And just like that, Stormi and I are back with reviews for the 7th Kate Daniels book, "Magic Breaks." The months are flying and so are the books. I can't believe only 3 left. However, Anne from Books of My Heart recommended that we really should read "Iron and Magic" between books 9 and 10 so we are planning on working it in as well. Wish us luck, it centers around Hugh and we both despise him...I mean, REALLY despise him. Oh well, on to this month's read. And make sure to go check out Stormi's thoughts @ Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!
TITLE: Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels #7)
AUTHOR: Ilona Andrews
PUBLISHER: Ace Hardcover
PUBLISHING DATE: July 29, 2014
FROM GOODREADS: As the mate of the Beast Lord, Curran, former mercenary Kate Daniels has more responsibilities than it seems possible to juggle. Not only is she still struggling to keep her investigative business afloat, she must now deal with the affairs of the pack, including preparing her people for attack from Roland, a cruel ancient being with god-like powers. Since Kate’s connection to Roland has come out into the open, no one is safe—especially those closest to Kate.
As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend the Conclave, a gathering of the leaders from the various supernatural factions in Atlanta. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered there, apparently at the hands of a shapeshifter, Kate is given only twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war which could destroy everything she holds dear…
As Roland’s long shadow looms ever nearer, Kate is called to attend the Conclave, a gathering of the leaders from the various supernatural factions in Atlanta. When one of the Masters of the Dead is found murdered there, apparently at the hands of a shapeshifter, Kate is given only twenty-four hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she’ll find herself embroiled in a war which could destroy everything she holds dear…
MY THOUGHTS: First things first, where oh where is my precious Grendel? What's up with that. No mention of him whatsoever if I recall correctly. Of course that might be because this book is so jam-packed full of action from start to finish that had he been present, I probably would have worried about him endlessly.
So "Magic Breaks" is kind of a turning point in the series. In fact, it very much feels like the last installment, but the author makes a note in the beginning that it isn't the case. I'm glad because I'm not quite ready for it to end. Curran goes out of town on a hunting expedition and no sooner than he leaves, does the Conclave erupt with murder and mayhem. It's up to Kate to figure out what is going on, protect her people, not get herself killed and oh yea, possible battle her father to the death.
I don't want to give a lot away because I hope that if you haven't read this series yet, Stormi and I have inspired you to give it a go. But I will say that I even though I had a few minor issues with this one (see above Grendel statement, and oh yea, not a lot of Curran), I am enjoying this series as much now as I did when we started it in January. Kate really is a wonderful character with plenty of sass to provide some small chuckles even in the grimmest of situations. And once again, a lot of my favorite side characters are present. I even managed to like Desandra and never thought that would happen after book #6!
I will say that as I mentioned above, I'm not real happy with Hugh and can't imagine what happens in the next two books which warrants him having his own spin-off book. However, I will trust my fellow bloggers and at least give "Iron & Magic" a chance. Bring on book #8!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RATING: 4 PAWS (again, see more Grendel and more Curran comments above).
Looks like you and Stormi both gave this the same rating, which is good. You guys are on a roll, can't wait to read your review of the next book!
ReplyDeleteYep, we're excited to keep on going!
DeleteI really have to start this series. I'm so curious to meet these characters you and Stormi keep raving about.
ReplyDeleteYes you need to. We've been enjoying it so much.
DeleteCall me weird but... I really liked Hugh, lol. He was despicable but I found him to be interesting. His relationship with Kate had so much potential! Not in a romantic sense but as family.
ReplyDeleteI ADORED Iron and Magic and I don't think it matters when you read it but I'd definitely read it before Kate 10! :)
You're not weird - I've liked some really unlikable characters. In fact, look for my upcoming review of YOU by Caroline Kepnes. We have committed to reading it so we'll see how it goes.
Deleteoh yeah I wanted Kate to cut off his pork sword and feed it to him. But there is more to Hugh than his current situation. I love this series so much! If you can get Iron & Magic on audio, it is my FAVORITE narrator so that just adds to my love of the book by my favorite authors. I wish you could have read with us on the Read-along last year but it's great you are reading it this year. It's a great series. Fantastic review! They are all 5 hearts for me now and I got more as I reread them last year.
ReplyDeleteAnne - Books of My Heart
That would have been fun to participate in. We've already have next year's series read picked up but I'm definitely looking forward to more UF after this.
Deleteuh oh. now i'm curious about hugh
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
Hugh - UGH! How appropriate.
DeleteI am so happy that you are enjoying this series, Barb! This is a series that I know I will be reading over and over again. Kate always seems to have more on her plate than is fair for any one person :)
ReplyDeleteI am really loving it. Yes, some of the predicaments she gets herself into, I just shake my head!
DeleteI can't believe I haven't read this series - I really should try and do so, it sounds like something I would love.
ReplyDeleteLynn :D
I don't know of anyone I follow who has had much bad to say about this series so I think you'd enjoy it as well.
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