Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews
Series: Kate Daniels #8
Published by ACE
Published on: August 4, 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 352
Format: eARC
Source: NetGalley
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In the latest Kate Daniels novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews, magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlanta—and each crest leaves danger in its wake…
After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.
So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.
An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…
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MAGIC SHIFTS is a transition book, there had to be one eventually, right? But, there’s one very important difference between this installment, and the vast majority of other Urban Fantasy bridge novels, it’s NOT FILLER. The story swerves from one plot thread to the next while Kate & Curran adjust to their new lifestyle with their usual sarcastic flair, and on trend, win another battle for team Atlanta. So, more of the same yet also scads of never-before-seen just about sums it up in a nutshell.
Ghouls and djinn are two supes that haven’t played a significant part in this series to date, and I really enjoyed Ilona Andrews’ approach to these two paranormals. The authors accentuated their basic traits while also working in some Arabic mythology. But, the world-building didn’t end there; reanimative metamorphosis makes its grand entrance in all its messed up glory. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like; things die and come back as something completely other. Kate & Curran are basically fighting matryoshka dolls full of beasties!
I loved Kate in this book; well, to be fair, I ALWAYS love Kate, however this time I felt as though I connected with her on a fundamental level. She’s gotten to be pretty powerful over the course of eight volumes, and as much as I enjoy reading about her washing the floor with her opponents, I also like that she still gets her butt handed to her on occasion, and in this installment she even takes a time-out. I was a bit of an emotional wreck after that one because it was a wake-up call that Daniels isn’t invincible. Her family circles the wagons as a result and oh the feels!
My favourite aspect of this novel was probably that Kate & Curran were out of their element; well, technically these two don’t do normal, but their current circumstances are a big change from their former positions as Beast Lord & Consort. Lennart is trying to fit into human society, and Daniels has a “rapport” with her father now. Dinner at Applebee’s anyone? And. like I said in my opening paragraph, this title was just plain more of everything. And, as far as memorable scenes go, I think Kate’s casino entrance is one of the front runners. “Bow, you idiot.”
I really don’t know what else to say about MAGIC SHIFTS except buy it, read it, listen to it, and recommend it to everyone you know including strangers on the bus.
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Owner, designer and main blogger behind Rabid Reads. Avid book reader, snowboard bunny, video gamer and Supernatural fan. I love all things paranormal, werewolves especially. Oh, and I’m Canadian, eh!
Clearly it is about damned time I start on this series and binge read a full series by the Andrews already… If even what would be a filler book in other hands is as good… Must read!
Great review Carmel!
Pili recently posted…Blog Tour for The Nightmare Charade by Mindee Arnett: Review & Giveaway!!!
I really need to start this series, I have the first book in paperback and audio…so I have no excuses..lol. 🙂
Stormi recently posted…Book Review: Pocket Apocalypse by Seanan McGuire
I pre-ordered the audiobook and started to listened on Tuesday… and I haven’t finish it. It’s good, entertaining and all that, but… I’m not crazy about it. I think it’s one of “it’s me, not you” cases. 🙁
BookaholicCat recently posted…CATS-ilicious Thursdays
I am waiting for my audiobook to arrive on my doorstep. I need it now! NOW NOW NOW NOW!
Felicia GeekyBlogger ( recently posted…TBR Thursday: TBRJar pulls August 6 2015
I’ve only read the first Kate Daniels book, and from some of the rave reviews I’ve seen of the last few installments, I think it’s high time I picked up book two 🙂
Mogsy recently posted…Audiobook Review: Departure by A.G. Riddle
I *LOVE* this series. I need to read this. *grabby hands*
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Q+A with C.J. Daugherty (Endgame)
Thank’s for the review. I LOVE this series. Hoping to get to this book next week. ^_^ It’s up next on my to read list.
Angela recently posted…Review: A Decade for Darius by Dorothy Callahan
If my stupid Geology class wasn’t taking up so much of my reading time I would have this one finished by now. But I’m enjoying my bed time reading with Kate and Curran. I’m stalking my door for the audio to show up so when I’m done reading I’ll listen to it too. LOL Or if I’m not done I might just stop reading and start over with the audio. We’ll see. But already I’m enjoying this one more than the previous one. Anne reviewed it today and she gave it 5 stars. You gave it 4.5. I’m sure I’ll rate it as high as you guys did.
Jennifer recently posted…Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews
I cannot imagine not loving the Kate Daniels series, but I understand if we all loved the same things, life would be very boring. Magic Shifts is full of humor, tears action, and a wonderful cast of characters that I love. Ghastek and Luther are so funny and fit so well in Kate’s “family”.
I’m very excited to see the new direction in the series. Thanks for the contest!
I’ve only read one of her books but this sounds like a good one.
Mary Kirkland recently posted…Product Review: Accurate Finger Pulse Oximeter
I was glad to see that twist at the end of the last book that set up the new direction for this one. Look forward to seeing Kate and Curran starting fresh, but still getting into dangerous situations.
Sophia Rose recently posted…The Soldier’s Dark Secret by Marguerite Kaye #Review
Want want want want want want- So much!
blodeuedd recently posted…Sweet Nothing – Alison May
Sounds like I need to get reading fast. LOL Thanks for the great review.
sherry fundin recently posted…New Release: Seeing Evil by Jason Parent
A transition novel with NO filler and Arabic mythology? I need to get on this! I’m happy more authors are exploring different kids of mythology besides Greek, so many more opportunities for great story telling!
Amber Elise recently posted…Book Review: The Perfectionists
I’m listening to this now. I have less than two hours left. Yes, it is a tearjerker. My favorite line was when Kate and Curran were arguing over the amount of land that Curran purchased and comparing it to Pooh Bear’s place. LOL
Melanie recently posted…Review: The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas
I’m so, so happy this one rather knocked your socks off, Carmel. I’m in need of binging on this series to catch up but it’s so nice to know that even this far into the series, the Andrews’ are still churning out worthwhile reading. 🙂
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Challenges Update ~ July ~ #2015HW, #ShelfLove, #COYER Summer, Mythology Reading Challenge, LGBT Reading Challenge, 2015 New Release Reading Challenge
I seriously need to get to reading this series and I have the first book on audio too
Sharonda recently posted…Monthly Faves: July 2015
I loved how they handled the djinn and gouls too. I adore these books but they will never be the same without Aunt B and the Pack on the sidelines.
One of the things I love most about this series are the countless one liners littered throughout any given book. Whenever I’m done I always find myself going back to collect my favorites so that I can include them in my review. This book is certainly no exception
aidrouge recently posted…Magic Shifts – Ilona Andrews free pdf