Magic Bleeds
May 25, 2010
Urban Fantasy
Paperback, 432 Pages
Ace
This review contains small spoilers.
Tori’s Favorite Quote:”…if you come to remove me, come in force, because if you try to separate me from him, I will kill every single one of you. My hand won’t shake. My aim won’t falter. My face will be the last thing you see before you die.
Mandi’s Favorite Quote: He growled, pulling me to him, and kissed my lips, my cheeks, my neck….”Don’t make me leave.”
Kate Daniels, employee for the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid can’t catch a break – professionally or at home. At the end of the last book Kate promises Curran, Beast Lord, a dinner prepared naked. As she waits with all of his food requests scantily clad, he never shows up. When she calls The Keep to make sure he is alright, she is told by another member that he is busy and not to be disturbed. Kate is hurt and angry, thinking she is a fool that there could be something between them. Weeks go by and she avoids him at all costs. But her life has much more going on than just man troubles. She gets called to a scene where a shifter has been speared to a pole at a bar right between Pack and The People’s (vampires) territory. Worse, he is diseased, and the disease has a mind of its own. Kate creates wards and calls in biohazard to help stop what could become an epidemic. Witnesses say a cloaked figure came in, the shifters literally started going crazy and all chaos broke out. After another attack, and more shifters go insane, Kate knows someone with serious power is out to do harm. When the Pack offer help, Kate and Curran are forced to deal with each other.
Mandi: This series by the writing team of Ilona and Gordon Andrews is one of my favorites, and I think Magic Bleeds is my favorite installment yet. Kate Daniels is an awesome heroine and in this book we see her struggle with being the self assured, tough girl to battling rejection and feelings of hurt over her relationship with Curran. We also dive into Kate’s family tree and I think they mystery and villain are very strong and intriguing in this one.
Tori, I know you are doing the fan girl dance over this series – let’s hear it. Did you like the book?
Tori: Like? I don’t like quite covers it. I had to sit on my hands so I didn’t go nuts and become creepy stalker fan. I read this book in a few hours. Then I read it again. I admit I was apprehensive at first over this book. Magic Strikes ended in a way that promoted this book to be the catalyst for all that has transpired so far. This book was either going to be fantastic or bomb. I am ECSTATIC it did not disappoint. In fact, Magic Bleeds far surpassed my expectations.
Kate has finally jumped the hurdle of her upbringing, catapulting her to the fore front of the battle for Atlanta. She can not hide any longer. She also works through much of the emotional baggage she has learned to bury through out her life. Kate’s life has changed so much since first book in series- Magic Burns. Watching Kate adjust and grow beyond the training of her childhood has been a joy to watch. While she is an awesome heroine, she has a genuine kindness and loyalty that is not often seen in UF books.
I agree Mandi, the mystery and the villain in the book had me hooked. I alternated between anger and laughing-it’s a sign of true genius when you can write a book that has your readers loving to hate your bad guys. ARRRRGGGGG!!!! I want to talk, talk, talk about this book but it’s hard for me to say anything without giving it all away.
Help me Mandi.
Mandi:Yes, while I would love to talk about everything that happens in the book, it wouldn’t be as much fun for everyone else! What I will say is this. I love the dynamics between Kate and Curran. Kate is so independent, so in control of her life – she is absolutely terrified of being rejected. When there is a miscommunication and Curran doesn’t show up for his naked dinner, Kate closes down. She refuses to listen to reason, and builds up that very fragile wall she has erected around herself. But finally, in this book, Kate decides to take another chance – which is really tough for her. For both of them to give up an inch – to not always have the last say, is tough, but the reward is so intensely wonderful. The passion between these two – the build up for three books of sexual tension is finally released. And hot damn – Curran. He is so alpha and I love that he also has to adjust his life to fit Kate in. Ilona Andrews amps up the number of pages devoted to their relationship in this one, and it pays off really well.
Tori, we don’t just see Kate and Curran – but the regulars show up as well. Who is your favorite supporting character?
Tori: Yes, the bonds of many relationships are brought to the test in this book. You are also treated to some interesting snippets about what may come.
Everyone really had to earn their paychecks in this book. I love how Ilona and Gordon handle Kate and Curran’s fragile relationship. Two non trusting slightly insane people trying to find a little happiness in a world gone mad. Their HEA won’t be a bed of roses. And that’s good. Because no relationship worth having is easily won. Plus, you can never go wrong with some Kate and Curran loving. *happy sigh*
After I read the book for the 3rd time (yes, I am a little obsessed right now) that I realized how cleverly Kate’s world has evolved from her hiding and being alone to having her own “family”. Of course, that brings out altogether different set of neurosis for Kate.
It reminds me of what Nick told her in Magic Bites…
“If I were on my own, packing some power, and for some reason not wanting to be found I might lay low for awhile. But I’d know sooner or later I’d have to come out and play because whoever was looking for me would eventually find me.”
She has decided to finally play and control her own destiny. Watching her adjust to that is both sad and hilarious.
Mandi, it’s hard for me to pick a favorite supporting character because I truly love them all. If I really had to choose…I would say Saiman. He’s such a enigma. Your never sure where he stands or what he’s up to.What do you do with someone who can be anyone he wants to be? The fact that Kate always knows it’s him really eats at him. In Magic Bleeds he learns so much about Kate that I am dying to see what he does with the information. I also like the shocks Kate gives him when he consistently underestimates her.
Who is your fav Mandi?
Mandi: I’m in love with Andrea and Raphael. I think their overabundant love and loyalty to Kate is a nice contrast to Kate’s rocky road to romance.
This series is just getting better and better. I honestly can’t think of a single complaint I have about this book. The villain and romance are top-notch. The way it ends opens up a new future, and I am sure a new set of troubles for Kate to find herself in. Like you said Tori, now she has a family, and I am so excited to see where she goes from here. And I have to say, the very last sentence of the book (before the epilogue) gave me a shiver. Curran is one of the best alpha’s out there.
Rating: 5/5
Tori: I agree Mandi. I have read and reread this book and it’s perfect. The action, the romance, the plot & suspense. So many new doors opened. Everything is 5 stars. I cannot WAIT for the 5th in the series.
Rating: 5/5
Recent Reviews:
Lurv a la Mode – 5/5
Wow 5 of 5 huh? I read the first part of the review, but I just couldn't continue because of the spoilers. I've been anxious to read this book and I don't know if I can make it to next week because it sounds really good. GAH!!! Why can't next Tuesday be here right now?!! I'll come back and read the full review after I read the book. lol
They are very teeny tiny spoilers..but we talk about Curran and Kate's relationship..didn't want to ruin it for anyone :)
I can't wait to talk about it with you!!! Hurry Tuesday! :)
Wow that is a recommendation! i dare not admit i've never read this series, but i think im adding book one to my to buy list asap. that was a great review and pimpage =) cant wait to get to know these characters.
You will LOVE this series..Curran is an alpha male that you won't be able to get enough of and Kate is such a cool heroine. I always tell people the first book, Magic Burns took me awhile to get into..but definitely a must read series!!!!
I too skipped to the bottom because I didn't want to know what actually happens. This is one of my most anticipated books of the year and I know its going to be amazing if you gave it 5 stars!
Let me know what you think after you read it! :)
GAH! I had to read your review, even though every spoiler-hating impulse in my body told me not to!
All I wanted to know was if this book lived up to expectations (5/5 says yes – and *YAY!*) and if we finally get some Kate/Curran action (3 books of tension is great for building up butterflies in your stomach, but I want some action already!)
"Ilona Andrews amps up the number of pages devoted to their relationship in this one, and it pays off really well."
HALLELUJAH! I want my copy right now!
Great review guys. Love the tag-team.
If you are looking for more relationship time, you will definitely get it in this one! I can't wait to read your thoughts Danielle!!!!! This book is just pure awesome.
Let this review be the catalyst for me to start this series because I am wow-ed by your combined enthusiasm ladies :) Oh and this part: Curran doesn’t show up for his naked dinner isn't hurting the drive to read this series either *grin* Great review gals!
Leontine – you must start this series. Yes, I am bossy ;) Kate and Curran's relationship is so fun! (and anxiety filled) ;)
I really enjoyed Magic Bleeds too! The 4th book takes the series, the relationship, the friendship, and the Pack to the test! With the ending the way it was, I'm curious what Andrews will bring to the 5th book as far as certain friendships and how Kate's father will react to the events. Awesome book!
I'm very curious too…We skipped the whole dad and family interaction…didn't want to dive into that before people read. But I really like where they are going with it.
Good morning everyone!! Wow, I can't believe there are folks out there who haven't started this series.
OoooO you don;t know what your missing. I lurves this series. Squeeee.
I can't wait for this book. Even more now after reading this review. Dying to know how Curran makes up for the missed dinner!
Maybe spoiler…
You don't feel that the change in Curran and Kate's relationship has change the dynamics of the series now? Many read for that tension between Kate and Curran, but now that there is a new form of respect between them, shall we say, that one reason people kept read may not be there, much like what happen to the show Moonlighting when Maddie and David?
OMG! Im dying for this book! Kate and Curran!!!!!!! Love it!
the quotes you guys chose are so awesome =)))
Great review!!!
xoxo
Ohhh! 5/5…sounds like a must have book! I've never read this author but from the sounds of it I need to! Great review gals! :)
Spoiler discussion….
KB- In my opinion, there is only so much sexual tension we can take. This advance in their relationship makes sense. I thought it was handled perfectly…going forward, I'm SURE there will be bumps..lots of them. They both are still unsure of this new change. Yes, it does change their dynamics..but that is the way life works. Otherwise it would get stale. Plus I have absolute faith in Ilona Andrews…they handled this transition wonderfully.
Great review.
OMG, this book sounds so awesome. I can't wait to read it.
Spoiler discussion….
KB & Mandi-I agree. We the readers have made Kate & Curran the focus of the book but I never believed Ilona & Gordon did. This hurdle had to be jumped otherwise it would have become tedious. There is so much more going on in the series that it holds the attn regardless.
Hee hee-Moonlighting. Haven't thought of that show in eons.
Skipped the review and spoilers and jumped down to the rating 5/5 = yay! I ordered my book from Powells so it's going to be an even longer wait (wah!) but I'm sooo excited about this book!
Good point Tori- while Kate and Curran are fun…this series offers so much more. The impending battle Kate is going to have to face is shaping up so well. It really is the combo of all the supporting characters and unique world that really makes this series fab.
I can't wait to get my hands on this book. I skimmed the review but I don't think you included any big spoilers. I want to read this right NOW.
Thank you so much for the fantastic review. You guys are too kind. I'm so glad the book worked and we could steal you away into our imaginary world for a couple of hours. :)
Getting my copy tomorrow, hurry up UPS!!!!! This is one of my most anticipated reads of the year. I didn't want to spoil myself, so I didn't read the review. I'm really glad everyone so far seems to love it.
I can't wait to find out what happened with that missed dinner.
I love this series. I can't wait to get this book. Is it the 25th yet? I'm obsessed with Kate and Curran too.
Mandi & Tori –
I totally agree with your review. I loved this book (and obsessively read it many times over the weekend). I initially gave it 4 and a half stars, but have since upgraded it to 5.
I think this is my favorite book of the year thus far.
That good?! Hm perhaps I should check out Curran
Super excited to read this one, come on May 25th get here already.
Ilona Andrews mentioned your post on her blog today!!! (I see she also left a comment above – yay smexy!)
I know! I love her blog so much anyway.
There may have been a fan girl squee;)
I am so excited I can't see straight!!! Except when reading qoutes or snippets…. :)
5 stars for both of you huh? I am soooo missing out here. I need more reading time *sobs*!!!
Wow, twice a five star rating. Your joint enthousiasm is contagious. Need to start this series. Now. Great review! :)
Holy crap I can't wait to read this book!!! I can't wait can't wait can't wait!
So glad book four of tihs series is rocking for you guys..
Thanks for the details…
E.H>
I am soooo missing out on something here. I have not even started this series yet, and really want to! Thanks for this joint review. Great review to both of you! :)