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spellboundbybooks's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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
3.75
uehfiwo's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book and was so sad to see the second hasn’t been released yet. I loved Julie coming back and seeing a small bit of what happened to her when she left. I’m so hungry for the continuation of what happens with her and Derek.
katieinca's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the heck out of this, and I appreciate the authors creating something for Kate Daniels fans during what was a really tough year. If you read all those books and miss them, totally dive on in.
I also had mixed feelings about it, as far as quality and whether I'd read another. It sits a little uncomfortably between "start of a new series" (this is what our main character is like, here's her mission, here are the main characters you'll need to know, etc.) and "Kind of like Book 11" (if you never read 1-10, or don't remember them well, you get the sense that you're missing the scaffolding). In particular, the fact that Julie/Aurelia is back in Atlanta, but we have this VERY IMPORTANT, I guess annoyingly convenient, reason we have to keep totally separate from Kate & Curran (ahem, other than fearing they'll take over the book).
Honestly, if I need a comfort read I'll take anything they write, but I was a little frustrated with this one, and I hope if they do more of these they get out of Atlanta with her.
I also had mixed feelings about it, as far as quality and whether I'd read another. It sits a little uncomfortably between "start of a new series" (this is what our main character is like, here's her mission, here are the main characters you'll need to know, etc.) and "Kind of like Book 11" (if you never read 1-10, or don't remember them well, you get the sense that you're missing the scaffolding). In particular, the fact that Julie/Aurelia is back in Atlanta, but we have this VERY IMPORTANT, I guess annoyingly convenient, reason we have to keep totally separate from Kate & Curran (ahem, other than fearing they'll take over the book).
Honestly, if I need a comfort read I'll take anything they write, but I was a little frustrated with this one, and I hope if they do more of these they get out of Atlanta with her.
brendalovesbooks's review against another edition
4.0
This started off a little rough. There was a whole lot of unnecessary world building. I understand this is the first in the Aurelia Ryder series, but we're well into the Kate Daniels world by now. I don't need everything re-explained to me at this point. I also don't think this is a good place for people to start either, but I'm guessing the authors did the world building for those who do start here.
It definitely got better as it went on. I liked the character of Julie (Aurelia) a lot better than I thought I would, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her story. Ilona Andrews continues to be my favorite urban fantasy/paranormal romance author.
It definitely got better as it went on. I liked the character of Julie (Aurelia) a lot better than I thought I would, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her story. Ilona Andrews continues to be my favorite urban fantasy/paranormal romance author.
clockworkbook's review against another edition
5.0
I need more...!!!!
A must read for any Kate Daniels reader or any lover of a great book. Highly recommended.
A must read for any Kate Daniels reader or any lover of a great book. Highly recommended.
kzimm2024's review against another edition
5.0
Re-read Feb 2024, still 5 stars but with a few thoughts- spoilers of course! I for one am sad that Julie/Aurelia has to stay away from Kate and Curran.
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*
*
Why the hell is Conlan in Atlanta? And unsupervised for such long periods of time? Either with Roland or wandering around? And very mature too:
“And if I don’t?” Conlan squinted at Ascanio. “Will you try to put me in your special basement?” One of the boudas chuckled and choked it off before Ascanio could glare at him.
“This doesn’t concern you,” Ascanio said, his voice harsh.
“I’ll decide what concerns me.” Conlan rested his elbow on his knee and plopped his chin on his fist. “Don’t worry. I won’t get in your way. Please go on with your attempted extortion, robbery, and kidnapping scheme. I just want to see how it all turns out.”
---------------
I could just imagine how that conversation would go. “How did Curran’s son get hurt?”
“Well, there was this woman…”
“And what possessed you to detain a human woman in the middle of the night? Also, why is Bob missing an arm?”
Ascanio was an ass, but he wasn’t a fool.
Yes, he certainly IS an ass and I am not sure why that makes me unhappy :(
Ascanio leaned in the doorway, arms crossed, a slight smile on his lips. It had to be his sexy, nonchalant pose.
I wasn’t sure if I was expected to toss my underwear at his feet or just fall back with my legs in the air.
We get the backstory to Julie's quest and transformation as well as her deep relationship with Erra:
The cloak hid all that, but it couldn’t hide Dakkan, my spear. My grandmother had a huge problem with that name, because the closest translation of it to English would be “Stabby.”
She claimed it wasn’t a proper name for a weapon, so after the first Dakkan broke, I offered to name the new one Sharpy McStabbison, the Son of Stabby, after which she groaned and left my quarters, followed by a throng of her advisors all giving me reproachful looks.
Marten is an unexpected pleasure:
Marten blinked at me and said in a hushed voice, “Why are we hiding in the bathroom?”
“We are not hiding. We’re executing an evasive maneuver.”
I like her relationship with Conlan:
Damn it, Conlan. “You need to work on your pouncing.”
Grey eyes laughed at me. “You need to work on your hearing. I stood five feet behind you for a whole minute before I walked into your house. You never turned around.”
So he’d snuck in before the magic hit. Explained how he got past my wards.
“Remind me, what did I say about not blowing my cover?”
He shrugged. “Who’s here to see us? I don’t see anybody.” He made a show of looking through the plants. “Are you hiding witnesses in your pretty shrubs?”
The problem with Conlan was that he had his father’s unshakeable confidence and his mother’s mouth. He was also Roland’s grandson.
And of course, Derek/Darren:
All the fights I’d been in, all the torture I’d braved, all the magic I’d learned, and that’s what undid me. Meeting the guy who used to be the center of my universe until I turned eighteen.
-----------
Eight years had passed. Everything about me had changed, but I was still in love with Derek Gaunt. How was this possible?
-----------
I had to go home and try tomorrow. At least I had a lead. My first real lead.
I opened my eyes. A fully human Derek stood right in front of me. His eyes were aglow, and he looked at me as if I were the thing he wanted most in the entire world.
I turned away from him and mounted. “The rain is too heavy. I’m going home.”
“Tomorrow then.”
SOB
Another reviewer said you could cut the yearning with a knife and that is so accurate. The ending made me sad too, needing closure for Julie and Derek which means more stories please!!!
And LOVE Hugh, can't even begin to imagine their kids, IA is SUCH a tease:
“Are you doing okay? Do you need anything?”
“I’m fine.”
“If you do need anything, you tell me. If you need backup, you tell me. I’ll come down and smash some heads for you.”
Aww. “Thank you.”
“Gotta go. OR WHAT? I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT. YOU’RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT, AND YOU WILL TELL YOUR MOTHER THAT YOU BROUGHT THIS ON YOURSELF.”
I hung up.
*
*
Original review Jan 2021, 5 stars and review: Sob- I am sad this is over. I devoured it, loved it, laughed along with it and hung on to every word.
6 stars.
I found conversations and phrases that I wanted to highlight on pretty much on each page. It was like old home week, a warm homecoming, with all the characters but years have passed.
Possible spoilers ahead- I tend to wander :)
I understand the new identity for Julie and surprise- for Derek as well. My favorite part? What Derek says to her at the end- he knew it was her all along. Swoon. And the honest conversation. And the insinuation that he heard her about being courted and for her to be careful what she wished for.
Ahh, this is why we love Ilona Andrews in the first place. The writing and the banter and the promise of stalking and love with intention.
Great mystery and interesting back story- just everything was terrific and did not disappoint.
And Hugh! The thought of him yelling at his son (hopefully)- PUT THAT COW DOWN. LOL
Only he can deal with the monster that his wife is.
Can't wait for more and really need Hugh and Elara- no matter how dark they say the story is, it is a delicious escape.
*
*
*
*
Why the hell is Conlan in Atlanta? And unsupervised for such long periods of time? Either with Roland or wandering around? And very mature too:
“And if I don’t?” Conlan squinted at Ascanio. “Will you try to put me in your special basement?” One of the boudas chuckled and choked it off before Ascanio could glare at him.
“This doesn’t concern you,” Ascanio said, his voice harsh.
“I’ll decide what concerns me.” Conlan rested his elbow on his knee and plopped his chin on his fist. “Don’t worry. I won’t get in your way. Please go on with your attempted extortion, robbery, and kidnapping scheme. I just want to see how it all turns out.”
---------------
I could just imagine how that conversation would go. “How did Curran’s son get hurt?”
“Well, there was this woman…”
“And what possessed you to detain a human woman in the middle of the night? Also, why is Bob missing an arm?”
Ascanio was an ass, but he wasn’t a fool.
Yes, he certainly IS an ass and I am not sure why that makes me unhappy :(
Ascanio leaned in the doorway, arms crossed, a slight smile on his lips. It had to be his sexy, nonchalant pose.
I wasn’t sure if I was expected to toss my underwear at his feet or just fall back with my legs in the air.
We get the backstory to Julie's quest and transformation as well as her deep relationship with Erra:
The cloak hid all that, but it couldn’t hide Dakkan, my spear. My grandmother had a huge problem with that name, because the closest translation of it to English would be “Stabby.”
She claimed it wasn’t a proper name for a weapon, so after the first Dakkan broke, I offered to name the new one Sharpy McStabbison, the Son of Stabby, after which she groaned and left my quarters, followed by a throng of her advisors all giving me reproachful looks.
Marten is an unexpected pleasure:
Marten blinked at me and said in a hushed voice, “Why are we hiding in the bathroom?”
“We are not hiding. We’re executing an evasive maneuver.”
I like her relationship with Conlan:
Damn it, Conlan. “You need to work on your pouncing.”
Grey eyes laughed at me. “You need to work on your hearing. I stood five feet behind you for a whole minute before I walked into your house. You never turned around.”
So he’d snuck in before the magic hit. Explained how he got past my wards.
“Remind me, what did I say about not blowing my cover?”
He shrugged. “Who’s here to see us? I don’t see anybody.” He made a show of looking through the plants. “Are you hiding witnesses in your pretty shrubs?”
The problem with Conlan was that he had his father’s unshakeable confidence and his mother’s mouth. He was also Roland’s grandson.
And of course, Derek/Darren:
All the fights I’d been in, all the torture I’d braved, all the magic I’d learned, and that’s what undid me. Meeting the guy who used to be the center of my universe until I turned eighteen.
-----------
Eight years had passed. Everything about me had changed, but I was still in love with Derek Gaunt. How was this possible?
-----------
I had to go home and try tomorrow. At least I had a lead. My first real lead.
I opened my eyes. A fully human Derek stood right in front of me. His eyes were aglow, and he looked at me as if I were the thing he wanted most in the entire world.
I turned away from him and mounted. “The rain is too heavy. I’m going home.”
“Tomorrow then.”
SOB
Another reviewer said you could cut the yearning with a knife and that is so accurate. The ending made me sad too, needing closure for Julie and Derek which means more stories please!!!
And LOVE Hugh, can't even begin to imagine their kids, IA is SUCH a tease:
“Are you doing okay? Do you need anything?”
“I’m fine.”
“If you do need anything, you tell me. If you need backup, you tell me. I’ll come down and smash some heads for you.”
Aww. “Thank you.”
“Gotta go. OR WHAT? I WILL SHOW YOU WHAT. YOU’RE ABOUT TO FIND OUT, AND YOU WILL TELL YOUR MOTHER THAT YOU BROUGHT THIS ON YOURSELF.”
I hung up.
*
*
Original review Jan 2021, 5 stars and review: Sob- I am sad this is over. I devoured it, loved it, laughed along with it and hung on to every word.
6 stars.
I found conversations and phrases that I wanted to highlight on pretty much on each page. It was like old home week, a warm homecoming, with all the characters but years have passed.
Possible spoilers ahead- I tend to wander :)
I understand the new identity for Julie and surprise- for Derek as well. My favorite part? What Derek says to her at the end- he knew it was her all along. Swoon. And the honest conversation. And the insinuation that he heard her about being courted and for her to be careful what she wished for.
Ahh, this is why we love Ilona Andrews in the first place. The writing and the banter and the promise of stalking and love with intention.
Great mystery and interesting back story- just everything was terrific and did not disappoint.
And Hugh! The thought of him yelling at his son (hopefully)- PUT THAT COW DOWN. LOL
Only he can deal with the monster that his wife is.
Can't wait for more and really need Hugh and Elara- no matter how dark they say the story is, it is a delicious escape.
emking25's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
morriganlefaye's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Loved it. But I need more. More Julie and Derek, more of the Kate Daniels world. I want a happy ever after for all of them
bhookjunkhie's review
5.0
This was everything I wanted❤️❤️❤️ Having this series continue makes everything endurable!
elenajohansen's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I love Julie and Derek, I have always loved Julie and Derek, but the whole complicated mess of this book maybe wasn't justified by the incredibly satisfying "throw every emotion you've ever had at each other" climactic conversation between them. Did I love that scene to pieces? Absolutely. Did I love wading through endless exposition dumps explaining after the fact how Julie became Aurelia? Not really.
Julie's post-Magic Triumphs story is doled out in pieces, and several of those pieces get repeated, yet there are still (what I feel are) giant gaps in that story, so the setup for this book is simultaneously over-explained and woefully thin.
Derek's tale over the same time period is more mysterious, in its way, because Julie rightfully points out in her narration evidence of a radical shift in his personality, yet they speak to each other like they always have, and he reads convincingly as an older, sharper version of his younger serious self. Despite there being so much less of it, by virtue of Julie being the narrator, I think Derek's characterization is better than hers.
Flaws aside, though, I'll keep reading when the next book comes out (eventually...) I want to know why Derek has changed, and I want these two to have their happy ending.
Julie's post-Magic Triumphs story is doled out in pieces, and several of those pieces get repeated, yet there are still (what I feel are) giant gaps in that story, so the setup for this book is simultaneously over-explained and woefully thin.
Derek's tale over the same time period is more mysterious, in its way, because Julie rightfully points out in her narration evidence of a radical shift in his personality, yet they speak to each other like they always have, and he reads convincingly as an older, sharper version of his younger serious self. Despite there being so much less of it, by virtue of Julie being the narrator, I think Derek's characterization is better than hers.
Flaws aside, though, I'll keep reading when the next book comes out (eventually...) I want to know why Derek has changed, and I want these two to have their happy ending.