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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
I did not like this as much as I wanted to. The relationship issues between Kate and Curran are starting to feel forced; out-of-character, and inconsistent.
I was particularly annoyed by the climax, and the whole deus-ex-machina style solution. I mean, really? Suddenly a random guy turns into a demigod and solves - almost - everything? What is this?! I thought I was reading an Ilona Andrews book, not some random urban fantasy author! Please, please, you can do better than this!
Overall, I enjoyed it, it was fine, but definitely one of the weakest books of the series. I'm glad though that significant progress was made on the core storyline. Looking forward to the next part of the series.
I was particularly annoyed by the climax, and the whole deus-ex-machina style solution. I mean, really? Suddenly a random guy turns into a demigod and solves - almost - everything? What is this?! I thought I was reading an Ilona Andrews book, not some random urban fantasy author! Please, please, you can do better than this!
Overall, I enjoyed it, it was fine, but definitely one of the weakest books of the series. I'm glad though that significant progress was made on the core storyline. Looking forward to the next part of the series.
Saiman cracks me up.
Merged review:
Favorite book of the series! I wasn't overly excited about the change in scenery and new characters, but it was phenomenal. Rose Hathaway now has serious competition for my favorite badass heroine.
Merged review:
Favorite book of the series! I wasn't overly excited about the change in scenery and new characters, but it was phenomenal. Rose Hathaway now has serious competition for my favorite badass heroine.
Ilona! Gordon! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING TO ME?!?!?!?!?!?
I say that in a good way.
I am a little late getting this one up on the site. With the publishing of my own book on the same day as Magic Rises, things were a touch busy. Well, a few days ago, I went out and snatched up the audio book for Magic Rises (thanks to the fine folks at Audible!).
And I just finished about 3 minutes ago.
Let me tell you how I kicked this book off: TEARS
From the very beginning of the book, I was in tears and it lasted (off and on) all the way through the book.
Out of the entire Kate Daniels series, I think Magic Rises was by far the most emotionally charged of all the stories. We are now six (and a half) books into the series and it is safe to say that as readers, we are all now invested in the characters—their relationships, their well-being, etc. When something happens, good or bad, we are at a point now where the readers experience the full impact of those moments right along with the cast of the story.
OR I have lost my mind and have resorted to crying over every single little thing in life but I don’t think that’s the case.
The story for Magic Rises delivers as only a little ditty penned by Ilona Andrews can. The thing I LOVE about this series is these two fabulous authors have taken a genre (urban fantasy) which is usually known for shorter, less complex story lines and they’ve made it EPIC. Everything about the Kate Daniels world is so massive and intricate. There is so much detail to follow and they never once miss a beat.
As always, I was dying to know what was going to happen between Kate and Curran.
*****PREVIOUS BOOK SPOILER ALERT*****
Now that they are together, I am sure there is a bit of worry that the tension and fire will be drained from these two characters. I am here to tell you, FRET NOT! These two are hotter than ever. Their relationship is complicated and far from perfect but I love them together. I just want to meet Curran. Once. And touch him. … …. ….. O.O … …. …..
Sorry, got distracted.
My ONLY complaint about Magic Rises was this: Out of every book in the Kate Daniels series, I have never once been able to guess any plot points. With Magic Rises, I knew how this book was going to end from not so very far into it. Of course, I didn’t know all the details but one of the major plot points was super-duper obvious from right out of the gate. Did being able to guess the ending ruin the book??? ABOLSUTELY NOT. There are so many more twists and turns and outcomes that you will not at all be able to see coming that the one plot point will not ruin anything for you.
Overall, I am giving Magic Rises 4.5 stars! This was another great addition to a truly great series. As an urban fantasy writer myself, I can only hope to one day be able to create a world as MASSIVE as Ilona Andrews has molded. I am in awe.
I say that in a good way.
I am a little late getting this one up on the site. With the publishing of my own book on the same day as Magic Rises, things were a touch busy. Well, a few days ago, I went out and snatched up the audio book for Magic Rises (thanks to the fine folks at Audible!).
And I just finished about 3 minutes ago.
Let me tell you how I kicked this book off: TEARS
From the very beginning of the book, I was in tears and it lasted (off and on) all the way through the book.
Out of the entire Kate Daniels series, I think Magic Rises was by far the most emotionally charged of all the stories. We are now six (and a half) books into the series and it is safe to say that as readers, we are all now invested in the characters—their relationships, their well-being, etc. When something happens, good or bad, we are at a point now where the readers experience the full impact of those moments right along with the cast of the story.
OR I have lost my mind and have resorted to crying over every single little thing in life but I don’t think that’s the case.
The story for Magic Rises delivers as only a little ditty penned by Ilona Andrews can. The thing I LOVE about this series is these two fabulous authors have taken a genre (urban fantasy) which is usually known for shorter, less complex story lines and they’ve made it EPIC. Everything about the Kate Daniels world is so massive and intricate. There is so much detail to follow and they never once miss a beat.
As always, I was dying to know what was going to happen between Kate and Curran.
*****PREVIOUS BOOK SPOILER ALERT*****
Now that they are together, I am sure there is a bit of worry that the tension and fire will be drained from these two characters. I am here to tell you, FRET NOT! These two are hotter than ever. Their relationship is complicated and far from perfect but I love them together. I just want to meet Curran. Once. And touch him. … …. ….. O.O … …. …..
Sorry, got distracted.
My ONLY complaint about Magic Rises was this: Out of every book in the Kate Daniels series, I have never once been able to guess any plot points. With Magic Rises, I knew how this book was going to end from not so very far into it. Of course, I didn’t know all the details but one of the major plot points was super-duper obvious from right out of the gate. Did being able to guess the ending ruin the book??? ABOLSUTELY NOT. There are so many more twists and turns and outcomes that you will not at all be able to see coming that the one plot point will not ruin anything for you.
Overall, I am giving Magic Rises 4.5 stars! This was another great addition to a truly great series. As an urban fantasy writer myself, I can only hope to one day be able to create a world as MASSIVE as Ilona Andrews has molded. I am in awe.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Magic Rises is..a book that sure evoke so many reactions and divide fans opinion, lel. For me, the series is going strong and IA didn't afraid to take a punch although some drama in this book feel unnecessary. I state in my review of Gunmetal Magic, for the novella Magic Gifts, Kate and Curran seems like in a happy bliss. They are work as a couple and enjoying their honeymoon phase. Like a calm before storm. Imagine that the storm happen in Magic Rises and not storm either. More like a hurricane. A mix of political bullshit from the shapeshifter, sickening obsession from Roland's warlord and emotional turmoil that Kate feels regarding Curran's decisions and plans.
Many spoilers ahead, you've been warned.
About Kate and Curran,yes, I know that many reader were pissed off about Curran's plans regarding Lorelei. Yes, Kate's jealousy in valid and also hard to read because we know Kate is WAY BETTER and ABOVE the spoiled princess. But, to knowing and to experience it is a different things. IA show how shapeshifter behave and also throw some hints that in the future Curran and Kate will left the Pack because admit it, Kate endure the Consort role because she love Curran not because she want to lead the Pack. Their love and relationship were tested in this book and while Curran apologize and explain his plan because he just want to ensure Kate's safety,it's no wonder that Kate feel hollow and empty in the end. I will do the same if I in her shoes, because Kate has a big trust issues and commitments. We follow her journey from Magic Bites and how she slowly open to people around her while dreading the time when Roland will find her and kill everyone she hold dear. I can't blame Curran totally because his plan actually make sense, but he doing a suck job about it. I feel like Kate forgive Curran TOO easily and I need Curran to grovel more, lol. Contrary to their first big fight in Magic Bleeds that feel immature and juvenile, their conflicts in Magic Rises resolved in a calm and mature way. Oh, Kate still angry, Curran also throw some rocks and roar menacingly. But in the end, all is end well
About Lorelei, I pity her. I don't think she can become Kate's rival and come on, she didn't hold the candle. She just a spoiled wolf princess and as much I want to bitch slap her, in the end the right way is totally ignore her. Desandra described that Lorelei is a sociopath while Curran said that she is a naive and totally sheltered in her own point of view regarding shapeshifter's politics. So her end seems fitting, she become forgettable in the end. Still want to see Kate bitch slap her in the end, tho. Not killing, just bitch slap. It's will be satisfying to read but alas, we can't have it all
About the yellow flag characterfarewell Aunt B, you will be missed. I read one of my friend review that said someone beside the villain always end up died. Aunt B's death is painful to read. Bran's death in Magic Burns is kinda hard because Bran actually can make Curran run for his money and he seems like a good candidate for become Kate's love interest. I forgot who died in Magic Strikes and in Magic Bleeds, Erra's death didn't count because she was a villain. Daniel's death in Magic Slays more like a plot device to let Jennifer out from the page in the future so basically his death is just.. there. Aunt B is different. We know her from the Magic Bites, she is one of Pack Council and she also play big role in accepting Andrea to her Bouda Clan. I feel like her death is to pave the way for Andrea to become the alpha for the boudas. But, is death the only way? Sure we can see Aunt B retire peacefully so she can live to see her grandchildren? Aunt B's death is difficult, sure she died heroically because in the end she saved both Raphael and Andrea. I think maybe she didn't have regret because her husbands (both Raphael's dad and her late husband that play minor role in Magic Mourns) already dead but the future for Bouda Clan is secure. Still, her death is one of the most painful scene I read, more than Bran's death in Magic Burns
Regarding Hugh d'Ambray, he feel like an anti-hero rather than villain. If people ship him with Kate, I will just, umm nope, they are too much alike they won't work. Hugh's sick obsession with Kate is entertaining to read. He's cunning, manipulative, but he also a strategist and tactician, so I look forward to read more about him (and yeah, I know that IA already write a spin-off about Hugh).
The European shapeshifters are nasty and their political maneuvers suck. No wonder Kate's hands totally tied regarding Lorelei's act toward Curran. They constantly underestimated her but I'm glad our girl make from rock while I know her emotions was running high. I like the myth regarding the lamassu and I'm curious aboutAstamur the shepherd. Who is he? Astamur more like a name that he used like Roland using a new name so the original identity of Astamur is still in mystery. Atsany is more like a hobbit creature and apparently an original creatures that IA created because when I search for atsany myth, I got their blog, lol . There's no memorable characters from Obluda, Volkodavi and Belve Ravennati pack because admit it, they are all sucks with their own agendas. Anyway, I really like Desandra! Sure she behave like a difficult person in the first but do not forget that she is heavily pregnant and Desandra actually is not what she seems to be. She's more than a dumb wolf princess and she hide some surprises that will revealed in the end.
What surprised me in Magic Rises is Mahon. From the start, it seems that Mahon is disagree about Curran's decision to mate with Kate but he still accept Kate as the Consort. But, when Kate is cornered to the back because she is the only human in a castle full of shapeshifter, it's Mahon who support Kate because he knows how it feel to be an outsider. My opinion regarding Mahon drastically change and I hope Mahon will become Kate's father figure too in the future. Derek is Derek, a boy wonder that will support Kate. We also got introduced to Jim's sister Keira that have interesting past with one of Mahon's subordinate in Clan Heavy, Eduardo. Saiman also play some roles and while still hate each other, both Saiman and Curran let go of their animosity and join hands to get the panacea. Poor Dr Doolittle, but I get to know his real name. Also I'm totally support Barabas and Christopher!
The start of the book is kinda slow and I agree that the story can go round and round but the last chapter is totally worth to read. I can said that chapter alone is the saving grace for Magic Rises although I know that some reader maybe feel that it's a little bit rush. Not an easy book to read and maybe not one of my favorite Kate Daniels book because you know.....CURRAN SUCKS!!!! (although he pack a mean home run), but still entertaining to the end.
Oh, how can I forget the weredolphin? WEREDOLPHIN, y'all. The more you know. But, they are pirates, so they are far from cute and adorable. You've been warned.
Many spoilers ahead, you've been warned.
About Kate and Curran,
About Lorelei,
About the yellow flag character
Regarding Hugh d'Ambray, he feel like an anti-hero rather than villain. If people ship him with Kate, I will just, umm nope, they are too much alike they won't work. Hugh's sick obsession with Kate is entertaining to read. He's cunning, manipulative, but he also a strategist and tactician, so I look forward to read more about him (and yeah, I know that IA already write a spin-off about Hugh).
The European shapeshifters are nasty and their political maneuvers suck. No wonder Kate's hands totally tied regarding Lorelei's act toward Curran. They constantly underestimated her but I'm glad our girl make from rock while I know her emotions was running high. I like the myth regarding the lamassu and I'm curious about
What surprised me in Magic Rises is Mahon. From the start, it seems that Mahon is disagree about Curran's decision to mate with Kate but he still accept Kate as the Consort. But, when Kate is cornered to the back because she is the only human in a castle full of shapeshifter, it's Mahon who support Kate because he knows how it feel to be an outsider. My opinion regarding Mahon drastically change and I hope Mahon will become Kate's father figure too in the future. Derek is Derek, a boy wonder that will support Kate. We also got introduced to Jim's sister Keira that have interesting past with one of Mahon's subordinate in Clan Heavy, Eduardo. Saiman also play some roles and while still hate each other, both Saiman and Curran let go of their animosity and join hands to get the panacea. Poor Dr Doolittle, but I get to know his real name. Also I'm totally support Barabas and Christopher!
The start of the book is kinda slow and I agree that the story can go round and round but the last chapter is totally worth to read. I can said that chapter alone is the saving grace for Magic Rises although I know that some reader maybe feel that it's a little bit rush. Not an easy book to read and maybe not one of my favorite Kate Daniels book because you know.....CURRAN SUCKS!!!! (although he pack a mean home run), but still entertaining to the end.
Oh, how can I forget the weredolphin? WEREDOLPHIN, y'all. The more you know. But, they are pirates, so they are far from cute and adorable. You've been warned.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Confinement, Excrement
adventurous
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
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:
No
Again, Ilona Andrews has kept me up all night reading! I love the Kate Daniels story and am always waiting for the next one! This book did not disappoint. If you love Kate and Curran, you will enjoy this part of their story.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes