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Magic Binds
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Magic Binds
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Magic Binds
Audiobook13 hours

Magic Binds

Written by Ilona Andrews

Narrated by Renee Raudman

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

4.5/5

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Currently unavailable

Currently unavailable

About this audiobook

The new, "heart-stopping"* novel in the New York Times bestselling series that "defines urban fantasy."*

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.…

*Fresh Fiction

LanguageEnglish
Release dateOct 4, 2016
ISBN9781480540361
Unavailable
Magic Binds
Author

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 US 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 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 coauthored four New York Times and USA Today bestselling series: the Kate Daniels urban fantasy series, the Edge rustic fantasy books, the Hidden Legacy paranormal romance novels, and the Innkeeper Chronicles, which they post as a free weekly serial. For a complete list of their books, fun extras, and Innkeeper installments, please visit their website at www.ilona-andrews.com.

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Rating: 4.43537410430839 out of 5 stars
4.5/5

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  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Magic Binds is the ninth book in the Kate Daniels series, which is perhaps my all time favorite urban fantasy series. The series starts with Magic Bites. While not the greatest beginning, the series reaches “awesome” territory by book three and has consistently stayed there. Magic Binds is no exception. I expected to enjoy the heck out of it, and I did.If you’re new to the series, Magic Binds is not a good starting point. It relies extensively on the eight prior books of characterization and world building. I could easily see a new reader being overwhelmed. If you have any interest in urban fantasy, I would highly encourage you to go check out one of the earlier books in the series. Maybe books two or three, Magic Burns and Magic Strikes, if you want to skip over the lackluster first installment. I can promise you some of the most amazing urban fantasy world building I’ve ever encountered, plus a badass female lead who I adore. The rest of this review will contain some spoilers for the prior eight books.Kate’s father Roland let her have Atlanta, but he’s built a “small settlement” (i.e. a castle) right outside the boundaries. He’s been steadily harassing those going to or from Atlanta, and now he’s kidnapped Saiman. Kate feels duty bound to get him back. To make matters even worse, the Oracle is predicting a great battle and death for either Curran or Kate’s unborn son. Oh, and did I mention? Kate and Curran’s wedding is less than two weeks away.Magic Binds shakes up the typical Kate Daniels format a bit. Past books have tended to focus around a particular mythology usually with some sort of mystery element. Magic Binds instead focuses on the conflict between Kate and her father and Kate learning what her claiming of Atlanta means. Because it’s clear that there’s a lot more to the act than she thought, and it’s threatening to warp her personality. And it’s not exactly like she can go to her father for advice.Roland is one of the most hilarious evil villains I’ve encountered, mainly because he’s “trying to be a good father” while also being a murderous tyrant. He reminds me a lot of Tarquin from Order of the Stick actually. It ends up making things a lot more interesting than I suspected they’d be, back when Roland was just the shadowy Big Bad.We also learned more about the history of Kate’s family and their unusual powers, which was really awesome. It’s impressive that Ilona Andrews has found backstory to mine that feels fresh and relevant even nine books into the series.This is related more to the series as a whole than Magic Binds specifically, but I like that once Kate and Curran got together, they actually stayed together. Nine books worth of “will they/won’t they” would have been horrendous, but it feels like too many authors believe that anything interesting in a relationship is over once the couple actually gets together. I for one love seeing Kate and Curran work together. They’ve become one of my favorite Battle Couples.Magic Binds is another fun, fast paced, action packed installment to the Kate Daniels series. Fans won’t be disappointed.Originally posted on The Illustrated Page.I received an ARC of Magic Binds from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book was perfect. The best Kate book yet. Thankyou very much Ilona Andrews.

    They delivered wit, love and war in a nice little package. Kate & Curran were awesome as always, and we got a taste of the many many delightful characters and sidekicks that live in their world.

    Things with Kate & her father heated up dramatically, and there were wedding bells ringing. Kate really went through some deep soul-searching and character growth.

    Very excited for the next one.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    4.5 stars. Another great installation in a great series that is still going strong at volume #9. Kate continues to grow into her magic, fighting its lures and doing her best to stay true to herself. Her relationship with Curran and her friends are part of what makes it work (it = the series, the book, staying true to herself).
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Magic Binds is the ninth book in very enjoyable Kate Daniels' urban fantasy series. Kate and Curran are finally getting married. Wedding preparation mishaps are a fun subplot, starting with the first chapter. After all, Curran may have stepped down as the Beast Lord, but that doesn't mean the Pack has no interest in his nuptials. Kate's father and paternal aunt have their own oars to stick in. Some of scenes that made me chuckle were her family's comments about the wedding and the groom. It's an amusing turnaround from when the Pack wasn't sure that mercenary Kate was good enough for their Beast Lord.Yes, Aunt Erra is back, sort of. Ditto Grandmother Semiramis, sort of. I loved the scenes with them. They're needed. Big Daddy Roland isn't behaving himself. He seemed to be ready to embrace his daughter and look forward to grandchildren at the end of book eight, Magic Breaks. No. Roland has his plans and Kate doesn't plan to let him go through with it. The stakes are very, very high, both for their world and the most important person in Kate's life.NOTES:Chapter 1:a. Roman's house is described. (Roman is the priest of Chernobog, god of All Evil and Darkness.)b. Roman's father is Grigorii, Atlanta's head black volhv. His mother is Evdokia, one third of the Witch Oracle.c. Kate and Curran are getting married on Ivan Kupala night. It's significance in Slavic folklore is explained. So is Chernobog.d. Kate and Curran still have to go to the Conclave because Ghastek outed her.e. Kate first met Nick in chapter two of book one, Magic Bites. He was properly introduced in chapter 9. f. Kate explains why Nick hates her.g. Nick brings news of Saiman. Kate is enraged.Chapter 2:a. We're told how Curran formed his team from the Mercenary Guild.b. See chapter 24 of book three, Magic Strikes, for what happened to Derek's face.c. It was Kate herself who used to call Derek 'boy wonder'.d. Kate explains to Derek about Nick and what she found our about her former guardian, Greg Feldman, and her stepfather, Voron. See chapter 9 of book eight, Magic Breaks.e. Julie Olsen enters the book. f. Roland wants to build a water garden.g. We find out what's happened to Hugh d'Ambray.h. See chapters 12-13 of Magic Breaks for when Hugh threw Kate into Roland's prison.i. Kate and Roland have an argument.Mention: Bullfinch's MythologyChapter 3:a. Julie explains about the Iron Dogs' six cohorts. (Hibla was Captain of the Sixth Cohort, the Rippers.)b. We are properly introduced to Stoyan Iliev.c. See chapter 17 of Magic Breaks for what happened toi Hibla.d. Kate and Roman discuss her wedding preparations (hee). e. Kate is meeting the Witch Oracle at Cochran Mill Park instead of Centennial Park. .f. See chapter 22 of book two, Magic Burns, for why Sienna is healthy.g. Sienna shows Kate two visions, neither good.h. Evdokia calls Kate 'Katenka'.Mentions: Who's Who, South Fulton Parkway, the RubiconChapter 4: a. Kate switches to a new 3-step plan.b. We learn how Christopher is doing.c. Andrea and Kate go for lunch at the Parthenon.d. The baby is born.e. Kate calls in the Lorelei favor.Mentions: Emory University School of Medicine, Duke University, Johns HopkinsChapter 5:a. Kate calls Sienna.b. Jim sends guards John and Ramona away when Kate asks for a private conversation.c. See chapters 14-16 of Magic Breaks for the escape from Mishmar.d. Kate and Curran have dinner with Mahon and family.e. Martha gives Kate a present.f. See chapter of for When Kate was stuck in a cage because Jim went away on Pack business. See chapter 12 of Magic Strikes for when Jim let Kate know that she's not good enough because she's not a shapeshifter.Chapter 6:a. Barabas explains why he left the Pack and bought shares in the Guild along with Curran.b. Kate tells Barabas about the kingdom of Shinar.c. Kate visits Beau Clayton. (See chapter 12 of Magic Breaks for the incident that earned him the nickname 'Beau the Brave'.)d. Look here for the tale of the Eakle brothers and the Girl Scout camp (Ha!).e. Mrs. Boudreaux's house is filthy.Mentions: Shinar, Akkad, Erech, Calneh, France, the Congo, Mesopotamia, Eden, Pison, Gihon, Euphrates, Hiddekel, Arabia, Havilah, Karujm, the Persian Gulf, the Flandrian Transgression, Nimrod, the Ubiad, the city of Adam, Cain, Milton County, Girl ScoutsChapter 7:a. Mrs. Boudreaux is found.b. Kate has a fight on a bridge with one of Roland's female fighters named Adora.. c. Derek tells Kate that Julie knows what Kate did to her.d. Kate finds out something else that surprises her.e. Kate and Julie discuss Roland, who gave Julie something she wanted. In turn, Julie tells Kate what Adora is.f. Roland misunderstands the wedding menu.Chapter 8:a. Fiona Katsura and her brother Jun have come to fit the wedding dress.b. Christopher has a breakthrough.c. Roman transforms.d. Kate gets unwelcome marriage advice from Sirin.e. Chernobog wants a bargain.f. See chapter 13 of Magic Bleeds for the time Kate borrowed Teddy Jo's flaming sword.Mentions: Tartarus, the 'Hansel and Gretel' witch (by implication), King Arthur (by implication), Britannia Chapter 9: a. Teddy Jo advises Kate on how to entice one of the pegasi.b. We meet the pegasi Kate calls 'Sugar'. She's a smartass.c. Dali appears.Chapter 10:a. It's an interesting ride on Sugar.b. We meet Irene, a fae Sahanu.c. Kate visits the tomb of Semiramis, the Great Queen, the Shield of Assyria.d. Kate and Erra talk. Erra explains the Shar.e. Kate gets a dagger.f. Before she was called the City Eater, Erra was called the Rose of Tigris.Mention: KaliChapter 11:a. Erra comments on Curran's suitability to be Kate's husband.b. Sienna calls.c. Curran met a silver saber-toothed tiger while Kate was away.d. They go to the Keep.Mentions: the Infinity BuildingChapter 12:a. It's off to the Guild building. It has a koi pond with three gold and two white koi in it.b. Saiman is in his birth form.c. Roland and Kate argue.d. Erra pronounces Julie a daughter of the Koorghan. Kate suspects she means kurgan.e. Kate is thinking of introducing medmage Nellie Kerning to Dr. Doolittle.f. Eahrratim, the Rose of Tigris, has things to say to visiting Pack members.Mentions: kurgans, the Russian steppes, Asia, ScythiansChapter 13:a. Saiman has a stage Dave Miller, the late magical idiot savant, built.b. Voron made Kate take ballet from three years, until she was ten.c. Roman brings Mary Louise Garcia, head baker for Clan Heavy's Honey Buns bakery, with 16 wedding cake taste samples.d. A Crocuta crocuta spelaea is a cave hyena, also known as an Ice Age spotted hyena. e. The wedding cake choice is made.f. Erra translates the writing on Kate's back. (Her exchange with Curran made me laugh.)g. Kate and Roland have a deep discussion.Mentions: lava lamp, ballet, Ice Age spotted hyena, the Glass Menagerie, and Odin Chapter 14:a. Erra trains Kate.b. Derek and Julie might be in trouble. It's twins!c. Roman's staff turns cool.d. See chapter 20 of Magic Bleeds<./i> for the death of Marigold the mule.e. Kate explains Adora to Curran.f. Erra doesn't like the banner Julie made for Kate. A new one is designed.g. Kate gets Nick to explain to Adora.Chapter 15:Mentions:Epilogue:
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This was good but I wish I had read it in the proper order. There were a lot of characters that were new to me after having read only the first book in the series. This is 10. The plot was interesting and the situation and world building very good. It probably would have been an easier read if I Read it last to keep the numerous characters and references straight.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    It seems like each episode of this series, and this is the ninth, puts Kate under more pressure and gives her more impossible odds to beat. This one has Kate planning her wedding to Curran, or avoiding planning it, until Roman takes over and becomes one of the oddest wedding planners in fiction.Kate also has to deal with her father kidnapping Saiman which comes really close to breaking the treaty he has Kate. Also witchly prophecies are showing that either Curran or their unborn son will die is the upcoming battle for the city of Atlanta. Kate doesn't know how she can find away to keep those prophecies from coming true or how she can defeat her father with his seemingly limitless magic and vast armies. But Kate uses her strengths in gathering a variety of unlikely allies as she prepares to take on her father.This story was filled with action. It was also filled with Kate learning more about her powers and what she is willing to do with them. I really like her relationship with Curran and her relationship with Julie. We got a chance in this one to see how she interacts with a number of her friends. Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This book. I don't even know if I can even come close to putting my love for this book into words. This book was easily my most anticipated release of 2016. I actually was trying to save a vacation day just so that I could stay home and read this book just as soon as it became available. To say that I went into this book with high hopes would be an understatement. This book was better than I could have even hoped it could be. Once I started this book, I didn't come up for air until the final page.This book has so many things going on. Roland is up to his old tricks. Kate and Curran are getting married. Things look impossible and the impossible happens. There is never a dull moment. There are plenty of scenes that kick ass and many that make you grin. There are even more than a few moments that will touch your heart. I honestly don't know how this story fits together so perfectly...it just does.As much as I loved this story, I really loved seeing all of these characters again. It has been so much fun watching all of the characters in this series grow over the years. Kate feel a bit darker in this book. Her problems with Roland have become dangerous and she has to take a stand. Kate is willing to bend a few rules if that is what it takes to keep everyone safe. Curran is awesome as always. I just love him. Roman made me laugh. Christopher surprised me. Julie makes me worry. I think I went through my whole range of emotions while reading this book because these characters feel so real to me. This book is brilliantly told. I would say the pacing was perfect with the action scenes being perfectly placed. There wasn't a single moment in the book where the story didn't feel completely genuine. The excitement of reading a Kate Daniels book just never seems to stop. This book did leave me really wanting to start the next book in the series right away since they leave you just enough information to know that things are going to get even more interesting very soon.I would highly recommend this book to others. This is the ninth book in the series and they really should be read in order. Each book in the series build upon the earlier stories so readers will lose something by skipping around. Trust me, you don't want to miss any part of this wonderful series so just pick up the first book, Magic Bites, and start there. This is a series that I never grow tired of and plan to read many times in the future. The writing pair of Ilona Andrews has easily become one of my very favorite authors and they have outdone themselves with this book. Bravo! I received an advance reader edition of this book from Berkley Publishing Group - Ace via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Well. That was a pretty big bucket of awesome. I don't even know where to begin. Things I liked about this book: Kate. She's always great but this time she's forced to confront herself; to analyse what she's doing and own it without being able to snark her way out of it. It was interesting. It was also, at times, frightening. I generally don't like team writing because it's so often obvious where one writer ends and another begins. So not so here. Kate's descents into her scary place were so subtle and seamless. It was brilliant, really. I'd be reading along thinking Kate is being normal, normal, normal, wtf did she just say?? Christopher. Well, talk about two sides of the same coin. Again, brilliant. Also: yeee-ikes. Erra. God help me I like her. She's vicious and I definitely wouldn't want her at my holiday dinners, but I enjoy her moral consistency. Her wit, too, and when she slapped Kate upside the head, I laughed. Roland. God forgive me, but I find him fascinating. His rationalisations remain almost flawlessly logical (he argued himself into a corner on that balcony though) and it's obvious the authors have put a lot of philosophical and theological thought and research into the writing. Roland isn't just about power and he's a beautifully cautionary tale of how morally corrupt good intentions can become. Roman. Didn't like him before, but I love him now and his family dynamic is hilarious. So was that swamp scene with him and Aspid. Curran, Julie and Derek were all themselves in this book, but they didn't have much of the spotlight this time around; this was truly about Kate. Although the Andrews certainly left me hanging about with saber-toothed tiger... What I didn't like. Nothing. I disliked nothing about this book. I was disgusted by Jim and I'm not sure Adora was all that necessary but what do I know about the plotting of a fantastic UF series? Nothing. Bring on book 10...
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I LOVED the series. The issue I have is with the service.
    I have not met an Ilona Andrews book that has failed to entertain me.

    At the end of each "chapter"/ audio part there is a static sound the overrides the book's audio.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Loved that Kate and Curran finally tied the knot. Whew long time coming. Happy that Roman was the official that married them. Overall well written book. That's as much of a spoiler that I will give.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    As always, another outstanding book by Ilona Andrews. I love this book and series and can't wait to read more. The story is compelling and the characters are captivating. Even some of the bad guys.


    Outstanding ending.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This series just gets better. I have read series that started off strong and then get a little lost. Each story builds on the other and it really has gotten better. I'm almost afraid to wish that they make a movie or a cgi animation out of this. Because frankly, unless they asked the authors to do, they would screw it up.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    If you are not reading this series, you should be.I slowed down when I got close to the end so I could enjoy it longer. Doesn't that say it all ? How can they keep writing books that I can't wait to finish and hate to finish at the same time ? The side characters really came into play in this book, everyone was fantastic, interesting and unique.There were a couple side characters that held my attention and have me dreaming about their futures. Roman, dark, and handsome. He is so interesting, unique, snarky and powerful plus. Christopher, he has really evolved into someone who needs to be known. The hisThe last sentence in the book is fantastic. The book was excellent.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    These don't really need review. I struggled a little bit with this one, and did enjoy the Kate/Curran dynamic.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was deeply, deeply amused by this book. Yay for snarky characters who are willing to indulge in sarcastic language. Yay for ridiculous wedding shenanigans, yay for the continued destruction of Atlanta.

    Also, who woulda thought that the Czernobog's priest would be such a great wedding planner? And thank you for writing a kick-ass woman who continues to focus on the ass kicking and leave all the softer side crap to somebody else.

    Enjoyed it so much that I read it 2x within about a week, and it was equally satisfying the second time 'round.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    An angel of death, god of terror and dark volhv walk into a bar... hehehe. Magic Binds is the ninth and penultimate book in the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. The happy day is finally here: Kate and Curran have chosen a wedding date. It happens to align with a day of wild magic, Ivan Kipala. What could possibly go wrong?If book 8 was pure awesome, book 9 is pure hilarity. Kate ends up in some of the most absurd situations leading up to her big day. While the plot was a bit all over the place, it had me laughing out loud the whole time. You can never go wrong with action packed hilarity! I was happy that Roland had more of a role. He sure has odd ideas about what it means to be a "good father" to his daughter.While this event for Kate and Curran has been a long time coming, this entry felt like a set up for the grand finale to come. I admit some apprehension for the final book as these last two books have been excellent reads.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This is a truly great addition to this series. There were times when I was getting bored with this series but with the last book and this one I discovered it anew.

    The plot is really fast and eventful with all the required twists and turns. What is more, and I truthfully appreciate that, with no exceeding redundant drama. The story is fast, captivating and absorbing. And somehow it isn’t overly dark despite the possible war on the horizon.

    I really like the complicated relationship of Kate and her father. Their banters are exceptional. And I certainly appreciate no major disagreements between Kate and Curran (it would be too much after all their came through in the previous books). Kate becomes more and more fascinating heroine with every book in my opinion.

    This book is a fast read and it left me wanting to read the next one (and the last in this series) straightaway.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The ninth book in the series doesn’t stop with the action or learning new things about characters you thought you knew. Kate and Curran are still planning on getting married and have actually booked a priest friend of theirs to do the ceremony. The wedding bits are the light parts of the book while Kate is also dealing with avoiding a prophecy that has Curran dead and Atlanta destroyed by her father.

    Supporting characters are changing in this book and I think that is a good thing. It looks like it will cause some friction in the future but will have to wait and see how the overall story arc will unfold. Good solid read but not one you want to start the series with.

    Digital review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Always amazing ? ❤ ✨ a reread made better ☺
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I have massive love for Kate Daniels and her squad of friends and family. Every single book in this series has drawn me in and spit me out at the end with a massive craving for the next book. MAGIC BINDS was no different. Kate and Curran are finally heading down the isle, but like anything else in their lives, they have to get through a lot of shit to get there. The emotions...oh the emotions... the 'feels' in MAGIC BINDS are pretty big and you are going to feel it all at every turn. Kate doesn't hold her punches—or her tongue for that matter—in any situation, big or small and as usual, there are a lot of situations to be had. We find out a lot of information in MAGIC BINDS. Not only do we get to know more about Roland and his past, but we find out some big things about the mystery that is Christopher. On top of that, there is a lot of happenings going on with the Pack as well as the People. And Julie, when did she grow up? She really has changed a lot since she was introduced and I could seriously see her with her own spin-off series at some point down the road and she is going to be totally badass—she kinda already is. Months after reading MAGIC BINDS and I'm still kinda reeling about all that happened in book nine.I have been WAITING for the ending that MAGIC BINDS offered, but I was still shocked when it actually came and it left me wanting the next book more than ever before. Gordon and Ilona are fantastic storytellers and they will always have a place of honor on my book shelf. Can't wait until book ten!* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I enjoyed Magic Binds immensely! I couldn't put it down. It was so much fun to see Kate finally get to show off her badass powers, but also heart-wrenching to watch her struggle with her own dark side and the impossible, seemingly doomed situation. I even teared up a couple of times, especially during a certain family reunion that I won’t spoil. Some parts felt a bit rushed, but the ending is perfect. This remains, hands down, one of my favorite urban fantasy series of all time. I don't want it to end, but I also can't wait for the final installment. I have a feeling it's going to be epic.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    The latest Kate Daniels book has a lot happen, at long last. Kate prepares for her wedding, goes on a few side quests, and starts to learn about the power in her blood and what it really means to claim Atlanta as her land. There’s a huge confrontation with her father and a predictable but still interesting stakes-raising ending. I liked her struggle to avoid becoming as power-mad as her father, and also liked the trick she pulled to get useful information about her bloodline from a source other than her father.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Ilona Andrews’ MAGIC BINDS is a wonderful addition to the Kate Daniels series. Kate Daniels and Curran Lennart are getting married. Of course, life is never simple, and they still have Kate’s father, Roland, to deal with and a possible war. This urban fantasy takes place in Atlanta. I love that a portion of this book centers around the planning of Kate’s and Curran’s wedding. Those two have been together for a long time. Kate is very amusing throughout the preparations. She is not your stereotypical bride to be. I think it is great that they ask Roman to officiate the wedding.Ilona Andrews does a great job of keeping this series consistent yet refreshing. The characters continue to be well developed. Kate continues to evolve. As always, the story is packed with mystery and action. There are a lot of interesting political situations. Kate makes some unexpected alliances. She has a lot to deal with in this novel; contending with her power and its effect on her a major issue. Her relationship with her father is fascinating. He is an attention-grabbing character and worthy adversary. I enjoyed discovering Kate’s family history in this story. I’m curious, will this still be considered the Kate Daniels series? Or is it the Kate Lennart Series? Or the Kate Daniels-Lennart series? The series formally known as the Kate Daniels series? Regardless, I enjoyed the ending of the story, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Kate is back!!It pleases me to no end how fantastic and thrilling this installment was. Things got a little rocky for me in the Kate Daniels fan club with installments 6 and 7 so if any of you happen to feel the same, don’t give up hope. While the tenth installment will be the last, you heard me, Magic Binds is the PENULTIMATE installment, I’m still oh so very excited to see how the chips fall. But yes, very soon, Kate Daniels’ story will be coming to an end.This both breaks my heart and reinforces just how fast time flies. Kate Daniels was one of the very first Urban Fantasy series I read and I only discovered it after joining Goodreads (in 2011!) and making friends with people who recommended some excellent books. It will be most sad to see this come to an end because this is hands down one of the top five best Urban Fantasy series of all time. This series has elaborate world building bringing total fantasy to the real world, complex characters that make it easy to grow to love them over time, exciting storylines in every installment, and I can’t forget to mention the unbelievable chemistry between Kate and Curran. It’s some steamy shit, people. If any of these descriptions seem mildly entertaining to you, get on it. But I’m getting sidetracked, back to Magic Binds.I already said this, but this was one action-packed and exciting installment. We’ve got wedding planning shenanigans, we get to see Kate and Curran work through their relationship drama (showing a lack of perfection which is always appreciated), an oracle that comes bearing quite a bit of bad news, Kate’s ongoing understanding of her vast powers and fighting against the lure of becoming exactly like her father, and the hilarious dynamic between Kate and her father, Roland. Sure, Roland is setting up a future war between him and Kate, but their banter back and forth is laugh out loud funny.“Father, you are sending mixed signals. You dispatched a woman to murder me today and now you’re upset about my wedding reception?”There’s additional amusing banter between Kate and… well, it’s a bit of a spoiler. But just be aware that there is much banter. And it’s oh so good. There’s also a Pegasus named Sugar that is QUITE a character.‘At least I had stopped worrying about Sugar flying off and leaving me to fend for myself. She seemed to find me amusing and stuck around. I’d learned to sneak off before taking a bathroom break, however, because she decided that pawing at me with a hoof after I found a secluded spot to pee was the funniest thing ever.’We’re given a bit of a cliffhanger which was honestly to be expected with the second to last installment but it left me feeling CONFLICTED. Nervous? Excited? Both. Definitely both.We’ll see how it all plays out… sometime in 2017. Until then, let’s all start hoping and wishing for a spin-off series.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I enjoyed this book in the Kate Daniels series a lot. This is the 9th book in the series and last I heard there were 10 books sold in this series. I enjoyed this book a lot but not as much as earlier books in this series; the characters are starting to feel a bit tired to me.Things are coming to a head between Kate and Roland in this book, the surrounding characters end up being unfortunate bystanders to this brewing battle. I like that Kate and Curran have settled into a comfortable relationship and have a nice family life; however I will admit this isn’t as exciting to read about as earlier books.Much of the story is dedicated to Kate trying to find a way around the Witch Oracle’s prophecy. This leads to a lot of Kate running around doing fairly impossible things. While this is entertaining it just got a bit repetitive at times.I actually found Julie and Roland to be much more interesting than Kate and Curran in this book. I also really enjoyed some of the developments around Christopher’s character. I am hoping we get some sort of side story about Christopher at some point. Additionally I really enjoyed Roman and the parts of the story he is in.Overall I enjoyed this book but it wasn’t my favorite of the series. I do love that the storyline between Kate and Roland is moving forward but also felt like the characters are getting a bit tired (I suppose it could just be me). Hopefully this series will be wrapping up on book 10 so that it can end on a high note. I would absolutely love to see some spin off series featuring side characters from series. I would definitely recommend this whole series to those who enjoy urban fantasy. This is one of the best urban fantasy series out there.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This review is based on an eARC I received from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group. It is an honest review and the advanced receipt of it in no way affected my review or rating.Ultimate urban fantasy series!! With every new installment the writing and the characters just improve, how is that even possible after nine books?? This book was very different than the rest though. Kate as we know her has changed fundamentally throughout this story and there has been shifts in the key powers that be. There are plenty of surprises and a few places where your heart will just crush upon itself. For any die-hard Kate Daniels fan it is a must read.I love where the relationship has gone with Curran and Kate. With just weeks to go from finally exchanging their wedding vows they just seem to have come to a place where they are secure in each other. I am not suggesting that there is no conflict between them because, come on, would it be Kate if she didn’t fight back or find a way to get to the bottom of things her way?? No, that would not be our Kate but more than anything it is Curran that is different. He has the Guild and has a purpose now and he is more relaxed and more jovial than in previous books.In this story there are predictions from the Witch Oracle that come to Kate’s attention that threaten everything she holds dear or feels responsible for. That knowledge and the constant pressure from her father, Roland, trying to encroach of her territory has Kate at her breaking point. Kate is coming into her powers in this story and she starts to show a dark side. The closer she comes to her breaking point the harder she struggles with her inner darkness and she must learn to control herself before she destroys everything she loves. Due to this inner conflict what was once considered rock-solid loyalties are starting to shift and in some cases it like a stab to the heart.Throughout the series there have been longtime supporting characters and this time around there are some true developments for them. I am just going to spotlight a few changes. I love the development with Mahon. I am really surprised about this but I am overjoyed at the change because it means the world to Curran. Roland, yes super bad guy but in his own twisted way he demonstrates his love for Kate. It is harder to hate this character now, thank you Ilona Andrews, now I am confused on how to feel about him!! Oh yes, and there is a character that has a comeback, which at first I was like why?? Why?? Why??? Hmmm, why indeed do I doubt the writing genius of the dynamic duo of Ilona Andrews? I love that this character has come back and although I was against it, I am now embracing it. Jim has rubbed me the wrong way since book one and over the series I have always hoped he would come around but in this installment he is now clearly on my “do not like, can you please kill off this character” list. Last but not least there are some changes with Christopher and all I can say is wow!I feel that this series is coming to an end but that the authors are giving us fans a slow but steady finish to the series that is going to make us be “ok” with saying good-bye. That is not to say that I think it is going to be in the next couple of books, I just mean that we are over the hill and traveling down the other side now. No worries though, there is still loads of humor and witty dialogue to be had in this story. What a great read from beginning to end.