Magic Slays (Kate Daniels, #5) in Pick-a-Shelf

May 15, 2013 Lauren rated it it was amazing

Shelves: feline-shifters, urban-fantasy, kick-ass-heroines, southern-comfort, audiobooks, post-apocalypse, snarky-heroine

Magic Slays
5 Stars

In Magic Slays, the plot, world building and characterization diverge from the previous installments and move in an altogether new and compelling direction. As such, readers looking for more of the same might be disappointed while those who are not adverse to change are in for an exciting ride.

Rather than dealing with creatures from various mythologies seeking to take over the world, the story revolves around a routine investigation with far reaching consequences - the kidnappi Magic Slays
5 Stars

In Magic Slays, the plot, world building and characterization diverge from the previous installments and move in an altogether new and compelling direction. As such, readers looking for more of the same might be disappointed while those who are not adverse to change are in for an exciting ride.

Rather than dealing with creatures from various mythologies seeking to take over the world, the story revolves around a routine investigation with far reaching consequences - the kidnapping of an eccentric scientist and the disappearance of his doomsday weapon set off a chain of events that could destroy the world as Kate knows it. Numerous magical factions co-existing within post-apocalyptic Atlanta, new and old, must work together to combat a common enemy. The dynamics between the different groups, sometimes dark and mistrustful and at other times hysterically funny, adds a fascinating dimension to a world readers thought they were familiar with.

The writing is fast-paced as always and the action scenes exhilarating, especially the showdown at the end. Despite their self-proclaimed humanity, the villains in the book commit some of the most heinous atrocities in the series so far and that is saying a lot. The underlying message condemning ethnocentrism and the crimes committed throughout history, ostensibly for the betterment of human society, is particularly apt.

The most significant changes, however, concern the characters. Kate and Curran are now officially together but the course of true love never did run smooth. Readers who expect Kate to remain the same independent lone wolf are likely to be displeased. However, the argument that she is now a shadow of her former self and caves in to Curran's demands is simplistic and even inaccurate. Kate and Curran are both struggling with the changes in their dynamic and are forced to find a balance in order to be together. Kate remains a powerful force to be reckoned with; she stands up to Curran when the situation warrants it and compromises when necessary. This is what being committed to another person entails and it would be naive to believe that she would not develop both as an individual and as part of a pair.

Kate is also forced to face some harsh revelations about her mother's relationship with her stepfather and accept the bitter truth of Voran's feelings for her. These have the potential of undermining her romance with Curran but thankfully the angst is not too drawn out and the strength of their love for each other prevails.

The secondary characters are engaging as always. Andrea returns after her disappearance and while this is glossed over quickly, more details will hopefully be forthcoming in her book,Gunmetal Magic. Julie also plays a pivotal role in the story and there are also tantalizing hints at things to come with Derek and the new kid, Ascanio.

Overall, this series continues to amaze and I cannot wait for the release of Magic Rises. ...more

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May 17, 2011 Vivian rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, read-2011, audio, read-2016

That was fantastic and over too quickly! Wavering between 4 and 5 stars.

Favorite quote:
"This is the hand that slapped _______."
"Maybe you should have it gold-plated."
''Here, you can touch it, since you're my best friend."

Full review to come. ...more

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Apr 04, 2014 Sassafrass rated it it was amazing

Shelves: audiobooks, romance, urban-fantasy, fantasy, borrowed-library, z-challenge-books-2014, z-2014, z-2014-audiobook-challenge, z-src-spr14, z-2018

Re-listen 10/6/18

It's funny, I read my review from when I first read the book and my reactions/feelings are exactly the same!!! I just really want to reiterate that when Curran was telling Kate about his considerations before mating with her and what he would do to protect her. *SWOON* with a capital S-W-O-O-N! Seriously, how delicious could one man be?!?

And the whole thing Julie really ripped my heart out. That ritual at the end...this way lies danger!! What foreshadowing. I can't remember...do ...more

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Dec 23, 2011 KarenF rated it really liked it

I really liked this latest installment of Kate Daniels, I just didn't quite love it as much as book 4. The Kate/Curran banter is still excellent right from the first page. I just love those two together. I love when the story revolves around Kate's heritage, her power and coming to terms with it. In this story, the villains were unrelated to any of that so while I enjoyed the read and gobbled it up in day I didn't quite get that omigod, omigod this is the coolest thing ever feeling that I got fr ...more

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