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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4 stars
The first half was super good, the second half got more boring!
The first half was super good, the second half got more boring!
Having finished the last published Kate Daniels book, I was happy to find this one and re-enter the world of post-Shift Atlanta. I enjoyed this book. Andrea, somewhat surprisingly, doesn't read very differently from Kate as a protagonist. But I don't feel I got to know her through Kate's books, so it was nice to spend some time with her.
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
This book had my heart breaking for Andrea on page one. I knew I was in for an emotional ride with this heroine. Andrea has been a presence in this series as Kate’s best friend, and we’ve gotten bits and pieces of her story as the series has progressed. But to hear the details of Andrea’s childhood, being abused, beaten, tortured by members of her own pack because she’s a beastkin did a number on her (and me) as she still relives portions of her past that keep her up at night. It’s certainly shaped her into the woman she is today. So much so, that her loyalty to her previous employer, the Order, ruined her relationship with the man she loves, Raphael. She chose the Order over him and his clan and they still haven’t been able to mend the broken pieces of their relationship. The story opens with four murders at one of Raphael’s job sites and Andrea is put on the case.
Gunmetal Magic is Andrea’s show – we get an up close and personal look at what makes her tick, what drives her and just how big a heart she really has. She’s devastated that things with Raphael haven’t been cleared up and they still find ways to hurt each other early on when their paths cross as Andrea starts tracking clues to who murdered the four people. There’s a lot of detail surrounding the murders and how they relate to ancient artifacts, history, Gods and a resurrection that Andrea and her friends have to try and find a way to stop. I found some parts of this plot to be a bit confusing, keeping track of who’s who, and what everyone wants, it’s certainly a book that had me taking my time trying to keep everything straight. One thing is always certain in this series, there’s a lot of humor, the fighting is fierce and there are usually injuries. Andrea suffers her share along with Raphael, Roman (a man who Kate has called “the dark wizard”) and Kate. Needless to say, Doolittle was busy patching people up in this one.
Above all the fighting and searching for the killer(s), was Andrea and her journey. I loved seeing all the different sides to her. We get to see her as best friend to Kate, a sort of mentor to Ascanio, a little flirty with Roman and most important, together with Raphael and finding her place with Aunt B and her clan. Andrea has fought against what she is for so long, she finally embraces her beastkin side and stops denying who she is. I liked seeing her a bit vulnerable and really understanding how hard it’s been for her to be apart from Raphael, who she knows deep down is her mate. As is the case with most relationships in this series, Andrea and Raphael have some crazy mating ritual. It’s so amusing and puts a smile on my face to see Andrea and Raphael do insane things to each other all in the name of love. Even though we have to go through some relationship angst at the start, I just kept counting down until that time when they both finally get their act together.
This was an overall nice read, the murder plot ended up taking a back seat to the character interactions for me. I found myself loving the scenes that Andrea had with all the players and especially found myself drawn to Roman. I love this guy. He’s snarky, playful and I definitely want more from him in the future. I started the story feeling so horribly for Andrea and ended up loving the place and life she found for herself.
This book had my heart breaking for Andrea on page one. I knew I was in for an emotional ride with this heroine. Andrea has been a presence in this series as Kate’s best friend, and we’ve gotten bits and pieces of her story as the series has progressed. But to hear the details of Andrea’s childhood, being abused, beaten, tortured by members of her own pack because she’s a beastkin did a number on her (and me) as she still relives portions of her past that keep her up at night. It’s certainly shaped her into the woman she is today. So much so, that her loyalty to her previous employer, the Order, ruined her relationship with the man she loves, Raphael. She chose the Order over him and his clan and they still haven’t been able to mend the broken pieces of their relationship. The story opens with four murders at one of Raphael’s job sites and Andrea is put on the case.
Gunmetal Magic is Andrea’s show – we get an up close and personal look at what makes her tick, what drives her and just how big a heart she really has. She’s devastated that things with Raphael haven’t been cleared up and they still find ways to hurt each other early on when their paths cross as Andrea starts tracking clues to who murdered the four people. There’s a lot of detail surrounding the murders and how they relate to ancient artifacts, history, Gods and a resurrection that Andrea and her friends have to try and find a way to stop. I found some parts of this plot to be a bit confusing, keeping track of who’s who, and what everyone wants, it’s certainly a book that had me taking my time trying to keep everything straight. One thing is always certain in this series, there’s a lot of humor, the fighting is fierce and there are usually injuries. Andrea suffers her share along with Raphael, Roman (a man who Kate has called “the dark wizard”) and Kate. Needless to say, Doolittle was busy patching people up in this one.
Above all the fighting and searching for the killer(s), was Andrea and her journey. I loved seeing all the different sides to her. We get to see her as best friend to Kate, a sort of mentor to Ascanio, a little flirty with Roman and most important, together with Raphael and finding her place with Aunt B and her clan. Andrea has fought against what she is for so long, she finally embraces her beastkin side and stops denying who she is. I liked seeing her a bit vulnerable and really understanding how hard it’s been for her to be apart from Raphael, who she knows deep down is her mate. As is the case with most relationships in this series, Andrea and Raphael have some crazy mating ritual. It’s so amusing and puts a smile on my face to see Andrea and Raphael do insane things to each other all in the name of love. Even though we have to go through some relationship angst at the start, I just kept counting down until that time when they both finally get their act together.
This was an overall nice read, the murder plot ended up taking a back seat to the character interactions for me. I found myself loving the scenes that Andrea had with all the players and especially found myself drawn to Roman. I love this guy. He’s snarky, playful and I definitely want more from him in the future. I started the story feeling so horribly for Andrea and ended up loving the place and life she found for herself.
Anything involving the Kate Daniels World is a plus and a winner. I enjoyed Andrea's story. What happen to her mom? I don't remember seeing that answer. But it was good to get her background. Also it, always good to see Kate and Curran and they showed up just enough not to overpower Andrea and Raphael.
In love with Ilona and anything she gives us from this world.
Andrea's story was great and I enjoyed the breif glimpses of Kate. Very much in love and intrigued by the sweet dark volhv. So many wonderful characters and hilarious lines-"I like Eeyore. He's sensible. A sober outlook on life never hurt anyone." Very true!
How will I survive till the next book!!! Perhaps a kindly Gordon will cough up a Curran POV...le sigh.
Andrea's story was great and I enjoyed the breif glimpses of Kate. Very much in love and intrigued by the sweet dark volhv. So many wonderful characters and hilarious lines-"I like Eeyore. He's sensible. A sober outlook on life never hurt anyone." Very true!
How will I survive till the next book!!! Perhaps a kindly Gordon will cough up a Curran POV...le sigh.
~ 5 Gunmetal Magic Stars ~
There is just something special about the Andrews team writing that will capture you and take you on an action-packed adventure through the lives and world of their characters.
In Gunmetal Magic we get Andrea and Raphael’s story with Kate and Curran making a few short appearances. From what happened in [b:Magic Slays|8559047|Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5)|Ilona Andrews|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1288727226s/8559047.jpg|13427398], things are tense between this couple and Andrea is still not sure if she wants to join the Pack. She spends the book finding her place in the world.
I absolutely loved the development and struggles Andrea goes through. We get to learn about her history (which is sad) and everything that is going on between her and Raphael. The history we learn gives us great insight as to why she is so leery in joining the Pack and we also get to see her finally come to terms with her beast-kin side as the novel develops. The relationship between Andrea and Raphael is officially over or is it? These two are a power couple, both Alphas and both Powerful. They both do a number on each other, but we see how the shapeshifters work through their problems and well the best part was Andreas revenge on Raphael.
The secondary characters are just as entreating. I love Barabas. He is such a great character. We also get to learn more about the teenage bouda, Asciano, who starts to play more of a roll.
Their is also a Bonus Novella - Magic Gifts, which I love.
This novella is in Kate’s POV and is during the same time frame as [b:Gunmetal Magic|12288282|Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5)|Ilona Andrews|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331230049s/12288282.jpg|17264774]. I always love return to Kate and Curran. A murder mystery takes place with a kids life in danger. Plus we finally see Kate deal with The Mercenary Guild and she resolve this issue in Grand Style.
If the book has Ilona Andrews name on it you are guaranteed a extraordinary entertaining read. They are a must read for anyone!
There is just something special about the Andrews team writing that will capture you and take you on an action-packed adventure through the lives and world of their characters.
In Gunmetal Magic we get Andrea and Raphael’s story with Kate and Curran making a few short appearances. From what happened in [b:Magic Slays|8559047|Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5)|Ilona Andrews|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1288727226s/8559047.jpg|13427398], things are tense between this couple and Andrea is still not sure if she wants to join the Pack. She spends the book finding her place in the world.
I absolutely loved the development and struggles Andrea goes through. We get to learn about her history (which is sad) and everything that is going on between her and Raphael. The history we learn gives us great insight as to why she is so leery in joining the Pack and we also get to see her finally come to terms with her beast-kin side as the novel develops. The relationship between Andrea and Raphael is officially over or is it? These two are a power couple, both Alphas and both Powerful. They both do a number on each other, but we see how the shapeshifters work through their problems and well the best part was Andreas revenge on Raphael.
The secondary characters are just as entreating. I love Barabas. He is such a great character. We also get to learn more about the teenage bouda, Asciano, who starts to play more of a roll.
Their is also a Bonus Novella - Magic Gifts, which I love.
This novella is in Kate’s POV and is during the same time frame as [b:Gunmetal Magic|12288282|Gunmetal Magic (Kate Daniels, #5.5)|Ilona Andrews|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1331230049s/12288282.jpg|17264774]. I always love return to Kate and Curran. A murder mystery takes place with a kids life in danger. Plus we finally see Kate deal with The Mercenary Guild and she resolve this issue in Grand Style.
If the book has Ilona Andrews name on it you are guaranteed a extraordinary entertaining read. They are a must read for anyone!
A pretty fun book! Andrea's acceptance of her shapeshifter nature and badass-ness was fun to watch, although I thought her love interest was an idiot most of the time.
I just love Andrea so much. I'm really happy with this book.
I was disappointed in the lack of difference between Kate and Andrea's POV. As others have noted, it felt like I was reading about Kate and Curran rather than Andrea and Raphael, besides a few little details about being beastkin. For any future side-character novels, I would love to see a more unique, developed voice. Aside from that, this novel has a lot of the things that I love about Kate Daniels books: intriguing plot, suspense, and lots of action expertly blended with romance.