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4.07 AVERAGE
4.07 AVERAGE
In my first read through of this book, I thought this was like Kate and Curran except retold in another variation. I used to think all of IA's heroines -- Kate, Nevada, Dina -- were the same, only shades of each other.
Well. How wrong I am. I am reading this and I marvel at how different Andrea and Kate are. Having tried writing some stuff before and being an avid reader, I think one of the hardest things ever is to convey different, distinguishable main characters. Andrea is so different from Kate. So different. I can't believe I ever thought they were the same. Her fights with Raphael are downright vicious and some of the things that were said made me wince on both their behalf. Great book. I love IA's work.
Well. How wrong I am. I am reading this and I marvel at how different Andrea and Kate are. Having tried writing some stuff before and being an avid reader, I think one of the hardest things ever is to convey different, distinguishable main characters. Andrea is so different from Kate. So different. I can't believe I ever thought they were the same. Her fights with Raphael are downright vicious and some of the things that were said made me wince on both their behalf. Great book. I love IA's work.
Really loved this book!! I'm glad that Andrea and Raphael got their mess together cuz they make a cute couple. I have to say I want to read more about Roman and his bat man belt gosh he mad me laugh!
Gunmetal Magic was spectacular! I loved getting to know Andrea (and Rafael) better - I would not be averse to having a spin-off series with them as the main characters, just saying.
The narration was really well done, and the mystery surrounding the case Andrea was on just made the romance even better.
The narration was really well done, and the mystery surrounding the case Andrea was on just made the romance even better.
Gunmetal Magic was spectacular! I loved getting to know Andrea (and Rafael) better - I would not be averse to having a spin-off series with them as the main characters, just saying.
The narration was really well done, and the mystery surrounding the case Andrea was on just made the romance even better.
The narration was really well done, and the mystery surrounding the case Andrea was on just made the romance even better.
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
POV shift from the main character of the series to her best friend. We get more of the backstory along with the advancement of the plot in this installment, and I liked it a lot. The pacing is the same, and I devoured it just as quickly.
Gunmetal Magic
4 Stars
Series Note: This book cannot be read as a standalone. It is necessary to read the first 5 Kate Daniels books in order to get a feel for the world Andrews has created as well as important background detail on the characters.
Kate and Curran are a hard act to follow. It is difficult to become as immersed and involved in Andrea and Raphael's relationship following Kate and Curran's romance in the first 5 books.
Andrea has made some questionable choices in the past and as such, it is difficult to completely take her side in her clash of wills with Raphael. That said, this installment provides some much needed background on her childhood and succeeds in making her decisions more tenable.
Raphael is no saint and his actions at the beginning of the book made me want to strangle him. Thankfully, he and Andrea come to their senses without too much angst and their make-up scenes are really cute. It also helps that Ilona and Gordon are so skilled in the witty banter and snappy, snarky comebacks department.
As in the Kate Daniels books, the plot once again centers on a particular mythology and this time it is Egypt's turn. The details are well-researched and the action scenes exciting. However, the storyline is quite convoluted and there are times when it is difficult to determine who the actual villains are and precisely what they want.
The best aspect of the book is the family dynamic established by the secondary characters. Ascanio, Roman, Aunt B, Doolittle, and of course, Kate and Curran, all come together to bully, pester, tease, encourage and support Andrea thereby making Gunmetal Magic a worthy addition to the series.
While all threads are neatly tied up by the end, some unanswered questions remain and I can't wait for Magic Rises to come out.
4 Stars
Series Note: This book cannot be read as a standalone. It is necessary to read the first 5 Kate Daniels books in order to get a feel for the world Andrews has created as well as important background detail on the characters.
Kate and Curran are a hard act to follow. It is difficult to become as immersed and involved in Andrea and Raphael's relationship following Kate and Curran's romance in the first 5 books.
Andrea has made some questionable choices in the past and as such, it is difficult to completely take her side in her clash of wills with Raphael. That said, this installment provides some much needed background on her childhood and succeeds in making her decisions more tenable.
Raphael is no saint and his actions at the beginning of the book made me want to strangle him. Thankfully, he and Andrea come to their senses without too much angst and their make-up scenes are really cute. It also helps that Ilona and Gordon are so skilled in the witty banter and snappy, snarky comebacks department.
As in the Kate Daniels books, the plot once again centers on a particular mythology and this time it is Egypt's turn. The details are well-researched and the action scenes exciting. However, the storyline is quite convoluted and there are times when it is difficult to determine who the actual villains are and precisely what they want.
The best aspect of the book is the family dynamic established by the secondary characters. Ascanio, Roman, Aunt B, Doolittle, and of course, Kate and Curran, all come together to bully, pester, tease, encourage and support Andrea thereby making Gunmetal Magic a worthy addition to the series.
While all threads are neatly tied up by the end, some unanswered questions remain
Spoiler
Is the Witch Oracle's prophecy related to the events in this book or not? What exactly is a First and how did Curran become one?
Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.75
Story Rating: 4.75
Character Rating: 4.75
Audio Rating: 5.00
First Thought when Finished: I absolutely freaking loved Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews.
Quick Thoughts:Andrea was freaking kick-ass, resolved some of her issues, and basically owned everyone. I like her more than Kate. Raphael is still growing on me though. I still think he is an ass but he is an ass Andrea loves so I will root for them! This made me laugh, cheer, and fist pump a couple of times.
Audio Thoughts:
Renee did a fantastic job doing the whole book as Andrea! So, as if, I needed another reason to just say listen to these already, here it is. She can pull off a lot of different voices beautifully!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating: 4.75
Story Rating: 4.75
Character Rating: 4.75
Audio Rating: 5.00
First Thought when Finished: I absolutely freaking loved Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews.
Quick Thoughts:Andrea was freaking kick-ass, resolved some of her issues, and basically owned everyone. I like her more than Kate. Raphael is still growing on me though. I still think he is an ass but he is an ass Andrea loves so I will root for them! This made me laugh, cheer, and fist pump a couple of times.
Audio Thoughts:
Narrated By Renée Raudman / Length: 12 hrs and 43 mins
Renee did a fantastic job doing the whole book as Andrea! So, as if, I needed another reason to just say listen to these already, here it is. She can pull off a lot of different voices beautifully!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Andrea is a good character to take the lead and this was a great adventure. I admit I didn't like how many times she pitied herself along the story, but the nod to "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Galaxy" was awesome!