Magic Slays

Kate Daniels, Book 5

By: Ilona Andrews

Narrated by: Renée Raudman

Length: 13 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's Summary

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

Paranormal problem-solver: listen to more titles in the Kate Daniels series.

©2011 Andrew Gordon and Ilona Gordon (P)2011 Tantor

Another wonderful additon

This book is another solid addition to the series. Kate finds out more about her mother's side of the family and some painful truth. At the same time the relationship with Curran is becoming more solid. I was surprised and delighted by the choice Curran made to Kate. One of the most romantic gestures I've ever read! You know then that he truly loves Kate no matter what over anything and anybody.

This series and the Dresden series are the only series I buy both the printed and the audiobook version as soon as they come out. They are that good ! I like to listen to the books first because that way I don't miss a word. I tend to read really fast and I usually don't savor every word the first time around. BUT I just couldn't wait this time and I've already read the printed version...So please if possible, could you release the audiobook version at the same time as the book?

And when IS the next book coming out??

Better and better

This series just keeps getting better. The fear is once the main couple get together an author often falls on contrived angst to keep the tension. Not so here. Kate and Curran never fail to entertain. It helps greatly that the plots beyond any romantic interest in the books have always been very strong. This series appeals to anyone wanting an action plot, a plot dealing with dysfunctional families and how to keep the romance in a real relationship after the commitment is made. The secondary characters are all amazing also.

and it continues . . . to be continued

What made the experience of listening to Magic Slays the most enjoyable?

Each book runs into the next and I love Renee Raudman. She is an awesome narrator

What did you like best about this story?

Character developments.

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

Only the one's in this series, she is the best female narrator I've heard.

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

No, but I did immediately buy the next book. I'm guessing Ilona loved that!

Any additional comments?

I love the continuation of this series. I know her and her husband write on these books and it definitely shows. It has romance without being nasty or sappy, and action without being overly gory and explicit. The mix continues to work well and if you haven't read/listened to the previous books, do, it's highly entertaining and worth the time. The creatures and mythology involved become more entrancing as they have done some serious research (or fibbing) to build the foes their heroes battle. It is an excellent mythological and magical adventure that does not disappoint.

The narration is perfect. I will honestly admit I never knew who Renee Raudman was before this book series but I have to say I am in love. She has great character inflections, timing, and consistency in how she reads. I have to say she is the best female narrator I have ever come across in thirty years of listening to books.

Mad skills!

Kate Daniels lives in an alternative world where the power of magic and the power of technology vie for control over society. In Magic Slays, the war between magic and technology peak in a knock-down-drag-out fight that is both exciting and heart wrenching. In this installment, we also learn more about Kate’s family, and Kate learns how to trust in a mature relationship with a lunatic alpha male while Curran learns that you can’t manipulate your partner and have a healthy, happy relationship. This book moves a little slower than other books in the series, but it is a fantastic addition and hints at some wonderful future plots. I can’t wait for the next book! I found it irritating that Tantor Media delayed the audiobook release even though the kindle release and the book release were on the same day. Renee Raudman is a pro. She really brings these characters to life.

And the magic continues

It is nice to see Kate coming into her own. This is urban fantasy as it should be written.

wonderful!

I don't reread or relisten to many books. There are just too many out there waiting to be discovered. This one though I'm sure at some point I'll listen to again. What a great book.

The narration on this whole series was really great.

Long set up but great two hour finale

Prior to Book 5, we got to know Kate, the Pack, and the Vampire Navigators. Book 5 spends a lot of time exponentially expanding the Kate Daniels world. It adds several new groups, chief among them the witches and volves. We also delve into some of the were-groups, like the rats and the baudas (more Aunt Bea and the introduction of Ascanio). Finally, we get more backstory about Kate’s past, which gets even more dark and complex in ways that made me ache for Kate. All of these developments meant the story tended to drag a bit, detouring often into plot or character development, or downer topics like Andrea’s break with the Order or Kate’s family betrayals. Boo.

The book’s main story is about an anti-magic conspiracy threat. The plot riffs on modern day themes of fanaticism and terrorism. Here too, the plot is a downer, where many innocents suffer and we see the horrible things humans do to each other out of sheer stupidity.

As much as I enjoy the interplay of familiar characters, all that groundwork and darkness numbed me. I was relieved when all the pieces finally came together and The Conclave joined forces to face down Armageddon. The Base attack, and the contributions of each group’s special fighting skills, were thrilling.

Book 5 was not as good as 3 & 4, but still solid and moving us forward towards the Book 10 series conclusion. There is enough trademark snark, banter, and humor to enjoy.

Oh Kate!

Listened for Fun (Audible)
Overall Rating: 4.25
Story Rating: 4.50
Character Rating: 4.00

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

First Thought when Finished: Other than the unnecessary relationship drama in Kate's head (at least she calls herself on it) Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews was another KICK ASS addition to the series. I am just plowing through these (I am going to regret it when I have to wait with everyone else). Loved the fighting and the detective agency. Can't wait to see where the story goes now!

Audio Thoughts:

Narrated By Renée Raudman / Length: 13 hrs and 17 mins


Broken Record Alert: Love Renee's narration of this series. It is a MUST LISTEN!

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

Awesome Listen

Any additional comments?

I have just finished listening to the series 1 through 5 and am yearning for more!! Characters come alive and scenes are colorfully described. I cant wait to see if the author continues this saga!! A must read in my opinion

Evil scientist vs Loyalty.

Would you listen to Magic Slays again? Why?

Absolutely and I have, a number of times. Love this series and the more I read or listen the more I learn about the characters I've met and learned to care about.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Kate...because she is so loyal, a perfect match for the cat.

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

Yes, the full series. I do not find one better than the other...all are very well done...she IS this series!

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

Yes, cried a bit when they arrived in the little town and found the townsfolk. Especially the young mother who lost everyone.

Any additional comments?

This book reflects a lot of news headlines. We just don't seem to learn from the past.