Magic Binds
Author: Ilona Andrews
Reviewer: Jen Twimom
Rating: B+
What I’m Talking About:
Nine books in and the Kate Daniels series continues to be one of the best and most original out there. Magic Binds ushers in some big changes for the series and its characters, while maintaining a level of familiarity that grounds the reader as she goes on another fantastical ride with Kate.
Kate and Curran are within two weeks of their wedding and of course, Kate’s malevolent father is causing problems and making life difficult. Roland oscillates between trying to goad Kate into battle and inserting fatherly concern over her upcoming nuptials. Roland’s duality, and its effect on Kate, made for some humorous moments. Unfortunately for Kate, Roland kidnaps one of Atlanta’s citizens, and, therefore, Kate must defend her people by getting him back. Walking a fine political line, Kate must juggle her own morality and magic against how best to resolve the issues.
While continuing the series in a very familiar way, Magic Binds felt very different to me. Usually Kate is battling creepy-crawly, evil creatures on behalf of others, and each book focuses on her personal journey as she goes through these trials. Yet Magic Binds is all about Kate. From her growing powers to her wedding to her battle with Roland, the entire book is extremely personal.
Yet even with the change in the aura surround the series, certain things remained the same. The underlying humor that permeates Kate’s dialogue and thoughts is utterly sublime. I smile, snicker, and laugh so often when reading these books. Another constant is the caliber of the action sequences. Never over the top or gratuitous, until they need to be, the fight and action scenes are perfectly choreographed, keeping me on the proverbial edge of my seat. The attention to detail, coupled with the emotional intensity as Kate struggles, brings to life each confrontation.
The biggest drawback of Magic Binds is the ending. No spoilers here. However, I felt like the main story just ended, and I was left unfulfilled. It was an extremely full story, but the ending was very sudden and too abrupt. The authors do provide a lovely epilogue that buffered the rough edges of the main story, and I loved it, but even the epilogue has a bit of a jaw-dropping aspect to it. Additionally, I felt that there were a couple of BIG unanswered questions – things that were directly part of the story – that shouldn’t have been left hanging. I needed some closure on issues that came up in the book.
Overall, I love the Kate Daniels series, and I truly enjoyed Magic Binds. Although the story had a very different feel, with a focus on Kate rather than solving a mystery or helping someone, it remained true to the series. The book was PACKED with humor, action, and startling revelations, which kept me reading until the very end. It’s my favorite series for a reason, and even when it’s not my absolute favorite book in the series, it’s still an amazing tale.
My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot
About the Book:
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…
Release Date: September 20, 2016
Publisher: ACE
Series: Kate Daniels #9
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Format(s): hardcover (336 pages), audiobook (available later this year)
Book Source: Publisher
Purchase Info:
Amazon
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)
Magic Stars by Ilona Andrews (Kate Daniels #8.5/Grey Wolf #1)
Normally I absolutely hate that kind of ending, but given my love for this series… I can deal. Plus, I’m behind so probably the next will be out before I read this one. I also hear this series is almost over. :'( NO! I’ll only be soothed if they give me Curran. 😉
I have no words to express the depth of my love for this series. It definitely feels like it’s ramping up towards an end. *sobs*
I sooooooooooooooo need this book
YES! It’s such an amazing series!
Yay, I need to get this downloaded to my kindle! Great review, thanks! Can’t wait to discuss with you!
Read it quickly so we can discuss!!
I’m so excited for this book. I’m still waiting for the audio. It is an audio only series for me (there are a lot of those. LOL). The audio is delayed because of Raudman’s honeymoon, but that’s okay with me. I’m glad they decided to wait and stick with her instead of another narrator. The wait is worth it. 🙂
Melanie @ Hot Listens & Rabid Reads
I completely agree that it is worth the wait! I love this series in both written and audiobook. I collect it in paperback, kindle, and audiobook. I love it that much!