Review copy was received from NetGalley, Purchased. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Magic Claims by Ilona Andrews Series: Wilmington Years #2, Kate Daniels #10.6
Published by NYLA on June 13, 2023
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 245
Format: eARC, eBook
Source: NetGalley, Purchased
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Kate and Curran have just settled into their new home and their 'low prolife,' when a local businessman approaches them with an offer they can’t refuse. A mysterious evil has spawned in the nearby forest and is holding a defenseless town hostage. The ‘due date’ is rapidly approaching.
It’s exactly the kind of fight the Lennarts can’t resist, not for the prize the town offers, but for the people who will surely die if they ignore it. If they succeed, they’ll be rescuing an entire community and can build a strong new base for their family and the Wilmington Pack. If they fail...well, fail is a four-letter word.
There is nothing more exciting than a new Ilona Andrews book. I am ecstatic they have continued beyond the Kate Daniels series. These stories are shorter than full books, and tell of Kate, Curran and Conlan and their life in Wilmington NC. They are trying to lay low and just provide a normal childhood for Conlan. Well, that’s over.
Kate and Curran have been reticent to make the mistakes of their parents or even repeat ones from their past. But they want to fight to protect people. So they are starting to figure out how to do it in a different way. They were building their own beach compound but now they are offered a forest one if they help remove the evil there.
Conlan may be only 8 but he is a talented and trained boy. He is having to grow up fast. They are teaching him the best they can and he eventually is part of this fight. He is just beginning to see the hard decisions and reality.
The world building and character development are exquisite. I enjoy the humor too, but part of that is enjoying the personalities and characters as themselves. For that, one needs to have read the series, in order, which is always a good strategy with urban fantasy. For example, I was tickled to see Luther Dillon. But he only means something if you have read the other books. I’m also laughing at the people who have no idea about Kate. Or Curran.
There is so much here. The politics of the Order, the Farm, and the Pack. The tentative grasp of the humans to survive in some areas. We get some insight into the problems of the Atlanta pack and how some of the issues started in Curran’s time. Now they may start over with new and better rules.
The source of the evil is not easily understood. But they start to get an idea based on the fighting style and when Conlan finds “the elephant creature” in a historical picture book. There’s more mythological creatures out there in this crazy post shift world. I love how Kate knows almost all the rules, the details, the mythology of the many creatures who might fight her. She understands the different types of magic.
This is my favorite author and my favorite series ever and it is worth reading from the start, in order. So I would not read this as a stand-alone. If you haven’t read this series, you are seriously missing out. There is so much character growth and world / mythology development to understand. It’s the beloved characters that are the foundation with their compassion, courage and intelligence.
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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Oh, how I miss this series! Wonderful review, Anne💜
Well you can still be reading it! It’s my favorite favorite.
I love that your favorite series seems to be consistently good. Five star reads are rare for me, but I’m always thrilled when I find one!
Tammy, I am a little biased as it IS my favorite but the books are also really great.
Another winner by this awesome writing team. Great review, Anne.
Thank you Nadene. They never disappoint me.
Magic Claims just landed on my Kindle as I preordered it, but I might wait until the audio bundle with Magic Tides comes out July 4th. Loved Magic Tides and I’m so thrilled they’re back to writing more Kate!
yes! I will also buy the audio bundle. I’m very excited that there is more in this world. But really everything they do makes me happy.
Oh Anne one of these days I will read this author. So many of my friends love this writing team
Debbie, I highly recommend them. It’s my favorite series of all time.
One of these days I will start reading this author.
It’s my favorite of all favorites. I highly recommend it.
I need to catch up! I may start on the next one this week or next.
It’s always a treat. Enjoy!
I am literally vibrating in anticipation. So glad you liked it.
yes I am always can’t wait when it comes to the Ilona Andrews’ books.
I liked the first book more, but it’s always great to visit Kate and Curran plus there was some interesting detail that works into Julie’s story. I also appreciate the nod toward clams. I wonder if that was added after the title confusion some of their fans had.
You make interesting points Anne. I love reading all their works.
I always forget about this author duo until I come to your site and read your glowing reviews. Then I want to kick myself for not having read something by them yet.
And you can pick anything because everything of theirs is amazing. But there are several series / genres. If you want to more romance I’d start with Hidden Legacy. It’s newer and more romantic but the mythology and action and humor are also on point.
I’ve got this, but decided to listen first. Wonderful review!
I get that. But I can’t ever wait. So I read and then listen.
Sounds good, and I should definitely start the series. Great review, glad you loved it so much!
Thanks Lisa. I’ve enjoyed all their books. There are a lot of books in this world now. If you haven’t tried the author at all I’d probably start with the Hidden Legacy books, a newer series with more romance but still action, humor and great world building.
Lovely review. I was worried at first that things were going to be more of the same, but it’s clear it won’t be. I love the direction things are headed and hope they find time to write more!
Thank you Jen. Yes this is new chapter now with Conlan growing up. They walk a fine line. I’m always excited for more in any of their series.
The very end had a whole basket of easter eggs for regular readers! There was even one just for readers of the Ilona Andrews blog (which I can recommend for anyone who likes their books).
yes, they do a lot for the fans as well as write amazing books which is why there are dedicated fans in the first place.
I’ve wanted to read this author for years. Glad you enjoyed this installment. I agree it’s best to read a series in order. Great review.
I love everything by this author. I hope you get to read them soon.