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Wednesday 9 September 2015

Kate Daniels #8: Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews

Goodreads Summary: After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

 An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…
Published: August 4th 2015 by Ace
Genre: Urban Fantasy



Good god, I hadn’t realized how much I had missed Ilona Andrews’ writing until I read Magic Shifts, the eight book in the Kate Daniels series. Those two are wordsmiths of the highest order.

For whatever reason, even though I was excited by Magic Shifts release as I always am by any Kate Daniels books, I didn’t care about reading it right now. As you might have guessed, I gave in eventually. My feelings when I opened the book were “just read it Sarah, whatever.” 


This is me when I opened the book.



And here I am after having read a couple of pages.



Yes, it was that good!

Kate is a seasoned warrior who’s in love with a guy who turns into a giant lion and her father is a millennial old super powered sorcerer. I’m a student in my early 20s who will run for her life if a dog comes too close to her. The two of us have absolutely nothing in common. In spite of that, I find it really easy to relate to Kate’s voice. I don’t know how Ilona Andrews does that. I’m sure there’s sorcery at work. Or maybe it’s just talent.

Usually, I love to give a lot of details about a book’s plot. Don’t ask me why because I’ve never figured why I do that. Anyway, I won’t for this book because if I have to be fairly honest Magic Shifts’ premise was kind of basic. Long story short, Kate aided by Curran and some of their friends are looking for a missing shapeshifter.

But Do Not Worry because the eight instalment in the Kate Daniels series is far from being bland, quite the contrary. It was entertaining, fast-paced and very well-written. There were a couple of scenes that almost brought tears to my eyes. Ilona Andrews reminded us that no matter how powerful Kate gets, she isn’t invincible. It completely chocked me. 

Also, I’m completely lost about Roland, I don’t know if I want him to die in horrible pain, or hug him, or want him to mend his relationship with his daughter. One thing is sure I can’t wait to learn more about his past.

My one and only complaint about Magic Shifts is that it’s one of these middle of series sort of books. Nothing major happen *sights*. But the good thing is that you can tell the pieces of the chessboards are carefully being positioned for what will hopefully be an epic final. 

Ok guys, the serious part of this review ends right there. Now, I’m switching to fangirl mode. *Take a deep breath*

Once upon a time, there was a mercenary with a strong personality and a man who could turn into a lion. The beginnings between those two was nothing short of difficult, but eventually love conquered it all (Hallelujah!). They lived a happy life in the middle of a city infested with monsters of all kind. When they weren’t fighting with nightmarish mystical creatures, they made breakfast for each other and took part in all kind of steamy activity forbidden to people under 18. Okayyyy, let’s say 16. Teenagers nowadays aren’t what they use to be. They were happy, although often covered in blood and other sort of gore belonging to the inside of human and not so human beings. 

Kate and Curran. Curran and Kate. 

KARRAN!



I’ve always loved this couple but in Magic Shifts their relationship was absolutely lovely.

The funny thing is that at the beginning of the series, Curran infuriated me. Of course, those feelings were far, far in the past and have long been amended. This guy is now one of my favourite characters all genres included.

As individuals, Kate and Curran are amazing but as a couple they’re a power house. Usually, when THE couple of the book finally get together, either it gets boring or authors throw some random ex or create superficial problems in order to stir drama. None of these common tropes can be found in the Kate Daniels series and I guess that’s why THE couple is fabulous.

Neither Kate nor Curran has sacrificed their personality when they became an item. It’s one of the reasons why Karran is so damn great! 

Kate is still this reckless soldier who will kick your butt if you wronged her or her friends. Curran is still the same guy who gets a thrill out of ruling, a tad calculating and manipulating but with a good heart. Sometimes, their personalities clash with each other, but that only make their relationship more realistic.

Honestly, if you didn’t know the Kate Daniels series prior to reading this review. Do yourself a favour and grab yourself the first book. Those who’ve already started the series, you can also do yourself a favour: Keep On Reading! I promise you, you won’t be disappointed!





11 comments:

  1. Comme d'habitude, un excellent tome ! Je veux la suiiiiiiiite maintenant ;)
    (Sorry, I'm a French fan of this saga, I'm very enthousiasm ^^ !)

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    1. Lol t'inquiete je te comprend totalement! Moi aussi j'en peux plus d'attendre. La suite je la veux tout de suite! LOOL!

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    2. Il n'y a plus qu'une seule solution : aller camper devant les fenêtres de l'autre en criant "La suite, la suite !"

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  2. Woohoooo I love seeing other bloggers that translate their reviews and things to English AND French. YOU HAVE A LOT OF PATIENCE AND DEDICATION. AND I AM TOTALLY JEALOUS. *End rant* Teehee I loved reading your review girl and loved with you went all fangirl *snaps fingers* I just followed your blog and can't wait to see what else you have in store! ;) xoxo Who knows? Maybe I'll learn some French on the way as well. xD

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    1. Lool, Thank you! It definitely takes a lot of patience and dedication. Glad you liked my review! Hopefully you'll be able to learn some French :) Thanks for commenting!

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  3. Great review, Sarah! This is my FAVORITE UF series, and I loved it, too ;)

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    1. Thank you! Lool there's so many Kate Daniels fan around here. That's nice!

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  4. I'm SO glad to know that even though you weren't so excited to go into reading this one it turned out to brilliant. I love when that kind of thing happens :) I know I need to read a book by this author or at least start this series! The characters sound lovely, there is a couple to ship who seem to be so cute, and the world sounds awesome too. Yay! x

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    1. My advice: START IT! I'm sure you'll love it. The first book is a bit rough but after that, it's a smooth sail:)

      The characters are the biggest strenght of these books. You've shapeshifters, magicians, soldiers and yet they're all relatable. They also feel realistic. If you do decide to give this series a try, I'd love to hear your opinion.

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  5. I haven't had the pleasure of reading a Kate Daniels book, but I've read great things about them. So many books to catch up with! Hopefully, I can get to this series one day.

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    1. You need to read it! I'm sure you'll enjoy them. Ilona Andrews are a very talented duo. I hope you'll be able to start the series someday. If you do, I'd love to know what you think of it!

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