Before we begin, just a reminder this post and its comments may include spoilers for the previous books in Ilona Andrew’s Kate Daniels series. This read-along is for those who have read the books previously and also for those who are new to the series, so please no spoilers for books beyond the one featured in the discussion this week.
Book 9: Magic Binds
Magic Binds by Ilona Andrews Series: Kate Daniels #9
Published by Ace on September 20, 2016
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 328
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble
Mercenary Kate Daniels knows all too well that magic in post-Shift Atlanta is a dangerous business. But nothing she’s faced could have prepared her for this…
Kate and the former Beast Lord Curran Lennart are finally making their relationship official. But there are some steep obstacles standing in the way of their walk to the altar…
Kate’s father, Roland, has kidnapped the demigod Saiman and is slowly bleeding him dry in his never-ending bid for power. A Witch Oracle has predicted that if Kate marries the man she loves, Atlanta will burn and she will lose him forever. And the only person Kate can ask for help is long dead.
The odds are impossible. The future is grim. But Kate Daniels has never been one to play by the rules…
Kate Daniels is my FAVORITE series by my FAVORITE authors and this is just another piece of evidence why. It starts with the characters. There are many and their depth and growth continues as does my love (or hate) for them. It’s not so black or white; there are shades of feelings about them, even about one character. They are just so comfortable and precious to me, with their complexities. Those layers provide a wealth of feelings.
Kate, I love your intelligence and spirit, your moral fiber and compassion. You are a better person than many will ever be. Magic Binds was set to be about your marriage to Curran. Of course, it is so much more. Curran was developed more, as well as Julie and Jim. Roland shows his true colors. Kate, being a true heroine, has developed a wide range of strange allies, even ones who don’t like her so much. And THAT is the hallmark of a true urban fantasy heroine.
Multiple little plots happen here along with the big action with Roland and the wedding. This is like real life. Just because one big event is in the forefront, the little things don’t just stop; the background is full of meals and cleaning and work and school, etc. This full picture is another fact in the authors’ ability to create amazing books.
Somehow, I got the idea this was the last book and I’m so happy it is not. There is so much more story here! Now we have the additional story of Hugh, possible stories with Julie and Derek, and tomorrow is the release of Magic Triumphs!
Who said:
“Apparently, the Eakle boys took him seriously, because they got the hell out of the river and ran naked and screaming through the woods right into a Girl Scout campground, where two rival troops were having an archery competition. The Girl Scouts joined forces to subdue the interloper.”
Schedule and wrap up:
We have done one book every four weeks, posting on Mondays.
Magic Triumphs is almost here! To celebrate, Ace Books and participating blogs will be giving away three copies of each Kate Daniels book every weekday leading up to highly anticipated release on August 28th. Each giveaway will run for three days.
Follow the tour and enter to win them all!
Aug 28: Magic Triumphs (release day!)
Miss a post?
Jan 15: Magic Bites
Feb 12: Magic Burns
Mar 12: Magic Strikes
Apr 9: Magic Bleeds
May 7: Magic Slays
Jun 4: Magic Rises
Jul 2: Magic Breaks
Jul 30: Magic Shifts
The winner of last book’s giveaway is: Maria K.
This Book’s Giveaway: US Only Thank you Ace!
Read-along Giveaway:
About Ilona Andrews
“Ilona Andrews” is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade. (Gordon is still sore about that.)
Gordon and Ilona currently reside in Texas with their two children and many dogs and cats.
They have co-authored several bestselling series, including the #1 NYT bestselling urban fantasy of Kate Daniels, rustic fantasy of the Edge, paranormal romance of Hidden Legacy, and Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial.
I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- COYER BSBB
I’m now behind in this series and need to figure out a way to get it back on my reading plans. They’ve all been 5 star reads (except the first). Great post, Anne.
Thanks Jonetta! I don’t have that problem. As soon as I get one of their books I read it, always within the next 24 hours, if not the next few minutes. I hope you can put other stuff aside and read or listen because it is the best. I highly, highly recommend Iron & Magic on audio, too because it is Steve West. It falls right after this one and before Magic Triumphs chronologically.
I’ve listened to all of them on audio (thanks to a really good friend who insisted!). I’ll try to get back on track by the end of the year.
I don’t know how you can possibly wait a day much less weeks. It’s like what crack is for an addict, I imagine, for me
I enjoyed reading about Kate’s mental state as she fought giving in to the lure of power. It was wonderful to see that the people she has gathered around her as the books progressed helped support and ground her.
Yes. All the best UF heroes gather odd groups of people to them. These books can be taken at different levels. While they are a fun read with action and humor, there is more depth for those who want it.
This one felt lighter than the others for much of it and I laughed so much over the wedding stuff. It still had some great action and suspense moments, too.
They have something for everyone. I like the action, the plots, the incredible character growth and development, the romance and the icing on the cake is the humor!
new to me, but this series is on my tbr, Im glad the last is coming out though so no waiting time lol
That’s right! Go binge read, starting today. I tell you whenever I got one of the books from this author, all their series, I immediately change my plans and sit down and read it that day, if not within a few minutes. Ilona Andrews is amazing! Enjoy!
Thanks for taking us through the series. One of my all time favorites!
You’re welcome. It’s been my pleasure. It will be difficult to pick anything nearly as wonderful for 2019.
I haven’t read it yet but I am excited to!
It’s my favorite of favorites, so I’m going to say read it now! Plus, as of tomorrow, all of the books in the series will be available.
I loved the humor and all of the wedding stuff in Magic Binds, as well as Kate’s inner conflict with her power and fighting not to become power hungry like Roland. It’s been great re-reading this series and I can’t wait for Magic Triumphs tomorrow!
Enjoy! Magic Triumphs is also a crown on top of the king/queen of a series. It is everything I needed. Plus knowing this author will continue to write. I’ll love whatever they write.
Yes! I can’t wait to do a re-read of this book. I have so much love for the whole series 🙂
I have really appreciated being able to reread the series over this year. (Why I planned the Read-along) I knew I would want to and this gave me the structure to do it and enable others. It’s the best ever.
I loved all the craziness of getting the wedding put together.
I loved everything about it! Thanks for joining us!