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Colbana Files #0.5
Bladed Magic
For the first time in her life, Kit Colbana’s life was going just fine. She had a nice, easy job. She’d managed to escape the not-so-loving attentions of a family who’d rather see her dead than look at her. She had a roof over her head and she didn’t have to fight for every little thing she had.
Then she finds herself tangled up with a green-eyed witch by the name of Justin. He’s looking for somebody and for some bizarre reason, he seems to think she can help. All she has to do is say no, and she can go back to her safe little existence. That’s exactly what she needs to do and she knows it.
Too bad she’s not very good at following her own advice.
The events of this short story take place between A Stroke of Dumb Luck and Blade Song. It can be read as a stand-alone.
Then she finds herself tangled up with a green-eyed witch by the name of Justin. He’s looking for somebody and for some bizarre reason, he seems to think she can help. All she has to do is say no, and she can go back to her safe little existence. That’s exactly what she needs to do and she knows it.
Too bad she’s not very good at following her own advice.
The events of this short story take place between A Stroke of Dumb Luck and Blade Song. It can be read as a stand-alone.
65 pages, ebook
First published March 16, 2014
26 people are currently reading
379 people want to read
About the author
J.C. Daniels
38 books641 followersI read, I write and you can find more about me here at my other author name...
Shiloh Walker
My professional bio:
J.C. Daniels is the alter ego of author Shiloh Walker. J.C./Shiloh has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious works of fiction. She loves reading and writing just about every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest. She writes urban fantasy, romantic suspense and paranormal romance, among other things.
Shiloh Walker
My professional bio:
J.C. Daniels is the alter ego of author Shiloh Walker. J.C./Shiloh has been writing since she was a kid. She fell in love with vampires with the book Bunnicula and has worked her way up to the more...ah...serious works of fiction. She loves reading and writing just about every kind of romance. Once upon a time she worked as a nurse, but now she writes full time and lives with her family in the Midwest. She writes urban fantasy, romantic suspense and paranormal romance, among other things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
January 22, 2016
I really like Kit. You get a bit more about her here. Her memories of physical abuse by the aneira (her mother's people) keep raising their ugly head at the worst of times. They shaped her in a way that she avoids any physical contact.
Kit's urge and need to help, to do something is stronger then her. So when a witch comes to ask for her help her first instinct is to leave it alone. The last thing she wants is to draw the unwanted attention to herself. Until she finds out who the victims in this particular case are.
I like this world a lot. Well, interested in it is more exact way of describing what I think of it. The non-humans can thank the Internet for their existence being made public and the war between humans and non-humans that followed. There is probably more further along in the series, but there is enough here to keep the interest strong.
Kit's urge and need to help, to do something is stronger then her. So when a witch comes to ask for her help her first instinct is to leave it alone. The last thing she wants is to draw the unwanted attention to herself. Until she finds out who the victims in this particular case are.
I like this world a lot. Well, interested in it is more exact way of describing what I think of it. The non-humans can thank the Internet for their existence being made public and the war between humans and non-humans that followed. There is probably more further along in the series, but there is enough here to keep the interest strong.
February 8, 2023
A bit disjointed in places but we'll worth the read, there is almost too much story to be contained in one book . This is a prequel to the Kit Cobana series and while it doesn't add much to the overall.story is interesting. We meet Kit as a scared twenty year old hiding away in J.D.S bar trying to assimilate to this new world she finds herself living in. This shortbread her first meeting with Jason ................ A character we get to know well in the series.................. Kit is intriguing we get all these little clues to her powers and her skills which will develop and grow as the series progresses but right now she's a young woman with past trauma trying to find a place for herself while staying hidden ................ Up till now Jason opens her up to new possibilities and she grabs them................. This is a brilliant series that gets very little mainstream attention, I don't know why you would think word of mouth and online reviews would spread the word but at least the author keeps writing.........although you do have to wait a long time between books...........this is my fourth of city re read and it's as fresh as ever.
August 9, 2019
Reread on 08/09/19. I read it in the The Colbana Files Boxed Set
This book was still as good the second time around. I didn't remember hardly anything about this from the first time I read it and so it was nice to enjoy it almost as a previously unread book. I'm hoping that we get more of Kit's back story. 4 stars
This book was still as good the second time around. I didn't remember hardly anything about this from the first time I read it and so it was nice to enjoy it almost as a previously unread book. I'm hoping that we get more of Kit's back story. 4 stars
September 13, 2017
OMG! Justin! His cocky attitude is equal parts needed and a thorn in Kit's side. When she first sees Justin, she really does need to break out of her rut and face the world outside of TJ's bar. While she uses the bar to hide and heal in later books (and it's sorely needed at that time), she's getting twitchy staying put in this one.
Only, she doesn't realize it.
It takes one crazy witch and the whisper of her gut to get her moving. While she needed to find her feet after running away from home and TJs was the perfect place for that, Kit needs to be out helping people. She's good at it (although she doesn't see that yet) and she has so much more to give that serving drinks at a bar.
Plus, she has a sexy shapeshifter she needs to cross paths with, amirite? (I'm just shutting down the memory of what happens to her in book 2. I'll revisit that soon enough, I'm sure.)
I'm really loving going back and seeing Kit before she's quite found her path. She has the determination and she's willing to take risks. Even if it gets her killed. I can appreciate that about her.
(Book 2 is next on my reread. Somebody hold me.)
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Only, she doesn't realize it.
It takes one crazy witch and the whisper of her gut to get her moving. While she needed to find her feet after running away from home and TJs was the perfect place for that, Kit needs to be out helping people. She's good at it (although she doesn't see that yet) and she has so much more to give that serving drinks at a bar.
Plus, she has a sexy shapeshifter she needs to cross paths with, amirite? (I'm just shutting down the memory of what happens to her in book 2. I'll revisit that soon enough, I'm sure.)
I'm really loving going back and seeing Kit before she's quite found her path. She has the determination and she's willing to take risks. Even if it gets her killed. I can appreciate that about her.
(Book 2 is next on my reread. Somebody hold me.)
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 2, 2016
Short story about a girl/woman who was trained as a warrior by it seems like psychos and tries to make a life for herself after escaping. This is the beginning of her journey. Good. I hope my library has more of her books.
August 2, 2018
This novella covers when Kit met Justin and her first case working with him. It was great seeing Kit begin the transformation from an abused person running and hiding to taking those first steps believing in herself and facing the world. Another excellent read, loved finally learning more of Kit's back story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2014
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2014/04/04/...
MinnChica: The Kit Colbana series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. I adore Kit, and I love Damon. While we don’t get to see the relationship develop between Kit and Damon in this book, it is a prequel, I loved getting to see the way Kit came to be the woman she was at the beginning of the series. In this book (like the 3rd) we get to see as Kit finds her own ground. She’s been beaten down, and we get to watch as she builds herself back up.
E: I am behind on the Kit Colbana series but I loved reading this novella because I was able to see some of what formed Kit. She was recovering from some traumatic events and along the way discovered some interesting facts about herself. I also loved seeing how her relationship?friendship?its complicated? with a certain green-eyed warrior started.
MinnChica: This novella is a bit different than other prequel novellas in series I’ve read. Mainly because Kit is still becoming the Kit we know and love from the first book. I love the way that Walker has created this huge, elaborate backstory for Kit, and there are so many different nuances to why she is the way she is. I was hoping that we would get the chance to learn a little bit more about Kit’s family, but we don’t. That being said, getting to see the way Kit discovered her passion for helping people was pretty awesome!
E: I loved that aspect. Like you, I do want to know more about her family but I enjoyed this glimpse of Kit becoming the Kit we originally met. It really helps explain some of the choices she makes and how she deals with the results. Once again Daniels used a pretty gruesome series of actions to serve as the catalyst for Kit’s change but we were able to see how Kit made a difference in so many different lives. I also enjoyed her flirtation with Justin and kinda wish I could see more.
MinnChica: While I liked seeing Kit and Justin flirt a little, it will always be Kit and Damon for me. Even seeing Kit with Justin, whether it’s in her past or not, is something I’m not excited about. Yes, everyone has past relationships, but I don’t know that I would like to see Justin and Kit together romantically. Especially since I’ve become so invested in Kit and Damon. That being said, I loved the way Justin was able to flirt and tease Kit out of her funk and into the land of the living.
E: Valid points regarding Kit and Justin. But I loved their interaction :). I also liked how Kit started to use some of what she had been taught and learned how to integrate it with another person’s skills. Reading this novella really highlighted how far Kit had come when I first met her. Now I really need to catch up on this series.
I give Bladed Magic a B+
MinnChica: All in all, I loved getting to see Kit in her early days working at Wolf Haven. Watching her start to come into her own skin, be comfortable with who she wants to become was such a treat. I liked getting a little taste of Kit’s world, especially since this series has quickly become one of my favorites.
I give Bladed Magic a B
MinnChica: The Kit Colbana series is one of my favorite urban fantasy series. I adore Kit, and I love Damon. While we don’t get to see the relationship develop between Kit and Damon in this book, it is a prequel, I loved getting to see the way Kit came to be the woman she was at the beginning of the series. In this book (like the 3rd) we get to see as Kit finds her own ground. She’s been beaten down, and we get to watch as she builds herself back up.
E: I am behind on the Kit Colbana series but I loved reading this novella because I was able to see some of what formed Kit. She was recovering from some traumatic events and along the way discovered some interesting facts about herself. I also loved seeing how her relationship?friendship?its complicated? with a certain green-eyed warrior started.
MinnChica: This novella is a bit different than other prequel novellas in series I’ve read. Mainly because Kit is still becoming the Kit we know and love from the first book. I love the way that Walker has created this huge, elaborate backstory for Kit, and there are so many different nuances to why she is the way she is. I was hoping that we would get the chance to learn a little bit more about Kit’s family, but we don’t. That being said, getting to see the way Kit discovered her passion for helping people was pretty awesome!
E: I loved that aspect. Like you, I do want to know more about her family but I enjoyed this glimpse of Kit becoming the Kit we originally met. It really helps explain some of the choices she makes and how she deals with the results. Once again Daniels used a pretty gruesome series of actions to serve as the catalyst for Kit’s change but we were able to see how Kit made a difference in so many different lives. I also enjoyed her flirtation with Justin and kinda wish I could see more.
MinnChica: While I liked seeing Kit and Justin flirt a little, it will always be Kit and Damon for me. Even seeing Kit with Justin, whether it’s in her past or not, is something I’m not excited about. Yes, everyone has past relationships, but I don’t know that I would like to see Justin and Kit together romantically. Especially since I’ve become so invested in Kit and Damon. That being said, I loved the way Justin was able to flirt and tease Kit out of her funk and into the land of the living.
E: Valid points regarding Kit and Justin. But I loved their interaction :). I also liked how Kit started to use some of what she had been taught and learned how to integrate it with another person’s skills. Reading this novella really highlighted how far Kit had come when I first met her. Now I really need to catch up on this series.
I give Bladed Magic a B+
MinnChica: All in all, I loved getting to see Kit in her early days working at Wolf Haven. Watching her start to come into her own skin, be comfortable with who she wants to become was such a treat. I liked getting a little taste of Kit’s world, especially since this series has quickly become one of my favorites.
I give Bladed Magic a B
March 19, 2014
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-bladed...
Bladed Magic is a short prequel in the Colbana Files. For new readers this is a good introduction to this world and the main protagonist, Kit Colbana. For established fans of this series, this prequel gives an excellent glimpse of the Kit we all know and love before the events of Blade Song and helps them understand how she became the woman she is today. I absolutely adore this series, so I jumped at the chance to find out more about Kit and how she began her journey.
When the story opens Kit is still working for TJ at Wolf Haven as a bartender, and even though she has certain abilities and a connection to her blade, she’s mostly afraid and uncertain if she wants to venture out beyond the protection TJ and Goliath provide. That is until she comes across an argument outside the bar one evening between a certain witch and several shapeshifters. She comes to his rescue and gets hurt in the process, but when she wakes up she is formally introduced to the green-eyed witch from the alley. Justin is looking for the man responsible for the deaths of several shapeshifter children and he thinks Kit can help him. Against her better judgment, following just her instincts and feelings, Kit follows Justin into an investigation that will change her life.
I enjoyed this short story from beginning to end. I loved seeing how Kit and Justin meet and start to form a friendship. It must be noted for those of you not familiar with this series that while Justin does play a huge part in Kit’s life and they have a tremendous amount of chemistry in this installment, he is not the love interest for Kit as the series progresses. That man also makes an appearance, but only a very minor one as he and Kit haven’t really been introduced yet. I got a little thrill when he walked onto the page and since I know what is coming up for him and Kit I was excited by just that small glimpse. Justin IS special though and I hope that as Ms. Daniels continues to write this series he will get his own love interest, but in this story he is the one who helps Kit break out of her shell and step out onto the road to becoming a bad ass investigator. I have a respect for him now that I didn’t have before and a much better understanding of him and his relationship with Kit.
Because this is such a short story, only about 65 pages, there isn’t a deep look into this world, but it will be a treat for readers anxious to get back to Kit as they wait for the fourth book in the series. I also think there is just enough page time that people wanting a taste of what the Colbana Files has to offer will be hitting their one click buttons for Blade Song in order to keep reading. Final Grade- B
Favorite Quote:
“There you are. I knew you were in there.”
Bladed Magic is a short prequel in the Colbana Files. For new readers this is a good introduction to this world and the main protagonist, Kit Colbana. For established fans of this series, this prequel gives an excellent glimpse of the Kit we all know and love before the events of Blade Song and helps them understand how she became the woman she is today. I absolutely adore this series, so I jumped at the chance to find out more about Kit and how she began her journey.
When the story opens Kit is still working for TJ at Wolf Haven as a bartender, and even though she has certain abilities and a connection to her blade, she’s mostly afraid and uncertain if she wants to venture out beyond the protection TJ and Goliath provide. That is until she comes across an argument outside the bar one evening between a certain witch and several shapeshifters. She comes to his rescue and gets hurt in the process, but when she wakes up she is formally introduced to the green-eyed witch from the alley. Justin is looking for the man responsible for the deaths of several shapeshifter children and he thinks Kit can help him. Against her better judgment, following just her instincts and feelings, Kit follows Justin into an investigation that will change her life.
I enjoyed this short story from beginning to end. I loved seeing how Kit and Justin meet and start to form a friendship. It must be noted for those of you not familiar with this series that while Justin does play a huge part in Kit’s life and they have a tremendous amount of chemistry in this installment, he is not the love interest for Kit as the series progresses. That man also makes an appearance, but only a very minor one as he and Kit haven’t really been introduced yet. I got a little thrill when he walked onto the page and since I know what is coming up for him and Kit I was excited by just that small glimpse. Justin IS special though and I hope that as Ms. Daniels continues to write this series he will get his own love interest, but in this story he is the one who helps Kit break out of her shell and step out onto the road to becoming a bad ass investigator. I have a respect for him now that I didn’t have before and a much better understanding of him and his relationship with Kit.
Because this is such a short story, only about 65 pages, there isn’t a deep look into this world, but it will be a treat for readers anxious to get back to Kit as they wait for the fourth book in the series. I also think there is just enough page time that people wanting a taste of what the Colbana Files has to offer will be hitting their one click buttons for Blade Song in order to keep reading. Final Grade- B
Favorite Quote:
“There you are. I knew you were in there.”
March 25, 2014
*Genre* Paranormal Romance
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Bladed Magic is a short novella of 62 pages that falls somewhere between A Stroke of Dumb Luck, which I have not yet read, and Blade Song the first full length story in the Colbana Files. The Colbana files and its novellas follow 20 something Aneira (see Amazon) Kit Colbana who has been hiding from her heritage (IE narcissistic grandmother) by working as a bartender for TJ at Wolf Haven, Florida as a bartender and keeping things on the down low trying to stay alive.
Bladed Magic is Kit's first introduction to Justin, a seriously badass warrior witch who works for the Banners hunting down out of control supernaturals. Justin is looking for a pathetic human being who sexually abuses Non Human children and asks for Kit's help. Justin and Kit work well together, and I have always wondered if they could ever have any sort of relationship between them and apparently they have which hasn't fully been revealed yet.
In my humble opinion, I like Justin a whole lot better than the Cat Alpha you meet in Blade Song and subsequent novels and also briefly in Bladed Magic. I like the fact that Daniels (Shiloh Walker) put together this novella so that we can see how Kit comes along and learns how to use and learn about her own abilities, including her BLADE, which leads to Kit opening her own business.
I shall repeat another reviewers comment in that if you have read and like the Kit Colbana series, I would definitely encourage you to read this novella!!! I look forward to reading Edged Blade when it releases in 2015. Yes, I know, it's a very long wait!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Published (first published March 16th 2014)
*Rating* 3.5-4
*My Thoughts*
Bladed Magic is a short novella of 62 pages that falls somewhere between A Stroke of Dumb Luck, which I have not yet read, and Blade Song the first full length story in the Colbana Files. The Colbana files and its novellas follow 20 something Aneira (see Amazon) Kit Colbana who has been hiding from her heritage (IE narcissistic grandmother) by working as a bartender for TJ at Wolf Haven, Florida as a bartender and keeping things on the down low trying to stay alive.
Bladed Magic is Kit's first introduction to Justin, a seriously badass warrior witch who works for the Banners hunting down out of control supernaturals. Justin is looking for a pathetic human being who sexually abuses Non Human children and asks for Kit's help. Justin and Kit work well together, and I have always wondered if they could ever have any sort of relationship between them and apparently they have which hasn't fully been revealed yet.
In my humble opinion, I like Justin a whole lot better than the Cat Alpha you meet in Blade Song and subsequent novels and also briefly in Bladed Magic. I like the fact that Daniels (Shiloh Walker) put together this novella so that we can see how Kit comes along and learns how to use and learn about her own abilities, including her BLADE, which leads to Kit opening her own business.
I shall repeat another reviewers comment in that if you have read and like the Kit Colbana series, I would definitely encourage you to read this novella!!! I look forward to reading Edged Blade when it releases in 2015. Yes, I know, it's a very long wait!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
Published (first published March 16th 2014)
March 17, 2014
My Review:
A- rating.
Justin....YES!! I love this novella for the insight into Justin and Kit's relationship. Justin has always been there...as a friend, ex-lover, and sometimes foe (when he's doing Banner business a lot of the time.) But he's always been just that....kind of off in the wings as a side character and I'll admit to curiosity about him. This book resolves some of that. It shows how Justin and Kit's friendship/partnership began. It answers a lot of the questions about him as a witch and why's he stands apart from most witches.
Although Kit's brain has always told her the smart thing to do...she's never been known for following those instincts. Instead, she has another set of instincts that drive her. This book shows how they began to develop and when she really discovered what she could do. The novella is a fabulous little visit into the Kit Colbana world and for me, not only provided an entertaining escape for an hour or so, but also answered some questions I've had. I have a feeling Justin's character is going to continue to play heavily into Kit's life so I loved these little insights into him.
If you like the Kit Colbana series, I HIGHLY recommend this novella!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
A- rating.
Justin....YES!! I love this novella for the insight into Justin and Kit's relationship. Justin has always been there...as a friend, ex-lover, and sometimes foe (when he's doing Banner business a lot of the time.) But he's always been just that....kind of off in the wings as a side character and I'll admit to curiosity about him. This book resolves some of that. It shows how Justin and Kit's friendship/partnership began. It answers a lot of the questions about him as a witch and why's he stands apart from most witches.
Although Kit's brain has always told her the smart thing to do...she's never been known for following those instincts. Instead, she has another set of instincts that drive her. This book shows how they began to develop and when she really discovered what she could do. The novella is a fabulous little visit into the Kit Colbana world and for me, not only provided an entertaining escape for an hour or so, but also answered some questions I've had. I have a feeling Justin's character is going to continue to play heavily into Kit's life so I loved these little insights into him.
If you like the Kit Colbana series, I HIGHLY recommend this novella!!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
May 22, 2014
I find myself even more intrigued with this series after reading this. I think that Kit did the right thing at the end, the person more than deserved it! I really want to know more about Kit's past, it seems like it was a bad one, I also want to know more about what she is. I hope the next one will answer some of those questions.
September 10, 2015
Seems like a good introduction to the series. Explains what the lore system is. Has a good glimpse into the world build here. What was missing for me was the character built was bland to me. I didn't really care about them in this novella.
Interesting enough to see how the full length books are. Hoping for more character depth in those.
Interesting enough to see how the full length books are. Hoping for more character depth in those.
March 26, 2014
This is where Kit sees Damon for the first time...doesn't talk to him only see him and the crazy alpha he supports. We also get to know the pretty Jason a bit more and where he is coming from. I CANNOT get enough of this series!
Want to read
April 1, 20151 April 2015: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
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26 November 2014: $0.99 on Kindle
March 28, 2014
A great short story for fans.
November 4, 2020
How Kit met Justin.
In this short story we get to see a young Kit Cobana, not yet the experienced private detective who works on supernatural cases. Kit is a young woman who has only just stopped running from demons in her last she still hides away in TJ's bar ---working as a bartender----- trying to get used to a world which is unfamiliar to her. Justin ends up there one night working on a case for TJ on meeting Kit he quickly realises she has skills which may help him catch a vicious predator. It will need Kit to put her safe life at risk but when Jason explains who he's after Kit has no choice but to help him.
In this short story we get to see a young Kit Cobana, not yet the experienced private detective who works on supernatural cases. Kit is a young woman who has only just stopped running from demons in her last she still hides away in TJ's bar ---working as a bartender----- trying to get used to a world which is unfamiliar to her. Justin ends up there one night working on a case for TJ on meeting Kit he quickly realises she has skills which may help him catch a vicious predator. It will need Kit to put her safe life at risk but when Jason explains who he's after Kit has no choice but to help him.
July 17, 2023
"Bladed Magic", second prequel to the 'Colbana Files' series clocked in at 60 pages.
It's too short to cover Kat Colbana's two decade long history, or even much of her present, but it does give some hints and introduces a romantic element in a male witch, Justin. It also explains the strained relations between humans and those that aren't.
She's been happy working as a bartender and living in the first home she's known, but it is time for her to move on.
With Justin as a mentor, and maybe more, she helps to investigate a monster, Larry White, who has been abusing and killing little girls.
It's enjoyable.
3 Stars.
It's too short to cover Kat Colbana's two decade long history, or even much of her present, but it does give some hints and introduces a romantic element in a male witch, Justin. It also explains the strained relations between humans and those that aren't.
She's been happy working as a bartender and living in the first home she's known, but it is time for her to move on.
With Justin as a mentor, and maybe more, she helps to investigate a monster, Larry White, who has been abusing and killing little girls.
It's enjoyable.
3 Stars.
August 6, 2018
This is the story of how Kit comes out of her isolation with the Wolves and becomes the hunter she should be. Justin is paramount to initiating this. This shows how they meet and how they start working together. We get a glimpse into what Justin really was to Kit. Maybe the first man that she fully trusted. He really pushes her to use her abilities. It was pretty fleshed out with one uncomplicated job worked into the story.
July 29, 2023
This is the beginning of the series... You get to know how she met Justin and how they become so close. Nothing about them dating or anything like that but about why their friends. It has a ton of action as you would come to expect between her and Justin. There's no romance in this whatsoever.
October 11, 2017
Good short. Filled in the gap since I missed it in the order it needed to be read in. Explains Justin.
October 30, 2017
Just a short little story set before the Colbana Files take off. Doesn't really add much to the story line but a fun read and explains a bit about Kit and Justin.
December 20, 2017
Interesting will see how it progresses.
December 22, 2017
This wasn't as good as book one, but still left a smile at the end.
September 5, 2019
Nice piece of backstory for Kit and Justin....but I want Kit and Damon now please!
I love these stories and have spent this evening stalking JC's website!!!
I love these stories and have spent this evening stalking JC's website!!!
August 23, 2020
Loved it
Book 1 here i come. I am excited to watch kit grow. Can't wait to learn more about her and I how justin is there with her.
Book 1 here i come. I am excited to watch kit grow. Can't wait to learn more about her and I how justin is there with her.
October 25, 2020
It was good and uncomfortable to find out more about Kit’s life.
August 10, 2022
Short, interesting.
March 17, 2014
Rating: B- (3.5 stars) Liked It, but I had a few small issues
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author.
Bladed Magic is a short novella that takes place a “few years ago,” just after Kit leaves her family and is living with her friend/guardian, TJ. The story opens with Kit overhearing a fight near TJ's, and she jumps in to save the one human who is being beaten up by three werewolves. Once the fight is over, Kit discovers that the man is actually a witch named Justin. This is the story of how Justin and Kit first meet, and as a fan of the Colbana Files series, I enjoyed getting to know Kit before she becomes the kick-ass heroine of “present day.”
Since I have read the three books in the Colbana Files series, my review will be skewed with the knowledge of what becomes of Kit and Justin. I got a thrill from seeing how the friends first meet, experiencing their early banter and sparks of romance, even their first kiss! But I feel that I wouldn’t have been ready for this story until after reading the third book, Broken Blade (or before the second book - just not in between the second and third books because of where Kit is emotionally and mentally after the end of Night Blade). I also don’t think that I would recommend readers new to the series to start with Bladed Magic, since a new reader isn’t privy to what becomes of the individuals or the pair. I feel that having this knowledge makes the novella more fun to read.
One thing that I really adored is reading how Kit's instincts work. Per usual, the author takes the reader deep inside Kit’s thought process, and we witness how she begins to trust her inner voice. I find it exceptionally interesting because in the books of the series, Kit’s reactions and actions are so second nature for her that there is no “thinking it out.” In Bladed Magic, we see how Kit leans to use and embrace her gut feelings.
I also enjoyed learning just how naive Kit is when she first escapes her family. She really knows nothing of the shifter world, and has to learn lessons the hard way at times. Kit also learns that to survive in the paranormal world, she has to be prepared to kill, something she wants to avoid altogether.
Unfortunately, because this is a novella-length story, there isn't enough room for longer "flashbacks," and I found myself a bit confused at times. I didn’t care for the "remember the time..." sequences which were used to provide some background information. However, they are limited in scope, and at times I felt like I'd forgotten some key information and didn’t know enough to keep up. Like I'm missing out on a secret or inside information.
Overall, the story is good, and it reads fast. I don’t know that I would recommend to people who haven’t read the series, even though it is a prequel. I feel that the shortness of the story doesn’t give new readers the background needed to enjoy the characters. And, with Kit’s brain full of memories, it may even be confusing. But for fans of the series, it is a entertaining and exciting glimpse into her past, giving the reader an idea of how she becomes the heroine we adore.
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by author.
Bladed Magic is a short novella that takes place a “few years ago,” just after Kit leaves her family and is living with her friend/guardian, TJ. The story opens with Kit overhearing a fight near TJ's, and she jumps in to save the one human who is being beaten up by three werewolves. Once the fight is over, Kit discovers that the man is actually a witch named Justin. This is the story of how Justin and Kit first meet, and as a fan of the Colbana Files series, I enjoyed getting to know Kit before she becomes the kick-ass heroine of “present day.”
Since I have read the three books in the Colbana Files series, my review will be skewed with the knowledge of what becomes of Kit and Justin. I got a thrill from seeing how the friends first meet, experiencing their early banter and sparks of romance, even their first kiss! But I feel that I wouldn’t have been ready for this story until after reading the third book, Broken Blade (or before the second book - just not in between the second and third books because of where Kit is emotionally and mentally after the end of Night Blade). I also don’t think that I would recommend readers new to the series to start with Bladed Magic, since a new reader isn’t privy to what becomes of the individuals or the pair. I feel that having this knowledge makes the novella more fun to read.
One thing that I really adored is reading how Kit's instincts work. Per usual, the author takes the reader deep inside Kit’s thought process, and we witness how she begins to trust her inner voice. I find it exceptionally interesting because in the books of the series, Kit’s reactions and actions are so second nature for her that there is no “thinking it out.” In Bladed Magic, we see how Kit leans to use and embrace her gut feelings.
I also enjoyed learning just how naive Kit is when she first escapes her family. She really knows nothing of the shifter world, and has to learn lessons the hard way at times. Kit also learns that to survive in the paranormal world, she has to be prepared to kill, something she wants to avoid altogether.
Unfortunately, because this is a novella-length story, there isn't enough room for longer "flashbacks," and I found myself a bit confused at times. I didn’t care for the "remember the time..." sequences which were used to provide some background information. However, they are limited in scope, and at times I felt like I'd forgotten some key information and didn’t know enough to keep up. Like I'm missing out on a secret or inside information.
Overall, the story is good, and it reads fast. I don’t know that I would recommend to people who haven’t read the series, even though it is a prequel. I feel that the shortness of the story doesn’t give new readers the background needed to enjoy the characters. And, with Kit’s brain full of memories, it may even be confusing. But for fans of the series, it is a entertaining and exciting glimpse into her past, giving the reader an idea of how she becomes the heroine we adore.
March 13, 2014
I enjoyed this series since I read the novella A Stroke of Dumb Luck years ago. I was ecstatic when I found out she was going to continue the series under a different pen name. I found Kit to be a very strong character. She is a half-breed warrior that is a race that not many are familiar with, even as the world is coming to terms with non-humans living around them. This is very prevalent in this story.
This story takes place between A Stroke of Dumb Luck and Blade Song. Here was have Kit hiding at Wolfhaven, a bar that is owned and run by TJ, a handicapped werewolf who is the law in her bar. Kit is one hand almost scared of her own shadow, but at the same time very much not out to take crap from anyone. This is the case when a werewolf tries to pick a fight with her. Don't ever tell Kit she smells like "meat and sex" it will likely get you stabbed, as this particular werewolf soon finds out.
Justin, a warrior witch, tracks Kit down when he later kills this wolf and senses her magic all over him. He is looking for a human who was working with the wolf and preying on non-human children. Justin uses Kit's need to protect these kids to get her out of her shell to help him hunt down this human, who the authorities are turning a blind eye to, because they are just little monsters, not children.
If you've read this series, you are familiar with Justin, Goliath, TJ, Colleen and the old female cat alpha, who all make appearances in this story. If not, you can meet them for the first time and they are all great characters, with the exception of the cat alpha (she is quite a bitch, despite being a cat). We really get to see how Kit and Justin get to know and work together. They really make a great team.
The story is short, but it was great to look back into the life of Kit. This is a time in her life when everything is going pretty well. For those of us who have read the other books, we know that she has both good and bad times to come. It was great to see this small snippet of happy in her life. Now, I just want the next book. Do I really have to wait a year??
*ARC provided by author for honest review
This story takes place between A Stroke of Dumb Luck and Blade Song. Here was have Kit hiding at Wolfhaven, a bar that is owned and run by TJ, a handicapped werewolf who is the law in her bar. Kit is one hand almost scared of her own shadow, but at the same time very much not out to take crap from anyone. This is the case when a werewolf tries to pick a fight with her. Don't ever tell Kit she smells like "meat and sex" it will likely get you stabbed, as this particular werewolf soon finds out.
Justin, a warrior witch, tracks Kit down when he later kills this wolf and senses her magic all over him. He is looking for a human who was working with the wolf and preying on non-human children. Justin uses Kit's need to protect these kids to get her out of her shell to help him hunt down this human, who the authorities are turning a blind eye to, because they are just little monsters, not children.
If you've read this series, you are familiar with Justin, Goliath, TJ, Colleen and the old female cat alpha, who all make appearances in this story. If not, you can meet them for the first time and they are all great characters, with the exception of the cat alpha (she is quite a bitch, despite being a cat). We really get to see how Kit and Justin get to know and work together. They really make a great team.
The story is short, but it was great to look back into the life of Kit. This is a time in her life when everything is going pretty well. For those of us who have read the other books, we know that she has both good and bad times to come. It was great to see this small snippet of happy in her life. Now, I just want the next book. Do I really have to wait a year??
*ARC provided by author for honest review
March 9, 2014
Bladed Magic is a short story prequel to the Colbana Files series by J.C. Daniels so you can start with this story even if you're new to the series. If you're a series reading order nut like me then it technically fits into the timeline after A Stroke of Dumb Luck (another short story) and the first book Blade Song.
For people who are new to the series this is a nice introduction to the main character Kit Colbana, you'll learn a little about her history and discover some of her magical abilities but obviously as this is a short story it won't go into a huge amount of detail. I think it does a good job of showing what a kickass character she can be though and this is a great way to test the waters if you're not sure whether to start the series or not. I do think it's worth pointing out that Justin isn't the love interest for these books so even though he and Kit have some chemistry you shouldn't read too much into that - I'd hate for anyone to be disappointed when they go on to read Blade Song.
If, like me, you're up to date with the series then I'm sure you'll love this chance to see how Kit met her ex Justin. This story shows just how Kit was persuaded out of her hiding place in TJ's bar and how she ended up working as a private investigator. It was Justin's encouragement that helped her get past her anxiety to start taking control of her life again and I enjoyed seeing how instrumental he is in helping her discover more about her abilities.
The Colbana Files has quickly become one of my favourite urban fantasy series since I discovered it so it's one I'd highly recommend. If you're a fan of Patricia Briggs or Ilona Andrews then I'm sure you'll enjoy J.C. Daniels just as much!
For people who are new to the series this is a nice introduction to the main character Kit Colbana, you'll learn a little about her history and discover some of her magical abilities but obviously as this is a short story it won't go into a huge amount of detail. I think it does a good job of showing what a kickass character she can be though and this is a great way to test the waters if you're not sure whether to start the series or not. I do think it's worth pointing out that Justin isn't the love interest for these books so even though he and Kit have some chemistry you shouldn't read too much into that - I'd hate for anyone to be disappointed when they go on to read Blade Song.
If, like me, you're up to date with the series then I'm sure you'll love this chance to see how Kit met her ex Justin. This story shows just how Kit was persuaded out of her hiding place in TJ's bar and how she ended up working as a private investigator. It was Justin's encouragement that helped her get past her anxiety to start taking control of her life again and I enjoyed seeing how instrumental he is in helping her discover more about her abilities.
The Colbana Files has quickly become one of my favourite urban fantasy series since I discovered it so it's one I'd highly recommend. If you're a fan of Patricia Briggs or Ilona Andrews then I'm sure you'll enjoy J.C. Daniels just as much!
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