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

[Eunice]

In the Order HQ (view spoiler)[I was internally cheering Nick on when he started kicking Ted. Seriously, I wish the higher-ups could've kicked him out of the Order sooner. I feel bad for the deaths of the knights, especially Mauro. It was just pointless death, all for the sake of letting Ted go out with a bang. (hide spoiler)]

Kate (view spoiler)[The scene when she went to rescue Robert and Christopher was fun to read. It was funny when Landon just tried to scramble away from the Kate's sword. And the way she dealt with the obstacles Roland sent against her. Badass. I feel like that's one word I've been constantly describing her with for the past few books. (hide spoiler)]

Roland (view spoiler)[I sort of feel bad for him because I can see that he cares for Kate in his own weird way. I guess he was probably thinking that it was for the best like this since Kate would've turned out to be like the rest of his children otherwise. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Eunice wrote: "In the Order HQ [spoilers removed]

Kate [spoilers removed]

Roland [spoilers removed]"

Finished

Kate (view spoiler)[I agree. Landon scrambling out of the car was hilarious. And the tests Roland setup for Kate on her way to his "throne" were great as she finally got revenge against Hibla. I also think Ghastek's reaction to Kate's new status was funny as he had no idea. (hide spoiler)]

The Pack (view spoiler)[I love that Curran was willing to leave the pack for Kate once she claimed Atlanta and Roland made it a condition on not attacking immediately. But I think the pack itself caused this to be an easy decision by constantly diminishing or challenging Kate and basically not thinking her important enough since she wasn't a shapeshifter.

And Jennifer totally got what was coming to her. If she had just stepped aside and not plotted she could have raised her child in the pack instead of making her an orphan (hide spoiler)]

Roland (view spoiler)[He cares for Kate, sort of the way one might a puppy - how will it entertain him. Since he is over 5,000 years old, I'm sure he is bored and Kate brings something new to his life. (hide spoiler)]

[Teddie]

Midway through:

Cuddles...
(view spoiler)[The scene introducing Cuddles is one of the funniest, and I loved it all the more for really highlighting the various characters, Robert especially. I really like Robert - his steadiness and insight. (more on him in a minute.) And Desandra - I have grown to love her. "Cool your tits" has become a go-to phrase for me. (hide spoiler)]

Robert talking to Kate about the necessary ingredients of being a pack alpha...
(view spoiler)[ ...was great. How ruthless is ruthless enough when you have many relying on you? I guess it depends whether you are focused on the forest, or on the trees. Kate is a trees person. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Cuddles is the best!

[Silje]

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

[spoilers removed]

Jennifer[spoilers removed]

Cuddles [spoilers removed]"

I was lying in bed and laughing out loud when reading the part about Cuddles and the vampires!

[Silje]

Desandra is really one cunning, determined character! And the things she can say with a straight face. Imagine the look on Robert's face after her explanation about Kate and Hugh! (view spoiler)[ The way she plays on every fear and vulnerability Jennifer has, without being too obvious about. She goads Jennifer into behaving even more unfit for an alpha than she already is, just to be able to look even better herself in comparison. And all this just to make sure her monster baby will be allowed to grow up. That is one protective mama wolf!=P (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Yeah, Desandra grows on you quickly

[Diane ~Firefly~]

anyone ready to come join me in starting book 8 yet?

[Silje]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "anyone ready to come join me in starting book 8 yet?"

Probably on Monday=)

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Silje wrote: "Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "anyone ready to come join me in starting book 8 yet?"

Probably on Monday=)"

Great! I'm looking forward to it.

[Silje]

Ted is truly one piece of s**t! (view spoiler)[ To be willing to sacrifice everyone else, just to go out with a bang and to make sure that the Order will go after Hugh to revenge them! So much unnecessary death.. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Silje wrote: "Ted is truly one piece of s**t! [spoilers removed]"

So true!

[Silje]

Done!
I had completely forgotten how much that happens in this book. So many major changes that will have repercussions in the following books.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Silje wrote: "Done!
I had completely forgotten how much that happens in this book. So many major changes that will have repercussions in the following books."

Yes there are. I like that things grow and change in this series.

[Silje]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "Silje wrote: "Done!
I had completely forgotten how much that happens in this book. So many major changes that will have repercussions in the following books."

Yes there are. I like that things gro..."

Me too. I know some people have said that the books get repetitive after a while, but I don't agree. Fine, to some extent there are similarities in the books, like them always fighting a new bad guy, but the overall story is quite unpredictable, which is part of why I like this series so much.

[Teddie]

I agree Silje! You can tell the authors work hard at coming up with new plots, and developing the characters and their stories with integrity - no jumping the shark in this series! I like how the characters keep growing and evolving but stay true to who they are at their core. There are many series I've read where the main character seems to stay the same, despite all the experiences she/he has had - I generally give those up after a while.

[Silje]

Teddie wrote: "I agree Silje! You can tell the authors work hard at coming up with new plots, and developing the characters and their stories with integrity - no jumping the shark in this series! I like how the c..."

Yes, I am much the same=)

[Natalie]

Starting today finally. Team Draco Malfoy

[Natalie]

Through chapter 10

(view spoiler)[
For whatever reason, I couldn't remember if Hugh was in this book. And then he shows up at the dinner and drops the body. I remembered parts of the plot, but had a few holes and his appearance filled most of them in. Still love him <3

Desandra is a fun addition to the series, though between her and the fighting between Derek and Ascansio for most of this part of the book, I'm almost on snark overload.

And the rats! One thing I did pay attention to in my reread has been their role (or lack of) in all the goings on.

The scene in the order always upsets me, especially with the deaths and fucking Ted. And then the Nick reveal. I definitely noticed him more in the earlier books knowing now who he was. (hide spoiler)]

I also agree above with how well the authors do with developed their story and series. My copy had a note about how despite this reading like the final epic book, they were under contract for three more (Magic Triumphs in a few months).

I think I did read somewhere that they initially planned for seven, but then realized they wanted more time to wrap it up. I think, given having read this and the next two, it was completely the right choice. There are some great plot points coming up in the next books and I'm dying to know how everything ends.

[Diane ~Firefly~]

That is interesting Natalie, I'm glad they got the 3 extra books.

[Natalie]

I wish I could remember where that was discussed. I started reading the series when most of it was written so it blurs together.

Also, finished last night.

(view spoiler)[
Two things I wanted to talk about.

Roland. I think part of the reason that they wanted to extend the series is they had built him up too much to finish in one book. Again, I can't remember where I read this.

I loved him. I had him pictured as basically a cruel and ruthless ruler and was happily surprised in how he turned out. Obviously, we don't get a lot of time with him, but I really liked him. I mean, he left her cookies!

Jennifer. She's a character who has appeared since the first book, but I never took real notice of her during my first read until the fourth book when her sister dies and she starts on her vendetta against Kate. I paid more attention to her during this reread, despite not mentioning it. While not a major character, she does have a rather tragic fall, from wolf alpha, to dying offscreen.

Favorite parts:
- Kate and her new sword, especially when she shows it off Landon Nez (who didn't believe she was who she claimed to be) and he swears and gets out of the car. Also the discussions about her new sword :)
- Curran choosing to leave the pack. It was unthinkable when its brought up a few books ago, but so realistic now. (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Natalie wrote: "I wish I could remember where that was discussed. I started reading the series when most of it was written so it blurs together.

Also, finished last night.


Two things I wanted to talk about.

R..."

That scene with Landon and her sword is awesome!

[Steven]

Starting now :)

[Steven]

Ch 3 (view spoiler)[ Oh man, Hugh is a cocky S.O.B. I can't wait for Kate to put him in his place! (hide spoiler)]

[Steven]

I love Desandra. She's batshit crazy and so much fun. LOL

First in chapter 6 (view spoiler)[ she gets the vampires to all chase her (hide spoiler)] then when they meet back up in chapter 7 (view spoiler)[ We found Desandra sitting in a tree above Cuddles. Her clothes were splattered with blood. She grinned at us.
"Lovely perfume," Robert noted.
"Glad you like it." She hopped off the branch. "I call it Dead Vampire." (hide spoiler)]

[Steven]

Chapter 7 - (view spoiler)[ I love how Kate goads Hugh into trying to break her ward and it knocks him out. Crazy powerful, she is. :P (hide spoiler)]

[Diane ~Firefly~]

Steven wrote: "I love Desandra. She's batshit crazy and so much fun. LOL

First in chapter 6 [spoilers removed] then when they meet back up in chapter 7 We found Desandra sitting in a tree above Cuddles. Her clo..."

Yeah, Desandra quickly turned into one of my favorites in this book.

[Melissa]

Started last night - Team Draco Malfoy

[Steven]

Chapter 10:

Derek and Desandra: (view spoiler)[They lost their teeth, nails, and hair and had to have several blood transfusions. holy hell, that's scary! If Derek was still pretty boy before... bet he'd look less pretty without hair and nails and teeth LOL!!! (hide spoiler)]

Doolittle: He's one of my favorite characters in this series. He's no nonsense, he does what is necessary, and he always is finding ways to do better for his patients. I love his attitude on what happened to him in the last book, about how it has made him a better doctor and teacher. His pep talk for Kate, how he understands the difference between her and Hugh, how he sees what Hugh could have been... he's just... a good man. :)

[Melissa]

Ch 1 - 4 (view spoiler)[ I'm totally unhappy that Curran is conveniently spirited away to some far off hunt and then Hugh shows up. Of course he does. (hide spoiler)]

Jennifer/Desandra (view spoiler)[ I'm over this drama already. Why does Jennifer even want to hang on to the Alpha role? If there is a peaceful option to step down, I don't understand why she wouldn't just take it. She has to know that she is not what's best for the pack. (hide spoiler)]

Robert (view spoiler)[ I really like that we are hearing more from the rats. I think it's really interesting that we are seeing some of the tension in the ranks. I really hope he isn't the mole - it would be too obvious. (hide spoiler)]

Ghastek (view spoiler)[ I wish I could have seen his face when Hugh calls Kate his girl ("That's my girl.") and when he said, "It's his will. Let it happen." (hide spoiler)]

[Steven]

Chapter 12:

Kate's speech: (view spoiler)[ telling off Jennifer has to be one of the highlights of the series for me. She has had this coming for so long, and she's chosen wrong at every single opportunity. She has looked at her options and chosen the weak path every single time. And now it's time for her to face it. I *LOVE* what Kate says to her. LOVE IT. (hide spoiler)]

[Steven]

Chapter 13

Ghastek: (view spoiler)[ That story about Ghastek is really sad. His real name is Matthew, and he's basically lived his whole life fighting for power because he was afraid. That breaks my heart! I'm glad Kate helped him through. (hide spoiler)]

Jennifer: (view spoiler)[ Ugh, I can only pity you up to a certain point, you dreadful weak pathetic excuse for an alpha. jeez, you screwed the pooch royally on this one and now your poor daughter will grow up without a mother, I'm sure. (hide spoiler)]

It's crazy how a few years in between first read and now and how much is gone from my head! It's *almost* like a first time read... but just not quite as magical because I remember some things.

[Cathy M.]

Once again this book sucked me right in!

Thru Chpt 9 -

(view spoiler)[Hugh - I hate him, I hate him, I hate him. Did I say I hate him? Yes, okay. I'm almost dreading getting to his book now that I hate him this much!

He set up this whole thing right to start war with the Pack? Or actually to get to Kate? Just like luring them to Europe with the panacea. And was this on Roland's orders? I'm dreading Roland's appearance, which I know has to be coming up soon.

We've only seen Mauro a few times in this series but I always liked his easy going nature. When Hugh killed him, it was so sad! Probably also because of how it affected Kate. Ted was such an idiot & deserved it, but to burn Nick like that, at that moment?!?!?! And to get all those knights killed????

Desandra is such a great addition to this series. She's hilarious! And she needs to hurry up & beat Jennifer's ass because Jennifer's just showing how weak she really is. I felt some sympathy for her character after Daniel died but not really liking her so much.

Interesting to read Robert's gripe about his clan not being included in the previous book. Not sure what to make of him yet.

I want a bunnycat - it sounds sort of cute but funny looking too :D And Cuddles, the mammoth donkey?! Could you imagine?? (hide spoiler)]

[Melissa]

Finished last night. Soooo many crazy-pants things!! This is my 1st time reading KD and I think this book was my favorite so far. I don't even know where to begin! And I know I'm going to forget stuff. Anyway, in no particular order, here it goes ...

Jennifer - (view spoiler)[ I was totally jumping for joy when Kate laid it all out for her! Without Daniel to manage her, she really needed Kate (or someone!) to tell it like it is. (hide spoiler)]

Mishmar - (view spoiler)[ What kind of crazy Willy-Wonka's-Nightmare of a place is this?!?! Holy moly! (hide spoiler)]

Nick - (view spoiler)[is totally a badass. Poisonous vines growing out of his chest! Are you freaking kidding me??
- Feldman?!?! I can't wait to see where this is going!
- Ted is such a douche!! I can't believe he hung Nick out to dry with his dying breath!! (hide spoiler)]

Ghastek - (view spoiler)[His story was heartbreaking ... but I loved Curran schooling him on how to run his intelligence. Maybe that will be a job for Cutting Edge! (hide spoiler)]

Curran - (view spoiler)[ Fantastic as always. I loved how he had to explain to Kate what normal grandmothers give their grandchildren as gifts. HA! Also, how awesome was it of him to give up everything to be with Kate!!! (hide spoiler)]

Roland - (view spoiler)[ FINALLY! (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Thru Chpt 14 -

(view spoiler)[Don't know HOW Kate & Ghastek managed to survive in that pit for so long. It had to have been a week. Mishmar sounds like a crazy crazy place. Can't even imagine it.

Damn Hugh!!! And I can't believe he broke Slayer!

Also didn't expect Jennifer to be their mole. Thought she'd have enough sense at least not to betray the pack... she got what was coming to her. But LOVED what Kate said to her before this all went down. She didn't sugarcoat it & really told it like it was. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Oh no! (during) Chpt 16 -

(view spoiler)[Oh wow, the escape from Mishmar was crazy! I thought Kate's "meeting" with her grandmother was longer & more was said. It was a little disappointing. But at least she got a new sword out of it! Didn't expect it to be one of her bones though.

DEATH TO HUGH! Know that isn't the case but still wanted to say it :P

I thought we lost Christopher & Robert. When Robert dropped the lever, I teared up & my heart hurt. I didn't want them to lose anyone else. SOOOOO happy they are still alive! At least I have faith that Kate will save them. But Kate's finally meeting Roland *bites nails* (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Finished -

(view spoiler)[Ugh, why won't Hugh die already?!?!?! (I know that won't happen but still.)

So wow, Roland. The smile at the end had me wondering if he actually set it up so Kate would claim Atlanta. If she didn't pass then it would just be another territory for him But since she showed her power, he allowed it. He has shown that he can predict what's going to happen, and we already know he's a manipulative bastard, so wouldn't put it past him.

And when Ghastek asked Kate if she had The Gift - does that mean she gave him some of her power in order to survive the pit in Mishmar?

LOVED that Kate finally got justice for Aunt B. And she did it slowly, piece by piece. It was awesome!

Loved when Curran pretty much told Ghastek how clueless he was. Quite true though for someone is his position. Also liked how Ghastek shared stories from his past with Kate.

And finally, the agreement with Roland & their retirement from the Pack. This one had so much happen & it's just going to blow up from here! (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Melissa wrote: "Finished last night. Soooo many crazy-pants things!! This is my 1st time reading KD and I think this book was my favorite so far. I don't even know where to begin! And I know I'm going to forget st..."

Nick - (view spoiler)[How badass was he! I wanted to hate him because of what he did to Desandra & Derek but understood he did it to keep his cover with Hugh's crew. (hide spoiler)]

Curran - (view spoiler)[Yes, loved that scene about Kate's new sword. Landon's reaction to it was hilarious! One thing I never questioned was his loyalty & love for Kate so Roland's ultimatum made it impossible to do otherwise. (hide spoiler)]

[Ora]

Just finished listening to chapter 9.

(view spoiler)[Ted is an an arrogant jerk. Can't believe so many of the Order died because he thought he could beat Hugh. The only person I really didn't want to die is Maro (not sure about spelling) (hide spoiler)]

[Ora]

Melissa wrote: "Ch 1 - 4 [spoilers removed]

Jennifer/Desandra [spoilers removed]

Robert [spoilers removed]

Ghastek [spoilers removed]"

I don't think Jennifer cares what's best for the Pack. I see her as a mean girl. She has no problem manipulating and/or bullying others to get what she wants. When she needs to actually fight for her role, she goes running to Kate to fix it.

[Ora]

I see things a little different from the first time reading this series. Hugh really messed up. I see the desperation in him with everything he did. It makes sense since he didn't want Roland's disapproval/displeasure. (view spoiler)[Just seeing how Landon was able to succeed where he couldn't must have been a big blow.
I really think Roland loves Kate and is proud of her. When she went to go meet him, I see Hibla as a gift instead of bait. What better gift to give her when he needed her to prove who she is. Also when he spoke later with her about in being in charge of the Pack anymore. I think that was done out of love. Hugh had spies within the Pack and probably reported back the issues Kate had to deal with. Curran wasn't happy with the Pack either. I think he was happy when that was one of the concessions Roland wanted. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Ora wrote: "Just finished listening to chapter 9.

[spoilers removed]"

(view spoiler)[Maybe I missed something, but I thought Ted didn't do it because he thought he could beat Hugh but Ted wanted everyone to be killed so that the Order would pretty much wage war on Hugh and would hunt him down. (hide spoiler)]

[Cathy M.]

Ora wrote: "I see things a little different from the first time reading this series. Hugh really messed up. I see the desperation in him with everything he did. It makes sense since he didn't want Roland's dis..."

(view spoiler)[With someone as powerful as Roland, I wouldn't want to disappoint him either! Agree about Roland being proud of what Kate has become, and about Hibla being offered to her pretty much as a sacrifice/way to prove herself. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Finally got this one from the library and will start this afternoon. Anyone else?

[Deanna]

Finished chapters 1 - 4 last night

Curran - (view spoiler)[I loved the bunnycat rescue and the banter between Kate and Curran. I miss that aspect when he disappears for the hunt, and it's just Kate. (hide spoiler)]

Jim - (view spoiler)[I feel a bit sorry for Jim. It cannot be fun getting caught between Curran's orders to protect Kate and her orders to ease up. I did think he would have been better not to criticize her willingness to compromise. She could have overruled him instead. (hide spoiler)]

Hugh - (view spoiler)[He certainly likes to play games. Poor Gastek gets caught in the middle. I hope the navigator who was punched for trying to control the vampires was OK. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Melissa wrote: "Ch 1 - 4 [spoilers removed]

Jennifer/Desandra [spoilers removed]

Robert [spoilers removed]

Ghastek [spoilers removed]"

I agree about Jennifer. (view spoiler)[She has never really been a good Alpha. It was Daniel that made it work in earlier books. I can understand Desandra wanting to shore up her support first, but I'm ready for Jennifer to be out of the picture. (hide spoiler)]

[Jane]

Diane ~Firefly~ wrote: "

Kate [spoilers removed]

The Pack [spoilers removed]

Roland [spoilers removed]"

Kate: (view spoiler)[does great in this one and I'm happy she got revenge for Aunt B, I really miss her. It is also good she knows not ready to fight Roland yet. I'm excited to read the last book in the series to see where it goes. (hide spoiler)]

The Pack: (view spoiler)[I think he has wanted to leave the pack ever since Kate had to fight for her life while he was unconscious. And it has been pointed out to us in nearly every book since that he was very angry with the pack about it.

Jennifer just seems like a spoiled child. She has lost a lot but I feel she was to blame for her sister's death not Kate. And Daniel did what every shifter would do, fight to the death for your pack. (hide spoiler)]

Roland: (view spoiler)[I would really like to hate this guy but he is just acting like he has acted for the last 5000 years. And it seems like he hasn't got a clue how to act around a daughter who is not a power hungry maniac. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Chapters 5 - 12

Ascanio - (view spoiler)[I loved the technically no one ordered me not to come argument. His banter with Derek cracked me up, and I'm glad he ended up getting healed. (hide spoiler)]

Hugh - (view spoiler)[I give him credit for an almost fool proof plan, but Kate wins again by out maneuvering him to stop the war. (hide spoiler)]

Kate - (view spoiler)[While I get Robert's leadership requires sacrifice argument, I prefer Kate's leave no man behind strategy better. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Finished!

Kate and Curran - (view spoiler)[The best parts of the book are always when the two of them are together. I laughed a lot more in the final section. I'm glad that they got to step down from the pack. Honestly, they were putting in a lot of effort and getting no support back. It wasn't worth it. (hide spoiler)]

Cuddles - (view spoiler)[Cuddles is awesome. I read the part where she dragged one vampire back and forth because he grabbed her reins and kicked another multiple times. It's amazing how fast one act changes the minds of the shapeshifters present. (hide spoiler)]

[Deanna]

Cathy M. wrote: "Finished -

Ugh, why won't Hugh die already?!?!?! (I know that won't happen but still.)

So wow, Roland. The smile at the end had me wondering if he actually set it up so Kate would claim Atlanta...."

I agree about Hugh, Roland, and Ghastek.

Roland - (view spoiler)[I think the claiming was another test. I find it interesting that it took Kate and Curran together to stand against the claim. I think Curran being a first gives him a better connection to the land and maybe Roland was testing that. (hide spoiler)]

Ghastek - (view spoiler)[He is a good administrator and a good scientist, but he clearly has a lot to learn about being a good leader. (hide spoiler)]