Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

February 7th, 2015 Kimberly Review 41 Comments

7th Feb
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews
Magic Slays
by Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #5
Narrator: Renée Raudman
Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Purchase
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Goodreads
Rating: One StarOne StarOne StarOne StarHalf a Star
Narration: 5 cups

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job. Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep in paranormal problems. Or she would be if she could get someone to hire her. Starting her own business has been more challenging than she thought it would be—now that the Order is disparaging her good name, and many potential clients are afraid of getting on the bad side of the Beast Lord, who just happens to be Kate’s mate. So when Atlanta’s premier Master of the Dead calls to ask for help with a vampire on the loose, Kate leaps at the chance of some paying work. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price.

Yep, I will admit it I am addicted to the Kate Daniels series and dove right into Magic Slays. I know for those that follow my blog the time span between posted reviews seem great, but it has more to do with me posting and scheduling ahead. I listened to three Kate Daniel audio books in December. This is unprecedented for me, as I prefer to spread out books in a series. (As in a minimum of three-four weeks before cracking, open the next. ) In otherwards these audios are rocking my face off.

Spoiler Free Caffeinated Thoughts on Magic Slays

In this episode, Kate learns some very interesting things about her mother, and a little seed of doubt creeps in about Curran’s reasons for their relationship. That is enough to keep anyone occupied but poor Kate always has a plate full. Her ward Julie is causing problems, she has hired some employees and the Master of the Dead hires her. Which causes her oh-so-much trouble and Kate soon finds herself trying once again to save the ungrateful folks in Atlanta.

“Put your badass face on and follow me.”

This installment was intense; at times, brutal and we suffer some loss. Kate once again shows how incredibly self-sacrificing she is when dealing with those she loves and even those she does not. Andrews displays some of Kate’s powers and I have to tell you the girl has some wicked mojo.

“I looked at him. “You really need to work on your threats. I can’t tell if you’re threatening me or inviting me for tea.”

Renne Raudman is brilliant as the narrator and once again my audio experience was engaging,  and heart pounding. There were moments where I laughed so hard I had to pause the audio. Raudman’s tone and delivery of snark is pure perfection.

We see development between Curran and Kate. I laughed, swooned and cried. While we get a little heat, it is all behind closed doors. Character growth, drama in the pack and interesting tid-bits kept me listening. I of course bought Magic Rises the next audio as soon as I finished.

The overall arc is developing nicely and the way in which Andrews weaves character development, current case and overall arc together keeps the pacing finely tuned and the reader addictively engaged.

“Yes I can,” Curran snarled. “Listen: this is me telling you what you will not do.” I raised the cookbook and tapped him on the nose. Bad cat.”

Magic Slays was another satisfying and brilliant addition.

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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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41 Responses to “Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews”

  1. Lark

    And another paranormal series that apparently I need to add to the TBR! (Come to think of it, this series might already be on it…) Good review; you are winning me over to trying more of these UF series with ongoing relationships.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Yay..I will have you reading UF before you know it! *winks*

  3. Samantha

    This is making me want to go back and re-read the entire series. I adore these books! Glad to see you’re liking them so much.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I feel the same way, I listened to 2 through 7 in December and every time one of my reviews post I get all giddy remembering.

  4. Mandy

    I still need to start Kate Daniels. Everyone keeps telling me how awesome it is and your just confirming what I already know. Great review. Thanks for sharing. I’m adding the first onto my to read list this month. Have a great week.

  5. Ramona

    “Put your badass face and follow me!” LOL – sounds like something Damon (@ Vampires Diaries) might say!!! Impeccable review, as usual. Thanks for sharing.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Ah I love Damon. Yes it does, the snark in this series is fantastic

  6. BookaholicCat

    This is one of my favorite series. This year I started to listen to the audiobooks and I couldn’t stop, I listened to the first five one behind the other; last Friday I listened to 6th and yesterday I listened to the 7th book. Now I’m counting the days until the release of the Magic Shifts. August can’t come soon enough.
    I agree with you, Renne Raudman is brilliant. She made me love this series even more.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Did you listen to 5.5 ..it is a full length audio and was awesome. I am done them all, listened to 2-7 in December..yeah I was obsessed.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Soon we will have our hands on book eight…i cannot wait!

  8. Christy

    Jeez, I even smile like a fool while reading reviews. You’re right, Atlana people are ungrateful. lol.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Right me too, I keep reliving them all with my posts. I needs book eight now!

  9. Michelle

    I’m glad you’re enjoying this series so much! I’ve fallen off of audios in the past few days, but I have on waiting that I’m hoping will let me pick up some momentum again. I need to get to the library and find copies of these!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Nope I am done and waiting on book eight Ali. I consumed them all back in December and 5.5 in January.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Me too, and Renee’ delivers it so well..i just cannot help but giggle

  16. Melliane

    SO happy to see you’re again having a great time with the book. Soon you’ll have to wait like us, other, difficult thing lol in fact.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      I am sitting here wishing for book 8 Melliane. I am all caught up

  18. Linnae

    I have never been able to enjoy “fantasy worlds” settings in my reading. I love time travel, ghosts, shape shifters and other paranormal but for some reason, I only enjoy them if they exist in the real world (or at least the one I know). Sigh….I know I miss out on some terrific books. Does this series take place in a fantasy world or our world? Fingers crossed because Kate sounds interesting.

    • kimbacaffeinate

      These take place in Atlanta an alternate Atlanta Georgia but this series is worth exploring.

  19. Katherine

    I was at the library yesterday and they had one of her books on display and I almost picked it up. This is definitely a series I can’t wait to start. It seems like every entry has been a great one!

    • kimbacaffeinate

      Next time pick one up, book one is the weakest but oh man after that I am addicted!

  20. sherry fundin

    Loving your raves for this series. I am liking the cover. I like the dialogue, too. I think I will check them out further. I have not read the author’s books, so thanks for sharing!