Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5) in Dangerous Hero Addict Support Group

Nov 05, 2010 Shera (Book Whispers) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: werewolves, ebook, urban-fantasy, ebook-m, ebook-second, animal-shifters, witches-mages-druids-wizards-other, unique-magical-creatures, demons, 2011

Yes, I enjoy the Kate Daniels universe and love the dialog between Curran and Kate. However, up front I am going to say that as Urban Fantasy plots go the books are pretty predictable. Magic Slays was well, very predictable! I had the plot figured out from the first introduction of the “machine”. It was time for the cult crazy magic hating humans . . . it was just time. They show up in every paranormal title at some point. Especially Urban Fantasy. Oh, and a certain character getting messed up . Yes, I enjoy the Kate Daniels universe and love the dialog between Curran and Kate. However, up front I am going to say that as Urban Fantasy plots go the books are pretty predictable. Magic Slays was well, very predictable! I had the plot figured out from the first introduction of the “machine”. It was time for the cult crazy magic hating humans . . . it was just time. They show up in every paranormal title at some point. Especially Urban Fantasy. Oh, and a certain character getting messed up . . . boy wonder already got smacked down hard. It was time that someone else was on the chopping block. That whole Julie plot from start to resolution was there with glaring neon lights. It's the curse of reading too many books! (Or maybe overthinking plot points once things are introduced.)

The true enjoyment of Magic Slays is the character development. Curran and Kate are together now, and I had some reservations about how the series would go on from the last book. Gosh, I shouldn't have worried. Kate will never be a damsel. She might accept help from her mate, but she is not a damsel. The way Kate reacts to being in love is so realistic that I can't believe it! Curran and Kate save each other. What's more is that Curran really proves the depth of his love and commitment to Kate here. Be prepared to swoon.

The side characters are totally awesome! Nothing makes me happier then witty dialogue, except maybe realistic dialogue between characters. Their interactions just send my head into a spin of fan-freaking! New characters are introduced effortlessly, friends become enemies, and nothing felt forced. That is the real magic of Andrews for me. Characters and their development. Yes I can see the plot coming, you can in a lot of books, the saving factor for me is always the characters.

And of course world building. Which is still as epic as ever! Political workings of Kate as mate to the Beast King is amazing, and I love how it ticks. Even more is how the witches and sorcerers are so connected in Atlanta and how they function, or dysfunction. The overall Daniels' universe came together beautifully here. Blending in the plot to some big reveals that left this reader very happy.

Don't worry this series is not losing any steam, it's a juggernaut of awesomeness and now that I've read this entry I have total faith in the Andrews writing team. Gunmetal may not be another Kate Daniels book, but now I have the faith to trust Andrews in their decision to “step out” of the series to help it along. Magic Slays is a feast for world and character building. Curran and Kate are more then just a good idea, they're epic. No burn out after the hookup, maybe that's the magic of having a wife and husband write the couple getting together? Usually the realistic qualities of the relationship die out after the couple finally gets together in Urban Fantasy. Finally after the last book and this one, I am now reborn as a diehard Kate Daniels fan.

Sexual Content: Mild sex scenes, plenty of sexual humor!

4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it.

Orginally reviewed at Book Whispers.
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Jan 04, 2012 Jaime Rush rated it really liked it · review of another edition

I had a harder time getting into this novel, which is very unusual for an Ilona Andrews story. But soon enough, the action, mystery, touch choices, and witty banter clicked into place, and off we went!

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Apr 23, 2011 Yulia rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: vampires, romance, paranormal, fantasy, werewolves, shape-shifters, magic, urban-fantasy

The house with the chicken legs, now that's a childhood memory. And how could someone not like borch, red or green, I'm pretty sure if you're russian or from eastern europe you just have to like it. Like americans loving hotdogs and all that fastfood they can't live without. ...more

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