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Liked It1 of 1 members found this review helpful “This has to be the best yet (I have a feeling I'm going to be saying that for every single one of these books!) This one was epic, though. This was, Kate-takes-on-Gladiator. And what happened to Derek! Agghh! And the bathtub scene! I don't even know where to begin reviewing this...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“~Reviewed by SUZANNE & posted at Under the Covers Book Blog
Under The Covers Book Blog wrote this review Saturday, March 23, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Magic Strikes is hands down my favourite book in the whole Kate Daniels series so far. ~ Under the Covers
Kate Daniels has been asked to assess the Reapers, a team of warriors in the Midnight Games, as although they may look human their forms may hide something much deadlier. However, it isn’t just Kate who has been caught up in the Midnight Games and the Reapers, her friends in the Pack have also been pulled in, despite the Pack Law forbidding them to enter the Games, as the Reapers may hold a weapon key to wiping out all shifters.
Magic Strikes is hands down my favourite book in the whole Kate Daniels series so far. The combination of the continually growing tension between Kate and Curran; the awesome action packed idea of the Midnight Games and the shock of having Kate’s past rear its head all combine to explode on the pages of Magic Strikes and I loved it.
It seems at this point in the series I am reading them just as much to see when Kate and Curran will FINALLY stop dancing around one another and get down to business, as much as I am reading to learn more about Kate and her past as well as her latest adventure. They come soooo close in this book, it had me screaming in excitement and banging my head in frustration… and I really enjoyed every second.
As for the action and adventure, like the previous books it is packed full of the usual sword waving, magic casting and sprinkling of dead bodies and myths come to life. The addition of the Midnight Games, a gladiator type contest, was brilliant, it enabled us to learn more about Kate’s past and was a unique setting for the story.
As usual, I adored this book, it is full of humour, romance and action and I can’t get enough of it!
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“The episodic nature of this series is particularly entertaining as it provides the unique opportunity of creating a detailed world combining elements from diverse mythologies. The focus in Magic Strikes is on Hindu mythology with a little Greek and Norse thrown in for good measure. Somehow it all manages to come together so seamlessly, thereby ensuring originality and avoiding the tiresome repetition that sometimes plagues the Urban Fantasy genre.
Lauren B wrote this review Saturday, March 23, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Kate's humanity becomes more evident with each installment as more information is revealed about her past and the origins of her power. In this book, she opens herself up to the highs and lows of friendship when her former sidekick, Derek, is attacked and Kate must join forces with the Pack to fight against powerful enemies in the Midnight Games, a Gladiator-style tournament whose ultimate prize is a legendary Topaz with the ability to subjugate the shapeshifters. The action scenes are well-written and exciting but readers should note that the tone is dark and gritty, and their are numerous gory descriptions as well as references to incest and cannibalism.
The supporting cast is fantastic from Andrea the reluctant were-hyena to Raphael the amorous Bouda Scion, not to mention Dali the vegetarian were-tiger and Jim the Pack security chief who must finally decide if Kate can truly be trusted. However, the best aspect of the book is the developing relationship between Curran and Kate. Their chemistry simply sizzles on the pages and their banter is hilarious.
In sum, the Kate Daniels series has taken the top spot on my list of MUST reads and I cannot wait to see what happens next.”
“Absolutely brilliant ...clever writing, amazing captivating storyline and characters make this one of the best UF series on the market. Each book is rock solid and adds a subtle, finessed layer onto the existing story that is our sword-wielding, wise-cracking super kiss ass heroine Kate Daniels.
sfx555chick wrote this review Wednesday, February 6, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The book has so many amusing moments you'll find yourself laughing out loud and startling members of the public if you, like me, take every spare moment - buses, trains, planes and waiting rooms - to stick your nose into a (preferably) good book of the fantasy or paranormal persuasion.
This review was written after a re-read as I was craving a 100% satisfaction guaranteed read, and had once again picked up this series to inhale.
An absolute satisfaction guarantee should be included with this book for lovers of authors such as Jim Butcher and Seanan Maguire who are founding alumni members of my personal Urban Fantasy Savant Writer's Club!
Be prepared to read through in one sitting as this book is rock'em, sock 'em power packed action thrill read - mis quote intended ;-)”
“Okay I admit it. I'm completely and utterly in love with Kate Daniels and her series. The more I read, the better she gets! Kate is the whole package. She's strong, caring, snarky and can kick your ass in the blink of an eye. I cannot believe that I waited so long to start this series, but I'm more than making up for it with how quickly I'm powering through these books. Ilona Andrews knows how to write a character my friends. Oh, she knows.
Jessica T wrote this review Saturday, January 12, 2013. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
My favorite part about Magic Strikes was finally getting to see the back stories of my favorite characters. I learned a lot about Kate, Jim and even Curran. The opportunity to see them at their most vulnerable, to be able to see into the raw parts of themselves, was a treat. Curran especially shines in this installment. At first I was dubious about his relationship with Kate. He was just so overbearing and, well, alpha status all the time. In this book though the sweet side of him starts to shine through. I think I'm falling for him, I'm not going to lie. It's apparent how much he adores Kate, and the smolder is starting to turn into a full blown fire!
Then there is the setting. Atlanta is back, and as magical as ever. However this time around there's the added carnage and excitement of the Midnight Games. When Kate discovers that Derek near death, she ties him to these very secretive games. Being Kate, she of course has to investigate! What ensues is a magic-filled, epic set of battles. If I thought Kate and her friends were cool before, they are off the charts now. Getting to see them use the full extent of their powers was delicious. More please!
I'm a fan of this series so I'll rave about it until the end of time. However the point remains that it truly does have it all! Andrews gives the reader well fleshed out and kick-ass characters, humor, action, and even some heart. This is the stuff of obsession. By the time I reached the end of Magic Strikes, all I wanted was more book. If you haven't started this series yet, get to it! It's well worth your time.”
“This one was fun, loved the games. It was a bit anticlimactic though. Love Curran.”
YF wrote this review Friday, December 14, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I enjoyed this book in the beginning, but the bad guys turned bland halfway through the book. However, it is still a good read and I plan to continue series.
Scott Moon wrote this review Monday, October 29, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
For my full review visit my book review blog at http://www.dragonbadgebooks.com/fiction.html
”“Great series”
Cyndi Barnes wrote this review Thursday, October 25, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Review courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Dark Faerie Tales wrote this review Thursday, August 16, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Quick & Dirty: Kick-butt Kate enters an underground tournament to stop a group of rakshasas from taking out the shapeshifters.
Opening Sentence: Some days my job was harder than others.
The Review:
Kate Daniels, smart-a$$ mercenary and unofficial grunt of the Order, is back and ready to kill things using her deadly sword and sarcasm. This time, she finds herself in the middle of an underground tournament fighting for her life and those of her furry friends. Her father always said that having friends would be the death of her; here is to hoping that isn’t the case after all.
The Midnight Games is a place for those to fight and die for money, prizes, and fame drenched in blood. When it looks like a team competing is more than what they seem, Kate is drafted to help find out who they really are. After they attack and decimate some of the local shapeshifters, including Derek, she is willing to do whatever it takes to make them pay. Roping in some unlikely help, Kate and some of the other shapeshifters defy Pack law and enter the tournament so the prize, the fabled Wolf Diamond, doesn’t fall in the wrong hands. This particular diamond is said to also be more than it seems; enough believe in its supernatural powers that they are willing to do whatever it takes to obtain it, even kill. How far is Kate willing to go to keep her friends safe?
This is the book that got me hooked on the series. Kate’s new openness to having friends, her more humane side, makes for a much more remarkable character than a simple killing machine. Her loyalty isn’t given lightly and neither is her friendship. She literally puts herself on the line in order to keep the people she cares about safe; a far cry from a girl raised with a single bloody purpose in life to take down the powerful man that sired her. Also, it seems that her friends have the same (if not more) note of sarcasm and humor that Kate has; it makes for the most entertaining conversations!
Kate’s potential exposure makes her sacrifice that much more significant. She has always flown under the radar, trying to grow stronger so that she can take out Roland, her father, once and for all. By competing in a public setting in front of potential watchers, Kate is making herself known in the worst way possible. It is a big step and an important one. It signifies a change in priorities; from her father’s to her own. Kate is now living more for herself than what she was trained to do from birth by Voron, Roland’s ex-Warlord.
Hindu mythology mixed in with the intense fight scenes give the book that much more flavor. It is action packed while attending to character development and progression. Not only does the reader get a fast-paced cut-and-slash, they also get the depth that makes this a series a must-read for any Urban Fantasy fan.
Notable Scene:
“His Majesty needs a can-I girl anyway. And I’m not it.”
“A can-I girl?” Andrea frowned.
I leaned back. “Can I fetch you your food, Your Majesty? Can I tell you how strong and mighty you are, Your Majesty? Can I pick out your fleas, Your Majesty? Can I kiss your ass, Your Majesty? Can I…”
It dawned on me that Raphael was sitting very still. Frozen, like a statue, his gaze fixed on the point above my head.
“He’s standing behind me, isn’t he?”
FTC Advisory: Penguin/Ace graciously provided me with a copy of Magic Strikes. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review. The only payments I receive are hugs and kisses from my little boys.”“Love, love, love these books. I forget about doing necessary things, like eating, sleeping, and acknowledging my husband when I'm reading a Kate Daniels book.”
Katharine G Sadler wrote this review Sunday, July 15, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This series keeps getting better! Lots of action in Magic Strikes and deeper development of favorite characters like Rafael, Saiman, Derek, Julie, Doolittle and Jim. The secret about Kate's past she's alluded to in earlier books comes to light (and really isn't all that shocking...) Tons of excellent fight scenes during the Midnight Games and a brand new flavor of crazy supernatural creatures. Also, the slowly-simmering romantic tension between Kate and Curran just might get a little hotter... All in all a good read - the series is really hitting its stride! ”
Jen Venson wrote this review Saturday, June 16, 2012. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
