Magic Rises

By: Ilona Andrews

Narrated by: Renee Raudman

Length: 15 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

Mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate, Curran, the Beast Lord, are struggling to solve a heartbreaking crisis. Unable to control their beasts, many of the Pack’s shape-shifting children fail to survive to adulthood. While there is a medicine that can help, the secret to its making is closely guarded by the European packs, and there’s little available in Atlanta. Kate can’t bear to watch innocents suffer, but the solution she and Curran have found threatens to be even more painful. The European shape-shifters who once outmaneuvered the Beast Lord have asked him to arbitrate a dispute - and they’ll pay him in medicine. With the young people’s survival and the Pack’s future at stake, Kate and Curran know they must accept the offer - but they have little doubt that they’re heading straight into a trap.…

©2013 Andrew Gordon and Ilona Gordon (P)2013 Recorded Books

Just as good as I remembered!

This might be my least favorite book in the Kate Daniels series. Of course, I still loved it so that doesn't mean a whole lot. This was a re-read for me. I first read this book shortly after its release and devoured it quickly. I have been slowly working my way back through the series in audio and am enjoying it even more the second time around. I started the re-read of this book when nothing else I started seemed to be working but as soon as I started this book I didn't want to stop listening. I feel very lucky to have found a series of books that I know I will enjoy every time I want to revisit the story.

This book takes Kate, Curran, and many others out of town. I tend not to care for books in a series that move the setting to an unknown location quite as much just because I miss all of the things that I love about the main setting including the characters. I didn't miss the characters all that much since so many of them were along for the trip. I did find the new setting to be unique and rather interesting. I liked that by having the group take a little trip we were able to see a few things that were completely new.

One of the things that I love the most about this series is the relationship between Kate and Curran. It has been fun watching things develop between them over the span of ten books. Since I have already finished the series, I enjoyed this look at their past but this book is not the high point in their relationship. To put it simply - Curran acts like a jerk in this book and I didn't like it. Kate didn't like it either so it causes a few problems. I will say that there are some pretty heartfelt and redeeming moments as well so it all worked out in the end.

This book had all of the action and excitement that I have come to expect from the series. There is a mystery to solve, children to protect, and political moves to be made. This book also brings a healthy dose of Hugh which added a lot to the story. This was a really heartbreaking book because we had to say goodbye to a much-loved character. New characters were also introduced that will play an important role as the series progresses.

Renee Raudman did a fantastic job with this book as she has with the rest of the series. I think that she does a great job of bringing Kate to life and adding to an already exciting story. She handles a large cast of characters really well through the voices that she uses. I have no problems listening to her narration for hours at a time.

I would highly recommend this series to everyone. Honestly, if you haven't read this series yet you really should give it a try. I can't wait to continue my audio re-read!

AWESOME!!!

This husband and wife writing team is amazing! Sometimes series can get stale. Well, u never have to worry about that w this team. Each book is better than the last. I wish the books came out more than once a yr! :)
Renee Raudman is back as the narrator, and she totally makes Kate hers, along w the other characters. It's like she was w the authors for each and every written pg, taking notes on how the they wanted each character voiced, along w the tone of the book. No matter how gd a book is, a bad narrator can ruin it. You NEVER have to worry about that w Renee. I cannot picture anyone else narrating this book, and don't ever want to!

Latest Kate Daniels is not to be missed!

No spoilers here but will just say this has been the most exciting book in the series so far. The storyline advances to a level that left me satisfied & dying for the next installment!. Some authors only give you a nugget at a time to stretch out their books but not so with this author. This is by far my favorite UF series.

Great Installment in the "Kate Daniel" series

Who was your favorite character and why?

All of them... beautifully created characters

Which scene was your favorite?

Kate and Curran confrontation at the mountains. Also Hugh and Kate's last dinner.

Any additional comments?

Ilona Andrews well structured "Kate Daniel"'s world is a must read for urban fantasy readers

Another great novel in the series

If you are a fan of the Kate Daniels series you will definitely enjoy this addition. It's my favorite guilty pleasure.

I NEVER want this series to end!

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

I have never read the print version but I absolutely love Renee and cannot imagine Kate Daniels without her so I'll stick with audio.

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

Possibly Bayou Moon (also by Ilona Andrews)....but that would really be pushing it. Ok let me set the record straight. I LOVED Bayou Moon but I mean this is Kate Daniels!!!...and I mean come' on who can really compete with that! However, I shall answer the question...I would compare Bayou Moon to Magic Rises only because it is still hardcore, action packed, romantic without being sickeningly mushy, it has an amazing storyline...and well...I like magic!

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

It will always and forever be a toss up between Kate and Curran. I'm just in love with them being in love lol.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Of course...duh I'm human! This book is all of that. You will laugh, cry, snicker, and then bite the head off of anyone who comes to interrupt you before your time is up!!!!

Any additional comments?

This book is soooo worth the credit or money. I highly recommend it because you will be thoroughly satisfied. If you have not already read the first book of the series I would suggest you start there but for anyone who has been following this author than you already know this is a no brainer. With that being said, my only real advice for you is to make sure you carve out "me" time to listen to this because interruptions are so unwelcome!

This book rocked

Oh my I can't wait for the next installment in this amazing series. I love the oratory delivery of this excellent series. Mega wow factor! !!

Amazing narrator

Renee Raudman is truly a gifted narrator. I will listen to anything she reads!

This whole series is great fun - a wonderful listen.

wonderful

while I like all the books in this series, this one is exceptional. the storyline was riveting and unexpected.

"Not my first time reattaching a limb" - Aunt B

Relationships aren't perfect and this is true for Curran and Kate. They faced their first real stumble in this one. I appreciate the stumble in the relationship. It makes it more realistic. It seems to be written so that the reader dislikes Curran and sides with Kate. I felt that... but the scene where he starts breaking boulders was just too hilarious! 🤣 I could picture that tantrum so clearly. I've been that angry where I couldnt even talk. I usually find something to scrub/clean but breaking rocks might help too.

I hope we get to see more of the Hobbit in future books. Maybe he will come through in the final showdown with Roland.

One of the best ones in my opinion but I'm an action girl who loves the royal drama. From other reviews I can see I'm in the minority but I still loved it.

Why do they give away all of their secrets?
1. Kate tells Hugh about her mom's powers.
2. They give away the fact that they have a genuine shapeshifter in their group.

Narration by Renee Raudman is always excellent for this series.

Some good quotes from this one:

"We have established with him that he isnt dead" - Barabos

"Sit the F*** down!" - Hugh DeAmbry

""Crazy, yes. Dumb, no." - Kate Daniels