February 19, 2015

Review: Magic Breaks

Magic Breaks (Kate Daniels, book 7) by Ilona Andrews

magic-breaks

Genre: Urban Fantasy
Edition Reviewed: eBook
Amazon: Paperback | Kindle
Goodreads: Magic Breaks (7)

No matter how much the paranormal politics of Atlanta change, one thing always remains the same: if there’s trouble, Kate Daniels will be in the middle of it…

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…


Review:

I've always had doubts that the amazing Andrews team could rap up the whole Roland thing in seven books. For me it was only confirmed more so when there was a 5.5 book. So when they said this wasn't officially the ending, I rejoiced. Because there is so much to the world. And as the last book made clear Kate isn't ready. And after all the build up of how mighty Roland is . . . it would be wrong (and Marvel villain stupid) if suddenly Kate wins so fast. So despite having faith I was nervous. Why do I keep getting nervous? Andrews’ have proven their awesome writing skills!

What a solid entry! Not to mention a non-stop adrenaline rush. Hugh is so freaking amazing as this crazy-ass, obsessed-stalker villain. (Come on that's not a spoiler, we all knew Hugh wouldn't die so easy.) Andrews have created a book with a ticking clock and war on the horizon! Not to mention a “claiming”. And the much anticipated meet up of Kate and her father. What a family reunion.

Now I have to mention how awesome Roland is. Readers know he's evil and he must die. Must. Die. But after meeting him Roland is cool. He has humor for bookness sake! Much like Kate’s and I actually laughed at some of his actions/jokes/teasing. Bravo to Andrews for making a compelling ultimate bad guy. Because I look forward to getting to know Roland more. It's crazy, I loath Hugh more then Roland! Right now I'm curious and fascinated by Roland. Especially the stable of his other helpers, especially a certain Native American . . .

Overall Andrews brings the heat with character development. Especially in the case of Desandra. Man I love her now, which after the last book is not what I ever thought I would feel for her. Oh, and Curran is redeemed. 100% proving that Kate was right with her heart and trust. Which makes me so happy. As a couple they solve the issue of having to do things behind each others back. Well, actually, Kate does and I hope in future books Curran has learned. Because I'm still a bit leery after his actions from the last book. He's been redeemed, but there's still that suspicion.

Overall, this book is awesome!! The most suspenseful of the series and proving that the plots are just getting stronger. Man I want more of the characters and world! Every aspect just makes me so happy that I stuck it out for this series. While readers are rewarded with one villains death, some baddies need to stay dead! Because it could get tiring fast if after each epic battle that pushes readers to their limits with Kate and Curran—POOF! Oh, I'm alive again. Didn't even wait a whole book! Other then that, this book was awesome. Roland is a character I'm curious to get to know and let's be honest pretty the whole cast. Looking forward to how the next “arc” of the Kate Daniels series is going to go. Especially after that final note.

Short Story!

Speaking of wanting more of other characters, there is a short story at the end of the book. Well at least my copy. It focuses on Julie, which I really appreciate. Her character always felt so underdeveloped and just there to be a pawn against Kate. (Also, to make Kate seem more human.) It helps to show that Kate doesn't need to be a regular “normal” mom to be a good one for Julie. Julie doesn't need that, she's seen to much of life and needs someone like Kate. The way Kate sets her up to go to her new school, and that Julie knows Kate is working her, is brilliant.

It’s fun getting to know Julie. She really is a great character and I hope she has bigger interactions and roles in the future Kate books. Derek and Ascanio are really awesome and I love spending page time with them. But I want more. Also, I think this short is proof that the Andrews already have a very viable source for a spinoff, and it could be a Young Adult! (Though I do love the idea of a Roman spinoff.)

Either way, mission accomplished! I shall go forth and seek more shorts for this series.

Sexual Content: Oh-ho. What an upgrade! Fans are going to be super happy. ^_- *cough* Sex, sexual humor, and some dark themes—more like dark Hugh flirting. Nothing to make fans worry.

 
5/5- Fabulous, a beautiful obsession! (For Magic Breaks.)


4/5- Great! Really enjoyed it. (For the Short Story.)


Previous book(s) in series:
Reviewed on BW: Amazon: Goodreads:

Magic Bites (1)
Magic Burns (2)
Magic Strikes (3)
Magic Bleeds (4)
Magic Slays (5)
Gunmetal Magic (5.5)
Magic Rises (6)
Magic Breaks (7)
Magic Shifts (8)
Untitled (9)
Untitled (10)



Magic Bites (1)
Magic Burns (2)
Magic Strikes (3)
Magic Bleeds (4)
Magic Slays (5)
Gunmetal Magic (5.5)
Magic Rises (6)
Magic Breaks (7)
Magic Shifts (8)
Untitled (9)
Untitled (10)

Magic Bites (1)
Magic Burns (2)
Magic Strikes (3)
Magic Bleeds (4)
Magic Slays (5)
Gunmetal Magic (5.5)
Magic Rises (6)
Magic Breaks (7)
Magic Shifts (8)
Untitled (9)
Untitled (10)

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