ilona Andrews’ KATE DANIELS urban fantasy series, Kate, a mercenary with awe-inspiring sword-fighting and magical abilities, and Curran, her shapeshifter mate and the former Beast Lord, have decided to officially tie the knot. After dealing with several obstacles to get to the home of their friend Roman, the priest of Chernobog, the Russian dark god, including a pony-sized black scorpion (“If we killed his pet scorpion, we’d never hear the end of it”), they ask Roman to marry them. Roman is absolutely delighted ― as the Black God’s priest, no one ever asks him to marry them ― and in one of the funniest running gags ever, he proceeds to hound and even threaten Kate to take care of all of the normal wedding preparations: guest list, invitations, cake, flowers, dress fittings, etc. Kate would far rather just show up and tie the knot and forget about the mundane planning and details, but Roman is bound and determined that she and Curran are going to do this wedding thing right.

Kate, however, has far more important things to worry about than a nice wedding ceremony. Kate’s father Roland is an immortal wizard who has the unfortunate habit of murdering his children for fear that they’ll destroy him, as well as anyone else who gets in his way or won’t obey him. Currently he’s building a large castle just outside of Atlanta and has been not-so-subtly challenging Kate’s claim to the town, including kidnapping Kate’s old friend Saiman. And now the Witch Oracle has told Kate that either Curran or Kate’s future son is fated to die at her father’s hands, and in either case Atlanta will burn and thousands will die. As far as the witches can tell, there’s no way around either of these terrible futures. The only thing Kate can think of is to do something absolutely crazy and wildly unexpected to change the future ― something so dangerous and awful that she can’t even tell Curran her plans. Good times!

Kate Daniels fans will adore this latest book in the series. The plot is intense, the wedding planning adds a new development to the series, and Kate’s ongoing conflict with Roland is more spectacular and direct than ever before. The characters in this series are well-rounded; the evil characters have some positive attributes, and the good characters struggle with dark urges or weaknesses. Frequent sarcastic humor helps to lighten the tension and the death and destruction that occur. The trademark wittiness that marks this series is as strong as ever, particularly when Roman periodically pops up to try to pin Kate down on her wedding plans:“Mary very kindly agreed to bring over samples so you could select a wedding cake.”

“I did.” Mary nodded.

“Mary turns into a grizzly. A very large grizzly.”

“I know who Mary is,” I told him. “I met her before, at Andrea’s wedding.”

“If you don’t pick a wedding cake, Mary will sit on you and stuff all this cake into your mouth until you make a selection.”If I have any complaint about Magic Binds, it would be that the long build-up to the conflict with Roland fizzles a bit in the end. But that’s a relatively minor quibble. Magic Binds was a terrifically exciting, compelling read. I read it in one day because I couldn’t stand to go to bed with it unfinished. My husband was probably rolling his eyes at how long I was glued to my Kindle reader that day, but a woman’s gotta do what a woman’s gotta do.

If you aren’t already a fan of the KATE DANIELS series, you definitely need to start at the beginning, with Magic Bites. Each book in this series builds on the ones before, including new recurring characters and developments, and Magic Binds is no exception. It contains some major spoilers for the prior books, and some of the events won’t make much sense unless you’ve read the prior books. So this is a series that you really ought to read in order (says the person who hasn’t always done that). Now I just need to go back and read books 6 through 8 before book 10 is published …

4.5 stars, rounding up because Kate = awesome.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for a review. Thank you!! ...more

5

Apr 23, 2017

Re-read 12/1/18,25/1/18

After re-reading the whole series, I have just one thing to say. Kate better not die at the end of this or I shall be enormously upset. Also I really hope they do a spinoff with Derek and Julie because they really deserve a HEA with each other.

+5 Stars

I fail to find words to describe how much I loved this book! Definitely one of my favourites! If you have not read this series and these authors, you are seriously missing out!

3

May 30, 2017

"Only two kinds of people drink their coffee black: cops and serial killers."

What do you know I just found what me and Kate Daniels have in common - see above. I have a lot of friends who love the series with all their hearts. So before some of them de-friend me for such a low rating while others gather a lynching mob to nicely explain me the errors of my way I have to say that the book is good. Some of the previous installments raised the plank very high and this one could not quite reach it. "Only two kinds of people drink their coffee black: cops and serial killers."

What do you know I just found what me and Kate Daniels have in common - see above. I have a lot of friends who love the series with all their hearts. So before some of them de-friend me for such a low rating while others gather a lynching mob to nicely explain me the errors of my way I have to say that the book is good. Some of the previous installments raised the plank very high and this one could not quite reach it. My rating of it is 3.5 stars rounded down for the reasons I will explain.

Kate Daniels and Curran Lennart were about to get married. Everything was fine and dandy until a group of friendly witches showed up and predicted marriage ending in either death of Kate's husband, or her unborn child, or complete and utter destruction of Atlanta. Compared to this Romeo and Juliette had it easy, right?

I learned several interesting and sometimes practical things from my reading. If you want your marriage to be a real fun event asking a Russian volhv of a dark God is the way to go - provided you will not go certifiably crazy during the preparations; most probably you will. If you ask Kate to act crazy she exceeds all expectations; she was always an overachiever.

One character lost on the way is back with the vengeance; that character's first line during the first (in this book) meeting with Curran is priceless and probably the best quote of the book. Desandra steals each and every scene she is in: unfortunately only two short ones in this case. Ascanio became way to serious.

My main and biggest problem is very grim and serious tone of the book. I understand all the reasons: considering the nice highly optimistic prophesies Kate received she was not much in the mood for snarky and witty comments; these were really missed. I paid attention to this: first such comment from Kate occurred at 43% of the book length. Desandra and Ascanio usually helped, but I already mentioned their problems.

To make a long story short if you like Daniel Craig's James Bond you will not mind the lack of humor.

If like me you think Roger Moore's (RIP) Bond is the best you will find the tale is way too serious.


In conclusion the tale was good enough for 3.5 stars, but the humor or its absence forced me to round this down; this and the complete inability of both GoodReads and Amazon to implement half-star ratings. Boo!!

P.S. I still do not like Julie. ...more

5

Oct 22, 2016

Can I borrow some stars from someone? I don't have enough to give this book.

How does a series keep getting progressively better? It was soooo freaking good that I feel like I need to lower every other rating I've ever given so that this 5-star rating has more meaning.

Kate & Curran are getting married and as an early wedding gift, the witches give Kate a prophecy in which everyone dies if she marries Curran - and everyone dies if she doesn't. Huh. That's a below-average wedding gift. They Can I borrow some stars from someone? I don't have enough to give this book.

How does a series keep getting progressively better? It was soooo freaking good that I feel like I need to lower every other rating I've ever given so that this 5-star rating has more meaning.

Kate & Curran are getting married and as an early wedding gift, the witches give Kate a prophecy in which everyone dies if she marries Curran - and everyone dies if she doesn't. Huh. That's a below-average wedding gift. They really should have went with the toaster.



ok, okay... I guess there are worse gift ideas out there... (that chick at the top must really work out!)

Of course all of this death and destruction will come from Daddy-dearest, and he is one powerful dude. How do you kill an immortal god-like creature who has been alive for 5,000 years? Kate is trying to really think outside the box for this one.

"If I kill myself, will he die?"

"You're not killing yourself," Curran said.

"You can't tell me what to do."

Okay, keep thinking, Kate. I'm going to have be on Curran's side for this one. Let's call suicide "Plan B".

This book was just packed with action and new magical beings. Every time I think they will run out of ideas for unique magical characters, they blow my mind with something new and unexpected. Christopher pretty much rocks.

The only negative of the book: Barabas should have seen him in the suit. ...more

3

Aug 28, 2015

1.) Magic Bites
2.) Magic Burns
3.) Magic Strikes
4.) Magic Bleeds
5.) Magic Slays
6.) Magic Rises
7.) Magic Breaks
8.) Magic Shifts
8.5) Magic Stars

“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.”
Being back in this world felt so wonderful! Oh how I missed Kate, her crew, and this amazing take on Atlanta. Yet, when you take away all the 1.) Magic Bites ★★★★
2.) Magic Burns ★★★★
3.) Magic Strikes ★★★★★
4.) Magic Bleeds ★★★★★
5.) Magic Slays ★★★★★
6.) Magic Rises ★★★★
7.) Magic Breaks ★★★★
8.) Magic Shifts ★★★★
8.5) Magic Stars ★★★★

“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.”
Being back in this world felt so wonderful! Oh how I missed Kate, her crew, and this amazing take on Atlanta. Yet, when you take away all the nostalgia factors, one thing remains true: this book felt like the ultimate filler book.

I won't lie, I felt disheartened with this book ending. This book's sole purpose felt like it was to prep you and make you excited for the next, and maybe final, book. It's not that I didn't enjoy reading about all these characters I've grown to love over the years, but turning that last page, with a "cliffhanger" that was rubbed in our face for the entirety of this book, just felt bad.



All the rest of this book in this series feel like they have a purpose; where this book, I can't believe I'm saying this, felt pointless. Kate is still Kate, which means it would be almost impossible not to love her, so I didn't have any problems with her; it was that her "missions" fell a little short, if that makes sense. Her personality, passion, and banter is always amazing, and she will always have a little piece of my heart.

“Great. Kate Daniels, tracker of old ladies with a biting fetish. And me without my armor.”
I even loved the oracle aspect. I mean, I was a child that grew up with Harry Potter, obviously prophecies are my cup of tea, and Kate trying desperately to change her future was endearing and I really thought I was going to love the outcome. Unfortunately, this build-up didn't end up being the mind-blowing explosion of a story I've come to expect from IA's book conclusions, but instead I barely got a spark that could light a candle.



The next part of this review will have minor SPOILERS for the previous books in this series! Please do not continue on if you are not up to date with this series!

Basically, this book is leading up to Kate and Curran's wedding. Kate is let in on a prophecy that can result one of two ways, and both ways are freaking devastating. Kate decides to take matters in her own hands and change the future so neither outcome happens. She pieces together a few important clues, rallies some amazing troops, and is willing to do anything it takes to finally defeat her father.

That doesn't sound so bad, right? I mean, it wasn't a bad read, it was just anticlimactic and, in my opinion, the worst in the series. That's not to say I'm not going to devour the next installment on day one with a smile on my face, but I was disappointed with this book, and especially with Jim. I'm not supposed to hate the new Beast Lord, right?

“Every time I use my magic, everybody gets so concerned. I defend them, I bleed for them, and the moment the immediate danger passes, they let me know how much they disapprove. As if their fucking disapproval matters. As if I should ask their permission, like a servant, to do what is in my power.”
Yet, to juxtapose, I freakin' loved Roman so, so much! He's a Chernogob, the God of evil, priest, who is going to officiate Kate and Curran's wedding. He also has a very unique family dynamic that I would totally read an entire book about.

Also, there were a lot of religious themes in this book that I wasn't expecting. We see a lot more Gods, and learn a lot more about ancient lands and their biblical meanings. It was pretty cool and I enjoyed reading about it and trying to keep all the names straight.

I also loved the love building between Christopher and Barabas. IA has always been wonderful as having amazing representation and diversity in their books, and this series is not different. Like, I need Christopher and Barabas fan-fiction now, because I can't wait for the book.

Also, just Christopher's character in general is such a wonderful story-arc. Like, I can't even form words to describe his character development. This is the mind-blowing explosion I've always came to expect with IA books. Seriously, absolute perfection.



The other perfect story-arc in this book was Erra's. Be still, my heart, I did not see that coming in a million years.

And honestly, as horrible as he is, I really like Kate's relationship with Roland. I love trying to figure out his mind and all the confusion that is him. I, also, I loved his cameo at the end, and I hope to have a better climax with him for the next installment.

I also wanted much more Julie and Derek angst, especially after reading Magic Stars. Like, at this point it feels almost certain that Julie will be getting her own spin-off, especially with her origins being discovered a bit more in this book, but, dammit, I want some angst now!

Ghastek makes many appearances in this book, and each one made me extremely happy. I don't know why, but that Master of the Dead has always been one of my favorite characters in this world and I will never complain about seeing more of him!

I, also, just wanted to state that I am now Kate's age, twenty-eight, and this makes me extremely happy, yet, feel like the laziest bum in the entire world! Seriously, I can't even function in the morning without drinking my weight in caffeine.

Overall, I did enjoy being back in this world, but I didn't love this book. Actually, it's probably my least favorite in the series, but it's an IA book - it's still good. Honestly, this whole series, and everything else IA touches, is a tier above anything else in urban fantasy. I have very high hopes for the next book, and I pray that it does not disappoint or feel like a filler book, like this one did.



Also, I don't think this will be the last time we hear of Curran's little snack, or the impact of it, especially taking into account the last line of this book.

Blog | Twitter | Tumblr | Instagram | Youtube | Twitch ...more

5

Jul 26, 2016

The books in this series blow me away. Every. Time. I don't just say that because I'm a total fangirl who thinks Ilona Andrews can do no wrong. To be fair, I am a total fangirl, but there is a REASON for that. Kate Daniels rocks my socks off. This book is the most satisfying and entertaining thing I have read all year. Books like these are why I read. I didn't want to stop reading to go to bed... to go to work... to feed my kids. (You get the idea.)

This is the book where Kate and Curran are The books in this series blow me away. Every. Time. I don't just say that because I'm a total fangirl who thinks Ilona Andrews can do no wrong. To be fair, I am a total fangirl, but there is a REASON for that. Kate Daniels rocks my socks off. This book is the most satisfying and entertaining thing I have read all year. Books like these are why I read. I didn't want to stop reading to go to bed... to go to work... to feed my kids. (You get the idea.)

This is the book where Kate and Curran are finally supposed to get married. But nothing comes easy for these two. A war with Roland is looming on the horizon, and thanks to some visions from an Oracle, Kate knows that her time is running out and the wedding is destined to be the catalyst. It seems like no matter what road she chooses, she will suffer a devastating loss. Roland will either kill Curran or the son Kate's destined to have with him.

So Kate has to think big. And boy does she ever. I won't spoil the surprises, but this is all about the lengths she will go to protect those she loves. It's about learning who she is and where she came from -- who her people are and what makes them such powerful forces. I totally loved all of these revelations. They keep adding more layers to Kate and her father's relationship. I learned answers to questions I didn't even know I had. But it all made sense. And it totally sucked me in.

Roland is so fascinating. It's amazing how I can believe he loves Kate and yet I have no doubt he will destroy her. That he believes he is right. That he wasn't always a monster. How so much of what he is lives in Kate.

I loved the Julie element in the book, how she is growing -- how her dynamic with Roland evolves.

There are huge developments in the Pack. Good and bad. And they shake the foundations of some core relationships.

We finally get the skinny on Christopher. Big stuff with Saiman. Big stuff with the People.

It's full of action and reveals, snark, heart, suspense, and satisfaction. It's Urban Fantasy at its finest. I have so many favorite parts that I can't list them all. (Though the last sentence undoubtedly stands out.) I can only recommend this book and this series completely and unreservedly. If you're not reading Kate Daniels, you don't know what you're missing.

Rating: A

*ARC provided by Ace ...more

3

Jan 30, 2017

Reread - 08/27/2018

I am writing a collective review for the whole series, and I will try my best not to give away spoilers.

Kate is a trained fighter and so far has played multiple roles. She started as mercenary, then became a member of Order and then led a pack of shapeshifters. Throughout the series Kate has been fighting and killing monsters. She is also slowly inching towards her ultimate enemy, Roland. During this journery Kate has made many friends. Being an orphan, these people filled a Reread - 08/27/2018

I am writing a collective review for the whole series, and I will try my best not to give away spoilers.

Kate is a trained fighter and so far has played multiple roles. She started as mercenary, then became a member of Order and then led a pack of shapeshifters. Throughout the series Kate has been fighting and killing monsters. She is also slowly inching towards her ultimate enemy, Roland. During this journery Kate has made many friends. Being an orphan, these people filled a hole in her, of which she was unaware that even it exist. These friends would die for her and kill for her in a heartbeat. They're her family and made her realize that some things are worth dying for.

One person who comes above all others for Kate is Curran, the Beast Lord. He is very powerful but he never let that power to consume him. He lost his family when he was a child and so he wanted a family to love him. He rules his pack in a way that everyone fears him but they respect him more. He is a warrior, he is ferocious and ruthless but he is also kind. He loves Kate, understands her, keeps her sane and safe. They fight each other but they're madly in love. They'd do anything for each other. There were times when I thought he had lost her but in the end they survive every hurdle that fate three their way.

9 books in, and I can clearly see where this all is going (if authors won't mess thongs up). I liked how slowly Kate's get to know about her powers. Now she is all mighty and glowing like sun with power. But as they say power comes with a price, she is feeling the effects of it. She is struggling and everytime it is more harder to walk away and not hurt people. Things will be tough for her in future. She is not alone in this, Curran is right there struggle with "right" and "wrong."

Ilona Andrews have done a wonderful job with the story so far. They didn't dump all the information at once. They did it slowly and in small measures, introducing awesome side characters in subsequent books. I also loved how they use mythology (though I must say Rakshak, Shiv and Ravan part was done poorly). Hindu, Greek mythology, ancient city of Babylon and djinns. They also introduced tons of kickass supernatural creatures, telling about their origin and what they can do.

One of the best thing about this series are battles. They're highly enjoyable and very detailed. I can't help but love them. With every book pressure on Kate is increasing and power imbalance and struggle are making things more hard, difficult and dangerous for her.

If next book is going to be last, then I want things to end in a grand way. Hope Ilona Andrews will deliver an awesome finish to this story.

I don't know when the final book is coming out and getting anxious to know what wil happen next. Guess, its a long wait so I will pick novellas to have my Kate-Curran fill. ...more

4

Dec 21, 2018

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this latest Kate Daniels book. I think the series gets a bit better with each new instalment. This penultimate volume of the series fast paced and enjoyable. The story was fun and there was a great mix of humorous scenes and tense emotionally engaging scenes. I loved that balance!

The best thing about this 9th book was the the focus was back on the series best villain, Roland! Kate's dad has moved closer to spend more time with his darling daughter but not I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this latest Kate Daniels book. I think the series gets a bit better with each new instalment. This penultimate volume of the series fast paced and enjoyable. The story was fun and there was a great mix of humorous scenes and tense emotionally engaging scenes. I loved that balance!

The best thing about this 9th book was the the focus was back on the series best villain, Roland! Kate's dad has moved closer to spend more time with his darling daughter but not content with sticking his nose into her wedding plans and her parenting of Julie he also decides to indulge in a bit of kidnapping, torture, and murder!

The whole story was a ton of fun as things are never dull when Roland is around. The guy is the best villain this series has had by a long stretch. Some of the early villains were duds but Roland is always great. He is the perfect mix of crazy-scary evil and hilariously pompous overbearing father. I love how any scene involving the guy can flip from hilarity to pure horror is seconds!

It was another good book for Kate and Curran. I've always liked Kate but it took me ages to warm to Curran and his romance with Kate but now that I have I actually quite like the pairing. Curran has developed a lot from the controlling and overbearing ass he was in the early books so it is fun to witness the fact that he now has a more settled and balanced relationship with Kate that I can actually invest in!

This was a fairly quiet book for the secondary characters but Julie, Ascanio, Andrea, and even Saiman managed to to steal a few scenes. As did Kate's new flying pet.

I'm looking forward to finding how it all ends in the final book. I'll read the first Hugh spin-off first though as the spin-off books I read earlier in the series really helped enhance my enjoyment of the main series a lot!

Rating: 4 stars.

Audio Note: I was not always a fan of Renee Raudman's narration of the Kate Daniels series but I think I've warmed to her over the course of the series and now feel she is the voice of the series. She is actually a pretty good narrator. Her best strength is her ability to inject both humour and deep emotion into the story where appropriate and that really helps bring the story to life. She has two main flaws. One is her male voices. They could be better. The other is that she just sounds a bit old to be voicing Kate. Kate is supposed to be in her late 20s but I'm always picturing her as late 40s as Renee sounds like she is closer to 120 than 20! ...more

5

Feb 14, 2013

I'm a huge Ilona Andrews fan. There's nothing I've read of theirs that I don't like, and most of it I absolutely love and adore. But the Kate Daniels series holds a special place for me. It's my favorite Urban Fantasy series, ever. EVER. It would take something massive and amazing for anything to supplant it.

This makes it so hard to review. It's hard to say anything other than 'I LOVE IT' - and I did. I loved nearly every moment of it. This is the moment just before the end (with only ten books I'm a huge Ilona Andrews fan. There's nothing I've read of theirs that I don't like, and most of it I absolutely love and adore. But the Kate Daniels series  holds a special place for me. It's my favorite Urban Fantasy series, ever. EVER. It would take something massive and amazing for anything to supplant it.

This makes it so hard to review. It's hard to say anything other than 'I LOVE IT' - and I did. I loved nearly every moment of it. This is the moment just before the end (with only ten books planned in this series) and everything is ramping up. The tension is crazy-insane, the emotions are running high, and the stakes are out of this world. And if you thought it was already difficult enough for Kate, it gets worse.

As always, there's the humor the suffuses the entire book. Little moments and comments that ease the tension, sometimes even when the tension and feels are so intense I don't think anything can make me laugh. I did more than once here. And appreciated it like nothing else.

This book wasn't quite as emotionally draining for me as the last one - Magic Shifts had an event in it that hit incredibly close to home for me and nearly broke me for a good third of the book - but it was still very emotional and charged.

I love that the "bad-guys" in this series aren't simply bad. They're complex, just like the "good-guys." Nothing is black and white, and choices are made every single minute that affect who you are and who you're going to be. I love that we get to explore that with Kate, and with others.

Look, this far in the series, I'm afraid of spoiling anything almost like I'm afraid of the plague. A bullet list - expect no details:


*Kate and her forays to the Dark Side
*Roland
*Julie
*Roman
*A Certain Character I Never Expected to See Again (ACCINEtSA)
*Kate
*Curran
*Roland
*ACCINEtSA
*ACCINEtSA
*ACCINEtSA
*Edvokia
*Kate
*Kate
*Kate


I just realized that most of the stuff I'd put in this list are spoilers in and of themselves, even just the word. So, it's a really truncated list for you. Also, I'm so done with one character in particular. They can go to hell for all I care. In fact, I wish they would.

The ending of the epilogue - I knew it had to be coming. Ever since....a couple of books ago, or at least the last book, but I'm really conflicted and interested to see where this goes. Ilona Andrews never fails to shock the hell out of me, and surprise me, making me love things that I never expected or realized, so I won't lose faith now.

We're almost done. Just one more book. I may cry. A lot. And I'll be taking the day off of work to experience it slowly, with joy and sorrow and all the other emotions that I know Ilona Andrews will make me experience.

And then I'll cry because it's over. But at least I'll have these amazing stories to continue to re-read.

Review also available at The Book Eaters

Pre-release thoughts
September 2015: Theres a title!!! Magic Binds!

I needs the book now, precious!

From the Andrews' 8/27/15 blog post:

Kate and Curran are getting married on the July 6 (I know the book says June but it’s July) during a Russian pagan festival. So there will be lots of Russian stuff in the books. Also certain people (using plural here to avoid spoilers) get kidnapped by Roland and slowly murdered, and Kate must go and get said people rescued, even if they were total assholes in the last book.

So wedding. Kidnapping. Family reunions. Flower crowns. I want Kate to have the traditional Ivan Kupalo flower crown on the cover and so help me all the evil deities of Slavic pantheon, I will pitch a huge fit if it’s not there. ...more

5

Oct 06, 2016

If you are not reading this series, you should be.
I slowed down when I got close to the end so I could enjoy it longer. Doesn't that say it all ? How can they keep writing books that I can't wait to finish and hate to finish at the same time ?
The side characters really came into play in this book, everyone was fantastic, interesting and unique.
There were a couple side characters that held my attention and have me dreaming about their futures. Roman, dark, and handsome. He is so interesting, If you are not reading this series, you should be.
I slowed down when I got close to the end so I could enjoy it longer. Doesn't that say it all ? How can they keep writing books that I can't wait to finish and hate to finish at the same time ?
The side characters really came into play in this book, everyone was fantastic, interesting and unique.
There were a couple side characters that held my attention and have me dreaming about their futures. Roman, dark, and handsome. He is so interesting, unique, snarky and powerful plus. Christopher, he has really evolved into someone who needs to be known. The his
The last sentence in the book is fantastic. The book was excellent. ...more

5

Sep 19, 2016

Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

The first thing that pops into my head whenever I finish a KATE DANIELS volume is that Ilona Andrews can’t possibly top what I just read. Ok, so maybe there’s a whole lot of EGAD-GAH-OOOH-WHEE-ZOWIE-EEP-OMG (!!!) that precedes my first coherent thought, but then a year goes by, I pick-up the next novel, and the author duo blows the previous installment out of the water. I’m not usually a book hugger however, MAGIC BINDS evoked such strong emotions in me that they bubbled Reviewed by: Rabid Reads.

The first thing that pops into my head whenever I finish a KATE DANIELS volume is that Ilona Andrews can’t possibly top what I just read. Ok, so maybe there’s a whole lot of EGAD-GAH-OOOH-WHEE-ZOWIE-EEP-OMG (!!!) that precedes my first coherent thought, but then a year goes by, I pick-up the next novel, and the author duo blows the previous installment out of the water. I’m not usually a book hugger however, MAGIC BINDS evoked such strong emotions in me that they bubbled over, and manifested physically.

Kate & Curran are in the thick of wedding planning madness, and the heroine’s reluctance to tackle all of her big day musts made me feel like a bridezilla in comparison which is funny because I was extremely blasé about my nuptials. Naturally, flowers and cake tasting take a back seat when Roland starts breathing down their necks, Christopher pulls a fast one, and Julie cozies up to dear ol’ grandpa. The Andrews’ really covered ALL of their bases in this latest addition with answers and backstory aplenty!

Daniels’ efforts to piece together her lineage have been admirable, but several large gaps still remained. In this novel we learn about Roland’s pre-world domination days, and some light is shed on the rest of her family tree as well. Kate’s history linked-up nicely with her present because it helped to explain why she is currently battling with her “dark side”, and illustrated her potential paths as the princess of Shinar, granddaughter of Semiramis, niece of the City Eater, daughter of the Builder of Towers.

All of the nuggets of information that the authors unloaded on fans were reason enough to break out into song however, then there were the action montages, trademark snarky humour, and tender moments between the two protagonists which called for a full fledged musical performance. Ilona & Gordon could have quit while they were ahead, but instead they piled on an epic crusade, a close call for a much loved character, and a whooper of a last sentence that’ll keep bouncing around your brain until book 10.

MAGIC BINDS resonated so deeply that I felt it in my bones! ...more

5

Mar 03, 2016

I'm bowing down and sending huge thanks to Netgalley for this one because it is totally awesome sauce! The Andrews have surpassed all my hopes here and if honest eased my fears because I just wasn't sure how they could start bringing this series to a close that would make sense. Yes I'm quietly sobbing at the thought of losing these characters but justice must be served and the unexpected twists and allies here when I think about it really do make sense.
My favourite couple are finally getting I'm bowing down and sending huge thanks to Netgalley for this one because it is totally awesome sauce! The Andrews have surpassed all my hopes here and if honest eased my fears because I just wasn't sure how they could start bringing this series to a close that would make sense. Yes I'm quietly sobbing at the thought of losing these characters but justice must be served and the unexpected twists and allies here when I think about it really do make sense.
My favourite couple are finally getting married but there's a huge fly in the ointment and yes it's Kate's dad Roland but this time the oracle has seen things that would curl your hair. Kate has to somehow scupper his plans to save so many from certain death but how can she when everything points to Roland winning . It doesn't matter that Kate and Curran are strong,, brave and united in this fight when there are things Kate is keeping secret. Helpful wedding planners aside ( that's a joke!) how is Kate really going to use the dysfunctional relationship she has with her father to end his manipulative ways? Sometimes you have to think outside the box and dare to confront your past but remember those secrets ? This could well be a step too far for Curran .
So much comes to light in this book and I loved the surprises. My mind is still reeling as I'm trying to decide if daddy dearest aka Roland the homicidal megalomaniac who would rule the world , does deep down love his daughter or if it's what's revealed in this story that plays the biggest part. For much of this book I kind of felt Kate seemed alone but when the authors let their characters interact it allowed for quite humourous interchanges . Things happen here that are left dangling to torment and tantalise the reader . Those who avidly follow this series will be closely watching as Roman, Christopher, Julie and even Ghastek play a part. There's no doubt in my mind that Curran ( I wonder if he ever gets indigestion ?!) and Derek are firm favourites but what about Kate's nemesis Hugh? Pay attention folks because the confetti is thrown down for readers to follow.
This is urban fantasy at its best but to really get the most out of it read this series in order. It's definitely improved with each book and the writing is now top notch. Imaginative, well researched, original and best of all fun this full on fast ride gives readers whiplash but it's simply fabulous !
I was gifted a copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review ...more

5

Jul 22, 2015

1st read - July 2016
2nd read - September 2017
3rd read - May 2018
4th read - July 2018
5th read - October 2019

Full Review

I honestly don't know Ilona and Gordon Andrews do it but the Kate Daniels series just gets better and better with every book. We're heading to the end of the series now (just one more book to go *sob*) so everything is building up and falling into place ready for the big finale and the only word to accurately describe Magic Binds is epic. The stakes are higher than you could 1st read - July 2016
2nd read - September 2017
3rd read - May 2018
4th read - July 2018
5th read - October 2019

Full Review

I honestly don't know Ilona and Gordon Andrews do it but the Kate Daniels series just gets better and better with every book. We're heading to the end of the series now (just one more book to go *sob*) so everything is building up and falling into place ready for the big finale and the only word to accurately describe Magic Binds is epic. The stakes are higher than you could possibly imagine, the confrontation between Kate and Roland is closer than ever before and shit just got real.

It's so hard to write a review for a book that's so amazing because I want to talk about all the things but at the same time I don't want to mention any of them and unintentionally spoiler people. Just trust me when I say this has all the humour you've come to expect from the series as well as some beautiful and heart wrenching moments. Kate shows a little of her dark side, Curran proves beyond a shadow of doubt what a perfect couple they make, Julie has me a little worried but I'm going to trust her to do the right thing, Ronan is the most hilarious wedding planner you could ever come across, Christopher remembers something very important and leaves Barabas looking rather flustered, Andrea and Raphael prepare for a new arrival, Jim is his usual idiot self but Dali sets him straight when he needs it, Derek frustrated me by not believing in Kate when he should have but at the same time made my heart melt because he was just trying to protect Julie, the shock reappearance of an old character was absolute genius and then there's Roland, loving father one minute, crazy dictator the next Roland is a complex character but one who can never be trusted.

I've already devoured this epic rollercoaster of a book twice and I'm contemplating reading it for a third time just because I still have such a book hangover and no other book is able to compete. There aren't any other series that come anywhere close to this one, it's urban fantasy at it's very finest and I'm not going to know what to do with myself when I don't have my yearly dose of new Kate to look forward to. At least I'll still have my annual reread to help with the withdrawal symptoms and of course everything Ilona and Gordon write in the future will jump straight to the top of my to read pile.

Source: Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

__________________

1st Read Rambling

30th July:
This book was EPIC! I know I'm a total Ilona Andrews fangirl but the series really does get better and better with every instalment. I'm planning on reading this again after I've finished my series reread so I'll review it properly then but for now I'm just going to say: Kate has a dark side, Roman is a hilarious wedding planner, a VERY unexpected person make a reappearance and they do it in style, Roland is up to his old tricks and we finally find out more about Christopher's background. And that's not even half of what happens in this book! It's almost too good to handle and I can't wait to reread slowly and fully savour it the second time around (I totally read it in 2 sittings last time, it would have been one but sleep got the better of me halfway through thanks to the 2:18am start time LOL)


Thoughts before reading:
OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG I GOT APPROVED ON NETGALLEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think I'm about to die of excitement over here.

Question: Do I start reading this now even though it's 2:18 am or do I try and sleep and start it tomorrow?

Aaahh screw it, I don't know why I even asked - OF COURSE I'm going to start it NOW!!! ...more

5

Feb 05, 2016

This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

This book. I don't even know if I can even come close to putting my love for this book into words. This book was easily my most anticipated release of 2016. I actually was trying to save a vacation day just so that I could stay home and read this book just as soon as it became available. To say that I went into this book with high hopes would be an understatement. This book was better than I could have even hoped it could be. Once I started This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life.

This book. I don't even know if I can even come close to putting my love for this book into words. This book was easily my most anticipated release of 2016. I actually was trying to save a vacation day just so that I could stay home and read this book just as soon as it became available. To say that I went into this book with high hopes would be an understatement. This book was better than I could have even hoped it could be. Once I started this book, I didn't come up for air until the final page.

This book has so many things going on. Roland is up to his old tricks. Kate and Curran are getting married. Things look impossible and the impossible happens. There is never a dull moment. There are plenty of scenes that kick ass and many that make you grin. There are even more than a few moments that will touch your heart. I honestly don't know how this story fits together so perfectly...it just does.

As much as I loved this story, I really loved seeing all of these characters again. It has been so much fun watching all of the characters in this series grow over the years. Kate feel a bit darker in this book. Her problems with Roland have become dangerous and she has to take a stand. Kate is willing to bend a few rules if that is what it takes to keep everyone safe. Curran is awesome as always. I just love him. Roman made me laugh. Christopher surprised me. Julie makes me worry. I think I went through my whole range of emotions while reading this book because these characters feel so real to me.

This book is brilliantly told. I would say the pacing was perfect with the action scenes being perfectly placed. There wasn't a single moment in the book where the story didn't feel completely genuine. The excitement of reading a Kate Daniels book just never seems to stop. This book did leave me really wanting to start the next book in the series right away since they leave you just enough information to know that things are going to get even more interesting very soon.

I would highly recommend this book to others. This is the ninth book in the series and they really should be read in order. Each book in the series build upon the earlier stories so readers will lose something by skipping around. Trust me, you don't want to miss any part of this wonderful series so just pick up the first book, Magic Bites, and start there. This is a series that I never grow tired of and plan to read many times in the future. The writing pair of Ilona Andrews has easily become one of my very favorite authors and they have outdone themselves with this book. Bravo!

I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.

Initial Thoughts
Even better than I could have hoped for!

------------------------------------
My request on NetGalley was approved! I can't even tell you how excited I am!

...more

5

Sep 16, 2015

Magic Binds, the ninth (and apparently second-to-last) installment of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series is quite possibly this author’s best work to date. At this point, it’s very difficult to separate, compare or evaluate each individual book, but Magic Binds challenges our beloved characters in all new ways and adds a lot to the already spectacular characterization. The sheer quality of these books sets them apart from anything even remotely similar.

Kate is pushed to her limits in Magic Magic Binds, the ninth (and apparently second-to-last) installment of Ilona Andrews’ Kate Daniels series is quite possibly this author’s best work to date. At this point, it’s very difficult to separate, compare or evaluate each individual book, but Magic Binds challenges our beloved characters in all new ways and adds a lot to the already spectacular characterization. The sheer quality of these books sets them apart from anything even remotely similar.

Kate is pushed to her limits in Magic Binds, not just by her father, but by her magic as well. More than any other book in the series, this one centers on characterization and shades of gray within Kate’s family. With her father so close, a constant threat on the borders of Atlanta, Kate’s power is developing rapidly. Each day she discovers some new ability and it’s affecting her in ways none of us could have predicted. As Curran at one point says, Kate is the least power-hungry person he knows, but power corrupts even if you never wanted it in the first place.

For those of you who were wondering about Christopher and his origins, answers are finally here! We get to learn his history, how his mind came to be broken and why he attached himself to Kate and her people. Aside from discovering his past, we finally scratch the surface of his relationship with Barabas, which seems to be very complex. This was something I’ve been wondering about for quite a while and although there’s still some room for speculation, we now have a much clearer picture.

As the end approaches, the pressure on Kate is growing, the need to fight her own blood inside and out is becoming ever stronger. Everything she does reveals more truths about her father and the more she knows, the more she’s determined to stop him. Kate’s family is always behind her though, even though there are friends who aren’t. It’s gorgeous to see how much understanding there is between her and Curran and how they support each other even through bold and risky moves.

With just one more book left, every word in Magic Binds is extremely important. Each event leads to something bigger and more dangerous. Due to their trademark sense of humor, fantastic plotting and unparalleled action scenes, Ilona and Gordon will leave behind a horde of disappointed fans when they bring this series to a close.

...more

5

Sep 28, 2016

So many other reviewers have done a much better job reviewing this one than I could. Check those out, and read this series ASAP if you haven't.

Sad that there is only one left, and it's a year away. *thank goodness for rereads*

4

Oct 01, 2015

Awwww, it was soooo good!

Action, action and only action. It's a rare thing that this series keeps being awesome, even after 9 books.

I love all the characters, even the villains. Roland is such a great character. His conversation with Kate was worth the read.

There was so much fighting and so many battles, so very well described, so magnificently done and the war is still coming. Can't wait for that epic final battle, but I also don't want this series to end.

Christopher is such a surprise. I want Awwww, it was soooo good!

Action, action and only action. It's a rare thing that this series keeps being awesome, even after 9 books.

I love all the characters, even the villains. Roland is such a great character. His conversation with Kate was worth the read.

There was so much fighting and so many battles, so very well described, so magnificently done and the war is still coming. Can't wait for that epic final battle, but I also don't want this series to end.

Christopher is such a surprise. I want a spin off of him and Barabas soooo bad! There's something there....

I love Kate more and more. She's not aggressive. She only wants to love and be loved, but with a family like hers, that's nearly impossible.

Kate's family is such a mess, but everyone's unique. This book wouldn't be the same without their presence.

What I love about Kate and her father, is that they fight each other so brutally in battles, but they still talk after and there is love between them. Kudos to the Andrews for making me love and hate some characters at the same time.

I really want to read more of Kate Daniels books. I'm anticipating so much the next one, after THAT final sentence on this, things are getting heated.

There are some very emotional scenes in this book, some made me cry. Curran and Kate are going still strong. I like them better now than in the first books. Curran FINALLY knows what a gem Kate is.

I loved how a mutual enemy brought the Keep, the Guild and the People (etc) together. I like the witches and of course Roman. Such a funny guy. I hope we see more of him in the future.

My only complain, is (view spoiler)[ Hugh's absence. I still think he's gonna play a significant part in the future. (hide spoiler)] Other than that, the book is A W E S O M E! The wait for the next one is going to be such a looooong one.....



.........................



It is not September yet?? Man, this is gonna be a long-long summer.

The first chapter was amazing! Every time there's a Conclave, I know funny things are going to happen.

Why did Roland really kidnap Saiman? He's not just an ordinary man, he's (view spoiler)[ Loki's grandson!! (hide spoiler)]. I'm so glad this book will be about him. He's the most intriguing character. I want to see him in full potential.

I I really hope/wish Hugh will appear in this one. I've missed him. :/ ...more