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Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels #3)

by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author)

4.48 · rating details · 9,036 ratings · 729 reviews

Drafted to work for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems these days than she knows what to do with. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that's saying a lot.

But when Kate's werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation ...more

Mass Market Paperback, 310 pages

Published March 31st 2009 by Ace (first published February 20th 2009)

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Sep 12, 2011

Lora rated it

Recommends it for: people on the same joy ride as me

Recommended to Lora by: refer to first paragraph

Shelves: favorites, urban-fantasy, series-still-follow

I can't believe no one mentioned this series to me, recommended this series to me, or spammed my profile with comments and PMs proclaiming this series' awesomeness. They should have. To everyone that didn't, you're on my shit list.

Luckily for me, I finally made the decision on my own, like a big girl, and decided to give this series a try.
Once I did, it wasn't exactly love at first page, but I've quickly moved into the honeymoon stage. Here's to the honeymoon never ending.
...more

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May 08, 2011

The Holy Terror rated it

Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to The Holy Terror by: The Flooze (Michelle M.)

Shelves: shifters, strips, color-brown, color-purple, vampires, gods, werewolves, magic, sexy-urban-fantasy

Alright, alright. I am now fully entrenched in the "I Love the Kate Daniels Series" camp. Magic Bites was ok, Magic Burns was better, and Magic Strikes had me grinning from ear to ear at the last page. I'm desperate now to read the next one to see what happens with Kate and Curran. The tension they've built up is absolutely delicious. THIS is how you create a relationship in a series. I hate authors that think throwing the two characters into bed with each other right away is either re...moreAlright, alright. I am now fully entrenched in the "I Love the Kate Daniels Series" camp. Magic Bites was ok, Magic Burns was better, and Magic Strikes had me grinning from ear to ear at the last page. I'm desperate now to read the next one to see what happens with Kate and Curran. The tension they've built up is absolutely delicious. THIS is how you create a relationship in a series. I hate authors that think throwing the two characters into bed with each other right away is either realistic, plausible, or sexy. Most of the time it makes me roll my eyes. I think the first Mona Lisa book by Sunny had the two main characters jump each others bones within the first 10 pages. Ridiculous and unsatisfying, and it made me think less of her characters and the author for creating it. (I only mention Sunny because I just finished a book by her, trying to giver her a second chance. My advice: don't bother.)

Anyway, getting back to Magic Strikes.

At the start, Kate is extremely tired and overworked. After one too many jobs she gets a call that a shapeshifter has been murdered. She goes to investigate, already exhausted and craving her bed and some pie she left in the fridge, and finds a bunch of shapeshifters at the scene combing for evidence. Before she can even get close though, a shifter walks up to her and tells her they have it under control. And then Jim, Curran's chief of security as well as her friend and fellow mercenary, drops from the shadows and tells her to leave. He won't let her see the body and he doesn't want her help or interference. She leaves, although the situation nags at her. And rightly so, since the creatures that killed the shifter come after her and her friends, and threaten the shifter community like none have done before.

I loved the back stories we were treated to in this one. Finally we learn more about Jim, Derek, Curran, Roland, and Kate and I'm hungry to learn more. The characters are getting fleshed out and the story is getting more complex without being overwhelming. Andrews sticks to a select few of Kate's friends and acquaintances and really develops them and all I want to do is read more and more. This was the type of book where you're almost at the end and you're hoping 20 more pages will magically appear because you don't want it to stop.

Kate has more than just grown on me at this point too; I've got a full blown girl-crush on her now. She's strong, funny, caring, snarky, and just a complete badass. I can't wait to read more of her adventures.

I also like Curran more now since he's slowly progressed from the snarling caveman (cavelion?) from the first book. He's still decidedly alpha and scary, but not to the point where I'm afraid for Kate to be around him. He loves her and cares for her and he's sexy as hell. I honestly couldn't stop smiling after I read the last page and even after I closed the book I had a stupid grin on my face.

This was a fantastic book and May can't come soon enough. Ilona Andrews's books have moved on to my list of automatic buys and if you liked this one as much as I did, check out On the Edge, which was written after. It's a completely different series but the quality of Magic Strikes is also apparent in On the Edge as well.

Check out my reviews of books two and four in this series: Magic Burns and Magic Bleeds.(less)

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Jan 13, 2010

The Flooze (Michelle M.) rated it

Shelves: urban-fantasy-paranormal, vanquished_2010, owned, favorites

Oh. My. God!

::wigglewiggle::

I am one big fan-girl squeal.

I am also freaking out that I now have to wait (how many months? argh!) for the next installment.

I want to be Kate. I really want a Curran, and I need the next book to be here already!

Ilona Andrews has really amazed me. There's steady improvement with each book of this series, and Magic Strikes promises that more fabulousness will follow.

I love Kate. She's incredibly ...more

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Mar 30, 2009

Julie (jjmachshev) rated it

Shelves: 2009-reads

Urban fantasy fans, rejoice! Ilona Andrews latest Kate Daniels story is kick a$$ from start to finish. This series has a bit of romance (so far without consummation, but still hot), a heaping helping of humor, more paranormal critters than you can shake a stick at, a heroine who's a trained killer with a conscience, and enough high drama and action for anybody. In other words, if you like fantasy, urban fantasy, etc...go get this series.

Kate's had a rough week. Waves of magic are...more

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Apr 26, 2010

Heather rated it

Recommended to Heather by: Penny

Shelves: 2010, faves, urban-fantasy

Holy Shit! I love this series. I've spent the last 24 hours burning through Magic Burns and Magic Strikes. My eyes are blurry, my head is fuzzy, and I still have a smile plastered across my face. Did I mention that I loved this series?

Where to start, where to start? I think I shall devote this review to a bit of fangirl squeeing.

When I finished Magic Bites, I was on the fence about how I felt about it. I needed a nudge to push me past my distaste for the writing style...moreHoly Shit! I love this series. I've spent the last 24 hours burning through Magic Burns and Magic Strikes. My eyes are blurry, my head is fuzzy, and I still have a smile plastered across my face. Did I mention that I loved this series?

Where to start, where to start? I think I shall devote this review to a bit of fangirl squeeing.

When I finished Magic Bites, I was on the fence about how I felt about it. I needed a nudge to push me past my distaste for the writing style. I'm over it, and that nudge was at the hands of fantastic storytelling laced with blood, guts, cursing, humor, steam and smash hit, winning characters. The world building and plots of these books is incredible. Each book stands alone, presenting a monster of the week type format, while also contributing to an overall series arc. The end result leaves me feeling satisfied, but chomping at the bit for more. The book's plots are original, fast paced, and interesting.

On to the characters. Kate Daniels has endeared herself as my favorite heroine, period. She's intelligent, kind, but can kick major ass and is anything but nice. Unlike a majority of Urban Fantasy heroines, she doesn't suffer from excessive manners. If she wants to kill you, she'll tell you to eat shit and die, then make you eat shit and die. I like that sort of directness in a person, especially in a female. She has a huge capacity to love, but would prefer not to fall in its clutches for no other reason than to spare those she loves from the evil fate that surely awaits her. But what ultimately won me over, was the fact that she doesn't make foolish choices because of this fear. She loves anyway, she recognizes the raw need, and gives into temptation. As a result, I have yet to grit my teeth at her, not even once. That has never happened to me ever. I understand and agree with her every choice. How awesome is that?

Curran, oh Curran, you make me swoon. Like Kate, I struggled with my feelings for him throughout the book. I wondered, "Does he really love her, or is it a game?" So naturally I wasn’t bothered by Kate's reluctance towards him. But the end of Magic Strikes leaves no room for doubt. Curran loves her, and would go to hell and back to keep her safe. How do you resist a hottie that would die at your feet? Yet more than anything, what I love most about Curran, is his subtle charm. He isn't showy about his feelings. He doggedly pursues her, but presents himself in such a way that is endearing, while also leaving you questioning his sincerity. It makes for an interesting, chemistry filled courtship and I am eating it up!

Having two amazing characters is more than enough to make most books float, but this series has them in abundance, which ultimately allows me to look past the bundle of questions I still have. Derek warms my heart and evokes a maternal instinct from me. I want him to smile, be happy and safe. Raphael makes me laugh at his attempts to help Kate provoke Curran,then can make me squee like a love struck girl in his determination to woo his lady love, Andrea, who I also enjoy immensely.

This series just has it going on. It makes no pretenses. The characters don’t contradict themselves by refusing to behave like badasses while being badasses. They embrace what they are. Dark in theme, Andrews doesn’t spare her readers on gory detail, which only enriches the plot, ensuring readers understand the significant danger these characters face. And yet, Andrews expertly weaves these dark themes with demonstrations of love and friendship and humor so subtle that you don’t notice it until you laugh out loud. I cannot wait for the next installment!

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Mar 24, 2009

DarkHeart "Vehngeance" rated it

Shelves: 2009, 2009-best-releases, urban-fantasy, a-ilona-andrews, shifters

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. This series just gets better and better - and this book was awesome! The dynamic between Kate and Curran is brilliant. I loved how she fought her attraction as long as she could, but finally gave in to the inevitable - and in the hot tub, no less. And the bet was brilliant, especially when she lost and Curran presented her with his dinner request. But I love how even when being affectionate, they sill needle each other

"You came for me," I whispered.
"Always,"...more

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Mar 25, 2009

shartyrant rated it

Shelves: futuristic-alternate-earth, urban-fantasy

I won't go through a summary of what it is about as others probably have or you can look at the book description which sums it up best. Sorry if this comes across a bit disjointed. Having headaches again from the weather.

I loved this book. I have to say this is one of those rare series where the author keeps getting better. The character grows which is also a big thing with me. I hate reading series where the lead doesn't learn from his/her mistakes or grow in personality. Kate is de...moreI won't go through a summary of what it is about as others probably have or you can look at the book description which sums it up best. Sorry if this comes across a bit disjointed. Having headaches again from the weather.

I loved this book. I have to say this is one of those rare series where the author keeps getting better. The character grows which is also a big thing with me. I hate reading series where the lead doesn't learn from his/her mistakes or grow in personality. Kate is definitely growing. Painfully at times. She is definitely not a Mary Sue. She messes up at times. She gets hurt (a lot) phsycially and sometimes mentally/spirtually. But she keeps trying.

This book also finally reveals some of the mystery behind Kate's past and what her original agenda is and why her blood must be burned. Something I was hoping they would address, but wouldn't leave you with nothing else to focus on. The writers definitely give you more even after revealing that past. If anything, it will up the danger level and the suspense as sometimes the books reads as if Kate is up against a deadline. Will she surive? Will she fail? Or will it all be for naught?

I like a heroine who actually walks the "talk" of being a tough mercenary who also has a smart mouth that she is the first to admit she uses to hide how scared she is. Or how much she knows she is in trouble. And boy, is she in trouble in this one...on many levels.

This is the third book in this urban fantasy series. I would recommend reading the previous books in the series simply because it will add layers to the subplots and overall storyarcs. Plus, it explain how characters met, died ect. Always a good thing to know. But, if you haven't read the previous books, you could still read this story and enjoy it in my opinion.

Magic Strikes is probably the "lightest" book in the series. It has the dark moments just like the previous books, but it is lightened up by the humor and new companionships and relationships between various characters (not just romantical for all of them either, we are talking friendship, family, pack, ....even adversarial. Cool, no?

This book also has more of a romantical element than the previous novel. No, not enough to be classified as paranormal romance though. And not even just with the lead. It doesn't dominate the story, but it definitely adds to it. Greatly interwoven through the story to add to it instead of detracting. Things do NOT go where you are expecting with supporing characters and you have some enjoyable witty banter between various characters. Also, there is plenty of new creatures and races to see and learn about. Not just the typical weres (though they are definitely there) and vampires (though Andrews' definitely have the most originaly, creepy take on it I have ever seen).

I highly recommend giving this series a whirl. Be warned, the first book starts off a bit rough on the first few chapters, but stick with it as you will be rewarded. And then the next book blows it away.

Only problem I have with this book is the fact I didn't want it to end. Now I have to wait for the next installment (which I think the authors said it will be 5 in the series total).
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Apr 02, 2009

Felicia rated it

Shelves: vaginal-urban-fantasy, urban-paranormal

I love love this series. I'm getting tired of a lot of this paranormal stuff, so many iterations, but this is a GREAT world, GREAT characters, good plotting. The writing is really good, I feel like the hardest thing to do is be SIMPLE, and this author's style is so concise and honest and believable. I really really love this series and would recommend it to anyone, men or women!

like 11 likes

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Nov 09, 2010

Isamlq rated it

Shelves: favorites

So, Kate Daniels, sociopath in progress, is awesomeness embodied. Imagine a world of the People, the Pack, the Mercs… and now Reapers. This series is a prime example of something getting better with age, kind of like wine.

In Magic Strikes, we find Derek at death’s door and now it’s up to Kate to save him. Why? Well, because she’s a closed-off piece off work with but a handful of people whom she trusts and Derek happens to be one of said handful. Add the fact that Curan has staked his ...moreSo, Kate Daniels, sociopath in progress, is awesomeness embodied. Imagine a world of the People, the Pack, the Mercs… and now Reapers. This series is a prime example of something getting better with age, kind of like wine.

In Magic Strikes, we find Derek at death’s door and now it’s up to Kate to save him. Why? Well, because she’s a closed-off piece off work with but a handful of people whom she trusts and Derek happens to be one of said handful. Add the fact that Curan has staked his claim on her much to her dismay.

The thing that I love about Kate is that she is such a hard ass. And she’s snarky. BUT she’s got heart and humor. Not to mention the Mr. and Mrs. Smith-ness of Curan and Kate. Then there are those epic gladiator style battles (yes, that's plural.)

There are so many lines in this book that simply made me laugh out loud too:

“The last thing I needed was to get raked over hot coals because I used excessive force to subdue a raging cross eyed weretigress with temporary amnesia.” Kate to Jim talking about Dali just as the Dali had shifted. Where else but in the world of Ilona Andrews?!

“Raphael looked… There was no way to explain. I had explained my plan on the phone and he had arrived wearing leather: black, shiny boots up to his knees, black leather pants that showed of his legs and a black cuirass that molded to him like a second skin. A shotgun hung over his shoulder. An oversized sword, three feet long and nearly six inches wide, rested at his waist in a short sheath, completing his ensemble. The sword was to heavy for a normal human and covered with black runes etched into the upper portion of the blade. Couple with the rich waterfall of Raphael’s black hair and smoky blue eyes, the effect was devastating.
I wasn’t sure what I needed more: a cardiac surgeon to restart my heart or a plastic one to attach my jaw.” (And get this, Raphael isnt a main character in the book!)

“Do you know the runes on your sword are nonsense?”
“Yes, but they look mysterious.”

So after all that:
I can not wait for the next one!
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Aug 08, 2010

Beanbag Love rated it

Damn. Just ... damn.

So, I started with the acknowledgments and Andrews says something about Jeaniene Frost (Night Huntress series) beta reading her book and sending out a posse. So, I thought, heh heh, she must hint sex and not go there.

Then some stuff happens and I'm like, "What?! No! You can't kill him!!!"

Sheesh.

I was on the edge of my seat for this entire book. Nearly in tears at some points and laughing out loud at others. And ...more

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Dec 02, 2010

Sho rated it

Shelves: urban-fantasy

I just think if you read the first 2 books you have to read this. And if you haven't, I strongly suggest you to read the first 2 books first before getting into this one. We get to see more Curran and the developing relationship between Kate and him in this volume. What I like is that the relationship is NOT the main theme of the book. I am not really into urban fatasy=plenty of sex thing. I sincerely appreciate the gradual building of connection/spark/interests/sexual tention these two seem...more

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Mar 24, 2009

Nellie rated it

Magic Strikes is the 3rd book in Ilona Andrews's series featuring Kate Daniels, a rough ex-merc who works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid. Ilona Andrews is a pseudonym for the husband and wife team.

While Ilona's world that centers around Atlanta has shapeshifters and vampires and magic, unlike other books, they don't play well in the proverbial sandbox together, which is a nice change from the other books that have them working hand in hand. When technology is around, no m...moreMagic Strikes is the 3rd book in Ilona Andrews's series featuring Kate Daniels, a rough ex-merc who works for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid. Ilona Andrews is a pseudonym for the husband and wife team.

While Ilona's world that centers around Atlanta has shapeshifters and vampires and magic, unlike other books, they don't play well in the proverbial sandbox together, which is a nice change from the other books that have them working hand in hand. When technology is around, no magic can be done. But when magic hits Atlanta, watch out because the weird and really odd come out to play. Atlanta is showing it's age with the magic as well, with very few buildings above three stories. Her vampires are not pretty. They are emaciated, dangerous vehicles for the People who make it a goal to learn everything about undeath. The shapeshifters, no matter the breed, are one uniform pack lead by the Beast Lord, Curran, making the Atlanta landscape a tenuous place to live should either the People or the Shapeshifters be wronged by anyone.

And that's just the known dangers.

The third book revolves around an illegal underground gladatorial game that has it's own mystery as her friend Derek was beaten and left for dead. She investigates the hows and whys of what is using the games as a cover for something with a darker purpose. The secret Kate is holding always comes to the surface and holds the reading in suspense, wondering what will happen in the next book as that could ruin her friendships within the Pack and also push her out of the Knights of Merciful Aid.

Kate/Curran fans will be thrilled to see some advancement in the love/hate relationship that she and the Beast Lord have as the heat is turned up. But who said all stories had to have a happy ending. This latest book does make you want more and more as the story continues to be told. I know I can't wait for Book 4 to come out.

Ilona's website is www.ilona-andrews.com
The Kate series is contracted for seven books currently.

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Apr 10, 2009

Shanon rated it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, 2009

I say this a lot - and I mean it every time. BUT I LOVE this series! It keeps getting better and better.

My favorite aspect of this book is the relationship between Curran and Kate. Their witty banter and the way they provoke each keeps me giggling. And the sexual tension - OH MY!

I also really enjoy the action. The story lines are completely unique.

like 2 likes

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Jan 26, 2012

Nina rated it

Shelves: epic-battles, epic-couples, fake-boyfriend-parade, futuristic, good-time-laughs, murder-she-wrote, series, sexy-banter, southern-setting, swoon, urban-fantasy

Okay. Alright. I am FIRMLY a fan of this series. Holy shitake.

This series is doing that elusive thing of getting better with each book.There's a natural flow of information now. I get it. I know where we are, I see this Atlanta, and I am beginning to understand the people (and not people) who inhabit it. The center of which is Kate, whom I have fallen completely in girl love with.

There is an underground fight to the death situation going on in the ATL this time around. It's...moreOkay. Alright. I am FIRMLY a fan of this series. Holy shitake.

This series is doing that elusive thing of getting better with each book.There's a natural flow of information now. I get it. I know where we are, I see this Atlanta, and I am beginning to understand the people (and not people) who inhabit it. The center of which is Kate, whom I have fallen completely in girl love with.

There is an underground fight to the death situation going on in the ATL this time around. It's some serious cage fighting that the Shapeshifters outlawed some years back, but why are Derek and Jim involved? Why are they keeping it from Curran? There are secrets happening left and right and of course Kate finds herself in the middle of it.

I can not express enough how much this story has evolved. I love all of these people, and when they fall? When they're hurt and on the brink of death? I feel it. I believe Kate's pain and it makes her that much more real. She is such a fleshed out, interesting, flawed, tough as nails character and carries this story with such a spark. Even with all the pages of mythology and crazy villain names and motives, I'm right there, because Kate is right there.

And THEN on top of it you have the slow build up of Kate and Curran. I'm surprised by the heart of this relationship. I am so...impressed by it. Illona Andrews has allowed it to become something, and mean something. It wasn't in our face out the gate, BUT it was there. For us romance fans, we felt the burn there on the edges, and the more books we move through, the closer we get to the center of it. Because, holy mother of hot tubs. In another book I'd be like, "COME ON, GET TO IT, ALREADY!" But here? Here I care. I'm involved. It's not just about hurry up and get to the happily ever after already because I'm already over it. This is why this is my favorite kind of story. Curran in an interesting character with so much responsibility, leading over not only hundred of shape-shifters, but all the diverse breeds that make up the Pack. And what a merry Pack of characters they are. Again, Andrews does not drop the ball or fail to wow on this aspect. The supporting characters are all terribly charming and badass in their own rights. I'm a sucker for Raphael and Andrea. I'm proud of Julie. I want to cuddle up to then save Derek. I want to be on Jim's good side. Falling for each of them makes the big fight at the end mean that much more because I am off my seat rooting for them like it's the Super Bowl.

And then....oh, and then. The mystery of Kate and her father and the man she is set out to kill. The question and power of her blood. The sacrifices she is willing to make. And the roar of the lion. Yowza. All I can say is the last couple of pages reaffirmed for me that I have finally found another series to get excited about. (less)

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Jun 24, 2010

Sandra aka Sleo rated it

Shelves: fantasy

Whew! What a ride. And yes, I did tear up. And I'm very glad no one died. Poor Kate. And damn Derek! I'm glad he's alive, but he just had to interrupt! Phoo!

But it was very good.

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Apr 08, 2009

Jensownzoo rated it

Shelves: 2009-reads, urban-fantasy, favorites

This is the third book in the Kate Daniels series and the best one, IMO. The author delves deeper into the relationships between the characters without sacrificing one iota of the action. The next one isn't scheduled until next March, so I will have to reread this one multiple times until then to get my fix. I just love the streak of humor that runs through these books...prevents them from becoming overly angsty or harda** like some of the urban fantasy chicks-kickin'-booty books that I like ...more

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Apr 20, 2011

VampireNovelFan rated it

Shelves: urban-fantasy, horror, vampires, shifters, favorites, paranormal-romance, comedy, adventure

Magic Strikes, Book 3 in the Kate Daniels series starts out feeling like the daily grind, but things soon pick up. There's a shifter murder that Jim's trying to keep under wraps from The Beast Lord. Then there's Derek. Through him Kate stumbles upon an illegal underground preternatural gladiator fighting ring, the Midnight Games; there is no doubt a connection. Derek's trying to help a friend, but these games are forbidden in the shifter community. Of course, Kate steps up to try to help. I'm ...moreMagic Strikes, Book 3 in the Kate Daniels series starts out feeling like the daily grind, but things soon pick up. There's a shifter murder that Jim's trying to keep under wraps from The Beast Lord. Then there's Derek. Through him Kate stumbles upon an illegal underground preternatural gladiator fighting ring, the Midnight Games; there is no doubt a connection. Derek's trying to help a friend, but these games are forbidden in the shifter community. Of course, Kate steps up to try to help. I'm sure you can imagine that things don't quite go as planned or else we'd have no book. Through these games we meet some new formidable adversaries with an HQ that reminds of Howl's Moving Castle gone Baller.

I won't spoil it but something gut-wrenching happens to a character that I grew attached to over the books. Everything was going along swimmingly and then at about a third in, you get hit like a mac truck. I read the part on the train going into work and it seriously put a damper on my morning. I guess that's a sign of good story-telling.

This series has a consistent level of high quality. It's really hard for me to say if one book is better than the other. There's always an interesting case for Kate, the characters are consistently dynamic, and while some plot points are status quo, Andrews isn't afraid to take risks with her characters, so it doesn't make you feel too comfortable either.

It's really hard to truly categorize this urban fantasy. Some series are obviously dark, some are obviously more light. It's got pretty much all of the elements you can find, along with countless one-liners. My kindle's got so many bookmarks for this series I would practically read the books all the way through again if I clicked on them one by one, haha.

As a whole, I feel this series is really heavy on shifters and their customs, maybe even more than magic itself at times. The shifter content is what stands out to me most anyway. Lycan mythology usually isn't my thing, so while it is interesting here, that may be why I'm not *quite* as attached. Doesn't mean I don't appreciate good storytelling. It's a thoroughly entertaining ride and you'll be hard pressed to find many series of such high caliber.

Where was I? Categorize, categorize...I'll just throw it in the category of AWESOME and call it a day.
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Mar 27, 2009

Rachie rated it

Shelves: paranormal, own, paranormal-action, paranormal-romance

i love it. the characters are believable and it is a great addition to the series - i read it in less than 24hours it was that good.
only promblem i have to like wait a year to the next one.
READ IT! IT ROCKS!!!

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Apr 27, 2009

Valerie rated it

This might be my favorite urban fantasy series. I hope they don't ruin by publishing in hard cover. My trashy reading should come in a trashy format.

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Aug 20, 2011

Aliyyah rated it

Andrews' third installment of the Kate Daniels series has the reader and Kate moving closer to a confrontation with Roland. In this book Andrews gives us more detailed background on Kate and her life with Voron. The action is bloody and Kate continues as a hardened warrior, but as she indicates, she's not a killer for hire; she actually has principles and despite her best efforts, has formed attachments with members of the Pack and one of her fellow Knights. Curran is again seen, but the mood ha...more

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Jan 20, 2012

gunneos rated it

Shelves: adult-fiction, have

I feel like a downright bitch giving this three stars, a rating I usually reserve for mediocre, unimpressive books when I'm feeling generous. But I'm also reluctant to give this a four star rating, which I reserve for books I more or less adore (four is practically my own version of an evergreen book). If the star system came in decimal points, I'd give it a 3.7, because I'm OCD like that. I also feel like an asshole writing my thoughts on the book only after 3 books into the series when everyon...moreI feel like a downright bitch giving this three stars, a rating I usually reserve for mediocre, unimpressive books when I'm feeling generous. But I'm also reluctant to give this a four star rating, which I reserve for books I more or less adore (four is practically my own version of an evergreen book). If the star system came in decimal points, I'd give it a 3.7, because I'm OCD like that. I also feel like an asshole writing my thoughts on the book only after 3 books into the series when everyone seems to be giving it four stars and raving, but that's because I can't make up my mind about Kate Daniels, her friends, and her world. Of all fantasy plots, this has got to be one of the most expansive fictitious worlds. I get a feeling Andrews is making things up, both places and people, as she's going along, and usually I'll be calling bullshit on this kind of piss-poor planning, but for some reason, it works here. I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy her bringing in creatures from such wide pantheons for her game/tournament. So suddenly humans aren't humans, they're figures out of every and any mythology you can name. Minotaurs? Check. Norse gods? Yep! Hindu deities? Why not? I mean, why draw the line at your typical vampire/shapeshifter/magician? So boring.

To be honest there's so much going on in terms of details that it's all a blur to me. I've kinda run out of body parts to keep track of who's what, and what kind of power upgrades they have because this, this and this happened. Like Kate, I'm taking it as it comes. What is it they say? If you can't convince them, confuse them? Well, I am damn confused, but strangely even to me, I forgive it. In part due to the writing, the badassery, and the characters. I don't love any of them, but they endear themselves to me at times - I can see the potential of reaaaally liking them. It's hard to explain. I'm just not exactly breathing them yet, but I'm not ready to dismiss them. Having said this though, I still don't see why it's got the 4.4+ rating. It's giving me the same feeling I got from watching Inception. Cool idea, good action and visual effects, but too many cool characters to pick from to really love. I can't tell if the details are there to enlighten or confuse me either. I guess I'll have to read on to see.(less)

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Jan 15, 2012

kamelin rated it

Why me? [german review]

Kate Daniels hat ein Problem: Ihr Freund Derek steckt in Schwierigkeiten, will sich aber nicht von ihr helfen lassen. Dazu gesellt sich eine Mordserie an Gestaltwandlern, die anscheinend vor Curran, dem Boss der Bestien, vertuscht wird. Wie es aussieht führt Jim, Currans Sicherheitschef, etwas im Schilde, und Kate will wissen, was dahinter steckt. Gleichzeitig möchte sie Derek helfen, doch dann findet sie heraus, dass er gemeinsame Sache mit Jim macht. Wie es aus...more

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Dec 24, 2011

Dana Alma rated it

Why should you read the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews?

The Kate Daniel series by Ilona Andrews is the best series I’ve read this year!

Now, you have to take into account that Ilona Andrew’s has been on my radar for a couple of years, but I never purchased one of her books. The covers were interesting, the titles of the books were catchy, but for some reason I never picked up a single title in the series. I was clueless to even the characters in the books. That being ...more

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Oct 03, 2011

Fangs for the Fantasy rated it

Shelves: ilona-andrews

Derek the werewolf is in over his head, having annoyed Loki's grandson and seeking to free a woman from the grasp of inhuman arena fighters, Kate Daniels finds herself dragged in to help him, save him, avenge him – only to find how much larger things are.

Starting out to save Derek from his love life and aid Saiman with his business dealings, Kate finds herself trying to solve a murder, save her friends life and then having to keep it all from the Beast Lord, Curran himself. The pl...more

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Sep 27, 2011

Tania rated it

Shelves: 2011, audiobook-good, demons, fav-heroes, fav-heroines, shifters, urban-fantasy, vampire

This book was heartbreaking in a lot of ways, Derek the young werewolf is injured trying to do the right thing which leads to Jim going awol from Curran. There’s illegal fights to the death, mythical creatures and an adorable were-tiger. Of course, Kate ends up involved which means she’s hiding things from Curran which doesn’t make him a happy cat.

Okay, I admit it I read some pretty hot books. What can I say, I like a bit of heat in my romance, and in my food too actually but that’s...more

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Aug 27, 2011

Danni rated it

A dead shifter starts problems in this third installment in the Kate Daniels series. When Kate goes to investigate for the Order, she's told her help isn't needed. The only problem is, Curran doesn't seem to know that a shifter is dead. And as the Beast Lord, that doesn't happen. And when Kate herself is attacked by shifters, only to wake up and discover that Derek is hovering at the edge of death, she throws herself full force into an investigation that she doesn't know anything about. One...more

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Aug 08, 2011

Lasohaney rated it

I really tried to like these books. I made it to the third one in the hopes that things would get better, but they never did. I finally had to quit with this third one because I just became so completely disgusted by it all.

Andrews really needs to learn how to world-build. What f**king year is it, anyway? Her setting is supposed to be a modern-day Atlanta, but at the same time, we're supposed to believe that the world has been lapsing back-and-forth between a reality that has magic and...moreI really tried to like these books. I made it to the third one in the hopes that things would get better, but they never did. I finally had to quit with this third one because I just became so completely disgusted by it all.

Andrews really needs to learn how to world-build. What f**king year is it, anyway? Her setting is supposed to be a modern-day Atlanta, but at the same time, we're supposed to believe that the world has been lapsing back-and-forth between a reality that has magic and another with technology, and that the result is most buildings get destroyed by magic... but somehow power lines, computers, cell phones, cars etc etc still work just fine, and the explanation behind that is tenuous at best. But we're also told that this hasn't been happening forever; there was a very long period of time where the world was simply tech-only and suddenly things are headed in the other way. There doesn't seem to be any kind of clear history as to when things began to change, or how this might have drastically altered things: the picture she paints of the US and even the world beyond Atlanta is very shadowy and doesn't make a lot of sense, and there are just so many things that should be better explained and worked into the story. There's little to no interaction with "normal" people (although we're told and must presume they exist) which makes for a very stilted understanding of what's happening. If Kim Harris can create an AU that successfully does this, there's no reason that Andrews can't.

Pretty much all of the men in these books are disgusting and chauvinistic. Their behavior toward Kate is appalling, treating her like a piece of meat to be fought over and incapable of making her own decisions. Her "courtship" with the King of the Beasts reads like a manual for an abusive relationship. Seriously, when a character tells you they are literally *afraid* of this person and the probability that they will hurt them, that should not be a cue for a romantic relationship with them. The fact that Kate acknowledges this in the beginning of the novels and then seems to gradually forget/"forgive" because of the better, "sweeter" qualities hidden underneath his rough exterior... but meanwhile, he continues to be just as much of a controlling, violent b**tard as ever toward Kate and everyone else, but it's all "excused" because he's a shape shifter... which just seems hypocritical, since she reviles other characters for behaving exactly the same way. The icing on the cake is that these male characters are regularly telling her and forcing their male-dominance ideals down her throat, and Kate just seems to tacitly go along with it despite being a self-professed strong woman who doesn't need anyone, and I suspect that these ideals may in fact be the author's ideals crammed down our throats with all the subtlety of Bug Bunny saying "Hey look!" and pointing to get Elmer Fudd to turn his back while he runs off.

I think Kate herself was the biggest disappointment for me: I wanted to like her for being a strong woman, but every time there is a battle of any kind of significance, it's always some man or another (usually the King of the Beasts) coming to her rescue. There seems to be a gradual transition going on here where she opens up and becomes a softer person as she builds up the family that she never had. I don't mind that, so much, but it makes me uncomfortable that the package seems to be so formulaic and WASP: two kids, a dog, and a would-be-hubby. All she'll need is the house with the white picket fence. But her "strength" as a character and a woman is completely undermined by the fact that she's constantly in need of rescue at pivotal moments. In fact, the only way she seems capable of "winning" is to "lose"--by nearly killing herself in the big battles (so that her love interest can ride to her rescue; gag me already). Anita Blake kicks more ass than Kate Daniels does, and she spends half her time on her back. Even that would be okay if Kate had a personality that I felt had resonance, but seriously, wtf. She claims to have cared for Greg, but from the very beginning that felt hollow for me. Maybe it's something that's lacking in the narration, or perhaps it's because we're supposed to see her as a hardened person, but... combine that with her romantic interest in a man who she thinks is going to kill her half the time, and I just don't buy into Kate's emotions with pretty much anything. And since the rest of her story's pretty unbelievable, I'm left wishing I could get those hours of my life back.(less)

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May 14, 2011

Emily rated it

Shelves: reviewed-books, keeper-shelf

Kate Daniels is probably my favorite urban fantasy heroine. She is tough as nails, smart, has a snarky sense of humor that I really, really appreciate, but she's not some meathead idiot who can't manage to solve problems or have feelings. She's complex; she's loyal to her friends and her unorthodox family; she knows that the power she wields can corrupt as easily as it's pulled her fat out of the fire all these times. She makes mistakes, sometimes big ones; she really, really wants to be love...moreKate Daniels is probably my favorite urban fantasy heroine. She is tough as nails, smart, has a snarky sense of humor that I really, really appreciate, but she's not some meathead idiot who can't manage to solve problems or have feelings. She's complex; she's loyal to her friends and her unorthodox family; she knows that the power she wields can corrupt as easily as it's pulled her fat out of the fire all these times. She makes mistakes, sometimes big ones; she really, really wants to be loved but doesn't want someone else to have to bear the burden of loving her; she knows that even bigger conflicts perpetually loom on the horizon because of who her father is.

That doesn't stop her from having some seriously intense adventures. When she finds out that Derek, the young werewolf from the Pack who was sworn to protect her and now does so out of his own free will, has been busted breaking into super creepy Saiman's apartment, she's determined to find out why.

Turns out Derek is in deeper poop than Kate had figured; he was trying to steal tickets to the Midnight Games, an illegal underground fighting tournament that members of the Atlanta Pack are forbidden from entering or even attending. One thing leads to another and Kate finds herself having to enter the games to fulfill a promise and catch a killer; one by one, the cast of characters we know and love from this series, including Raphael, Andrea, Derek, Jim, and even Curran himself are caught up in the maelstrom.

There are twists and turns in abundance in this story, and we see Kate and Curran growing closer as well. The development of their relationship from uneasy allies to weird friends to something more is fun to read. The Midnight Games, too, are more than they appear on the surface. Kate is a great fighter and her skills are becoming more honed with each battle; the enemies in this book are not to be taken lightly though.

At the end of the book, the stage is set for some delicious developments in the next book- I shotgunned these books one after the other so I can verify that book four lived up to my expectations as well. If you haven't read this series yet, why not? Do something about that!

Overall Grade: A

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Apr 15, 2011

Colleen rated it

Magic Strikes is book three in the Kate Daniels urban fantasy series. And in this book, everything finally is coming together. Kate is more than just a hilarious attitude case with a killer sword, and the were-folks around her grew some back story. And, admittely, it is likely a combination of my mood and the experience that Ilona Andrews now has with her characters that made this book so damn funny. Atlanta itself is gaining some depth, as well as color. I'm glad that Julie made a return a...more

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Jan 22, 2011

Edil rated it

Shelves: favorites

Originally posted on The Book Fancier

The best book so far among the series. I can't find the right word to describe it. Let's just say, it really struck me. It was very impressive. Thanks to Ms. Tina and Chachic who made very convincing reviews of the books in the series!

I guess this would be my favorite urban fantasy series now because of this third book. The series gets better as it went through the paranormal adventures of Kate Daniels. Just like my reviews of the oth...more

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About Ilona Andrews

Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. author2sm“Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a be...more

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Quotes from Magic Strikes

“Curran looked back at me. "Why is it you always attract creeps?"

"You tell me." Ha! Walked right into that one, yes, he did.” — 383 people liked it

“As he passed me, he leaned to Curran and handed him a paper fan folded from some sort of flyer.
Curran looked at the fan. “What?”
"An emergency precaution, Your Majesty. In case the lady faints.”
Curran just stared at him.
Raphael strode toward the Pit, turned, flexed a bit, and winked at me.
"Give me that,” I told Curran. “I need to fan myself.”
"No, you don’t.” — 212 people liked it

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Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels #3)

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