Magic Breaks

Kate Daniels, Book 7

By: Ilona Andrews

Narrated by: Renée Raudman

Length: 16 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

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 24 hours to hunt down the killer. And this time, if she fails, she' ll find herself embroiled in a war that could destroy everything she holds dea.

©2014 Andrew Gordon and Ilona Gordon (P)2014 Recorded Books

Bravo - Kate Daniels does not disappoint!

Would you listen to Magic Breaks again? Why?

Yes. I have not preferred Renee Raudman in the past because of her heavy (almost too heavy) southern accent. I didn't hear that so much in this book. Her performance worked.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Magic Breaks?

I tend to like stories that reach all realms of the emotional spectrum, and a story like this one has the plot to bring out the full spectrum. Bravery, fear, love, arrogance, vulnerability, loyalty, the conflict of protective instincts vs keeping your word and being honest thereby placing in danger.... just to name a few. I like to root for the underdog protagonist. Kate is not without power, but she's outmatched against her father. We've seen this build up from all the previous books, but she finally gets to meet Roland. As a reader, I was filled with anxiety and expectation about this meeting. I won't spoil it for you. Ilona Andrews crafted this very well. I was not disappointed. Curran earns a lot of respect in this book. He is loyal to Kate. Kate's actions have earned his loyalty time and time again. On the other hand, it's disappointing that she never seems to quite measure up for the inhabitants of the Keep, but at the same time, this casts Kate in her underdog and under appreciated role showing that despite her power and protection, she is not an egomaniac.Although I rated this book a 5 star, a loose end was left unresolved for me. How did Kate manage to have a break through in building blood armor.... after she'd been starved, and with little to no rest? The beginning of the book shows that Kate is struggling with learning this skill. I would have like this dot connected --- did she get infused and re-energized by her grandmother?? No because she felt like passing out afterwards.... Keep it up Ilona Andrews. This is one of my top favorites -- along with Patricia Brigg's Mercy Thompson series.

Could be a stand alone book

If someone wanted to jump into the middle of the series, this would be the book.
The book is not the end, but at times reads like it.
Great book.

Great

This series just gets better and better. I love this series, the authors, and Kate and Curran.

Great job!

There is some serious ingredients mixed into the plot this time. They underline the fact that life is about change.
Fantastic storyline that burns through some of the loose ends of prior books. Along with the introduction of a cast of new characters this book is loaded with game changers!
You willlove it!

Excellent

I’m reading the entire series for the fourth or fifth time. I love every book in the series.

Freaky and fantastic!

What did you love best about Magic Breaks?

This is one of the best series I have ever had the pleasure of losing myself in.  Ilona and Gordon have me in the palm of their hands.  Kate and Curran are a dynamic couple. I found myself laughing and on pins and needles.  I have the ebook and audio series. I have replayed it and reread it during the month of July and August.  The shapeshifters and vampires in this series have so many characteristics that you may find in other author’s series but have been developed to a new intricate level.  I have so many favorite “scenes”.  I love the witty banter.  I can’t wait to finish work or whatever I am doing so I can get back to the books.  So glad there are more to come.  Talk about Daddy/Mommy issues ha!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Magic Breaks?

When Kate and Curran go to the swan palace.

Have you listened to any of Renée Raudman’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but I have fallen in love with her ability to distinguish all the characters in the series. Awesome!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Epic tale of magic, shapeshifters, love and betrayal! Nocturnal terror between magic and tech that will make you pray it never comes to pass!

Any additional comments?

Wow- awesome, awe-inspiring, intimidating, mind blowing, stupefying story line. more more more!

Fulfilling sequel to the series

Would you consider the audio edition of Magic Breaks to be better than the print version?

Yes the narration adds to the story

What other book might you compare Magic Breaks to and why?

Any other Kate books for they are not like another series

What does Renée Raudman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The southern voice of Kate, and I know southern

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

More reveals than a Vegas magician

Dark, Funny, Hopeful, Exciting

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, for those who like urban fantasies with a nice dose of romance, this book ranks high on my list of likes. Ilona and Gordon Andrews have turned out another amazing story in which we see all the characters mature to the next level. We finally get to meet the dread Lord Roland. Indications of his power are awesome. We get to see Kate as the killer she was raised to be, but also as the true friend who feels deep distress when her loved ones experience any kind of hurt or are in danger. This book could very well have been the end of the series. I'm very happy to know that the story will continue! I love these characters, with all their flaws and all their good points as well. I still want to learn more about them and what their future will bring.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Magic Breaks?

When Kate walks into Roland's Swan Tower. It is a very high powered scene.

Which scene was your favorite?

I surprised myself by thoroughly enjoying the scene where Kate let's her inner killer out to wreck havoc and revenge on Aunt Bea's killer. It was quite brutal, detailed, and very satisfying to see this monster get what she deserved. I'm not a violent person, but I enjoyed every moment of this scene. Well done! On the flip side, one of my biggest laughs came when Curran asked Andrea if she was done vomiting yet. Andrea's reaction and the way the scene played out was quite comical. And it was all done in just a few words!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

There are many moments that moved me, but if I have to pick just one, it would be knowing how often Kate visits Aunt Bea's grave. Another would be Kate's time with Ghastek when they are trapped and Ghastek tells her about his past. We learn that Ghastek isn't his real name. He is still creepy, but it was moving to understand what happened to lead him to his desire to be a nagivator and how he received his name.

Any additional comments?

Of course, Renee Raudman did a stellar job, as usual. It continues to amaze me how very well she handles not only the voices, but the emotions of these characters. Additionally, Ilona told us on her blog that critics commented on the love scene in this book. The scene is very well written, but more graphic than love scenes in other books in this series. However, the writing most definitely fits into this story perfectly, where all emotions and actions seem to have been raised to a higher level. I was surprised and uncomfortable by the way the authors take characters from the Bible and change the mean and/or reason for the biblical lessons. If I were an author, I wouldn't take such liberties, but you can see from my ratings and comments above that this hasn't stopped me from loving this book.

Aerin

I will never stop raving about the performance in these recordings. Pain and fear and tiredness is tangible when Renée reads them. One of my favorite books in the series. It does read like the last in the series but I'm glad its not. Time really moves in these books. There's a real progression in events. Kate lives a lot of places and gathers people to her like a magnet for the broken. Christopher is replacing Derek as the favorite son and he should probably work on that ;)

Great end to this story arc!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Because this series is awesome! It's one of my favorite series. The storyline is great! The world is great, and the character's are great!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kate! She is a great lead character! We see her grow as a character and learn to love. She is also kickass and can take down anyone who get's in her way!

Which character – as performed by Renée Raudman – was your favorite?

Kate and Ascanio. Ascanio sounds so funny, and I love how she has Kate down with her snarky personality and sarcasm.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! but 16 hours is a long time for one sitting! I would've done in in two sittings though if it wasn't for needing to work :(

Any additional comments?

This was a good way to end this story arc! I love audiobooks! To me if they are read right, they are like a long movie! Renée Raudman is one of my favorite narrator’s. When I think of Kate Daniels I think of her with Renée’s voice. If you have listened to the whole series like I have; I imagine you do the same. Renée brings the story alive. With her voice you can feel the character’s emotions especially Kate’s. You feel everything Kate does, you’re pissed with her, you’re heartbroken,hurting, and happy! She is also good with separating the characters! When I hear them I know exactly who they are! If you aren’t into audiobooks this is a good one to start with. Renée draws you in, and you stay captivated until the end!