2 Bloggers 1 Series - Magic Rises

This month Stormi and I are back with our continuing read of the Kate Daniels series.  The last one we reviewed was two months ago when we read Andrea's book - "Gunmetal Magic."  We took a break in July but I'm so glad that this month we're back with Kate and Curran.  I also can't believe we only have 4 books left.  So read on for my thoughts on "Magic Rises" and then go check out Stormi's review at  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!

TITLE: Magic Rises (Kate Daniels #6)

AUTHOR: Ilona Andrews

PUBLISHER: Ace

PUBLISHING DATE: July 30, 2013

FROM GOODREADS: Atlanta is a city plagued by magical problems. Kate Daniels will fight to solve them—no matter the cost. 

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shapeshifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta. 

Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shapeshifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute—and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer—but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap… 

MY THOUGHTS: As this series continues it gets harder and harder to review without giving anything away.  However, I know a lot of people have read it already and don't mind and if you haven't, be warned something might slip but it's not intentional.

In this installment, Kate, Curran and members of the Pack are headed across the ocean.  They have been contacted to be bodyguards for a pregnant shifter daughter whose own father might be trying to kill her.  In return, they can earn a much needed medical remedy for an on-going Pack problem.

Because of this nature, this book contains a lot of political intrigue and manipulation.  We meet some overseas packs and learn how they handle some things.  We also meet some old acquaintances who show up in some surprising places.  Let's just get this out of the way - the pregnant woman they are tasked to protect is horrid.  Initially I was all "let her die already" and stuff by the author's did a great job of showing why she acts the way she does and by the end, I didn't completely hate her.  I'm also back to wanting to smack Curran.  As much as I love him and Kate as a couple, sometimes they drive me absolutely nuts.  We also get to meet some new creatures (enter weredolphins - I can't even imagine) and miss some old familiar faces - good old Grendel the attack poodle, why did you have to stay behind?

Finally I have to say the author's were finally able to come full circle and I started to really enjoy a characters who in the past I didn't care much for...and they they died.  No spoilers but I really didn't appreciate that.  All in all, "Magic Rises" was a blast to read. It was extremely action-packed and I just can't wait to see what happens next!

RATING: 5 PAWS

COYER CHALLENGE UPDATE:  Read a book by someone you've previously given 5 stars.