Andrews, Ilona; Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels #7); "Informal Buddy Read" ; Start Date: July 29th 2014(release date)

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Book Synopsis

No matter how much the paranormal politics of Atlanta change, one thing always remains the same: if there’s trouble, Kate Daniels will be in the middle of it…

As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, she must now deal with the affairs of the pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel ancient being with god-like powers. Since Kate’s connection to Roland has come out into the open, no one is safe—especially those closest to Kate.

As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend the Conclave, a gathering of the leaders from the various supernatural factions in Atlanta. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered there, apparently at the hands of a shapeshifter, Kate is given only twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war which could destroy everything she holds dear…

What is a Buddy Read?

This is an "Informal Buddy Read"
An “Informal Buddy Read” doesn’t have a discussion leader and participants are asked to consider some generic questions when making comments about the book. An example is here.

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

Reserved

[Sonia]

Since I'm a glutton for punishment, I *had* to read the first chapter teaser. Meaning I'm like the bouncy kid on the backseat: "Is it there yet?"

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

lol! Oh I couldn't do that, it would make me far too impatient!
I'm quite looking forward to this, I didn't realise we were so close to release :D

[Sonia]

July = Kate Daniels :)

[Aarati]

Y^ipee.. Kate, Kate. Curran Curran Curran. How I miss them!

[Audrey Jane]

Without a doubt the most anticipated release of 2014. I concur with Sonia, July is Kate Daniels month :)

Maybe a little far-fetched but the castle on the cover made me think of this:

(view spoiler)[ Neuschwanstein (hide spoiler)]

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Oh yeah I see what you mean! One of my favourite castles :)

[Logan]

YAASSSSSSS

[Fictitious1]

Counting down!

[Kate]

Sonia wrote: "Since I'm a glutton for punishment, I *had* to read the first chapter teaser. Meaning I'm like the bouncy kid on the backseat: "Is it there yet?""

Lol, this is me.

[Kate]

SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Oh my. I hope it doesn't disappoint!

*nervous*

[Sonia]

Me too! It has Roland! It has the mole traitor! It has embushes and plotting and power play!!! It has KATE & CURRAN & JIM & DEREK & & & &

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

omg Roland. I completely forgot about that! eeek!

[Sonia]

I know, right?

*bites nails*

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I was listening to

today and I couldn't help but wonder what could happen if he met up with Kate. Harry always says he wouldn't fight a "girl", but I think faced with Kate he wouldn't have much choice!

[Sonia]

Karen wrote: "I was listening to

today and I couldn't help but wonder what could happen if he met up with Kate. Harry always says he wouldn't fight a "girl", but I think faced with Ka..."

Yeah, she would beat him to a pulp.

I have a problem with Harry's view of women. Since Atticus has some stereotypes too, I guess maybe is a male author thing? Or maybe I spend too much time reading kick-ass UF chicks that don't take well that macho-attitudes stuff.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

I think it is a male author thing as they are assuming that it is being a "gentleman" to not objectify or be violent towards women. I appreciate their motivation if that is what it is, as they are just trying to be respectful, but it does sometimes come across as patronising

[Sonia]

True.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

So I just went to the Kindle store to check if this book is released here on the 29th... and ... there is no kindle edition! What the..?

I'll have to check and see if I can get a paperback or audio version any time soon

[Logan]

Oh no Karen! I would be sending the publisher very angry emails. :)

[Sonia]

Karen wrote: "So I just went to the Kindle store to check if this book is released here on the 29th... and ... there is no kindle edition! What the..?

I'll have to check and see if I can get a paperback or audi..."

WHAT? oh no no no

*hurries to check*

[Sonia]

*looks at screen twice cause she didn't remember pre-order it on February!!*

Maybe I should stay away from computer before the morning coffee kicks in.

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

Does that mean you can't get a kindle version either? I wasn't sure if it was a regional thing.
Looks like I'll be waiting a little while to read this :(

[Sonia]

I can. At least it says I can.

Since wheels didn't gave me any fitting letter, I'm not sure if I'll wait a few days or not. Not sure if I'm strong enough to delay it *giggles*

[Karen ⊰✿, Fiction Aficionado]

lol

[Sonia]

IS HERE! IS HERE!

Goooood bye world I'm reaaaaading!

[Lisarenee]

I read it. Will comment tonight or tomorrow.

[Aarati]

Finished it last night. It was AH-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!!

[Sonia]

OK, so, after staying awake because brain was too busy processing everything, here are my thoughts:

DO NOT TOUCH THE SHINNING SPOILER TAGS UNLESS YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK

The Disclaimer
I hated it was on page one. It ruined the major impact for me. Yes, the book still packed a punch, but it would be better if it was after the ending. At least IMO, it made me feel like something would be rushed over, and I was right.

Barrabas
I loved his journal entry. It was awesome. Also the character glossary was a nice touch. Someone asked why him. Why not? He was the pack's lawyer. He was Kate's nanny. He was the one that was always handy to keep advice and record but wasn't facing danger on this book. He was the perfect choice.

The Mole
(view spoiler)[Although I am happy that none of my fav characters, or someone that would crush Curran wasn't the culprit, it felt too obvious. One of the rats would make sense. Jennifer felt like an easy solution (hide spoiler)]

Dessandra
I didn't had Dessandra in a very good place on Magic Rises. So, of course, Ilona & Gordon had to show me they are the bosses and the masters of creation. Sorry I doubt you guys.

Derek & Ascanio
'Nuff said. They were AWESOME!!!!

Hugh
(view spoiler)[Why can't he die already?!?! I hate teh guy with a passion. And I don't like that Roland's arc is done because he can't have the same punishment Hibla had. (hide spoiler)]

The turn of events
(view spoiler)[OK, so, I loved how Curran taught Ghastek about the flaws in his leadership. The ending did surprised me, not for the lack of face off, I was expecting that Kate changed her mind - the witches and the disclaimer did it - but the claiming of Atlanta? The stepping down? And what does it mean severing the ties with the pack???? And Jim as a Beast Lord? Ohhhh boy.. I can't wait to see half blind and reckless Dali as a consort. Btw, where was Dali? And Andrea pregnant. So good. (hide spoiler)]

I LOVED THE BOOK. It made me laugh. It made me scream. It made me cry - yes, no book is good enough if I can't shed some tears. Worse. It made me staring mouth hanging open at my nexus wondering what the hell just happened? It was that good. And after all processed. I can finally rate it.

Disclaimer:I'm reading the book in 4 different groups, so sorry by the repetitions, but it seemed too much rephrasing all 4 different ways

[Logan]

I finally started this one. Anyone left around here that wants to discuss with me?

What I am loving about the first half is how all of the different elements from the previous books are starting to converge - her issues with Jennifer, the folks they brought back from Europe, the witches, Nick, Hugh, Ascanio - and build to a fever pitch. I think the only thing missing is whatshisname the skinchanger dude.

[Fictitious1]

I still haven't read it yet. I might put it next on my TBR list.

[Shannon]

I can if you need someone, I've read it ;)

[Shannon]

Logan (~Daeris the Shadow Elf Queen~) wrote: "I finally started this one. Anyone left around here that wants to discuss with me?

What I am loving about the first half is how all of the different elements from the previous books are starting t..."


The skinchanger dude was super creepy! But yea, loved how all the different threads started coming together

[Aarati]

Logan (~Daeris the Shadow Elf Queen~) wrote: "I finally started this one. Anyone left around here that wants to discuss with me?

What I am loving about the first half is how all of the different elements from the previous books are starting t..."

Saiman, you mean? Yeah he's missing. But then again the first half of the book takes place in 24 hours!

[Logan]

Saiman! Yes, thank you! I'm terrible with character names and am always forgetting them.

I'm at the part where Kate is trapped inside the Order's building. I'm super curious to see which side Nick is truly on.

[Katie]

This was such an amazing book. I don't know how I'm going to wait for the next one.

That's a great scene, Logan. (view spoiler)[I never know which characters will make it and which won't with Ilona Andrews. I can't believe they killed off Aunt B, so I feel like nobody's safe! I remember being really nervous for Ascanio.

Nick is interesting. It's crazy how far those knights will go to maintain their covers. (hide spoiler)]

[Shannon]

Katie wrote: "This was such an amazing book. I don't know how I'm going to wait for the next one.

That's a great scene, Logan. I never know which characters will make it and which won't with Ilona Andrews. ..."


I couldn't believe that (view spoiler)[Aunt B died as well. I had always loved her character. (hide spoiler)]

[Logan]

Ooooooooh she finally (view spoiler)[ told off Jennifer! Yessss! I hate her. She's so weak and then comes to Kate for help? As if! lol (hide spoiler)]

But I'm missing Curran. I hope he shows up soon.

[Aarati]

Logan (~Daeris the Shadow Elf Queen~) wrote: "Ooooooooh she finally [spoilers removed]

But I'm missing Curran. I hope he shows up soon."

Curran is right around the corner Logan! :)

[Aarati]

I enjoy the part of the story after Curran comes back the most!

[Katie]

Aarati wrote: "I enjoy the part of the story after Curran comes back the most!"

I agree! (view spoiler)[It's all action from there until the end of the book. And important action, not just gratuitous action. (hide spoiler)]

[Logan]

Whoa. (view spoiler)[Kate and Ghastek trapped in that hole was intense! I was so happy we learned Ghastek's backstory. He's one of the more interesting characters to me.

I'm glad Jennifer's out of the picture now. Curran certainly didn't spare Brandon or Jennifer any pain! I wouldn't want to be on his bad side! (hide spoiler)]

[Moderators of NBRC, Challenger-in-Chief]

We're revisiting this buddy read for Tower Teams VI.
Join us anytime from May 12th to July 31st.
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Participating in a buddy read with a member from a different team, or with a member of NBRC who isn't on a Tower Team = 30 points
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[Diane ~Firefly~]

Team Sprout. Let me know if you are ready to start this.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

I started last night and got through chapter 5 during lunch.

(view spoiler)[I totally forgot Hugh setup everything. I was a shocked as Kate when he walked into the conclave. I do feel Robert's isolation, they should have found a way to have a rat accompany them last time. And Ascanio is an idiot who will hopefully get the punishment he deserves for forcing them to take him on the search for the rat scout. (hide spoiler)]

Jennifer(view spoiler)[ She is totally incompetent. She seemed competent the first couple of books, but has been getting worse ever since. Holding a grudge against The Consort is stupid, especially when it affects your clan. But the levels she has gone to now - having bodyguards and trying to send Desandra to her death are just pitiful. (hide spoiler)]

Cuddles (view spoiler)[I love Cuddles. She just kicked the vampires while the group was hiding (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 6-9

(view spoiler)[Mauro Noooooo!!! He didn't get out soon enough. And Kate with such horrible choices once Derek, Ascanio and Desandra were injured. That Wendigo is nothing to mess with. I wonder how Ted would feel realizing that by burning Nick (to bear witness) he ended up saving Kate and the pack members. (hide spoiler)]

Knights(view spoiler)[ I didn't think I could hate Ted any more, and then he goes and plans to have all his Knights slaughtered, so that he will leave some mark behind. And then waiting until they are all dead to expose Nick. I'm totally with Nick kicking his corpse.

And I can't believe none of the Knights would release Kate, especially after she pointed out she hadn't signed the document. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

ch 10 - 13

(view spoiler)[So Jennifer's wolf throws a liquid on Kate when she is talking to Ghastek which allows Hugh to teleport them to a watery hole that has no way out. This right after the law had shown up to take the murderer and Curran and company were on the way.

We get some background on Ghastek (Matthew). It sucks that no one liked him in his new, rich school but I think it also sucks that he left his family without another thought once he realized he could navigate vampires.

Curran and company had just turned up to rescue them (barely in time). But they still have to get out and the place is crawling with vampires.

(hide spoiler)]

[Eunice]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "I started last night and got through chapter 5 during lunch.

[spoilers removed]

Jennifer[spoilers removed]

Cuddles [spoilers removed]"

Yeah, Jennifer is quickly going up on my list of least favorite characters. She wants to stay as Alpha, but she's too cowardly and afraid of making mistakes, resorting to throwing all the dirty jobs and politics to Desandra.