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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
This book is slightly weaker to me, just because the secret keeping and miscommunication is annoying. I upped it to 5 stars on this reread though, because I fucking love Hugh. He's such a crazy dick.
I had ups and downs with this book, but the story was so amazing. I liked the different setting and the boat trip was so special, I had no idea about those different kinds of shifters, but Kate and Curran managed to kill them all.
The gang is all together because Curran was invited to work as a bodyguard, but of course Kate decided to went with him and after that the numbers only growed. Andrea and Raphael managed to get inside the group along with Aunt B. But for me the most different and surprising was the Doc.
I liked the story and of course seeing what Hugh is really after, but the different mythologies and creatures made this book perfect for me.
The gang is all together because Curran was invited to work as a bodyguard, but of course Kate decided to went with him and after that the numbers only growed. Andrea and Raphael managed to get inside the group along with Aunt B. But for me the most different and surprising was the Doc.
I liked the story and of course seeing what Hugh is really after, but the different mythologies and creatures made this book perfect for me.
Another amazing book in the Kate Daniels series. During work breaks and late nights I consumed this book in a week. My all time favorite heroine. I really love that this series is not focused on romance or sex. It is refreshing to have a female starring in a series that is strong and independent. Can't wait for the next book.
Now this deep into the series it's turning into a fab telenovela. I'm all about this junk food. These books are not short but they sure do go down like potato chips!
“Kate is just Kate and you belong with us. That’s all that matters.”
4.5 stars. Oh my god. I cannot believe that I've waited for five years to read this book because reviews scared me off. Since I've started rereading the first books last week, I couldn't escape the utter dread I felt whenever I thought about what I had read in reviews back in 2016. What the fuck?
“Curran’s whore comes to visit us,” Jarek said in accented English.
The three men laughed as if on cue.
I glanced at Mahon. “You really shouldn’t let him talk to you like that.”
Mahon’s bushy eyebrows came together.
Full disclosure : in 2016, when I thought that I wouldn't finish this series, I checked reviews for [b:Magic Rises|11544421|Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #6)|Ilona Andrews|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359571572l/11544421._SY75_.jpg|16484134] because the numerous messages I got from friends and follow reviewers telling me that THEY FELL OUT OF LOVE IN BOOK 6 got me extremely curious. I mean!! I'm human, okay? This means that I knew going in that some really annoying stuff would happen (
Spoiler
I knew Curran was pretending with Lorelei because of some stupid plan“You being safe is more important to me than having you.”
I'll be the first to acknowledge that knowing in advance made it easier to bear at the time, but I really don't agree with how it's been interpreted on here sometimes. And that's okay! We're allowed to disagree with each other! It's my review though so as usual, I'll share my opinion :)
“Great,” Curran said. “Another fine addition to your collection of uncanny misfits.”
“I take offense to that,” Barabas said.
“Don’t worry, I count myself in, too,” Curran told him.
Ilona Andrews never let any character flaws go unaddressed, and I love them for that. In [b:Magic Rises|11544421|Magic Rises (Kate Daniels, #6)|Ilona Andrews|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1359571572l/11544421._SY75_.jpg|16484134], they tackled one of Curran's
Spoiler
—his inclination to take decisions alone and to hell with other's opinions, because he thinks he knows best—Inside me a small voice told me that in his place I would’ve done the same thing, no matter the fallout I had to endure at the end. Having him alive and mad at me was infinitely better than having him dead. But loving someone and being with him were two different things.
Now for the spoiler tagged part of my review :
Spoiler
I do question Curran's judgment, and yes, absolutely, his decision was infuriating and stupid, but I do not question his sincerity at all. First, there's nothing in the previous books —and I mean, absolutely nothing— that would make a cheater out of him believable. Nothing at all?! Controlling, impulsive, arrogant, violent, alright, but a man who would enjoy another woman's attention even though it's clear he's in love with someone else? Nope. I'm sorry, I just don't see it. Secondly, I've seen people stating that Kate wasn't a bad liar because she hid her personal history but the fact that she can't hide her emotions has actually been mentioned several times in the previous books, by different characters.Does that mean that I agree with Curran's decision? No, I don't! But there's a difference between disagreeing with the way he handled the situation and thinking that he's a cheating bastard that only cares about his pack. I'm sorry, but there's nothing in his behavior in the previous books for me to make the assumption that he would be influenced by and attracted to someone like Lorelei. Not to mention that book 5 made it obvious that Curran felt betrayed by his Pack and that Kate was more important to him.
And do not get me started on what Hugh said, like come on??? Dude is trying to win her over? What he says about the shapeshifters not caring about their children is so gross and blatantly untrue, but I should take his opinion about Curran seriously??? LMAO.
Finally, about Lorelei's challenge and Curran's reaction : I loved it. Kate is threatened by Hugh at the time, and fighting with Lorelei would be a waste of her time and energy. Curran understands this, and his rejection proves to Lorelei and everyone present that he doesn't want Kate to be challenged. I understand being disappointed that Kate didn't kill her, but honestly? She's not important enough.
I'll definitely come back to this review in the future to add quotes at least but for now, I'll leave with this : yes, there might be a few plot holes, but I loved this and I can't wait to see where the story goes. Recommended.
adventurous
dark
tense
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Spent the entire book plotting currans murder
Mostly a fun read, as Kate et al head to Europe and her past and superpowers continue to be revealed. I guess now that Kate and Curran are together, the jealousy subplot was supposed to add drama, but I could have done without it - found it irritating and didn't really fit the characters.
The Graphic Audio is out so time for another re-read/listen 4th time is just as good if not better
4.75 Stars....I love it more every time. Star Level increase to a 5 star.
I totally love this series it is one that I re and re-read and still never get bored, find something I had forgot or just love reliving certain moments in the book. Listening to the Graphic audio made it all the more fun as my favorite couple goes up against the shifters in Europe and surprise mastermind of it all Hugh.
Highlights:
Narration:
I am one of the people who really have enjoyed having a hole cast for this series. I enjoy the voices chosen for Kate, Curran, Hugh, Derek and all the other characters. It brings the story to life in ways that the straight audio didn't for me. I like the music in the background along with the sound effects. For me it works well and made one of may favorite series ever spring even more to life.
3rd read....I never get enough.
Kate Daniels Buddy Read/Reread with the gang at Ilona Andrews Addicts (IAA) before the release of [b:Magic Shifts|17333171|Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8)|Ilona Andrews|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1414091260l/17333171._SY75_.jpg|24064353]
I loved this all over again. The emotional development of Kate/Currans relationship, Saiman as an ally, Hugh as an Enemy and all the side character that are so rich with their own personalities that always shine through. I eat it all up and want more. This is one of my favorite series of all time and that stays true even on the 3rd read through.
2nd read:
Re-read before Magic Breaks coming out on Tuesday!!!
4.5 Stars
There are books that develop the plot, books that develop characters and books that manage to do both without you noticing. I think it is a week after reading this that I think I see why the authors chose to present this story in this way. It is something that needed to happen to clarify lines before the big battle with Kate’s Daddy can happen.
Kate and Curran are together and Kate is happy or as happy you can possibly be when you rule the were-packs and your Father or one of his minions might come to kill you at any time. At least you were until a tragedy strikes. Most were-children don’t make it through either birth or puberty and Kate and Curran must walk into a trap, concocted by the European packs, in order to get the one thing that might help them keep the kids in the pack from going loup. But will their love be enough to survive it?
“One time I was dying in a cage inside a palace that was flying over a magic jungle. And some idiot went in there, chased the palace down, fought his way through hundreds of rakshasas, and rescued me.”
“I remember,” he said.
“That’s when I realized you loved me,” I said. “I was in the cage and I heard you roar.”
Knowing you are walking into a trap is one thing, not knowing exactly what your partner is doing is another and Curran is definitely sending mixed signals. Kate must decide if she should trust the man she loves or does she believe like those around her that he might betray her. It might be getting her down a little bit, she is Kate though and this is about as whiny as she gets.
“Outside the windows the day was bright: golden sunshine, blue sky, pleasant wind ... I wanted to punch the happy day in the face, grab it by the hair, and beat it until it told me what the hell it was so happy about.”
Our Kate is strong and perseveres even when in doubt. She doesn’t hold up and pout in a bedroom, no she still takes charge, focuses and gets the job done. As you should girls, even when you question your life’s happiness, go girl power. Kate has some serious trust issues that needed to be addressed after being alone for so long. Curran has this habit of making decisions for everyone, including Kate, without consulting anyone. These are both big character weaknesses that needed to be addressed before the big battle happens.
This was the most emotional book for me of the series. It was great to see how Kate is fitting into the pack. Some have come to her side right away while she is still trying to win others over. As always I loved Derek and Barabas’s fierce devotion to Kate. Even Mahon had a touching moment or two.
As a parent, it was believable the lengths members of the pack would take to be able to procure the medication that helps reduce the risk of kids going loup. There were surprises and heartbreaks I didn’t expect throughout and some set up as to what Daddy really wants with Kate.
But as always I love the interactions between Kate and Curran. They are if nothing else passionate.
“He said that the man must be your husband, because only someone we love very much can make us this crazy.”
I’ve been married awhile and that is totally true. We sometimes become fools for the ones we love as they are able to hurt us in ways no one else ever could.
and finally the awe moment - super check
4.75 Stars....I love it more every time. Star Level increase to a 5 star.
I totally love this series it is one that I re and re-read and still never get bored, find something I had forgot or just love reliving certain moments in the book. Listening to the Graphic audio made it all the more fun as my favorite couple goes up against the shifters in Europe and surprise mastermind of it all Hugh.
Highlights:
- Kate fighting with Hugh
- Barabbas almost challenging Curran
- Doolittle (*tears*)
- Aunt B (*cry harder*)
- meeting Christopher!!!
- Desandra, who knew the powerhouse she was going to become
- and the Shepard. I do wish we could see what that old magic is up to now
Narration:
I am one of the people who really have enjoyed having a hole cast for this series. I enjoy the voices chosen for Kate, Curran, Hugh, Derek and all the other characters. It brings the story to life in ways that the straight audio didn't for me. I like the music in the background along with the sound effects. For me it works well and made one of may favorite series ever spring even more to life.
3rd read....I never get enough.
Kate Daniels Buddy Read/Reread with the gang at Ilona Andrews Addicts (IAA) before the release of [b:Magic Shifts|17333171|Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8)|Ilona Andrews|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1414091260l/17333171._SY75_.jpg|24064353]
I loved this all over again. The emotional development of Kate/Currans relationship, Saiman as an ally, Hugh as an Enemy and all the side character that are so rich with their own personalities that always shine through. I eat it all up and want more. This is one of my favorite series of all time and that stays true even on the 3rd read through.
2nd read:
Re-read before Magic Breaks coming out on Tuesday!!!
4.5 Stars
There are books that develop the plot, books that develop characters and books that manage to do both without you noticing. I think it is a week after reading this that I think I see why the authors chose to present this story in this way. It is something that needed to happen to clarify lines before the big battle with Kate’s Daddy can happen.
Kate and Curran are together and Kate is happy or as happy you can possibly be when you rule the were-packs and your Father or one of his minions might come to kill you at any time. At least you were until a tragedy strikes. Most were-children don’t make it through either birth or puberty and Kate and Curran must walk into a trap, concocted by the European packs, in order to get the one thing that might help them keep the kids in the pack from going loup. But will their love be enough to survive it?
“One time I was dying in a cage inside a palace that was flying over a magic jungle. And some idiot went in there, chased the palace down, fought his way through hundreds of rakshasas, and rescued me.”
“I remember,” he said.
“That’s when I realized you loved me,” I said. “I was in the cage and I heard you roar.”
Knowing you are walking into a trap is one thing, not knowing exactly what your partner is doing is another and Curran is definitely sending mixed signals. Kate must decide if she should trust the man she loves or does she believe like those around her that he might betray her. It might be getting her down a little bit, she is Kate though and this is about as whiny as she gets.
“Outside the windows the day was bright: golden sunshine, blue sky, pleasant wind ... I wanted to punch the happy day in the face, grab it by the hair, and beat it until it told me what the hell it was so happy about.”
Our Kate is strong and perseveres even when in doubt. She doesn’t hold up and pout in a bedroom, no she still takes charge, focuses and gets the job done. As you should girls, even when you question your life’s happiness, go girl power. Kate has some serious trust issues that needed to be addressed after being alone for so long. Curran has this habit of making decisions for everyone, including Kate, without consulting anyone. These are both big character weaknesses that needed to be addressed before the big battle happens.
This was the most emotional book for me of the series. It was great to see how Kate is fitting into the pack. Some have come to her side right away while she is still trying to win others over. As always I loved Derek and Barabas’s fierce devotion to Kate. Even Mahon had a touching moment or two.
As a parent, it was believable the lengths members of the pack would take to be able to procure the medication that helps reduce the risk of kids going loup. There were surprises and heartbreaks I didn’t expect throughout and some set up as to what Daddy really wants with Kate.
But as always I love the interactions between Kate and Curran. They are if nothing else passionate.
“He said that the man must be your husband, because only someone we love very much can make us this crazy.”
I’ve been married awhile and that is totally true. We sometimes become fools for the ones we love as they are able to hurt us in ways no one else ever could.
In summary
action – check
romance – check
heartbreaking moments – check
the WTF moment – check
snarky banter – check, check
and finally the awe moment - super check