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Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels #3)

by Ilona Andrews (Goodreads Author)

4.46 of 5 stars 4.46 · rating details · 22,062 ratings · 1,190 reviews

When her werewolf friend Derek is discovered half dead, Kate Daniels knows that she cannot rest until she neutralizes his attackers. Her hunt for the culprits ultimately leads her to the Midnight Games, an invitation-only, no-holds-barred paranormal fighting tournament. Magically appealing.

Paperback, 310 pages

Published November 1st 2010 by Gollancz (first published August 6th 2009)

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Sep 12, 2011 Lora rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: people on the same joy ride as me

Recommended to Lora by: refer to first paragraph

Shelves: 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.
Very rarely do I come a...more

39 likes · like · see review

May 08, 2011 The Holy Terror rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: everyone

Recommended to The Holy Terror by: The Flooze

Shelves: shifters, strips, color-brown, color-purple, vampires, gods, werewolves, magic, sexy-urban-fantasy, 2010

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 realistic, p...more 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 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)

35 likes · like · see review

Apr 16, 2012 Heather rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Heather by: Penny

Shelves: 2010, faves, urban-fantasy, 2012

Re-read in 2012.

Holy Shit! I love this series. I've spent the last 24 hours burning through Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2) and Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, #3). 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 (Kate Daniels, #1), I was on the fence about how I felt about it. I needed a nudge to...more Re-read in 2012.

Holy Shit! I love this series. I've spent the last 24 hours burning through Magic Burns (Kate Daniels, #2) and Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels, #3). 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 (Kate Daniels, #1), 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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Jun 16, 2013 Anzu The Great Destroyer rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: punks

Shelves: the-fantasy-of-urbans, ball-busting-chicks, evil-horned-ones, fanged-and-deadly, furry-wild-and-rabid, hop-on-a-broom, zomg-i-must-have-him, paranormal-fix, i-am-stalking-you, oh-you-so-funny, reviewed-2012, a-bit-of-mush, absolute-madness, to-the-mystery-machine, dark-so-dark, well-arent-you-mister-popularity

This, my dear, has been another thrilling book from the Kate Daniels series. As I was expecting, it kicked ass. I loved every jiffy of it and, as it always happens with the books I love, I have no idea what to write in my review. Everything I type ends up retarded, boring, daft and not good enough to show the size of the awesomeness that is Magic Strikes. So I will keep it simple as a chicken’s rear end.

But I’ll be a bit serious now. It’s the little things that make me love this series. Raphael’...more

10 likes · like · see review

Jan 13, 2010 The Flooze rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 loyal, determined, and crazy. But the good kind of crazy. The kind that...more

15 likes · like · see review

Sep 18, 2012 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary, crime-police-mystery-private-invest, fantasy-paranormal-sci-fi, gods, magic-mystical-ability, necromancy, read-2010, series, vampire, were-shifter, to-buy, read-2012, kindle

*Originally read 6/17/10*

*4.5 Stars*

Well, I'm noticing a definite climb in my enjoyment of this series. I don't know if the world building is smoother or if I have just stopped questioning it. I do still wonder where all the straight humans are. Come on, Crest can't be the only one out there. In regards to stars, I'd say this one is more of a 4.5 where the first two were more of a 4 and 4.25 respectively.

I think I liked this one more because there was more action. Because I feel disconnected fro...more *Originally read 6/17/10*

*4.5 Stars*

Well, I'm noticing a definite climb in my enjoyment of this series. I don't know if the world building is smoother or if I have just stopped questioning it. I do still wonder where all the straight humans are. Come on, Crest can't be the only one out there. In regards to stars, I'd say this one is more of a 4.5 where the first two were more of a 4 and 4.25 respectively.

I think I liked this one more because there was more action. Because I feel disconnected from the characters, too much time spent slowly investigating tends to bore me. With this one we have a lot fight scenes and a lot more time spent around her core group of friends.

Poor Derek. Kid's had a hard life, and this book doesn't make it any easier. I like the bond that you sense between him and Kate. That moment they had when Kate couldn't cry - very affecting. I don't know why I connect at moments like that but can't seem to connect to the book as a whole. I'm just odd I guess.

I liked learning more about Saiman. I find him very interesting so I liked learning more about who/what he is. I liked that the events that take place didn't change his character. He isn't the fighter that Kate is no matter what blood he has. He fears and worries and doesn't like what he has to do. I appreciated the contrast to every other life form running around that world.

I liked how much more insight we got into Kate and her past. It was a great scene when Kate was telling Jim about what her dad wanted her to grow up to be. Harsh childhood, but it's hard to blame her dad because she grew up like that for a reason. Meeting Hugh... man, I can sense some bad things on the horizon. Even though you know bad stuff is going to happen, you have to respect Kate for consciously making a choice to stay and stand up for her friends.

The fight scenes were pretty engrossing. I couldn't help but laugh after their first bout. Poor Jim was so mad that he snapped his clipboard. The part that really cracked me up though was Kate and Curran's defensive comments about their technique. I really liked the last fight. Especially because it brought about an unexpected conversation with Andrea. The ending got a little hectic, but that's not a bad thing. I'm intensely curious about the ability Kate discovered she had. What's that going to lead to?

I think Andrea and Raphael are adorable. His conversations with Kate about the different clan's mating habits was both funny and illuminating. Curran got more interesting, but he's still kind of smothering to me. I liked the playful side he showed with Kate. I do have to point out one more fabulous character. Dali. She is awesome. I cracked up when poor Jim had to admit to her deficiencies. I loved her hidden talent. Who would have thought up a talent like that? How do you even discover you have that?

Overall, good book and the series is looking up. (less)

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Dec 19, 2012 ♥Rachel♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

4.5 Stars

Wow, this story went from entertaining to amazing in one book! Let me count the ways:

1. We FINALLY get some answers to who and what Kate is!! YES! I love this rocking, kick-ass heroine. She's not whiny, she's not too cocky, and she has a sword named Slayer. This girl has some serious fighting skills and isn't afraid to put herself in harms way for the ones she holds dear.

2. CURRAN!! Oh my heart HIS MAJESTY THE BEAST LORD! I'll cook for you anytime. Talk about knight-in-shining armor:...more

10 likes · like · see review

Apr 16, 2013 Carol rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: any UF fan who likes a kick-butt heroine

Shelves: my-library, urban-fantasy, favorites, female-lead, i-d-marry-this-book-if-i-could

Remember when I said I loved Magic Burns? I might just love this book a little more. Just how good is it? Enough that it was my go-to when I was recently recovering from a headache--I wanted a dependable, awesome read and didn't want to start anything new that I'd end up hating.

Magic Strikes is the third book in one of the best urban fantasy series out there. It maintains a very fast-moving plot with nicely developed characterization, has an unusual magic-technology premise, and stars a woman wh...more

13 likes · like · see review

Mar 30, 2009 Julie (jjmachshev) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 wreaking havoc...more

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Sep 12, 2010 Mariya rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: shifters, urban-fantasy, magic-users, books-i-own, favorites, action-packed, all-nighter, bad-ass-hero, epicness-happening, great-dialogue, heartwarming-smiles, hottie-harem, kick-ass-heroine, laugh-out-loud, swoon-moments, ultimate-alpha, sexual-tension, possessive-hero, best-couple-award, side-character-love

My thought at this very moment: OMFG. It was amazing! 10X better than the first 2 books in the series. I couldn’t stop reading it, basically I read it in 2 days, if not for work I would’ve read it in 1 day. The book grabbed me from start to finish and everything was just like wow. One thing I was so happy to get in this book is a couple of the characters pasts, like Kate’s past. I was so interested to know a little bit more about her, and now after reading this one, I wanna know way more about h...more

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Mar 24, 2009 DarkHeart "Vehngeance" rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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," he told me.
"You're a damn idiot. Try...more

7 likes · like · see review

Mar 25, 2009 shartyrant rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 definitely gro...more 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 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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Mar 10, 2013 Joanna Tsiou rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-romance, worth-every-minute, demons, mythology, shapeshifters, vampires, magic, favorites, urban-fantasy, kick-ass-heroine, paranormal

This book was just awesome and of course once again it's morning and I have yet to sleep.

Kate, Derek, Jim and his crew get involved in an illegal gladiator tournament against the orders of Curran who has banned the shifters from taking part in it. Of course all hell breaks lose pretty soon.

So the juicy stuff:
(view spoiler)...more

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Apr 02, 2009 Felicia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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!

16 likes · like · see review

Nov 09, 2010 Isamlq rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 claim on h...more 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 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!
(less)

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Mar 03, 2013 Alexa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, own, 2013-reads, favorites

My review can also be found on my blog Collections.

*passes out*

I can't even imagine the kind of research that goes into this series. So far, every book in the series focuses on unique mythology from around the world, and it seems to get more and more complex. It just shows the originality of this series and how dedicated the authors are at making sure they get all the details right.

My most favorite parts in this series are the Kate and Curran scenes. They are intense and hilarious whenever they'...more

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Apr 04, 2013 Sho rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: urban-fantasy, re-read

Again just like the first book, knowing what I know about Roland now I understood so much better what Kate is risking when she joins the midnight game. I also loved how Simone got to be in this book. When she fights the swordsman to know the name of the sword.. it made my palm sweat with nervousness. As usual this series has great battle scenes however always those are not what leaves the strongest impressions. I think one of my all time favorite is the hottub scene!

He is just a very different...more

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Jun 04, 2012 Amanda The Book Slayer rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: must-read, magic-users, kick-butt-heroine, paranormal-romance, rogue-to-husband, sexy-alpha-male, shifters, vampire, werewolf, favorites

Loved it MORE than the first 2 books! UFC meets paranormal. This book has some great action. Plus Kate and Curran finally admit to their attraction.

Recommend: Fantasy/SciFi lovers who want a little romance thrown in. Must Read Series.

positives:
*Kate gets even more bad*ss. You thought taking on vamps and shifters were awesome. Wait till you see her in the ring with fighting till the death.
*add in sexy Curran(Beast Lord) who not only is checking his "mate dance" list off (Yea, Kate and Curran!!) b...more

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Jul 20, 2012 Alexandria rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Absolutely brilliant!!!!! My love for this seris goes beyond words. I just want to melt into a little puddle of goo every time I finish a novel from this series. It's also one of those series that upsets me simply because I cant get enough of it. And I wonder if I ever will get enough of it. I fill like a naughty little girl who cant stop putting her hand in the cookie jar. Maybe the cookies are laced with crack. Oh well, I'm sure you'll find me cackling to myself in some dark secluded corner wh...more

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Aug 24, 2012 Honour rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: suits-my-tastes-perfectly, re-readable-books, reviewed-by-moi, female-first-person-pov, interesting-heroes-heroines, wings-paws-fangs-wands

My favourite book of the five so far. This is my third re-reading.
Hence the work-in-progress fanart below.

Curran: Were you worried about me?

Kate: No, I’m ranting for fun, because I’m a disagreeable bitch!

description

Kate and Curran

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Aug 08, 2010 Beanbag Love rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 loving the romantic developments as well.

Kate gets involved in...more

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Mar 24, 2009 Nellie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 magic can be do...more 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 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 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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.

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Jun 24, 2010 Sandra aka Sleo rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 to...more

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Nov 15, 2012 Keertana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kick-ass-heroines, swoooon

Rating: 4.5 Stars

I’m telling you, this series just keeps getting better and better. While the greatest asset this novel has going for it is the attraction between Curran and Kate – and that may just be the reason I picked it up so quickly after Magic Burns - it blew me away in every other aspect as well. Magic Strikes amps up the stakes, not only on the general plot line, but especially on Kate, her life, and her past. If we thought we knew Kate before, she’s now become a confidant as we are pr...more

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May 18, 2012 Brandy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favoritos-uf

Si a esta serie, y en concreto, a este libro no le pones 5 estrellas tras haberlo leído. Una de dos, o no te gusta nada la fantasía urbana o tienes un sentido del humor muy extraño.... XD

Esta serie, reconocida como una de las mejores del género (si no es la mejor) tiene todos los elementos de la fantasía urbana: chica dura, chico duro, cambiaformas, magia, humor, sangre, espadas...
Pero lo más impresionante es la imaginación de la autora ya que nos adentra en un mundo totalmente caótico: Unas vec...more

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Oct 03, 2012 Nina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 some serious cage f...more 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 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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Jan 29, 2012 Carla *Jen7waters* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-a-thon, favorite-heroines, read-in-2012, stalkerific-hero, urban-fantasy, favorite-authors, paranormal-romance, shapeshifters

This series is blowing my mind away with each installment! :D
Magic Strikes was so freaking good. My head is still spinning because of that last scene in the Pit. Kate is made of pure awesome. I love that she stands up fiercely for those she loves every time, even if I was so, so, so afraid that something bad would happen to her this time in the process. But I mean, someone messed up with Derek…Derek. The kid who is like her younger brother (and Curran’s too!). Note to the bad guys: what a stupid...more

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Apr 20, 2011 VampireNovelFan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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 su...more 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 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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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.” — 654 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.” — 371 people liked it

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Magic Strikes (Kate Daniels #3)

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