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

Great addition to the story

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

I would definitely recommend this book, and have done so. I have followed the Kate Daniels series since getting the first book due to an audible recommendation, and this plot works well within the framework of the world created by Ilona and Andrew. The plot is forward moving, for both the series and as a stand alone novel. I do think that the rest of the series adds to this novel in that certain events in the novel gain reader emotional responses due to the prior depiction of them in earlier books. What impressed me was how seamlessly the authors interwove the fantasy elements with the emotional elements. Relationship issues are often secondary or minor subplots that seem unrelated to the main story, so you question as a reader "why is this even in this book?", that is not the case here. The relationship issues are due to the over arcing plot of the whole series, and are fitting with the first person pov, and the plot arcs addressed in the book. For this genre, it is a tightly written work, with more showing than telling, and that draws the reader in.

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

Nallini Singh's Guild Hunter and Seanan McGuire's October Daye series are the closest of the series that really compares, also Anne Bishops' Written in Red (first in a new series) because they both combine the urban fantasy and the emotional/relationship elements in a seamless manner. All these books (series really) work hard at making the 'everyday' events realistic within the surreal nature of the worlds created by the authors. Children, transportation, nutrition and medical concerns are not whisked away in favor of the action, nor are the action sequences gratuitous. Bad things happen and they have consequences beyond the plot point of one book, the characters natures change.

What about Renee Raudman’s performance did you like?

I enjoy Renee Raudman's narration of this and other books. She manages to give each character a distinct voice that is fitting for that character.

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

Sometimes intrigue and danger is worth challenging for the children.

You MUST read this book!

Where does Magic Rises rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Magic Rises ranks in the top five of all the books I've ever read and definitely one of the top three that I've listened to.

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

I cannot remember the title, but Jim Butcher's Alera Codex series has a book that takes place on the sea. The similarity is not so much that they both have traveling by boat in the story, but the fact that they both expand the world in each particular series. All former books in this series have been brilliantly written to take place in Atlanta, Georgia. This book actually makes the world around them into a character. We learn how the magic fluctuations have affected Old World nations differently from cities in the USA. Also in common with Alera Codex, this book has a group of warriors going abroad to find help for a problem they have at home. They are willing to risk their lives in this venture, but know that they must do everything they can to succeed so that the situation at home can, hopefully, be repaired.

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

I've always said Kate, because she is my favorite character in the series. But Aunt Bea is a very likable, yet intimidating woman who makes grown men hide when they know she is near. I love the interplay between Aunt Bea and anyone else. Additionally, the interplay between Kate and Barabas is too funny for words. Throughout the entirety of his presence in the series I always get at least a smile when they interact, if not a fully belly laugh. Renee is great with all the voices, but Bea and Barabas are my favorites in this particular book.

I also thank Recorded Books for bringing Renee back to read the book for us. She owns these characters and is an astounding vocal actress. Besides doing great voices, she acts out the words rather than reads them. The vocal dynamics and amazing plot work together to create an unforgettable adventure.

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

Yes, but I couldn't because of work. When the next book in the series comes out, I hope to be able to plan a vacation day so that I can take time to enjoy the book in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

This book is action-packed, with many surprises. It also has some amazing character development and relationship building that is very well handled and adds to the story/plot line. Having said that, please be assured that this book moves FAST. The authors have proven to be skilled, even elegant writers and brilliant storytellers. If you have not read anything in this series, I highly recommend that you get book one and start from the beginning. This book is written in such a way that you can read it without reading the rest of the books first, but you will enjoy it so much more if you start from the beginning. Thanks again for an excellent read.

Wow!

I'm still sort of in shock. First, thank you Recorded Books and audible for getting this up same day as the national release.

Now, OMG! The Andrews team have REALLY upped the bar on this series and it was at the top of it's genre going in. We have LOTS of new information, some answers and a few very interesting new characters. The mythology gets more intense and complicated. This story is a departure from the "case" based plots we've had up till now. It pretty much hits the ground as adventure from page one. You're going to see nearly all the favorite secondary cast. This series just gets more amazing each book.

Hint though, be sure to have tissues handy, it's a hard ride and there are some bad things that happen.

As always Renee Raudman does a perfect job.

Back On Track! Great Listen

This book was much better than the last couple books with Kate & I would highly recommend a listen for anyone who felt the overall 'Kate Daniels' story was stalling a bit or like me losing some steam. I know Daniels has a good following that would argue that the books were fine & they were just waiting for the next installment... but I wasn't sure what to expect with this book. I was happy to be pleasantly surprised & back into Kate because I enjoy strong female characters of any ilk, fantasy or not

I have to classify this as a young adult book just as I would with 'Dresden' (who I enjoy incredibly) or 'Rachel Morgan' but that classification doesn't matter nor effect the book, it only indicates to another person reading this review that ur not reading 'Gardens of the Moon' or 'The Stormlight Archives' or an 'R.R.martin' book... the complexity is not as vast but still enough to make it worth the read in my opinion

The shifting of the entire pack to another environment, having to react to other packs with known ill-will or even an outright trap they need to walk into just for the reward, learning a lil' more about Kate's background & people involved, adding an unknown shape-shifter element, some major characters taking a beating & the overall flow of the book jumpstarted my past reactions to the 1st 3 books. I LOVED that Kate seemed less 'whiny' than the last couple books which really bothered me... for a character as powerful/kickass as her & in her position I felt she was getting too 'not sure what I should do', ' I have to hide', 'why can't it be like...''waaa'.. etc... in this book she flexed her muscles & showed the powerful, female character she has always been, she had never cared what the pack thought of her, that was part of her allure, yes its nice & fuzzy she realized feelings I personally knew were already there, I mean its like ur brother or sister, its one thing when u kick their butt but entirely diff. if some unknown person is trying to mess with them. She was a strong, feminine character in a testosterone driven place & she could care less & it didn't intimidate her, that's how she gained respect in the 1st place. The 'dropped off by car 3 days from home with a knife & told to get home' girl is the character I want to listen about.

I read a review quickly that mentioned the overall story not moving much (probably regarding Kate's father & that showdown & many other unanswered questions) & even though this book took mini-steps to answer those major questions the quality of the book was vastly improved in my opinion. So Kudos for Andrews in writing a great book that was well worth the credit

Not the best in the series but still good

I both read and listened to this book. The audiobook was awesome with Renee Raudman's narration. I have come 'expect' her voice with this series because she has done all the ones I've listened too so its comfortable to hear a voice you are used to in the audio version.

Anyway, I loved many aspects of this story, as with previous books in the series. There was lots of action, lots of magic, lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed the introduction of some paranormal creatures that exist in the Europe of this world but not in North America.

Everything about this book was to the same high caliber that I've seen in the previous books but one aspect didn't work for me, at all, and that dropped my rating down by quite a bit. SPOILER FOLLOWS:

I've read all the books in this series more than once so think I have a pretty strong sense of the relationship between Curran and Kate, from inception to present. There is no way I can believe that Curran would pull the stunt he did, pretending to go after Lorelei because he was afraid to tell Kate there was a contract on her life. That made no sense to me whatsoever. When he explained himself to her it seemed incredibly weak that he did it because everyone can read her face and she needed to look upset. It really bothered me that this approach was taken by the authors because it seemed terribly lame. The Curran of the first five books would have talked about it with Kate and their closest advisers and made a plan to deal with it IMO. Anyway, it was just one aspect of the book but it bugged me enough that I put this book down for about 6 months and didn't want to finish it. I started it over in a different frame of mind and with the help of the audiobook got back into the story.

I left this book so long on my TBR that now the next one in the series, Magic Breaks, is out and sitting on my shelf. I am looking forward to reading it.

OMG WOW

This one really put them through the ringer especially the last quarter. I can't say more without spoiling.

Just know that this is a MUST LISTEN for fans of the series.

Hard to Rate

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.00
Story Rating: 4.00
Character Rating: 4.00

Audio Rating: 5.00 (not part of the overall rating)

First Thought when Finished: Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews was such a hard book to rate.

Overall Thoughts: Had you asked me in the middle of Magic Rises what I thought after the relationship drama, pirate were-dolphins (WTF), and mean girls, I would have said this book was a 3 or 3.5 (what can I say I still love all my side characters and loved the new ones)! However, I am an ender and that freaking last quarter had ALL THE FEELS! I am like seriously so drained that I don't think I can pick up the next one yet. I am emotionally gutted and yet I laughed like a wicked witch during the epilogue. Gah ---just all over the place. I am sure those that have read it understand and those that haven't just don't start here.

Breath in, Breath out and grab the next one! First though I am going to listen to the deleted scenes.

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Renee Raudman / Length: 15 hrs and 6 mins


She NAILED IT! Just listen already :)

Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! reviews

MORE!!!

As this is number six in the series, I'm going to assume you're already familiar with these books by the time you purchase this instalment. Given this, you'll probably understand what I mean when I say, after finishing this all I could think was I WANT MORE!!!

Magic Rises is another fantastic fast paced, action packed Kate Daniels novel. Highlights include: a look into the European shifters, a clearer picture of Hugh Deambre and Kate performing some neat new tricks with her magic. I'll state the obvious, this was definitely worth the credit.

Well Worth the Wait!

Action packed as normal. And I just love the dynamics between Kate and Curran. I am really part of the fan club :) Romantically he got in a little trouble in this one, but he came through like the true hero that he is. Kate and all of he support cast have a fantastic adventure and we get a glimpse into her past before the guild. Solid, exiting addition.

Renee Raudman it was a joy to listen to you.

Oh and the "Bonus" was a hit....Thanks!

The only thing I hate about this book is that it ended!!!!!! omg I have got to wait another year :(

Widens the World

This book really seems to have moved the storyline forward. It was very cool to see all the familiar characters in an unfamiliar setting, it was nice to get them out of Atlanta. It was also interesting to see how another part of the world is dealing with the world shift toward magic. I love how Kate seems to grow in her magic and her personality with every book. She learns how to do something by trial and error, not just a giant leap. The storyline with the bodyguarding reminds a bit of the earlier books but I love how Kate is in charge because she is the one with the experience. I'll miss the character who didn't make it through the book but I can't wait to see what happens next with this. It'll seem like a long time before the next book comes out. Renee Raudman did a fantastic job as usual. Her voices were consistent with the previous books and she manages to make every character sound distinct.