Review: Magic Slays (Kate Daniels #5) by Ilona Andrews

Plagued by a war between magic and technology, Atlanta has never been so deadly. Good thing Kate Daniels is on the job. 

Kate Daniels may have quit the Order of Merciful Aid, but she’s still knee-deep 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, and 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. Turns out this is not an isolated incident, and Kate needs to get to the bottom of it—fast, or the city and everyone dear to her might pay the ultimate price.

I re-read the first 4 books in the Kate Daniels series in January (for the 3rd time). Mistakenly thinking this was due out the beginning of February. I was wrong and I was only slightly annoyed that I had to wait another few months (yeah this review is kinda old).


I love this series. I love Kate and Curran, and I love Ilona Andrews. Although I didn't get ecstatic over the scenes from Curran's pov, I did enjoy them.


Magic Slays was released on the same day as Kiss of Snow, the 10th Psy-Changling book, and another favourite series of mine. I ended up reading Kiss of Snow first because I've been impatiently waiting for that one for what felt like ages, but that's neither here nor there regarding my preference.


The one thing about this series I'd forgotten about was the humour. In those short months I forgot how funny these books were. As with the other books, Magic Slay had me laughing out loud. I love Kate's and Curran's relationship and how they bounce off each other. The one thing that jumped out at me though was how violent they can be together when Kate is super angry. They get very physical and sometimes it's hard to read.


As usual the story felt very visual. I love the world building of this series, and Andrew's ability to put you in her world so easily.


A great read, and if you haven't started this series yet, what are you waiting for?


Rating: 6/6 - It Was Amazing

Review: This Side of the Grave (Night Huntress #5) by Jeaniene Frost

Description (from Goodreads)

Danger waits on both sides of the grave.

Half-vampire Cat Crawfield and her vampire husband Bones have fought for their lives, as well as for their relationship. But just when they've triumphed over the latest battle, Cat's new and unexpected abilities threaten to upset a long-standing balance . . .

With the mysterious disappearance of vampires, rumors abound that a species war is brewing. A zealot is inciting tensions between the vampires and ghouls, and if these two powerful groups clash, innocent mortals could become collateral damage. Now Cat and Bones are forced to seek help from a dangerous "ally"—the ghoul queen of New Orleans herself. But the price of her assistance may prove more treacherous than even the threat of a supernatural war . . . to say nothing of the repercussions Cat never imagined.

I never did managed to read all of the previous books before this installment came out, as was my plan. I had to stop half way through Destined for an Early Grave, when book 5 was delivered to my kindle via Whispernet at 12:06.

I was so excited. My stomach was doing somersaults. I did what I said I wasn't going to do and started to read it (i didn't want to binge read it so told myself I wouldn't read it until the morning). Then I remembered that I'd already read the first 2 chapters on Jeaniene's website so, I re-read them, then forced myself to go to bed. I'm glad to say that Cat has grown. She didn't make those stupid snap decisions she usually make which was a relief. There was less action than usual, though. Usually lots of things happen, but it seemed like not a lot happened. I think this was the reason I was able to take my time and read it slowly, which I don't usually do. I binge read then regret it later. Yet it took me two full days to read this book. Unusual.

I debated giving it a 6 but I couldn't decide if the edge was taken off due to all the anticipation, or it was because of there was less action. I really want to give it a 6 because it's Cat and Bones for God sake, but I can't, it doesn't feel right :/ I'll definitely read it again soon though. It was great, just not amazing.

I really did enjoy reading it. It's a great series.

Rating 5/6 - Really Liked It