2 Bloggers 1 Series - Magic Slays

So this month Stormi and I actually did three buddy reads simply because neither of us could bear to skip a month of Kate Daniels.  We are both enjoying this series so much.  In fact, next month, look for us to review Andrea's spin-off novel because we both want to find out what happens to her and I was told it really should be read after Magic Slays.  So read on for my thoughts and then hop over to Stormi's at  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! and see her opinion.

TITLE: Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5)

AUTHOR: Ilona Andrews

PUBLISHER: Penguin Group USA

PUBLISHING DATE: April 25, 2011

FROM GOODREADS: Kate Daniels has quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but starting her own business isn't easy when the Order starts disparaging her good name. And being the mate of the Beast Lord doesn't bring in the customers, either. So when Atlanta's premier Master of the Dead asks for help with a vampire, Kate jumps at the chance. Unfortunately, this is one case where Kate should have looked before she leapt. 

MY THOUGHTS: So I'm finding it harder and harder to review this series without giving something important away.  I know a lot of people following our series buddy read have already read the books but not everyone has so I can't spoil it.  Let's give it a try.

Kate has finally started her own investigative business with the help of The Pack.  She is having trouble getting business due to past shenanigans and when her friend Andrea appears after being gone for several months, she hires her to assist.  But assist with what?  Soon afterward, a case lands on Kate's doorstep which involves some very important people and a questionable experiment.  Not known to back down, Kate and Andrea accept the case and the action goes on from there.

Once again I got to visit with some of my favorite characters.  Julie, Kate's ward, plays a bigger part in this novel and I anticipate more from her in future installments.  Of course Curren is present and the banter between him and Kate continues and only seems to improve.  We also see some of her favorite shifters and vamps.  That's not to say there aren't new individuals introduced and I think the authors do a great job of keeping things fresh.  Finally, Grendel the giant attack poodle is featured again and it has to come as no surprise that he is my favorite!

"Magic Slays" is full of action and it's easy to get caught up in all the mystery and excitement.  I was pleased with the ending and look forward to reading on.  This one also gets a high rating from me, not only because of the content but because of Grendel.  I'm warning you, if something ever happens to that dog, look for a riot!

RATING:  5 PAWS (fluffy poodle paws in fact)