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World of Kate Daniels
Small Magics
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B015JNEOEK
***The stories in this anthology have been previously published***
Now collected for the first time, an irresistible compilation of five previously published stories by the bestselling author of the Kate Daniels series; including Kate’s very first meeting with Saiman, some related adventures, and two unforgettable ‘outside’ excursions.
A QUESTIONABLE CLIENT –
In this ‘intro’ to the Kate Daniels world, we meet the extremely ‘shifty’ Saiman for the very first time, when Kate takes on the task of serving as his bodyguard to protect him from some very determined—and dangerous—Russian wizards.
RETRIBUTION CLAUSE –
Saiman’s cousin, Adam—a frost giant and also an insurance adjuster—and his enigmatic partner, Siroun, set out on an impossible mission to enforce a client’s Retribution Clause; that is, to kill the person who killed her. But is their target even guilty? Magic and mayhem and a little personal chemistry will reveal the truth!
OF SWINE AND ROSES –
A young adult story about a girl, a pig, some magic, and the worst date ever.
Chad Thurman is a thug, who carries brass knuckles in both pockets and lays magic traps for intruders into "his" neighborhood. The last thing Alena Kornov wants to do is to go on the date with him. But when her family pressures her, she can't say no. Now the ice-cream is absent, the pig is running for its life, and we won't even mention the dead guy...
GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS –
Grace has always known she wasn’t like everyone else and that her family has magic abilities. After flying to meet the head of Clan Dreoch in order to fulfill her families’ “duties” as servants, Grace finds herself in the middle of a mage clan war…
MAGIC TESTS –
A short story in the Kate Daniels universe. Kate recruits her teenage ward, Julie, to search out a missing student whose location spell has her hidden somewhere on campus…
CURRAN POV COLLECTION -
a collection of nine scenes told from Curran’s point of view, from Magic Strikes through Magic Bleeds.
JIM POV COLLECTION –
a collection of scenes told from Jim’s point of view.
***The stories in this anthology have been previously published***
Now collected for the first time, an irresistible compilation of five previously published stories by the bestselling author of the Kate Daniels series; including Kate’s very first meeting with Saiman, some related adventures, and two unforgettable ‘outside’ excursions.
A QUESTIONABLE CLIENT –
In this ‘intro’ to the Kate Daniels world, we meet the extremely ‘shifty’ Saiman for the very first time, when Kate takes on the task of serving as his bodyguard to protect him from some very determined—and dangerous—Russian wizards.
RETRIBUTION CLAUSE –
Saiman’s cousin, Adam—a frost giant and also an insurance adjuster—and his enigmatic partner, Siroun, set out on an impossible mission to enforce a client’s Retribution Clause; that is, to kill the person who killed her. But is their target even guilty? Magic and mayhem and a little personal chemistry will reveal the truth!
OF SWINE AND ROSES –
A young adult story about a girl, a pig, some magic, and the worst date ever.
Chad Thurman is a thug, who carries brass knuckles in both pockets and lays magic traps for intruders into "his" neighborhood. The last thing Alena Kornov wants to do is to go on the date with him. But when her family pressures her, she can't say no. Now the ice-cream is absent, the pig is running for its life, and we won't even mention the dead guy...
GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS –
Grace has always known she wasn’t like everyone else and that her family has magic abilities. After flying to meet the head of Clan Dreoch in order to fulfill her families’ “duties” as servants, Grace finds herself in the middle of a mage clan war…
MAGIC TESTS –
A short story in the Kate Daniels universe. Kate recruits her teenage ward, Julie, to search out a missing student whose location spell has her hidden somewhere on campus…
CURRAN POV COLLECTION -
a collection of nine scenes told from Curran’s point of view, from Magic Strikes through Magic Bleeds.
JIM POV COLLECTION –
a collection of scenes told from Jim’s point of view.
159 pages, ebook
First published September 17, 2015
1140 people are currently reading
2377 people want to read
About the author
Ilona Andrews
146 books32.9k followersIlona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Oregon with their two children, three dogs and a cat. They have co-authored two series, the bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels and romantic urban fantasy of The Edge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 396 reviews
January 8, 2021
Small Magics is a collection of short stories, already published elsewhere. Some of the stories are set in Kate Daniels world. To clarify, this book is mainly for Ilona Andrews diehard fans who want to read anything was ever published by the couple and who miss Kate. That would be me.
A Questionable Client ****
The short story is a prequel to Kate Daniels series and shows how Saiman and Kate met. It is full of the usual banter between the two and of kick-ass action.
The Retribution Clause***
A cousin of Saiman works for an insurance company and is hired to kill the murderer of one of their clients, the retribution clause. There is a romantic interest in his partner but it does not go far.
Magic Tests ***
A story about Julie, Kate’s adoptee. I read it somewhere else at another time so I skipped it.
Of Swine and Roses **
A YA short love story about a girl who is forced to go out on a date with a thug and ends up rescuing a pig. What happens next is probably expected if you read fairy tales.
Grace Of Small Magics ****
This short story was probably my favourite. It made me remember how well the Andrews write action and romance. Grace is forced by a blood pact to help a powerful magical family to win a war by arbitration. A very short sort of hunger games with two teams. One team is made by her and one hansom powerful revenant who is not unpleasant to look at. Not my type but Ilona caters for all tastes. It is obvious they are attracted to each other although they shouldn’t, blah blah. It was short and fun.
A Questionable Client ****
The short story is a prequel to Kate Daniels series and shows how Saiman and Kate met. It is full of the usual banter between the two and of kick-ass action.
The Retribution Clause***
A cousin of Saiman works for an insurance company and is hired to kill the murderer of one of their clients, the retribution clause. There is a romantic interest in his partner but it does not go far.
Magic Tests ***
A story about Julie, Kate’s adoptee. I read it somewhere else at another time so I skipped it.
Of Swine and Roses **
A YA short love story about a girl who is forced to go out on a date with a thug and ends up rescuing a pig. What happens next is probably expected if you read fairy tales.
Grace Of Small Magics ****
This short story was probably my favourite. It made me remember how well the Andrews write action and romance. Grace is forced by a blood pact to help a powerful magical family to win a war by arbitration. A very short sort of hunger games with two teams. One team is made by her and one hansom powerful revenant who is not unpleasant to look at. Not my type but Ilona caters for all tastes. It is obvious they are attracted to each other although they shouldn’t, blah blah. It was short and fun.
December 12, 2015
This collection contains the stories "A Questionable Client," "Retribution Clause," "Of Swine and Roses," "Grace of Small Magics" and "Magic Tests." Committed fans of the Andrews' works should love this collection. I enjoyed it a great deal, but it leans heavily on romance tradition, a genre I don't willingly read. Nonetheless, they avoid the generally misogynist tropes in hetro romance and with palatable results.
I've read three of these stories before, but I'm generally a fan of the Andrews and a sucker for anything in the post-Shifty Kate Daniels universe, so when this collection was released, I bought. The Andrews were quite honest about the intent of the collection, warning fans that all of the stories have been published before in other collections or venues; that this was a way to feel out the kindle-verse and possibly attract new readers to their series. A less ethical team of authors and publishers might have thrown one unique story in there just to loop in the die-hard fans and bump sales, so I appreciated the author honesty.
"A Questionable Client" is often billed as the first story in the Kate Daniels universe, and is her first encounter with Saiman as well as a meeting with the Russian vokhvi. Action-focused, it's quick, violent, and draws on an interesting assortment of mythology. Suffers slightly from overmuch of the familiar Kate-Saiman banter (can it be banter if it is one-sided?)
"Retribution Clause" is set in Philadelphia and centers on a cousin of Saiman and his work partner, Siroun. They work for an insurance adjuster firm and are sent to fulfill a retribution clause of a contract. Needless to say, there's a lot of romantic undercurrents between them, but the story primarily focuses on the job.
"Of Swine and Roses" would have delighted me a few decades ago, say sixteen or younger. It reads young adult. A teen goes on a date to protect her family interests, with unexpected results.
"Grace of Small Magics" is about the same style as "Swine," only more firmly in new adult territory. Not set in the normal Daniels universe, it is more traditionally urban fantasy setting. Drawing on interesting mythology, I thought it might go somewhere horror-tinged, but no; straight into Romanceland using an action set-up. Ended more abruptly than I expected.
"Magic Tests" is set in the Daniels universe and involves Kate manipulating Julie into seeing a new school. Julie gets roped into an investigation. It has the fun mythology and puzzle-solving of a Daniels story, with teenage dynamics. I thought they did a decent job of individuating Julie's voice, and honestly, it wasn't annoying (given that she is often annoying in the stories, as only a pre-teen could be). My favorite.
Three and a half short stars, rounding up because the authors didn't resort to cheap sales tricks.
I've read three of these stories before, but I'm generally a fan of the Andrews and a sucker for anything in the post-Shifty Kate Daniels universe, so when this collection was released, I bought. The Andrews were quite honest about the intent of the collection, warning fans that all of the stories have been published before in other collections or venues; that this was a way to feel out the kindle-verse and possibly attract new readers to their series. A less ethical team of authors and publishers might have thrown one unique story in there just to loop in the die-hard fans and bump sales, so I appreciated the author honesty.
"A Questionable Client" is often billed as the first story in the Kate Daniels universe, and is her first encounter with Saiman as well as a meeting with the Russian vokhvi. Action-focused, it's quick, violent, and draws on an interesting assortment of mythology. Suffers slightly from overmuch of the familiar Kate-Saiman banter (can it be banter if it is one-sided?)
"Retribution Clause" is set in Philadelphia and centers on a cousin of Saiman and his work partner, Siroun. They work for an insurance adjuster firm and are sent to fulfill a retribution clause of a contract. Needless to say, there's a lot of romantic undercurrents between them, but the story primarily focuses on the job.
"Of Swine and Roses" would have delighted me a few decades ago, say sixteen or younger. It reads young adult. A teen goes on a date to protect her family interests, with unexpected results.
"Grace of Small Magics" is about the same style as "Swine," only more firmly in new adult territory. Not set in the normal Daniels universe, it is more traditionally urban fantasy setting. Drawing on interesting mythology, I thought it might go somewhere horror-tinged, but no; straight into Romanceland using an action set-up. Ended more abruptly than I expected.
"Magic Tests" is set in the Daniels universe and involves Kate manipulating Julie into seeing a new school. Julie gets roped into an investigation. It has the fun mythology and puzzle-solving of a Daniels story, with teenage dynamics. I thought they did a decent job of individuating Julie's voice, and honestly, it wasn't annoying (given that she is often annoying in the stories, as only a pre-teen could be). My favorite.
Three and a half short stars, rounding up because the authors didn't resort to cheap sales tricks.
February 11, 2021
This is a fantastic collection of Kate Daniels's shorts and well worth it for any fan to have on their shelf. Some of these I've read before, so I just copied and pasted the old reviews (because I'm lazy) and hid them under a spoiler tag. <-- if you'd like to see them.
Magic Tests
4 stars
A Questionable Client
4 stars
Curran POV Collection
5 stars
RETRIBUTION CLAUSE
4.5 stars
This is one couple that I'd love to see more of in the future.
Siroun & Adam (Saiman’s cousin) are partners in a paranormal insurance agency and secretly in love with each other. Their job includes killing someone if the standards for the retribution clause is met after they finish their investigation.
This time around they are investigation the death of a witch.
Whodunnit?
OF SWINE AND ROSES
4 stars
Very cute story about a young lady on a terrible date who saves the life of a pig and gets more than she bargained for in the process.
GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS
5 stars
This one is probably the most complete feeling short story of the bunch that isn't set in the Kate Daniels world.
Grace lives in a world where magic is still a secret and she has a small magic that she's always known about. What she didn't know was that she and her family are all indentured servants to a much more powerful magic family, and now she's expected to step up and serve them.
And then the story gets really good.
This one is a very well done romance (for a short story!) and I really enjoyed the amount of world-building that was put into such a tiny package.
Overall? Excellent stories all around with zero duds.<--that's fucking impressive!
Highly Recommend.
Magic Tests
4 stars
A Questionable Client
4 stars
Curran POV Collection
5 stars
RETRIBUTION CLAUSE
4.5 stars
This is one couple that I'd love to see more of in the future.
Siroun & Adam (Saiman’s cousin) are partners in a paranormal insurance agency and secretly in love with each other. Their job includes killing someone if the standards for the retribution clause is met after they finish their investigation.
This time around they are investigation the death of a witch.
Whodunnit?
OF SWINE AND ROSES
4 stars
Very cute story about a young lady on a terrible date who saves the life of a pig and gets more than she bargained for in the process.
GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS
5 stars
This one is probably the most complete feeling short story of the bunch that isn't set in the Kate Daniels world.
Grace lives in a world where magic is still a secret and she has a small magic that she's always known about. What she didn't know was that she and her family are all indentured servants to a much more powerful magic family, and now she's expected to step up and serve them.
And then the story gets really good.
This one is a very well done romance (for a short story!) and I really enjoyed the amount of world-building that was put into such a tiny package.
Overall? Excellent stories all around with zero duds.<--that's fucking impressive!
Highly Recommend.
February 22, 2017
Five enjoyable magical stories. Highly recommended book for all the lovers of the Kate Daniels’ world.
*Two of them are definitely part of the Kate Daniels world and they take place in Atlanta:
-A QUESTIONABLE CLIENT where main characters are Kate and Saiman. Kate tries to help Saiman and save him from some dangerous Russian wizards. Saiman is not really innocent, but it does not matter in the end. He will become Kate’s best customer from now on.
Funny story full of magic and adventure.
-MAGIC TESTS where the main character is Julie, Kate’s adopted daughter. Julie has just changed schools, but she will not behave for long. She will try to find a missing student whose location spell has her hidden somewhere on campus.
Charming young adult story with Hogwarts atmosphere.
* One of them is part of the Kate Daniels world, but it takes place in Philadelphia instead of Atlanta:
- RETRIBUTION CLAUSE where the main character is Adam, Saiman’s cousin. Adam is a frost giant, an insurance adjustor in POM Insurance Adjusters and he needs to kill a man who has strangled his wife in order to implement a client’s Retribution Clause.
Nice short story with a bit of adventure.
* One of them is most probably part of the Kate Daniels world, but none of the main characters of the series is mentioned:
- OF SWINE AND ROSES where the main character is Alena Kornov, a girl full of magic who tries to avoid dating Chad Thurman (the son of a very important family and a well-known thug), while she tries to rescue a weird pig from Chad and go back home alive (with the pig of course). Cute young adult story.
* One of them is definitely not part of the Kate Daniels world, because none of the main characters of the series is mentioned and there are planes flying around. Planes DO NOT FLY in Kate Daniel’s world:
-GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS where the main characters are Grace, a girl who thinks that she has not enough magical powers and Nassar, the head of Clan Dreoch. Grace’s family is obliged to help Nassar’s family forever and ever without complaining because of an old vendetta and an old crime Grace’s family committed …And here I thought that the Red Wedding from the Game of Thrones was the worst that could happen in a wedding…
My absolute favorite story from this collection!
*Two of them are definitely part of the Kate Daniels world and they take place in Atlanta:
-A QUESTIONABLE CLIENT where main characters are Kate and Saiman. Kate tries to help Saiman and save him from some dangerous Russian wizards. Saiman is not really innocent, but it does not matter in the end. He will become Kate’s best customer from now on.
Funny story full of magic and adventure.
-MAGIC TESTS where the main character is Julie, Kate’s adopted daughter. Julie has just changed schools, but she will not behave for long. She will try to find a missing student whose location spell has her hidden somewhere on campus.
Charming young adult story with Hogwarts atmosphere.
* One of them is part of the Kate Daniels world, but it takes place in Philadelphia instead of Atlanta:
- RETRIBUTION CLAUSE where the main character is Adam, Saiman’s cousin. Adam is a frost giant, an insurance adjustor in POM Insurance Adjusters and he needs to kill a man who has strangled his wife in order to implement a client’s Retribution Clause.
Nice short story with a bit of adventure.
* One of them is most probably part of the Kate Daniels world, but none of the main characters of the series is mentioned:
- OF SWINE AND ROSES where the main character is Alena Kornov, a girl full of magic who tries to avoid dating Chad Thurman (the son of a very important family and a well-known thug), while she tries to rescue a weird pig from Chad and go back home alive (with the pig of course). Cute young adult story.
* One of them is definitely not part of the Kate Daniels world, because none of the main characters of the series is mentioned and there are planes flying around. Planes DO NOT FLY in Kate Daniel’s world:
-GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS where the main characters are Grace, a girl who thinks that she has not enough magical powers and Nassar, the head of Clan Dreoch. Grace’s family is obliged to help Nassar’s family forever and ever without complaining because of an old vendetta and an old crime Grace’s family committed …And here I thought that the Red Wedding from the Game of Thrones was the worst that could happen in a wedding…
My absolute favorite story from this collection!
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August 27, 2025
I listened to the Graphic Audio adaptation, which made the whole experience even better. A must for every Ilona Andrews fan.
March 16, 2018
So I was going to save Magic Tests for when I got through Kate #5 on my reread of the series (I'm currently on book #3), but I was so close to finishing this little anthology that I couldn't resist just finishing. :)
February 21, 2022
A very fun read. Only wish it was longer.
June 28, 2024
Reread on June 27, 2024: With the exception of Blood Heir (which I don’t want to reread until the sequel comes out), I have now officially finished every IA audiobook in my library. Please clap for me. Read via audio (narrated by Hillary Huber and Michael Glenn).
Reread on August 13, 2022: I’m not totally sure if I’ve read Retribution Clause before, but I’m marking down this collection as a reread anyway.
Magic Tests: 4 stars
A Questionable Client: 4 stars
Retribution Clause: 3 stars
Of Swine and Roses: 3 stars
Grace of Small Magics: 3 stars
Curran/Jim POV scenes: 3-4 stars
Reread on August 13, 2022: I’m not totally sure if I’ve read Retribution Clause before, but I’m marking down this collection as a reread anyway.
Magic Tests: 4 stars
A Questionable Client: 4 stars
Retribution Clause: 3 stars
Of Swine and Roses: 3 stars
Grace of Small Magics: 3 stars
Curran/Jim POV scenes: 3-4 stars
November 14, 2020
4☆ recommended for fans of Kate Daniels
Small Magics is an anthology consisting of five short stories (about 60% of the book) and ten vignettes primarily narrated by Curran (40%). In terms of timeline relative to the Kate Daniels universe, these tales begin as early as one year before #1 Magic Bites and continue until right after the conclusion of #7 Magic Breaks. They aren't arranged in chronological order in the book. In my review, they're listed in the order in which they appear in Small Magics.
"Magic Tests" (#5.3) - Kate needs to find another school for her adopted daughter after Julie had run away three times from her boarding school in #5 Magic Slays. When they meet the principal, Julie is given an unexpected assignment - find a missing student within two days before the school must report the student's absence. This story is told in Julie's POV, and she has her own snarky take on Kate and Curran.
"A Questionable Client" (#0.5) - Set in February the year before #1 Magic Bites, Kate is a poor mercenary lamenting her destroyed boots when the Guild offers her a new gig with very generous pay. Kate recounts her first meeting with the polymorph Saiman who requires a bodyguard for the night. His reason for requiring protection leads to an action-packed night involving not sex as Saiman hopes but Kate's killing abilities.
The next three stories introduce new characters in different parts of the USA, and their timeline is unknown.
"Retribution Clause" is a twisty mystery thriller involving Saiman's cousin and is set in Philadelphia.
"Of Swines and Roses" is a mini fairy tale with gender role reversals of humans with magical abilities.
"Grace of Small Magics" also involves magical humans. This is an action thriller slightly reminiscent of Hunger Games.
"Curran's POV" includes 10 scenes from the full-length novels and the timelines range from books #1 to #4 and then leap to shortly after the epilogue of #7 Magic Breaks. "Curran's POV" convinced me that Kate's "personal psycho" is actually a good match for her as I've read how these two killers fell in love and forged a partnership. This includes Curran's earlier history.
The last story in the anthology is "Jim's POV" which occurs right before the epilogue in #7 Magic Breaks. Jim's best line is his complaint about Curran
The first five stories get 3 to 3.5 stars. But it is "Curran's POV" that will motivate fans to read this anthology; it was so much fun. One amusing snippet is from the end of #4 Magic Bleeds -
#1 Magic Bites 3.5 ☆
#2 Magic Burns 3.5 ☆
#3 Magic Strikes 4 ☆
#3.5 Magic Mourns 3 ☆
#4 Magic Bleeds 4 ☆ - a favorite
#4.5 Magic Dreams 3.5 ☆
#5 Magic Slays 4 ☆
#5.5 Gunmetal Magic 4☆
#6 Magic Rises 4 ☆
#6.5 Magic Steals 4☆
#7 Magic Breaks 4 ☆ - a favorite
#8 Magic Shifts 4 ☆
#8.5 Magic Stars 3.5 ☆
#9 Magic Binds 4 ☆
#9.5 Iron and Magic 4 ☆
#10 Magic Triumphs 4 ☆
Small Magics is an anthology consisting of five short stories (about 60% of the book) and ten vignettes primarily narrated by Curran (40%). In terms of timeline relative to the Kate Daniels universe, these tales begin as early as one year before #1 Magic Bites and continue until right after the conclusion of #7 Magic Breaks. They aren't arranged in chronological order in the book. In my review, they're listed in the order in which they appear in Small Magics.
"Magic Tests" (#5.3) - Kate needs to find another school for her adopted daughter after Julie had run away three times from her boarding school in #5 Magic Slays. When they meet the principal, Julie is given an unexpected assignment - find a missing student within two days before the school must report the student's absence. This story is told in Julie's POV, and she has her own snarky take on Kate and Curran.
"A Questionable Client" (#0.5) - Set in February the year before #1 Magic Bites, Kate is a poor mercenary lamenting her destroyed boots when the Guild offers her a new gig with very generous pay. Kate recounts her first meeting with the polymorph Saiman who requires a bodyguard for the night. His reason for requiring protection leads to an action-packed night involving not sex as Saiman hopes but Kate's killing abilities.
The next three stories introduce new characters in different parts of the USA, and their timeline is unknown.
"Retribution Clause" is a twisty mystery thriller involving Saiman's cousin and is set in Philadelphia.
"Of Swines and Roses" is a mini fairy tale with gender role reversals of humans with magical abilities.
"Grace of Small Magics" also involves magical humans. This is an action thriller slightly reminiscent of Hunger Games.
"Curran's POV" includes 10 scenes from the full-length novels and the timelines range from books #1 to #4 and then leap to shortly after the epilogue of #7 Magic Breaks. "Curran's POV" convinced me that Kate's "personal psycho" is actually a good match for her as I've read how these two killers fell in love and forged a partnership. This includes Curran's earlier history.
The last story in the anthology is "Jim's POV" which occurs right before the epilogue in #7 Magic Breaks. Jim's best line is his complaint about Curran
The first five stories get 3 to 3.5 stars. But it is "Curran's POV" that will motivate fans to read this anthology; it was so much fun. One amusing snippet is from the end of #4 Magic Bleeds -
#1 Magic Bites 3.5 ☆
#2 Magic Burns 3.5 ☆
#3 Magic Strikes 4 ☆
#3.5 Magic Mourns 3 ☆
#4 Magic Bleeds 4 ☆ - a favorite
#4.5 Magic Dreams 3.5 ☆
#5 Magic Slays 4 ☆
#5.5 Gunmetal Magic 4☆
#6 Magic Rises 4 ☆
#6.5 Magic Steals 4☆
#7 Magic Breaks 4 ☆ - a favorite
#8 Magic Shifts 4 ☆
#8.5 Magic Stars 3.5 ☆
#9 Magic Binds 4 ☆
#9.5 Iron and Magic 4 ☆
#10 Magic Triumphs 4 ☆
October 9, 2015
3.5 stars - Spoilers
A QUESTIONABLE CLIENT
This was the funniest story in the collection, I'd read it before but I really wanted to read Kate and Saiman's first meeting again, their back and forth was great and that ending with Kate and the cat was still hilarious.
RETRIBUTION CLIENT
Really enjoyed Adam and Siroun's story, they did seem rather similar to Kate and Curran personality wise, but I guess that was a good thing since Kate/Curran are usually very readable characters. I went in expecting Adam to be more like his self serving cousin, Saiman, but they were actually nothing alike apart from both being able to shapeshift.
OF SWINE AND ROSES
Quite a fun read. I think I would have liked it more if hadn't being YA though, as Alena was a very typical YA heroine and the love interest was really cliched as well (which was annoying), the way they met though was pretty great.
GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS
Really liked this story, the characters were likeable and the romance was pretty good (even though it was rushed), the world was fairly interesting as well with the clans and the magic system. I noticed quite a few typos though, they were really obvious ones too, I don't know why they weren't checked/corrected before being put into this collection.
MAGIC TESTS
Didn't bother re-reading Julie's story as I still remembered everything about it.
A QUESTIONABLE CLIENT
This was the funniest story in the collection, I'd read it before but I really wanted to read Kate and Saiman's first meeting again, their back and forth was great and that ending with Kate and the cat was still hilarious.
RETRIBUTION CLIENT
Really enjoyed Adam and Siroun's story, they did seem rather similar to Kate and Curran personality wise, but I guess that was a good thing since Kate/Curran are usually very readable characters. I went in expecting Adam to be more like his self serving cousin, Saiman, but they were actually nothing alike apart from both being able to shapeshift.
OF SWINE AND ROSES
Quite a fun read. I think I would have liked it more if hadn't being YA though, as Alena was a very typical YA heroine and the love interest was really cliched as well (which was annoying), the way they met though was pretty great.
GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS
Really liked this story, the characters were likeable and the romance was pretty good (even though it was rushed), the world was fairly interesting as well with the clans and the magic system. I noticed quite a few typos though, they were really obvious ones too, I don't know why they weren't checked/corrected before being put into this collection.
MAGIC TESTS
Didn't bother re-reading Julie's story as I still remembered everything about it.
January 25, 2024
This is a compilation for the fans. Most of the stories are set in the Kate Daniels world. But a few are short stories having nothing to do with the world. I had read and reviewed most of the stories already but a few were new to me and I will review them here.
Retribution Clause:
Did you know Siaman had a cousin? Well he does and they are nothing alike. Adam and his partner Siroun work for insurance in Philadelphia. It isn't your normal kind of insurance. If you are someone with some questionable morals you can get a policy that will ensure the person who killed you will be killed by someone in Adam's like of work.
Adam and Siroun have just had a policy go active and have a limited amount of time before the client's murdering husband ends up in police custody and out of their reach. Time to storm the castle so to speak and get retribution for the client. Also try not to kill anyone because that isn't good for the bottom line.
I had a good time with these two and hope that I run into them again since that seems like a pair with a lot of pent up sexual tension and longing to indulge in.
Grace of Small Magics
Grace has lived a pretty normal life in a world where magic is still a pretty well kept secret. She has a small magic that hasn't been that hard to hide. But she just found out her family is indentured to another and has been for generations. It is her turn to answer the call of the mysterious Man who holds her families magics in chains. He needs Grace to enter a challenge with him if he has any hope of surviving.
This was a really well done short story with great elements of world building, character development and even a bit of romance.
I give it all the stars!!!
Every story was good and if you are a Kate Daniels fan it was great to listen to them all back to back to get all the extra PoVs + Swine and Roses along with the other two stories.
A must have for Fans of Ilona Andrews.
Retribution Clause:
Did you know Siaman had a cousin? Well he does and they are nothing alike. Adam and his partner Siroun work for insurance in Philadelphia. It isn't your normal kind of insurance. If you are someone with some questionable morals you can get a policy that will ensure the person who killed you will be killed by someone in Adam's like of work.
Adam and Siroun have just had a policy go active and have a limited amount of time before the client's murdering husband ends up in police custody and out of their reach. Time to storm the castle so to speak and get retribution for the client. Also try not to kill anyone because that isn't good for the bottom line.
I had a good time with these two and hope that I run into them again since that seems like a pair with a lot of pent up sexual tension and longing to indulge in.
Grace of Small Magics
Grace has lived a pretty normal life in a world where magic is still a pretty well kept secret. She has a small magic that hasn't been that hard to hide. But she just found out her family is indentured to another and has been for generations. It is her turn to answer the call of the mysterious Man who holds her families magics in chains. He needs Grace to enter a challenge with him if he has any hope of surviving.
This was a really well done short story with great elements of world building, character development and even a bit of romance.
I give it all the stars!!!
Every story was good and if you are a Kate Daniels fan it was great to listen to them all back to back to get all the extra PoVs + Swine and Roses along with the other two stories.
A must have for Fans of Ilona Andrews.
July 30, 2025
Individual reviews :
A Questionable Client ⭐⭐⭐
Retribution Clause ⭐⭐.5
Magic Tests ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Curran POV collection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jim POV collection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A Questionable Client ⭐⭐⭐
Retribution Clause ⭐⭐.5
Magic Tests ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Curran POV collection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Jim POV collection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
October 6, 2021
Wow what a wild ride. I have read some of the stories here and there either on Ilona Andrews blog or through other ebook formats for free. It was still nice to have everything in one place. I have read all of Curran's POV's except for 3 stories though so it was great to get some new and interesting development concerning his character. And you can see the shift with him for when Kate became something more. Considering I didn't even like Curran in the first few books in the Kate Daniels's series and now he's one of my favorite characters definitely shows that his growth to me at least. Per usual, here are my ratings/reviews for each of the stories. I will say though part of me was tempted to downgrade the collection since it didn't get put in a chronological format. For example, I think "Questionable Client" should have come before "Magic Tests" and you can then have threaded Curran's POV short stories throughout to get to "present day" with Kate. The other stories would have been nice anchors.
Magic Tests (4 stars)-This story I have read before as a freebie in one of the longer novels. I can't recall right now. Anyway, this story follows Julie, Kate and Curran's ward/daughter. I still think the storyline about Julie going to school and finding out about other magic users/Pack/shifters was good, just kind of unfinished though.
A Questionable Client (5 stars)-This follows Kate when she was still working for the Order and how she first met Saiman. By the way Saiman is a mess and the whole storyline was bonkers.
Retribution Clause (5 stars)-Can we get another story following Adam Talford and Siroun? I loved both of them and I wanted to find out more about Siroun past what was hinted. Adam and Siroun work for POM Insurance Adjusters and who go after some fairly high profile people in the post-Shift world.
Of Swine and Roses (5 stars)-This story was delightful. We follow a teen girl (Alena) who belongs to a magical family. Alena's family is asking her to go on a date with another teen named Chad since his family is fairly well known in their world. Alena does go on the date and adventures with a pig ensue.
Grace of Small Magics (5 stars)-We follow Grace and her family that are lifelong servants to another Clan (Dreoch). Grace is being asked to help out the alpha of the Clan, Nassar, who needs her to help him win a deadly game. I loved Grace. I loved her pushback to Nassar and being really clear that her being a servant/slave and him her master meant that she didn't have freewill to do anything. And her saying flat out she would let her family line die out with her was a baller move.
Curran's Point of View (5 stars)-I have read most of these before except for the one that follows Curran as he tells Julie his story about what happened when a bunch of loups attacked and murdered his family.
Jim's Point of View (2.5 stars)-Jim is still the worst.
Excerpt from Blood Heir-I read the full story and I loved it. Go and read it.
I read this for Halloween Bingo 2021, "Shifters" square.
Magic Tests (4 stars)-This story I have read before as a freebie in one of the longer novels. I can't recall right now. Anyway, this story follows Julie, Kate and Curran's ward/daughter. I still think the storyline about Julie going to school and finding out about other magic users/Pack/shifters was good, just kind of unfinished though.
A Questionable Client (5 stars)-This follows Kate when she was still working for the Order and how she first met Saiman. By the way Saiman is a mess and the whole storyline was bonkers.
Retribution Clause (5 stars)-Can we get another story following Adam Talford and Siroun? I loved both of them and I wanted to find out more about Siroun past what was hinted. Adam and Siroun work for POM Insurance Adjusters and who go after some fairly high profile people in the post-Shift world.
Of Swine and Roses (5 stars)-This story was delightful. We follow a teen girl (Alena) who belongs to a magical family. Alena's family is asking her to go on a date with another teen named Chad since his family is fairly well known in their world. Alena does go on the date and adventures with a pig ensue.
Grace of Small Magics (5 stars)-We follow Grace and her family that are lifelong servants to another Clan (Dreoch). Grace is being asked to help out the alpha of the Clan, Nassar, who needs her to help him win a deadly game. I loved Grace. I loved her pushback to Nassar and being really clear that her being a servant/slave and him her master meant that she didn't have freewill to do anything. And her saying flat out she would let her family line die out with her was a baller move.
Curran's Point of View (5 stars)-I have read most of these before except for the one that follows Curran as he tells Julie his story about what happened when a bunch of loups attacked and murdered his family.
Jim's Point of View (2.5 stars)-Jim is still the worst.
Excerpt from Blood Heir-I read the full story and I loved it. Go and read it.
I read this for Halloween Bingo 2021, "Shifters" square.
February 3, 2021
I've read and reviewed a lot of these stories separately or as part of other anthologies but it never hurts to have everything all in one place so I'm going to post those reviews again here. Three of the stories in this anthology are set in the Kate Daniels world but two are completely standalone (and one of those was completely new to me).
A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels 0.5):
A Questionable Client is a prequel short story for the Kate Daniels series and shows a bit of Kate's history with the Mercenary Guild and we see her first meeting with shape shifter Saiman. This is a great introduction to the series and I loved finding out more about Saiman who is a character that intrigued me in the first book Magic Bites. Although short this story is full of humour and was a quick, enjoyable read that has reminded me how much I liked the first book in this series and made me keen to continue reading Kate's story.
Retribution Clause (Kate Daniels 5.6):
This is set in the same world as the Kate Daniels series but we don't get to see any of the characters we already know and love, we do get to meet Saiman's cousin though so there is a link there. I really loved Adam, as much as I find Saiman's constant body swapping amusing it is also kind of creepy so it was interesting to see how different Adam is and how comfortable he is in his own skin. Adam and his partner, Siroun, work as insurance adjusters which sounds boring on the surface but in reality means they are charged with investigating any suspicious deaths among their clients. In the case of murder victims it is up to them to dispense justice to their killers. Although this is a farily short story there is a mystery to solve and I enjoyed getting to meet these characters and explore this world further. There is definitely some great potential for these two and I'd love to read more stories about them in the future.
Of Swine and Roses:
This short story introduces us to teenager Alena Kornov who is under pressure from her family to date Chad Thurman, a boy from one of the local families who they need a favour from. Alena has absolutely no interest in Chad but her mother is a master of guilt manipulation and Alena ends up agreeing to her demands. What follows is an absolutely hilarious first date from hell. I'm not going to say any more than that so you'll just have to read it for yourself but it was definitely a fun read.
It's official, team Andrews can do no wrong! Even in a 23 page short story they manage to hook me completely in and get me fully invested in the characters they've created. I actually would have loved to see this turned into a full length novel but it was surprisingly satisfying for such a short read. You can definitely tell this is one of the stories that eventually developed into the Hidden Legacy series, it's totally different worlds and the rules of magic aren't quite the same but there are plenty of similarities there too.
Grace of Small Magics:
This is another story that shows the beginnings of the ideas behind the Hidden Legacy series, Grace knows her family is different and that she has a magical ability but her family have done their best to keep her untrained and under the radar. What she doesn't know is that her family owe a huge debt to one of the magical elite families due to a long running vendetta and now Nassar, the head of the other family, is calling in their debt. This story has plenty of action and some great characters alongside a satisfying romance. There were a lot of things that reminded me of Nevada and Rogan from the Hidden Legacy books and reading this left me itching to start a HL reread - AGAIN (seriously I can't get enough of those books!).
Magic Tests (Kate Daniels 5.3):
I've always quite liked Julie's character, she can be a little annoying at times but I think she is a fairly typical teenager in that regard, and it was nice to see a story from her point of view. Although this story isn't essential reading as part of the series because it doesn't really effect the ongoing story arc it was nice to get to know Julie a bit better and I'd actually like to see more from her POV in the future. We've all seen how much Julie hates the boarding school that Kate sent her to and now she's home and living in the Keep she seems to think she can get away without going to school at all. Kate has other plans for her though and she has a very clever way of getting Julie to go along with them. We are introduced to some great new characters but the one I was most excited about seeing again was Yu Fong (you may remember him from Dali's short story Magic Dreams). I was already hoping he'd end up being a major character in the series and now I'm thinking he's more likely to re-appear thanks to his friendship with Julie. I loved getting to see Julie grow up a bit and actually work out a way to use her ability to help someone else and I'd definitely like to see her get her own book or spin off series in the future.
A Questionable Client (Kate Daniels 0.5):
A Questionable Client is a prequel short story for the Kate Daniels series and shows a bit of Kate's history with the Mercenary Guild and we see her first meeting with shape shifter Saiman. This is a great introduction to the series and I loved finding out more about Saiman who is a character that intrigued me in the first book Magic Bites. Although short this story is full of humour and was a quick, enjoyable read that has reminded me how much I liked the first book in this series and made me keen to continue reading Kate's story.
Retribution Clause (Kate Daniels 5.6):
This is set in the same world as the Kate Daniels series but we don't get to see any of the characters we already know and love, we do get to meet Saiman's cousin though so there is a link there. I really loved Adam, as much as I find Saiman's constant body swapping amusing it is also kind of creepy so it was interesting to see how different Adam is and how comfortable he is in his own skin. Adam and his partner, Siroun, work as insurance adjusters which sounds boring on the surface but in reality means they are charged with investigating any suspicious deaths among their clients. In the case of murder victims it is up to them to dispense justice to their killers. Although this is a farily short story there is a mystery to solve and I enjoyed getting to meet these characters and explore this world further. There is definitely some great potential for these two and I'd love to read more stories about them in the future.
Of Swine and Roses:
This short story introduces us to teenager Alena Kornov who is under pressure from her family to date Chad Thurman, a boy from one of the local families who they need a favour from. Alena has absolutely no interest in Chad but her mother is a master of guilt manipulation and Alena ends up agreeing to her demands. What follows is an absolutely hilarious first date from hell. I'm not going to say any more than that so you'll just have to read it for yourself but it was definitely a fun read.
It's official, team Andrews can do no wrong! Even in a 23 page short story they manage to hook me completely in and get me fully invested in the characters they've created. I actually would have loved to see this turned into a full length novel but it was surprisingly satisfying for such a short read. You can definitely tell this is one of the stories that eventually developed into the Hidden Legacy series, it's totally different worlds and the rules of magic aren't quite the same but there are plenty of similarities there too.
Grace of Small Magics:
This is another story that shows the beginnings of the ideas behind the Hidden Legacy series, Grace knows her family is different and that she has a magical ability but her family have done their best to keep her untrained and under the radar. What she doesn't know is that her family owe a huge debt to one of the magical elite families due to a long running vendetta and now Nassar, the head of the other family, is calling in their debt. This story has plenty of action and some great characters alongside a satisfying romance. There were a lot of things that reminded me of Nevada and Rogan from the Hidden Legacy books and reading this left me itching to start a HL reread - AGAIN (seriously I can't get enough of those books!).
Magic Tests (Kate Daniels 5.3):
I've always quite liked Julie's character, she can be a little annoying at times but I think she is a fairly typical teenager in that regard, and it was nice to see a story from her point of view. Although this story isn't essential reading as part of the series because it doesn't really effect the ongoing story arc it was nice to get to know Julie a bit better and I'd actually like to see more from her POV in the future. We've all seen how much Julie hates the boarding school that Kate sent her to and now she's home and living in the Keep she seems to think she can get away without going to school at all. Kate has other plans for her though and she has a very clever way of getting Julie to go along with them. We are introduced to some great new characters but the one I was most excited about seeing again was Yu Fong (you may remember him from Dali's short story Magic Dreams). I was already hoping he'd end up being a major character in the series and now I'm thinking he's more likely to re-appear thanks to his friendship with Julie. I loved getting to see Julie grow up a bit and actually work out a way to use her ability to help someone else and I'd definitely like to see her get her own book or spin off series in the future.
September 4, 2019
*disclaimer :) before I get into my actual review of this story I need to explain some things :) I actually already finished the whole series and I may have binge read them, so all of the installments may or may not got blurred together in my mind… ;) but hey, I will do my best to separate them at least a little bit :) it happened, because I read this series during a two month long period of time when I struggled with a lot of changes in my personal and professional life, so I read a lot, cause I needed something to relax, but at the same time I was in no mood to write any reviews… so here we are today, when I am doing my best to catch up on those :)
Before we get into my thoughts and feelings about this particular installment, here are a few things that are true about all of them and that you can read without any fear of spoilers :)
#1 this series is absolutely phenomenal and you all need to read it if you haven’t yet :) I blew through all of the stories in it in record time, cause I was unable to put them down and read something else :)
#2 the whole series follow Kate, the main character, and tells one big story… so even though each installment revolves around a smaller event / issue, I highly encourage you to read them all in order, including the novellas and side books that happen along the way, because they all bring something extra to your overall experience :) the reading order of all those stories can be easily found on Goodreads if you look for the series Kate Daniels :) I read them all in that order, as it was recommended to me by my good friend who already finished it, and I am very happy I did that :) of course I can’t force you to listen to me, I’m no #BookPolice ;) it’s just a friendly suggestion ;)
#3 a few more words about the series in general :) it’s a paranormal / urban fantasy story, set in an alternate version of our world… in it, there are magic waves that crash over the world, making basically all technology useless for some time… because it’s impossible to predict when exactly they will come and go, it alters the way people live… of course, with magic came all sort of gifts and talents… not to mention magical creatures :) we definitely have vampires and necromancers of some sort who control them, shapeshifters who can change into all sorts of animals, not to mention the fact that we get to see magical influences and practitioners from very different belief systems… it’s a lot to explain and we don’t have that much time to get into all the details right now :) just know it’s phenomenal :) each book is action packed, fast paced and full of surprising twists and turns… I can’t even begin to count the number of times when I gasped in shock because the plot went in a completely different way than I anticipated :) once you get to know this world and these characters, you will be completely hooked… and speaking of characters… ;)
#4 diverse and interesting characters are one of the main reasons why I love this series so much :) not only the main one, Kate, goes through a pretty spectacular character development arch throughout the whole series, but along the way we keep meeting new ones… and before you know what happened, you have a whole bunch of people you love and with each book you are quietly chanting “don’t kill any of them, don’t kill any of them” as if that might change some outcomes :) obviously I won’t name anyone right here, because a lot of them might come as a surprise to you… what I will say is that it will be a pleasure to re-read those books again soon, knowing how certain characters end up… that’s all I’m gonna say ;)
#5 DO NOT READ THE REST OF THIS REVIEW if you are not caught up on the previous stories… I will be mentioning people and events from previous books next, because I cannot possibly write more about my feelings without them, and you will be spoiled about some major surprising turns… I won’t spoil anything when it comes to the book I am currently reviewing, but everything that happened before is fair game :) you’ve been warned ;)
This is a collection of five novellas and short stories set in Kate Daniels world… some of them are about characters we already know, some revolve around a completely new ones, but all of them are very entertaining read and I highly encourage you not to skip any of them :)
XOXO
A
Before we get into my thoughts and feelings about this particular installment, here are a few things that are true about all of them and that you can read without any fear of spoilers :)
#1 this series is absolutely phenomenal and you all need to read it if you haven’t yet :) I blew through all of the stories in it in record time, cause I was unable to put them down and read something else :)
#2 the whole series follow Kate, the main character, and tells one big story… so even though each installment revolves around a smaller event / issue, I highly encourage you to read them all in order, including the novellas and side books that happen along the way, because they all bring something extra to your overall experience :) the reading order of all those stories can be easily found on Goodreads if you look for the series Kate Daniels :) I read them all in that order, as it was recommended to me by my good friend who already finished it, and I am very happy I did that :) of course I can’t force you to listen to me, I’m no #BookPolice ;) it’s just a friendly suggestion ;)
#3 a few more words about the series in general :) it’s a paranormal / urban fantasy story, set in an alternate version of our world… in it, there are magic waves that crash over the world, making basically all technology useless for some time… because it’s impossible to predict when exactly they will come and go, it alters the way people live… of course, with magic came all sort of gifts and talents… not to mention magical creatures :) we definitely have vampires and necromancers of some sort who control them, shapeshifters who can change into all sorts of animals, not to mention the fact that we get to see magical influences and practitioners from very different belief systems… it’s a lot to explain and we don’t have that much time to get into all the details right now :) just know it’s phenomenal :) each book is action packed, fast paced and full of surprising twists and turns… I can’t even begin to count the number of times when I gasped in shock because the plot went in a completely different way than I anticipated :) once you get to know this world and these characters, you will be completely hooked… and speaking of characters… ;)
#4 diverse and interesting characters are one of the main reasons why I love this series so much :) not only the main one, Kate, goes through a pretty spectacular character development arch throughout the whole series, but along the way we keep meeting new ones… and before you know what happened, you have a whole bunch of people you love and with each book you are quietly chanting “don’t kill any of them, don’t kill any of them” as if that might change some outcomes :) obviously I won’t name anyone right here, because a lot of them might come as a surprise to you… what I will say is that it will be a pleasure to re-read those books again soon, knowing how certain characters end up… that’s all I’m gonna say ;)
#5 DO NOT READ THE REST OF THIS REVIEW if you are not caught up on the previous stories… I will be mentioning people and events from previous books next, because I cannot possibly write more about my feelings without them, and you will be spoiled about some major surprising turns… I won’t spoil anything when it comes to the book I am currently reviewing, but everything that happened before is fair game :) you’ve been warned ;)
This is a collection of five novellas and short stories set in Kate Daniels world… some of them are about characters we already know, some revolve around a completely new ones, but all of them are very entertaining read and I highly encourage you not to skip any of them :)
XOXO
A
November 23, 2021
A Questionable Client, Kate Daniels 0.5 - 4.0 stars
Kate is hired as a bodyguard by Saiman, who has used his abilities to steal a magical object from some very angry Russian priests. Chaos ensues, and Saiman, as ever, is despicable.
Retribution Clause
Retribution Clause takes place in the Kate Daniels universe and is told from the POV of Saiman’s cousin Adam and Adams’s partner Siroun who live in Philadelphia and work for an insurance company.
Selling insurance, you ask? *chortles*
Not hardly.
A woman has been killed and her insurance policy has a . . . retribution clause . . . stating that in the event of her murder, her murderer will be killed. All signs point to her husband, who has arranged to surrender himself into police custody in a matter of hours.
Adam and Siroun must storm the husband’s compound, breaking wards and neutralizing Red Guards (if more than three are killed it will cut into the insurance company’s bottom line), and kill said husband before he makes his escape to law enforcement.
If only it were that simple . . .
Of Swine and Roses - 4.0 stars
So I mentioned in my reviews of Silent Blade and Silver Shark that I had been told the world-building in Burn for Me was similar to that of the worlds in the Kinsmen series and this novella . . .
So OF COURSE I had to reread them (b/c Burn for Me rocked my socks off).
Anyway, whoever told me that was RIGHT.
And this short is awesome on it's own merits, so if you are a die-hard Ilona fan, you should read it anyway.
Part of the reason I liked Of Swine and Roses is b/c most of my adolescent headbuttings with my mother could have been avoided if she had been more like Alena's mother.
Alena's mother is WISE. She understands that when you're dealing with teenagers, her husband's approach (which bares a close resemblance to my own mother's approach) of, "You'll do it, b/c I told you to do it. The end," isn't going to get you the results you desire.
My mother is wise too, but she allows her stubbornness to overwhelm that wisdom when she's irritated, and wouldn't you know that I was excellent at irritating her.
But I recognize the pitfalls of having a mother like Alena's as well--how irritating would it have been for me to have to listen to all the reasons why I should do something I absolutely do not want to do.
So six of one, half dozen of another . . .
Anyway, suffice it to say that Alena doesn't want to do something, Mother explains why it's important she does it anyway, and from there things get a little bit crazy, and a little bit adorable.
It's only 20(ish) pages long, so it won't take much of your time, and if you want a quick look into the mafia-type, magical families that make-up the world of the Andrews' latest endeavor, this is a quick a painless way to do it.
A Grace of Small Magics
Magic Tests, Kate Daniels 5.3 - 4.5 stars
This one is from Julie’s POV. Kate tricks her into solving a mystery at a potential school, which she, of course, solves, making friends along the way. She also meets an intriguing character from another short story.
Kate is hired as a bodyguard by Saiman, who has used his abilities to steal a magical object from some very angry Russian priests. Chaos ensues, and Saiman, as ever, is despicable.
Retribution Clause
Retribution Clause takes place in the Kate Daniels universe and is told from the POV of Saiman’s cousin Adam and Adams’s partner Siroun who live in Philadelphia and work for an insurance company.
Selling insurance, you ask? *chortles*
Not hardly.
A woman has been killed and her insurance policy has a . . . retribution clause . . . stating that in the event of her murder, her murderer will be killed. All signs point to her husband, who has arranged to surrender himself into police custody in a matter of hours.
Adam and Siroun must storm the husband’s compound, breaking wards and neutralizing Red Guards (if more than three are killed it will cut into the insurance company’s bottom line), and kill said husband before he makes his escape to law enforcement.
If only it were that simple . . .
Of Swine and Roses - 4.0 stars
So I mentioned in my reviews of Silent Blade and Silver Shark that I had been told the world-building in Burn for Me was similar to that of the worlds in the Kinsmen series and this novella . . .
So OF COURSE I had to reread them (b/c Burn for Me rocked my socks off).
Anyway, whoever told me that was RIGHT.
And this short is awesome on it's own merits, so if you are a die-hard Ilona fan, you should read it anyway.
Part of the reason I liked Of Swine and Roses is b/c most of my adolescent headbuttings with my mother could have been avoided if she had been more like Alena's mother.
Alena's mother is WISE. She understands that when you're dealing with teenagers, her husband's approach (which bares a close resemblance to my own mother's approach) of, "You'll do it, b/c I told you to do it. The end," isn't going to get you the results you desire.
My mother is wise too, but she allows her stubbornness to overwhelm that wisdom when she's irritated, and wouldn't you know that I was excellent at irritating her.
But I recognize the pitfalls of having a mother like Alena's as well--how irritating would it have been for me to have to listen to all the reasons why I should do something I absolutely do not want to do.
So six of one, half dozen of another . . .
Anyway, suffice it to say that Alena doesn't want to do something, Mother explains why it's important she does it anyway, and from there things get a little bit crazy, and a little bit adorable.
It's only 20(ish) pages long, so it won't take much of your time, and if you want a quick look into the mafia-type, magical families that make-up the world of the Andrews' latest endeavor, this is a quick a painless way to do it.
A Grace of Small Magics
Magic Tests, Kate Daniels 5.3 - 4.5 stars
This one is from Julie’s POV. Kate tricks her into solving a mystery at a potential school, which she, of course, solves, making friends along the way. She also meets an intriguing character from another short story.
November 19, 2021
Raccolta di racconti prevalentemente ambientati nell'universo narrativo di Kate Daniels, quindi da leggere solo se si è letta o si sta leggendo la serie.
Peraltro, nella mia versione oltre ai racconti indicati come 0,5 (il primo racconto temporalmente parlando di Kate, col suo incontro con Saiman), 5,3 (un racconto che ci mostra la vita fuori Atlanta) e 5,6 (che introduce immagino un cambiamento per Julie) a sorpresa c'è anche la raccolta di brevi "Curran's pov" (ovvero dei brevi brani dove alcune scene sono ripercorse ma dal punto di vista di Curran. Guadagna punti perché mostra cose non viste o solo accennate nella serie) e il racconto "Jim's pov". Ecco, questi due arrivano a coprire pure lo spazio che va dal sesto al settimo libro, quindi ho ignorato il secondo e l'ultima parte del primo.
Ciò premesso, devo dire di avere apprezzato tutti i racconti.
C'è il romance, ovvio, ma a parte nei due racconti esterni alla serie non domina la scena (e quei due racconti sono comunque interessanti, uno YA e un new adult basati su romance e magia, in ambientazioni differenti).
Ora posso procedere col prossimo mattoncino di Kate...
Peraltro, nella mia versione oltre ai racconti indicati come 0,5 (il primo racconto temporalmente parlando di Kate, col suo incontro con Saiman), 5,3 (un racconto che ci mostra la vita fuori Atlanta) e 5,6 (che introduce immagino un cambiamento per Julie) a sorpresa c'è anche la raccolta di brevi "Curran's pov" (ovvero dei brevi brani dove alcune scene sono ripercorse ma dal punto di vista di Curran. Guadagna punti perché mostra cose non viste o solo accennate nella serie) e il racconto "Jim's pov". Ecco, questi due arrivano a coprire pure lo spazio che va dal sesto al settimo libro, quindi ho ignorato il secondo e l'ultima parte del primo.
Ciò premesso, devo dire di avere apprezzato tutti i racconti.
C'è il romance, ovvio, ma a parte nei due racconti esterni alla serie non domina la scena (e quei due racconti sono comunque interessanti, uno YA e un new adult basati su romance e magia, in ambientazioni differenti).
Ora posso procedere col prossimo mattoncino di Kate...
December 18, 2015
A Questionable Client: 3.5 stars
Oh, I enjoyed this!! I know that Saiman has a questionable morale, but he is always a FUN character to read. It was great to read how he and Kate met for the first time; which involved Saiman swallowing an acorn that made him look like a 'pregnant' man (urgh, my brain!)
A Retribution Clause: 3.5 stars
The characters here are new (I think) and the only 'relationship' with the Kate Daniel's world is that Adam Talford, the eight-foot frost giant is Saiman's cousin. Adam and his partner Siroun are insurance adjusters. Their current case is of a woman, whose insurance policy has a retribution clause: in the event of her homicide, they are required to terminate the guilty party. Seriously, that is one SERIOUSLY SCARY insurance policy! No law, no judge, no jury. Simply kills her murderer. The action was great and there was a twist to the homicide as well. I would really love to read more about Adam and Siroun -- I feel that they have potential of being great lovers.
Of Swine and Roses: 3.5 stars
I wasn't immediately charmed by this -- probably because my first reaction was, "Damn, is this about teenager?!?" I guess I'm not a huge young-adult fan you know? But then I thought the story became amusing and pretty lovely. And the ending was sweet *smile happily*
Grace of Small Magics: 4 stars
Is this somehow the idea for Andrews' "Hidden Legacy" series? With the clans fighting like so? Whatever it is, I thought this one was PRETTY ROCKIN'!! Yes, it was short but the world-built and the characterizations were both excellent. Heck, even the relationship was progressed naturally and convincingly. LOVED it!
Magic Tests: 4 stars
I still couldn't warmth up to Julie, and at times I thought she was being bratty. But I couldn't help to admit that her magic was interesting, and she did show here that she could be pretty awesome by herself, finding the missing girl and making friends. So yeah, I had hopes.
Oh, I enjoyed this!! I know that Saiman has a questionable morale, but he is always a FUN character to read. It was great to read how he and Kate met for the first time; which involved Saiman swallowing an acorn that made him look like a 'pregnant' man (urgh, my brain!)
A Retribution Clause: 3.5 stars
The characters here are new (I think) and the only 'relationship' with the Kate Daniel's world is that Adam Talford, the eight-foot frost giant is Saiman's cousin. Adam and his partner Siroun are insurance adjusters. Their current case is of a woman, whose insurance policy has a retribution clause: in the event of her homicide, they are required to terminate the guilty party. Seriously, that is one SERIOUSLY SCARY insurance policy! No law, no judge, no jury. Simply kills her murderer. The action was great and there was a twist to the homicide as well. I would really love to read more about Adam and Siroun -- I feel that they have potential of being great lovers.
Of Swine and Roses: 3.5 stars
I wasn't immediately charmed by this -- probably because my first reaction was, "Damn, is this about teenager?!?" I guess I'm not a huge young-adult fan you know? But then I thought the story became amusing and pretty lovely. And the ending was sweet *smile happily*
Grace of Small Magics: 4 stars
Is this somehow the idea for Andrews' "Hidden Legacy" series? With the clans fighting like so? Whatever it is, I thought this one was PRETTY ROCKIN'!! Yes, it was short but the world-built and the characterizations were both excellent. Heck, even the relationship was progressed naturally and convincingly. LOVED it!
Magic Tests: 4 stars
I still couldn't warmth up to Julie, and at times I thought she was being bratty. But I couldn't help to admit that her magic was interesting, and she did show here that she could be pretty awesome by herself, finding the missing girl and making friends. So yeah, I had hopes.
October 16, 2022
1st Novella: Magic Tests
This was a fun novella. I like Julie and it's pretty cool to see from her eyes what her magic is like. I can see here partnering with Kate when she gets older, investigating. I definitely would like to see more her POV.
2nd Novella: A Questionable Client
A quick novella that shows how Kate was introduced to Saiman's character. It explains a lot about the man and why Kate feels about him the way she does. This was worth the read.
3rd Novella: Retribution Clause
I feel like I might have read this novella out of order. I don't remember being introduced to either main character and it was such a short story that not a whole lot happened for these two. It makes me wonder if there is more about them in other books. It was still good. I enjoyed it but it wasn't enough on it's own.
4th Novella: Of Swine and Roses
Cute, but way too short so there really isn't much I can say about this. I can say I would love a full story here.
5th Novella: Grace of Small Magics
This one had a bit more meat on it and I enjoyed it. It's another one that I would love to see more to as well.
This was a fun novella. I like Julie and it's pretty cool to see from her eyes what her magic is like. I can see here partnering with Kate when she gets older, investigating. I definitely would like to see more her POV.
2nd Novella: A Questionable Client
A quick novella that shows how Kate was introduced to Saiman's character. It explains a lot about the man and why Kate feels about him the way she does. This was worth the read.
3rd Novella: Retribution Clause
I feel like I might have read this novella out of order. I don't remember being introduced to either main character and it was such a short story that not a whole lot happened for these two. It makes me wonder if there is more about them in other books. It was still good. I enjoyed it but it wasn't enough on it's own.
4th Novella: Of Swine and Roses
Cute, but way too short so there really isn't much I can say about this. I can say I would love a full story here.
5th Novella: Grace of Small Magics
This one had a bit more meat on it and I enjoyed it. It's another one that I would love to see more to as well.
September 10, 2018
Previous review for the two specific stories in SMALL MAGICS stands.
July 19, 2025
3.5 stars
August 26, 2022
Anthology. Average is 4.9 stars which is really good for an anthology.
1. A QUESTIONABLE CLIENT – Very good story, prequel to the Kate Daniels series. This is the first time Kate and Saimen meet. 5 stars.
2. RETRIBUTION CLAUSE – This is a story about Saiman's cousin and the woman he works with. He is not at all like Saiman. Good story. 3-1/2 stars.
3. OF SWINE AND ROSES – First off - a complaint. Um she has dark hair in the book! The girl on the cover of the separate short story is a red head. Cute story about a girl who is kind of forced into a horrible date, saves a pig and changes her life. 4 stars.
4. GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS – There are planes in this story, so I'm wondering if it was from before the magic fell? A forced into servitude family helps another out of their own free will. Really good as usual for these authors. 4 stars.
5. MAGIC TESTS – This story is about Julie's first day at high school I guess you could call it. I had read this before but I can't remember if it was as a stand alone or in an anthology. I enjoyed it. 4 stars.
1. A QUESTIONABLE CLIENT – Very good story, prequel to the Kate Daniels series. This is the first time Kate and Saimen meet. 5 stars.
2. RETRIBUTION CLAUSE – This is a story about Saiman's cousin and the woman he works with. He is not at all like Saiman. Good story. 3-1/2 stars.
3. OF SWINE AND ROSES – First off - a complaint. Um she has dark hair in the book! The girl on the cover of the separate short story is a red head. Cute story about a girl who is kind of forced into a horrible date, saves a pig and changes her life. 4 stars.
4. GRACE OF SMALL MAGICS – There are planes in this story, so I'm wondering if it was from before the magic fell? A forced into servitude family helps another out of their own free will. Really good as usual for these authors. 4 stars.
5. MAGIC TESTS – This story is about Julie's first day at high school I guess you could call it. I had read this before but I can't remember if it was as a stand alone or in an anthology. I enjoyed it. 4 stars.
October 31, 2020
I loved this, it was entirely excellent, as predicted. The Curran scenes were my favourite, I could read the whole series again just from his point of view.
May 30, 2024
If, like me, you're a fan of the Kate Daniels series, then I think you'll enjoy 'Small Magics'.
If you're not a fan (yet), don't start here, start with 'Magic Bites'. It's everything the first book in an Urban Fantasy series should be and more.
'Small Magics' is a collection of five short stories (all of which had been published before) and a series of scenes, written from Curren's point of view, (written in response to requests from the fan base)that give a fresh look at some of the key events in some of the Kate Daniels books.
I enjoyed the stories. I've commented on each of them below.
I almost skipped the Curran point of view scenes. I expected them to be like those 'Deleted Scene' clips that get given as 'Bonus Material' on DVDs of TV series - of little interest unless you're a fan who needs to be able to say you've read everything an author has written. I sampled the first scene, which is Curran's first meeting with Kate and it was much more interesting than I'd expected so I read the rest. While I enjoyed being reminded of key points in the earlier books what the scenes mostly did was to demonstrate to me that a key part of the appeal of the Kate Daniels series is that it's told from Kate's point of view (although I'd also be happy with Julie's point of view).
Here are my comments on the stories in the collection.
Magic Tests
This is a story about Julie going through the selection process for a new school (if you don't know who Julie is, then come back to this short story collection after reading the novels). Of course, the selection process is unconventional and Julie ends up having to test herself against some very unusual magic in order to find and protet a missing student.
I thought a story with Julie as the main character was a great way to start. I liked the plot and the imagery and of course, I liked how Julie worked things out in her own distinctive style. I'd have bought 'Small Magics' just for the smile this story brought to my face.
A Questionable Client
This was a blast from the past, with Kate newly arrived in Atlanta and working as a Merc. It tells the story of her first meeting with Saiman, who she has to protect from an all assault by powerful magic users who he has offended. The nature of the offense is surprising and also central to the story.
I enjoyed watching Kate do her 'kill everything that's trying to kill me and my client while resisting the urge to kill the client for being so unpleasant' thing. It was refreshingly simple. I enjoyed the humour and the swordplay. I hated Saiman of course, but then I've always hated him, this story just gave me a few new reasons for my dislike.
Retribution Clause
This is a story about two supernaturals working for an insurance company. That may sound dull. It wasn't. The two supernaturals were tasked with executing a 'Retribution Clause' which is when a client pays a premium so that, in the event of their death, the person who killed them will be killed by the insurance company's agents.
I love these excursions into the lives of subsidiary characters in the Kate Daniels universe. They show me how thoroughly imagined that universe is. They pull me into the lives of the characters, just as I was pulled into Kate's world when she her first words to the Beast Lord were "Here, kitty kitty. kitty".
'Retribution Clause' had lots of violence, a few neat plot twists, a puzzle to be solved and unresolved sexual tension between the two agents. What more could I ask for? The story worked as a standalone and left me wishing there was a spin off novel out there.
Of Swine And Roses
I was smiling as soon as I read the title, which promised light, clever fun. 'Of Swine And Roses' This was an amusing tongue-in-cheek fairytale story. It reminded me of some of Tanya Huff's fantasy short stories (which is a compliment by the way), It's not easy to write something this light, keep it funny, pack it with action and make it feel fresh but Ilona Andrews managed it with style.
Grace Of Small Magics
This story was all new to me. I couldn't place it in the Kate Daniels universe (that's probably down to my ignorance) but I had a lot of fun with it anyway. I think this would be labelled as a Romantasy in today's market but that cringe-making portmanteau word hadn't been thrust upon us when this was written. It's a quest story with a twist. It has a romance thread running through it (not quite enemies to lovers - more Elizabeth Bennet finding herself in servitude to Mr Darcy and not liking it much). This wouldn't normally be my kind of thing. What pulled me in was the ideas were original, the pacing was excellent and I liked Grace, the main character. I'd read more about these two if it's out there somewhere.
If you're not a fan (yet), don't start here, start with 'Magic Bites'. It's everything the first book in an Urban Fantasy series should be and more.
'Small Magics' is a collection of five short stories (all of which had been published before) and a series of scenes, written from Curren's point of view, (written in response to requests from the fan base)that give a fresh look at some of the key events in some of the Kate Daniels books.
I enjoyed the stories. I've commented on each of them below.
I almost skipped the Curran point of view scenes. I expected them to be like those 'Deleted Scene' clips that get given as 'Bonus Material' on DVDs of TV series - of little interest unless you're a fan who needs to be able to say you've read everything an author has written. I sampled the first scene, which is Curran's first meeting with Kate and it was much more interesting than I'd expected so I read the rest. While I enjoyed being reminded of key points in the earlier books what the scenes mostly did was to demonstrate to me that a key part of the appeal of the Kate Daniels series is that it's told from Kate's point of view (although I'd also be happy with Julie's point of view).
Here are my comments on the stories in the collection.
Magic Tests
This is a story about Julie going through the selection process for a new school (if you don't know who Julie is, then come back to this short story collection after reading the novels). Of course, the selection process is unconventional and Julie ends up having to test herself against some very unusual magic in order to find and protet a missing student.
I thought a story with Julie as the main character was a great way to start. I liked the plot and the imagery and of course, I liked how Julie worked things out in her own distinctive style. I'd have bought 'Small Magics' just for the smile this story brought to my face.
A Questionable Client
This was a blast from the past, with Kate newly arrived in Atlanta and working as a Merc. It tells the story of her first meeting with Saiman, who she has to protect from an all assault by powerful magic users who he has offended. The nature of the offense is surprising and also central to the story.
I enjoyed watching Kate do her 'kill everything that's trying to kill me and my client while resisting the urge to kill the client for being so unpleasant' thing. It was refreshingly simple. I enjoyed the humour and the swordplay. I hated Saiman of course, but then I've always hated him, this story just gave me a few new reasons for my dislike.
Retribution Clause
This is a story about two supernaturals working for an insurance company. That may sound dull. It wasn't. The two supernaturals were tasked with executing a 'Retribution Clause' which is when a client pays a premium so that, in the event of their death, the person who killed them will be killed by the insurance company's agents.
I love these excursions into the lives of subsidiary characters in the Kate Daniels universe. They show me how thoroughly imagined that universe is. They pull me into the lives of the characters, just as I was pulled into Kate's world when she her first words to the Beast Lord were "Here, kitty kitty. kitty".
'Retribution Clause' had lots of violence, a few neat plot twists, a puzzle to be solved and unresolved sexual tension between the two agents. What more could I ask for? The story worked as a standalone and left me wishing there was a spin off novel out there.
Of Swine And Roses
I was smiling as soon as I read the title, which promised light, clever fun. 'Of Swine And Roses' This was an amusing tongue-in-cheek fairytale story. It reminded me of some of Tanya Huff's fantasy short stories (which is a compliment by the way), It's not easy to write something this light, keep it funny, pack it with action and make it feel fresh but Ilona Andrews managed it with style.
Grace Of Small Magics
This story was all new to me. I couldn't place it in the Kate Daniels universe (that's probably down to my ignorance) but I had a lot of fun with it anyway. I think this would be labelled as a Romantasy in today's market but that cringe-making portmanteau word hadn't been thrust upon us when this was written. It's a quest story with a twist. It has a romance thread running through it (not quite enemies to lovers - more Elizabeth Bennet finding herself in servitude to Mr Darcy and not liking it much). This wouldn't normally be my kind of thing. What pulled me in was the ideas were original, the pacing was excellent and I liked Grace, the main character. I'd read more about these two if it's out there somewhere.
May 3, 2021
Small Magics je zbierkou poviedok od autorov Kate Daniels, ktoré už boli v priebehu uplynulých rokov publikované samostatne. V každom prípade, všetko sa číta lepšie, ak je to "kniha", takže ak ste fanúšikom KD alebo Ilony Andrews a doposiaľ ste sa týmto príbehom z akéhokoľvek dôvodu vyhýbali, odporúčam siahnuť po zbierke a zhltnúť ich všetky naraz. Stojí to za to.
A Questionable Client
Dej sa odohráva pred začiatkom KD série. Kate sa snaží ochrániť svojho pochybného "známeho" Saimana pred ruskými čarodejníkmi. Poviedka je typickou "kateovkou" plnou humoru a akcie, len v kratšom svižnejšom rozsahu.
Retribution Clause
Ľadový obor Adam a jeho tajuplná partnerka Siroun majú za úlohu pomstiť smrť svojej klientky, ktorá vedela o tom, že zomrie. Odpovede však nie sú také jednoznačné, ako sa spočiatku zdalo. Čo sa k tomu dá dodať? Má to správne zapletenú mýtickú záhadu, morálne dilemy, sympatických hrdinov medzi ktorými to krásne iskrí, akciu i humor.
Of Swine and Roses
Alena Kornova je prinútená svojimi príbuznými ísť na rande s Chadom Thurmanom, ktorý síce pochádza z bohatej rodiny, ale je to násilnícky idiot. Ich nevydarené rande sa končí naháňačkou za prasaťom. Veľkú časť poviedky netušíte, o čo tam vlastne ide, ale záverečný zvrat ma náramne bavil. Nie je to také akčné, skôr dobrodružné a ku koncu naozaj rozkošné, takže sa isto nebudete nudiť.
Grace of Small Magics
Grace a jej rodina sú naveky odsúsení slúžiť klanu Dreoch. Keď si ju hlava klanu povolá, aby sa zúčastnila vojny klanov, má jedinečnú šancu vyjednať pre seba a svojich blízkych lepšie podmienky. Pri tejto poviedke som rozhodne ľutovala, že ide iba o poviedku. Medzi hlavnými hrdinami to správne iskrilo aj na takom malom množstve strán, rozvinula sa tu veľmi zaujímavá história a Grace je náramne sympatická hrdinka.
Magic Tests
Katina chránenkyňa Julie sa dostáva na magickú akadémiu, kde musí vyriešiť záhadu strateného dievčaťa. Poviedka nám prináša veľmi krátky detektívny a mystický príbeh v duchu kníh KD, ale vďaka Julie dostávame nový pohľad na samotnú Kate, jej svet i Julie ako takú. Je to vtipné, je to dobrodružné a rozhodne ma to navnadilo na spin off sériu s Julie v hlavnej úlohe.
Curran POV
Súčasťou zbierky je aj zbierka scén z KD série prerozprávaná z Curranovho pohľadu, ktorú som výnimočne čítala už omnoho skôr. Je to must-read pre fanúšikov KD. Nedozviete sa veľa nového, ale Curran je veľmi záživný a zábavný rozprávač. A je to Curran.
A Questionable Client
Dej sa odohráva pred začiatkom KD série. Kate sa snaží ochrániť svojho pochybného "známeho" Saimana pred ruskými čarodejníkmi. Poviedka je typickou "kateovkou" plnou humoru a akcie, len v kratšom svižnejšom rozsahu.
Retribution Clause
Ľadový obor Adam a jeho tajuplná partnerka Siroun majú za úlohu pomstiť smrť svojej klientky, ktorá vedela o tom, že zomrie. Odpovede však nie sú také jednoznačné, ako sa spočiatku zdalo. Čo sa k tomu dá dodať? Má to správne zapletenú mýtickú záhadu, morálne dilemy, sympatických hrdinov medzi ktorými to krásne iskrí, akciu i humor.
Of Swine and Roses
Alena Kornova je prinútená svojimi príbuznými ísť na rande s Chadom Thurmanom, ktorý síce pochádza z bohatej rodiny, ale je to násilnícky idiot. Ich nevydarené rande sa končí naháňačkou za prasaťom. Veľkú časť poviedky netušíte, o čo tam vlastne ide, ale záverečný zvrat ma náramne bavil. Nie je to také akčné, skôr dobrodružné a ku koncu naozaj rozkošné, takže sa isto nebudete nudiť.
Grace of Small Magics
Grace a jej rodina sú naveky odsúsení slúžiť klanu Dreoch. Keď si ju hlava klanu povolá, aby sa zúčastnila vojny klanov, má jedinečnú šancu vyjednať pre seba a svojich blízkych lepšie podmienky. Pri tejto poviedke som rozhodne ľutovala, že ide iba o poviedku. Medzi hlavnými hrdinami to správne iskrilo aj na takom malom množstve strán, rozvinula sa tu veľmi zaujímavá história a Grace je náramne sympatická hrdinka.
Magic Tests
Katina chránenkyňa Julie sa dostáva na magickú akadémiu, kde musí vyriešiť záhadu strateného dievčaťa. Poviedka nám prináša veľmi krátky detektívny a mystický príbeh v duchu kníh KD, ale vďaka Julie dostávame nový pohľad na samotnú Kate, jej svet i Julie ako takú. Je to vtipné, je to dobrodružné a rozhodne ma to navnadilo na spin off sériu s Julie v hlavnej úlohe.
Curran POV
Súčasťou zbierky je aj zbierka scén z KD série prerozprávaná z Curranovho pohľadu, ktorú som výnimočne čítala už omnoho skôr. Je to must-read pre fanúšikov KD. Nedozviete sa veľa nového, ale Curran je veľmi záživný a zábavný rozprávač. A je to Curran.
December 12, 2023
I started reading this alongside my reread of Kate Daniels just for Curran's POVs (that go from book 1 to before book 8 begins) and they were 100% worth reading! So much backstory especially Curran's in the last POV just before Magic Breaks begins. 🥹
As for the short stories, I'd never read A Questionable Client but it was so interesting to finally read about Kate and Saiman's first meeting LOL. Also, Retribution Clause being about Saiman's cousin?! I had no idea and had a great time reading it. Kinda want more, TBH. Magic Tests I'd read before and it was fun to see Julie solve a case all on her own.
As for Of Swine and Roses, not really related to Kate Daniels? But definitely interesting, heh. But I so want a whole series on Grace and Nassar from Grace of Small Magics (also not related to Kate Daniels). So good ahhh!
And LOL, Ilona Andrews are so iconic for ending the compilation with Jim's POV and grocery lists aldjlsf (figures that Curran would just forego all seasonings haha).
As for the short stories, I'd never read A Questionable Client but it was so interesting to finally read about Kate and Saiman's first meeting LOL. Also, Retribution Clause being about Saiman's cousin?! I had no idea and had a great time reading it. Kinda want more, TBH. Magic Tests I'd read before and it was fun to see Julie solve a case all on her own.
As for Of Swine and Roses, not really related to Kate Daniels? But definitely interesting, heh. But I so want a whole series on Grace and Nassar from Grace of Small Magics (also not related to Kate Daniels). So good ahhh!
And LOL, Ilona Andrews are so iconic for ending the compilation with Jim's POV and grocery lists aldjlsf (figures that Curran would just forego all seasonings haha).
December 13, 2020
Ehm LOVE it!
Big time.
Badass short stories.
Fun, well thought of, and true to the magical story telling by the Andrews.
Always saying yes to these people and their captivating words.
Read: 13/12/2020
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/tropes: Urban Fantasy
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Multiple
Will I recommend: Yes
Big time.
Badass short stories.
Fun, well thought of, and true to the magical story telling by the Andrews.
Always saying yes to these people and their captivating words.
Read: 13/12/2020
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/tropes: Urban Fantasy
Cover: 4 stars
POV’s: Multiple
Will I recommend: Yes
January 18, 2019
3.5 stars
November 23, 2024
This is a wonderful collection of short stories from the Andrews team. I’ve only read A Questionable Client and Magic Tests before, so Retribution Clause, Of Swine and Roses, and Grace of Small Magics where all new to me. I loved this collection of stories!
A Questionable Client - 5 Stars
This one was previously published in the anthology Dark and Stormy Knights. A Questionable Client is #0.1 in the Kate Daniels series. We get to see Kate the Mercenary and meet Saiman for the first time. Saiman shows his true nature at their first meeting and Kate is the kick-ass herione I have come to love in the series. As always the author does a superb job of describing the world, giving us lots of action and great banter between our characters.
I loved reading A Questionable Client all over again.
Retribution Clause - 4 Stars
This one was previously published in the anthology Hex Appeal. Retribution Clause is #5.6 in the Kate Daniels series. Here we get to meet Adam who it turns is related Saiman. It tales place in post-shift Philadelphia instead of Atlanta, but we still get two great characters, some action, and adventure. Both Adam and Siroun work for the POM Insurance Adjusters. They have been tasked to enforce a client’s Retribution Clause.
Retribution Clause was a new to me story and I enjoyed it.
Of Swine and Roses - 4 Stars
This one was originally published as a digital short story. Alena is a young adult. She was a sweet young women who does the right thing for her family and an animal who needs her help. Something magical happens at the end. Of Swine and Roses gives you a quick peek into the world and the magical families that make-up the latest endeavor of the Andrews team, which is their Hidden Legacy series.
Of Swine and Roses was a new to me story and I enjoyed it.
Grace of Small Magics - 5 Stars
This one was originally published in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance. It also, just like Of Swine and Roses, takes place in the Hidden Legacy world. Nassar has called on Grace’s family. Grace’s family are magic users, but they only have a very small amount of magic and have been forced into servitude; because of something that happened over 100 years ago. Grace is a strong women who vows to end this servitude. We are treated to a family at war, interesting mythology, a little attraction, some action, and a unique set-up to the world and characters. I would love to see more of Grace and Nassar.
Grace of Small Magics was a new to me story and I loved it.
Magic Test - 5 Stars
This one was previously published in An Apple for the Creature. Magic Test is #5.3 in the Kate Daniels series. We get to peek into Julie’s mind and life with the author telling us the story in her POV. As always the author does a superb job explaining the world, how it works, and the characters. We have a mystery to solve and Julie is on the case.
I loved reading Magic Test all over again.
Fans of the Andrews team will not want to miss picking up this collection of shorts to read or re-read.
A Questionable Client - 5 Stars
This one was previously published in the anthology Dark and Stormy Knights. A Questionable Client is #0.1 in the Kate Daniels series. We get to see Kate the Mercenary and meet Saiman for the first time. Saiman shows his true nature at their first meeting and Kate is the kick-ass herione I have come to love in the series. As always the author does a superb job of describing the world, giving us lots of action and great banter between our characters.
I loved reading A Questionable Client all over again.
Retribution Clause - 4 Stars
This one was previously published in the anthology Hex Appeal. Retribution Clause is #5.6 in the Kate Daniels series. Here we get to meet Adam who it turns is related Saiman. It tales place in post-shift Philadelphia instead of Atlanta, but we still get two great characters, some action, and adventure. Both Adam and Siroun work for the POM Insurance Adjusters. They have been tasked to enforce a client’s Retribution Clause.
Retribution Clause was a new to me story and I enjoyed it.
Of Swine and Roses - 4 Stars
This one was originally published as a digital short story. Alena is a young adult. She was a sweet young women who does the right thing for her family and an animal who needs her help. Something magical happens at the end. Of Swine and Roses gives you a quick peek into the world and the magical families that make-up the latest endeavor of the Andrews team, which is their Hidden Legacy series.
Of Swine and Roses was a new to me story and I enjoyed it.
Grace of Small Magics - 5 Stars
This one was originally published in The Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance. It also, just like Of Swine and Roses, takes place in the Hidden Legacy world. Nassar has called on Grace’s family. Grace’s family are magic users, but they only have a very small amount of magic and have been forced into servitude; because of something that happened over 100 years ago. Grace is a strong women who vows to end this servitude. We are treated to a family at war, interesting mythology, a little attraction, some action, and a unique set-up to the world and characters. I would love to see more of Grace and Nassar.
Grace of Small Magics was a new to me story and I loved it.
Magic Test - 5 Stars
This one was previously published in An Apple for the Creature. Magic Test is #5.3 in the Kate Daniels series. We get to peek into Julie’s mind and life with the author telling us the story in her POV. As always the author does a superb job explaining the world, how it works, and the characters. We have a mystery to solve and Julie is on the case.
I loved reading Magic Test all over again.
Fans of the Andrews team will not want to miss picking up this collection of shorts to read or re-read.
July 7, 2020
reread 2020 - I just love Grace of Small Magics - I feel this way every time I read it. Grace is awesome and Nasaar is so sympathy stirring. Now I am going to imagine more of their HEA.
------------original review 2015----------------
This is a collection of previously published shorts- but right now it's free through kindle unlimited, so I decided to re-read a few.
Grace of Small Magics - this is a favorite of mine and I've reread this story every time it's been released since the first time in one of the Mammoth Books (of paranormal romance I think.) I love Grace whose magic has always seemed so minor to her and who is pulled from her very normal life into a world where magical clans battle each other - her family is bound to another powerful family and her choice is to serve or die. She is a great character who doesn't bow to her fears and that makes her extraordinary indeed. I also loved Nassar, head of the family she is to serve - he is cursed, and noble - and very conscious of the imbalance of power in their relationship which is good because imbalanced relationships are a pet peeve of mine- and the repercussions of his curse are sympathy stirring. This story does just enough to get the job done romancewise and doesn't force a HEA, but just promises one. I would love an epilogue for the pair someday.
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