First rating read: 4,5 stars
Second rating read: 4,75 stars

*review will contain spoilers

I don't remember why back then in 2013, the first time I read this book, I didn't bother to write the review. Maybe I'm just lazy, maybe I'm just not feeling it. But, look into my reading status in 2013 the conclusion is my 2013 version was happy that finally Kate and Curran hit the sack.

LOL.

I rated this SLIGHTLYYY below Magic Strikes. The story is awesome as usual but I admit while the bantering and fighting between Kate and Curran can be so amusing to read, the misunderstanding kinda make me rolling my eyes a bit. Just a tiny, little bit. I know it called mating frenzy, but what Kate and Curran did to each other was juvenile even they themselves admitted it. Such a meta remarks. Although I understand that IA want to show this is what happen when Kate going from a loner to slowly care for everyone around her. Kate maybe didn't realize that much, but all that Voron's saying about "to not care for others less they will be targeted with Roland and everyone you love will die" tend to giving her stress. And she finally exploded although Kate did it in her cool way. The not talking because of the misunderstanding also hurt to read, but I did get it. When you love each other so much, even you deny it at first, things will get ugly when you fight. Been there, done that.

I like the touch of mythology that IA used for Magic Bleeds since they used Mesopotamian mythology. Not the Gilgamesh ones or Code of Hammurabi but trace back back 12000 BC or so. More like 6000 BC since the enemy, Erra, said that she is 6000 years old. Now, while you think "but Erra in the myth is a male, a god of plague to be sure?", IA apparently did a genderbent and make Erra woman, also she is Roland's older sister. While Kate also give us glimpse into the origin of vampire which somehow the story tied to Bible. Nice. There's also a hint that Curran's origin is maybe connected to a divine being of sort. Still a mystery of course, you don't want to reveal all the juicy bits. This book mostly focused to Kate's father origin and that include Erra. Speaking about Erra, boy, she's so villainy it's amusing to read. Like to talk high and mighty, but she also a capable fighter of her own right. While she's losing (if she's not the story will not end), I have a hunch she will come back later.

I state in Magic Mourns that Andrea and Raphael officially become a lover, but I predict there will be a problem in the future. The problem happen in this book and maybe will be solved in Andrea's own book, Gunmetal Magic. Not much appearance of Derek and Julie, but we have plenty scene regarding Saiman. Saiman is...for better or worse his lack of humanity is very apparent and I liked that Kate didn't hesitant to point out his weakness especially regarding love and people's feeling. While the Order of Knights of Merciful Aid is live up into their name, pretty much a stuck up organization especially Ted's view regarding the shapeshifter. I also like how the Pack's politic explained and while the shifter still have their animal characteristic, the politic and machination is pretty much human ones that based on the animal hierarchy. Poor Kate, since she agree to become Curran's mate so she is now also responsible regarding Pack matter. But we know Kate. If she can buldoze her way into Order, Guild, also decimated Erra, she can also handle the Pack. Beside, she have Curran now on her side although I know that their relationship will not become an easy one since both are alphas. 

All in all, a satisfying read!