Magic Stars
Author: Ilona Andrews
Reviewer: Jen Twimom
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
Magic Stars is a great little side novella for fans of the Kate Daniels series. Told mostly from the third person POV of Derek, the story shares Derek and Julie’s adventures as they work together on a deadly investigation. It is a straight forward tale, giving readers insight into both Derek’s precarious emotional/mental state and Julie’s magical training. We learn some of the rather shocking and dangerous activities Julie has been exploring, all of which make me very nervous for what is in store for her as she grows and matures. *bites nails*.
Derek and Julie discover a human family brutally murdered over a mysterious rock. Because this family was a friend, and because children were involved, the pair decide to put a stop to the mad warlock behind the deaths. Along the way, they encounter several of the deadly threats that exist in magical Atlanta. Parts can be rather brutal; it felt more gruesome and gory than is usual in a Kate Daniels story, but it probably wasn’t. The battles mirror and highlight the nature of Derek’s near-loup wolf and Julie’s upbringing on the streets of Atlanta.
One of the great appeals of this series is the extensive history of the magic shift and its impacts on the human world that the authors continue to build and share with readers. Kate’s Atlanta is utterly riveting, and the authors find just the right way to share their vision with the reader, enriching the whole reading experience. I found myself equally engrossed by the sights and details the pair comes across, as the plot to find the madman behind the deaths of friends.
All-in-all, Magic Stars is a must read for Kate Daniel series fans. While not specifically tied to the overall series storyline, the book sheds light on two its more significant supporting characters, especially Kate’s daughter, Julie. The implications of what she’s doing will certainly have resounding impacts in future books.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
About the Book:
Scarred, solitary Derek Gaunt has separated from his Pack, and is truly a lone wolf. With no family he answers to no one; but is fiercely loyal to a chosen few. So, when several of those close to him are murdered, he’ll stop at nothing to hunt their killer through the magic-drenched streets of Atlanta.
Never one to be left on the sidelines, equally determined—some might say stubborn—Julie Lennart-Olsen soon joins in his pursuit; and what began as revenge turns into a race to save the city. Their search pits them against powers they never imagined and magic so old, it predates history. It may cost Derek his life, but there are things for which even he would risk everything.
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Publisher: self-published
Series: Grey Wolf #1 / Kate Daniels #8.5
ASIN: B0195PXDNQ
Genre: Urban Fantasy, novella
Format(s): e-book
Book Source: Author
Purchase Info:
Magic Stars (Grey Wolf #1; Kate Daniels #8.5)
Reviews in the Series:
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #4)
“Magic Dreams” by Ilona Andrews (Hexed) (Kate Daniels #4.5)
Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #5)
“Magic Gifts” by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #5.4)
Gunmetal Magic by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #5.5)
Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #6)
“Magic Steals” by Ilona Andrews (Night Shift) (Kate Daniels #6.5)
Magic Breaks by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #7)
Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #8)
I’m excited to get this one. I’m going to wait for the audio, but I’m excited.
I see that they’ve selected a narrator! I’ll have to check it out on audio, as well!
I listened to the sample. He didn’t sound bad. I’ve never heard of him before. I like to support self published authors (which they are in this case) with audio when they are able to do it. I just love that more self published are able to join that medium.
I LOVED this one. I can’t wait for more on Derek and Julie. I hope they get their own book or spin off series.
I’m not sure how I would feel about an entire spinoff series. While I really liked learning more about the pair, I hope that they are integrated more into the Kate books. Especially with all we learned about Julie.
I have not read book 8 yet :/
OMG! Get on that! It’s in my top reads of 2015!!
I just finished reading Magic Shifts, so I’m excited about reading this one, especially since it has Derek’s POV.
I hope you enjoy it!