Review: Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews

Title: Magic Slays

Author: Ilona Andrews

Series: Kate Daniels #5

Publisher: Ace

Publication date: 31 May 2011

Format: Paperback | 320 ages

Genre: Adult | Urban Fantasy 

Goodreads

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid, but she's still knee deep in 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. Plus, 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. But it turns out that this is not an isolated incident. Kate needs to get to the bottom of it - and fast, or the city and everyone dear to her may pay the ultimate price…

My thoughts:

Even with my high expectations, this book still managed to impress me. It was another brilliant addition to the Kate Daniels series.

What I enjoyed most about this read was the fact that I knew where Curran and Kate stood from the beginning of the book. The time of the two characters playing games with each other for affection is over for the most part - they still have their moments, but this book is more focused on how well they work together as a team now that they're sharing all aspects of their lives with each other. It brought something completely new to the table and kept the series interesting. I loved seeing how the couple started to develop their relationship and eventually trust each other completely to the point that one would allow the other to risk their life for someone they both love. 

The new characters introduced were both hilarious and endearing. I love Ascanio and I can see myself having a real soft spot for him, especially with how he played a part in this plot. He reminded me of Julie in a way, like a lost child in need of a helping hand. I also really liked the witch and volhv family involved - they really made me laugh and I can see them playing a big part in the future Kate Daniels books. Most of all though, I loved Kate's development as a character - she learns even more about her family in this book, some of which is pretty painful, so I loved how she dealt with it. There's a huge, noticeable difference between how she deals with family secrets in this book compared the first couple in the series - Kate has grown a huge amount.

As for the plot, it was a typical Kate Daniels novel in terms of action, humour and romance. There was loads of action to keep things thrilling with a bucketload of suspense thrown in towards the end where someone's life is in the balance. Just like the past books, I adored every single Kate and Curran moment and there were plenty in this read - about three quarters of the way in, Curran gives a heartfelt confession which almost had me burst into tears. I didn't think I could love Curran any more than I did already but I digress.

Overall I thought this book was pretty much perfect. It had everything I could ask for in a book and then some. If you haven't checked out this series yet, please do.

My rating: 10/10

 

Ilona Andrews:

 

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Kate Daniels:

 

1. Magic Bites
2. Magic Burns
3. Magic Strikes
4. Magic Bleeds
5. Magic Slays
6. Magic Rises