Magic Tides

Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years #1

by Ilona Andrews

Ilona Andrews invites you back to the #1 New York Times bestselling Kate Daniels series in this exciting new long novella featuring Kate, Curran and Conlan, some familiar faces, some new friends, and all the special brand of chaos they create!

Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan have left Atlanta, vowing to keep a low profile, and are settling into a new city and new house…but some things never change! Magical mayhem is about to erupt when Kate undertakes the rescue of a kidnapped youth, while Curran guards the homefront.

It should be a simple retrieval, but with monsters on land and sea, Kate’s got her work cut out for her. Still, she's never let her blade dull or her purpose falter. And that low profile? It’s about to wash away with the raging tides!

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Fantasy, Paranormal, Magic, Novella, Romance, Vampires

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 17, 2023

About the author

Ilona 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.

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

7/14/23 Update review: Thanks to Netgalley I got to re-read this book by listening to the brand new audiobook, which includes both this book and Magic Claims. The audiobook is simply fantastic! I just loved the voices of Kate, Curran, Conlan, and Keelan especially (say that ten times fast). So if you enjoy audiobooks, this is definitely one worth picking up.

Original review:
I'm completely biased when it comes to this author, I freely admit, but I loved the crap out of this book. They could write a grocery list and I would still eagerly read it. But this book was classic 'Kate Daniels' and I loved every moment of it - it's all about the journey, not the destination. Here we get a nice tour of Wilmington, meet a new cast of characters along the way, and of course save the day. For me it was like a nice, bloody hug.

[✘✘ Sarah ✘✘ (former Nefarious Breeder of Murderous Crustaceans) · Rating 5 out of 5]

➽ And the moral of this first of many rererererererereads is: Hugh's pork sword or Keelan's claymore long sword? Hmmmm...Decisions, decisions...



👋 Until next time and stuff.



[January 2023]

“When outgunned, open with a brick to the face.”

And just like that, I'm home.



Do you know what is slightly scrumptious about this installment? (Apart from the fact that it's Kate and it's this world and it's this series and it's IA, which makes it slightly scrumptious per se, obviously.) It's back to basics. Just pure, unadulterated Kate shenanigans awesomeness. The world isn't ending, Dear Daddy isn't trying to claim half the planet as his, there is no convoluted plot involving all 1,245 factions in Atlanta, and no major threat hanging over anyone's head. It's just Kate vs. Yet Another Supernatural Asshole. It feels and reads like the first installments in the series and that is bloody shrimping scrumptious indeed.

“Scully, unlock the door. That red puddle by your foot isn’t strawberry syrup.” “Fuuuuck!” “Less cursing, more unlocking, unless you want to keep bleeding.”

🤗🤗🤗

Then there's Curran, who plays stay-at-home kitty dad and watches Conlan while mommy goes on a head-chopping field trip. (Not that Conlan needs watching over, he is his parents' son, after all, and can, um, fend for himself.) There's also Keelan, my new Irish cow-tagging boyfriend. Oh, and there are tentacles, too (and it is a truth universally acknowledged that tentacles = yay). And Kate talks to Hugh the Jackass on the phone! (If you aren't familiar with this series, you just cannot imagine how positively orgasmic titillating the mere idea of a phone call between these two is.) There's also spoiler spoiler spoiler but I'm not supposed to talk about that, so I won't. You're welcome. The undigested forearm I can tell you about, so there you go and stuff. And of course I cannot end this non-review without not mentioning spoiler spoiler spoiler so I'll just say it was most unexpected and quite glorious indeed to have this/them/that/whatever/wouldn't you love to know around in this installment and yes I want more and please and thank you. That is all.

P.S. I love it SO MUCH when Kate talks in all caps. (Looks like someone has been polishing their language of power. Well either that or someone is trying to channel their inner Hugh.)
P.P.S. First it was "bring the cow," then "PUT DOWN THAT COW," and now cow-tagging? What is going on?! Are cows about to rule the world? Should I give up on crustaceans and take up cattle farming instead?

✉️ A very private message to the authors: I want Curran and Conlan POVs in EVERY SINGLE INSTALLMENT from now on. I might unleash the crustaceans on you if it doesn't happen. Pretty please and stuff.

· Book 2: Magic Clams Claims ★★★★★

Original series:
· Book 1: Magic Bites ★★★★★
· Book 2: Magic Burns ★★★★★
· Book 3: Magic Strikes ★★★★★
· Book 4: Magic Bleeds ★★★★★
· Book 5: Magic Slays ★★★★★
· Book 6: Magic Rises ★★★★★
· Book 7: Magic Breaks ★★★★★
· Book 8: Magic Shifts ★★★★★
· Book 9: Magic Binds ★★★★★
· Book 10: Magic Triumphs ★★★★



[Pre-review nonsense]

Of course it's 5 stars, what did you expect? 🙄

I'm currently busy tagging cows with Keelan, I'll review the book ASAP and stuff.





A new Kate book.

A NEW KATE BOOK.

A NEW KATE BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To be released on January 17, 2023!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Already available for pre-order!!!!!!!!!!!

Now please excuse while I slightly die for a minute.



P.S. You can read an excerpt here and stuff.
P.P.S.

[carol. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Checked email at 10 pm, discovered preorder receipt, downloaded book and finished by 1 a.m.

Fun; a return to good, old-fashioned Andrews fun. Kate and Curran are once again trying to escape Atlanta, moving farther and farther out. They’re supposed to be keeping a low profile, but you know how hard it is to keep them from trying to help others. Kate runs off on a little errand to take on a band of kidnappers.

“Red Horn kills people,” Thomas said behind my back. “Your wife…”
“Will enjoy the exercise,” my husband said. “You know what they say. Happy wife, happy life.”

It did contain solid advice about dealing with management you don’t want to work for:

“Both Jim and Desandra tried to pull him their respective sides, but Keelan proceeded to half-ass every task they had given him and was insufferably apathetic about werewolfing in general and following their orders in particular.”

Nice humor, great action, once again a nice variety of mythologies and fights. I appreciated the way the story seemed to side-step the over-power issue. In a shift from the Kate series, the narrative is alternating between Kate and Curran point-of-views. An interesting way to add interest to a long series.

It did descend into purplish prose at a couple of points; disappointing, but unsurprising as the Andrews were effusively purple in the latest Innkeeper. There's also a mental sidetrack into historical runes that I could have lived without (and did). It was the sort of thing that added to word-count without benefiting the story. I would have loved to see both replaced with more character interaction or shift sheer description into a more organic way of noticing the environment.

For those who are new to the series, there's more than adequate world and character-building (which is a nice way of saying it might feel repetitive to series fans). Still, loads of fun and I’m sure to give it a re-read.

"The woman’s smile gained a slightly plastic quality. That’s right, I’m accusing you of breaching federal law, and the Knight-Protector knows about it. Happy Monday."

[Corina · Rating 5 out of 5]

♡ IT'S LIVE!!!! ♡

UPDATE: And I already read it a second time. After reading the Magic Tides Q&A session on IA's blog I just had to revisit it all again. And it's incredible that even though I just read the book not long ago, I still laughed my way through my re-read. SO GOOD!!!

___________________________________


Everyone has a favorite author, one that just works, doesn't matter what is written. Ilona Andrews is the author(s) for me. Kate Daniels is my favorite heroine of all times. And Curran, he is a dream come true. Period.

Magic Tides was the biggest surprise announcement of 2022, and it delivered in every way imaginable. The novella gave me a glimpse of how a day in the new life of Kate and Curran looks like. And I love all the new characters. But most of all I adore Kate and Curran, they are just the way I love them.

The first book in this new series is full of my kind of banter, with lots of smart and witty comebacks. Lol- moments and typical Kate shenanigans. And I love the new location, it has so much potential for future stories to be told.

The novella is a fantastic bridge between what I loved about Atlanta and all the new possibilities of Wilmington. I can't wait for the new team to be built. All the new characters that will eventually find their way towards my favorite couple/family. I can't wait to read more. I'm giddy just knowing we are actually getting more Kate and Curran books. Honestly, I'm still floating on cloud 9. Blissed out!


___________________________________
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review. My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.

[Em Lost In Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I was over Kate and Curran but I was so wrong. Reading this made me realized how much I missed them and this world. Also, since Ilona Andrews wrote this novella, I am hoping/praying that they won't stop at this.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

MERMAIDS.
There are fucking mermaid shifters now.
Boom. Done. Dropped the mic.
What are you still doing here?!



Fine. Keep reading if you want but I can't guarantee anything I say will top the mermaid thing.
Alright.
When I originally saw this novella, I just assumed it was a Kate Daniels spin-off of some sort. And of course I was going to read it - I'm not completely ridiculous.
But what I didn't realize was that this was a novella about Kate and Curran doing their thing over in Wilmington.
Yes, I now realize that it is actually called Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years but I simply didn't look closely enough the first time around.



Ok. So Kate and Curran turned the pack over to Jim and moved away from Atlanta with Conlan to try to give him some sort of normalcy. Also, Kate wanted out. She'd earned her retirement and she just wanted somewhere safe to raise her kid and snuggle with her hubby.



Sadly, 'twas not to be.
When their contractor's nephew gets kidnapped, Conlan comes at Kate with the big pleading eyes wanting her to save his new friend's cousin. Well, we all know where this is headed.
MERMAID SHIFTERS, THAT'S WHERE!
I'm kidding. <--sort of.
Without spoiling anything (other than the existence of mermaid shifters), this is what anyone who was a fan of the original Kate Daniels series will love.
Highly Recommended.

The edition I listened to had Hillary Huber as the narrator and I enjoyed it.

[Melanie (meltotheany) · Rating 3 out of 5]

“She will find the hornet’s nest and set it on fire. When the angry hornets fly out, she’ll poke them with her sword.”

this series is a paranormal romance urban fantasy series that has a modern day apocalyptic setting. all the other books in the series have been set in atlanta, georgia, but this is the first story to take place in wilmington, north carolina, where kat and curran are trying to make a new and different life for their young son, conlan. at the start of this, they have just moved and are in the process of doing some home renovations, but all the magical monsters will find them wherever they go, i fear.

it was so nice and comforting to be back into this world with some characters that i literally grew up reading about. this was just exactly what i needed and wanted at the very right time. this novella had so many throwbacks to this beloved original series, and so many atlanta friends that i’ve missed reading about so much. i hate to keep repeating the word, but this story was just very comforting to me, even if it was handling some darker themes. i think i could happily read about kate taking down all the bad guys, human monsters and creature monsters, forever.

trigger + content warnings: kidnapping / human trafficking, slavery, violence, death, murder, child abuse descriptions, battle, threat of rape, one sentence mention of loss of a child / death in child birth, child illness, talk of disease, manipulation, lack of medicine, cannibalism mention, torture, mild body horror

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1.) Magic Bites ★★★★
2.) Magic Burns ★★★★
3.) Magic Strikes ★★★★★
4.) Magic Bleeds ★★★★★
5.) Magic Slays ★★★★★
6.) Magic Rises ★★★★
7.) Magic Breaks ★★★★
8.) Magic Shifts ★★★★
8.5) Magic Stars ★★★★
9.) Magic Binds ★★★
9.5) Magic Stars ★★★
10.) Magic Triumphs ★★★

[Rain · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been many, many years since I’ve read a Kate and Curran story! I’ve missed them. Made me contemplate going back to start the entire series over again.

I loved those moments of Curran with Conlan, I always knew he was going to be such a great father.

Kate hasn’t lost any of her badassery, if anything, she is stronger in her powers and motherhood has made her a force to be reckoned with.

“Can you guarantee that your child will not snap and attack his classmates?”

“Absolutely. He is very much like his father. It’s important to him that his resorting to violence is viewed as a deliberate choice rather than a loss of control on his part.”

[Heather K (dentist in my spare time) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

Wow, this novella hit ALL the right notes. It's been 7 years since I've last read a Kate Daniels books, and I was sucked right back in!

To be honest, I was worried before starting Magic Tides. I'm not caught up with my Kate Daniels books, and I was very concerned that I wouldn't be follow along. However, it was surprisingly easy to get back into the groove with this story.

I would highly recommend that you at least read a few Kate Daniels books or else I think you will be totally lost. There is a lot of information there, but Ilona Andrews does a great job at introducing the information in a digestible way.

My favorite thing about this book was that it was just pure FUN. It was exciting and energizing, and I couldn't get enough. Kate went on one long, exhilarating adventure, and I literally couldn't put the book down. It's a shorter story, but I think it's a great length to hook readers into the new series.

Ilona Andrews can do no wrong, and this book was back to Ilona Andrews basics. Amen.


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[Anna [Bran. San. Stan] · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t tell you how wonderful it felt to have Kate and Curran back - and to see their family dynamic with their 8-year-old son Conlan play out. Our favorite family is making a fresh start in Wilmington and, predictably, fail to keep a low profile. While the plot was nothing revolutionary, it was as fun and fast-paced as ever. I was just plain happy reading this.

“Can you guarantee that your child will jot snap and attack his classmates?”
“Absolutely. He is very much like his father. It is important to him that his resorting to violence is viewed as a deliberate choice rather than a loss of control on his part.”

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good and I want to read a hundred more like it.

Honestly, they could have written the family having a long breakfast and I would have smiled at each page, but the authors chose to highlight the dilemma that hits right at the heart of their new lives. Do you choose to help people? Or protect your peace and security? Being so powerful and so famous, regardless of having 'left behind' their previous roles, makes them prime targets for all manner of baddies. If you've read the main series, and you should, then you know just how true that is. Leaving that baggage behind would be near impossible, even if Kate weren't the kind of woman she is. I mean, come on. Can you imagine her NOT helping someone who needed her? Not happening. That's what makes her who she is. It's why everyone loves her. She's the immovable rock at the centre of a world ravaged by storms. So I hope it's not a spoiler to say that she takes the usual, dependable path here. What's different is that we also get to hear from Curran and Conlan. So now we're being spoiled in a different way. It was fascinating to see their thoughts on each other and on the action, to see them make choices and deal with the consequences, to grow and learn. It seemed like I was reading for 5 minutes, and even though I was satisfied with the story, I feel like a junkie begging for the next hit. I hope we see more of this. Not just novella more, but book length more. I want to lose myself in this world again and again.

Can't wait for what comes next.

ARC via Netgalley

[Robin (Bridge Four) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dare I hope that with the title to the series being the Wilminton Years #1, this will be the first of many fun future installments to check in on the lives of some characters that feel like family to me??? Well, I do hope so since you know raising Conlan is going to be a handful and trouble will find Kate no matter where she goes.

Kate and Curran are trying to give Conlan the best chance at a normal upbringing in a place that doesn’t know who his parents are. It is a great ambition but we’ve all met Kate and Curran, so how long did we really think they would be able to lay low and now become legends in their new home? There probably is a betting pool back in Atlanta on that very thing.

Hi, honey, I accidentally exploded some kind of baby kraken in the Cape Fear River in broad daylight in front of a dozen witnesses. Yes, I do remember that I was the one who originally insisted on the lying low thing. Yes, I do recall that you said it would never work. No, it’s not funny…

While settling in and doing house renovations, that do not at this time involve a moat (yet), Kate learns of the abduction of a child and heads off to rescue him. Since Curran knows his wife very well he starts to get their new home *cough* Fort *cough* ready for the upcoming battle that will ensue in Kate’s wake.

This is where I love the new set up of these stories. We get both Curran and Conlan’s PoVs in the book. Curran giving daddy wisdoms to Conlan and seeing Conlan’s view of the world were such a great bonus to being in Kate’s head all in the same book.

As we tag along with Kate on her child saving mission we get to meet all the bigger players of the city. Apparently Kate is horrible at laying low and so in our adventures we get to see the Order of the Knight Protector, The People and run into the local offshoot pack from Atlanta as they preform super serious initiation rituals. Fun, fun and the most fun right there. Keelan of the Wilmington pack knows Kate and Curran he is going to be so happy to spread word of all of their new adventures in Wilmington and old adventures from Atlanta.

“I’ve seen her kill a dragon,” Keelan told him in a confidential tone. Thomas jerked, startled. “Oh, it was glorious.” The werewolf raised his hand, drawing a wide arc across the sky. “The world was smoke and fire. The dragon spat flames like a jet of napalm to and fro. People died where they stood, and their bodies turned to ash. And she ran up its head and thrust two swords into the dragon’s eyes while her husband tore out its throat.”

Reading an Ilona Andrews book is always like coming home. There are a lot of great stories out there but there are only a few authors I connect to in such a way that when I pick up one of their stories it makes everything else I’m reading pale in comparison. I was just so sorry it was over so soon.

All the magic I expect for Ilona Andrews. I look forward to reading about Kate, Curran and Conlan through the Wilmington years as I’m sure they will be formattable and formative for our young Conlan in the building of his legend.

“No, lad. The story of how the Beast Lord’s son, when he was just a small boy, beheaded a magical wereboar with his bare hands. That’s the important bit. That’s the part people will remember.”
We were alone, but his voice was barely above a whisper. I frowned. “He’s not the Beast Lord. Not anymore.”
Mr. Keelan rubbed his hands together and smiled again. “Is he not? My mistake. No matter.”

And the moral of the story kids….You can take the Beast Lord and the Sharratum out of Atlanta, they can lay down their titles, but your character is your destiny and no matter where you go it will follow you.

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I didn’t like about this novella is that it was too short. But honestly it could be a 1000 pages and I would want more. Ilona Andrews are two of my favorite authors and I think I’d be happy reading anything they write, but Kate’s world is my absolute favorite. I love the humor and the adventure in this story. And that it promises so many more adventures for Kate and her family. While they have moved to a new city and plan to lay low, when her son brings another boy home and casually lets Kate know his cousin was kidnapped Kate of course springs into action. Stolen children are unacceptable and all of Kate’s plans go out the window as she tracks down this lost child.

[Lucie V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

✅ Characters
✅ World-building
✅ Pace
✅ Plot
✅ Action and some magic
✅(🆗) Not enough of the secondary characters
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: human trakicking, abduction, mild gore

3.5 stars

This novella served as a long epilogue, as well as a fix for anyone needing an extra dose of Kate and her family. While this story happens in Wilmington, North Carolina, instead of Atlanta, the setting and the vibe are pretty much the same as the previous books in the series, but the stakes are not as high now that Roland has been defeated.

“She will find the hornet’s nest and set it on fire. When the angry hornets fly out, she’ll poke them with her sword.”

Kate remains her typical brash and very direct self. She said she wanted to live a quiet life and keep her head down, but the minute someone needs her help, she runs headfirst into danger, making enemies left and right, showing off her powers, and making monsters explode. Let’s just say that her days of being incognito in her new city are probably over.

“Red Horn kills people,” Thomas said behind my back. “Your wife…”
“Will enjoy the exercise,” my husband said. “You know what they say. Happy wife, happy life.”

I love how supportive Curran is, and how he trusts Kate to take care of herself. When he learns that she is leaving to find a missing kid and confront a dangerous gang, he simply tells her to have fun and asks her if she will be back for dinner. He does not try to stop her or force her to take other people with her. He knows she is a badass, and he knows she is able to keep herself safe. He also knows that she will stir up shit while saving the boy, though, and he plans for it, which is funny because it shows how well he knows Kate. She is a badass, but trouble always follows her.

It was nice to see an older Conlan. He is now 8 years old, and we can already see that he will be as fierce and strong as his father… And that he will probably get into tons of trouble before he reaches adulthood. It was funny and cute to see their family dynamic, and to see Conlan share some “shifter moments” with his father, but then having to promise Curran not to tell Kate about it, else she would freak out and be mad at Curran. 🤭



0.5 A Questionable Client ⭐⭐⭐
1. Magic Bites ⭐⭐⭐.5
2. Magic Burns ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. Magic Strikes ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
🔫 3.5 Magic Mourns ⭐⭐⭐.5 (Andrea novella)
4. Magic Bleeds ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🐅 4.5 Magic Dreams ⭐⭐⭐ (Dali novella)
5. Magic Slays ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5.5 Magic Gifts ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔫5.6 Gunmetal Magic ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Andrea full-length novel)
🪓 5.9 Magic Tests ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Julie short story)
6. Magic Rises ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🐅6.5 Magic Steals ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Dali novella)
7. Magic Breaks ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
8. Magic Shifts ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🪓 8.5 Magic Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Julie novella)
9. Magic Binds ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🐺 10. Iron and Magic ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Hugh’s book)
11. Magic Triumphs ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5


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[Phrynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This opening book of a new series featuring Kate Daniels took me totally by surprise. How could I have missed it? As soon as I got hold of a copy I sat down and read it straight through.

It has been a long while since the authors wrote a book like this. Kate and Curran have dropped out of their prestigious roles and have moved to Wilmington to live low key lives while they raise eight year old Conlan. The Kate we rediscover is the one who is not weighed down by all the problems in the world. Instead when she discovers a child who has been stolen she leaves Conlan in the care of his father, and sets off to sort things out in her own inimitable way.

Although this is a story like the early Kate books, Kate herself is now so much more. She tries to limit herself in the extent of magic she uses but when your whole boat is about to be pulled under water by a giant purple sea monster what else can you do but use what you have got? Actually, later in the book she uses even more and then we really see what an amazing person she has become.

I loved every single minute of it and wished it had been twice as long. The best thing is I only have two weeks to wait until the next episode drops. Bliss.

[Carole (Carole's Random Life) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review can also be found at https://carolesrandomlife.com/

This was perfection! I can’t even explain how joyful I was to learn that we were getting a new Kate Daniels story. I was so sad when the series ended but understood why it needed to end. The fact that the writing team of Ilona Andrews decided to bless us with a novella/short novel featuring these well-loved characters is nothing short of a dream come true. Of course, I dived into this just as soon as it made its way into my greedy hands and I can honestly tell you that it is even better than you think it will be.

Kate, Curran, and Conlan have moved to Wilmington and hope to live a quiet life. Obviously, this is never going to happen because Kate is Kate and Curran is Curran. When Kate finds out that a child is in danger, of course, she has to help. So much for staying under the radar. Kate leaves with the boy’s father on a rescue mission while Curran and Conlan get their home ready for the fallout. This story wasn’t long but it was a very full story with all of the awesomeness that I have come to expect from this fantastic series.

This book had all of the action and excitement that I had hoped it would. We get to see Kate, Curran, and even Conlan use just about all of their skills. It was great to see Kate and Curran as parents sharing life lessons with their son all while making their world a safer place. The secondary characters were very well-done and often added a bit of humor to the story. This book was everything that I dared to hope for. I am thrilled that we got this opportunity to see Kate, Curran, and even Conlan kick some ass. I hope that we don’t have to wait too long to see these characters again.

I received a digital review copy of this book from NYLA.

Initial Thoughts
This was beyond fantastic! I was excited to learn that Ilona Andrews had written a new Kate Daniels story. I went in with incredibly high expectations and I was not disappointed. Kate, Curran, and Conlan have moved to Wilmington and are hoping to stay under the radar. Of course, that will not happen as soon as Kate learns that someone needs her help. This story was incredibly exciting with plenty of magic and action. This is a story that I am sure I will read again at some point in the future.

[Antonella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before reading



how come I just saw this....wtf is happening I
why no one told me... this is too much excitement....





After reading

Five stars!!!!

This was magical. I absolutely adore Kate Daniels. She is MY favorite character. EVER!!!
I Love the new setting and all the new side characters. Loved seeing more family dynamics and Kate and Curran as parents.
So so excited about what's to come.

[Wanda Pedersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My copy of Magic Tides was delivered a day early (I'm glad I checked the parcel tracking info and got dressed earlier than usual on a Saturday!) I did what I always do when a new Ilona Andrews book arrives—I dropped everything and cracked it open.

What a pleasure to be back in Kate's world. This time, we get three points of view, as Curran gets equal time and even Conlan gets a chapter. It's a short little story, but with many of the elements that I expect from Kate's repertoire. Cuddles, the mammoth donkey, is a particular favourite of mine. Kate sets out on Cuddles to rescue the kidnapped nephew of their contractor. She has been firm about the fact that her family must not draw attention to themselves, but Curran knows that Kate is incapable of stealth and plans accordingly. Watching Kate fail at stealth while succeeding at her objective is as entertaining as usual. My only reservation was that I felt the conclusion was a bit abrupt.

Also, I know the Andrews have gone independent, but who did that cover art? I don't know who that woman is, but she's not Kate! Her hair is too dark and she looks about 14. As I read, I kept waiting for this new character to appear. Finally, I realized that the pommel of the sword behind the cover girl's left shoulder must be Sarrat and the image therefore must be Kate. Humph!

Nevertheless, I won't look a gift horse (or mammoth donkey) in the mouth. It seems that House Andrews intends to write more of the Wilmington saga. Shut up and take my money!

[Woman Reading (is away exploring) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 ☆

Magic Tides may not be a full length novel, but this story delivers all that Kate Daniels (Lennart) fans have missed since the primary series concluded with the 2018 publication of Magic Triumphs. Prior to this, I thought that I had to content myself with glimpses of Kate, Curran and Conlan through the Aurelia Ryder series that had started with Blood Heir. In terms of timing within the Kate Daniels' universe, Magic Tides is set about one year prior to the events in Blood Heir.

I had to let it go. Obsessing about it would only pull me back onto a very dangerous road. It led to claiming territory and building towers and people who pledge their lives to me in exchange for a promise of power and immortality. That wasn't the future I wanted.

If you recall, Kate is described as the "queen who did not rule." She, Curran, and Conlan have moved to Wilmington so that Conlan could have a relatively "normal" childhood. During the renovation of their new home, Conlan, who is now 8 years old, secures his mother's assistance on behalf of their contractor's nephew, who has been kidnapped.

During Kate's rescue operation, she encounters all the key parties whom she had hoped to avoid -- from the Order of Merciful Aid to The People (ie Roland's necromancer/ vampire pilots).

I'm not qualified to be a queen or legend. I don't want to rule. I don't wish to impose my will on anyone. I don't need fame or lullabies with my name attached to them.

From anyone else, this would all sound like someone "who doth protests too much." But in Kate's case, it's true and she had persuaded Curran to keep a low profile in their new town. But can people really deny their true natures? In the past, people have turned toward Kate and Curran for leadership and protection.

I pictured Curran's face in my head. "Hi honey, I accidentally explode some ... in broad daylight in front of a dozen witnesses. Yes, I do remember that I was the one who originally insisted on the lying low thing. Yes, I do recall that you said it would never work. No, it's not funny..."

Magic Tides was a lot of fun, both humorous and action-packed. The reader also gets to see that the apple did not fall far from the tree where Conlan is concerned. Conlan had a fantastic scene and I can only hope for a spin-off series for Conlan in the future (but first, Ilona Andrews need to produce the sequels to Blood Heir and Iron and Magic). I had no idea that the authors had planned to write Magic Tides so it was a really pleasant surprise. Also unexpected is that a sequel is nearly ready for release -- Magic Claims.

[Jen (That's What I'm Talking About) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and family have left Atlanta to give their son Conlan a chance at a quieter, more normal childhood. (It doesn’t appear that anyone from their separate pack came with them.) Rebuilding a castle for their home, they are trying to fit in and keep a low profile. However, when Conlan comes to Kate with the story of a kidnapped boy, she knows she must take action. Her adventure introduces readers to parts of her new community, including the local Order chapter, the Farm (home of the Wilmington People), and the local Pack. The story sets the scene for future tales by laying out the land, along with potential allies and threats.

Overall, Magic Tides is a wonderful Kate and Curran adventure. I loved jumping back into the world of one of my favorite series. The story is authentic Kate with some updates, including multiple first person POVs, although most are from Kate’s POV. Even though the book is shorter than a full-length novel, the storyline rich in detail and the plot is well-developed, giving readers a satisfying experience.

Kate is still Kate, and what I love is that Curran acknowledges this a few times throughout the story. It’s like… “Who are we kidding, we can’t expect our lives to be different just because we moved.” Their relationship is solid, and I continue to love their ability to understand and respect one another so well that they work together seamlessly. Their banter is better than ever, and the story is infused with the authors’ trademark humor:

“Red Horn kills people,” Thomas said behind my back. “Your wife…”

“Will enjoy the exercise,” my husband said. “You know what they say. Happy wife, happy life.”

The biggest difference between this story and the original series is the addition of Curran’s and even Conlan’s POVs. The Curran POVs are familiar in that I know him so well after ten books and a handful of shorts. Even though his POV is also first person, I had no trouble shifting storytellers as the POVs changed. I am still a bit unsure how I feel about the Conlan POVs. He’s eight with the personality and mental abilities of someone much older. I understand he’s special, but it’s hard to reconcile his thought process and age after being privy to his POV.

In the end, I adored Magic Tides and my return to all things Kate Daniels. While one could read this as a standalone, it’s going to be appreciated most by fans of the series. And as a huge fan, I loved it and hope for more stories soon.

My Rating: A, Loved It

Review copy provided by publisher/author
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot deny how good it felt to be back with Kate & Curran! I like the idea that their lives and relationships have actually changed since we last saw them, and I think there is some good set up for future Wilmington stories in this. I did have a big problem with the Conlan POV but... I'm going to try to just ignore that and enjoy the rest of the story for what it is

[Katyana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to hear a new novella was dropping in the Kate Daniels series, one of my long-time favorites.

I wasn't sure what I expected it to be. The author said it was a slice of life look at their HEA, and so I was thinking a kind of extended epilogue, sort of what Hailey Edwards did with TBGTN (which I also loved).

This was kind of like that, but also not. They're in a new home, away from everyone we spent 10 books getting to know. I missed some of them (but not others, fuck the Pack and Jim especially), and was kind of sad that at the end of it all, Kate and Curran gave up everything and everyone they know.

But also not sad. It didn't feel like an ending, but rather a new beginning. They were no longer being chased by problems and responsibilities, so this was about choosing their life together. Getting away from burdens they couldn't entirely shake (looking at you again, Jim, you shithead). Figuring out what they want from life when they actually are free to choose. I loved that.

It was also an interesting read because in some ways, it felt like those #0.5 books that some authors do to tease / set up a new series. They put the past behind them, in a way that felt pretty firm. But with who they are - with their drive to help and protect - the low profile plan was just never going to last, haha. And to that end, they picked up new threads that were very interesting. Veeeeeeeerrrry interesting. I'm excited to see what happens next.

Lastly, I want to engage in some speculation about the Pack. I've re-read the series more than a few times, and had concluded that the Pack would likely not survive long term. I don't mean die, I mean fracture. In early books, we're told that a large Pack that crosses species is supremely unusual, and likely was only possible because of Curran. Aunt B puts it to his personality - he's an incredible, inspirational, charismatic leader - but others (who know what it means) think it's because he's a First.

Jim doesn't have that. He doesn't have the charisma, he doesn't inspire the loyalty, and at the end of the day he doesn't have the plain brute force Curran does. The different alphas are very back-bitey, and Jim/Dali make some spectacularly shitty decisions (but don't take ownership of ANY disasters that result)... I just don't see it holding together. Maybe changing into something more like a shapeshifter council made up of the alphas of each clan, rather than a Beast Lord that rules them all, but that's optimistic on my part. In reality, without Curran, I don't expect them to continue to consent to be ruled.

This book only made me more sure of that. Jim is still making dumb decisions, and still seems to be led by his ego (Curran's POV about Jim wanting him to go made me hurt for Curran...after everything he's done, to be treated like a pariah is gross and Jim deserves the shitshow that seems to inevitably be coming their way). What I never understood, in the last few books of the original KD series, is how some Pack alphas (including Jim) acted like Curran and Kate capriciously abandoned them when they stepped down. That is just willful stupidity, frankly - they didn't leave because they were like "oh tra-la-la, this isn't fun anymore, let's abandon ship!" ... they left because Roland said "step down or I'll wipe them all out" and Kate was in no position to face him yet. They had no choice, and stepping down was an act of sacrifice TO PROTECT THE PACK. Not that they deserved protecting, after the marathon of challenges they threw at Kate, but even then Kate and Curran bent over backwards for those ungrateful assholes. The way they were then treated as, like, deadbeat parents by Jim, Mahon, etc., was goddamn infuriating. Even Andrea and Raphael were HUGELY disappointing to me. My mantra for like the back half of the KD series was Fuck the Pack ... and it still is.

Anyway, now that Kate and Curran's location has been discovered, I expect some folks (i.e., the non-idiots, which basically means non-leadership) are going to defect. The question is whether Curran will make it official, or just treat it like a community. We'll see!

[aarya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reread on July 12, 2023: I love how I attempted to *not* 5-star this in an attempt to be objective and unbiased... bitch, please. I will be rereading this series once a year like clockwork. Sometimes even multiple times a year. Go find an objective review somewhere else. Read via audio (narrated by Hillary Huber and Michael Glenn).

First read on December 12, 2022: [Original rating: 4.5 stars]

2022 Winter Bingo (#SnowInLoveBingo❄️): Self-Care

Content Notes: human trafficking; child kidnapping

4.5 stars. I will eventually be coherent when I stop vibrating, but damn it felt so good to have Kate back. Legit started tearing up the first time Kate went “why me?” in her inner monologue.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's good to be home. Or that is how this series still feels to me. I already said that I missed Kate and Curran but I only really discovered HOW MUCH when reading this.

In this novella, 9 years have passed since the events of the last KD novel. Conlan is a very smart boy now and his parents moved to Wilmington with him so he could at least try to grow up like a "normal" shapeshifter kid.
Curran found a new project in a little castle he bought and is now "renovating", while Kate is trying to wrangle school administrators into submission without killing them.
But then a neighbor's child is abducted, Kate agrees to get the boy back and uncovers a whole can of worms. Which also means that the little family will not remain "undercover" for much longer.

I loved the focus on family here. Not that we hadn't gotten that in previous books already, but it was slightly different with a little boy now. And it offered more than enough hilarity and awesomeness (I mean, Conlan really is his father's son).

We also get three POVs here: Kate's, Curran's and Conlans' - which was very nice.

My only "complaint" is that Kate is a bit overpowered (yes, Curran, too). We need a good villain to balance the scales. However, just being back and the world being as awesome (and hilarious) as it used to be made up for that in my book.

Awesome to be back and I'll continue with the next novella right away, hoping that the authors will give us a new novel soon.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gosh, I’ve missed Kate and Curran.

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me so happy to get more of Kate, Curran and Conlan. I think this is one family I will never get tired of. I loved it and want more!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate and Curran have moved to Delaware with Conlan, trying to keep a low profile. They are renovating a house—well, who are the kidding, it‘s a fort—and one of the people working on their house has a problem. Kate goes to help. There goes the low profile.

This novella has all the elements we know from Kate Daniels. Magic, shapeshifters, vampires, various other magical creatures and deities. Hugh makes a brief appearance. It‘s humorous and there is too much information about the hair styles and clothing of everybody we meet. Great comfort reading for fans.

This was fun. I would have read it in one sitting, if I didn‘t need to sleep occasionally. The subtitle of the book, Kate Daniels: Wilmington Years #1, is promising. Looking forward to more!

[Canan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Doymadım doyamadım okumalara seni ben! Ah Curran ve Kate çiftini özlemişim. 😍 Bence bu çiftin novella da olsa devamı gelir. Sanki bunun için ufak tefek adımlar atılmış gibiydi.
Conlan detayı 😍 bizim minnak fare yakalamaktan domuzcuk avlamaya geçmiş😅 aman dikkat! Kate duymasın.
Güzel bir ara kitaptı. Conlan çocukluğunu daha sade ve bir nebze de olsa normal yaşasın diye farklı bir yere gidiyorlar. Yerleşmeye çalışırken elbette bela Kate'in kapısını çalıyor. Sade bir çocuk kaçırma olayı baya dallanıp budaklanıyor. Ve ilginç kişilerle karşılaşıyoruz. Bu bende devamı gelir hissi uyandıran noktaydı.
Yetmedi ama güzeldi ❤️

[Just Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite power couples are back.
How utter lovely.
You know me and my House Andrew books. I cannot get enough.
Legendary storytelling I am compelled to read because I just KNOW it’s going to be extraordinary.

Read: 20/07/2023
1st rating: 5 stars
Genre/tropes: Urban fantasy/magic/mythology
Cover: 2 stars
POV’s: Multiple (Kate, Curran & Conlan)
Will I recommend: YES, Si, Ja, Qui

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Without any doubt cute. Not much else though (if not a promise of good things to come).