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Kate Daniels #0.5 - A Questionable Client
Magic Graves
New York Times bestselling authors Jeaniene Frost and Ilona Andrews bring you two short stories of paranormal.
Jeaniene Frost's story, One for the Money, features vampires Cat and Bones trying to protect a spoiled heiress with a price on her head and an undead hitman on her trail. Previously published in Death's Excellent Vacation. Also includes the first three chapters from Jeaniene's story in The Bite Before Christmas anthology, as well as a sneak peek at ONCE BURNED, the first novel in the new Night Prince series.
Ilona Andrews' story, A Questionable Client, is a prequel to her award-winning Kate Daniels series. In a world beset by magic waves, Kate Daniels works as a mercenary. She is tired, hungry, and there is foul-smelling blood on her boots. All she wants to do is to go home, but when Mercenary Guild offers her a job she can't refuse, she finds herself protecting a man against Russian wizards. Previously published in Dark and Stormy Knights. Also includes first two chapters of FATE'S EDGE, book 3 in the Edge series, and first two chapters of Magic Grieves, a Kate Daniels novella.
Jeaniene Frost's story, One for the Money, features vampires Cat and Bones trying to protect a spoiled heiress with a price on her head and an undead hitman on her trail. Previously published in Death's Excellent Vacation. Also includes the first three chapters from Jeaniene's story in The Bite Before Christmas anthology, as well as a sneak peek at ONCE BURNED, the first novel in the new Night Prince series.
Ilona Andrews' story, A Questionable Client, is a prequel to her award-winning Kate Daniels series. In a world beset by magic waves, Kate Daniels works as a mercenary. She is tired, hungry, and there is foul-smelling blood on her boots. All she wants to do is to go home, but when Mercenary Guild offers her a job she can't refuse, she finds herself protecting a man against Russian wizards. Previously published in Dark and Stormy Knights. Also includes first two chapters of FATE'S EDGE, book 3 in the Edge series, and first two chapters of Magic Grieves, a Kate Daniels novella.
162 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2011
136 people are currently reading
7683 people want to read
About the author
Jeaniene Frost
70 books27.1k followersJeaniene Frost is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the Night Huntress series, the Night Prince series, the Broken Destiny series, the Night Rebel series, and an upcoming new Romantasy series. To date, foreign rights for her novels have sold to twenty-three different countries. Jeaniene lives in Maryland with her husband Matthew, who long ago accepted that she rarely cooks and always sleeps in on the weekends. Aside from writing, Jeaniene enjoys reading, poetry, watching movies with her husband, exploring old cemeteries, spelunking and traveling – by car. Airplanes, children, and cook books frighten her.
For information on Jeaniene's books, book trailers, free reading, contests, creature mythology, and more, please visit: www.jeanienefrost.com
For information on Jeaniene's books, book trailers, free reading, contests, creature mythology, and more, please visit: www.jeanienefrost.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 368 reviews
February 2, 2018
"One For The Money" by Jeaniene Frost
Cat and Bones look after and protect a spoiled heiress that her cousin wants her dead.
Their holidays are ruined and they all end up at Cat' childhood home where Justina is already there.
Justina tries to cope with the fact that she is a vampire and Bones really helps her.
I just love Bones and his mother in law together.
Cat falls in love with him one more time and I could not stop smiling:
By the time Bones announced it was Tammy's turn, I'd fallen in love with him all over again. Flowers and jewellery worked for most girls as a romantic gesture, but here I was, misty-eyed at watching him show my mother how to stab the shit out of him.
Nice short story. It's worth reading it (although Tammy is very annoying) as
-it shows the improvement in the relationship of Bones and Justina
-it shows the Justina' acceptance for her new situation
-it shows the length of Cat's new powers
"A Questionable Client" by Ilona Andrews
Saiman meets Kate. And he is very impressed. She kills a few endars (green fur creatures driven crazy by blood) and a Badzula (a middle aged woman in a filthy blanket that incites people to vagrancy) and she saves him from the volhvs (who serve pagan Slavic gods).
Kate meets Saiman. And she is not particularly impressed. She thinks he is a terrible human being, self-absorbed and egoistic.
Saiman is so impress with Kate that he offers her a discount every time she asks for his services from now on. He also promises Kate that he will find a form she cannot resist and he will make her his.
Kate is so not impressed with Saiman that she vows she will try to never see him or work with him again.
None of them will get what they want in the next books.
Cat and Bones look after and protect a spoiled heiress that her cousin wants her dead.
Their holidays are ruined and they all end up at Cat' childhood home where Justina is already there.
Justina tries to cope with the fact that she is a vampire and Bones really helps her.
I just love Bones and his mother in law together.
Cat falls in love with him one more time and I could not stop smiling:
By the time Bones announced it was Tammy's turn, I'd fallen in love with him all over again. Flowers and jewellery worked for most girls as a romantic gesture, but here I was, misty-eyed at watching him show my mother how to stab the shit out of him.
Nice short story. It's worth reading it (although Tammy is very annoying) as
-it shows the improvement in the relationship of Bones and Justina
-it shows the Justina' acceptance for her new situation
-it shows the length of Cat's new powers
"A Questionable Client" by Ilona Andrews
Saiman meets Kate. And he is very impressed. She kills a few endars (green fur creatures driven crazy by blood) and a Badzula (a middle aged woman in a filthy blanket that incites people to vagrancy) and she saves him from the volhvs (who serve pagan Slavic gods).
Kate meets Saiman. And she is not particularly impressed. She thinks he is a terrible human being, self-absorbed and egoistic.
Saiman is so impress with Kate that he offers her a discount every time she asks for his services from now on. He also promises Kate that he will find a form she cannot resist and he will make her his.
Kate is so not impressed with Saiman that she vows she will try to never see him or work with him again.
None of them will get what they want in the next books.
August 30, 2018
This review is for A QUESTIONABLE CLIENT only.
My Kate Daniels reread (finally fucking) begins! Yes, I'm even tackling all the novellas. #committed #sendsnacks
My Kate Daniels reread (finally fucking) begins! Yes, I'm even tackling all the novellas. #committed #sendsnacks
May 29, 2024
I've only read One for the Money (Night Huntress #4.5) by Jeaniene Frost.
5 stars, highly recommended! Review here.
5 stars, highly recommended! Review here.
August 3, 2014
This goes only for A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews.
4 STARS
Not so full and strong 4 stars but still very enjoyable.
This prequel is the start of Kate Daniels for me. Good short story and great introduction to the series.
I got a taste of how badass Kate is and I liked her. The story is about a strange and a little creepy shapeshifter Saiman, who hired Kate to be his bodyguard. Saiman is a tad annoying but still very interesting. He stole something from the Russians and definitely needs protection now(I enjoyed the Russian/Slavic references very much).
Although it's quite short, the story is full of humour and was a quick, fast paced read. Looking forward to book #1.
December 17, 2015
17 December 2015: $1.59 on Kindle
July 2014 Re-read
January 2014 Re-read of A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews
If you've read the Kate Daniels series you'll instantly recognize the scene set here - of when she first meets Saiman. Though it's very short, and a quick read, there's plenty of ass kicking and snark.
Kate's a merc, and when she takes a job for bodyguard detail she ends up getting more than she planned for.
You get to see why Saiman is so fascinated with Kate - and it's not just because she says no the first time. As I love Kate, too, I can't really blame Saiman; even if he is a creepy bastard.
I love anything to do with Kate Daniels, and I have a hard time thinking about anything but how much I love these books when I read this. This is a short story, so it's an incredibly quick read, but well worth it. Definitely recommended to anyone that enjoys the Kate Daniels series; and for those that aren't too sure about Kate after the first book (some of my friends, can you believe it?) I think this novella offers some additional intriguing insights into her character. Even though it is a prequel, you needn't read it before Magic Bites.
May 2012 Re-read
Ilona Andrew's Kate Daniels series is one that I continuously go to when I need a pick-me-up. After a couple of books that I couldn't finish, it was just what I needed.
July 2014 Re-read
January 2014 Re-read of A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews
If you've read the Kate Daniels series you'll instantly recognize the scene set here - of when she first meets Saiman. Though it's very short, and a quick read, there's plenty of ass kicking and snark.
"What happened?"
"You fell."
"Really? What did I fall into?"
"My fist."
Kate's a merc, and when she takes a job for bodyguard detail she ends up getting more than she planned for.
But bodyguard detail was a couple's kind of dance. You had to work with the body you guarded, and in my experience, bodies proved uncooperative.
You get to see why Saiman is so fascinated with Kate - and it's not just because she says no the first time. As I love Kate, too, I can't really blame Saiman; even if he is a creepy bastard.
My paper said the client's name was Saiman. No indication if it was his last or first name. Perhaps he was like Batman, one of a kind.
I love anything to do with Kate Daniels, and I have a hard time thinking about anything but how much I love these books when I read this. This is a short story, so it's an incredibly quick read, but well worth it. Definitely recommended to anyone that enjoys the Kate Daniels series; and for those that aren't too sure about Kate after the first book (some of my friends, can you believe it?) I think this novella offers some additional intriguing insights into her character. Even though it is a prequel, you needn't read it before Magic Bites.
May 2012 Re-read
Ilona Andrew's Kate Daniels series is one that I continuously go to when I need a pick-me-up. After a couple of books that I couldn't finish, it was just what I needed.
October 12, 2016
Jeaniene Frost 'One for the Money' - 4 stars
Ilona Andrews 'A Questionable Client' - 3.5 stars
Ilona Andrews 'A Questionable Client' - 3.5 stars
July 2, 2013
Only read "A questionable Client" by Ilona Andrews.
What can i say?
Only, that hadn't i already been hooked and caught by the team Ilona Andrews, that would officially have happened by now!!
Great short-story! Loved seeing Kate deal with troublesome Saiman...and all the mythology that was thrown in here.
"What happened?"
"You fell."
"Really? What did I fall into?"
"My fist."
Yeah....and he deserved it...
What can i say?
Only, that hadn't i already been hooked and caught by the team Ilona Andrews, that would officially have happened by now!!
Great short-story! Loved seeing Kate deal with troublesome Saiman...and all the mythology that was thrown in here.
"What happened?"
"You fell."
"Really? What did I fall into?"
"My fist."
Yeah....and he deserved it...
January 3, 2012
I thought this short story of Cat and Bones was a lovely little reminder of what those two get up to!!!
However, at the end of this book is a short piece about the new princes... there is a sneek preview of Vlad.... BUT I resisted and I haven't read it... I want to save it all for when his book is released!!!
However, at the end of this book is a short piece about the new princes... there is a sneek preview of Vlad.... BUT I resisted and I haven't read it... I want to save it all for when his book is released!!!
February 20, 2015
I am so excited to have stumbled on this collection. Ilona Andrews and Jeaniene Frost together with two awesome previously published quick reads from their popular series. If missed them because you aren't a fan of those huge multi-author anthologies like I am, this is your chance to get really good stories connected Frost's Night Huntress and Andrews' Kate Danielsseries - plus some bonus sneak peaks for stories they have lurking just beyond the horizon.
Since Jeaniene Frost started making her previously published Night Huntress World short stories available in e-novella format, I have been hoping to get the short that was actually a Cat and Bones short from Death's Excellent Vacation, and Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels prequel from Dark and Stormy Knights as well, along with teasers for their upcoming books/novella's - I am in heaven:) These were short, since both of those anthologies had lots of stories, but both were among the best stories in their respective collections.
Andrews' "A Questionable Client" - During her Mercenary Guild days, Kate is hired as a bodyguard, and of course trouble follows - Kate's first encounter with the mysterious Saiman is even more entertaining on the second read. I especially enjoyed the bits of Slavic myth in the story and the way that the challenge that Kate-being-Kate, presents to Saiman - who is sure that everyone has a price - lays the foundation for their oddball working relationship in the future. This story is a treat for fans but would work as a decent intro to the series as well.
Frost's "One For The Money" - Cat and Bones pull bodyguard duty for a human heiress targeted by supernatural hit men - This is a more than decent little Night Huntress fix, it even has a few little steamy bits for Bones and Cat. I enjoyed this one more the second time around as well, it takes a little bit to get rolling, but there's some really funny snarky lines for both Bones and Cat. And what really got me this time was Bones teaching Justina (Cat's mom) how to protect herself - paraphrasing Cat, nothing says love more than taking a knife through the heart. Fans will probably appreciate this story more than newbies, since half the fun of seeing Cat and Bones together is knowing about them and their relationship, but from a series standpoint it is stand alone.
Also included are bonus sneak previews :
>> Frost's Once Burned (Night Prince, Book 1) - Vlad's book - and "Home for the Holidays" from The Bite Before Christmas, an upcoming anthology with Lynsay Sands.
>>Andrew's Fate's Edge (A Novel of the Edge book 3) and "Magic Grieves", an upcoming Kate novella (I think that the wait for the next full length Kate is somewhat long since Andrea's first book comes next)
Since Jeaniene Frost started making her previously published Night Huntress World short stories available in e-novella format, I have been hoping to get the short that was actually a Cat and Bones short from Death's Excellent Vacation, and Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels prequel from Dark and Stormy Knights as well, along with teasers for their upcoming books/novella's - I am in heaven:) These were short, since both of those anthologies had lots of stories, but both were among the best stories in their respective collections.
Andrews' "A Questionable Client" - During her Mercenary Guild days, Kate is hired as a bodyguard, and of course trouble follows - Kate's first encounter with the mysterious Saiman is even more entertaining on the second read. I especially enjoyed the bits of Slavic myth in the story and the way that the challenge that Kate-being-Kate, presents to Saiman - who is sure that everyone has a price - lays the foundation for their oddball working relationship in the future. This story is a treat for fans but would work as a decent intro to the series as well.
Frost's "One For The Money" - Cat and Bones pull bodyguard duty for a human heiress targeted by supernatural hit men - This is a more than decent little Night Huntress fix, it even has a few little steamy bits for Bones and Cat. I enjoyed this one more the second time around as well, it takes a little bit to get rolling, but there's some really funny snarky lines for both Bones and Cat. And what really got me this time was Bones teaching Justina (Cat's mom) how to protect herself - paraphrasing Cat, nothing says love more than taking a knife through the heart. Fans will probably appreciate this story more than newbies, since half the fun of seeing Cat and Bones together is knowing about them and their relationship, but from a series standpoint it is stand alone.
Also included are bonus sneak previews :
>> Frost's Once Burned (Night Prince, Book 1) - Vlad's book - and "Home for the Holidays" from The Bite Before Christmas, an upcoming anthology with Lynsay Sands.
>>Andrew's Fate's Edge (A Novel of the Edge book 3) and "Magic Grieves", an upcoming Kate novella (I think that the wait for the next full length Kate is somewhat long since Andrea's first book comes next)
February 2, 2013
One For The Money (Night Huntress 4.5)
So... of course I love Bones and Cat. I'll read anything about them without the slightest of protest. And this was a cute little story about them doing some bodyguard work for a spoiled little rich girl namedParis Hilton Tammy. It had all the things I love about B&C, and was a fun, quick read.
One thing bugged me, though. The story was absolutely filled with "reminders" of prior books. I know Ms. Frost does this a lot in her novels, and that's great. But it was just soooooo overdone in this one. I mean, it's a short story. It just didn't need all the back-log of info that practically everyone reading already knows. This might be a silly thing, but it really bugged me.
A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels 0.5)
I picked this back up, because I'm gonna be continuing with the series soon, and I needed a little refresher on the story. Hell yeah, Kate is such a badass! This was a short about her doing some bodyguard work (See the theme, here) for a creepy shapeshifter who was gonna turn into a tree. She kinda botches it, but gets her money - and her chocolate - in the end!
So... of course I love Bones and Cat. I'll read anything about them without the slightest of protest. And this was a cute little story about them doing some bodyguard work for a spoiled little rich girl named
One thing bugged me, though. The story was absolutely filled with "reminders" of prior books. I know Ms. Frost does this a lot in her novels, and that's great. But it was just soooooo overdone in this one. I mean, it's a short story. It just didn't need all the back-log of info that practically everyone reading already knows. This might be a silly thing, but it really bugged me.
A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels 0.5)
I picked this back up, because I'm gonna be continuing with the series soon, and I needed a little refresher on the story. Hell yeah, Kate is such a badass! This was a short about her doing some bodyguard work (See the theme, here) for a creepy shapeshifter who was gonna turn into a tree. She kinda botches it, but gets her money - and her chocolate - in the end!
September 2, 2013
I only read "A Questionable Client" by Illona Andrews.
It was the story of how Kate first meet Saiman. She is hired to be his bodyguard for a night.
It was a short but faced paced and entertaining story. Kate is a very likable characters. Saiman was less likable, but that did not make him any less fascinating to read about.
I actually found this to be a better introduction to the Kate Daniels series than the start of Magic Bites.
It was the story of how Kate first meet Saiman. She is hired to be his bodyguard for a night.
It was a short but faced paced and entertaining story. Kate is a very likable characters. Saiman was less likable, but that did not make him any less fascinating to read about.
I actually found this to be a better introduction to the Kate Daniels series than the start of Magic Bites.
May 19, 2016
This is for the Kate Daniels story, only. It was a fun urban fantasy--just not enough romance for me! If you like a kick-ass heroine and lots of paranormal fantasy adventure, you may love the Kate Daniels series. I know that lots of my friends do.
July 19, 2018
Saiman is such a big creep!
October 7, 2016
Both good short stories.
March 12, 2019
#4.5 in the Night Huntress series and #0.5 in the Kate Daniels series
This is a collection of novellas from two of my favorite series.
Jeaniene Frost: We follow Cat and Bones as they protect a young human heiress from her money-grabbing cousin, along with the help of Cat's mother Justina. Plus there's a preview of a spin-off series called Night Prince, focusing on Vlad, which really captured my attention. Then there's the beginning of another story called Home for the Holidays which introduces us to Bones' long-lost brother.
Ilona Andrews: First we have A Questionable Client which is the original introduction to Saiman, the shapeshifter who becomes a friend (of sorts) to Kate. Then we have an excerpt from the Edge series, which also caught my imagination right from the beginning. And we round it all off with a preview from Magic Grieves, which is about Kate and Curran getting involved in a vampire-related situation.
All fascinating, all adding to the mystique of each of these series, all building more background and adventure for these well-loved characters. I really enjoyed it.
This is a collection of novellas from two of my favorite series.
Jeaniene Frost: We follow Cat and Bones as they protect a young human heiress from her money-grabbing cousin, along with the help of Cat's mother Justina. Plus there's a preview of a spin-off series called Night Prince, focusing on Vlad, which really captured my attention. Then there's the beginning of another story called Home for the Holidays which introduces us to Bones' long-lost brother.
Ilona Andrews: First we have A Questionable Client which is the original introduction to Saiman, the shapeshifter who becomes a friend (of sorts) to Kate. Then we have an excerpt from the Edge series, which also caught my imagination right from the beginning. And we round it all off with a preview from Magic Grieves, which is about Kate and Curran getting involved in a vampire-related situation.
All fascinating, all adding to the mystique of each of these series, all building more background and adventure for these well-loved characters. I really enjoyed it.
January 19, 2019
3.5 Stars
I just don’t really care for short stories......
I just don’t really care for short stories......
August 12, 2013
I read One for the Money in Death's Excellent Vacation and I gave it 4 stars. I liked how it was a nice happy story for the Cat and Bones after all the fighting and misunderstandings from the previous Night Huntress book.
A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews- 5 stars
This is a prequel to Magic Bitesand I loved it. This is where Kate meets Saiman, and she has to guard him from the vohlvs. Basically Saiman stole something he shouldn't have and then knowing that the Russians would come for him, he hired some mercs for body guard duty. The previous 2 bailed, so the Guild hired Kate. Kate knew it was a crap job, but she also needs the money, so she heads off to Saiman's.
It was kind of neat to see her meet him for the first time and to see how quickly she had his number. Saiman, on the other hand, still can't figure Kate out 6 books into the series, so watching him try when he first meets her is great. I loved how she dealt with him too. We can see the beginnings of their...not friendship...partnership? No, frenemy status? yeah, they're frenemies. And you can see the beginnings of it forming.
So, yeah, great short, fun glimpse back into the Kate Daniels World, and it makes me want to re-read the series. Whenever I'm in a lousy mood, or a reading slump I re-read a Kate Daniels book. I got lucky and saw that I hadn't read this story, so today I feel like I got a treat :)
A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews- 5 stars
This is a prequel to Magic Bitesand I loved it. This is where Kate meets Saiman, and she has to guard him from the vohlvs. Basically Saiman stole something he shouldn't have and then knowing that the Russians would come for him, he hired some mercs for body guard duty. The previous 2 bailed, so the Guild hired Kate. Kate knew it was a crap job, but she also needs the money, so she heads off to Saiman's.
It was kind of neat to see her meet him for the first time and to see how quickly she had his number. Saiman, on the other hand, still can't figure Kate out 6 books into the series, so watching him try when he first meets her is great. I loved how she dealt with him too. We can see the beginnings of their...not friendship...partnership? No, frenemy status? yeah, they're frenemies. And you can see the beginnings of it forming.
So, yeah, great short, fun glimpse back into the Kate Daniels World, and it makes me want to re-read the series. Whenever I'm in a lousy mood, or a reading slump I re-read a Kate Daniels book. I got lucky and saw that I hadn't read this story, so today I feel like I got a treat :)
January 19, 2012
This review is only for "A Questionable Client" by Ilona Andrews.
It's my first time reading a story of the Kate Daniels series and I really enjoyed it.
Sure, since it is a short story the plot gets resolved pretty fast and easily but that didn't bother me that much. I got a glimpse into the very intresting world Andrews created and like the idea of the magic waves and magic users. Kate seems to be a fun and likeable character and I hope I'll see Samain again. It was not okay what he did but I somehow liked him.
I only hope I won't get confused because of all those magical creatures in the KD universe. But I'll soon know since I'm definitely going to read the rest of the books.
It's my first time reading a story of the Kate Daniels series and I really enjoyed it.
Sure, since it is a short story the plot gets resolved pretty fast and easily but that didn't bother me that much. I got a glimpse into the very intresting world Andrews created and like the idea of the magic waves and magic users. Kate seems to be a fun and likeable character and I hope I'll see Samain again. It was not okay what he did but I somehow liked him.
I only hope I won't get confused because of all those magical creatures in the KD universe. But I'll soon know since I'm definitely going to read the rest of the books.
January 13, 2013
The short story about Cat and Bones was rather pointless and the end didn't make much sense and wasn't explained any further.
The short story about Kate Daniels was ok.
What annoyed me a bit was, that half of the book was teaser for other books by the authors - might be interesting for readers who haven't read them yet, but for me it was disappointing that half of the book was promo for other books.
The short story about Kate Daniels was ok.
What annoyed me a bit was, that half of the book was teaser for other books by the authors - might be interesting for readers who haven't read them yet, but for me it was disappointing that half of the book was promo for other books.
August 5, 2014
It's incredibly fortuitous that Saiman displayed his true nature so accurately to Kate in their first interactions together.
He really is despicable sometimes. That is all.
He really is despicable sometimes. That is all.
August 16, 2020
3.5 Stars ~ One for the Money, Jeaniene Frost
I'm not giving the book an overall score because I only read the Night Huntress short story.
I'm not giving the book an overall score because I only read the Night Huntress short story.
January 24, 2021
2 short stories and a bunch of previews. The short stories were good, but very short.
July 20, 2021
One for the Money: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Questionable Client: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Questionable Client: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 8, 2024
3.5🌟 (only read ‘one for the money’)
i missed my babies 🥹 (with a kill count of over 100k but still, my babies)
i missed my babies 🥹 (with a kill count of over 100k but still, my babies)
April 2, 2024
I'm just a Cat & Bones addict now. Give me all the material there is out there.
October 1, 2011
From Goodreads: Magic Graves is a novella composed of two short stories and previews of future novellas by New York award winning paranormal authors Jeaniene Frost and Ilona Andrews. Jeaniene Frost’s story, One For the Money, features her lovable very sexy vampire couple- Cat and Bones. Previously published in Death’s Excellent Vacation. Also includes the first three chapters from The Bite Before Christmas anthology, as well as a sneak peak at ONCE BURNED, the first novel in the new Night Prince series.
Ilona Andrews story, A Questionable Client, is a prequel to her award-winning Kate Daniels series. Previously published in Dark and Stormy Knights. Also includes first two chapters of FATE’S EDGE, book three in the Edge series, and first two chapters of Magic Grieves, a Kate Daniels novella.
I am a huge fan of both authors so when I was offered this for review I jumped at the chance to not only get some more stories about my favorite characters but also some advance information on upcoming releases. I like the fact they decided to bind these two stories into one novella. That works well for those who want the stories but don’t necessarily want to buy two separate anthologies to get them.
One For The Money by Jeaniene Frost
Set after Destined For An Early Grave, book 4, Bones and Cat have to cut their vacation short when Cat’s uncle Don requires them to protect a whiny heiress from a death contract. As Cat and Bones fight their way through ghouls and vampires, Cat’s mom joins in the fray and decides Bones may not be the devil incarnate.
A fast fun story that is packed full of the steamy chemistry and witty dialogue that we have come to love from this series. I really like the interaction between Justine and Bones. Dare we hope she’s coming around? I wouldn’t hold my breath!
RATING: B+
A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews
A prequel to Magic Bites, book 1, we are introduced to Kate Daniels. A Mercenary for The Guild, she has had a hard day and just wants to go home. When the Guild calls her about a job, she finds herself protecting a man who believes anything is available for the right price-even Kate. Loved reading about Kate’s first time meeting Saiman and the reasons behind their very odd relationship. Eccentric characters and sarcastic humor that is a trademark of this series is in abundance. A great introduction to this outstanding series for new readers.
RATING-B+
The additional sneak peeks only add the the over all enjoyment of this collection. Loved seeing Vlad and meeting his soon to be honey in Once Burned (book 1-new series Jeaniene Frost) and getting first two chapters of Fate’s Edge (Book 3) AND Magic Grieves (Ilona Andrews) only solidifies my intentions to buy all 4 when they release. All in all, if your a true fan of these authors, I can’t imagine you not buying this collection.
Overall Rating-B+
Ilona Andrews story, A Questionable Client, is a prequel to her award-winning Kate Daniels series. Previously published in Dark and Stormy Knights. Also includes first two chapters of FATE’S EDGE, book three in the Edge series, and first two chapters of Magic Grieves, a Kate Daniels novella.
I am a huge fan of both authors so when I was offered this for review I jumped at the chance to not only get some more stories about my favorite characters but also some advance information on upcoming releases. I like the fact they decided to bind these two stories into one novella. That works well for those who want the stories but don’t necessarily want to buy two separate anthologies to get them.
One For The Money by Jeaniene Frost
Set after Destined For An Early Grave, book 4, Bones and Cat have to cut their vacation short when Cat’s uncle Don requires them to protect a whiny heiress from a death contract. As Cat and Bones fight their way through ghouls and vampires, Cat’s mom joins in the fray and decides Bones may not be the devil incarnate.
A fast fun story that is packed full of the steamy chemistry and witty dialogue that we have come to love from this series. I really like the interaction between Justine and Bones. Dare we hope she’s coming around? I wouldn’t hold my breath!
RATING: B+
A Questionable Client by Ilona Andrews
A prequel to Magic Bites, book 1, we are introduced to Kate Daniels. A Mercenary for The Guild, she has had a hard day and just wants to go home. When the Guild calls her about a job, she finds herself protecting a man who believes anything is available for the right price-even Kate. Loved reading about Kate’s first time meeting Saiman and the reasons behind their very odd relationship. Eccentric characters and sarcastic humor that is a trademark of this series is in abundance. A great introduction to this outstanding series for new readers.
RATING-B+
The additional sneak peeks only add the the over all enjoyment of this collection. Loved seeing Vlad and meeting his soon to be honey in Once Burned (book 1-new series Jeaniene Frost) and getting first two chapters of Fate’s Edge (Book 3) AND Magic Grieves (Ilona Andrews) only solidifies my intentions to buy all 4 when they release. All in all, if your a true fan of these authors, I can’t imagine you not buying this collection.
Overall Rating-B+
September 5, 2011
Both of these stories have been previous released in anthonogies. I love that Ilona Andrews and Jeaniene Frost decided to release their two stories separately. These stories take place in Andrews' Kate Daniels series and Frost's Night Huntress series. I love being able to add the stories themselves to my collection of the rest of the series without having to purchase the entire anthology. Too often, with anthologies, I find I might only like one or two stories and most of the time it's not worth it to buy it.
I had already read Frost's story from this collaboration. Originally in Death's Excellent Vacation. It was a great addition to the Night Huntress series and, at time of release, was nice to see another Cat and Bones story. When this story was originally released we hadn't seen a new Cat and Bones story in maybe a year. This story deals with Cat and Bones having to protect an heiress who proves very uncooperative. Frost does a good job of writing a "complete" story. With anthology stories the challenge is oftentimes to create a full story in a limited space. Frost benefits here from having the world already established, but regardless it's a good story. I was surprised by the risks that Frost took with a short story that isn't as accessible to people as a stand-alone novel. She puts Cat in a big threat / danger at the end. It's a scene that constantly replays itself in my mind when I am reading through the rest of the series proper.
The big reason I bought this compillation would have to be for Ilona Andrews' A Questionable Client. I love the Kate Daniels series and this is a wonderful addition to the series. It's a prequel to the series as a whole that explains how Kate came to meet everyone's favorite deviant Saiman. While, sadly, there is no Curran, there's plenty of the Kate kick-ass attutide that we've all come to love. Here Kate has to defend Saiman against some angry Vohlv's (Russian sorcerers) that he's managed to piss off (not surprising). While fans of the series will be familiar with the charaters already, the story is really a good introduction into the Kate Daniels world. Andrews does a good job of introducing enough information about the already established world but still not becoming too redundant with information. We get to see / learn a little about Kate's powers and get to learn the kind of things she has to deal with on a daily basis in her work.
Overall, highly recommend if you are fans of these two series and want to add them to your collection without buying the whole anthology. Also, pretty good introduction to the two series if you are interested in starting them.
I had already read Frost's story from this collaboration. Originally in Death's Excellent Vacation. It was a great addition to the Night Huntress series and, at time of release, was nice to see another Cat and Bones story. When this story was originally released we hadn't seen a new Cat and Bones story in maybe a year. This story deals with Cat and Bones having to protect an heiress who proves very uncooperative. Frost does a good job of writing a "complete" story. With anthology stories the challenge is oftentimes to create a full story in a limited space. Frost benefits here from having the world already established, but regardless it's a good story. I was surprised by the risks that Frost took with a short story that isn't as accessible to people as a stand-alone novel. She puts Cat in a big threat / danger at the end. It's a scene that constantly replays itself in my mind when I am reading through the rest of the series proper.
The big reason I bought this compillation would have to be for Ilona Andrews' A Questionable Client. I love the Kate Daniels series and this is a wonderful addition to the series. It's a prequel to the series as a whole that explains how Kate came to meet everyone's favorite deviant Saiman. While, sadly, there is no Curran, there's plenty of the Kate kick-ass attutide that we've all come to love. Here Kate has to defend Saiman against some angry Vohlv's (Russian sorcerers) that he's managed to piss off (not surprising). While fans of the series will be familiar with the charaters already, the story is really a good introduction into the Kate Daniels world. Andrews does a good job of introducing enough information about the already established world but still not becoming too redundant with information. We get to see / learn a little about Kate's powers and get to learn the kind of things she has to deal with on a daily basis in her work.
Overall, highly recommend if you are fans of these two series and want to add them to your collection without buying the whole anthology. Also, pretty good introduction to the two series if you are interested in starting them.
July 2, 2015
One for the Money (Night Huntress #4.5) - Jeaniene Frost
3.5 Stars
Unlike the two previous Novellas, this one is of Cat and Bones. It was a nice enough story, Cat taking up a guarding job from her uncle Don to protect a girl who is targeted for her life by her cousin wanting her fortune. The girl was quite annoying and Cat and Bones were soon sick of her. They encountered Cat's mother and we see for once that Bones and Justina are sort of mending their attitude against one another.
I liked it but it really lacked "meat", it was just too short to stand on it's own. In a way there wasn't any "point" to the job they got and how it concluded. I see it more as an introduction to Justina accepting more of Bones and her new condition as a vampire.
A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels #0.5) - Ilona Andrews
2 Stars
This is the first I'm reading by Ilona. I have one book by her marked to be read - "Clean Sweep" - which I added after I read a recommendation about it (can't recall who it was though..).
I'll start by saying that this genre isn't my type. If it's yours you might really enjoy it, so don't take my word for it if this is you "thing" :)
First it's a kind of dystopian world which usually I don't handle too well, the world is different than it used to be, there is magic though limited to certain times and the technology works occasionally, didn't really get when that one works of the other. Kate is a mercenary who works for a guild who gives her the jobs. She is very well paid to guard someone for one night (I'm guessing this dude is important to the series, or will make an appearance). There are a lot of strange creatures I've never heard of (I don't know if it's me lacking in knowledge or if they are simply invented by Ilona) and there are groups with certain agendas,the world is very different from how we know it.
Basically it's a fantasy world, maybe somewhere in the past I would have liked it, I don't know, but for me, especially for a short novella there were SO many details to take into account I just couldn't handle it and half of the time I wasn't sure what I was reading. I can honestly say, I didn't get it, I'm sorry.
There is a good pace to this one, a lot of action, weird details about the world. If you like this kind of dystopian messed up with creatures, magic and technology it might totally be your thing.
I'm starting to wonder about "Clean Sweep", I'll have to read again the synopsis to see if it would be my thing. It's one thing reading a short novella in a genre I'm not really into, reading a whole book is something else.
3.5 Stars
Unlike the two previous Novellas, this one is of Cat and Bones. It was a nice enough story, Cat taking up a guarding job from her uncle Don to protect a girl who is targeted for her life by her cousin wanting her fortune. The girl was quite annoying and Cat and Bones were soon sick of her. They encountered Cat's mother and we see for once that Bones and Justina are sort of mending their attitude against one another.
I liked it but it really lacked "meat", it was just too short to stand on it's own. In a way there wasn't any "point" to the job they got and how it concluded. I see it more as an introduction to Justina accepting more of Bones and her new condition as a vampire.
A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels #0.5) - Ilona Andrews
2 Stars
This is the first I'm reading by Ilona. I have one book by her marked to be read - "Clean Sweep" - which I added after I read a recommendation about it (can't recall who it was though..).
I'll start by saying that this genre isn't my type. If it's yours you might really enjoy it, so don't take my word for it if this is you "thing" :)
First it's a kind of dystopian world which usually I don't handle too well, the world is different than it used to be, there is magic though limited to certain times and the technology works occasionally, didn't really get when that one works of the other. Kate is a mercenary who works for a guild who gives her the jobs. She is very well paid to guard someone for one night (I'm guessing this dude is important to the series, or will make an appearance). There are a lot of strange creatures I've never heard of (I don't know if it's me lacking in knowledge or if they are simply invented by Ilona) and there are groups with certain agendas,the world is very different from how we know it.
Basically it's a fantasy world, maybe somewhere in the past I would have liked it, I don't know, but for me, especially for a short novella there were SO many details to take into account I just couldn't handle it and half of the time I wasn't sure what I was reading. I can honestly say, I didn't get it, I'm sorry.
There is a good pace to this one, a lot of action, weird details about the world. If you like this kind of dystopian messed up with creatures, magic and technology it might totally be your thing.
I'm starting to wonder about "Clean Sweep", I'll have to read again the synopsis to see if it would be my thing. It's one thing reading a short novella in a genre I'm not really into, reading a whole book is something else.
July 4, 2016
So far I've only read the Jeaniene Frost story of this pair of novellas. I'm one of those people who need to read things in order, so I won't be trying the Ilona Andrews one until I've actually read up to the right point in the Kate Daniels series.
This was just a nice little story featuring Cat and Bones, and with an excellent cameo from Cat's mother Justina, as she comes to grips with the events of Destined for an Early Grave. The spoiled brat was suitably bratty and spoiled and my only disappointment was that all the "extra features" made me expect a longer story than the one I got. I expected the story to take up 50% of the book, but it was over at 30%, with the rest given over to sample chapters of upcoming books. Since I don't read those - I prefer just to read the book when it comes out - it was a bit diasppointing.
But the story itself was fun, and that's what I bought it for, so I'm only complaining a little bit.
Favourite Quote:
By the time Bones anounced it was Tammy’s turn, I’d fallen in love with him all over again. Flowers and jewelry worked for most girls as a romantic gesture, but here I was, misty-eyed at watching him show my mother how to stab the shit out of him.
— One for the Money by Jeaniene Frost, found in Death’s Excellent Vacation and/or Magic Graves
UPDATED 16 September 2012
I had tried the Kate Daniels series fairly soon after it came out and stalled on the first book. All the same, I always wanted to try again. The urge bit me the other day and when I popped over to fictfact.com to check the series, it told me that the first story was the one in this book. A shorter story seemed to be the perfect way to try the series again. It's a small story that I think does introduce the world well and it gives the reader a good introduction to Kate, especially in her choice of question to the creature at the end. I certainly liked this enough that I'm going to give Magic Bites another try. If I find I like it, I'm considering the idea of alternating this series and my Liaden reread, but as always, what I actually decide to read while probably depend on the whim of the moment.
This was just a nice little story featuring Cat and Bones, and with an excellent cameo from Cat's mother Justina, as she comes to grips with the events of Destined for an Early Grave. The spoiled brat was suitably bratty and spoiled and my only disappointment was that all the "extra features" made me expect a longer story than the one I got. I expected the story to take up 50% of the book, but it was over at 30%, with the rest given over to sample chapters of upcoming books. Since I don't read those - I prefer just to read the book when it comes out - it was a bit diasppointing.
But the story itself was fun, and that's what I bought it for, so I'm only complaining a little bit.
Favourite Quote:
By the time Bones anounced it was Tammy’s turn, I’d fallen in love with him all over again. Flowers and jewelry worked for most girls as a romantic gesture, but here I was, misty-eyed at watching him show my mother how to stab the shit out of him.
— One for the Money by Jeaniene Frost, found in Death’s Excellent Vacation and/or Magic Graves
UPDATED 16 September 2012
I had tried the Kate Daniels series fairly soon after it came out and stalled on the first book. All the same, I always wanted to try again. The urge bit me the other day and when I popped over to fictfact.com to check the series, it told me that the first story was the one in this book. A shorter story seemed to be the perfect way to try the series again. It's a small story that I think does introduce the world well and it gives the reader a good introduction to Kate, especially in her choice of question to the creature at the end. I certainly liked this enough that I'm going to give Magic Bites another try. If I find I like it, I'm considering the idea of alternating this series and my Liaden reread, but as always, what I actually decide to read while probably depend on the whim of the moment.
November 7, 2017
I have to admit I mostly bought this book because I wanted to read the Kate Daniels prequel. Still, I’d never read anything by Jeanine Frost before and I thought it would be a good idea to start with one of her short stories before giving one of series a try. Well, I can’t say I’m impressed. There is some action, some trying-to-be-funny dialogues (which didn’t even make me smile) and that’s about it. I’m not into vampires much so that probably didn’t help. The characters did nothing for me either, Bones in particular. Way too patronizing for my taste. Besides, the author seems to think that having him say words like “luv” and “mate” every 5 seconds will turn him into this sexy vampire, just because he is British. Very annoying. Kat was just meh and I didn’t connect with her character at all. This story definitely doesn’t deserve more than two stars but I’m glad I read it since it means I can now take this series off my wishlist!
Now, Kate Daniels. She is it. What can I say, I’m a gushing fan girl when it comes to her! I really enjoyed A Questionable Client because it tells of Kate’s days as merc and of her first encounter with Saiman. This story also features the volvhs (which appear later on in the series) and we get a sneak peak at Kate’s background (and of developments to come) with the mention of Voron. As in the rest of the series, I really liked the introduction of mythology and folklore as part of the plot. Great action, great fun! As usual, Kate kicks ass while being funny as hell:
Well this story definitely gets a four from me, which means an overall rating of three for this book.
Now, Kate Daniels. She is it. What can I say, I’m a gushing fan girl when it comes to her! I really enjoyed A Questionable Client because it tells of Kate’s days as merc and of her first encounter with Saiman. This story also features the volvhs (which appear later on in the series) and we get a sneak peak at Kate’s background (and of developments to come) with the mention of Voron. As in the rest of the series, I really liked the introduction of mythology and folklore as part of the plot. Great action, great fun! As usual, Kate kicks ass while being funny as hell:
Skinny, flabby, filthy, with breasts dangling to her waist like two empty bags, she tossed back grimy tangled hair and hissed at me, baring stumps of rotten teeth. "That's nice. Fuck you, too."
"What happened?" "You fell." "Really? What did I fall into?" "My fist."
"You must ask the question or it will kill all of us." The cat showed me its teeth again. For anything I asked, there would be a price. "Ask," the cat said, its voice laced with an unearthly snarl. "Ask, Kate," Saiman prompted. "Ask!" one of the volhvs called out. I took a deep breath. The cat leaned forward in anticipation. "Would you like some milk?"The girl just kills me!
Well this story definitely gets a four from me, which means an overall rating of three for this book.
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