Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews

January 21st, 2015 Kimberly Review 81 Comments

21st Jan
Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews
Magic Strikes
by Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #3
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Length: 10 hrs and 50 mins
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarOne Star
Narration: 5 cups

Drafted into working for the Order of Merciful Aid, mercenary Kate Daniels has more paranormal problems than she knows what to do with. And in Atlanta, where magic comes and goes like the tide, that's saying a lot. But when Kate's werewolf friend Derek is discovered nearly dead, she must confront her greatest challenge yet. As her investigation leads her to the Midnight Games—an invitation-only, no-holds-barred, ultimate preternatural fighting tournament—she and Curran, the Beast Lord, uncover a dark plot that may forever alter the face of Atlanta's shapeshifting community.

OMG! As Kate Daniels would say, “Sh@t, f@ck, Sh@t.” Magic Strikes about blew my mind. Action packed with moments that had me gritting my teeth, laughing aloud and swooning like a schoolgirl.

“What are you doing here?”
“Looking for Jim in your bed.”
“He isn’t here.”
“I see that.”
Little golden sparks danced in his dark gray eyes. He looked terribly pleased with himself and slightly hungry.

Kate finds herself in the middle of pack business when Derek is tragically hurt. Jim tries to protect the pack behind Curran’s back and there has been a murder.

Kate once again puts herself in danger for her friends, as she demands vengeance and tries to protect Curran and his pack. The plot was action-packed as we find ourselves in the middle of the Midnight Games. The games feature a gladiator type arena where shifters and other supernatural creatures compete. The stakes are high and the betting is of the chart. It is also a place that Curran has strictly forbidden pack involvement. I found myself standing still in the middle of my chores totally caught up in the tale and holding my breath.

Andrews keeps the action at full throttle even as she continues to develop Kate. I loved the softer sides of our snarky heroine. Andrews gaves her wings and allowed her to fly. It was so impressive. Curran continues to make me swoon. He is a fearless alpha, quick to temper and cocky as hell, but we see his softer side as well. The interaction between them is positively delightful. I found myself giggling at their banter. His mannerisms and her inner banter are things of pure joy.

Andrews weaved in a little Hindu along with some Greek and Norse mythology. I love that the tale is grounded more in shifter history with the magic woven into it. We learn more about Kate’s reasons for burning her blood and what she is. Dark, gritty, bloody and heart stopping at times Magic Strikes was perfectly balanced with humor, friendship and snark. The ending was perfect and had me giggling.

I have never read books back to back in a series. I prefer to space them out, but I broke my own rules and started Magic Bleeds on audio within hours of finishing Magic Strikes.

Quotes

“I gave him a smile. I was aiming for sweet, but he turned a shade paler and scooted a bit farther from me. Note to self: work more on sweet and less on psycho-killer.”
― Ilona Andrews, Magic Strikes

“He scooped me up and suddenly I was pressed against his chest. “Were you worried about me?”
“No, I’m ranting for fun, because I’m a disagreeable bitch!” ― Ilona Andrews, Magic Strikes

“You sure you don’t want me to stay? I’ll make you coffee and ask you about your day.”
― Ilona Andrews, Magic Strikes

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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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81 Responses to “Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews”

  2. Danielle

    An all time favorite series of mine! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Just wait till you get to the rest of the books lol..have you tried Ilona’s book Clean Sweep yet?

  3. Teddyree

    haha love your review, it’s the first review I’ve read that has me kicking myself for not having started the series … I have Magic Bites and Magic Burns waiting patiently on my bookshelf. Pushing them up the list now!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo yes read them..I am all caught up on the series and have joined the ranks of those waiting on the newest release!

  4. Cyn

    OH MY GOSH. JUST FINISHED THIS AND YES THIS BOOK DESERVES SOOOO MANY QUOTES (and caplocks apparently, ha). The Hindu mythology was really interesting and and I loved the ending and I loveeeed Kate and Curran’s relationship thus far, And I was so sad when Derek was hurt! I hope Magic Bleeds is super awesome! Great review, Kim!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Enjoy Cyn..Magic Bleeds rocked and I listened to the rest of the series in December. Be sure and pick up 5.5 Gunmental Magic..it is a full length novella and oh so good!

  5. Mary

    Curran and Kate are such a great couple. I love the growls and the banter between them so hard!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ooo me too Mary, it makes me giggle..however waiting for the newest release makes me cry 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I binged and listened to 2 through 7 in December Anna. It was awesome

  8. Ramona

    How very interesting that they write as a duo, hubby + wife. Man, I can’t
    possibly imagine myself doing that. LOL 😀 And obviously you’re a big fan *winks* judging by the sprinkle of quotes gracing your post. I’ll read this on holiday, I think. Seems to me it’s the sort of thing that should be consumed on the beach, maybe while sipping a cold beer… Hm… I miss summer so much already! Have a beautiful day, Kimba, thanks for sharing!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Be warned it is addictive I listened to books 2 -7 in December and now I am left waiting for the next release

  9. Ginny

    LOL…I’m so happy you’re loving Kate and Curran! I knew you would! I’m actually awaiting Magic Shifts! Can’t wait. P.S. I’ve listened to this series more than once. It’s one of my favorites that I still need to review. Hey…another excuse to enough Kate and Curran again. (sigh…I love Curran)

    • kimbacaffeinate

      pst..I am awaiting the release too since I binged listened to the entire series in December..lol My reviews will appear throughout the next few months

  10. Lupdilup

    I love that quote!! I love, love their interactions, and you nailed Curran! You’re are killing me Kimba! I want re-download this book so bad right now, but what about to-listen pile I on my library? ..lol …ugh
    Awesome review!!!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      LOL, these are addictive..I listened to the whole series is December it was quite the rush

  12. Bookworm Brandee

    Your review made me smile, Kim. BIG smile! 🙂 I so wish I could go back and re-read this series. It is one of my favs. Kate and Curran are just such fun. I’m glad you’re enjoying the series so much.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I went on a binge and listened to them all in December, since I post ahead my reviews are spread out until March..now I am left waiting like the rest of you.

  14. Samantha

    Awesome! This is one of my favorites in the series! Glad to see you enjoyed it. Hope you like the rest of the series! 😀

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I devoured the rest of the series back in December..I am addicted and sadly waiting on the next release. You will see my reviews of the rest over the next 3 months.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Lol..no you are behind me. I listened to 2 through 7 in December and Gunmetal Magic in January but I post out 4 to 8 weeks so my reviews are sprinkled in until March.

  16. Candace

    That’s a good sign you read them back to back! I never do that either, even when there’s a cliffhanger. I’m glad you’re still loving this series! I really hope I can add them to my audiobook list soon!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Candace I loved these so hard that I listened to 2 through 7 in December..my reviews are scattered over the next 3 months

  17. Sophia

    I haven’t read the series myself, but I LOVE the quotes you picked. I must have a thing for sassy characters. 😀

  18. Sophia Rose

    I would totally break my non-binge rules for this series. Loved your quote picks and insight into Kate and Curran for your review.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Thanks Sophie..I went wild and listened to 6 audio books in December and caught up on the series

  19. Jenny

    YEAH!!!!!! This and book 4 are my favorites of this series (that could be in part because I’ve only read through book 4, so it’s entirely possible that I’ll love the later books most of all). I’m so glad Kate and Curran made you jump immediately into their next adventure rather than waiting a few weeks or months in between!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      hehe..I was like what you didn’t like 5, 6, 7 and 5.5 catch up Jenny! I devoured the audios in December.

  21. Heidi

    I am starting this series on audio as soon as I am finished with Burned. Everyone seems to be reading/listening and loving this. Obviously you are if you broke your own rule.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hehe..yes I listened to books 2 through 7 in December..it was on heck of a binge. The first book is raw, gritty and a little rough around the edges but stick with it because two feels so different and the series just gets better. Be sure and grab 5.5 Gunmetal Magic it is full length and wonderful. Are you doing audio or paperback? Renee rocks on audio.

  22. Debbie Haupt

    Okay I’ve heard so many good things about this writing team/series. It’s definitely on my list now!
    Thanks Kim for a great review!

  23. Katherine

    Your previous reviews have put this series firmly on my TBR and now I can’t wait to get to it. Great review!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Then my job is done. I have listened to them all now but my reviews are scattered throughout February and March.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Oh it rocked Aurian..I am all caught up. I went on an audio binge in December. Did you read Gunmetal Magic, Andrea’s story 5.5 it was full-length and awesome

  26. MIchelle

    WHOA! 5 coffee cups and you read the book back to back. Kimba, just shake your finger at me now…I haven’t read this series yet! I even think I have the first 2 books on my bookshelf. I am going to check when I get home and if i do, I am reading this in Feb. Hold me to that! haha

    Great review. I’m glad you loved it so much

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Michelle I ended up listening to books 2 through 7 in December..it was like crack. Book one is a little gritty but keep reading because I am still riding the book high.

  27. Lori

    Everyone raves about this series, I have a few on audio but haven’t gotten to them yet. I think this will be a series I start in 2015! Can’t go wrong with a 5 star recommendation, right? 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Renee does an awesome job narrating. The first one is a little rough around the edges..but the series is crazy good.

  28. Stormi

    I just recently picked up the audio to the first book, so I can’t wait to give this author and series a try since I hear all kinds of good stuff about it. 🙂

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Awesome Stormi, book one was a little rough around the edges but after that ..oh my!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Hehe..I listened to 2 through 7 in December..it was one heck of a ride 🙂

  30. Nick

    Gosh, Kim, you’re not helping me with the guilt I have for not having started this series yet. It will happen this year! I promise! Kate sounds so amazing! I will love this girl! I can’t wait to check this series out. I hope it continues to remain great for you!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Nick I consumed audios 2 through 7 in December…the series is amazing. Book one was just ok for me but after that total fan girl.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Finished Gunmetal Magic yesterday and loved it. Andrea is a hoot..but now I am jonesing for a fix

  32. Marsha

    The term “Midnight Games” – that is so familiar to me yet I don’t remember reading this series. But that can be fixed. 🙂 I love ladies who can kick some serious butt. I’ll be looking for this series – first on my shelves then to find if it’s not there. Thanks for a great review that tossed me right into the book.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I think it was in a YA book, but of course these game out years before. I wish I could think of the title as it will bother me all day now.

  33. Jeann

    Wow, it sounds like this one has built upon it’s foundations and really delivered a brilliant story! I love the sound of the mythology, the banter and the romance. Thanks for the review Kimba, I’ll have to pick this series up soon!

  34. Bec

    I’ve always wanted to read this series but have never been able to find any copies! It sounds so action packed!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I finished them all Sharon..I listened to the entire series in December…I was completely addicted. This week I listened to Gunmetal Magic..I need more!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yes. I have listened to all that I can. I wish some of the other novellas were standalone or compiled into one audio..grr

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I consumed these throughout December and cannot wait for more. I hope you decide to try them

  39. Faye

    OMGGGG. This is like my most favorite book out of the whole series!! I’m so bloodydamn happy that you loved this one, Kimberly!! Isn’t Kate Daniels great, with her cussing and kickassness and all? 😉 😉 Plus, the mythology really are awesome. The world-building alone is HUGE HUGE HUGE.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Squee..I love that you are still fangirling about it. I have finished them all and feel desperate for more

  40. Melliane

    Oh yes I love the quotes you chose. It’s an awesome series right? right? I’m always so happy to see enjoying it.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I have listened to them all now and cannot wait for the next release!